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There’s a different kind of energy when a band is playing their last run of shows. It’s louder. Softer. Heavier. Lighter. Everything all at once. And Young Culture’s stop in Philly carried that exact emotional whiplash in the most beautiful way. Young Culture performing at Ukie Club in Philadelphia, PA on their farewell tour. Photo by Kayleena Ayusa (IG: @ayusa_media ) Ukie Club was already hyped before the first note of the first band. The openers Bike Routes & Wakelee had the crowd ready and prepped for the night. You could just feel the energy in the room; fans pressed close, arms wrapped around each other, eyes shining like they knew this wasn’t just another show. This was goodbye. Or at least, the kind of goodbye that leaves a permanent mark. Bike Routes and Wakelee opening for Young Culture at Ukie Club in Philadelphia, PA on their farewell tour. Photo by Kayleena Ayusa (IG: @ayusa_media ) The minute Young Culture stepped onstage, the room just… let go. Crowd surfers immediately took flight. Friends lifted friends. Strangers caught strangers. The kind of trust only Philly shows could create. Fan on stage with Young Culture performing at Ukie Club in Philadelphia, PA on their farewell tour. Photo by Kayleena Ayusa (IG: @ayusa_media ) And the band gave it right back. Every frame catches sweat, movement and those raw little moments where the guys looked out at the crowd like they were trying to memorize every face for the last time. At one point, the lead singer, Alex Magnan, crowd surfed, and the crowd held him like it was an honor — and honestly, in that moment, it was. It felt like a celebration and a sendoff wrapped into one. Lead singer Alex Magnan of Young Culture crowd surfing at Ukie Club in Philadelphia, PA on their farewell tour . Photo by Kayleena Ayusa(IG: @ayusa_media ) The energy was the kind that only happens when everyone knows they’re part of something that won’t exist in the same way again. Fans were chanting. Screaming. Crying a little. Laughing a lot. Dancing like their hearts needed it. By the end of the night, the room looked like an emotional afterglow — sweaty, messy, and overflowing with love. The kind of final show memory people will talk about for years. Fans at Young Culture's show at Ukie Club in Philadelphia, PA on their farewell tour. Photo by Kayleena Ayusa (IG: @ayusa_media ) Philly was so lucky that Young Culture chose this city to help them close a chapter with them on their farewell tour. And the fans showed up with everything they had. Stream Young Culture’s latest EP “All Weapons Formed Against Me Have Prospered” and catch them on their final farewell tour before its too late!

Contributed by LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief Photo of Lila Holler, Photographed by Tashi Dema Lila Holler writes like she’s slowly unfastening something fragile inside herself. Her sound shifts between indie pop glow and alt-folk vulnerability, shaped by a life spanning coasts, climates, and now continents. That constant motion shows up in her music as shifting light and quiet self-redefinition, the kind that comes from picking yourself up and starting again in new places until you learn what feels like home. A core part of her artistic framework formed at Interlochen, where she studied songwriting among filmmakers, dancers, visual artists, and musicians of every style. “Being surrounded by so many creatives changed everything,” she says. “I played glockenspiel on stage once. I wrote for other people. I collaborated with film students. It showed me what art can be.” Interlochen also gave her a grounding philosophy. “It’s not a competition. Uplifting each other makes everything better. There’s space for everyone.” A Writing Style Fueled by Instinct: This is Lila Holler Most of Lila’s songs arrive fast and fully emotional. The Way I Am Now,  her upcoming single, appeared in about thirty minutes on her bed with a guitar in a strange tuning. “That’s when I know it’s going to be a good one,” she says. “When the whole thing spills out at once.” She writes alone first, when she can “unzip her skin,” as she describes it, and let the emotion take shape before overthinking it. Then she sends a demo to her collaborator Jessica Taylor in North Carolina. Virtual collaboration brings unexpected ideas she might have rejected too early in person. Studio sessions bring control and clarity. She thrives on both. “I’m still experimenting. I want to be hands-on, but I also love being surprised.” Her writing is evolving as her life stabilizes. “I’ve been in a long-term relationship, and everything feels secure. There isn’t chaos to write about, which is great for life but not always great for material.” So she is stretching outward, drawing from friends’ experiences, films, overheard moments, and imagined scenarios. Her songs now feel wider and more cinematic, with a narrative scope that goes beyond her own heartache. Letting go of pressure is part of the growth too. When her first EP gained traction, she tried to keep fueling the momentum. “I wasn’t creating for myself anymore. I was scrapping ideas immediately because I thought, ‘I wouldn’t put this on Spotify, so why finish it?’” She took a step back. She let herself breathe. And in that space, she wrote not just a new single but an entire new project. “My artistry means more than momentum,” she says. “Taking time helped me catch up to myself.” Finding Her Voice in a Changing Industry Being young and ambitious, especially as a woman in pop, comes with its own kind of turbulence. “I get underestimated a lot,” she says. “People don’t take you seriously when you’re a young woman making pop music. But I take it seriously. This matters to me.” She has learned to protect her space, trust carefully, and call things out when she can. “Cautious discretion is rule number one. You can be kind and also selective.” Collaborating with women has become a safe creative ecosystem for her, one that offers understanding, support, and a shared awareness of the dynamics she faces. “There’s a comfort in knowing you’re not the only one who feels it.” Photo of Lila Holler, Photographed by Tashi Dema Her vision extends far beyond music itself. Activism is woven directly into her identity as an artist. “I want to speak out consistently and fundraise for causes I believe in. I’d feel selfish being in a position of power and not doing something with it.” Her first show will support a trans rights organization, and she intends to keep that kind of advocacy embedded in her career from the beginning. At the center of this growth is The Way I Am Now,  a song about self-acceptance, mental health, and the emotional vulnerability of asking someone to love you through every version of yourself. “Be kind to yourself,” she says. “Your self-talk changes your life.” What Comes Next A full visual project is planned for March 2026, complete with a mapped-out rollout that marks her most intentional era yet. “I have an Excel sheet for the first time,” she laughs. “We have a whole plan.” More music is already taking shape in the background. Touring will come when the timing feels right. For now, Lila Holler is building something honest, cinematic, emotionally resonant, and unmistakably her own. And wherever she goes next, it’s clear she’s carrying fire with her.

Written by LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief Charlie Puth, Photographed by Charlotte Rutherford (@ charlie__chops ) It’s no shocker that, to us, Charlie Puth is one of the greatest artists of our generation. One scroll through TikTok and you’ll find him teaching millions of people about chord progressions, bass voicings, and why certain hooks feel addictive. But those clips barely scratch the surface of what makes him extraordinary. Charlie operates in an entirely different class of musical intelligence. While many of his peers make big waves in their own lanes, Charlie builds the oceans those waves exist in. He is the closest thing pop music has to a modern-day Mozart, and it isn’t because he’s a prodigy (though the evidence is overwhelming), but because he creates with the precision of an architect. Here’s how he does it. 1. Charlie’s hearing is beyond perfect pitch Plenty of musicians have perfect pitch. Charlie’s version is something else entirely. He doesn’t just name notes. He names frequencies. He can recognize the pitch of a microwave beep, build a melody from a doorbell, or identify the harmonic overtone in someone’s speaking voice. Ambient noise is raw material to him: car horns, room hums, footsteps in a hallway. Where others hear clutter, Charlie hears intervals, shapes, and mathematical patterns. His brain processes sound in dimensions the rest of us never access. This ability is more than talent. It is a fundamentally different way of perceiving the world. 2. He approaches pop like a classical composer Charlie approaches songwriting with the mindset of someone painting large-scale musical canvases. He uses melodic motifs that return in new shapes, harmonic callbacks that shift meaning between sections, and counter-melodies that behave like small character arcs inside the arrangement. “Attention” is a perfect example. The bassline alone is a study in tension and release, crafted with the same emotional logic used in classical composition. His vocal stacks are another world entirely. Dozens of layers, all tuned to perfection, become an entire orchestra made from a single voice. Strings, pads, rhythmic accents, and percussive hits aren’t added through instruments — he creates them through his mouth. It’s orchestration disguised as pop production. Charlie also gravitates toward unusual chord progressions. He loves chords that shouldn’t work in commercial music but do, because he resolves them with a composer’s instinct. These choices make his songs feel inevitable, even when they take unexpected turns. He doesn’t just produce tracks. He composes them. 3. Charlie is shaping the sound of a generation What makes Charlie incomparable is how far his influence reaches beyond his own catalog. Consider “Stay” by The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber. It dominated 2021 and became one of the biggest cross-platform hits of the decade. Charlie co-wrote and co-produced it, including the hook that turned into a global earworm. Or Katy Perry’s “Harleys in Hawaii,” which became a massive TikTok resurgence years after release. Charlie co-wrote and co-produced that too, creating a dreamy, atmospheric palette that simply needed time to catch up to him. He also co-wrote Pitbull’s “Celebrate,” adding melodic warmth typically absent from club-driven pop. And during Zara Larsson’s So Good era, Charlie’s influence seeped into her vocal phrasing, chord choices, and production texture. His own hits tell the same story. “See You Again” held the No. 1 spot for twelve weeks and became a cultural monument. “We Don’t Talk Anymore” remains one of the most elegantly produced pop collaborations of the 2010s. “Left and Right” introduced spatial audio into the mainstream and soared into the Top 25 with a single panning trick. Charlie’s fingerprint lives across pop, R&B, dance, and even global TikTok trends. Most listeners never notice — but they’re hearing him everywhere. 4. He’s teaching the world as he goes Charlie is one of the only chart-topping artists actively educating the public about music. His TikTok breakdowns teach theory in seconds. His videos demystify sampling, interpolation, production choices, and why certain songs resonate more deeply than others. He pulls back the curtain on how hits are built, and millions have learned from him. He also developed a full music production course that gives aspiring artists the tools to understand sound at its structural level. This makes him not only a creator, but a translator of musical language. This is a hill we’re gladly dying on Charlie Puth isn’t just a great pop artist. He is a once-in-a-generation composer working inside the modern machine of digital music. His work spans his own catalog, the catalogs of global stars, the soundtracks of viral moments, and the education of millions. Charlie Puth is a modern-day Mozart. And we’re lucky to be here while he writes the future.

About LJ Portnoy Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer, Midwest Photography Coverage, & Editor-In-Chief of SoundCheck Mag A Life Behind the Lens For LJ Portnoy, photography isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of preserving moments, emotions, and artistry. Her journey behind the lens began at an early age, inspired by a family friend who worked as a photographer. She spent countless hours recreating photoshoots with her best friend, discovering the magic of capturing emotion through the camera. But it wasn’t until she attended her first concert at thirteen that she found her true calling. "There was something about freezing a moment in time—the energy, the movement, the connection between the artist and the audience. I knew I wanted to be part of that world," she recalls. Her deep connection to concert photography became even more personal following the tragic loss of a close friend and fellow photographer, Olivia, at just 17 years old. "She was one of the most gifted photographers I had ever met. I promised myself I would continue capturing everything in her honor, creating magical moments the way she did for others." With that promise in mind, LJ immersed herself in the world of live music photography, continuously pushing the boundaries of her craft. The Moment That Changed Everything One of LJ’s defining moments as a photographer came when she photographed Sabrina Carpenter. "The excitement, the realness, the visual energy—it all swirled together to create magic," she says. The images quickly gained traction, amassing over 850,000 views across social media platforms and spreading through fan communities, Google, X, and Instagram. That experience became a turning point. "Seeing my work resonate on that level gave me the confidence to truly pursue this. It was proof that my art had a place in the industry. From that moment on, I never looked back." The Art of Capturing Real LJ’s approach to photography is deeply intentional. She describes her style as capturing beauty, raw emotion, and realness—always with a strong focus on the eyes. "If you can capture someone’s soul, everything else falls into place," she explains. She also embraces the ever-evolving nature of photography. "The best part of being a photographer is that you never have to stick to just one thing. You can always experiment, always grow. That’s what keeps it exciting." Building SoundCheck Mag SoundCheck Mag was born out of a shared vision between LJ and Rebecca McDevitt—a vision to amplify artists beyond the mainstream and celebrate the full spectrum of live music. "We saw an opportunity to showcase the indie and underground music scene in a way that other publications weren’t," LJ explains. "While major outlets focus on global superstars, we wanted to highlight the rising artists, the creatives behind the scenes, and the fans who make live music what it is." More than just a publication, SoundCheck Mag is a community-driven platform designed to bring artists, fans, and industry professionals together. Through artist spotlights, behind-the-scenes stories, and fan-submitted experiences, the magazine offers a unique perspective that goes beyond the surface. Our Mission: Beyond the Headlines While many publications chase headlines from headlining artists, SoundCheck Mag is about telling stories. "Our mission is to take you deeper inside the music you love, while helping you discover the next big thing along the way," LJ says. "We want to highlight the full picture of the industry—from the musicians on stage to the tour managers, lighting technicians, and photographers who make it all happen." The Future of SoundCheck Mag Though launched in February 2025, the magazine has already made waves. But for LJ, this is just the beginning. She envisions SoundCheck Mag growing into a leading force in music media, with: Monthly digital & print issues featuring exclusive interviews, concert galleries, and deep dives into the industry. Brand partnerships & sponsorships to bring fans closer to their favorite artists. Exclusive behind-the-scenes content from concerts, festivals, and major music events. Live events, ticket giveaways, and artist collaborations that elevate the fan experience. "We want to bring fans closer to the music in ways they’ve never imagined," she says. "From backstage access to in-depth artist features, we’re creating a magazine that truly immerses you in live music." Leading SoundCheck Mag As Co-founder, CEO, Midwest Photography Coverage lead, and Editor-in-Chief, LJ wears multiple hats to bring SoundCheck Mag’s vision to life: Strategic Growth & Innovation – Developing scaling plans, revenue strategies, and partnerships. Editorial & Content Creation – Writing articles, concert reviews, and designing magazine pages. Concert Photography & Videography – Covering live performances, creating immersive visual stories. Website & Social Media Management – Overseeing the magazine’s digital presence and community engagement. "The best part about running SoundCheck Mag is that every day is different," she says. "One day, I’m photographing a concert. Next, I’m designing a magazine layout or brainstorming new ways to engage fans. It’s challenging, but there’s nothing more exciting than building something from the ground up." Beyond Photography: A Creative Force LJ’s creativity extends far beyond photography. She is also a graphic designer, painter, writer, and digital content creator. Over the years, she has published more than 70 articles across various platforms, including LinkedIn, Medium, and personal blogs. Making an Impact in the Industry Beyond storytelling, LJ and her team at SoundCheck Mag are passionate about reshaping the live music experience. With rising concert ticket prices making live shows inaccessible for many, she sees an opportunity to highlight smaller, more affordable concerts where fans can still experience incredible performances. "Most people can only afford to attend one to three concerts a year because of how expensive major tours have become," she explains. "But there’s an entire world of smaller shows where tickets range from $25-$100—and these are often the most intimate, passionate experiences. We want to showcase these artists and venues, giving more people a chance to fall in love with live music all over again." Advice for Aspiring Photographers & Writers For those looking to break into the music photography or writing industry, LJ’s advice is simple: Capture everything. Go to as many concerts as possible. Build your portfolio—shoot local artists, experiment with different styles. Find a publication that aligns with your vision. (Or contact us—we’re always looking for new talent.) Personal Favorites and Fun Facts Top Artists: Justin Bieber, Jon Bellion, Jonas Brothers, Quinn XCII, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, AJR, Matt Maeson Favorite Albums: Purpose (Bieber), The Human Condition (Bellion), Happiness Begins (Jonas Brothers) Dream Artists to Shoot: Justin Bieber, Matt Maeson, Noah Kahan, Quinn XCII, Livingston A Personal Motto That Drives Her Work LJ lives by a simple but powerful philosophy: "Capture everything." "Every moment is fleeting. If you’re not capturing it, it’s gone. I love pausing time in a moment, in a photograph. In a way, I feel like a time traveler, able to transport myself and others back into that specific moment, if even for just a few seconds. And that’s the superpower that is photography." With this vision in mind, LJ continues to push SoundCheck Mag forward, shaping the future of music media one photograph, one story, and one unforgettable moment at a time.

The Gallery showcases artists of all sizes, from household names to your new favorite up-and-coming artist. View our gallery to see all the latest concert coverage, event coverage, and more exclusively available to our SoundCheck Mag community. Experience all the excitement from every angle, exclusively at SoundCheck Mag! Subscribe to Our Mag! Concerts Behind The Scenes

We’re more than just a magazine—we’re a collective of artists, photographers, and music lovers who live for the energy of live shows, the stories behind the songs, and the moments that make music unforgettable. ​ Sign up with your email and get the first three digital issues of SoundCheck Mag for free. No catch, just the love for the music that moves us. Join the Guest List! We’re more than just a magazine—we’re a collective of artists, photographers, and music lovers who live for the energy of live shows, the stories behind the songs, and the moments that make music unforgettable. Sign up with your email and get the first three digital issues of SoundCheck Mag for free. No catch, just the love for the music that moves us. As a subscriber, you’ll be the first to: Enter exclusive giveaways, for fans of all genres! Hear major SoundCheck Mag announcements before anyone else! Send us your email below to join the guest list. Want a printed copy? Let us know! First name Enter your email here Last name Phone I am: Choose an option Please sign me up for current and future issues of SoundCheck Mag! Sign Up Thanks for submitting! Be on the lookout for an e-mail with a link to digitally download the first issue of our magazine, as soon as it's available!