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
“Make America” by Charlotte Morris explores patriotism, compassion, and change through storytelling
In the midst of ongoing conversations about identity, values, and the future of society impacting everyday life, Charlotte Morris responds with “Make America,” a thoughtful release of Americana and folk rooted in reflection, responsibility, and hope. There is only space to think about what patriotism really is and where compassion and accountability fit into the idea of a better nation.
“Make America” is rooted in the rich tradition of American protest folk, infused with the emotional weight of classic storytelling, and still tied to the modern moment. The song talks about national ideals, collective choices, and the gap between the image we have of our country and the reality we experience.
Charlotte Morris has a real vocal presence that fits well in the Americana landscape. She delivers the song with a personal, expressive touch that allows the themes to come through honestly. “Make America,” the first song from a new two-song protest project, points to a new and powerful direction in Morris’ latest artistic chapter. The song speaks to folk music’s power to freeze a moment in time, to challenge our points of view, and to spark dialogue. Charlotte Morris handles a powerful subject and gives a heartfelt performance that makes you think deeply, yet still leaves a door open for hope.
Artist Spotlight
Karen Salicath Jamali unveils “Marys Song,” a soulful journey of faith and love
Karen Salicath Jamali’s acoustic folk track “Marys Song” is a message beyond the artist, but the artistic expression is deeply personal. Built around a rare moment of clarity in the early morning hours, the song has an easy sincerity that makes it feel like every note was played just as it was meant to be.
The production is understated, giving each musical element room to breathe. The approach puts the song’s soothing atmosphere front and center, inviting you into a space of reflection, hope, and quiet reassurance. The song has an artistic identity, born of Karen Salicath Jamali’s decades-long relationship with the figure of Mary. After 30 years of exploring this inspiration through paintings and bronze sculptures, she is taking her creativity to the world of songwriting.
The cover art, taken from one of her original bronze sculptures, further connects her visual and musical worlds, making it a full artistic statement. “Marys Song” by Karen Salicath Jamali is a reminder of comfort, faith, and unconditional love. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to slow down and think and find a peace that’s so hard to find. The result is a beautifully crafted folk offering that shows Karen Salicath Jamali is capable of moving audiences with music and art.
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