Music
Nicky Buell Drops Queer Pop Anthem “Boy Crazy”
Seattle–based pop artist Nicky Buell is quickly establishing himself as a leading voice in the queer pop scene. He wants the LGBTQ+ community to feel seen and heard. His bullhorn of choice: music. As he puts it, “I just want to normalize a boy singing about another boy in music. I don’t hear enough songs about boys being in lust over other boys on the radio, or in music enough. We need more representation; I want to be that representation for other queer people when I didn’t have that myself at a younger age.”
Nicky has collaborated with iconic artists and producers throughout the Pacific Northwest including Phil Peterson
(Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Lana Del Rey), Matthew Wolk (Dempsey Hope, Sam Lachow), and Seattle–based popstar Anna Thompson, his childhood best friend with whom he released ‘Thirsty.’ It was through this song that Nicky would publicly come out at the age of twenty. He followed ‘Thirsty’ with the releases of singles ‘Bromance’ and ‘Moonboy’ off his debut EP ‘Spongy Emerald Prince,’ a project that honors and chronicles his triumphs and heartbreak during his first year as an openly gay man. Having launched his project just four months ago, he’s already received press from major publications on the West Coast like RageRobot and The Spokesman–Review.
Sonically, Nicky draws inspiration from artists like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and John Legend. He not only sits in the pop realm but also bends the genre, adding in the occasional punchy rap verse to elevate his sound. Nicky is an artist you can root for, coming into his own through the creation of fun electronic–tinged pop anthems guaranteed to be stuck in your head for days.
Artist Spotlight
Owen Rivera turns summer romance into an irresistible experience with “LaiLuv”
Owen Rivera’s new single “LaiLuv” is one of those rare releases that makes you feel as if you are in a free-spirited evening, golden sunsets, open roads, and memories for a lifetime. This track has a tropical feel which delivers a refreshing anthem, designed for the soundtrack of summer.
“LaiLuv” is a simple but touching song with an inviting melody and polished production. It is fresh, lively, and textured with just enough heat to make each listen like returning home to a favorite space. Rivera’s vocals are sincere, and it sits easily in the arrangement and gives the narrative a real and accessible feel. The young love, warm nights, and long drives are brought to life with real emotion, painting vivid pictures that many will recognize in their own lives.
“LaiLuv” alone displays Rivera’s talent for combining accessible pop songwriting with rock textures that make for a song that feels timeless. Owen Rivera’s “LaiLuv” is a feel-good release that celebrates the beauty of fleeting moments and reminds us why some memories of summer never fade away, all wrapped up in a breezy vibe, catchy melody, and heartfelt storytelling.
Artist Spotlight
Benji Miller captures the weight of loving someone through depression on “Hey Darcey”
R&B artist Benji Miller has crafted a deeply empathetic, poignant track with “Hey Darcey,” a song about the emotional toll of watching the slow fade of someone you love. The track is the second single from his forthcoming debut EP, “Love Or Pain,” and offers a reflective look at an artist who isn’t afraid of having tough conversations with honesty and heart.
Built with warm, understated R&B production that lends the track an intimate sound where every melodic choice feels intentional. The production is free of dramatic arrangements, giving space to the emotion and putting the vocals into the spotlight. Benji Miller’s honest, understated performance has a quiet openness that gets to the uncertainty, helplessness, and hope that are at the heart of the story.
“Hey Darcey” is about those who support loved ones with depression and the confusion, concern, and emotional exhaustion that is often left unspoken. The reflective tone is an encouraging reminder that compassion, patience, and presence still matter, even when solutions seem impossible to find. “Hey Darcey” is a story for the ones who may be going through the same struggles, and reminds us that music can still be one of the most powerful ways to connect.
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoDan Webb creates a captivating reflection on change with “Hungry Ghosts”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoJoseph Turner & The Dudes of Hazard confront lingering fear on “The Shadow Remains”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoFrench Inhaler explores desire and disconnection through “TV LOVE”
-
Album Review5 days agoR3b3l I explores self-discovery through sound on “A Different Frequency” album
-
Artist Spotlight5 days ago“Signalling Signatures” finds Mr Pigeons exploring dreams, truth, and hidden meanings
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoWyn Calico create the need to support with his latest release “Support”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoT.Scales picks up speed with explosives on new release “Ooh Wee”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoKojo Kay Takes Us On A Colorful Ride With “OVERTURE TO SOMEWHERE”