Music
Micah Edwards Redefines His Concept Of Love In New Single “Jean Leon”
“Jean Leon” is a captivating retro-pop track exploring what it means to be in love with the charismatic stylings of “Mr. Texas Soul” himself.
Critically acclaimed retro-pop singer-songwriter Micah Edwards dives into 2022 head-first with his signature Texas Soul flare on “Jean Leon,” the title track from his upcoming album, on February 3rd. This track is a magnificent showcase of Edwards’ masterful songwriting abilities in which he brings a deeply personal story to life with a picturesque, throw-back inspired soundscape. The inspiration for the track being the story of his parents’ marriage, the title, “Jean Leon,” is a combination of both their middle names. The golden-voiced crooner immediately hooks listeners with the warmth of his angelic vocals; dressed with the boldness of a pristine brass section, the sparkle of a vintage electric guitar, and the subtleness of buttery keys, this track comes together perfectly atop a contagiously groovy bass line. Following his fall 2021 release, “Girl From The Valley,” that has already accumulated well over 100k Spotify streams, the artist’s music continues demanding the attention of listeners from all over.

The final version of “Jean Leon” came to fruition over the course of a few years. Edwards wrote the first version of the retro-pop track in honor of the resilience of his parents’ marriage after withstanding an instance of infidelity from his father. The inspiration came upon the songwriter when they managed to reconcile after approaching a breaking point; at first, “Jean Leon” was a celebratory love song honoring a powerful love. The songwriter explains that “a few months later, [his] dad cheated again, and that’s when [his] mom officially left him.” The artist planned to permanently shelve the song following this hardship, until a fresh wave of inspiration struck after re-discovering the first version of the song in the summer of 2020. He decided to rework it, painting “Jeon Leon” as the toxic love interest he sings to, when in reality the Texas native is grappling with the personified representation of his parents’ dysfunctional relationship. Edwards reflected on this, ultimately concluding that the once celebratory “Jean Leon” now confronts the “dysfunctional expectations [he] had for marriage that [he’s] ready to hand over to Jesus.”
Listeners can stream “Jean Leon” on all major streaming platforms on February 3rd.

Steeped in complexity—disappointment, failed relationship, maturity, and underlying it all, hope—Jean Leon is the first studio album from “Mr. Texas Soul” himself, Micah Edwards.
Having explored a spectrum of neo-soul, jazz, lo-fi, and pop over the last two years, Micah’s smooth vocals lend themselves to many different styles and genres. But for his debut full-length project, a story about his personal testimony during one of the hardest years of his life, Micah sought to create his own sound. This sound was specifically inspired by his story—an amalgamation of what he loves: Jesus, his wife, Texas, piano, pedal steel, and his mother…mixed with things he’s sought to understand: brokenness, forgiveness, reconciliation, and his relationship with his father.
Micah’s family values were largely shaped by growing up in a large, mixed-race family on the West Coast. As Micah grew older and his family moved to Texas, that view started to be challenged on a regular basis, forcing Micah to reconcile what he thought he knew about the man he wanted to be. What do you do when the man you looked up to as the leader of your family isn’t who you needed him to be? When your family has been let down and hurt, time and time again? And how do you stop yourself from becoming that same man for your own family?
Bitter, yet uplifting—Jean Leon is a healing, soulful exploration of faith from Micah. Searching for answers from God while searching his own heart, you will understand who Micah is as a musician and artist from the unique blend of up-front vocals driven by bass and drums, supported with piano and retro-soul guitar, and embellished with soulful horns and twangy steel guitar.
This debut album is a nod to the artists before him, as a young virtuoso who understands not just the heart, but the musical precision of retro-soul and country music. Someone who pays homage to Curtis Mayfield’s brilliance of guitar in early Impressions records and Etta James’ almost conversational vocal expression, while embracing his classic country songwriting influence through calculated storytelling employing the fiddle and steel guitar. Someone who respects and honors Leon Bridges, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Marcus King, Durand Jones & The Indications, Aaron Frazer, Michael Kiwanuka—but leans heavily into the sounds of this particular moment. This is a daring explorer who has created a unique fusion of retro and contemporary elements to defy what has been done before and craft a new genre: Texas soul.
Artist Spotlight
Paul Hodes and The Blue Buddha Band hit the open road with soulful americana in latest release “The Heartland”
Paul Hodes and The Blue Buddha Band’s latest release, “The Heartland,” is a moving look at the heartland. It’s the title track from their second album, which fans have been waiting for. “The Heartland” is a moving tribute to breaking free from the boredom of everyday life and finding inspiration, creativity, and redemption on the open road. It is based on strong Americana rock. “The Heartland,” led by Paul Hodes, a former New Hampshire Congressman and guitar virtuoso, feels real. Hodes’ guitar playing gives the song both power and grace, which fits with the story’s themes of freedom and adventure.
The Blue Buddha Band’s ensemble makes the single sound like a movie. Bassist Jon Gabay lays down a steady, soulful foundation, and Dean Rubine’s keyboards add layers of warmth and texture. Ed Raczka, one of the best drummers in New England, adds percussion that is both dynamic and detailed, giving the track a pulse that is both lively and urgent.
The guest vocals of Peggo Horstmann Hodes and Ariana Hodes add to the song by harmonizing with Paul’s lead, making it feel both small and big at the same time. Their voices fit right into the story, making the listener feel like they’re on the journey, watching the discoveries unfold.
“The Heartland” is an invitation to leave, think, and fully experience the limitless possibilities of the open road. Paul Hodes and The Blue Buddha Band have made a single that will stay with you long after the last chord. It’s for people who love stories in music, Americana elements, and real musicianship.
Connect with Paul Hodes and The Blue Buddha Band on Spotify || Facebook || Youtube || Soundcloud
Artist Spotlight
Salem Roberts unveils a ten-year love letter that finally finds its voice on latest release “I Think of You”
Salem Roberts has created a piece that is both real and very moving. “I Think of You (Official Video)” is a musical memoir that traces a relationship over time and reveals the subtle beauty of choosing love again and again. Roberts’ latest track, “I Think of You (Official Video),” is great at being patient and subtle.
Written over ten years, each lyric captures important and unimportant moments, from the simplicity of a new romance to the challenges that make commitment hard, like illness, money problems, and the boring routine that can make love hard. But the song doesn’t overdo it; its truth comes from its moderation. There are no big announcements, instead, commitment grows stronger over time.
The story and the melody of the song both make it interesting, each verse and note was carefully chosen, as if they had grown along with the life they describe. Roberts talks about the passage of time, the cycles of shared life, and the beauty of choosing a partner over and over again, even when love is hard. The official video for the song adds to this closeness by showing images that show the warmth, patience, and honesty that are part of the music.
“I Think of You” is a meditation on how love never changes. For ten years, Salem Roberts has been working on a piece that is timeless because it is so carefully real. This single invites people who want to think deeply about love and listen to music that changes with them to feel love in its purest, most patient form.
Connect with Salem Roberts on Spotify || Instagram || Youtube || Facebook
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