On the first warm night in months, Philadelphia showed up loud for a lineup that proved the local scene is thriving. Article Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt & Devin McDevitt Moonroof performing at Underground Arts in Philadelphia, PA. Photo by Rebecca McDevitt. IG: @ rebeccajeanlimitedphotography There is something about the first warm night in Philadelphia that feels like permission to breathe again. The snow was melting into the sidewalks. People lingered outside instead of

Photo by Sasha Camacho Article Contributed by Fernando Flores Lexa Gates’s “I Am” unfolds like a conversation you don’t rush through. It’s an album that takes its time not because it’s unsure of itself but because it understands that self-definition isn’t something you arrive at all at once. This project moves with patience and purpose; tracing the quiet evolution of someone learning how to live inside their own truth. It doesn’t posture or over-explain. It simply exists con

Article Contributed by Fernando Flores Photo: Spotify Charlie’s Natural Gift Charlie Puth has a way of drawing listeners in without relying on big moments and “Beat Yourself Up” is an example of that confidence. As the second single from his upcoming album Whatever’s Clever, the track doesn’t rush to make an impression. Instead, it eases in self-assured allowing the mood to settle before the message fully lands. The song rides a smooth, steady groove that feels almost convers

Article & Photos by Rachel Catherine SZN4 performing at El Club in Detroit. Photos by Rachel Catherine (@ rachsgalleryy on IG) A Valentine’s Day Evening to Remember February 14th, I spent my Valentine’s Day evening on a Saturday night with SZN4 and it was quite the spirit lifter. On a “holiday” that’s particularly not my favorite, you could feel the love emulating off of the group from the love they have for each other as well as the people supporting them in the crowd. A Ho

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

Article Contributed by Monica Soriano The Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer recently released their album ‘EVERYONE’S A STAR’ which is filled with expressive commentary, reflective tracks and an almost theatrical-esque feel for a few songs. Album Artwork by Brian Ziff If you’ve ever needed a recommendation for an album to play while you’re out on a late night drive - this is it. ‘EVERYONE’S A STAR’ by 5 Seconds of Summer is the perfect mix of melancholy, vibey tunes and lyr

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.

Article Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt Franklin Jonas and the Byzantines' newest single “Break The Levee” feels like gratitude in motion. In announcing the track he shared that it is a song about loving no matter what the outcome, and that intention pours through every second of it. There is warmth in the message and light in the delivery. It feels like someone finally letting the sun hit their skin after years spent in the shade. The song opens with gentle country leaning g

“i don’t like being left behind” opens in swirls and spirals, an ambient wash of synths that feel almost video game–esque. It is dreamy and atmospheric, yet it carries a pulse that instantly catches your attention. Leyla Ebrahimi’s voice enters with a softness that glows against the production. Even in these early moments, the track makes its intentions clear. This is indie alternative at its core, but it welcomes pop influences with open arms.

f you have not listened to Milahroy yet, we suggest adding him to your playlist right now.  His new album, Give In To Let Go (The Falling), is the perfect introduction to an artist who’s stepping into his most honest, intentional, and emotionally charged era yet. What began as a tight and intimate EP has now evolved into a complete story with three new tracks that deepen the world he built back in June when we first featured him.

Sienna Spiro’s “Die on This Hill” begins with a quiet magnetism that feels instantly inviting. A single piano line opens the door and her voice steps in with striking richness. It is warm, resonant, and full of a clarity that draws you in immediately.

Kelly Reynolds, the rising New Jersey artist signed to Moto Records, opens 2025 with a single that feels like a deep breath and a gut punch all at once. “Ready Now” is her first release of the year, and if you love indie storytellers like Leith Ross or Madison Cunningham, she needs to be on your radar immediately. She has only been releasing music for a little over a year, but “Ready Now” shows an artist who already knows exactly what she wants to say. The track pulls you in

Article Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt Pop punk is alive, loud, and definitely moving back into the neighborhood. girlfriends’ new album THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD is the perfect mix of early 2000s nostalgia and modern-day edge. Think Yellowcard and Blink-182 colliding with MGK’s pop-punk revival. It’s fun, chaotic, and full of emotion in all the right ways. The record kicks off with pure energy. The singles “Landslide,” “Garbage,” and “West Coast” already hinted at what wa

Photo provided by @levenkali  on IG Contributed by Fernando Flores Photos provided by @levenkali on IG Born into a musically inclined...

Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt Franklin Jonas returns with Road Soda, a track that instantly cements his growing signature sound —...

Photo credit: Jack Morgan (IG: @jackmorgan07 ) Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt Photos by Jack Morgan Independent pop singer-songwriter...

Midnight Til Morning might’ve started on Netflix’s Building the Band, but they’ve quickly outgrown the “reality show project” label. The...

The Long Island alt-rock siren celebrates with a ritual-themed release show at Amityville Music Hall. Press materials courtesy of Jocelyn...

SoundCheck recently caught up with Grammy-nominated artist, BJRNCK to discuss her highly-anticipated new album, due later this year. After stepping away for a much-needed creative reset, she’s returning with a project that’s both deeply personal and universal, infused with honesty and soul.  

Louis Knight is a singer/songwriter that leaves you with something to carry. British-born and Philly-raised, he first caught attention on American Idol, but it’s the music that came after that’s carved out his place. His songs feel like late-night conversations, the ones you remember long after the lights go out.