Artist Spotlight

Old Tom & the Lookouts Confront Mental Health In Their New Single “Hey Edna”

Old Tom & the Lookouts are teasing their sophomore album, Just for Beasts with the release of the lead single, “Hey Edna,” on August 12. Opening the discussion around mental health (a deep thread throughout the songs of the upcoming album), “Hey Edna” focuses largely on the anxiety behind communicating with someone you care about….especially as it becomes more challenging when they are going through a lot. The lyrics to “Hey Edna” portray the message of the hardships one faces when trying to support someone they love – highlighting the impatience and motives behind how this situation can take a negative spin. Chronicling the challenges of providing a safe space for loved ones, the song is a lesson in patience, love, and sustainable communication. “All of this was written and produced to help develop a more positive dialogue surrounding mental health,” says Alex Calabrese of the band. “Instead of romanticizing the many challenges of mental illness, we’d rather focus on hope.”

The full record, Just for Beasts, (set to release on 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.

Old Tom & the Lookouts is a Boston-based Indie-Folk band, 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. The band’s debut record, Beautiful or Not, pays homage to influences such as Frightened Rabbit, Phoebe Bridgers, and Tom Waits, capturing a new voice within the Indie-Folk genre. The band is set to release their sophomore album, Just for Beasts in Fall 2021.

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Artist Spotlight

Alwyn Morrison scales through with new single “Chained”

Alwyn Morrison’s new single, “Chained,” hits hard with its heartfelt message, offering an honesty rare in music today. Written while he was flying to Europe, this song comes from deeply personal experiences and showcases Alwyn’s most vulnerable side yet.

Teaming up with his longtime friend Michael Ales for songwriting and working with producer Michael Carey in Los Angeles, Alwyn creates a sound that feels both rich and simple. The guitar-driven music is full of warmth, exhaustion, and hope.

“Chained” plunges into the complex realities of loving someone who struggles with depression. Alwyn beautifully captures the heavy feelings that come with it, expressing the helplessness, loyalty, and quiet sadness often accompanying such love. His lyrics paint a vivid picture, inviting you to share the emotional journey of navigating the hidden struggles that can tie two people together.

The track’s raw honesty resonates with anyone who has faced challenges in love. It reminds us that sometimes love means standing by someone going through tough times. In “Chained,” Alwyn Morrison captures real human experiences and turns them into music that sticks with you.

For more information about Alwyn Morrison, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Alwyn Morrison’s “Chained” on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Alwyn Morrison | Instagram | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Ava Valianti turns self-doubt into art with “Laugh Track”

In her new single, “Laugh Track,” Ava Valianti takes us on a peculiar journey through her thoughts and feelings, which many can connect to. With a mix of dark humor and raw honesty, Ava shares her experience of feeling like life is more of a series of awkward moments rather than a smooth story where she’s the star.

Drawing inspiration from movies and shows that explore deep emotions, like The Truman Show and How I Met Your Mother’s Ted Mosby, “Laugh Track” captures the unsettling feeling of always being on stage, even when nobody’s watching. It resounds with anyone who has sat alone and questioned whether the laughter around them is meant for them or at their expense.

The song combines deeper sounds with a light, catchy vibe, making its heavy themes approachable enough for dancing. Ava’s voice is strong and open, giving each line an authentic feeling that hits home.

“Laugh Track” is a stand-out because it embraces chaos. Ava doesn’t wrap up her insecurity and self-doubt in a tidy package. Instead, she celebrates the messiness of life and finds comfort in the imperfect characters we often see on TV and in ourselves. “Laugh Track” mirrors our experiences. Like the best comedy shows, it makes you laugh, feel uncomfortable, and reminds you that you’re not alone in your struggles.

For more information about Ava Valianti, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Ava Valianti’s “Dreaming“ on Spotify.
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