Artist Sitdowns

The Legacy of East Coast Pop-Punk and Emo Lives On Turn Two band photographed | Photography by Steph Cincinnatti (IG: @ohiosteph3) Article Contributed by Konstantina Buhalis Turn Two, one of New Jersey’s latest bands, has been taking the Pop-Punk world by storm with their sound, melding the classic 2000s sound with modern touches. SoundCheck sat down with Shane Maziekien to talk about the formation of Turn Two, Third-Wave Emo, and how they developed their sound. Turn Two’s En

Cowboy Neal’s refreshing take on art rock hits the Chicago scene. Article contributed by Konstantina Buhalis Photo: Edenfm Chicago art-rock juggernauts Cowboy Neal have released their latest single, “Tighten Up,” a funky, prog-rock-inspired track about growth, gaining confidence, and pride in your work. The six-piece group has been a highlight of the Chicago scene, gaining traction while playing throughout the city, reigniting the power of the groove. SoundCheck Mag sat down

HAYLA played a sun-drenched main stage at one of the country’s loudest EDM festivals, Breakaway Music Festival, in Columbus, OH.

The soulful songstress Bailey Hyneman shared with us the songwriting process for “Better Days”, musical collaborations she would love and more. Article Contributed by Monica Soriano Bailey Hyneman photographed by Lulu Shing It is not often that one can stumble across a song that states “not all bad days have silver linings” but feel a sense of joy while listening to it. “Better Days” by Bailey Hyneman portrays life perfectly, allowing a bad day to be a bad day but knowing tha

There's something refreshingly unguarded about Anthony Winters. He doesn't perform with confidence he doesn't have, doesn't hedge his answers, and isn't afraid to tell you that Justin Bieber is one of his biggest inspirations. He means it, and he'll say it twice if he has to.

Jai’Len gives us a glimpse into her musical influences, her growth and details about how ‘Serial Romantic’ came to be. Article Contributed by Monica Soriano Since the release of her last project ‘Southern Delicacy’ in 2023, many fans were anticipating Jai’Len’s return. Now, years later, she is back with a fully conceptualized debut album. Recently, Jai’Len Josey shared some of her thoughts and experiences with us in regards to ‘Serial Romantic’ and her musical growth. Photo C

You think you know an artist. Then they hand you something like this. "Heal" isn't the HAYLA you've been dancing to — it's the one she's been keeping to herself. And we're so glad she's finally letting us in.

In an era of genre blending and algorithm driven listening, a new artist is stepping confidently into the glow of Tumblr era pop and its cultural revival. Sdoku creates music for the whimsical moments in this chaotic life. Through shimmering synth lines, jangle guitars, and punchy drum machines, he builds soundscapes that reflect both the accessibility and emotional immediacy of music in the digital age.

Article Contributed by Konstantina Buhalis Houston rap star, Lebra Jolie, prepares for a new album, Better Than Yesterday, through Interscope Records. In the meantime, Jolie released “Whole Thang” with an accompanying music video featuring iconic visuals, and a “Better Than Yesterday” docuseries, in which she digs into the creation of the album's inspiration and her history as an artist. Lebra Jolie portrait by Interscope Records Lebra Jolie Let’s Us In In 2022, Jolie release

The producer blends cinematic ambition with trance energy on his most intentional project yet. Article Contributed by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff Photos contributed by UMG 1824 For Aaron Hibell, releasing Synchronicity isn’t simply about putting out another album. It’s about revealing a body of work that has been quietly forming for years — one shaped by patience, instinct, and a creative philosophy rooted in timing and trust. Across its 11 tracks, Synchronicity blends orchestra

Article Contributed By Monica Soriano Photos Provided by UMG / Nick Walker Recently, SoundCheck had the opportunity to attend Iris Copperman’s showcase in which sang a few of her songs live. We were pleasantly surprised by her ability to convey strong emotion while telling a story. With the release of “Struggle Bus” earlier this year and at just 14 years old, Iris became one of our artists to watch. Today, we are so happy to follow her as she embarks on this journey. We had t

Article Contributed by Monica Soriano Photos Provided by Perk Agency The world of music is ever changing, no one would imagine 30 years ago that artists would become easily accessible through a hand held device. That is where we are today, we live in a time where artists can open doors for themselves and engage with potential fans on social media. The internet is powerful, we have seen labels and performers shift their marketing to become more appealing to their target audien

The trio discuss friendship, folk influences, and the collaboration behind their new album. Article contributed by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff Photos contributed by UMG 1824 Nathan Evans and the Glasgow brother duo SAINT PHNX — Stevie and Alan Jukes — have joined forces for Angels’ Share, a collaborative album that blends Scottish folk tradition with modern, hook-driven energy. When we spoke with the trio, their chemistry was unmistakable — the kind that comes from deep friendsh

Article Contributed by Fernando Flores Photo Contributed by 1824 / UMG During a press conference with Em Beihold, she opens up about her upcoming debut album, Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter, set for release on February 27, 2026. Throughout the conversation, Beihold offered an honest look into her creative process, the themes behind the album, and the personal growth that shaped the project. Who is Em Beihold? Em Beihold is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter who has built h

On asking the hard questions, embracing chaos, and writing in real time. Article Contributed by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff Asha Banks shot by Louise Browne For Asha Banks, reflection isn’t something that happens neatly after the fact — it’s an active, ongoing state. That instinct sits at the heart of How Real Was It?, her debut EP released last November via Island Records, shaping both the emotional arc of the project and the way she speaks about her creative life overall. Rath

Some photographers fall into the pit and never climb out. Nikki Cardiello is one of them. She started as an artist in the classic sense, drawing and illustrating, always orbiting creativity. But the real spark hit the first time music and a camera collided. At 14, she brought a $20 HP digital camera to see the Jonas Brothers from the nosebleeds at Nassau Coliseum, snapped a bunch of blurry little ghost-figures, and still walked away thinking, No, this feels extremely right.

A reflection on impermanence, cinematic pop, and the new chapter ahead. Article Contributed by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff Sarah Kinsley shot by Florence Sullivan Sarah Kinsley has built a career around capturing fleeting moments — and with nearly one million monthly Spotify listeners, she’s clearly not the only one listening closely. During our recent chat, she spoke about time the way some people speak about weather: ever-present, uncontrollable, and quietly shaping everything

Recently, we had the opportunity to hear Meels talk about her upbringing, inspirations and new sound. She spoke with such genuine care for her craft that it became clear why she’s continuously growing as an artist. She has built this wonderful folk-country world, as she invites us into it, we can see just how much meaning there is behind her music.

Alex Ray has the kind of origin story that sounds like a dare. Manchester, Kentucky. A home shaped by faith and learning. A path that led her to law school, graduating valedictorian, and into commercial litigation. On paper, it looked like an arrival. In reality, it felt like an erasure. “I was losing my hair,” she told us, remembering her first year practicing law. “I was working constantly. I just remember thinking, something’s gotta give.”

Article Contributed by Fernando Flores Photos contributed by UMG 1824 SoundCheck was lucky enough to catch up with the artist known as no other than Diana Silvers. With grace like Anne Hathaway, she clearly shows her excitement to detour away from her filmography and deep dive into her first full-length musical project, “From Another Room.” Known for her work in Booksmart, Ma, and Space Force, Silvers has built a reputation and has shown her strengths in conveying emotions.