SoundCheck Mag

With its airy, nostalgic instrumentation, warm vocals, and hindsight 20/20 point of view, indie-pop artist Hoppe creates a cinematic tribute to coming to terms with life’s surprises. Article Contributed by Brooke Dougherty Album Artwork for Cade's upcoming album artwork | Artwork from Spotify Listening to “Lake Michigan” feels like rolling the windows down on a summer roadtrip, chasing blue skies, and realizing that the destination was never the point. A former finance studen

With grain, wit and pastel charm, flowerovlove explores the dating stereotypes that keep us searching instead of staying. Article Contributed by Shyanne Vaden At first glance, when hearing the song “American Wedding” by flowerovlove you would think it is about the typical want for an American love story. The family, the white picket fence, the premonition of having a happy, stable foundation. But surprisingly, flowerovlove does the exact opposite but the reality of the polari

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

With smoky vocals and lyrics that ache, this track captures the realization that some relationships don't end with a bang, they unravel until there's nothing left to save. Article Contributed by Shyanne Vaden Rising artist Marilyn Hucek’s single “Self Destruct” tells a story about love and mutual destruction that we are all too familiar with, holding onto a relationship that is past the point of return and struggling to let go. Released June 12, 2026, the Chilean-American art

The Swedish doom metal trio and Portland's Mizmor transformed Substation into a space for reflection, immersion, and overwhelming sound. Article & Photos by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff Monolord performing at Substation in Seattle, WA. Photography by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff (@vanezasnaps on IG). Heavy music is often misunderstood. For those unfamiliar with doom metal and its many neighboring subgenres, the expectation might be one of chaos: constant movement, shouted lyrics, and

Article and Photos Contributed by Ernesto Raul Aguilar Lords of Acid performing at 191 Toole in Tucson, AZ on the Cheeky Freaky Tour. Photo by Ernesto Raul Aguilar (IG: @blacksheepimagery) The walls of 191 Toole pulsed with industrial beats, electro chaos, and unapologetic theatrics as The Cheeky Freaky Tour stormed through Tucson. Headlined by legendary provocateurs Lords of Acid and backed by an eclectic lineup that ranged from glam-pop spectacle to dark wave intensity, the

Photography by Ivan S. Why artists are being asked to be everything, everywhere, all at once — and why smaller artists need us now more than ever. Article Contributed by LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief Visibility Has Become Survival Somewhere between soundcheck and stage time, musicians became full-time content creators. Before the show even starts, the work has already begun. Artists are filming TikToks backstage, posting setlist teasers, editing recap videos in the green room,

She’s the songwriter behind Grammy Award winning songs and a voice within this industry striving for real change. Autumn Rowe posing in press photo via Spirit Music Group Article Contributed by Monica Soriano It is always admirable to see artists, songwriters or producers spread their knowledge and guide the new generation. Autumn Rowe is a bright example of not only expanding one’s skills but using every bit of knowledge to move everyone forward and advocate for a better tom

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

When Atlantis crossed a billion streams on TikTok, Seafret didn't rush. Fear of Emotion is what happens when a band finally gets to make a record on their own terms.

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

Article Contributed by Monica Soriano After almost 3 years since they released an album, Seafret has returned. Their latest album, Fear of Emotion projects their growth, feelings and their continuous love for their craft. Jack Sedman and Harry Draper have crafted a true listening experience from beginning to end. It Grabs You From The Very First Track Upon hitting the play button it was clear this project was put together with immense care. With a catchy chorus and lyrics t

Review & Photos contributed by Madison Cozzens Moonchild performing at The House of Blues in Cleveland. Photography by Madison Cozzens (@ coz_artphoto on IG.) Moonchild took The Agora stage in Cleveland on March 19th. The neo-soul band is taking their newest album, Waves, across North America showcasing their musical talents and local action groups. From Chicago to Cleveland Brittney Carter performing at The House of Blues in Cleveland. Photography by Madison Cozzens (@ coz_

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.

There used to be a time when buying merch felt simple. You grabbed a tour tee, wore it like a badge of honor, and let it mean exactly what it was supposed to mean: I was there. It was about fandom and a souvenir rolled into one, no second thoughts required. Now, merch comes with baggage. Hot Take: Merch has become the backbone of an artist’s paycheck, and as that pressure has grown, so have the prices. Artists make slivers of what they once did through streaming platfor

Loving something for twenty years gives you perspective you can’t rush. When fandom spans decades, it stops being about moments and becomes about seasons. There are years when music is everything. Years where it’s background noise. Years where it disappears entirely, only to return when you least expect it. That kind of longevity teaches you something important early on: intensity and depth are not the same thing. That distinction is the hot take.

If you’ve ever been a fangirl or fanboy, you know this feeling all too well. Somehow, seeing your favorite band or musician has become a competition. People are fighting at the barricade, on the internet, and what was once an uplifting community and a safe space has turned into a place where adults in their 30s and 40s bully each other until someone is crying to the algorithm for help. And alas, the cycle continues. But when does it end?

Here’s a secret. The songs you fall in love with, lyrically, emotionally, physically, are not always written by your favorite singers. More often than not, they are written by a songwriter or lyricist. Someone who specializes in writing. They may also be a singer, performer, or artist. Sometimes they are not. Sometimes they work behind the scenes. Sometimes they choose to stay private, preferring for the world to hear their words, but not their voice.

Nick Jonas did not ease us into 2026. He went straight for the feelings. “Gut Punch”, released January 1, 2026, is the first single off his upcoming album Sunday Best, out February 6, 2026, and it feels like a song you accidentally put on and then suddenly you’re staring at the wall thinking about your entire inner dialogue. Artwork by Steven R. Gilmore The song starts immediately with a soft piano and Nick’s voice sounding almost fragile. Like he’s letting a thought slip bef