Music
Old Tom & The Lookouts Aim to Bring Listeners “Alive” with New Self-Worth Anthem
Old Tom & The Lookouts continue their conversation on mental health in their new single “Alive” releasing on September 23. A melodious, folksy soundscape accompanies the vocals of band member Alex Calabrese as he sings about self-worth – saying, “it’s hard to know if I’m alive, slinging sorrow like we’ll never die”. Discussing the tumultuous relationship one might face with finding fulfillment and purpose and one’s self-worth within their community, “Alive” brings to light how difficult the journey to understanding your purpose may be. “How we see ourselves and how the world sees us can be so different, and navigating those anxieties can feel like a constant uphill battle,” says Calabrese. 
The Boston-based Indie-Folk band is known for creating hopeful, evocative music about mental health. The lyrically driven project is shared through the lens of writer and singer, Alex Calabrese and violinist Cecilia Vacanti. With their combined efforts the two provide a minimalist tone, accompanied by lush string arrangements, witty and brooding lyrics, soulful melodies, and striking harmonies. Musically, “Alive” continues showcasing those musical strengths with an anthemic-like rhythm that is buoyed by the driving string arrangements of traditional folk instruments. Paying homage to influences such as Frightened Rabbit, Phoebe Bridgers, and Tom Waits, yet capturing a new voice within the Indie-Folk genre, the band’s full record, Just for Beasts, (November 4th) is a concept piece centered around finding community, a sense of self-worth, and finding a healthy and sustainable way to love and support yourself as well as others you care about. The record addresses many of the nuanced challenges presented to folks suffering from depression and anxiety.
“Alive” is available to stream on all major platforms.
Artist Spotlight
“Empatia” by Aurien & Jab Vix set the tone for an atmospheric new era
“Empatia,“ the stunning electronic debut of Aurien, in collaboration with Jab Vix, is the start of a new creative universe under Aurien’s newly launched imprint Château Bonheur Musique. The track feels like a doorway into a curated emotional space, built from atmosphere, storytelling, and immersive sound design.
“Empatia” is founded upon a contemporary electronic aesthetics that favors texture. The production is sleek and considered, offering up soft rhythmic pulses within roomy layers that breathe. Working with Jab Vix gives texture and dynamics to Aurien’s perspective and sets the sound for the song. It’s more about feeling the music than looking for peaks of high energy. It builds slowly and invites you to sit in the mood.
A highlight is the “Elegant Mix,” which takes the original and gives it a more subdued, slicker makeover. It allows the heart of the composition to come through more intimately, and this duality reinforces the idea behind Château Bonheur Musique as environment, experience, and feeling. “Empatia” is a debut statement and manifesto for the immersive, emotionally intelligent electronic music that works as effortlessly as it does in shared spaces. It’s a thoughtful direction for Aurien, where sound is not just heard, but lived in.
Artist Spotlight
Saint Escape injects an attitude into a classic for a new generation on latest release “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”
SAINT ESCAPE takes a classic favorite, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” and gives it a new twist, transforming the iconic hit into an alternative rock statement full of personality and modern flair.
Rather than just repeating a familiar song, Saint Escape offers a bold vision to the track. There’s a touch of “baddiecore-lite” attitude, married with alt-rock vibes, a feeling that seems tailor-made for those who love nostalgia but want something that speaks to today. The result is familiar, yet refreshingly different.
The track establishes its own identity right from the first moments. The alternative rock styling provides a sharper edge to the song’s timeless themes, making for a dynamic listening experience that feels vibrant and contemporary. With confidence in every note, the performance can stand on its own but still respect the legacy of the original.
While acknowledging the song’s emotional and cultural significance, Saint Escape also celebrates a more rebellious aesthetic. The “baddiecore-lite” influence adds an interesting attitude to the track, making it feel fun, confident and effortlessly cool.
Connect with SAINT ESCAPE on Spotify || Instagram || Youtube
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