Like an uplifting wave of emotion, Massachusetts’s Sarah Belitz is inking a collection of songs laced with intelligent lyrics and clever sensibility. Spinning a web of acoustic pop laden with folksy intuition, this artist draws from an impressive pool of influences, ranging from Jewel and Joni Mitchell to Joan Baez and Christina Perri.

Belitz’s sultry, throaty vocal tone soothes the senses throughout each song, showcased in tracks such as “Dangerous” and “Whatever You Believe.” A truly committed artist within the Northeast indie music scene, this is one powerful female to keep our eyes on.

Emyna The Rock Queen was not given the title lightly. This woman has paid her dues and then some. Born in Houston, TX, this Lone Star State gal was bred to be musical since she was the daughter of a music teacher. From there she went on to play guitar and that took her around the world with Chaka Khan. She even shared the stage with Def Leppard. Today she is rock royalty and has an eco-friendly clothing line, her own label and even runs workshops for women musicians. On top of all that, she still has time to rock! Emyna The Rock Queens music is full of a chilled energy that still gets the blood running, while delivering positive messages. Songs like Reach for the Sky, Get It Away and Alive are all great tracks to put on when you are at your lowest. Rest assured, these songs will pick you up from the low point and get you on the right track. For those who just want to rock, listen to Rise and put those horns up. Emyna The Rock Queen is going strong, so check her out now.

Recently The Purge came out and if that movie would like a sequel and needs some music, may they find Fallen Angel Chorus. This music screams horror. It is spooky, scary, freighting and every other synonym to that bunch. If that is what you are into, then you are in for a treat, if not, the you better not listen for it would be a trick. So for those of you who like music that experiments with sound textures and such, lets take a deeper look. Pathos is an electronic trip, while Inversion is what you would hear if you were about to die in a Rob Zombie flick. Most of the songs from Fallen Angel Chorus are eerie notes and whatnot, but The Sparrow actually had audible lyrics. That did not last long as Penetrate (scary name) and The Garden came up next and reiterated Fallen Angel Choruses signature sound; spooktastic. The oddball of the group was Faintest Hope. That was because it had a lighter sound than the other tracks, one that made it upbeat in comparison. If you like music that is likely to be used for a haunted house, then check out Fallen Angel Chorus. (https://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=1115080)

Those who were ever in middle school know the joys of loving pop music, and for those who deny this, you are liars. Good pop music is what makes the world go round. When my mother was younger it was The Monkees and for me, Backstreet Boys and today the likes of Bieber, Gomez and One Direction. Now there is a new group in town looking to make some noise, Barbadoro. Like Wilson Philips, Barbadoro is made up of a trio of sisters who have a California sun vibe to their sound, even though they might not be from the Golden State, they sound like a day at the beach. Songs like Don’t Wanna Talk are reminiscent of girl groups of the past who are not only pop, but add a hint of R&B to the mix; Dream for example. Flowers on My Birthday is more or less the same as the previously mentioned, and Superstitious if the star. It is catchy and that is the main component when it comes to music that pops. Gone, was not an N’SYNC cover, but it was still a great slow song to round things out. If you find yourself lacking girl group charisma in your musical life, check out Barbadoro now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/barbadoro?profile_view_source=profile_box)

Combining old school influences with a contemporary twist, New Jersey’s Da Killah Genius is spinning a fierce form of stripped down, raw hip hop. Producing organic, hardcore beats, this latest up and coming lyricist avoids the overproduced club-style instrumentals and sticks to the most important ingredients of true hip hop.

Unafraid to learn and listen to artists of all shapes and sizes, Da Killah Genius was inspired by everyone from Wu-Tang Clan and Public Enemy to Jedi Mind Tricks and Lloyd Banks. Check out this new sensation from the Garden State who brings the future of rap through an intelligent, catchy flair for the old school.

Hailing from the tiny village of St. Mary’s Parish in Jamaica is music’s next great underground reggae hero, as the aptly named Soldierman continues to create and spread positive messages with his powerful pen and voice. A veteran of the music scene since 1981 and influenced by classic songwriters such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jim Reeves and Marty Robbins, this is one artist who is truly inspired by the music he performs.

Darwin Gaitan puts his spin on already made songs and drops a lot of pop culture references while doing it in his brand of Hip Hop. It is clear Darwin grew up in the 90s as he name drops Doug Funnie and Bugs Bunny in his rendition of Adeles Blockbuster hit, Skyfall. He also takes on Drakes Started From The Bottom, although we all know Drake started from Degrassi. That is another story for another day though. Drugs make a huge appearance in a couple tracks like D.R.U.G.S. where a whole lot are named and in Turnt where Mollys are mentioned. Darwin Gaitan is best for those who are his age because if you are not able to get the references, you might not appreciate the music. So if you like Drake and Wiz, check out Darwin Gaitan and all he has to offer. (https://soundcloud.com/darwin-gaitan)

The brainchild of Fayetteville, Arkansas native Todd Mattson, OR7F is the latest in a series of mounting solo projects, delving deep into the experimental nether regions of alternative rock and electronica. A defiant mashup of unique styles, the songs seem to rely on rock rhythms highlighted by grooving, funky keyboards which carry the melodies. Sporadic, yet well-timed samples provide accents throughout some of the tracks, especially during “Crossroads” and “Dancing with Intoxication.”