Music

Jillian Antinora Charms Listeners With Heartfelt Album ‘Make My Day’

Folk singer-songwriter Jillian Antinora reflects on lessons learned over the years in her debut album, Make My Day, out now. Antionora wears her heart on her sleeve in every track on this undeniably soulful album; 7 personal records give listeners a deeper insight into Antinora’s story, showcased through a variety of grooves and colors. This project was an opportunity for the musical theater actress, entrepreneur, and songwriter to showcase the guitar skills she developed after having taken up the instrument years ago. Built upon intricate fingerpicking, creative comping patterns, and colorful chorditure, Antinora’s bright acoustic guitar invigorates every track. This multi-gifted powerhouse delves deep into significant topics – the thrill of new love, the need to let things go, true love vs. superficial love, and turning to your faith when you are struggling – that have left an impression on her throughout her life. Fans can expect honest recounts of personal stories delivered by a masterful, seasoned vocalist.

This album showcases Antinora’s silky vocals and steady guitar as the two stars of every track. She effortlessly glides atop the gorgeous melody on the tender love letter, “When We’re Alone.” “Heart of Stone” yields a powerful peak in the energy of Make My Day, in which Antinora dives head first into a sassy angst backed by persistent acoustic guitar and a smooth beat. The title track of the project, “Make My Day” layers optimistic guitar with wistful lyrics steeped in melancholy. “Fade Away” is an encouraging declaration of the importance of turning to faith through hardship. This project embodies Antinora’s story to its core; each track is an authentic depiction of what lies beneath the surface of this undeniably refined musician.

Jillian Antinora is the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist for her compositions. Jillian was born in Belleville, Illinois. She grew up in Las Vegas, NV, and later moved to Colorado Springs, CO. Growing up, she studied ballet and was classically trained in voice as a lyric soprano beginning at age 15. In 1996 she moved to New York City to attend American Music and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and pursue her dream of working in the theatre. She worked professionally in musical theatre around the U.S. and on cruise ships for 6 years before getting married in San Diego in 2002. She then lived in Sicily for 3 years where she studied opera. In 2008, she returned to Fort Collins, Colorado where she now lives. Jillian lives with her husband and their 6 children. Jillian and her husband TJ own 3 Subway restaurants, and Jillian runs her own real estate agency. Jillian began playing the guitar and writing songs when her youngest child was born in 2015. She released her first album in June 2021. She loves writing these songs and she hopes you love listening to them!

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Cali Tucker Unwraps Christmas Magic With Her New EP “Santa Baby”

Cali Tucker is back in the spotlight this season with “Santa Baby,” a beautifully made holiday EP that captures the heart, warmth, and timeless glow of Christmas classics. Cali is known for singing the National Anthem at NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400 in front of 80,000 fans and more than three million people at home. She brings the same powerful presence and emotional depth to this holiday project.

“Santa Baby” is a great holiday release for music lovers, bloggers, and new artist discovery sites. It has six tracks and lasts 20 minutes. It mixes nostalgia with Cali’s signature smooth vocals. Each song shows off her talent, but “O Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song” are two that stand out as favorites. Both performances show off her range, control, and ability to bring classic songs into modern emotional spaces without losing their original charm.

“O Holy Night” stands out as the EP’s spiritual center, with a glowing performance full of dynamics, warmth, and a cinematic stillness that draws people in. Cali gives the song both respect and a unique touch, breathing new life into a well-known hymn. “The Christmas Song,” on the other hand, makes you feel like you’re sitting next to a fire. It’s soft, heartfelt, and full of stories that make you feel nostalgic. Cali’s voice flows effortlessly through every note, making it impossible not to feel the magic of the season.

The whole EP flows easily and has a mix of fun sparkle, soulful warmth, and classic Christmas music. “Santa Baby” is the perfect song for the season, whether people are making holiday playlists, looking for new Christmas music, or discovering new vocal talents. This EP adds a new but familiar sound to today’s holiday music scene. It has a comforting feel and is easy to listen to repeatedly.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Kalpee Honors Heritage and Heart on His Emotion-Rich New EP Dougla Boi

Kalpee is back with Dougla Boi, a beautiful new EP that is both personal and powerful. It gives listeners a close look at the layers of identity, heritage, and emotion that make him who he is. The Trinidad and Tobago artist is confident in his own space, which is rooted in New Calypso and polished with hints of dancehall, R&B, and afrobeats. In this space, genre bends, but emotion leads.

Named after the Trinidadian word for someone of mixed African and Indian heritage, Dougla Boi is honest, proud, and warm about the complexities of culture. Kalpee opens a window into the dualities that define him across six tracks, turning personal truth into universal resonance. The EP is just under 19 minutes long, but every second is carefully planned to take listeners on a journey through courage, joy, healing, and the quiet strength that comes from accepting all parts of yourself.

The first single, “Under,” stands out right away for its calming yet emotionally charged experience. Kalpee’s voice flows over a beat that sounds both new and old, fitting the EP’s theme of bringing cultures together. It’s one of the best examples of how he can mix soft and hard sounds, which is what makes his New Calypso sound so unique.

“Everybody,” which features Full Blown, is another excellent song that has already done very well. It has a happy vibe and an infectious bounce, making it one of the EP’s most replayable songs. “Everybody” captures the spirit of community and shared experience, which is what Kalpee means when he says that identity is not a box but a rhythm.

Connect with Kalpee: Instagram

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0