Will Swinton Brings Raw Emotion and Big Vocals to Seattle’s Barboza Fresh off a Lollapalooza appearance, the New Zealand singer-songwriter proved that his intimate Seattle performance was only the beginning. Article & Photos by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff Will Swinton performing at Barboza in Seattle, WA. Photography by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff (@vanezasnaps on IG). There’s something uniquely revealing about watching an artist perform in a room as intimate as Barboza. With the stage only a few feet above the floor and the audience packed closely around it, there is nowhere to hide and very little separating performer from listener. For New Zealand singer-songwriter Will Swinton, that intimacy only seemed to amplify the emotional weight of his music. Fresh off a performance at Lollapalooza just days earlier, Swinton brought his band to Seattle on August 10 for an evening that felt simultaneously laid-back and intensely focused. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, Swinton's presence was difficult to miss. Towering over the rest of the band and practically dwarfing the already modest stage, he carried himself with a stoic seriousness that matched the often raw subject matter of his songs. His voice was equally imposing: powerful, slightly scratchy around the edges, and capable of moving effortlessly through a surprisingly wide range. Songs like “December,” “Fall Apart,” “Flames,” “Daydream,” and “Hate My Guts” showcased the full breadth of that vocal ability. Swinton's delivery never felt overly polished or detached. There was a roughness to it that made the songs feel lived-in, particularly during the more emotionally charged moments of the set. That emotional connection was apparent in the crowd, even in a room that wasn't particularly full. A handful of especially dedicated fans pressed toward the front of the stage, singing along to seemingly every word. Their enthusiasm occasionally became its own part of the performance, with Swinton responding to them with smiles, claps, and bursts of movement that broke through his otherwise serious demeanor. Will Swinton performing at Barboza in Seattle, WA. Photography by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff (@vanezasnaps on IG). During those moments, the contrast was striking. One minute, Swinton stood almost motionless behind the microphone, completely absorbed in the song. The next, he was jumping up and down and clapping along with the audience, visibly feeding off the energy coming back at him. The band's chemistry added to that balance. All hailing from New Zealand, the group carried an easygoing presence that never felt overly rehearsed or self-important, while still treating the music and performance with obvious seriousness. The result was a show that felt relaxed without ever becoming casual. Even the visual atmosphere of the room seemed to complement that dynamic. Barboza's lighting was unconventional, with much of the illumination coming from floor-level lights that flashed and pulsed upward rather than traditional overhead stage lighting. The effect dramatically carved the performers' faces out of the darkness, creating moments of stark contrast and fleeting silhouettes. For a photographer, it was a challenging setup; for an audience member, it gave the performance an appropriately intimate and sometimes almost cinematic quality. Songs such as “Hold You Again” and “Two Hands” further emphasized Swinton's ability to pull an audience into the emotional core of his songwriting. The crowd may have been small, but the response to the music was anything but. There was a sense that the people gathered in that room weren't simply watching a promising young artist; they were already invested in where he was headed. And where Swinton is headed appears to be somewhere considerably larger. With more than 100 million streams, two EPs, major touring experience, and a recent Lollapalooza slot already under his belt, Swinton is quickly moving beyond the intimate venues where artists first build their following. His raspy, powerhouse vocals and emotionally direct songwriting give him the tools to make that transition. Will Swinton performing at Barboza in Seattle, WA. Photography by Vaneza Gutiérrez Wyckoff (@vanezasnaps on IG). At Barboza, Will Swinton didn't need a massive production or a packed arena to prove his ability to command a room. He simply needed a microphone, a band, and a few hundred square feet of stage. The rest came naturally. Seattle may have caught Swinton in an intimate room, but judging by the strength of his performance, it may not be long before those rooms become much harder to find.

Image of Kylie Cantrall | Photo by Edwig Henson Article Contributed by Fernando Flores Ahead of her first U.S. headlining tour, the rising pop artist discusses dream collaborators, cinematic storytelling, and the person behind the performer. Kylie Cantrall is moving from arena-scale spectacle toward something more intimate. After starring in Descendants: The Rise of Red and Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and performing on the Descendants/Zombies tour, the 21-year-old singer and actress is preparing to bring her own musical world to theaters across the country. At the center of that world is Valley Girl Problems, a personal EP blending nostalgic pop and 1990s and 2000s R&B with stories of heartbreak, betrayal, and growth. Cantrall summarized the project in four words: “Fierce. Sparkly. Girly. Personal.” “I wanted it to feel like a movie almost, listening to it,” she said. That cinematic intention allows each song to function as part of a larger emotional journey while maintaining the energy of what Cantrall called an “uptempo club baddie.” Her previous project, B.O.Y., served as an origin story and an introduction to the music that shaped her. Valley Girl Problems reveals the person underneath the performance. “B.O.Y. is the artist,” Cantrall explained. “Valley Girl Problems is the girl behind the curtain.” That evolution was shaped alongside two of her dream collaborators, Grammy-winning producer Tricky Stewart and songwriter Tayla Parx. Songs including Britney Spears’ “Me Against the Music” and Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” both connected to Stewart, helped define Cantrall’s musical taste. When she played reference tracks for him in the studio, Stewart quickly recognized the connection: “Oh, so I’m the inspiration.” Image of Kylie Cantrall | Photo by Edwig Henson Cantrall’s songwriting often begins with only a small concept. She brings that initial idea into the studio and develops it with collaborators she trusts. On “Carrie Bradshaw,” she uses the fashionable but imperfect Sex and the City character to capture the EP’s balance of vulnerability and confidence. Carrie appears polished from the outside, but the series reveals how complicated her life truly is. “You watch the show, and you’re like, ‘Oh, shit, this girl’s a mess,’” Cantrall said. Although she relates to Carrie, Cantrall ultimately hopes to become more like Samantha Jones, whom she admires for being unapologetically herself. A Samantha-inspired song may eventually arrive, she joked, once the healing reflected throughout Valley Girl Problems is complete. The upcoming tour will allow Cantrall to bring these eras together. She hopes to apply lessons from the large-scale Descendants/Zombies production while making her theater shows feel more personal. One particularly emotional moment for Kylie Cantrall will be “Space Between,” a song she still struggles to perform without crying. Show days begin with matcha, stretching, vocal scales, tea, and occasional journaling. Staying close to grounding people also helps place her in the right headspace. Once the preparation ends, Cantrall lets instinct take over. “We do the show,” she said. “Whatever happens, happens.” That openness defines this chapter. Valley Girl Problems does not present a woman with every answer. It captures an artist transforming difficult experiences into music that lets listeners dance, feel understood, and grow alongside her.

Casandra’s latest album, ISLA TRANQUILITA, delivers a soft yet vibrant pop sound that’s inexplicably soothing. Portrait of Casandra | Photo by Andrey Nikolaev Article Contributed by Monica Soriano The Los Angeles-based artist Casandra recently released her album ISLA TRANQUILITA. The title translates to “little island of peace,” an appropriate title for the serene feeling this project gives off. ISLA TRANQUILITA can be perfect in the background while you work; it’s not in your face at all, but instead creates a good ambiance. Just a warning, though: you might look up a few times to add songs to your playlist, or feel inclined to let your mind wander into her world. But just like this album can be played while multitasking, it can also be a full-on headphones-in experience and a great dive into the intimacy Casandra has chosen to share. When listening closely, the layers of her feelings begin to show. Album Cover for ISLA TRANQUILITA Imagination and creativity bring out her authenticity. Cassandra’s voice pulls us into her world with ease; she has a specific, creative vision for herself that shines through authentically. The first track, “TRUTH SERUM,” introduces the album's vibe: a calm-pop sound with an inviting rhythm. “PERMANENT MISTAKE” follows, and this is where we were able to grasp Casandra’s vision for this project. “WANT VS NEED” paints her feelings beautifully with lyrics like “you haven’t noticed what blooms for you.” “EXPLICIT” was catchy, and while the song itself wasn’t explicit, the subject matter was, and the song echoed in our heads for a while. “SOLUTION” brings out a strong island feel, perfectly to introduce the album's title track “ISLA TRANQUILITA,” another fun rhythmic track in Casandra’s style. “MUÑEQUITA” integrates wonderful Spanish lyrics that pay tribute to her aunt Teresa, whose caring nurture and help inspired this sound and project. It’s a very short song but gorgeous nonetheless. “FELL FROM A TREE THEY SAID” has a cinematic approach, while “HOURGLASS” falls deep into emotions with softness. “BUENA SUERTE,” while still cohesive with the rest of the album, stands out. The remaining 3 tracks, “SUMMON FIRE,” “RESERVED 4 ME,” and “TEAR PROOF,” of the project close out this auditory trip to the Isla Tranquilita splendidly. The last track felt especially immersive, with the sound of the waves toward the end. Press Photo for ISLA TRANQUILITA | Photo by Jenny Rose Gialketsis Ultimately, Cassandra released a piece of work that had intent, creativity, and emotion. Sonically, the incorporation of R&B, Pop, alternative, and electronic sounds was a delightful experience for us. We thoroughly enjoyed her lyricism, and it did feel as though we were transported to an ISLA TRANQUILITA.

Here we offer artists the ability to submit their information for a featured article covering them and their story! ARTIST SUBMISSION Are you a musician? Do you know a musician, band, or talent that is prime for the spotlight? Submit an artist today. Artists who are submitted may be the cover story or featured in a future issue of SoundCheck Mag! Your Full Name* Your Email* Band/Artist/Talent* Artist's Page/Website* Why should this artist should be featured?* I am:* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Do You Know a Concert Creative Worthy of a Feature? Whether they're a photographer, videographer, choreographer, lighting tech or anything in between, you can submit them for a chance at a full-length feature in a future issue of SoundCheck Mag through our RAW Spotlight! Submit Here!

A place for fans to submit their concert materials including photos, videos, and best moments from their favorite shows and artists. A collective archive of unfiltered fan magic. Welcome to The Vault: Fan Edition— a fan-built digital archive, curated by SoundCheck Mag. This isn’t just a place to drop photos or stories. It’s a sacred space for everything that makes fandom electric, chaotic, and real. Think backstage tears, parking lot parties, pit selfies, polaroids taped to your mirror, or the TikTok you made at 2AM when your favorite artist announced a tour. Every whisper, every scream, every spark—preserved. Because your moments are the ones worth remembering. We’re collecting: Concert footage (any era, any vibe) Fan edits, memes, and handmade signs Outfit pics, DIY merch, posters Emotional breakdowns (written, audio, or video—we want them all) Art, letters, journals, and unreleased fan content Anything from the before, during, or after that tells your story No filters. No pressure. Just you, being a fan. Why “The Vault”? Because these are the things you save. The videos you watch on loop. The ticket you kept in your wallet. The blurry photo that somehow means everything. The industry documents the stage. We document the soul. UNLOCK THE VAULT. ADD YOUR MOMENTS TODAY. First name* Last name* TikTok Handle (For Credit) Instagram Handle (For Credit) Email* A window will open once you submit to upload your files to a DropBox. Thank you. Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

LJ (Laura Jean) Portnoy is the Chief Executive Officer of SoundCheck Mag. 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.