Music
Richard Orofino Unveils Sensational New EP Chimaera
Richard Orofino is a Brooklyn based singer-songwriter and producer. An already decorated artist and a sought-after writer/producer, he has collaborated with a diverse group of artists in NY, LA, Nashville and London including Evan Voytas (UPSAHL, Loyal Lobos), Isaac Flynn (Hembree) and John Carroll-Kirby (Solange, Connan Mockasin). After discovering the art of production in 2013, he has been able to fuse his strong artistic vision across all aspects of being a modern-day ‘singer-songwriter plus’ offering.
With a string of releases so far this year such as ‘Fake Me’ and ‘Wanna Say’ featured in the likes of Wonderland, Clash Magazine and more, Richard now releases his long-awaited EP ‘Chimaera’, with the stunning alt-pop lead single ‘Scratch Off’. Richard’s personality and a subtle yet deserved swagger shines through on this track in particular, with his once bedroom pop sound now evolving into a whole other sphere, implementing his own stamp in what feels like a significant body of work for Richard.
Speaking on the meaning behind ‘Scratch Off’ and the EP, Richard explains: “‘Scratch Off’ takes place in a sort of interrogation scenario, lyrically held to the mouth of the captor or overseer. The perspective we hear from has an evil energy, making us sympathize with this prisoner we hear about in the song. Our narrator gets joy from hearing their captive shout, “Let me go back home”, and laughing while they sit “under a fluorescent hell zone.
“Although I found myself diving back into my love for rock and folk music, Chimaera definitely feels like a new stage for my music. I think building production around these sort of emo/folk songs has allowed me to mess around with blending synth and pop elements in a new way. Lyrically, Chimaera touches on a few themes with the most forefront being loneliness, identity, and change. A lot of doubt, depression and self sabotage come into play as well. Really fun, happy stuff.”
Artist Spotlight
Leyla Romanova finds strength in silence on new release “Self-Control”
Leyla Romanova‘s new single, “Self-Control,” is a powerful emotional release that feels more like a manifesto for surviving modern chaos than a song. In a world of opinions, urgency, and emotional exhaustion, Romanova offers a track based on one radical idea: not reacting.
“Self-Control” immediately creates tension and clarity. The drums keep everything together with discipline and purpose. As the textured instrumentals expand like waves of thought through a crowded mind, the bass anchors the listener emotionally.
The contrast between outside noise and inside stillness makes the song compelling. Romanova’s work captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by pressure, opinions, and distractions while silently retaining personal peace. There are no major uprisings. But restraint is power. The song knows energy conservation is a survival strategy.
Connect with Leyla Romanova on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
Artist Spotlight
J’mall expresses the pain of chasing someone else’s success over your own on “Unattainable”
J’mall’s latest single, “Unattainable,” expresses the pain of chasing someone else’s success over your own. The song explores the emotional void caused by constant comparison rather than motivation.
“Unattainable” is about realizing that no matter how hard one works to meet others’ expectations, the reward will never be satisfying. J’mall explores the stress of “keeping up with the Joneses” and the exhaustion of comparing yourself to standards that weren’t meant for you.
The song’s honesty resonates, the message doesn’t feel preachy or polished. It feels personal, like J’mall is sharing life lessons. The record’s quiet strength is its embrace of individuality and personal responsibility without pretending it’s easy.
Connect with J’mall on Spotify || Instagram || Soundcloud
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