Tommy Mauro & Bad Credit say they’re “alternative rock and folk rock written from the soul.” They’re right. There’s this old spirit about “Sandman” with its twang but the distant vocals give it this alternative rock feel. It sounds like what you’d hear if you were stranded in the middle of the desert and started hallucinating. Apparently they titled that one just right. “Random Chant” sounds like something you’d hear at Woodstock. It’s very trippy and again, those vocals almost sound like echoes in a cave you can’t help but be curious to explore. It’s a bit Soundgarden if you will. Things take a sentimental turn with “Nuff Said God Bless Andrea.” The rock isn’t there, but the heart and soul is. The rock creeps back in with “Creation” and sticks around until “All Those Genre’s” final note. If you find yourself on the AM dials of your car radio and stumble upon those stations that cater to blues, folk and good ol’ fashioned rock and roll, then you’re going to dig what Tommy Mauro & Bad Credit have going on. (https://www.guitar2u.com/default.html)

Gem & Kemtitan have been heavily inspired by the sounds and ways of Earth Wind and Fire and bring that idea of a R&B and funk blend into the new millennium. Songs like “Aa Cyn Chun” have a heavy R&B base, as does “Why Keep Trying.” While “Ma Journey” escapes the others since it’s a slow dance track that verges on sexy, but not in a drastic way – in a mature, classy way. “2 B Free” is like Gem & Kemtitan’s take on Neosoul. The female vocals really give the overall tone a Jill Scott feel. Being in California, you wonder where the inspiration for the upbeat ways of “33 Degrees” came from. It’s the most modern sounding track on the record, something both younger and older generations could get down to at a family gathering. Well those who appreciate EWF that is. If you’re into funk, R&B and soul music, then you have to do yourself a favor and check out Gem & Kemtitan. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/gemkemtitan)

Joshua Appling from Canton, Ohio now lives in Austin, TX and is taking advantage of their healthy music scene with his eclectic musical abilities. “In Nubibus” shows off what he can do with instruments in hand. We get to hear what he can do vocally as he tells a chilling tale with “The Hunt II.” He even tosses in some Spanish in there. We have no clue what he is saying, but it sounds good! This isn’t a cover of that Plain White T’s song that wouldn’t go away, it’s all Joshua Appling in this ode to a girl named “Delilah.” The R&B force is strong with this one. Again, not a cover. This time “Red” captures the piano perfectly as Joshua delivers an excellent vocal performance. The most radio ready is “Dismissed.” Its clean lines through and through paired with the catch pop undertones make for an easy and enjoyable listen. Take the title of “Go” literally and go check out Joshua Appling if you’re into artists who can tackle multiple genres and tackle them well. (https://soundcloud.com/joshua-appling)

Natoli Krouse resides in Reading, Pennsylvania. She’s not only a singer, but a pianist and guitarist who has rock embedded in her soul, but has a soft side. That’s clear as she brings a soulful approach to classics like Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” She also has an array of originals as well, including “Dance in the Rain” that plays like a mature pop track, and “Ever Moment” that showcases her emotional side. It’s lyrics capture the heart of Krouse. If you thought that was all, oh no, she can even take on the Jonas Brothers’ “Still In Love With You.” Natoli Krouse has a lot of heart and it shows, so if you’re into passionate people, check out her YouTube page, which she updates on the regular. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDxJueAoo9w5EQwggCYMI-A/videos)

Ellie Perez’s voice is soft and angelic and is a perfect match for the piano she play elegantly. “Fool in Love” has a wonderfully crafted ivory beginning matched only by her soulful vocals. You could hear her in the lounge of a gorgous piano bar as the night comes to an end, the solemn tone of her voice painting a story of a girl lost because of love, left alone. This is a young girl, but her maturity sings loud in “Winter in Your House of Card.” Then sings true in “Stars.” When you have a voice like Ellie Perez, you consider it a gift and keep it close, but thankfully she chooses to share it. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear Ellie Perez on The Voice one day soon. If she hasn’t considered trying out, she should. If you’re into artists like Angel Taylor, take a chunk of your day to check out the sweet sounds of Ellie Perez. (https://www.ellieperezmusic.com/contact.html)

Cody Verbage is a singer, dancer, actor and a college graduate? Before you all fight for his hand, get to know his musical abilities first. “Let The Rhythm Guide” is that blue eyed soul. Watch out Justin Timberlake because acts like Cody Verbage are hot on your tracks. This track is hot and sexy and will make any girl weak in the knees. While that one makes you hot and bothered, “Overdone” will make you swoon based on the music alone. Things get back to a livelier mood with “Maze.” Don’t be puzzled if you’re left with this one stuck in your head at the end of the day. “Pit of Fire” does the same as the last, but with a lot more…shall we say…heat? Yeah, we’ll go with that. Cody Verbage’s strong points are his ability to make you move and his fast pop delivery that’s got a little swagger to it. The slow song amongst these three hits is lost and could be seen as the weakest link. If you’re into pop music with some flare, check out Cody Verbage. (https://www.facebook.com/codyverbage)

John Crain is a rocking guy who has a hint of country to his music, but just a hint. He can be filed under that just a smidge thanks to songs like “My True Love.” Here he sounds like a true country boy with a story to tell, even if the story is about heading down to the store like this one is…He can make it about love somehow. “Without You” shows off his soft side as the music makes pictures of the adobe clad desert dance and sway about to a cool, calm and collected beat. Then there’s “Stand Up” also showcases the softer side of John Crain, but things slowly build up but it never gets to be too much, but just enough. John Crain is a bassist, guitarist and of course vocalist from North Carolina who is ready for you to take on and discover. (https://www.jango.com/music/John+Crain?l=0)

Los Angeles’ own Artour can’t deny he’s one for the late nights and bright lights with his music that screams, “Dance tight now!” “Tonight” sounds like a bonafide club song, it’s electronic for the kids who like to rave. Then there’s something about living tonight. The vocals aren’t that strong. “Night Time” the music is executed well. The vocals are a little better in this one, maybe because they come in sooner than later and are more catchy. “Wall To Wall #TwerkTeamUSA” plays into what is current. Twerk almost became the word of 2013 but selfie actually beat it out. Nevertheless it’ll make girls and guys alike do what they do on the dance floor; twerk hard. “Bottles Are Free” is about knowing how to party and having a night out, so that’s fun. Things shook up with “Grind My Gears” and its hyper energy that eventually gets industrial. So that’s different and sets is apart. At times the vocals verged on Right Said Fred, but with a modern musical twist. If you’re a club kid, make sure to check out the City of Angels’ Artour. (https://soundcloud.com/artour)