Music

Solange Knowles Speaks Out on Heartbreaking Police Shooting of Sonya Massey

Solange Knowles has passionately reacted to the tragic death of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, at the hands of Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson. Massey’s fatal encounter occurred after she called 911 to report a possible prowler at her home in Springfield. When officers arrived, a tense situation unfolded as Massey, holding a pot of boiling water, pleaded with the officers, saying, “don’t hurt me” and “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Moments later, Grayson shot Massey in the head and prevented others from aiding her.

The devastating incident has sparked outrage and heartbreak across the nation. Massey’s family was unaware she was shot by a deputy until they learned the truth through the news. Her father, James Wilburn, has called for the resignation of county sheriff Jack Campbell. High-profile attorney Ben Crump, known for representing the families of Tyre Nichols, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, has deemed Massey’s death “one of the worst police shooting videos ever.”

President Joe Biden has used this tragic event to renew his call for Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a police reform bill aimed at overhauling policing in the United States. Although the bill passed the House of Representatives in 2021, it stalled in the Senate. Meanwhile, Sean Grayson is in custody, indicted on three counts of first-degree murder and additional charges of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.

Solange Knowles took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her sorrow and condemnation of the tragic event, joining a chorus of voices demanding justice for Sonya Massey. As the Massey family navigates this unimaginable tragedy, the nation watches and hopes for justice.

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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.

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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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