The Man with the Pen, Matthew Primous

Matthew Primous has been featured on MTV.com and has a gift with words. “Fallen in Love” has some great lyrics, but the vocals are a little shaky. Then when we get into “A Blessing in the Sky,” it seems like Matthew has found a comfortable place for his voice as this one comes across as more confident and put together. With “Get it Right” we hear him sticking with that comfortable place in his delivery but what really stands out with Matthew Primous is that he has a great knack for creating effortless pop songs when it comes to the lyric department. Which in most cases, is better for a creative type. The lyrics are the bones of the song. So while his voice is good, his lyrics stand out as great and I’d love to see where he goes as a songwriter in his career, because it could be far. (https://soundcloud.com/matthew-primous/)

The Soaring Sax Man Dave Panico

They don’t call Dave Panico the Soaring Sax Man for nothing. “Just Like That” creates a lot of lively energy with each note played and can only put you in a good mood. It has a little funk to it but the sax definitely is the star. With “On Wings of an Angel,” we hear more drama. It sounds like something you’d hear in a Diane Keaton movie back in the 80’s or early 90’s. It has this sense of maturity in the big city. We could only hear a little of “Freedom Dance,” but right away you can hear the Native American influences meshing well with Panico’s style. If you’re a fan of instrumental sax, check out all Dave Panico has on the table now. (https://www.soaringsaxman.com/)

Drew Sestito: Empty Pockets

Drew Sestito’s “Empty Pockets” EP is perfect for those who like their music with some extra heart. “Out of Sync” sounds like it could’ve been recorded by the likes of heartfelt singer-songwriters like Ryan Cabrera and Secondhand Serenade. It had that level of emotion and that MTV appeal. With “Stitched” Sestito does more of the same, but showcases more depth in his vocals. As we move forward with “Rewind” thinks take on more a pop feel with the music, as it lightens. That continues on as “Purple” comes into play. You could hear this one taking over during the warmer months as it has summer playlist written all over it. Things close out with “Ireland Is Forever” and things end on an emotional note with this one. It’s as if he’s taking a page out of Ed Sheeran’s book with this one. If you’re a fan of singers who are never far from a sweet serenade, check out Drew Sestito’s “Empty Pockets,” out now. (https://soundcloud.com/drew-brown-sestito)

Get Ready to Pop with Christian D

Coming from North Carolina, Christian D is ready to put his stamp on the music industry with his pop take on soul. “Heart Attack” takes its time to get into it, but once it does - it’s a good song to get lost in. He has a great set of pipes on him and they really shine throughout this track. As we move on and “Find Love Again” takes over, we get that long intro once again as a more tribal drum remixed into a modern way takes over. This would be great for a kickback but when it comes to radio - he has to get to the meat of the song quicker. Which he does more of in “Put Me to the Test,” while he covers “How Will I Know” perfectly and then lets us know with some funk that he loves to move with “Love Dancing.” If you’re a fan of the likes of Miguel, check out what Christian D is putting out today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/christian60)

Ian Rehxfei Spreads the Word

Ian Rehxfei wants to inspire the world with his sound, and he’s created some music to try and do just that. “Lost and Found” is where we start off and because of the electronic elements, one could hear this playing at a huge rave, or in the middle of the action at say - Burning Man. With “The Mystery of Love,” Ian takes more of a subtle approach to what he has to say and delivers a softer song. This was a little unexpected but the music playing with his voice in the background delivering messages of hope and whatnot - it’s soothing in a way. We head back into a more electronic vibe with “Rising Dusk” and take a ride on a New Wave train with “Golden Spiral.” All in all, Ian Rehxfei is an artist with a lot to offer in terms of sound. He doesn’t attach himself to one genre or another, but rather gives listeners the best sound possible with the message he’s trying to convey with each track. While that may be true, those who are into the more New Age realm of things will be the ones who feel the power of Ian Rehxfei more and should check him out now. (https://soundcloud.com/ian-rehxfei)

Get Close with B. Grant

B. Grant is the real deal with it comes to R&B. “Roller Coaster” takes you back. It’s a simple take on a R&B joint. It has class, soul and heart. The thing that makes it pop though is the fact that it has a mid-tempo beat and a hip hop breakdown in the middle that gives it even more life. In “Comfortable” we get more traditional R&B as he delivers vocally and is on point the whole way through. Sticking with romance, but getting a little sensual with “Cookie” and playing it cute. I could see this one being a hit thanks to the “cookie, cookie” hook. If you’re a fan of artists like Tyrese and Joe, check out B. Grant today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/BGRANTMUSICPRODUCTIONS)

Skylar Renee: "Good As Gone"

Skylar Renee is an LA based singer who is putting her spin on the pop genre with a kick of soul. Her latest, “Good As Gone,” is similar to what Alessia Cara has been making waves with. If you’re a fan of pop music that has substance and features actual vocalization and not just hoots and whistles, then this girl is the one to check out. Keep an eye out for more from Skylar Renee in 2016. (https://www.skylarrenee.com/)

“Risen From The Dead” by Hobbsy

BANDCAMP: https://hobbsy.bandcamp.com/releases

“Risen From The Dead” is the 2014 debut album from the collective known as Hobbsy, AKA former Smoking Joker’s bassist Benn Hobbs and friends. After the Jokers went their separate ways, Hobbs decided to put his creative impulses to work on an album that weaves its way through a veritable playground of metal and hard rock styles.

“Risen” opens with a prelude track in the form of “Second Coming” that is straight out of the prog rock playbook. A sweeping keyboard background with some ominous thunder, a couple of open power chords leading into a mini-melody. This brief intro in no way prepares you for the journey you’re about to take as each of the following tracks pulls from seemingly disparate threads.