Music
RubyGld Smoke Finds New Purpose With Sophomore LP ‘Our Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams’

There is a certain level of focus that comes with maturity, and for TL & Dani Jo of RubyGld Smoke, the focus has honed in on an incredibly heartfelt, soulful and unique sound heard throughout their sophomore LP, Our Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams, out November 5. The title itself immediately brings a renewed sense of purpose. For Dani Jo, it was her mother and her late uncle who inspired her to follow her dreams. “They always knew I would be singing and writing even before I really did.” For TL, it’s about carrying on an important legacy of love. “My mother and father are both musicians who are very supportive of me and what I do.”

Our Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams will be available for streaming on November 5.
The new album displays a renewed focus in RubyGld’s sound. Live instrumentation is the backbone of the project. Dani Jo plays bass & percussion on select tracks as TL plays guitar, bass, keys, and percussion. The album is led by the first single, “Somebody Wants Your Love,” released earlier this summer. The track is a smooth, sexy pop offering reminiscent of early Sade & late Marvin Gaye. Other notable tracks include “Higher Love,” with its internationally uplifting feel; and “Getting In Love’s Way,” a powerful ballad displaying the band’s full prowess. Fans should expect more intimate and acoustic live sets to support the new music. “We want to get closer to the fans and have more one-of-a-kind experiences with them,” says TL. “We plan on capturing those live moments as well, for they are also beautiful bodies of work people can go back and listen to and enjoy.”
“With learning who you are, comes learning what you truly want to be remembered for.” -RubyGld Smoke
Entertaining the masses with their retro pop music and making marriage look sexy again is only a slice of what this iconic power couple has to offer. Terrance and Dani Jo Williams (RubyGld Smoke) are the entrepreneurs of Quiet Kingdom Recordings and Quiet Kingdom Media Group (film company). The duo is also the founder of Symphony Of Change Inc. – an arts education organization dedicated to equitable arts enrichment programs throughout the US. When Dandria “Dani Jo” Williams met her husband T. L. Williams in early 2014, it was clear from the jump they were made to do something big together. Their undeniable chemistry was evident even as T. L. embarked on an initial solo career, garnering over 3 million streams with hits like “Gettin Mo Money Than You” and “Melanin”. Meanwhile, Dani Jo was a behind-the-scenes contributor through the entirety of T. L.’s 6 album solo run, co-writing songs and adding vocals. The couple, feeling like it was finally time, has now come out front together with an eclectic mix of pop-soul energy a la “Rose Royce”. Fans can stream RubyGld Smoke’s debut album entitled Revolutionary Love, which was released under their label Quiet Kingdom Recordings in November 2020.

Chicago fans have the special opportunity to attend an album release party hosted by RubyGld Smoke on November 5.
Artist Spotlight
“Dry Land” by Songbird evokes a metaphorical anthem of emotional entrapment

Drawing inspiration from her fascination with sharks, Songbird immerses audiences, both thematically and sonically, into the intricate realms of manipulation and the unyielding experiences of personal struggle with her newest single, “Dry Land,” exuding an absolutely captivating melody. She cleverly employs these apex predators as a metaphor, symbolizing the emotional entrapment in an uncertain affair. However, the track goes beyond mere references to sharks and marine life; it explores the pursuit of conviction and purpose amid the fluctuating tides of doubt and the allure of dangerous forces beyond our control that threaten to pull us under.
The song addresses the subtle snares of toxic relationships, internal conflicts, or the weight of unspoken fears, providing an ample interpretive framework for listeners to connect with the lyricism. “Dry Land” is characterized by a haunting yet melodic vibe, propelled by Songbird’s emotive vocal delivery, which feels simultaneously delicate and fierce. Her performance suggests a personal familiarity with these challenges, offering a cautionary perspective on the perils of emotional turbulence. Lyrically, the song encapsulates the universal experience of indecision, navigating the complexities of uncertainty, latent strength, and the quest for clarity amidst chaos.
The production is atmospheric, underscored by a consistent tension that permeates the composition. Each beat feels intentional; the gradual builds mimic the rise and fall of crashing waves, while subtle electronic touches add an edge that mirrors the song’s darker themes. One can almost sense the encroaching sonic ocean, with every lyric resonating with vulnerability and poignancy, effectively portraying the dichotomy of the desire for liberation and the pull of deeper existential currents.
Notably, the emotional sincerity evident in each line exemplifies resilience. Songbird avoids convoluted messaging; her lyrics are brilliantly poetic, mood-oriented, and impactful. By allowing the metaphor to resonate naturally, she grants listeners the opportunity to immerse themselves in the narrative and extract their interpretations.
“Dry Land” functions as a vital sonic lifeline for anyone grappling with their inner fears, particularly those who have ever felt manipulated, overwhelmed, or dragged down by something they couldn’t quite identify. While Songbird expresses an evident admiration for sharks, with this release, she demonstrates her adeptness at navigating the intricate emotional landscapes of the human experience.
For more information about Songbird, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Songbird’s “Dry Land“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Songbird | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
Artist Spotlight
Start Forward walks the reflective edge of emotion in his recent gem, “Tightrope”

“Tightrope,” the newest single from Start Forward, the brainchild of Miami-based artist Joshua Sturtevant, offers a nuanced exploration of emotional stability and vulnerability, serving as a poignant representation of lived experience. Derived from the forthcoming album ‘Breathing Under Water,’ this track exhibits an introspective depth that significantly resonates strongly with the listener.
Musically, “Tightrope” embodies the tension inherent in the liminal space between control and chaos, effectively capturing the essence of emotional defenses that, although initially protective, have now become constricting. The production evokes a distinctly 90’s alt-rock aesthetic, drawing inspiration from influences such as Pearl Jam and Radiohead while simultaneously maintaining a unique sonic identity rooted in Sturtevant’s innovative approach: a fusion of haunting melodies and contemporary soundscapes.
The arrangement showcases a deliberate dynamic between tension and release, with gritty guitar lines oscillating between moments of restraint and cathartic expression. The vocal delivery, imbued with a palpable weariness, reinforces this thematic duality, fostering a personal yet universally relatable experience for the audience. The emotional fatigue articulated within the composition is not merely audible but felt deeply, inviting a profound engagement.
Sturtevant’s methodical approach to songwriting and production, as he manages all facets of the process independently, infuses the track with authenticity and intimacy. Each lyric emerges from a space of late-night introspection, embodying a moment of resignation where one yields to emotional currents. The chorus encapsulates the juxtaposition of fragility and strength, illustrating the experience of an individual on the verge of collapse yet finding resilience in vulnerability.
“Tightrope” resonates with anyone grappling with the façade of composure amidst internal turmoil. It masterfully blends vulnerability and incisiveness, offering raw honesty without descending into melodrama. Start Forward doesn’t simply recount an experience; instead, he immerses the listener directly within its emotional landscape.
For more information about Start Forward, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Start Forward’s “Tightrope“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Start Forward | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
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