Category: Releases

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Macro/micro, the experimental electronic project helmed by Los Angeles based artist Tommy Simpson, announces the release of a new concept album, A.fter I.ntelligence, a deeply introspective and philosophically charged exploration of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the long-term trajectory of human evolution.

Rooted in IDM and experimental electronic sound design, Macro/micro continues its pursuit of what Simpson describes as “deeper, intuitive truths about the relationship between inner and outer space.” The project blends intricate sonic architecture with a spiritually holistic lens, unafraid to confront darkness as a pathway toward insight and clarity.

Simpson, who began training in multiple instruments at age five and writing and recording original music by thirteen, has released multiple albums and EPs under Macro/micro, alongside composing for film, contemporary theater, and large-scale art installations. His work has been performed internationally, establishing him as a distinctive voice in forward-thinking electronic composition.

The new album centers on the existential risks posed by humanity’s accelerating development of artificial intelligence. Rather than focusing on present-day aesthetics or surface-level interpretations of AI culture, A.fter I.ntelligence examines the longer arc, philosophical, ethical, and physical, of misaligned intelligence systems and their potential impact on human continuity.

The work positions AI not as novelty, but as a force requiring deep reflection: what happens when intelligence exceeds intention, and what remains of humanity when the systems it creates begin to outgrow it?

From January 2019 to July 2021, Simpson worked as an audio engineer for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, assisting in the development of scores and recordings across major film and music projects. His contributions included work on HBO’s Watchmen, as well as the films Waves, Mank, and Soul, in addition to releases by Nine Inch Nails and Halsey.

This period of intensive collaboration and high-level studio work informs the sonic precision and cinematic depth that define A.fter I.ntelligence.

About Macro/micro

Macro/micro is an evolving experimental electronic project by Tommy Simpson, merging IDM, ambient, and conceptual composition into immersive sonic narratives. The work consistently bridges emotional introspection with technological and philosophical inquiry, positioning sound as both medium and meditation.

Find Macro/micro: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Bandcamp, Spotify, Website

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Danielle Holian | danielle.holian@decentmusicpr.com 

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Genres: Indie Pop, Alt Pop, Dark Pop, Indie Rock

Serbian indie outfit Bitter Blue returns with their compelling new single, “Port Wine Blood”. Blending reverb-laden guitars, synth-infused dark pop atmospherics and an unforgettable chorus, the track offers another glimpse into the band’s highly anticipated debut full-length album, scheduled for release in September 2026.

The creative vehicle of songwriter Luka Nikolić, Bitter Blue was born from a desire to transform life’s more difficult moments into something meaningful and uplifting. Drawing inspiration from the infectious songwriting of bands such as Foals, The Smiths, The Strokes, The Neighbourhood, and Bloc Party, the project combines emotional honesty with anthemic hooks that linger long after the final note fades.

“Port Wine Blood” continues that tradition, exploring themes of love, fear, and the overcoming of self-doubt in a life full of uncertainties. The single showcases Bitter Blue’s evolving sound, equal parts introspective and expansive, while hinting at the ambitious artistic vision behind the forthcoming debut LP.

The release follows the growing success of Bitter Blue’s acclaimed debut EP, Levity, released in 2024 through Tribal Rajber. Written by Luka Nikolić and produced by Stefan Mark Milojković at Buzz Box Studio, the EP introduced listeners to a band unafraid to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion. Alongside Nikolić, the lineup features Milan Mirić (vocals), Miloš Dabetić (bass), and Milojković (drums and production).

Speaking about the upcoming album, Nikolić reflects on the creative process, “It definitely feels like the first time in my life I’ve been involved in creating actual art, not just music. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last 20 years of writing and performing, it’s that there is beauty to be found in creating art even when the world is going mad and life seems too complex to grasp. Making this record felt like meditating on the top floor of a burning skyscraper, in the best possible way. It’s a colorful album filled with a whole lot of life, a little bit of death, and everything else sprinkled in between for good measure.”

The forthcoming LP represents the band’s most intentional and fully realized work to date, with every lyrical, musical, and visual element serving a larger artistic purpose. “Port Wine Blood” stands as a powerful introduction to that next chapter.

Since the release of Levity, Bitter Blue has attracted international media attention and critical praise from outlets including Happy Mag, V13 Media, Spill Magazine, Obscure Sound, Rock At Night, Ink 19, and Conversations About Her, all highlighting the band’s distinctive blend of emotional depth and indie-pop accessibility.

With “Port Wine Blood,” Bitter Blue further establishes itself as one of the most exciting emerging voices in the Balkan alternative scene, delivering a song that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

FIND BITTER BLUE: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Spotify, YouTube

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Danielle Holian | danielle.holian@decentmusicpr.com 

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Acclaimed songwriter and producer steps into the spotlight with a deeply personal collection of songs about grief, growth, self-acceptance, and finding meaning in life’s transitions.

Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and producer Tom Peyton releases his debut solo album, Thank You For My Name, a 12-track, 31-minute collection that transforms deeply personal experiences into thoughtful, witty, and emotionally resonant songwriting.

Drawing inspiration from artists such as Bo Burnham, Father John Misty, Randy Newman, Paul Simon, Harry Nilsson, and Rex Orange County, Peyton blends singer-songwriter storytelling with elements of pop, jazz, and classical music. The result is a record that feels both intimate and expansive; filled with humor, vulnerability, and hard-earned perspective.

The album’s origins trace back to a pivotal moment in Peyton’s life. The title track, “Thank You For My Name,” was written in the immediate aftermath of his mother’s passing. At the time, despite a lifelong background as a musician, Peyton could barely play piano. Staying in his childhood home, he sat down at his mother’s piano and slowly worked out the song’s chord progression by ear.

“When I wrote the first song that became a part of this album, I had no idea that I was ever going to make solo music at all,” Peyton explains. “I wrote ‘Thank You For My Name’ the week after my mom died to try and process what I was feeling.”

What began as an act of grief gradually evolved into a creative transformation. Peyton dedicated himself to learning piano while continuing to write songs that explored the complexities of adulthood, identity, relationships, and self-reflection. During the pandemic, an abundance of creative solitude accelerated the process, resulting in dozens of demos and the beginnings of a cohesive artistic vision.

Though initially hesitant to release music under his own name, encouragement from trusted friends and collaborators helped Peyton embrace the project. He partnered with producer Ethan Shumaker, spending two years carefully crafting the recordings.

“We took our time and made sure that we weren’t done with any one song until we absolutely loved listening to it,” says Peyton.

The resulting album captures a period marked by profound change: the loss of a parent, evolving friendships, increased self-acceptance, and a newfound love of the piano. Throughout the record, Peyton examines the strange experience of getting older, the realization that the world remains largely the same while our relationship to it continually shifts.

“These songs started to show up in the wake of grief and growth,” Peyton says. “I’m trying to pay attention to feelings that maybe you don’t want to admit to yourself, and then say them in a song in a way that someone else might be able to hear. Laugh or cry. That’s what I’m going for.”

Track Listing

1. Already Said Goodbye
2. Let’s Move In Together
3. Vases on Books (Interlude)
4. A Little Depressing
5. Thank You For My Name
6. The More or Less
7. Starting Now
8. What Do You Say When I’m Not There
9. The Hum of Everything (Interlude)
10. Moment of Silence
11. Some Other Life
12. Rejoice (Outro)

About Tom Peyton

Tom Peyton is a singer, songwriter, producer, and visual artist based in Los Angeles and originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. Over the past fifteen years, he has built an acclaimed career writing and producing music responsible for more than one billion streams.

His songwriting and production credits include work with Pitbull, Panic! At The Disco, Camila Cabello, Lizzo, Christina Aguilera, Icona Pop, Robin Schulz, Ashe, X Ambassadors, K. Flay, The Glorious Sons, and Arkells. He is also the vocalist of Fast Friends and has previously been a member of Wallpaper., Push to Talk, The Morning Benders, and The KGB.

Beyond music, Peyton is an accomplished visual artist, photographer, director, and creative producer. Thank You For My Name marks the culmination of years of personal growth, artistic exploration, and a lifelong relationship with music; his most personal work to date.

For fans of Bo Burnham, Father John Misty, Paul Simon, Dawes, Medium Build, Harry Nilsson, and Randy Newman, Thank You For My Name offers a poignant, funny, and deeply human reflection on loss, love, and the ongoing process of becoming yourself.

Find Tom Peyton: Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, Apple Music

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Danielle Holian | danielle.holian@decentmusicpr.com 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

RUNTIME: 31 minutes, 46 seconds

FFO: Bo Burnham, Rex Orange County, Tom Petty, The Cardigans

GENRE(s): Singer/Songwriter, Pop, Jazz, Classical

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American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Austyn Gillette has released his new EP, Moments. Featuring five evocative tracks, the record showcases Gillette’s signature blend of alternative and indie sounds, further cementing his reputation as a compelling voice in contemporary music.

The new record,Moments, weaves together introspective lyricism, lush melodies, and textured arrangements. The EP captures Gillette’s distinctive artistry, an approachable yet deeply thoughtful sonic experience characterized by catchy riffs, classic synthesizer flourishes, and his uniquely expressive vocal style.

Originally from Los Angeles, he began exploring songwriting in his teenage years while simultaneously pursuing a long-standing professional career as a skateboarder. Over time, he cultivated a sound influenced by alternative, indie, and hip-hop, crafting music designed to make listeners sway, think, and feel.

His debut solo album, Sensorisk (2018), introduced audiences to his conversational songwriting style and narrative-driven compositions. In 2021, after relocating to New York City, Gillette penned his second studio album, Words We Won’t Wear, during a harsh winter, an ambitious project that expanded on his earlier work with greater discipline and compelling subject matter. This record was later supported by a west coast tour with Cat Power. 

Since then, Austyn’s creative journey has continued to evolve. In 2023, he released the single “Leaning into Your Palms,” accompanied by a music video directed by David Findlay and premiered through NOWNESS, later touring film festivals worldwide. In 2024, he recorded the singles “Fingers to the Flame” and “Out of Our Heads” with the band Tennis. A move to Paris in 2025 provided new inspiration drawn from travel, culture, and introspection. Returning to Los Angeles in 2026, Gillette channeled these experiences into Moments, a reflective and emotionally resonant collection of songs recorded at Rancho Deluxe in Nashville.

About the EP: Moments

Inspired by a year of travel across Europe, Moments explores themes of fulfillment, change, love, and self-awareness. Influenced by the Swedish concept of “lagom”, meaning “just the right amount”, the record reflects on modern ambition, contentment, and the beauty of living in the present.

Tracklist

1. Is It Enough – A meditation on fulfillment and the cost of chasing material success.
2. Splinters – An optimistic reflection on endings and embracing the unknown.
3. Moments Last – A tender portrayal of vulnerability and the thrill of new love.
4. In Due Time – A message to a dear friend who needed the courage to move forward. 
5. Imminent – A contemplative reminder that change is inevitable and transformative.

With Moments, Austyn Gillette delivers an intimate and immersive listening experience; one that invites audiences to slow down, reflect, and embrace life as it unfolds.

Find Austyn Gillette: Instagram, Spotify

Press Contact: Danielle Holian, danielle.holian@decentmusicpr.com

Argentinian singer-songwriter Gregg Lindor delivers a theatrical glam-rock anthem from his debut solo album, Sex, Drugs & a Breakfast Burrito

After more than a decade fronting the hard rock outfit First Date Fuckers, Argentinian rock and pop-rock musician Gregg Lindor has stepped confidently into the spotlight as a solo artist. Blending classic rock influences with cinematic storytelling and larger-than-life production, Lindor’s single “Count on Me” stands as one of the defining releases from his debut solo album, Sex, Drugs & a Breakfast Burrito.

Written by Gregg Lindor and developed in close collaboration with longtime producer and guitarist Max Neil, “Count on Me” is an explosive celebration of vintage glam rock, arena-sized choruses, and theatrical storytelling. The song channels the spirit of classic 1970s and 1980s rock while presenting a distinctly modern artistic vision.

From its opening moments, “Count on Me” delivers a powerful wall of sound, combining chunky electric guitar riffs, thunderous drums, soaring vocal harmonies, and warm analog synthesizers. The result is a rich musical texture that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

A centerpiece of the track is Max Neil’s extended guitar solo, a soaring and melodic performance that recalls the golden age of arena rock while showcasing the chemistry that has defined the duo’s creative partnership for years.

Drawing inspiration from artists such as Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Queen, David Bowie, Bon Jovi, and the sophisticated glam aesthetic of Roxy Music, the song embraces everything that made classic rock larger than life: unforgettable hooks, dramatic vocals, and unapologetic theatricality.

“The melody from ‘Count on Me’ had been on me for a long time,” says Lindor. “I woke up every morning for several weeks with that ‘oh oh oh, you gotta count on me’ spinning in my head. I called my old guitar teacher and friend Max Neil and told him, ‘Dude, I already have the first song for my solo project. I need you to come over and tear it from me so we can both turn it into a real thing.'”

Within hours, the foundations of the song were in place.

“A few days later Max started working on that bombastic solo while I focused on the lyrics,” Lindor explains. “Since I’m a writer and have already published four books, I always try to tell a complete story in three and a half minutes; a story that wouldn’t fit into any of my novels.”

The song’s lyrical themes explore the fine line between devotion and obsession. While the chorus appears to offer reassurance and loyalty, the narrative raises deeper questions about trust, infatuation, and the darker side of emotional dependency.

“My obsession for the last couple of years has been recording my first solo album, so it was easy to begin with a story about obsession,” says Lindor. “Being obsessed with a goal can help you achieve something extraordinary, but obsession with another person can become something very different. People often confuse love with infatuation. Real love remains love, but obsession can transform into something much darker. Can you really trust someone who tells you, ‘You gotta count on me’?”

Adding another layer of complexity, the song incorporates a speech by James Mason’s character Humbert Humbert from Stanley Kubrick’s Lolita, creating a striking thematic contrast that reinforces the song’s exploration of manipulation, trust, and emotional dependence.

The official music video embraces the extravagant visual language of 1980s rock culture. Featuring dramatic makeup, towering teased hair, flamboyant fashion, and a custom hot-pink guitar created specifically to complement Lindor’s flashy stage attire, the video serves as a vibrant companion piece to the song’s larger-than-life sound.

The result is a visual and musical experience that feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh, a bold statement from an artist determined to forge his own path beyond the band that first made his name.

With “Count on Me,” Gregg Lindor announces himself as a solo artist unafraid to embrace rock’s grand traditions while using them to tell deeply personal stories. It is a song about passion, obsession, trust, and the seductive power of charisma, delivered with enough glam-rock energy to fill an arena.

“Count on Me” is available now as part of Gregg Lindor’s debut solo album, Sex, Drugs & a Breakfast Burrito.

Instagram, Spotify

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

Danielle Holian | danielle.holian@decentmusicpr.com 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

‘Count On Me’

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Sex, Drugs & a Breakfast Burrito

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London-based producer, vocalist, and multidisciplinary artist Joshua Milú has released his EP Sucito: A Home, a Alternative House, and Electronic-influenced electronic project in September 2025. 

The release is the first of his evolving Sucito series—an ongoing catalogue exploring working-class identity, queer self-discovery, and the realities of life in contemporary London through club-driven sound. 

Following his debut album We Deserve to Cry, Joshua Milú deepens his sonic and narrative focus with a project that blends introspective songwriting and hard-hitting electronic production. Drawing from House and Alternative House, the EP expands his signature fusion of emotionally charged lyricism and dancefloor-oriented energy. 

A Tribute to Working-Class London 

Sucito: A Home is described by Joshua as an invitation to the listener to follow him on the journey to finding acceptance within himself as a queer working-class person. The EP reflects long hours, financial precarity, and the search for belonging, while also celebrating the club as a space of freedom, discovery, and queer identity formation. 

Speaking on the inspiration behind the project, Joshua recalls his early years in London in 2022, balancing university studies with cleaning work, while forming his identity as a queer person. With limited financial means and limited time, nightlife became less about excess and more about exploration—of music, community, and self. 

“The club wasn’t just escape—it was education,” Joshua reflects. “It’s where I learned about London, about people, and about myself.” 

He also highlights the role of inclusive nightlife spaces and grassroots organisers who helped make club culture accessible to low-income attendees, shaping his understanding of community within electronic music scenes. 

Reclaiming Working-Class Narratives in Music 

A central theme of the Sucito series is the reclamation of working-class storytelling in contemporary music. Joshua notes a perceived absence of these narratives in today’s industry, despite their historical presence across genres. 

“With Sucito, I wanted to bring those stories back—but in a way that feels alive in the club,” he explains. “It’s about workers, queer identity, survival, joy, and movement all at once.” 

Sound and Collaboration 

The EP draws inspiration from artists such as Kaytranada, Channel Tres, and The Blaze, while pushing into more percussive and global club influences. It features production and songwriting contributions across its tracks, including collaborations with Roselyn Mugabe and engineering by bgtheengineer.

Tracklist: 

● Mayhem — Producer: Joshua Milú; Songwriter: Joshua Milú (Joshua Bravo Nikolic); Mix/Master: bgtheengineer 

● Oatmeal — Producer: Joshua Milú; Songwriter: Joshua Milú (Joshua Bravo Nikolic); Mix/Master: bgtheengineer 

● A Home — Producer: Joshua Milú; Songwriter: Joshua Milú & Roselyn Mugabe; Mix/Master: bgtheengineer 

About the Sucito Series 

The Sucito project is an evolving body of work exploring queer identity, working-class life, and club culture through electronic music. Beginning with Sucito: A Home, the series situates dance music as both refuge and resistance—bridging personal narrative with communal experience on the dancefloor. 

Sucito: Blue Collar Lovers Club is scheduled for release in late November. 

Find Joshua Milú: Instagram, YouTube, Deezer, Spotify

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Similar artists: Kaytranada, Channel Tres, The Blaze

Genre(s): House, Alternative House, Electronic

RUNTIME: 10 minutes, 47 seconds

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https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QIZmecMPGFNqW6t1kjcE5PuNZEILImhT?usp=drive_link

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Alternative rock outfit Ychabods return with their new EP, Message Through Meadows, a four-track collection that blends psychedelia, 90s alternative rock, and raw garage rock into a thoughtful exploration of memory, identity, and the forces that shape our lives.

Formed in 2022 when songwriter Mario Selecky reunited with drummer Filip Paulo, Ychabods emerged from a collection of unfinished songs that quickly evolved into a full creative vision. Following the release of their debut album, the band’s lineup expanded with bassist Lubos Duris and later guitarist and vocalist Martin Molnar, helping define the eclectic sound that has become a hallmark of the group.

Recorded between 2024 and 2025, Message Through Meadows showcases Ychabods’ ability to move effortlessly between introspective storytelling and social commentary. The EP’s four songs each present a distinct perspective while contributing to a larger thematic narrative.

Opening track “Time Traveller” takes inspiration from Black Sabbath’s classic “Iron Man,” reimagining the concept through a more optimistic lens. The song follows a figure existing outside of time who witnesses humanity’s greatest triumphs and failures, encouraging listeners to reflect on history as a means of creating a better future.

“Good Times” shifts inward, capturing the importance of appreciating the present moment. Driven by clear influences from 1990s alternative rock, the song explores how joy and meaning can be found amid uncertainty, offering a reflective and relatable perspective on modern life.

The EP’s most psychedelic offering, “Purple Man,” draws inspiration from the Marvel Comics villain known for his ability to control minds. Referencing the complex relationship between Purple Man and Jessica Jones, the track explores manipulation, resistance, and personal freedom through hypnotic instrumental layers and a distinctive drum-centered arrangement.

Closing track “Tzar’s Bloody Rodeo” delivers the EP’s sharpest social commentary. Built on a foundation of raw garage rock inspired by bands such as The White Stripes, the song portrays a powerful leader who thrives on chaos and conflict while remaining detached from the suffering caused by their actions. Through vivid imagery and biting lyrics, it questions the morality of those who wield power without accountability.

The EP was co-produced by Mario Selecky, Martin Molnar, and Robert “Brucky” Bruckmayer, who also handled mixing and mastering. A producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, Bruckmayer has worked as a freelance composer for Hans Zimmer’s Bleeding Fingers Music, Warner Chappell, and numerous international projects, bringing depth and cohesion to the release’s diverse sonic palette.

Across its four tracks, Message Through Meadows reflects on the past, embraces the present, and challenges listeners to think critically about influence, authority, and personal agency. The result is a release that is both musically adventurous and emotionally resonant—one that showcases Ychabods’ evolving identity while remaining rooted in the spirit of rock music.

EP Credits

Time Traveller
Songwriters: Mario Selecky, Martin Molnar
Lyrics: Mario Selecky
Co-Production: Mario Selecky, Robert Bruckmayer
Production: Martin Molnar
Mixing & Mastering: Robert Bruckmayer

Good Times
Songwriters: Mario Selecky, Martin Molnar, Lubos Duris
Lyrics: Mario Selecky, Martin Molnar
Co-Production: Mario Selecky, Robert Bruckmayer
Production: Martin Molnar
Mixing & Mastering: Robert Bruckmayer

Purple Man
Songwriters: Mario Selecky, Martin Molnar, Filip Paulo
Lyrics: Mario Selecky
Co-Production: Mario Selecky, Robert Bruckmayer
Production: Martin Molnar
Mixing & Mastering: Robert Bruckmayer

Tzar’s Bloody Rodeo
Songwriters: Mario Selecky, Martin Molnar, Lubos Duris
Lyrics: Mario Selecky
Co-Production: Mario Selecky, Robert Bruckmayer
Production: Martin Molnar
Mixing & Mastering: Robert Bruckmayer

Find Ychabods: Instagram, Facebook, Spotify

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Danielle Holian | danielle.holian@decentmusicpr.com 

Zimbabwean-born artist Kuda-Kwashé unveils his latest single, “Afua’s Kitchen ’ (Hosted by Ne-Yo),” a vibrant Afro-fusion anthem blending Afrobeats, Afropop, Rap, R&B, and soulful storytelling into a global celebration of food, culture, music, and human connection.

Driven by infectious rhythms, warm melodies, and cinematic energy, “Afua’s Kitchen (Hosted by Ne-Yo)” captures the spirit of togetherness that defines Kuda-Kwashé’s artistry. Inspired by conversations about food and cultural identity, the track transforms everyday connection into an uplifting musical experience.

“Inspiration came from a group chat when I noticed the conversation always came alive whenever people talked about food and different country cuisines,” says Kuda-Kwashé. “Afua’s Kitchen ’ (Hosted by Ne-Yo) started as a joke with a woman from Ghana who made her own Ghanaian-style sauces while I complimented her dishes on Instagram. Then I connected the dots when I remembered Beyoncé’s analogy of good music feeling like delicious food.”

That realization became the foundation for a song rooted in joy, hospitality, and shared experience; values deeply connected to his Zimbabwean upbringing.

“This was a clear theme of something I’ve always done well, bringing people together,” he explains. “I aim to make music that moves the spirit and soul, and the body.”

The release also arrives with a major co-sign from global superstar Ne-Yo, who publicly endorsed the track in what Kuda-Kwashé describes as “divine timing.” Originally created back in 2021, the song has now evolved into a broader representation of cultural unity and worldwide community.

“Now we have that representation of people from different cultures and backgrounds connecting worldwide,” he says. “A sense of worldwide community, good vibes, good music, good food; that’s just a window into how we do where I’m from; Harare, Zimbabwe. We’re some of the most loving, welcoming people. Hospitality is a key part of our way of life.”

But Kuda-Kwashé’s vision stretches far beyond music alone.

Blending Afro-fusion, soulful rap, emotional vulnerability, and cinematic storytelling, the artist is carving out a distinctive lane he calls “RapFro Soul”, a genre-fluid experience inspired by influences ranging from Burna Boy, J Hus, and Wizkid to Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Drake, J. Cole, Tems, and Alicia Keys.

What truly separates Kuda-Kwashé is the emotional depth behind the music. Alongside his artistry, he is also a qualified mental health nurse, bringing a rare level of empathy and emotional intelligence into his songwriting. His growing catalog, including tracks like “In Those Eyes” and “Crazy”, explores healing, identity, vulnerability, and human connection through immersive soundscapes.

Beyond the records, Kuda-Kwashé is building Hybrid Heart Experience, an ambitious global platform combining music, therapeutic conversation, live healing experiences, and community impact into one ecosystem.

At a time when audiences are searching for authenticity and deeper meaning, Kuda-Kwashé emerges not simply as an artist, but as a visionary storyteller creating atmosphere, reflection, and cultural connection on a global scale.

FIND KUDA-KWASHE:
Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Spotify

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Danielle Holian | danielle.holian@decentmusicpr.com 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

3 minutes, 19 secondsGenres: Afrobeats, Afrofusion, Afropop, Rap, R&B, WorldSimilar Artists: Burna Boy, J Hus, Asake, Wizkid, Tems, Drake, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Ne-Yo, Fuse ODG, Brent Faiyaz, Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr

Singer-songwriter Carlotta Schmidt unveils an uplifting, community-driven visual celebrating authenticity, self-acceptance, and LGBTQ+ visibility.

New Jersey-based singer-songwriter Carlotta Schmidt has released the official music video for “Let Me Be Me,” a standout singer-songwriter, Americana track from her latest album, Overthinker. Directed, produced, and edited by Schmidt herself, the video transforms a deeply personal song into a collective statement of identity, belonging, and resilience.

Originally written as a personal reflection on her journey as a bisexual woman, “Let Me Be Me” has evolved into an anthem embraced by audiences across the country.

“When I initially wrote ‘Let Me Be Me,’ I thought of it more as a plea than as an anthem,” says Schmidt. “After years of being in the closet out of fear of personal and career repercussions, I just couldn’t hide anymore. I just couldn’t let the opinions of others dictate my life anymore.”

She continues, “This is the song I needed when I was realizing I was bisexual. I felt really alone and maybe I could’ve avoided that feeling if I had seen myself in media, culture, and everyday life. When I started playing ‘Let Me Be Me’ out at gigs, it started to become an anthem. Not only did I start to feel less afraid, but I also started to feel less alone. The audiences I play it for keep showing me their full support of both me as an artist and me as a queer person. The song resonates with audiences. They connect to it. And that is so important and meaningful to me.”

The innovative video features 67 participants, including Schmidt, members of her band Carlotta Schmidt and the Bold, legendary guitarist Jon Herington (Steely Dan, Madeleine Peyroux, Boz Scaggs), and volunteers, staff, and clients connected to New Jersey nonprofit organizations supporting LGBTQ+ advocacy and community care. Participants contributed from across the United States and as far away as Zambia, each filming their own segment using a mobile phone before Schmidt assembled the footage into a unified visual statement.

The result is a moving celebration of individuality and shared humanity, reinforcing the song’s message that everyone deserves the freedom to be themselves.

While the lyric-focused visual style has historical roots in Bob Dylan’s iconic 1965 video for “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” Schmidt arrived at the concept independently.

“I wanted listeners to really focus on the words and their meaning,” Schmidt explains. “In featuring so many people from across the United States and around the world, I wanted to give all people an opportunity to see themselves in the video and behind the lyrics of the song.”

The song itself emerged quickly and organically during the spring of 2024. “When I wrote ‘Let Me Be Me,’ I had been thinking about the rampant bi-erasure and biphobia in our culture for a while, but just hadn’t been able to put pen to paper yet. I was finally able to in May 2024. I wrote the song really quickly, which is rare for me, and was instantly proud of it, which is also really rare.”

She adds, “The biggest challenge in producing and mixing the song was figuring out how to fit in all of the parts. There’s a total of nine different parts—lead vocals, backing vocals, counter melody vocals, two acoustic guitars, electric guitar, bass, drums and cello. I wanted the song to sound rich, but not chaotic and it took some time to find that balance.”

Musically, “Let Me Be Me” sits at the intersection of singer-songwriter and Americana traditions while addressing contemporary issues of identity and representation. Its spirit recalls socially conscious and emotionally resonant works by artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Elton John, Indigo Girls, Janis Ian, Marvin Gaye, Queen, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and the collaborative humanitarian legacy of “We Are The World.”

The video would not have been possible without the support of Schmidt’s family, friends, and three New Jersey organizations committed to inclusion and community care: The Center of Asbury Park, Garden State Equality, and JBJ Soul Kitchen.

Video Credits

“Let Me Be Me”, from the album OverthinkerDirected, Produced and Edited by Carlotta Schmidt
Filmed by Everyone Featured in the Video

Participating Organizations:

• The Center of Asbury Park
• Garden State Equality
• JBJ Soul Kitchen

Song Credits

“Let Me Be Me”Music and Lyrics by Carlotta SchmidtProduced by Carlotta Schmidt
Recorded at Shorefire Recording Studios
Engineered and Mixed by Joe DeMaio
Mastered by Leon Zervos

• Carlotta Schmidt – Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
• Mike Flynn – Electric Guitar
• Paul Avrutin – Bass
• Lee Finkelstein – Drums
• Dave Eggar – Cello

Connect with Carlotta Schmidt: Instagram, Spotify, YouTube, Website
Press Contact: Danielle Holian – Decent Music PR
Email: danielle.holian@decentmusicpr.com
Website: www.decentmusicpr.com
Telephone/Whatsapp: +44 (0) 204 572 2260
Reviews: TrustPilot, Google Reviews

LISTEN HERE | DOWNLOAD ALBUM | MEDIA ASSETS

Genre: Alternative • Rock • Lo-Fi Rock • Folk
FFO: Elliott Smith, Big Star, Jeff Buckley

Boston-based singer-songwriter Sam Gelston returns with See Through Now, a deeply personal and uncompromising new album. Written, performed, and recorded entirely by Gelston in his bedroom, the nine-track collection embraces imperfection, vulnerability, and absurdity while examining relationships, mental health, mortality, and the search for meaning in an increasingly disorienting world.

Originally trained as a drummer, Gelston taught himself guitar at fifteen, driven by a desire to expand beyond his primary instrument. His debut EP Breathe for You showcased his self-accompanied songwriting, while his first full-length album Trees in Season established him as an emerging storyteller with a distinctive voice. Following time spent forming alternative punk outfit Hands of Spite and contributing drums to Lenny Lashley’s Gang of One album Pray for Death, Gelston returned to solo work with a renewed commitment to honesty and creative freedom.

On See Through Now, that commitment is palpable. The album strips away polish in favor of emotional truth, allowing rough edges, vocal cracks, missed notes, and spontaneous performances to remain intact. The result is a record that feels intimate, immediate, and profoundly human.

“See Through Now is a retrospective of my life up to this point,” says Gelston. “Every song is its own little life and death while trying to hold onto a sense of absurdism. Things are strange, life is strange, I’m strange, and so are you. The important thing is remembering the peaks and valleys while realizing the world is still in front of you.”

The album opens with the darkly comedic “I’m Coming to LA to Kill You,” a tongue-in-cheek love letter to a best friend who moved across the country. Throughout the record, Gelston balances humor with emotional weight, whether exploring isolation within a relationship on “Who You Are,” reconnecting after a fractured friendship on “IDKY,” or confronting cycles of depression and self-doubt on “Lazy Too.”

Songs like “Somethings Last a While” showcase Gelston’s fascination with unsettling language and unconventional beauty, transforming familiar sentiments into vivid and often disarming imagery. Elsewhere, “Car Ride” and “Meet Me Downtown” examine perception, social validation, and the everyday struggle to find authenticity amid modern noise.

The album reaches its emotional climax with “Make It Make Sense,” written after Gelston’s diagnosis of kidney failure. Recorded from an iPhone demo that captured an unrepeatable moment of vulnerability, the song serves as both reckoning and declaration—a reflection on mortality that ultimately insists on perseverance.

Across its nine tracks, See Through Now offers a collection of songs that are unafraid to be contradictory: funny and heartbreaking, cynical and hopeful, chaotic and deeply sincere. It is an album rooted in the belief that beauty often emerges from imperfection and that meaning can still be found amid uncertainty.

Tracklist
I’M COMING TO LA TO KILL YOU
WHO YOU ARE
SOMETHINGS LAST A WHILE
CAR RIDE
IDKY
ROSES
LAZY TOO
MEET ME DOWNTOWN
MAKE IT MAKE SENSE

Credits
All songs written, performed, and recorded by Sam Gelston
Recorded by Sam Gelston
Mixed and mastered by David Chapman at Endless Noise Studios

Notes to Editors
Album Cover Artwork: Moriah Gilbert
Blonde-Haired Photo: Ellie India Rose
Cigarette Photo: Samuel Creager
Guitar Photo: Sam Gelston

About Sam Gelston
Sam Gelston is a singer-songwriter based in Boston, Massachusetts. Known for his distinctive voice, raw production style, and commitment to experimentation, Gelston’s music challenges conventional ideas of beauty while pursuing emotional honesty and simplicity. Drawing influence from artists such as Elliott Smith, Big Star, and Jeff Buckley, he blends alternative rock, folk, and lo-fi sensibilities into songs that are both intimate and unpredictable. With See Through Now, Gelston continues pushing the boundaries of his songwriting while delivering his most personal work to date.

FIND SAM GELSTON:
Instagram, Spotify, Website

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Danielle Holian | danielle.holian@decentmusicpr.com