Down in Dallas sits a man with a voice that caresses. Juliun Starks is an up and coming R&B artist with the chops to make you swoon. “Be Your Man” is a simple song that relies on the title as the hook. It’s basic and to the point but definitely has cause to get stuck in your head. “Lonely” has a bit more to it as it’s constructed like a true R&B jam. It’s smooth and speeds up with the pace when necessary during the verses. Juliun Starks slows things way down with the captivating “Perfect Memory.” When it comes to what is radio ready from this artist, it’s “I Just Wanna Be With You.” From start to finish, that’s a prime example of a well written and well produced track. “Used To Be” takes you down, and “Are You Lonely” makes you sway back and forth with the sweet grooves it creates with its sensitivity. If you’re a fan of modern R&B, make sure to make time for Juliun Starks. (https://www.reverbnation.com/juliunstarks)

Anomalous Leaf takes an experimental approach to music. “You Are Here” sounds celestial but one with nature. It’s like a night stargazing in the woods. Things get a little fast pace with “Meandering Pines.” Ironically this one doesn’t sound like the woodland space, but a more metropolitan area. You think “Last Dance” would be one to move to, not this one. It seems to be the last dance - ever; slow and to the end. You can do nothing but drift away to “Strophe Celeste” as it takes you on an out of body journey through time and space. While you’re floating away with that one, “Moment of First Explosion” pulls you back and “Hues Of Eventide” give you a little spook. Anomalous Leaf is all over the place with ambient ways and if you like music that’s void of lyrics but jam packed with emotion - check out Anomalous Leaf now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/anomalous)

Darren Keith AbrahamDarren Keith Abraham is a Country artist with a few tricks up his sleeve. “Remember” is an upbeat ditty that really showcases a fun side of his artistry. It’s like a Country song got a AC makeover. “Alyssa” is a more rocking track from this artist. The growl he presents when he says her name makes you wish that was your moniker. You got a more pop feel right when “Sun’s Comin’ Out” started. His runs were Timberlake like. The Country is completely gone with “Elusive.” You won’t even recognize the boy you started out with if you listened in order. It had this very smooth, cool pop crooner vibe. If you like Country and/or pop then Darren Keith Abraham is the perfect artist for you so check him out now! (https://www.jango.com/music/Darren+Keith+Abraham?l=0)

Doug Martin has been attached to his sax for as long as he can remember. So much so it’s embedded into his soul. You can hear that as he blows that brass. Growing up music seemed odd as a career choice and he really never thought about it. He did the normal life and then went back to the horn to create sax jams like “Kafka was here.” It’s off the album “Odyssey” and will make you think of a spy thriller set in the alleyways of the cool streets of New Orleans. If you’re also a sax enthusiast, make sure to check out Doug Martin today. (https://dougmartin.ca/)

Brian Blunt is who uses his guitar as a musical weapon. “Rattle & Buzz” showcases what a Country boy Blunt truly is. It also shows how skilled he is on the guitar. He even takes on the true classics like James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain,” and pulls it off with a little help from his friends. It’s Blunt’s wife who stands out on their cover of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin.” This music man just doesn’t do songs from yesteryear, but recent hits as well, well from the past decade or so - “I’m Like a Bird” originally done by Nelly Furtado. It’s Brian’s guitar skills that are to really be celebrated in all of his musical contributions to the world of YouTube. If you’re into singer songwriters who have a country heart when they do things their way, then check out Brian Blunt now. (https://www.youtube.com/user/TheBrianblunt/videos)

Ian Skavdahl’s “The R​.​N​.​K. Sessions” EP takes you from a folk world into one that’s unrecognizable in a second and then back again. “Rooted” is very settled in its roots and is an alternative take on folk music. It’s not as demure as some folk can be and that’s because it packs a punch. Then things calm down a bit with “Tomorrow,” but not too much. When “Bipolar” started, I thought it was a completely different artist. The vocals were different somehow and this one started to inch its way towards the best of the record spot. The same goes for “Not But Pride.” This one got a little funky in the delivery. “These Endless Fields” had one of the most musically intriguing sounds on the EP. The arrangement was where it was at. Rounding things out, “Cast Your Stones” gives you that alternative folk we started the album off with and makes things come full circle. If you like your folk with a hint of indie and alternative, then Ian Skavdahl’s “The R​.​N​.​K. Sessions” is right up your alley, so check it out today. (https://ianskavdahl.bandcamp.com/)

Rachel Heggins’ “Holy Are You” is an easy listening track for you believers out there. Her voice carries like an angel through the heavens. It’s calming and soothes while bringing to life that sense of praise and worship. You can hear Rachel’s faith in every note that escapes her and that’s truly a blessing for those who love to take in good old fashioned Christian music. If you’re a fan of Ce Ce Winans, make sure to take a second or two to check out Rachel Heggins’ “Holy Are You,” available now. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rachelheggins)