Music

Peter Wilson finds his groove with “Down to New Orleans”

Peter Wilson is truly immersed in the city, infused with its vibrant spirit and rhythm. His latest single, “Down to New Orleans,” feels like a personal letter from his musical journey. It’s a story wrapped in catchy melodies and filled with the lively essence of the Big Easy. In 2023, Wilson took a big step many musicians dream of: he packed up his equipment, hopped on Amtrak’s Crescent Line train, and arrived in New Orleans right after the famous Jazz Fest with his partner Susan. They settled into a cozy rented house in the Bywater neighborhood, turning it into a creative space that Wilson lovingly calls his “NOLA Woodshed.”

The new song, which is the first studio version born from this inspiring trip, captures the unique charm of New Orleans, a place where music is not just for entertainment but a way of life. “Down to New Orleans” embodies its energy, allowing Wilson’s warm voice and personal stories to shine through. He welcomed guest artists Rita Hosking and Sean Feder to join him in this musical celebration, creating a vibe as if they were all gathered on a porch, enjoying the city’s famous red beans and rice. Wilson has a long history with New Orleans. He used to perform for spare change in the French Quarter back in the 1970s.

Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

Artist Spotlight

LAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”

LAST ALEX!, a Chicago-based artist and producer, comes out with “Plus 1,” a high-energy release that combines technical prowess with an undeniable melodic instinct.

LAST ALEX! puts both craftsmanship and creativity on display here. The song’s strength lies in its balance, in detailed execution without sacrificing feeling, and in complexity without losing momentum.

LAST ALEX! doesn’t fully lean into the cold technique or loose emotion, but finds the sweet spot where skill and soul meet. This yields a polished, vibrant, and musically confident track.

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