Artist Spotlight
Max Embers Sets To Release Music Video and Single For “mccartney”
Max Embers is an independent singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Born and raised in a small town in Germany, he won the internationally renowned music competition Jugend Musiziert shortly before graduating from High School. He went on to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, one of the leading contemporary music institutions in the world, where he had the privilege of sharing the stage with multi-platinum selling artists Paula Cole and Emmy, Tony Award, and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Harry Belafonte. Since moving to Los Angeles, Max has worked with major label artists like Noah Cyrus, Felix Sandman, Joji, Matoma, Colton Dixon, and renowned writers such as Grammy Award-winning writers A-Rod Lambert and Anita McCloud.
Related: Max Embers Returns With The Stunner “got to get you”
Max Embers, one of LA’s rising singer-songwriters, is releasing his third single off his upcoming Idyllwild EP, “mccartney” on July 2. Just as the rest of his EP, Embers wrote “mccartney” while on a secluded getaway in Idyllwild, California. The solitude and serenity of the retreat continuously brought up existential questions in Embers’ mind. “The magic of that place really permeated through the music I was creating at the time,” says Embers. “I felt like I was learning truths about myself and my life every day, with every word I was writing.” Questions about the connection between humans, the meaning of life, and Embers’ personal journeys pushed him to enlighten his sense of self-awareness. That growth allowed the artist to learn and adapt the healthiest behaviors and mindsets for himself, which resulted in lyrics with powerful roots. While on the retreat, he says he “unlocked a new level of confidence in the fact that it really is okay to just go with the flow, to listen to your heart and do what feels best for you.”
“mccartney” is themed around water and its ability to flow through the largest openings or tiniest creases. That characteristic translated into Embers’ own way of being – moving beyond his people-pleasing traits and welcoming in the strength to let life flow as it is intended to. The single is, in a way, a celebration of his growth. “Go up when I’m up, fall down when I’m down, never tried, was scared to see how wild it is when I just let it be,” Embers sweetly sings alongside a calming guitar. He emphasizes that the core of “mccartney” is the essential need to just be – exist next to life’s highs and lows, and continue cruising on his own path.
Honoring one of music’s great legends, Paul McCartney, Embers tributes him with the urge to “let it be” in the lyrics as he realizes McCartney had it right so many years ago. “I have been quite influenced by older classics like this one, and it felt right to acknowledge that some of the greatest writers of all time have pondered the same questions as me,” says Embers. This ideology came to the writer with a solid, profound feeling of confidence in its power to change his life forever. The flowering of insight comes to life in “mccartney” and serves as a reminder to Embers and listeners alike to melt into the curves of life and simply enjoy the ride.
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“Pretty Ugly” by Archer Stevens stirs the soul with retro-modern rock vibes
“Pretty Ugly,” the inaugural single by Archer Stevens, represents a compelling homage to the golden age of 70s rock music with a fresh coat of modern vibrancy. From the outset, the track masterfully exudes an irresistible energy that embodies vintage and contemporary influences, acting as a sonic bridge between eras. The Phoenix-based ensemble skillfully weaves their influences into a pronounced, personal narrative.
A noteworthy aspect of the track is its instrumentation. Recorded across three diverse locations, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and even Peru, the song has a global resonance. The incorporation of congas introduces a surprising layer of depth and rhythm, giving “Pretty Ugly” a distinct flair that separates it from cookie-cutter rock releases. This thoughtful musical choice enhances the song’s groove, complementing the shimmering guitar lines and soulful vocal delivery.
Lyrically, “Pretty Ugly” plays on contrasts, embodying the emotional push and pull of life’s dualities. The heartfelt lyrics evoke a sense of intimate admiration and longing to please a partner, while the melodic structure ensures the track remains uplifting despite its introspective qualities.
By drawing inspiration from the enduring spirit of rock legends such as Elton John, Joe Cocker, and the Rolling Stones, Archer Stevens pays tribute to their predecessors without resorting to imitation. The soaring vocals and driving rhythm establish “Pretty Ugly” as a cathartic anthem that appeals to classic and contemporary rock enthusiasts. With this debut, Archer Stevens distinguishes itself as a band unafraid to experiment and honor its musical heritage, thus carving out its unique sonic identity. The result is a richly layered auditory experience that captivates from the first listen, revealing engaging narratives within the music.
For more information about Archer Stevens, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Archer Stevens’ “Pretty Ugly“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
“Do You Still Remember?” by Khynan Rhys turns heartache loss into soulful harmony
At the age of 18, Khynan Rhy, a solo musician and multi-instrumentalist from Northwich, Cheshire, demonstrates exceptional maturity in his songwriting capabilities, indicating a wisdom that transcends his years. His sophomore single, “Do You Still Remember?” is a heart-stirring attestation to his musical aptitude and emotional profundity. It intricately weaves together a sonic narrative that encapsulates poignant lyricism, authenticity, and evocative melodies, effectively exploring the aching nostalgia of separation and longing.
Drawing on a rich palette of influences like Artemas, Daniel Caesar, and Ocean Alley, Khynan crafts a familiar sound and style that is distinctly his own. The track opens with a delicate interplay of introspective guitar melodies and ethereal synth layers, creating an atmospheric canvas that perfectly frames his soulful vocal delivery. The production, entirely helmed by Khynan and polished by Ben Booker’s mastering touch, feels intimate yet sophisticated without stripping away an ideal balance that lets the emotion shine through the song’s soulful compulsion.
What makes “Do You Still Remember?” so captivating is its ability to resonate profoundly, transforming universal themes into specific, relatable experiences. Whether audiences are reminiscing about lost love, the bittersweet pang of first love, or confronting the emotional void left by bereavement, Khynan’s lyrics indeed hit like a gentle nudge to the heart that refuses to shy away from the deep memories of heartbreak, possessing a poetic resonance that endures long after the song ends.
Through this second release, Khynan Rhys establishes himself as an emerging star poised for lasting impact, building upon the initial success of his debut single, ‘Closed Doors.’ He expresses emotional vulnerability that invites audiences to engage with his work. “Do You Still Remember?” offers a moment of introspective reflection on the sorrow of losing someone once deemed irreplaceable, proving that even in our most solitary experiences, music can make us feel less alone.
For more information about Khynan Rhys, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Khynan Rhys’ “Do You Still Remember?“ on Spotify.
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