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Music fans looking to combine live performances with a tropical escape will have the chance to do both as Joey Green's Verde Vacay returns to Cancun, Mexico, from July 12-16, 2026. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the annual songwriter getaway has grown into one of the most unique experiences in the Texas music scene, bringing artists and fans together in an intimate setting far beyond the traditional festival experience. Founded by Texas-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Joey Green, Verde Vacay has built its reputation around creating meaningful connections through music. Guests can expect fully produced live performances, personal artist interactions, and unforgettable experiences set against the beaches and resorts of Cancun. Rather than focusing solely on concerts, the event encourages fans to spend time with the songwriters themselves, creating an atmosphere where stories behind the songs become just as memorable as the performances. Over the past five years, Verde Vacay has welcomed an impressive lineup of artists, including Giovannie Yanez, Tanner Usrey, Bart Crow, Lane Smith, Gracie York, Mitchell Ferguson, Rob Mayes, and Jennifer Hart, helping establish the getaway as a favorite destination for fans of Texas and Americana music. Green brings years of experience to the event, having released eight albums, earned a No. 1 single on the Texas Regional Radio Chart, appeared on The Voice, and shared stages with some of Texas music's biggest names. His blend of rock, soul, and country, which he describes as "post-Americana," has helped cultivate a loyal audience while shaping the welcoming community that defines Verde Vacay. As the event celebrates its fifth year, Verde Vacay continues to prove that music festivals don't have to be crowded fields and distant stages. By pairing world-class songwriting with the relaxed setting of Cancun, Joey Green and his team have created an experience where music, travel, and genuine connection come together. For fans looking for more than just another concert, Verde Vacay offers a getaway built around the songs and the stories that bring people together.

Born from improvisation, friendship, and a desire to stay creatively connected during uncertain times, Captains of Entropy have never been a band interested in taking the predictable route. Their latest instrumental release, "Infection," continues that philosophy, inviting listeners into a mesmerizing world where groove, atmosphere, and spontaneity effortlessly coexist. The West Los Angeles trio of Mike Kanon (keys), Reilly Wareham (bass), and Jason Young (drums) first came together during the pandemic for weekly jam sessions that quickly evolved into something much bigger. Rather than chasing perfection, Captains of Entropy built their identity around curiosity, allowing each musical idea to unfold naturally. That organic chemistry remains the beating heart of "Infection." Despite its ominous title, the track is anything but dark. Instead, it unfolds with hypnotic restraint, blending crisp percussion, elastic bass lines, and dreamy keyboard textures into a cinematic instrumental that feels both calming and adventurous. While the band has always embraced experimentation, "Infection" presented a new challenge by committing to a steady grid throughout the performance. That added precision strengthens the song's immersive flow without taking away the warmth and spontaneity that define their sound. The accompanying music video captures that same authenticity. Filmed inside New Monkey Studios by longtime collaborator Matthew Mourgides, the performance feels refreshingly natural. Rather than relying on elaborate concepts, the camera simply follows three musicians as they are completely immersed in the creative process. They trade smiles, lock into infectious rhythms, and remind viewers that making music is just as much about joy as it is about craft. With "Infection," Captains of Entropy prove that instrumental music does not need vocals or oversized production to leave a lasting impression. Instead, they create an immersive listening experience that rewards patience, celebrates collaboration, and quietly pulls listeners deeper with every passing minute. It is another compelling release from a band that continues to let creativity lead the way.

BUZZMUSIC's Red Carpet Hosts, Chaunté Wayans and Big Venti As the curtain closed on the 2026 BET Awards, the celebration was only just beginning. Affinity Nightlife returned with its highly anticipated Official BET Awards After Party, transforming the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel into one of the weekend's most sought-after destinations for artists, entertainers, athletes, executives, and creators. BUZZMUSIC was also on the red carpet throughout the evening, with Big Venti and Chaunté Wayans conducting exclusive interviews with artists, actors, athletes, and industry guests as they arrived at the Hollywood Roosevelt. BUZZMUSIC's Red Carpet Hosts, Chaunté Wayans and Big Venti Bringing viewers behind the scenes of one of BET Awards Weekend's biggest celebrations, the pair captured candid conversations and exclusive moments from a night filled with music, culture, and entertainment. Big Venti interviewing guests at BET Awards After Party Held immediately following the awards ceremony, the black-tie event once again cemented its reputation as one of Los Angeles' premier BET Awards Weekend experiences. Guests filled the hotel's historic main lobby, Teddy's, and the renowned Library Bar, where high-energy DJ sets from Ashley Bolen, Rico, and Atron kept the celebration going well into the night. Elijah Write at BET Awards After Party, Photo by Nick Valesco The evening welcomed an impressive roster of notable guests from across music, film, television, and sports. Jessie T Usher at BET Awards After Party, Photo by Nick Valesco Among those in attendance were Jessie T. Usher (The Boys), Tonatiuh (Hulu Love Story), Aiyana-Lee and Elijah Wright from Spike Lee's upcoming Highest to Lowest. Kyle Massey, at BET Awards After Party, Photo by Nick Valesco Also, Kyle Massey, O'Neal McKnight, Autumn Paige, Olympic champions Fred Kerley and Brittney Reese, alongside a diverse mix of rising artists, industry leaders, influencers, and creative talent. Autumn Page at BET Awards After Party, Photo by Nick Valesco Beyond the celebrity appearances, attendees enjoyed a curated collection of luxury brand activations throughout the venue. Donnell Rawling at BET Awards After Party, Photo by Nick Valesco Monbeau Afrique introduced guests to its signature fragrances, Blvkbook delivered an immersive live art experience, Fenty Beauty showcased its latest offerings, while Noonah captured the evening through premium photography experiences. Caylin Toppi at BET Awards After Party, Photo by Nick Valesco Celebrity astrologer Neda Farr also offered personalized readings, adding another unique touch to the night's programming. Presented in partnership with Maturi Consulting, Fenty Beauty, Blvkbook, Misty TV, and The CW, the event highlighted the continued intersection of entertainment, fashion, beauty, and culture that defines BET Awards Weekend. Turrentine Family at BET Awards After Party, Photo by Nick Valesco With the legendary Hollywood Roosevelt providing the backdrop, Affinity Nightlife once again delivered a celebration worthy of one of entertainment's biggest nights, proving why its annual BET Awards After Party remains a fixture on Hollywood's social calendar.

The digital media creation arena is no longer about putting up videos and hoping for a viral outlier to happen. New and old content creators alike are continuously facing ever-changing algorithms that have the power to catch people off guard. Creating lasting momentum on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube involves having a strategy in place that includes metrics analysis. As a result, an increasing number of independent channels and established digital publishers look toward dedicated strategic platforms to safely scale their reach. Finding an analytical partner that provides reliable, cross-platform validation has become a necessity for serious performance marketing. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of why top-tier creators consistently lean on Internetfame to establish their digital authority and unlock consistent algorithmic distribution. 1. 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This unified management approach simplifies brand building by keeping your cross-platform performance metrics fully synchronized. 5. Elimination of Artificial View Drops and Retention Decay Low-tier delivery networks are plagued by rapid automated drops where numbers spike for a few minutes before disappearing completely due to system cleanups. Professional creators rely on this platform because the system provides permanent, high-stability metrics that do not trigger automated platform scrubbing routines. Maintaining stable baseline metrics allows your public-facing page to preserve a highly professional appearance that appeals to premium commercial sponsors. Brands looking for influencer collaborations evaluate stability above all else, making metric preservation critical for securing high-paying sponsorship deals. 6. 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Incorporating Internetfame into your standard marketing toolkit gives your brand an instant operational lift without needing massive exploratory advertising budgets. The immediate visibility boost removes the discouraging stagnation phase that causes most new channels to abandon their posting schedules within the first month. Having this clear runway allows your content operation to scale efficiently while building genuine community equity over the long term. Digital Growth and Metric Performance Trends To maximize your overall content strategy, it helps to understand how different engagement metrics translate into platform authority. The data table below highlights standard optimization benchmarks across major distribution channels. Frequently Asked Questions Will using an external metric service put my channel at risk? Using low-quality automated scripts can trigger account warnings, but premium acceleration platforms use real profile networks that mirror organic human behavior perfectly. This compliant distribution methodology ensures your profile remains in good standing while expanding its reach. How long does it take to see visible momentum on a new upload? Initial distribution pulses typically register on your internal creator dashboards within a few hours of activation. This early engagement boost helps your videos pass the platform's initial compliance checks, allowing the native algorithm to start serving it to relevant public feeds. Should I focus my growth budget on followers or direct video views? A balanced growth approach always yields the strongest long-term retention results. Increasing your view counts creates the high-retention social proof required to hold a user's attention, while a strong follower count builds the long-term profile authority needed to attract commercial sponsors. 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Some songs are written to entertain. Others are written to survive. On his latest single, “Who I Am,” Southern Florida artist Georgia Phantom delivers an emotionally unfiltered anthem about confronting life’s darkest moments and choosing to keep moving forward. Blending Southern hip-hop, rock, and country rap, “Who I Am” captures the emotional grit that has become central to Georgia Phantom’s sound. Rather than hiding behind bravado, the independent artist leans into vulnerability, reflecting on the pain, trauma, and personal battles that have ultimately shaped the person he’s becoming. Inspired by artists like Jelly Roll, NF, Struggle Jennings, Upchurch, and Five Finger Death Punch, Georgia Phantom strikes a compelling balance between hard-hitting production and deeply personal storytelling. His commanding vocal delivery cuts through layered guitars, driving rhythms, and atmospheric textures, creating a track that feels equally suited for late-night reflection and moments of personal determination. What gives “Who I Am” its greatest strength is its authenticity. Raised by a single mother in Ohio before serving nearly a decade in the military as a combat veteran during Operation Iraqi Freedom II, Georgia Phantom writes from lived experience rather than observation. Those experiences have become the foundation of music that resonates with listeners navigating depression, addiction, grief, and the long road toward healing. The production also reflects his willingness to embrace innovation. Created using Ableton alongside AI-assisted instrumental experimentation, the track demonstrates how modern technology can enhance creativity without replacing the human heart behind the music. Every lyric, vocal performance, and artistic decision remains unmistakably personal. Following previous releases like Built From Broken, Stay, and Victory In My Veins, “Who I Am” continues Georgia Phantom’s mission of creating music that offers strength during difficult seasons. More than a song about identity, it’s a reminder that survival itself is a victory, and sometimes simply refusing to give up is the bravest thing a person can do. “Who I Am” explores identity through the lens of survival. Was there a specific moment in your life that inspired this song? Going through the end of a relationship and losing what I had really made me reflect on identity and survival. It put me in a place where I had to reinvent myself and figure out who I was without everything I had known. I think a lot of people experience those moments when they wake up feeling completely alone and realize it’s time to change, grow, and become the person they need to be. That’s what inspired “Who I Am” and the idea of pushing forward despite everything. Your military background has clearly shaped your perspective. How has that experience influenced your songwriting and the messages you choose to share? Veterans often develop a mindset of pushing forward no matter what, and that’s something I’ve carried with me ever since leaving the military. I’ve always leaned toward entrepreneurial pursuits and creative outlets because they help keep my mind from drifting into dark places. During deployments, music was an escape from reality, and I realized that everyone, not just veterans, uses music as a form of healing. My songwriting reflects both my own experiences and the emotions we all face at different points in life. I hope my music can provide the same sense of comfort that music once gave me. You incorporated AI-assisted production while keeping the songwriting and vocals entirely your own. How do you see technology fitting into your creative process going forward? As an independent artist, I have found technology to be an important tool. If you don’t have a full band or unlimited resources, AI and modern production tools can help bring your ideas to life. I see it as another evolution of the technology musicians have always used, whether that’s autotune, guitar pedals, studio software, or advanced mixing techniques. There’s a big difference between typing a prompt and letting AI do everything versus using it as a starting point before shaping the music yourself. My songwriting, vocals, and creative vision remain my own, while technology simply helps me build and refine the final product. Many listeners have connected with your music while dealing with depression, trauma, or addiction. What does it mean to know your songs are helping people through those struggles? That means everything to me. After leaving the military, I struggled to find my purpose, and music became my therapy and a way to make sense of life. When I released “Built From Broken” and especially “Stay,” people reached out saying those songs helped keep them from addiction and even suicide. Hearing stories like that completely changed my perspective. If my music can help even one person find hope or keep moving forward, then everything I’ve been through has been worth it. Music truly is magic. Your catalog consistently focuses on resilience and perseverance. What message do you hope people carry with them after hearing “Who I Am”? I hope people can look back on their lives without regret and accept every version of themselves that got them to where they are today. From this moment forward, I want them to focus on becoming the best version of themselves. We only get one life, and we all deserve happiness while we’re here. Own your life, strive to be great, and leave people smiling instead of frowning. That’s the message I hope stays with listeners after hearing “Who I Am.”

There's a certain kind of sadness that rarely gets talked about openly: the feeling of watching everyone else seem okay while you're quietly falling apart. On their latest single, "Turn To Green," Bowties and Jack transform that experience into a vibrant indie-pop track that feels equally suited for late-night reflection and dancing through your emotions. The Irish trio has carved out a sound that perfectly fits what they jokingly describe as "sad songs wearing a happy outfit," and "Turn To Green" may be their strongest example yet. Built on grooving bass lines, shimmering retro synths, and infectious melodies, the song immediately creates an upbeat atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with its deeper emotional themes. At its core, "Turn To Green" explores masking, the act of hiding how you're truly feeling in order to fit in or avoid burdening others. While the lyrics reflect feelings of envy, isolation, and emotional exhaustion, the production never becomes overwhelming or bleak. Instead, Bowties and Jack create a space where vulnerability feels approachable, allowing listeners to process difficult emotions without being consumed by them. What makes the song impactful is the personal perspective behind it. Frontman Stevey draws from his experiences as an autistic person, exploring the exhausting reality of navigating social situations while concealing internal struggles. The result is a song that feels deeply authentic while remaining universally relatable. Even listeners unfamiliar with the concept of masking will likely recognize the experience of pretending everything is fine when it isn't. Musically, the band's chemistry shines throughout "Turn To Green." Having spent years collaborating on various projects after meeting at Cork School of Music, the trio sound completely locked in, balancing emotional depth with irresistible indie-pop charm. As part of a larger project still to come, "Turn To Green" offers an exciting glimpse into Bowties and Jack's creative world. It's honest, catchy, and refreshingly human, proving that some of the most meaningful conversations can begin on the dance floor. The song explores masking and the feeling of pretending everything is okay. Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked the idea for this track? Stevey: A lot of the time when I start writing, I’m not fully sure what I’m trying to say at first. So I write phrases and words I like the sound of together, and after a few lines I figure out what I’m saying, which guides me through the rest of the song. When “Turn to Green” started to come together, I think the main experience that came to mind was when I got older and realized my life wasn’t where I thought it would be, while everyone around me seemed to be further ahead and doing fine. I wanted to explore that mix of pretending to be okay with who you are and the envy you feel when other people seem to be fine. You describe your music as "sad songs wearing a happy outfit." Why do you think upbeat music can sometimes be the best vehicle for difficult emotions? Matt: Lots of songs that deal with darker/emotional issues tend to have music that matches that theme. Some people find comfort in that, which I completely understand; I used to as well. Writing about personal experiences to a more upbeat instrumental brings the idea of universal understanding. It lets people know they aren't alone and others are going through similar issues. I find the blend of emotional lyrics to bouncier tracks helps show that things get better. Stevey, you've spoken openly about your experience with autism and masking. How important was it for you to bring that perspective into your songwriting? Stevey: I feel like too many people have to hide their disabilities/neurodivergence in an attempt to fit in, but if people could talk about it more freely, maybe awareness and acceptance would help people feel safer to be themselves. I also think there’s quite a lot of media about autism over the years that is told by people who aren’t autistic themselves. So having autistic experiences shared by autistic people themselves is something that I think people like me would love to see a lot more of. The song balances personal experiences with themes that feel universally relatable. How do you approach writing something deeply personal while still connecting with a broad audience? Kenny: There’s a certain level of commonality between what someone who’s neurotypical and someone who’s neurodivergent may feel. Though the experiences/feelings would be exaggerated. Whenever I’ve been asked “What’s it like to be autistic?”, I find myself having to write my own metaphors to better give them an idea. I imagine that a neurotypical person hearing these lyrics would think “Yeah, I’ve definitely been in this scenario once or twice”, whereas a neurodivergent person would see it as another Tuesday. You almost have to dress it up to make it understandable, which is ironic given the nature of the song. This release is part of a larger project in the works. How does this song fit into the bigger story you're preparing to tell? Matt: Some of the material we started working on in our last year of university together. It was a difficult time for us, between academic pressure, love life, and personal life. ​ Even though the world is so connected, people still struggle to talk or realize that others could be dealing with the same issues, and that's something we want to highlight.

As major-label groups continue expanding their influence across distribution, services, and artist development, Swedish music company Amuse is positioning itself as an alternative for labels and management teams looking to maintain ownership and creative control. The company announced a new partnership with Swedish independent powerhouse TEN, alongside the rollout of a new analytics platform designed specifically for modern music businesses. For many in the industry, the timing feels significant. Over the last several years, independent labels have watched as many of the tools and services they once relied on have been absorbed into larger corporate ecosystems. Distribution, marketing services, royalty infrastructure, and artist development platforms increasingly sit under major-label umbrellas, creating new challenges for teams determined to remain independent. The Stockholm-based label and management company helped launch the careers of major international acts, including Zara Larsson, Icona Pop, and Omar Rudberg. Through the new agreement, TEN will gain access to Amuse’s Label Services division, which offers support across release management, catalog optimization, royalty reporting, physical distribution, and user-generated content management while allowing the company to retain its independence. Alongside the partnership, Amuse is previewing a new insights platform built to centralize artist and catalog data into a single workspace. The platform combines cross-platform analytics with distributor-level information, helping labels identify growth opportunities, monitor campaigns, and react to emerging trends across streaming services and social media. One of its most notable features is an alert system that surfaces early momentum signals, such as unexpected activity in new territories, spikes in user-generated content, or renewed interest in catalog releases. As independent music continues to compete on a global scale, access to actionable data is becoming just as valuable as distribution itself. Amuse appears to be betting that the future belongs to companies that can provide both infrastructure and independence. Why is it important that labels have an independent alternative to the current services on the market? With most existing services sitting under the control of the major labels, we felt we had a unique opportunity to provide independent labels and management groups with a modern, all-encompassing solution that cannot be accessed anywhere else. Thanks to our independent infrastructure and ownership, Amuse is perfectly suited to support other organizations without forcing them to compromise on their entrepreneurial and creative control. The independent music sector has long proven itself to be an integral part of the music industry, and so with the expansion of our label services division, we hope to play a valuable role in protecting it. Why was TEN such an exciting prospect for Amuse? First and foremost, it’s an honor to be working with TEN, which has long proven itself to be an exceptional organization and place to develop great artists like Zara Larsson, all whilst maintaining a fierce commitment to independence. Furthermore, being a fellow Swedish business, we are truly excited to partner with an organization like TEN, which is a shining example of Swedish excellence in the music industry. We’re looking forward to providing them with the valuable data and power from our insights to further support their catalog and label operations. Why has Amuse taken such a data-led approach with this partnership? Our proprietary software and distributor-level data access are at the core of everything we do at Amuse, and this approach allows us to spot opportunities before the rest of the market and operate with evidence behind our convictions. Our Artist & Label Services platform will allow us to optimize their vast catalog, as well as find moments for sync opportunities, monetization across different DSPs, and opportunities across different markets. With data in our DNA, we’re proud to be able to bring our expertise to the wider industry and provide independent teams with the insights that they need to thrive in the market. Does Amuse have broader ambitions for this new insights platform? We’re very proud of the platform we’ve built so far, but we have no intentions of stopping there. Over the coming months, our ambition is to provide turnkey solutions for labels and managers to win business with full transparency. Providing superior business intelligence that no one else is providing is only the starting point.

After 15 years of creating music together, Los Angeles indie rock quartet Atta Boy is entering a new chapter with the release of their fourth studio album, Silt. Arriving June 26, the record finds Eden Brolin, Lewis Pullman, Freddy Reish, and Dashel Thompson pushing their creative boundaries through experimentation, patience, and a deeper commitment to collaboration. Written and recorded over several years at Reish's Los Angeles studio, Silt explores themes of connection, distance, and artistic evolution while introducing new textures, sounds, and influences. Ahead of the album's release and upcoming headlining tour, Atta Boy reflects on the journey behind their most ambitious project yet. You've been making music together for over 15 years. How has your creative relationship evolved from your high school days to the making of Silt? The comfort, ease, and trust between the band has become more accessible over time–not that we didn’t have it before. I think for a lot of us there were some confidence issues that needed time and trust to grow out of. In doing so, it made room for more risk-taking and open communication about vulnerability, which have become necessary for effective creative exchange. The album explores ideas of connection and distance, particularly through remote collaboration. How did those experiences shape both the sound and themes of the record? We weren’t in our usual studio setup and did a lot more extra recording at different points in the process, so we had more time to explore the songs a bit. That space really allowed us to embrace an attitude of throwing ideas at the wall and seeing what sticks, rather than feeling like we were in a pressure cooker when we’re all in the room together. We could have an idea and then, a week later, sort of shape it slightly more. I think being at a distance sometimes gave us an advantage when building the songs, because we can all be a bit nervous as people and musicians, and trying out or recording ideas alone before bringing them to the band felt more accessible when we’re states apart. It creates a different feel to build out songs over the phone, and a lot of this record was that. Silt feels more adventurous sonically, with new instruments, textures, and recording approaches throughout. What gave you the confidence to push beyond your established sound this time around? At the end of our 2024 tour (at a Denny’s in Ohio immediately after playing the last show), we talked a lot about what we wanted to do next. The thing that came up for all of us was a desire to make a record in a new way: instead of writing and recording in a very short, intense burst, we would take time to iterate and explore new sounds. That adventurousness was baked into the process from the start, and we intentionally set out to do it. There were definitely moments when the confidence wavered, but being able to rely on each other in those moments was a big relief. Having access to The Pink Feather studio allowed you to write, test, revise, and record without traditional time pressures. How did that freedom change the way the album developed? Having my own studio this time around really gave us the opportunity to try any and everything out for a song. That time and access allowed each song to develop into something we had never really done before. Every time a new part was added, we had a few days to sit down and decide whether something was missing or the song had been overproduced. I also think the freedom of not feeling like we were annoying a producer by asking to delete something or to do another take was a weight lifted off of our shoulders. Looking back on the process, what do you think Silt says about Atta Boy as a band today compared to where you were during Crab Park? It’s a reflection of our maturity, and our desire/willingness to get out of our comfort zone to explore new sounds. Our experience of playing shows together for the first time was also a turning point - we never really played together in such an intense, concentrated way except when making records, and it feels like the extra time spent together on the road is a great petri dish for ideas. We’ve been so much more entrenched in music over the last two years, in a way we haven't been before, which has made a really big difference.

Larry Rifkin, the songwriter and creative force behind the music project Rockaway, has announced a new single, “About Last Night,” the latest release from his album Wrong Side of Love. From the first notes, the track settles into the kind of unhurried yet melodically assured pocket that adult contemporary and yacht rock built its reputation on in the 1970s, now filtered with a production sensibility that feels current. It’s warm without being sentimental and lyrically sharp. "I had lyrics for a song called 'About Last Night' sitting in my phone for years. The title felt right, but I never really felt I had the right attitude for it,” explained Rifkin. However, the premise is familiar: a night that got away from you, a morning full of unanswered questions, but Rockaway plays it cool rather than confessional, landing somewhere between a Steely Dan groove and a Kenny Loggins hook. Rifkin grew up on both artists, and the influence shows, though the song is entirely his own. "I wanted something that captured a night you might want to forget or at least can't quite remember. I've barely been in a bar in my life, but sometimes the best songs come from exactly where you've never been," shared Rifkin. The polished, layered sound of "About Last Night" is the product of a creative process Rifkin has refined across three albums with his collaborator Alasdair MacKenzie, a Boston-based multi-instrumentalist, singer, audio engineer, and member of the acclaimed indie rock outfit Hush Club. The two have developed an intuitive workflow: Rifkin records keyboard and vocal demos, which MacKenzie transforms into fully realized arrangements, playing every instrument himself and using entirely organic, non-synthesized sounds. "He’s a wonderful collaborator. He can hear the bass line I'm looking for, the rhythmic attitude I'm going for, and where the song needs to go. We typically go back and forth until we get it the way we both want it," enthused Rifkin. For Rifkin, songwriting occupies a category entirely its own, and the path that led him here is as unconventional as the music itself. Best known as the television executive who brought Barney the Dinosaur to PBS, his career spans television, radio, podcasting, and authorship. In his mid-60s, after leaving radio, he turned his attention to piano, teaching himself through online courses and self-directed study until the songs he'd been carrying in his head finally had somewhere to go. The turning point came when his daughter and son-in-law, wanting to surprise him, commissioned MacKenzie to produce one of Rifkin's demos as a birthday gift. That moment sparked a collaboration that has since yielded forty-three songs across three albums, bridging generations as much as it does genres, MacKenzie is 28, and Rifkin turns 74 the day before the release. "I've been a TV executive, an author, a radio talk show host, and a podcaster. They all have their own intricacies, but songwriting, I don't think people realize what goes into taking an idea from your head and sculpting it into something that lands lyrically and melodically. If I'm proud of anything, I'm proud that I’m taking the time to continue to hone this craft," beamed Rifkin. "About Last Night" sets the tone for an album that marks a meaningful creative pivot for Rockaway. Where their first two albums, It's Not My Circus (2024) and Southern Border (2025), leaned heavily into political commentary, Wrong Side of Love redirects almost entirely toward love, its textures, complications, and quiet endurance. Songs like "Are You Still with Me, Carmelita?", written about Rifkin's wife of 48 years, sit alongside "Movin' On," a Curtis Mayfield-inflected empowerment anthem, and "For the Others," an ode to the miners of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Even "Sleeping with the Enemy," which completes a song previewed as a demo on Southern Border, finds its place here. "Every morning, you can wake up on the wrong side of love, but like the album cover shows, a window with light coming through it, the sun might shine again," said Rifkin. Accompanying the single is Rockaway's first-ever music video, put together by Matt Terribile, of Ace Tone Productions, along with a second teaser for "The Last American Housewife," a social commentary on traditional gender expectations. On the live front, album listening parties are being planned in Connecticut, while Rifkin is also considering open mic appearances where he performs the bare keyboard demo of a song before the fully produced version, offering audiences an intimate look at the journey from first instinct to finished record. And while Larry and Alasdair trade lead vocals throughout the album, Danny Rivera lends his silky voice to the soul-infused lead on "Ring Shout," and Nancy Walecki offers up a female lead to complement Alasdair on the call and response tune "I Was Out There Looking for You." "About Last Night" by Rockaway releases June 9 and will be available on all major streaming platforms with promotional support from Starlight PR. Stay connected with Rockaway across social media for updates on the full album Wrong Side of Love, music videos, and new music. Linktree | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Apple Music | Spotify

After several years away from releasing original music, Boston-based singer-songwriter Jena is stepping into a new era with "battleground," a soulful and deeply personal single that marks the beginning of her next creative chapter. Blending R&B, neo-soul, and contemporary singer-songwriter influences, the release introduces an artist returning with greater clarity, perspective, and purpose. Originally written during a season of uncertainty and completed years later, "battleground" captures the evolution of Jena's own worldview. What began as a song about overcoming life's obstacles has transformed into a meditation on acceptance, faith, and the understanding that not every struggle is meant to be conquered. Instead, some of life's greatest lessons come through learning when to let go. That emotional maturity defines the record. Jena delivers an understated yet captivating vocal performance, allowing every lyric to breathe against warm, soulful production. Rather than relying on dramatic moments, the song finds its strength in honesty, creating an intimate listening experience that lingers long after it ends. The story behind the release makes it even more compelling. Produced by Jena's husband, musician and producer Feri Bong, "battleground" was one of the first songs Jessica Nathania shared with him when they first met. Years later, the couple completed the track together after building a life, family, and home studio, giving the song an emotional continuity that feels genuine rather than manufactured. As the first release under the name Jena, "battleground" doesn't chase trends or instant gratification. Instead, it offers something timeless: a thoughtful reminder that growth isn't always found in fighting harder. Sometimes, it begins with surrender. If this single is any indication of what's to come, Jena's return is one worth paying attention to. "battleground" was written years before it was released. When you compare the person who first wrote the song to the person finishing it today, what do you think each version of yourself would want to say to the other? I think the younger version of me would ask, "Does it ever get easier?" She was carrying a lot of uncertainty, trying to figure out where she belonged and believing she had to fight every obstacle on her own. The person I am today would tell her that not every battle is meant to be won by pushing harder. Some are transformed by letting go, trusting the process, and allowing yourself to grow through the things you can't control. I'd also tell her that this song eventually finds its way into the world, just not on the timeline she imagined. Looking back, I'm grateful it didn't, because I don't think I could have finished it with the perspective I have now. You describe the song as moving from a mindset of fighting every battle to learning the power of surrender. Was there a specific moment or experience that completely changed your perspective on what strength actually looks like? It wasn't one defining moment so much as a series of experiences that slowly reshaped me. Marriage, becoming a mother, stepping away from releasing music for a season, and simply living life taught me that strength isn't always loud. Sometimes it's choosing peace over proving yourself, accepting what you can't control, and trusting that not every unanswered question needs an immediate solution. What's interesting is that when I wrote battleground, I don't think I had fully lived that truth yet. The lyrics were almost like a prayer- a longing for the kind of surrender I hoped was possible, even if I didn't completely understand it at the time. It wasn't until years later, after living through those different seasons of life, that those words became real to me. Looking back, it's almost as if the song was ahead of me. I wrote it before I fully understood it, and finishing it now feels like finally catching up to the message it had been trying to teach me all along. Your husband, Feri Bong, produced the single, and this was one of the first songs you shared with him when you met. What was it like revisiting such a personal piece of your history together, and did the production process deepen its meaning? Yes, it was definitely a full-circle moment. In many ways, it felt like reopening an old love letter. This was one of the very first songs I ever shared with Feri, long before we were married or had children. Coming back to it years later felt incredibly special because we weren't the same people anymore. We'd lived through so much together, celebrated incredible joys, faced difficult seasons, and grown both individually and as partners. I think all of that found its way into the music. There was a trust and chemistry between us that simply didn't exist back then. Everything seemed to click naturally, and together we were able to finish something we couldn't have finished all those years ago. You spent years performing live before returning to original music. What gave you the confidence to finally reintroduce yourself as Jena, and how does this chapter better represent the artist you've become? Performing live gave me confidence in my voice, but writing and releasing original music requires a different kind of vulnerability. For a long time, I kept telling myself I needed to be more ready, more established, or have everything figured out before sharing this part of myself. Eventually I realized that "ready" isn't a feeling; it's a decision. Reintroducing myself as Jena represents choosing authenticity over perfection. This project feels more honest than anything I've created before because it reflects who I am today, shaped by every chapter that came before it. "battleground" feels like the beginning of a larger story rather than a standalone release. As listeners follow this next chapter, what themes or conversations do you hope they'll experience as your music continues to unfold? I hope people find songs that make them feel a little less alone. I'll be writing about identity, relationships, healing, motherhood, change, and all the quiet moments that shape who we become. I'm less interested in having all the answers than I am in creating space for honest conversations. If battleground is about learning to let go, then the songs that follow explore what becomes possible after that. More than anything, I'm excited for listeners to get to know me through my music, but I also hope that in doing so, they discover something about themselves. If these songs can help someone put words to a feeling they've never been able to explain, then they've done exactly what I hoped they would.