Album Review
Stephanie Bettman’s Latest Single “Beautiful Day”

You don’t have to be the biggest folk-rock fan around to appreciate the depth of emotionality in Stephanie Bettman’s new solo single “Beautiful Day,” as its plethora of melodies give us everything that listeners need to know in its running time. Like the other songs found in her growing discography, “Beautiful Day” sees Bettman experimenting with palatable pop sounds, blending influences from the folk spectrum whilst providing us with a familiar rhythm that doesn’t get flimsy by the second stanza. It’s among the more straightforward singles that I’ve heard in the last month, but if you’ve got an ear for toned songcraft, you’d be seriously pressed to find another track like this one.
The instrumentation is telling us a story all its own in “Beautiful Day,” and I think that, were it not presented in such high-definition clarity, this single probably wouldn’t be as engaging as it is in this form. Bettman is a very talented singer, but the soundscape that she uses as a sonic canvas to apply her acrylic vocal textures is quintessential to getting her point across here. There’s something to be said about the players that she’s gathered together for her backing band, and I hope that they continue to work together as she creates a full-length album with this song’s emotive template at the foundation of every composition. There’s a wholesomeness here you don’t find very often anymore, and I want to hear what it can produce with more creative breathing room.
I am more than curious about what Stephanie Bettman would sound like in a live setting after hearing “Beautiful Day.” She’s got a fetching and rather approachable charisma in this song, and in many ways employs her microphone as a gateway into the storied past of 70s singer/songwriters. Bettman channels a lot of Joni and Melanie here, but even though she’s wearing her influences on her sleeve, her stylish musical persona isn’t rooted in the throwback/retro culture that has gotten a little tiresome in the last few years. It’s one thing to be inspired, but unlike some of the artists making big mainstream gains this spring, this is one singer who isn’t looking to live her life in a time machine.
I haven’t been able to put this song down since I first picked it up, and once you give “Beautiful Day” the chance to sink its hooks into your chest, I think that you’ll share my sentiments. It’s an intoxicating meld of old and new, both retro and surprisingly modern where it matters the most, and even taking into consideration its nonconformist design, it’s still more accessible than the more commercial folk/pop that you might have come across this season. Stephanie Bettman’s career is picking up a healthy amount of steam at the moment, and if this song gets into steady rotation on the college radio airwaves this summer, it’s going to be a lot harder for her competitors in the American underground to keep up with her momentum heading into the latter half of 2024.
Gwen Waggoner
Album Review
The Vlade unveils a mesmerizing indie pop-rock revelation in his recent album, “Bring Me To The Light”

Emerging from Vancouver, Canada, the dynamic indie pop-rock sensation known as The Vlade has officially launched his latest musical endeavor, “Bring Me to the Light.” This impressive ten-track album constitutes a significant artistic achievement that transcends conventional musical boundaries, exploring themes such as love, illumination, and the diverse spectrum of human emotions. The Vlade’s distinctive style incorporates nuanced storytelling and exceptional lyricism, showcasing his remarkable talent for crafting immersive auditory experiences further enhanced by his soaring vocal performances and intricate instrumental soundscapes that evoke hope, vulnerability, and melancholy.
At the core of “Bring Me to the Light” lies the eponymous title track, an impactful pop-rock anthem that effectively lays the thematic foundation for an unforgettable introduction. This track sets the tone for the album’s dynamic exploration of euphoric melodies combined with introspective lyrics that encourage the struggle to be illuminated by the adventure of love, which permeates the work. Notably, this track has garnered significant resonance among audiences in Ukraine, highlighting its extensive emotional appeal.
Following this energetic introduction, “I Do Not Want to Lie“ presents a soulful yet melancholic perspective that delicately examines life’s imperfections, uniting reflective lyricism with an authentic sonic aesthetic. Conversely, “Train to Delhi” evokes an enchanting tribute to classic soul-pop with jazz sensibilities, seamlessly merging the artist’s soulful journey through Delhi with a thought-provoking rhythmic narrative highlighting his artistic versatility.
In “I Do Not Want Your Love,” The Vlade articulates a complex ambivalence toward romantic commitment, utilizing emotive guitar motifs interwoven with a rhythmic bass line and piano harmonies to create an engaging soundscape. Conversely, “It Is Not the End” embodies a sense of optimism, generating a dreamlike ambiance through its catchy beats and entrancing organ strums. Thus, it imparts an uplifting sense of discovery that propels the album’s momentum.
Adding further depth to the compilation, “The Owls” (Bulgarian lyrics) encapsulates a smooth sophistication, exploring nostalgia in unexpected contexts through its flowing melody and tingling sound. Tracks such as “Brand New Day,” “Into Eternity,” and “The Lizard King“ contribute to the album’s hauntingly poetic sonic experience, each revealing distinct aspects of The Vlade’s artistic brilliance.
The album concludes on a poignant note with “When/Life” (Bulgarian lyrics), which leaves a lasting impression characterized by trembling vibrato and a deeply heartfelt interpretation. Every composition within “Bring Me to the Light” exhibits notable melodic and harmonic craftsmanship, guiding listeners through a deeply personal yet universally relatable narrative.
With meticulous attention to detail and a fervent commitment to artistic production, The Vlade’s unique songwriting trajectory solidifies his reputation as an indispensable voice and transformative force within the indie music landscape. His ability to create immersive auditory experiences fosters a profound connection with listeners, rendering this album an essential addition to any playlist for individuals seeking music that resonates at a deeper emotional level. As “Bring Me to the Light” continues to gain acclaim, it further highlights The Vlade’s dedication to pioneering innovative and boundary-defying music.
For more information about The Vlade, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM The Vlade’s Album “Bring Me To The Light“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH The Vlade | Instagram |
Album Review
Eddie Cohn stirs a poetic reckoning of emotional emancipation to bid farewell with “Wheels Stop”

Eddie Cohn, a distinguished musician based in Los Angeles, has significantly evolved in his artistic trajectory and stylistic versatility. His latest single, “Wheels Stop,” emphasizes his penchant for profound introspection. This track, a prominent feature on his forthcoming six-track EP, examines themes of confusion, unraveling the intrigues of toxic relationships and the fears of being lost in thoughts while seeking to recover one’s mental sanity. It transcends a mere cathartic expression, embodying a dynamic and unapologetically assertive progression toward creative autonomy.
From the outset, “Wheels Stop” is marked by a palpable intensity, driven by a brooding undercurrent that underlies Cohn’s formidable vocal execution. His voice strikes a nuanced interplay of weariness and optimism, expertly encapsulating the sensation of standing at the brink of a bittersweet transformative experience. The lyrics demonstrate a precise mastery of poetic conciseness, with each line meticulously crafted to augment a rhythmic underpinning that aligns with the gradual revelation of more profound insights.
Musically, “Wheels Stop” navigates a richly contrasting soundscape, merging grunge, 80s rock, and contemporary indie influences. Jake Reed’s precise drumming provides a robust anchor, while Dan Lutz’s resonant bass maintains a hypnotic pulse throughout the piece. These core components effectively reflect the emotional turbulence central to pursuing liberation. Brett Farkas’s guitar work, augmented by Phil Peterson’s intricate layering of instrumentation, introduces an atmospheric depth, culminating in a multidimensional sonic experience. The production methodology, juxtaposing traditional studio techniques with innovative remote collaborations, underscores the creative possibilities inherent in contemporary music production.
Kevin Penner’s proficient mixing and mastering enhance the track’s polished finish, preserving its emotional integrity while avoiding any descent into overproduction. “Wheels Stop” crystallizes a moment of clarity interwoven with melodic richness, marking a significant milestone in Cohn’s artistic development. This track provides an enriching auditory experience for discerning listeners who value music imbued with compelling complexity.
For more information about Eddie Cohn, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Eddie Cohn’s “Wheels Stop“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Eddie Cohn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |
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