Stay Afloat with Soft Punch — Above Water
Soft Punch, aka Rye Thomas, of Washington D.C. released his debut album, Above Water on September 15th, after years of working on it.
The album is a labor of love that Soft Punch, the stage name of Rye Thomas, has been working on for years since the diagnosis of his chronic illness. It takes you through the highs and lows, mourning the freedom lost, and celebrating the things that he is grateful for in his day to day life. I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to him about his process of writing the album.
The titles of albums are the first thing that an artist sees. That, and the artist’s name. When I first heard the name ‘Soft Punch’, I was intrigued. It was gentle but intentional. “I don’t know if I had a specific ‘A-ha, Lightbulb’ moment, but I was interested in words that sound good together and have multiple meanings,” Thomas said. “It’s a gentle hit, and a nonalcoholic punch. It’s the image of something harsh and something soft is interesting to me. I think I lucked out.”
Vakili Band Drops The Intrinsically Organic “Honey”
On September 8th, Vakili Band released their third album, Honey. The album is a raw look at human sensuality, and all the messiness that surrounds it. It’s a forceful 9-track album that leaves the listener thrumming with the energy of the band. I had the opportunity to sit with the front-woman of the band, Lily Vakili, to discuss the album with her.
The album is filled with the nostalgic tropes of rock music that Janis Joplin, Patti Smith and Joan Jett planted into my childhood. There’s been a lot of newer music coming out that have these classic sounds to it. “I draw from a lot of different inspirations,” Vakili starts, “and sometimes it’s where the band is at. And this is where we got to for this album, this feeling we want to generate. We’re hitting on that drum, bass, guitar, and we’re, uh, we’re having a blast with it! So you know, I’m happy if that’s coming through, that’s great.”
John Lynch Releases New EP ‘1922’
Recent Articles On August 4th, John Lynch released his new EP, 1922. The six songs are an ode to Irish culture and history, and the people behind it. The songs are stripped raw, giving way to the stories they are trying to tell. John Lynch, photo credit: Ben Kelly It starts off with ‘Guardians’ by […]
Shirlé Hale Drops First Solo Single ‘Lullaby’
More to Watch Shirlé Hale starts her solo career with the release of ‘Lullaby’, the premiere single from her debut solo album, The Silver Garden. Lullaby album art, courtesy of Shirlé Hale The formerly Baltimore based, now Portugal based artist has spent years in the music industry, first entering the scene in the mid-80s. After […]
Maggie Cubillos Tredges Onward With ‘Slow Motion’
Recent Articles Blossoming artist Maggie Cubillos releases her second single ‘Slow Motion.’ ‘Slow Motion’ album art – Photo courtesy of Maggie Cubillos Maggie Cubillos, a senior at Berklee College of Music, is finishing up one chapter of her life. For many people, early adulthood brings so many growing pains. A lot of people experience their […]
Tessa Elaina Celebrates New EP Both of Us — August 5th Show
Following the release of her debut EP, The Both of Us, Tessa Elaina gets ready to perform at Arts Herndon on August 5th. Tessa Elaina – Aug 5 EP Release Show Poster On July 26th, Tessa Elaina released her debut EP The Both of Us for the public to hear. However, the tracks themselves were […]
Now After Nothing Takes on The Cure with “All I Want”
Recent Articles Now After Nothing, composed of vocalist Matt Spatial and drummer Michael Allen, release their take on the iconic track by The Cure. Now After Nothing “All I Want” album art The cover is a refreshing take on the song, layering the heavy guitar and dreamy vocals with a modern dose of synth. This […]
ION Empowers Himself with ‘Xeno’
Recent Articles Jon Sadiku, who performs under the name ION, released “Xeno” on July 14th. The title of the track invokes the image of everything different. Jon Sadiku, aka ION. Photography by Akeel Karim “I use the word ‘Xeno’ in this song as a metaphorical expression for our individual quirks. We each have our own […]
Catch a Case of Disco Fever at Signature Theatre
Signature Theatre is bringing back the 70s with this disco-inspired cabaret. Disco Fever at Signature Theatre! Art provided by Signature Theatre Put on your bell bottoms and adjust those tube tops, it’s time to head over to Signature Theatre for their newest cabaret. Disco Fever is a celebration of, well, the music of disco. Under […]
Dance Along at ZAPATEO
The ZAPATEO festival brings music back to Earth with a camping extravaganza. ZAPATEO festival performer lineup – Image from zapatateo.ooo When you look up the word zapateo, the first few results are videos of people dancing. They dance in a way that uses their body, their feet, as percussion. It loudly claims the dancer’s control […]
