Artist Spotlight

Michael Love Michael – Richard

Michael Love Michael, the genre-blurring, independent New York City-based pop artist, returns with a new single, “Richard,” following their last release, July’s “Have,” a simmering folk duet with an iconic rock musician, Chelsea Wolfe. MTV called the collaboration “liberatory,” a song with weight and a “sweltering gloom punctuated by rage.”

“Richard” is the next single from Michael’s upcoming second album, and was co-written and co-produced by Michael with Reuben Butchart. Its groovy, slick R&B sound is a departure from previous work, which has been steeped more in the alternative pop and rock genres. The song’s catchy, “doing the butterfly” chorus is a reference to a childhood spent dancing in their living room to their grandmother’s favorite funk and soul records.

The song’s video, capturing Michael’s joie de vivre, was filmed in Paris in July 2021, primarily in the city’s popular Montmartre area, complete with breathtaking views of the city.

Says Michael of the track, referencing Paris’ famous Wall of Love: “Richard was a very special person in my life who I did not take the time to know well. He was a profoundly lonely person. If I could say I love you to him in 250 languages now, I would. The point is: Give people you love their roses while they are here. Dance with them and take their picture. I regret not doing this while Richard was here, but this song is my rose to him now.”

All of Michael’s music, including their debut album, “XO,” released in 2020, is out now on all streaming platforms.

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Artist Spotlight

Martin Lloyd Howard channels nature in acoustic track “Rapids”

Martin Lloyd Howard’s recent single, “Rapids,” is a masterclass in acoustic storytelling that blends technicality with atmosphere. Originally a left-hand dexterity exercise, it devolves into full-bodied guitar playing that suggests the flow of water up and down a river, from foamy rapids to quiet pools, just as nature itself moves.

Howard’s classical training is evidenced by the precision of his fingerwork, and his interest in folk, blues, and rock brings a warm, natural depth to the performance. His guitar solo arrangement also illustrates how he can convey emotion without lyrics. He employs variations in tempo and phrasing to suggest the erratic dynamics of rushing water, only then allowing the melody to relax into quieter, more meditative spaces.

The music is dynamic and soothing at the same time, making you feel like you are on an adventure and thinking things through. “Rapids” stands as evidence of Martin Lloyd Howard’s versatility and imagination. It’s good for those who enjoy acoustic guitar playing or music that falls between raw virtuosity and emotional resonance. It’s an opportunity to focus, slow down, and find your way into the river of sound he has lovingly crafted.

Discover Martin Lloyd Howard on | Spotify | YouTube |

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Artist Spotlight

China Mc Cloud creates a timeless call for positivity with “Rasta Come Back Home”

China Mc Cloud’s latest release, “Rasta Come Back Home,” is a track that instantly wraps listeners in a sense of calm, reflection, and authenticity. From the first note, there’s an undeniable ease to the song, one that feels intentional and deeply rooted in purpose.

Built on warm instrumentation and a laid-back rhythm, the track creates a space where listeners can pause and breathe. It’s not just about the sound, though, it’s about the feeling. China Mc Cloud uses this moment to guide the audience toward introspection, encouraging a deeper connection with self and surroundings.

Lyrically, “Rasta Come Back Home” leans into conscious storytelling, delivering messages that resonate across generations. There’s a sincerity in the writing that feels lived-in, not manufactured. It’s this authenticity that allows the track to stand out, offering more than just a listening experience, it becomes a moment of reflection.

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