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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. Photo by Rebecca McDevitt (IG: @rebeccajeanlimitedphotography ) A Run of Raw, Honest Singles 2024 was a turning point for Louis. He dropped “The Pub Song,” a pint-glass anthem that feels like memories with your best friends bottled into a track. Not long after came “Hold Me,” a duet with Devon Gabriella that’s stripped-down and intimate, the kind of song you want to keep close. And then there’s “Wherever You Are,” a heart-aching ballad about grief and holding on. Each release proves he’s not chasing a sound, but he’s living inside the lyrics. The Story Behind the Songs Louis grew up in London before moving to Philadelphia, and that mix of grit and vulnerability runs through his writing. From the first time he sang “Change” in honor of a friend, it was clear his art would always hold space for loss, love, and honesty. His early EPs, Small Victories and Twenty, Twenty Two, plus singles like “Say It Again” and “Fell For You,” show a steady climb, sharpening his craft while staying true to his voice. Why Louis Belongs on Your Radar Louis isn’t playing by the industry’s game, but he’s building a community with us one song at a time. His music speaks directly to fans who want real connection, and his openness about mental health makes him someone you can root for beyond the music. This is an artist who isn’t just passing through the underground scene. Louis Knight is shaping the singer-songwriter scene with each release, and we can’t wait to see what comes next. Photo by Rebecca McDevitt (IG: @rebeccajeanlimitedphotography ) Where to Start Listening “Wherever You Are” — grief turned into a love letter. “Hold Me” (feat. Devon Gabriella) — soft, warm, and made for quiet nights. “The Pub Song” — a toast to nostalgia, friendship, and letting loose. “Change” — the moment that showed fans he’s more than just a contestant. Follow @louisknight on Instagram for more updates, music & more!

Article Contributed by Ilana Bornstein Press Photo by 1824 / UMG 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.   Photo Provided by 1824 / UMG Fully immersed in a natural and organic creative process, she’s been spending long stretches in an LA recording studio penning songs that tell stories, jumping into impromptu jam sessions, freestyling hooks on the spot, and vibing with sound engineers in production camps. The energy of collaboration is at the core of this project, but the heart of it lies in the message: the entire body of work is about learning to love yourself and discovering how you want to be loved. BE-YOOR-NIK BJRNCK isn’t just a title, it’s an experience. Born out of word-playing her last name, dropping the vowels, stripping it to its essence and flipping it into something that feels like a riddle, it’s a cipher designed to spark curiosity. Is it an acronym? A code? A hidden meaning? Yes, no, maybe and that’s the whole point.  BJRNCK isn’t just a name, it’s a challenge. A refusal to be boxed in and a rejection of snap judgments. It’s not about being easily defined, it’s about creating something that resists assumptions. It‘s a perpetually wide open door into a clever and chaotic world without expectations.  Source: IG @BJRNCK BJRNCK — both the artist and the alias — represents freedom. The freedom to create without borders, to embody multiple identities, and to exist in mystery, allowing a raw, unfiltered Chicago honesty to collide with a polished, fearless Los Angeles edge. Together, these East Coast/West Coast roots shape a brand that doesn’t just tell a story, it demands one.  LISTENING TO HER OWN VOICE When BJRNCK talks about her music, one word comes up again and again: vulnerability. For her, it’s not just a theme, it’s the heartbeat of her artistry; her songs aren’t just about the sound, they’re about creating a space where her listeners can grow, evolve, and fall in love with every variant of themselves. She encourages her listeners — young women especially — never to settle, shrink or change for the sake of love, and instead to embrace the power and duality of tenderness and strength. For BJRNCK, “…women are the foundation of the music industry; we’re constantly navigating and expressing different versions of ourselves and we can be soft girls still figuring it all out and strong, confident queens at the same time.”  Source: IG @BJRNCK Getting to this place of vulnerability and authenticity wasn’t easy or linear, and she credits an interaction from years ago as a career-defining experience and one that would chart her artistic trajectory. The owner of her previous label once told BJRNCK that she was playing it too safe and she knew he was right. “I was making the kind of music that I thought people wanted to hear, projecting a version of myself that was manufactured and not authentic”, she says. That realization sparked a shift. She boldly ended a relationship, packed her bags and set off to find herself and her voice. Now signed with Geffen Records, she pours that honesty and evolution into her work, creating music that reflects who she is: real, deeply relatable and unafraid to exist in the balance of soft vs. strong. CRAFTING HER OWN NICHE With her forthcoming album, BJRNCK continues to carve out and mold a unique identity within modern R & B.  When asked how she balances honoring the genre’s nostalgic soul with pushing it somewhere new, she tells us: “You can hear so many of my influences in the production and format. I have songs that are inspired by old school Beyoncé and Aliyah, I pay homage to Brandy with my stacked melodies, and a lot of the strong drums and guitars in my music remind me of the power you’d hear in a Mary J. Blige track. Also, ad libs are huge in R & B. When you think of classics like Usher’s ‘Burn’ and Ginuwine’s ‘Pony’, it’s always the main ad libs you’re singing.” She continues, “I think what sets the tone for my sound now and moving forward is the emotion. That’s how I make it my own. R & B doesn’t always have to be “soft girl music.” I write lyrics conversationally. ‘Club’ is that track about looking for love and meeting someone on a night out, then ‘Crazy’ is the talking stage when you’re getting to know that person, and ‘Safety’ is about me communicating what I need in a relationship to feel safe with my feelings.”  "Music has always been the main relationship in my life." - BJRNCK WHAT'S NEXT? As BJRNCK gears up for the release of her new record in the next few months, she also hopes to cross this bucket list dream off her list: “I would love to have a song featured on a Madden video game. Those always have the best soundtracks.”   SoundCheck will be following along, cheering her on and can’t wait for what’s next for this talented, dynamic artist. Source: IG @BJRNCK “Make a song that nobody can take away from you, that’s some of the best advice I’ve ever received.” — BJRNCK

A 20-year Chroma celebration, sung loud and heart-first in Detroit. Article Contributed by LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief Photography by LJ Portnoy (@ ljportnoy on IG) Cartel in Detroit, Photographed by LJ Portnoy (@ ljportnoy on IG) At St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, the night buzzed with anticipation as fans packed shoulder to shoulder for a lineup that blended fresh talent with seasoned pop-rock veterans. Landon Conrath Opens with Spark Landon Conrath in Detroit, Photographed by LJ Portnoy (@ ljportnoy  on IG) The evening kicked off with Landon Conrath, who immediately won the crowd with his infectious energy and jangly guitar-pop sound. His set mixed playful melodies with heartfelt lyrics, setting a vibrant tone for the night. Conrath’s knack for making even the most intimate moments feel electric proved he’s an opener worth watching closely. Landon Conrath in Detroit, Photographed by LJ Portnoy (@ ljportnoy  on IG) Hunny Brings the Groove Hunny in Detroit, Photographed by LJ Portnoy (@ ljportnoy  on IG) Hunny followed, leaning into their signature blend of indie-pop sheen and retro grooves. Despite a few minor technical hiccups, the band’s chemistry never faltered. Fans danced along as synth-driven beats and slick guitar lines turned St. Andrew’s into a retro dance hall. Cartel Brings Chroma Back to Life Cartel in Detroit, Photographed by LJ Portnoy (@ ljportnoy  on IG) Marking the 20th anniversary of their seminal debut Chroma , Cartel took Detroit back to 2005 with a front-to-back play through that had fans hanging on every note. From the opening chords of “Say Anything (Else)” to fan-favorite deep cuts like “A” and “If I Fail,” the night felt like stepping inside a time capsule, only louder, brighter, and more alive. Cartel's Will Pugh, in Detroit, Photographed by LJ Portnoy (@ ljportnoy  on IG) The energy inside St. Andrew’s Hall was electric. Longtime fans sang with the same conviction they had as teenagers, while newer listeners discovered why Chroma  became a touchstone of the 2000s pop-punk/alt-rock era. Will Pugh’s vocals carried the same urgency as they did two decades ago, while the band leaned into each riff and chorus like they’d been saving it for this moment. For many in the room, it was a reminder of why these songs still matter. Cartel's Joseph Pepper, in Detroit, Photographed by LJ Portnoy (@ ljportnoy  on IG) A Band That Defined a Scene For fans of 2000s pop-punk and alternative rock, Cartel has always been a staple. Their mix of high-energy hooks, soaring melodies, and emotionally charged lyrics helped carve out a lane that set them apart from their peers. With Chroma , they created a record that became both a soundtrack to youth and a timeless reminder of the era’s best qualities. Cartel's Nic Hudson, in Detroit, Photographed by LJ Portnoy (@ ljportnoy  on IG) Two decades later, Cartel’s influence is undeniable. Bands across the genre cite them as inspiration, and their songs continue to find new life with younger fans through streaming platforms and anniversary tours like this one. Watching them deliver Chroma  in full proved they aren’t just a nostalgic act—they’re a band whose music still connects, still energizes, and still matters.

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.

At SoundCheck Mag, we spotlight concert creatives of all types. Whether you're a photographer, videographer, choreographer, lighting technician, tour manager, merchandise seller, or anything in between, we want to hear about your story and shine the spotlight on your talents. Fill out this submission form for consideration of a spotlight in a future issue of SoundCheck Mag. RAW Spotlight Are you a music photographer or videographer capturing the raw energy of live shows? Or do you know someone whose concert photography/music industry work deserves recognition? Soundcheck Mag is looking for emerging talent to spotlight in our Emerging Talent Spotlight feature! We showcase up-and-coming creatives making waves in the live music scene each month through a dedicated article and interview. Fave Photographer. Fave Videographer. Fave Concert Creative. Photographers, videographers, choreographers, lighting technicians, tour managers, or any part of the crew you can think of. Submit yourself for a chance to be featured or nominate a favorite concert creative whose work stands out. Submit Creative Creative's Name Creative's Instagram Creative's Email Your Name Creative's Portfolio/Profile Your Email Why This Creative Should Be Featured I want to subscribe to the newsletter. Send Thanks for submitting!

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!