Search Results
5430 results found with an empty search
- Review: "Frankenstein" - Livy B
"Frankenstein" is the latest release by artist Livy B and it's a fun and thrill-seeking anthem about finding the perfect person with all the right traits. "Frankenstein" creates a ghostly ambiance that has fun with its lyrical content. Making references to other creatures of the night, Livy B knows how to balance the theme to create a fun and energetic space. Using this concept to express what it's like to be with someone who finally reaches your expectations is such a fun idea and the execution works so well. "Frankenstein" is the perfect track for the Halloween season, it almost feels as if listeners are placed in a slasher film as soon as you press play, but in a fun way. From the beginning of the song, "Frankenstein" makes sure to maintain the eeriness alive. While the story is primarily focusing on the perfect love interest, it is slightly spiteful in some ways, referencing how previous lovers have been incredibly disappointing. The song does so by using famous horror legends to represent past failed relationships. It's a unique way to make a mockery of these past relationships while staying on theme. The musical arrangement of "Frankenstein" is also very well made, and Livy B's voice works so well with this musical style. Livy B's voice is strong and smooth but it has a darkness to it that would fit in well in both pop and rock spaces. There's also moments in the song where it explodes where you can imagine Livy B leaning more into a theatrical style of singing. What Livy B has done with "Frankenstein" is she has taken a typical love song idea and turned into an eccentric anthem that fills audiences minds with vivid imagery that leaves you itching to jump into action and play a role in any horror film. Livy B is an Australian artist who has been musically involved for some time now, but her name ignited when she participated in Australian Idol in 2024. Growing up she was inspired by artists like Stevie Nicks, Cher, AC/DC, and more. She was named "Best New Music" by Triple J, a popular Australian Radio Station, and has been associated with other popular alternative artists like Halsey and Julia Wolf. Her musical style combines elements of pop, punk and rock, creating high energy and an individualist rush when you tune in. Livy B has a clear style that is so obviously true to her nature. It's chaotic but chic, and it's exciting to live in her mind when you listen to her music. With "Frankenstein" creating such a deep impression onto listeners, it's exciting to see what will come next from Livy B. Written By Chantal Charles FOLLOW LIVY B: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Review: "My Girl" - The Getaway
The Getaway has released their debut single, “My Girl.” With Celtic-inspired folk sounds woven into the instrumentation, The Getaway pays homage to their heritages of Scottish traditions. An indie-pop banger talking about a partner in which the songwriter has become infatuated with throughout time. Going through the song, The Getaway sings about the romantic interest in which they share experiences of finding her “dancing by the water” and finding home in her eyes. Making promises to remember, The Getaway dedicates this song to those who go through the process of falling in love with a person, from seeing them for the first time to being able to find home within a person, finding the girl in which they will spend the rest of their lives with. “My Girl” follows the process of finding the love of our lives throughout the song, best suited for those romantic moments straight out of the movie tropes. Whether it’d be a montage of a couple spending time together or the celebration of a couple finally getting together, The Getaway has penned a song fit for joyous occasions that take shape throughout a relationship. Capturing the feeling of love and the giddiness that comes with the feeling of finally feeling like a listener has found “the one,” “My Girl” lets listeners feel what it may be like to feel that process. Also highlighting the duo’s heritage of Scotland, the Celtic-inspired instrumentation makes the song have more character and differentiates it from songs that have come before. The Getaway is a duo created by Ryan Lawrie and Jamie Adamson, hailing from Glasgow and Fife. While the duo may have just released their first single, that doesn’t mean Lawrie and Adamson are brand new to the industry. Lawrie has several years of songwriting experience for artists around the world, including the boy-band sensation BTS. Meanwhile, Adamson has performed at many festivals and has fronted the band Moonlight Zoo. In this new venture, Lawrie and Adamson both aim to bring indie-pop singles while paying homage to their Scottish roots, creating songs that are both intimate and expansive. If you’d like to keep up with The Getaway’s new releases and concert announcements, you can keep up with them on their social media, linked down below. Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW THE GETAWAY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Slip" - Lucie Glang x Mikas
Losing the one you love is hard, but watching them slip away right before your very eyes could quite possibly be the worst part. Knowing that the relationship wasn’t always like this, that you have gone from completely in love to complete strangers, and seeing it all happen right in front of your face is draining and depressing. Lucie Glang’s latest song with drummer Mikas details this defeat; “Slip” tells the story of slipping away from your lover's grasp, “nothing left of what was”. Her EP Blue, released at the begining of November, includes "Slip" and four other tracks. Glang’s voice is soft and her lyrics are extremely descriptive and from a first hand perspective, a deadly combination that makes listeners feel the hurt she is conveying as if it was in their own hearts. The soundscape of this track is slow and calming, highlighting Glang's indie side. It opens with a repeated guitar chord and light piano keys, before her meloncholic voices sings the opening line of, "I feel you slip away and it breaks my heart". Even when she reaches the chorus and grows in intentisty, her vocals are velvetly smooth and feminine. She grows in the most volume when she sings the second part of the chorus: "Move on and on / Through the sand and / Through the snow /And on and on / Further away". Throughout this track, she is mourning the loss of the relationship and watching her past lover move even further away from her, questioning how they could have so easily slipped out of her grasp. Lucie Glang is a singer songwriter, hailing from a small town in West Germany. Moving around a lot as a child allowed her to experience different cultural influences, like Nordic and Celtic, and gave her the opportunity to anchor herself and feelings in songwriting, despite a changing environment. She began recording music on her own during the pandemic, and has now grown globally to work with songwriters and producers across continents. Mikas is a Danish drummer, composer, and producer that helped work on this single. He blends genres like indie, pop, and electronic, “known for its texture and cinematic pulse”. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Lucie Glang and Mikas. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW LUCIE GLANG: Instagram | Spotify FOLLOW MIKAS: Instagram | Spotify
- Review: "Mirror" - Sally F
Sally F’s new song, Mirror, is a dance pop song about wanting to be different than who you actually are. Have any of you looked into the mirror and not liked what you saw? Not necessarily your face shape or size of your nose, but moreso your level of worth and purpose. Self-hatred. Depression. You think less of yourself whereas everyone around you can see the real you. You really try to believe it, but your brain blocks any sort of positive or reassuring thoughts. Now, you’re stuck in a perpetual cycle of self-loathing that you can’t seem to shake. (I'm beginning to think I missed my calling) Mirror has hard-hitting reflective lyrics such as “Look into the mirror, but I barely see half of me”, “I wanna see anything else but me”, and “Wanna be what people say like they believe it, I don’t” capture the feeling I discussed earlier. I commend her for being so vulnerable in her music. It speaks to my personal experience and many others who have suffered from mental health issues. Despite the depressing lyrics, it gives song of the summer vibes with the upbeat nature and backing drums. In a weird way, it makes me feel better about myself (probably due to self-reflection while listening and writing this article). Sally F, whose full name is Sally Lykke Fabricius, is a tattoo artist turned musician. She debuted last year with “ Room 743 ” which was featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist and DR P4. She already has a slew of songs under her belt including “ Escape ”, “ Control ”, “ Jesus Fucking Christ ”, and “ Alarmed ”. Her rock, R&B, and alternative pop influences reflect her unique blend of electronic beats, gritty synths, and dynamic vocals. Her music is beautiful, her lyrics are raw, and you won’t be disappointed in what she brings to the table. Written By Jazz FOLLOW SALLY F: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "halloween" - youcallmecarla
If you’ve ever been young and hopelessly in love– yet so blind to all the red flags– then youcallmecarla’s latest single is going to speak right to your heart. “halloween” is replete with intense emotions and a passionate guitar and percussion, all about falling too fast and holding onto the illusions that obscure the truth of a relationship. You’ll realize your mistakes when the dust settles, but that bittersweet taste won’t ever leave when you look back on that whirlwind love story of yours. For anyone who has ever been through a heartbreak and found hindsight afterward, “halloween” is definitely going to be relatable for you. If you’re like me and love a super packed soundscape, then “halloween” will be a treat for you to listen to. I love how the chorus and each verse is filled with passion, an amazing guitar threaded throughout the entire track with a bold percussion forming the song’s spine in the louder, more intense parts of the soundscape. The best part about songs like “halloween” are how the hot-blooded and heated verses are juxtaposed against the calmer moments, making everything seem that more pronounced. It’s especially prominent at the song’s end as the soundscape quiets, giving way to introspection as opposed to burning emotion. And, of course, this all plays to the track’s story. It details the classic tale of falling in love too fast and being blind to the red flags of your partner– the love in your heart, the obsession, it’s just too obscuring. It hides what’s actually happening in the relationship. I always love a song with a soundscape that reflects its story, and “halloween” has all of that and then some. You’ll absolutely love “halloween” if you’re a fan of dynamic indie-pop or can relate to the track’s message! youcallmecarla– AKA Carla Freude– is a singer-songwriter from the south of Germany. Her music journey began at the age of fifteen when she started writing songs, and she hasn’t stopped since. With a melodic voice and precise writing, youcallmecarla’s style is a beautiful blend of emotion and truth. Her music is especially great for those who love romanticizing the worst in others, getting their heart broken, and dating people who don’t realize how amazing they are. Her debut single “House in the Suburbs” dropped in 2022, and she’s since followed that success with many other tracks. “halloween” is her latest single. If you loved “halloween”, then you should definitely drop youcallmecarla a follow on her socials to keep track of her upcoming projects! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW YOUCALLMECARLA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok
- Concert Review: Megan Thee Stallion's Hottieween Party In Houston, Texas
Photo From Megan's Instagram Hottiween is an annual Halloween Party hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, famous rapper, on October 31st with the first event taking place in 2019. Each year, she has chosen a different city and iconic theme. 2025 was Houston’s year and the theme was Texas Chainsaw Massacre (theme was on point, but the movie franchise itself is average). It took place at the 3000+ capacity Bayou Music Center in Downtown Houston. One ticket includes entry to the venue, 1 complimentary food, 2 complimentary cocktails, cash bar, and food vendors. Partner activations for food and drink were Maruchan, Chicas Divertidas, D’USSE, and ACE of Spades. A portion of the proceeds goes to Pete & Thomas Foundation (created in honor of her parents) which provides resources for children, single mothers, senior citizens, and other vulnerable communities. It is a 21+ event and you must show your ID. Costumes are also mandatory. I dressed as Beyonce, but I was missing the blonde wig and cowboy hat so I doubt anybody knew who I was supposed to be. After giving you all the details of the event, you all want to know: did I enjoy myself and would I do it again? Well… For starters, the ticket said 9 pm to 2 am so I arrived at 8:30 pm, but the doors didn’t actually open until 9:30 pm. Fast forward to midnight, I waited an hour in the line for the maze, but it barely moved so I just gave up. Forget about my feet hurting, I could've gotten another drink and pizza in that time frame. An elephant never forgets! Regardless, this elephant had the time of her life. For the night, I had 3 cocktails and food from Nando’s food truck. Quick review... I got the extra hot chicken skewers and fries. The chicken was slightly spicy and I got a lot of charred, fatty pieces. The bell peppers and onions added a lot of flavor. The fries were salted to perfection and the texture was perfect. 10 out of 10! When I ordered my food, they gave me a coupon to use at one of their restaurants. They also had set up a station where you could spin the wheel and win a prize. I won their hand sanitizer and a bottle of their hot sauce. The DJ was blasting hits all night from various artists including Cardi B, Ludacris, and Beyonce. There were strippers working the poles all night! Megan came on stage at 1 a.m. She talked to the crowd a bit, performed a couple of songs, danced to her music, and brought a few people on stage. She said she was going into the crowd, but I couldn’t see anything. The DJ did have to tell people to back up several times. I was just vibing for the next hour and a half. Singing her songs, losing my voice in the process. I left after 2:30 so I’m unsure when it actually ended, but I had an amazing time. I’m so happy she came to Houston and I was able to get tickets. They sold out in minutes because of how exclusive it was. From now on, I’ll be looking for Halloween events to match or exceed this night. Thanks Hot Girl Meg! Written By Jazz Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Album Review: "Everybody Scream" - Florence + The Machine
A long-awaited project, Florence + The Machine are back with their sixth studio album, Everybody Scream . The album was announced on August 19th alongside the lead single and titular track, building much-deserved hype around another mystical and enjoyable entry to the UK group's impressive catalog. Coming three years after their last album, Dance Fever , Everybody Scream came just in time for Halloween this year with Florence + The Machine leaning into themes of witchcraft, mysticism, folk horror, and insanity. TRACK LIST: 1. Everybody Scream 2. One of the Greats 3. Witch Dance 4. Sympathy Magic 5. Perfume and Milk 6. Buckle 7. Kraken 8. The Old Religion 9. Drink Deep 10. Music by Men 11. You Can Have It All 12. And Love Known across the world for explosive live shows, their iconic baroque-pop sound, and Florence Welch's instantly recognizable powerhouse vocals, Florence + The Machine have rightly become a monumental artist since their 2007 formation. The indie group prides themselves on their dramatic, eccentric productions, combining a plethora of genres ranging from indie rock to chamber pop to neo soul. Florence + The Machine have won countless awards and achieved several number one albums with Everybody Scream joining that list as it debuted at no. 1 on the UK charts. Lyrically and sonically, Florence Welch shows us what it's like to crawl through Hell and come out broken and bruised on the other side. Many of the tracks on Everybody Scream are pain and suffering incarnate, exploring some of the darkest experiences the artist has been through. The album came to be after Welch experienced an ectopic pregnancy, leading the powerful vocalist to channel the agony of that experience into song. Songs like "Everybody Scream," "Witch Dance," "Perfume and Milk," and "Drink Deep" embrace haunting and gothic soundscapes that show Florence + The Machine's flair for the dramatic while painting a picture of catharsis. The album's titular track reflects this the best, giving fans a fiery, aggressive anthem to exorcise and purge all negative emotions through getting loud and fighting back at the universe. Expanding on the sonic and lyrical ideas presented in the band's most recent works, Florence + The Machine continue to abandon the commercial pop leaning melodies of albums Lungs and Ceremonials while focusing on the poetic lyricism reminiscent of Dance Fever and High As Hope . Songs like "One of the Greats" and "Music by Men" seem to critique the male-dominated music industry, expressing the frustration of how women are held to different standards than their male counterparts when achieving commercial success. Occasionally mourning the person she was and the person she's become, Florence Welch tackles the weariness she's felt in recent years with a handful of evocative, atmospheric ballads on Everybody Scream . Songs like "Sympathy Magic," "Buckle," "Kraken," and "The Old Religion" are prime examples of this, exploring the tender side of the album through folk-driven soundscapes and raw, vulnerable lyrics. "Sympathy Magic" stands out as one of the best tracks on Everybody Scream , taking Welch's heartfelt musings of existential dread and drawing inspiration from Florence + The Machine's earlier breakthrough hit, "Dog Days Are Over" to create a boisterous power ballad that feels like pure release. Wrapping the album up, "You Can Have It All" and "And Love" reach the climax of Everybody Scream , giving one last glimpse toward grief and inner turmoil before finding acceptance. "You Can Have It All" is the gloomier of the two tracks, giving us another taste of the intense symphonic sound we have grown to know and love from Florence + The Machine. The track features large choruses and rich orchestral instrumentals to drive home the severity of the emotions Welch has been experiencing, serving as one last frustrated cry before reaching the album's final entry, "And Love." The album ends on an uncertain note but shows Welch settling into an uneasy peace as she closes this chapter of her life. An emotional and devastating journey, Florence + The Machine show us that even the saddest horrors of life can be made beautiful through music. Florence Welch transcends her previous work with the band on this project, laying her soul bare as she pours her heart out and tells her deeply personal pain and experiences. Though Everybody Scream is overwhelmingly haunting and poignant, Florence + The Machine leave us with the hope that someday all wounds will heal, even if that process takes a little longer than we'd like. Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "Hate It When I See Ya" - Sienna Melgoza
Sienna Melgoza is continuing her 2025 hot streak with her latest release, “Hate It When I See Ya.” “Hate It When I See Ya” blends the singer-songwriter's signature alt-pop style with introspective lyrics of heartbreak and wisftfulness. The track’s lyrics are a particular highlight. Sienna’s songwriting accurately captures those conflicting and contradictory feelings that come after a breakup. According to Sienna, the song is about “an emotional tug-of-war,” and frankly, there is no better way to describe it. From missing them to feeling angry to realizing it’s best to move on, “Hate It When I See Ya” exhibits every messy emotion felt after a relationship ends. For those going through heartbreak, or for those who just want to re-ignite those old feelings, Sienna Melgoza’s “Hate It When I See Ya” is a pitch-perfect catharsis. “Hate It When I See Ya” is an incredibly constructed pop song. The track is a smooth blend of pop, alternative, and R&B. “Hate It When I See Ya” is written and mixed by some of the most renowned producers currently in the music industry. Alongside herself, Sienna worked with Caleb Hulin, Aaron Brohman, Ashley Mehta, Mat Mainhard, and Dale Becker. Those named have also worked with the likes of SZA, Avril Lavigne, Demi Lovato, and Billie Eilish, to name a few. Accordingly, “Hate It When I See Ya” is an incredibly glossy track with a high production value. Sienna’s vocals are light and airy, and when she harmonizes, there is a grand ethereality. “Hate It When I See Ya” is an instant earworm, with a richness that makes you want to listen over and over again. “Hate It When I See Ya” is yet another hit from Sienna Melgoza that proves she is one to look out for. Sienna Melgoza is a singer, songwriter, and actress. She is, on all accounts, a triple threat whose work across all mediums has grabbed mass acclaim and attention. As a musician, Sienna’s goal is to create art that is heartfelt and emotionally vulnerable, so others can listen and relate. This authenticity is how Sienna has reached the level of success she has today. Songs like “stitched on my tongue” and “differently now” are just a few examples of Sienna’s focus on genuine lyricism and alt-pop aesthetics. On Spotify alone, Sienna has garnered over 28,000 monthly listeners and hundreds of thousands of streams. Sienna’s career is only growing, and you can listen to her discography, including “Hate It When I See Ya,” on all major streaming platforms now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW SIENNA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Review: "Please Don't Hate Me For This" - Jess Ball
Jess Ball wraps the tension between her flaws and loving someone with gentle guitar and soothing vocals in “Please Don’t Hate Me For This.” The tricky part of relationships is the risk of honesty, and how it can hurt the people that we love. For Ball, it’s a balance between loving herself and letting her emotions flow while protecting her partner. While candle-lit dinners, night walks on the beach, and coffee shop dates are part of relationships, the argument over movie night is just as important. The tension may be uncomfortable, but what counts is growing from it. Ball acknowledges her flaws. She sings, “Some things that I say don’t land…But you’re the best I’ve ever had/ Please don’t hate me for this.” Her humanity and vulnerability are what keep their relationship alive. And it lights up the song. “Please Don’t Hate Me For This” feels like the slow tide towards honesty, during that beach night walk. Ball’s voice is as soft as a summer evening breeze, relaxing without the bite of the winter chill. The trust in her lyrics thrives in the velvet texture of the vocals. The slight reverb on the electric guitar lends motion and fluidity to the song, much like gentle waves. It’s perfect for rolling the windows down and catching the wind or spinning to the music. Ball provides a rare type of tune, where you can sit and feel it or dance and sing along, just like the phases of a relationship. Jess Ball is a singer and songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. She found a love for music in 2009 when she was 11 years old. Since then, she has created songs with elements of pop, indie rock, and hip-hop. Her inspirations are Cigarettes After Sex, Olivia Dean, and Massive Attack. On social media, she posts her own music as well as covers of her favorite artists. In 2020, her third release, “I Found You (Neptune)” landed at Number 1 on the Future House Beatport Charts and Number 38 on SiriusXM’s Electro top songs of the year. In October, she released her single, "That Way." Stay tuned on her socials as she continues to create indie-pop music. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW JESS BALL: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "I DON'T DO DRUGS" - Ella Collier
Even when you get past all those non-healthy coping mechanisms, there will always be new vices to help cover up a breakdown. I've definitely been there, especially when losing YOUR person. The one that's been in your life for what seems to be an eternity, gone. This feeling and idea are all interwined within Ella Collier's newest album's title track, "I DON'T DO DRUGS". She talks about the pain and struggle one goes through between bad habits and numbness. Ella speaks on this, saying that the song is about "all the ways I distracted myself from this sting I felt abandoned in, and how even though I don’t do drugs anymore, I will use anything else to numb myself from this realization that he’s really gone and that no high will ever feel the same as the person this song is about." That pain of losing someone can really break you down, and listeners can feel seen with the message Ella shares. This song has so many different elements that all combine beautifully. The star of the show is her vocals, with how intense and raw they are throughout! Even the robotic background vocals add such a cool effect that aligns with the grungy vibe. The drums thump along perfectly with the electric piano layer. Once the chorus hits, it’s similar to a heavy disco with claps adding more uniqueness. The song keeps it’s pace in the second verse, with added sticks and strong ornamentation. It ends nicely, as the song starts to mellow with a low pass filter. Overall, the song had so many unique elements that all came together to form this masterpiece, and I cannot wait to hear more of Ella Collier. Ella Collier is an independent artist, songwriter, and producer based in California. As a genre-bender, she combines pop, trap, acoustic, and hyper pop to create heartbreak songs full of heat! She is no stranger, as she has had front-page coverage on Apple Music, topped playlists on Spotify, and has been in NBA2k and Love Island. She currently has 76.8 thousand listeners on Spotify, and it is on an upward trend. She is hosting Zoom calls and building fan pages as we speak. She also collaborates with top-of-the-line producers, includi ng Joe Pepe (Iann Dior, Machine Gun Kelly), Dan Richards (One Direction), and Nicole Beaubien. To stay up to date with the latest from Ella Collier, be sure to follow her using the links below! Written By Nevaeh Scott FOLLOW ELLA COLLIER: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "what if it ends?" - Sidney
For anyone who is struggling with the thought of trying to begin again, "what if it ends?" by Sidney is the song for you. This song is as thought provoking as it gets with such an emotional tug and pull from Sidney's point of view. The song brings us a story about how hard it can be to make the decision of committing to someone because what if all of this is for nothing? Especially if you're someone like Sidney who really just wants to be sure that all of this effort is for the one. This song pulls on the heart strings mixing it with pop music to make it an all around perfect, relatable and energetic song. The beginning of this song starts off incredibly gentle, honest and raw with just Sidney and an acoustic guitar. This is disrupted by the chorus, which explodes into a pop melody that feels like an itchy ear-worm with fantastic harmonies throughout. The second verse keeps the energy from the top of the song but just slightly more groovy. The lyrics are really such an important gem for this song because of how vulnerable and honest they are. They are incredibly relatable to anyone who has ever had that feeling of being unsure about wanting to commit to someone or a relationship because what if it ends? What if it all ends being for nothing? Sidney is a singer-songwriter from Melbourne who is breaking into the music industry with extreme force. Focusing a lot of the music in the indie-pop genre, Sidney brings heartfelt, thought provoking lyrics that are so unique and not really about what anyone's talking about. The newest single, "what if it ends?" stems from a place of uncertainty which I think a lot of people need to hear right now to make sure they know they're not alone. "what if it ends?" is the single off of the new EP, sharing the same title, which comes out on February 27th, 2026 which is highly anticipated to see how else Sidney will flaunt their incredible talent. Written By Breanna M. FOLLOW SIDNEY: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Concert Review: Jacoozy - Still Afloat Tour in Knoxville, TN
Jacoozy - Still Afloat Tour promotional flyer // Band members left to right: Killian Wright, Will Fentress, Isaac McMurry, Pauly Scott and Ramon Garcia The Bijou Theater in Knoxville, TN, was abuzz with the hope for a good show. It was Halloween, after all, and while most people could have been out at a costume party or hitting the bars down the street, the audience had chosen to spend their evening with bands Frute, Jacoozy and headliner Big Something. Jacoozy is a five-member jam band hailing from Boone, NC, now based in Asheville. The band consists of guitarists Killian Wright and Will Fentress, drummer Pauly Scott, keyboardist Isaac McMurry and bassist Ramon Garcia. Together, they create a tight, electrifying sonic experience that leaves listeners breathless. I specifically came to Knoxville to see Jacoozy’s show (and to hang out with my friends in my college town on my favorite holiday). Their set consisted of five tracks, including songs from their new album, Still Afloat, as well as a few older tracks for more seasoned fans. As much as I love listening to them on Spotify, Jacoozy are at their best when in front of an audience. “Don’t Leave Nothin’ Behind” was first on the setlist. As I mentioned in my review of Still Afloat, this is a perfect opening number, both for the record and their live performance. Each member of the band was given the chance to showcase their talents. From vocals to keys, bass to drums, it was easy to appreciate each sound individually and as a unit. The set then moved into “Hurry,” which was one song I was most excited to hear live. From the first note, the song takes off into an intricate guitar section that puts Wright and Fentress’s expertise at the forefront. Additionally, as someone who fully believes the drummer can make or break a band, Scott’s sound was the heart and soul of this track, and he continued to shine through the entire set. “Hurry” fully lived up to the expectations I had in my head, and the other members of the audience seemed to enjoy it just as much as I did. I looked up to the seating section above me to see a group of people on their feet, jamming so hard to this song that my friends and I were afraid they might fall from the balcony. The audience on the floor was also fully hooked by this point, dancing around in their Halloween costumes. The members of Jacoozy were dressed for the occasion as an ensemble of WWE wrestlers, and the stage was decorated with headstones and glowing candles. These details contributed to the upbeat atmosphere and the magic of the holiday. Left to right: Fentress, Scott, Wright and Garcia (McMurry was out of frame for this photo) Next up was “Cold Hearted,” a track from their self-titled 2022 EP. A song lamenting about a connection gone cold, this song is all too relatable for some of us. This was a moment for the group’s vocals to shine. With all members lending their voices throughout their discography, their harmonies were particularly polished during this number. “Spilling” was another stand-out of the night, with McMurry carrying much of the latter half of the song on his keyboard. While a typically underrated instrument, it was hard to overlook the keys with McMurry’s raw talent behind them. The final song on the setlist was “Blinds”, released as a single back in 2024. This song was another highlight for the group’s vocals and lyrical storytelling. After the first few minutes, it blended into a soothing instrumental section that quickly picked up into a funky, upbeat rhythm enhanced by Garcia’s bass. For the occasion, this portion of the song was mixed with the iconic theme song from the movie Halloween. The band was in perfect sync during the whole night, and by the end, all the audience members wanted more. The entire set was a chance to get lost in the sound and move like no one else was in the room. As a bit of a jam band virgin, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started listening to Jacoozy at a friend’s recommendation last year. However, I fell in love with their sound, and as expected, the live show more than lived up to their studio recordings. As this was my first official jam show, the only disappointment I felt afterward was that Jacoozy’s set wasn’t longer. I'm excited to see them again and expand my knowledge of this genre in the future. I was able to chat with Wright and McMurry after the show, and (after they both apologized for not playing my favorite Jacoozy track, “Early”), McMurry mentioned the potential for shows on the West Coast, including my home state of Arizona. Who knows what the future holds, but with a group as solid as this, anything is possible. Until then, Jacoozy will be playing shows throughout the greater South East to close out the end of 2025, and “Still Afloat” is available on streaming platforms now. Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.


















