Featured
John McDonough Blends Folk With Rock Royalty-Inspired Vocals On “Shooting Star”
Country singer/songwriter troubadour John McDonough is back with a new single off his We’ll Answer The Call EP, named Shooting Star. This outlaw country gem has shades of blues, folk, and traditional country infused into a narrative while being performed in an almost theatrical approach. What this means is a rough groove, a visceral guitar, and a saloon-style sounding piano all pulled together with a voice worthy of Broadway. Shooting Star tells many tales to outline the overall theme and message John McDonough is trying to convey; “Never stop looking for your shooting star, Never let others decide who you are”. Shooting Star follows a strict groove throughout the verse and chorus section, a bluesy, deep groove, one with a defiant edge to it. This groove becomes separated in the bridge section. With a light piano interlude breaking up the guitar melodies this allows the recapitulation to be expressed with an almost acapella feel. This contrasting melody coupled with the overall presence of the vocals gives this track so much power, a power that keeps the listener glued to each passing stanza, eager to see where John McDonough is going next.
Shooting Star is a highly professional and mature offering, each lyrical line is expertly annunciated while each chorus section pulls the entire musicality together giving this track a pop-inspired structure. With that said, Shooting Star would make an excellent addition to any contemporary Country, Adult Contemporary, and even Rock radio format. I do not believe John McDonough was intending the Rock market for his target demographic, but with vocals reminiscent of the late Meat Loaf, and guitar harmonies channeling Steve Earle, classic Rock enthusiasts will flock to this modern, and catchy sound. A perfect lead-off track to his latest album, Shooting Star is a great jam to set the tone for the rest of the offering John McDonough has in store. A highly enjoyable track, coupled with a wonderfully uplifting message, Shooting Star should be an addition to any upbeat playlist.
–Lee Callaghan
Artist Spotlight
M’siyah elevates confidence with hip-hop anthem “When I Step”
M’siyah’s brand-new hip-hop single “When I Step” takes presence, energy, and self-confidence as its creative foundation. The track delivers its artistic style through control and precision, which affirms M’siyah, who understands that impact comes from arriving in the right way and with the right energy.
The beat of “When I Step” acts as the core backbone of the entire record. The production by producer DJ-Chopp-A-Lot delivers a strong impact, and its hip-hop groove combines a sense of memories with modern texture. M’siyah’s vocal performance perfectly aligns with the theme of self-confidence. His calm tone matches the core of the track, and he lends weight to every line of lyrics.
“When I Step” is a narrative record that embodies a calm and confident attitude toward life. It integrates the influences of reflective hip-hop with modern production concepts. In the process of advancing his personal musical expression, M’siyah has refined a unique personal artistic voice of his own. The track is smooth and inspirational, and is suited for audiences who can understand the value of the core concept of presence.
Artist Spotlight
“Skyline” by Jamythyst captures the glow of new love in the city
Jamythyst’s new release, “Skyline,” is an electronic pop dream, a cinematic cityscape glowing with the promise of early-stage romance. This track is from the emotional haze of falling in love in New York City and those moments when time stops, and everything feels brighter than reality.
“Skyline” buzzes with synths and electronic textures, building a reflective sound, reminiscent of The Postal Service or Owl City. There’s a low pulse running through the mix, like city lights flashing through a taxi window at night. This track is inspired by images of shared moments, late-night drives, quiet rooftops, and lingering goodbyes, and captures the beauty of connection in its earliest form.
Jamythyst is an artist with a unique personality, drawing inspiration from the energetic 80s to 2010s sound but remade into a modern electronic pop sound. And with that, “Skyline” is a modern take on electronic pop storytelling, with the perfect balance between emotion and production aesthetics. The song is a warm ode to love, loneliness, and memories. Jamythyst is an emerging voice in emotive electronic pop, weaving immersive sounds that translate personal memory into universal feeling.
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