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Long Island alternative emo band Dog Dilemma delivers an emotionally resonant anthem about heartbreak, self-worth, and learning to let go with “Everything You Wanted.” Some songs are written to help you hold on. Dog Dilemma’s latest single, “Everything You Wanted,” is about finding the strength to finally let go. The Long Island alternative emo outfit leans into everything that makes the genre timeless: soaring melodic guitars, emotionally charged vocals, and lyrics that refuse to sugarcoat the realities of heartbreak. But beneath the song’s melancholy lies something far more hopeful. Rather than dwelling on rejection, “Everything You Wanted” explores the difficult realization that love isn’t always mutual and that chasing someone else’s expectations often comes at the expense of your own peace. That message feels especially relevant in a cultural moment where more people are confronting their mental health, embracing vulnerability, and redefining what self-acceptance looks like. Dog Dilemma taps into those conversations with authenticity rather than cliché, creating a track that resonates long after the final chorus fades. Formed in 2025 by four friends immersed in Long Island’s local music scene, the band has quickly established itself as a compelling new voice in alternative emo. Following the release of their debut EP, Learning How to Live With Yourself, earlier this year, “Everything You Wanted” continues expanding on themes of healing, identity, and emotional resilience. As a non-binary-fronted band, Dog Dilemma also brings an important perspective to the genre, writing candidly about mental health, living with AuDHD, and processing grief without allowing those experiences to define them. Instead, they’re transformed into songs that create space for listeners navigating similar emotions. Their message is perhaps best summed up in one simple line: “Part of learning how to live with yourself is learning how to let go.” On “Everything You Wanted,” Dog Dilemma proves that sometimes moving forward begins with accepting what was never meant to stay.

The music industry has spent decades convincing artists that signing to a major label is the ultimate destination. But in 2026, that narrative is looking more outdated than ever. Streaming, social media, direct-to-fan platforms, and artist-services companies have fundamentally changed the game. Today, some of the biggest names in music have built, or reclaimed, their careers outside the traditional major-label system, proving that global success no longer requires handing over ownership or creative control. Some have never signed to a major label. Others walked away from blockbuster record deals to launch their own companies, buy back their catalogs, or partner with independent distributors instead. What unites them is one simple idea: ownership. Here are 11 major artists proving independent doesn't mean small. Bad Bunny Despite becoming one of the biggest artists on the planet, Bad Bunny has never signed a traditional major-label recording deal. Instead, he releases music through Puerto Rico's independent powerhouse Rimas Entertainment. That decision has allowed him to dominate global charts while maintaining significant creative control over his music, image, and career. With billions of streams, sold-out stadium tours, and record-breaking albums, Bad Bunny has become one of the strongest examples that independent infrastructure can compete with—and often outperform—the traditional major-label system. Megan Thee Stallion After a lengthy and highly publicized legal battle with her former label, Megan Thee Stallion emerged stronger than ever by taking ownership of her future. Through her own company, Hot Girl Productions, she now releases music with distribution support rather than relying on a conventional label deal. The move gives her greater control over her masters, release strategy, and creative direction while continuing to perform at the highest level of mainstream success. Mac DeMarco Mac DeMarco has spent more than a decade building one of indie music's most loyal fanbases. After establishing himself through Captured Tracks, he launched Mac's Record Label, allowing him to own his recordings and release music entirely on his own terms. Despite operating independently, DeMarco continues to sell out international tours while remaining one of alternative music's most influential artists. Laufey Few artists have risen faster than Laufey. Rather than following the traditional major-label route, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter partnered with AWAL, an artist-services company designed to give musicians greater ownership while providing marketing and distribution support. The model has helped Laufey earn billions of streams, Grammy recognition, and worldwide acclaim without sacrificing control of her career. The 1975 The 1975 have become one of the world's biggest arena acts while remaining with Dirty Hit, one of the UK's most successful independent record labels. Their long-standing relationship with the label has allowed the band to evolve creatively without outside interference, proving that independent labels can compete globally while still putting artists first. Arctic Monkeys Since exploding onto the scene with Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not in 2006, Arctic Monkeys have remained with Domino Recording Company. The band has earned multiple No. 1 albums, headlined the world's biggest festivals, and sold millions of records without ever leaving the independent label that helped launch their career. It's one of the most successful artist-label partnerships in modern rock history. Phoebe Bridgers Phoebe Bridgers has become one of the defining singer-songwriters of her generation through an artist-first approach. After releasing music through independent label Dead Oceans, she expanded her influence by launching Saddest Factory Records, where she's helping develop the next wave of independent talent while continuing to shape her own career on her own terms. Franz Ferdinand When "Take Me Out" exploded in the early 2000s, Franz Ferdinand quickly became one of rock's biggest bands. What many fans still don't realize is that they've remained with Domino Recording Company throughout their entire career. That long-term partnership has produced multiple platinum albums, Grammy nominations, and decades of international touring, all without joining a traditional major label. Chance the Rapper Long before artist ownership became a mainstream conversation, Chance the Rapper was proving it could work. By refusing traditional record deals and releasing his music independently, he became the first streaming-exclusive artist to win a Grammy. His success fundamentally changed industry conversations around whether artists still needed major labels to reach the highest level. Zara Larsson After spending more than a decade with Epic Records, Zara Larsson made one of the biggest career moves of her life by choosing independence. She launched her own label, Sommer House, and regained ownership of her catalog, giving herself greater creative freedom and long-term control over her music as she enters a new chapter of her career. Russ Few artists have championed independence more passionately than Russ. By writing, producing, mixing, mastering, and releasing his own music, he built one of hip-hop's biggest independent careers before partnering with distribution on his own terms. Along the way, he accumulated billions of streams, platinum records, sold-out tours, and became one of the industry's loudest advocates for artist ownership. Independent Is No Longer the Alternative For decades, independence was viewed as a stepping stone toward signing a major label deal. Today, for many artists, it's the destination. Whether it's Bad Bunny filling stadiums, Megan Thee Stallion taking back control, Arctic Monkeys staying loyal to Domino, or Russ building an empire from the ground up, these artists demonstrate that ownership and global success are no longer mutually exclusive. The modern music business isn't defined by who signs you. It's increasingly defined by what you own.

For years, music catalog sales have been reserved for established artists with years of streaming history. But Duetti wants to change that. The New York-based music company has announced two new initiatives aimed at helping independent artists access funding and new creative opportunities much earlier in their careers. The biggest change is its updated acquisition model. Artists can now sell all or part of their master recordings just six months after release, a significant shift from Duetti's previous two-year requirement. With recording, marketing, and touring costs continuing to rise, the move gives independent artists a new way to generate capital while building momentum. "Traditional models in the music industry have not kept pace with the needs of independent artists," said Duetti CEO and co-founder Lior Tibon. "We're excited to be the first music company to support young catalog acquisitions at scale." Backed by a $75 million credit facility from Viola Credit, Duetti uses AI-powered predictive models to identify promising catalogs early. The company has already partnered with more than 1,100 artists and songwriters across 40 countries. Duetti also unveiled its new Remix Program, giving producers access to a catalog of more than 30,000 tracks for official remixes, covers, and derivative works. Participating artists receive upfront compensation, royalty participation, marketing support, and zero distribution fees, while Duetti manages licensing and approvals. During its pilot phase, the program facilitated more than 200 remixes featuring over 100 artists across genres, including rap, baile funk, and house music. As more artists choose independence, access to funding is becoming just as valuable as ownership itself. Duetti's latest expansion reflects a growing shift in music financing, one that gives emerging artists more opportunities to invest in their careers long before they become legacy acts. Continue reading below for an exclusive interview with Elliot Baumohl, Duetti’s Head of Music Growth. For years, catalog deals have largely been reserved for established artists with mature catalogs. What convinced Duetti that six months is now enough time to accurately assess a track’s long-term value? We found that artists had a real interest in funding and marketing support even earlier in a track or project’s lifecycle. The six-month mark is often when an artist knows a project has potential but doesn’t have the capital or infrastructure to push it further. This is where Duetti steps in by providing both funding and marketing support while a project is still receiving meaningful attention from fans. Because that demand exists, we then needed to determine whether there was enough data to support purchase decisions this early in a track’s life. Our engineering and data science teams built proprietary models that assess early performance signals and project long-term value at the six-month mark, allowing us to accurately predict future performance with only a few months of data. Some independent artists may worry about selling rights too early in their careers. How does Duetti help artists determine whether monetizing a young catalog is the right move for them? The decision to sell a catalog is both personal and professional, and every artist has different goals for partnering with Duetti. Our role is to help artists understand their options clearly through flexibility and transparency. Artists can choose to sell as much or as little of their catalog as they want, keeping up to 50% of their income with no advances or recoupment. For younger catalogs specifically, we also look closely at the cultural context. Where is the early engagement coming from? Who is listening? What communities are responding? From there, we can better understand which marketing strategies will help build on that momentum. The rise of AI in music has sparked both excitement and concern. How is Duetti using AI responsibly to evaluate catalogs and match artists for remix opportunities without compromising creativity? AI responsibility is a major focus for us. We use it as a tool to support internal processes, not to replace creativity. For example, we analyze audio characteristics across tracks in our catalog to surface remix opportunities that make sense for a specific artist. However, that’s only one part of the process. Our team reviews the music, considers the broader context, and makes the final decision. In other words, our remix program is helping foster human collaboration at a time when more works are being remixed solely by AI. We will never use AI to offset or replace human expression. With the Remix Program opening up access to more than 30,000 tracks, what safeguards are in place to ensure collaborations remain artist-first and preserve the integrity of the original work? The size of our catalog creates many opportunities, which is exciting, but it also requires a thoughtful, artist-first process. For any official collaboration, we work directly with our artist partners on approvals and make sure they are involved before anything moves forward. Our broader goal is to build long-term artist partnerships. Beyond that, we care about creative fit. We’re not looking to release remixes at random. We want to create tracks that make sense sonically and feel like a natural extension of the original work while still bringing something fresh to listeners. Striking the right balance between discovery and preserving what made the original special is incredibly important to us. As more artists choose independence over traditional label deals, do you see companies like Duetti becoming a new kind of music infrastructure for creators, and how do you envision that role evolving over the next five years? Absolutely. We’ve combined the marketing expertise of labels and agencies with the data infrastructure of a global operator, supported by internal tools that we really haven’t seen elsewhere in the music industry. That allows us to operate at scale while helping artists unlock value from their catalogs without giving up control over their careers or creative direction. One of our core goals is to give independent artists access to financing and services that help grow their careers without sacrificing their independence. I believe our role will only continue to grow as more artists choose to build sustainable careers outside the traditional label system. If an emerging artist came to you with one song gaining traction but no budget to scale it, what factors would make them an ideal candidate for a Duetti partnership? We’d start by assessing whether the momentum is genuine and whether there’s something meaningful we can do to amplify it. Raw streaming numbers only tell part of the story, so we examine the underlying trends and audience engagement to understand exactly where we can add the most value. Our marketing playbook also changes significantly depending on the genre, audience, and cultural context. The strategy we use for pop or rap is very different from how we’d approach online-native genres like hardstyle or phonk, allowing us to tailor our support to each artist’s unique audience and trajectory.

As anticipation builds for their sophomore album RE/SOLVE, genre-defying collective 2ŁØT have unveiled "Iris," a radiant new single featuring GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist Eric Krasno alongside horn players Ben Bohorquez and Evan Weiss of The Funky Knuckles. Arriving ahead of the album's July 31 release, the track expands the band's collaborative universe while delivering one of their most emotionally resonant recordings to date. Known for their self-described Electronic Jam Music, a seamless blend of hip hop, funk, soul, jazz, rock, and electronic influences, 2ŁØT continue to prove that experimentation and accessibility don't have to exist on opposite ends of the spectrum. "Iris" feels both musically adventurous and immediately inviting, pairing sophisticated musicianship with an uplifting message centered on self-worth, resilience, and transformation. Built around shimmering horns, warm grooves, and Krasno's unmistakable guitar work, the single carries an infectious optimism without sacrificing emotional depth. The refrain, "Iris, you know how beautiful you are," becomes the song's emotional anchor, offering an affirmation that feels deeply personal while resonating on a universal level. The chemistry between every contributor is undeniable. Krasno's soulful guitar lines weave effortlessly through the band's dynamic rhythm section, while The Funky Knuckles' brass arrangements add bursts of color that elevate each chorus without overwhelming the song's intimacy. Rather than feeling like a showcase of guest appearances, "Iris" succeeds because every collaboration serves the story the band is trying to tell. As the latest preview of RE/SOLVE, the single offers a compelling glimpse into an album that promises to explore personal transformation through expansive songwriting and an impressive roster of collaborators. If "Iris" is any indication, 2ŁØT are entering their most confident and creatively ambitious chapter yet.

Relationships are rarely as simple as they seem. Sometimes love becomes entangled with responsibility, sacrifice, and emotional dependence until the lines between care and self-preservation begin to blur. On his latest single, "Puzzles," New York-based artist Jay Tone confronts those difficult realities with a level of honesty that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Born Jack David Tonrey in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jay Tone's artistic journey has been shaped by reinvention. From performing in stage productions as a child to releasing melodic rap under the alias Weatherman during his teenage years, his path has been anything but linear. Today, the independent artist channels those experiences into a sound that blends singer-songwriter vulnerability with hip-hop confidence and polished pop sensibilities. At the center of "Puzzles" is the emotional aftermath of a codependent relationship. Rather than framing the story through blame or resentment, Jay approaches the subject with introspection and empathy. The track serves as an unfiltered glimpse into the thoughts he struggled to express in real time, documenting the weight of loving someone whose dependence ultimately came at the expense of his own well-being. What makes "Puzzles" resonate is its emotional maturity. The song isn't simply about heartbreak; it's about forgiveness. By extending grace to both himself and the other person involved, Jay transforms pain into growth, crafting a narrative that feels less like closure and more like healing. The momentum surrounding Jay Tone continues to build. His recent track "It Goes On" was selected for radio placement in Grand Theft Auto VI, while previous features in EARMILK, The Source, and Billboard Hip Hop have further cemented his rising profile. With new releases scheduled throughout 2026, "Puzzles" arrives as more than just another single. It is a reminder that choosing yourself is not selfish and that healing often begins when we allow ourselves to let go of what no longer serves us. "Puzzles" explores the complexities of codependency. Was there a specific moment that made you realize the relationship was costing you your own well-being? Towards the end of the relationship, I noticed I was doing whatever I could to make sure she was happy, and eventually I started seeing what it was doing to me. It took me taking a step back to really look at it. The friendships I'd let go of. The time I'd spent pouring into someone else, while not pouring any of it back into myself. That was the moment I realized I'd been working really hard to make sure she was okay, and forgetting to ask if I was. You describe this song as a way of forgiving both the other person and yourself. What was the hardest part of reaching that place of forgiveness? The hardest part was letting go of something that had been really beautiful for a long time. When you open up to someone, and they get to know all of you, it becomes hard to picture your life without them in it. You're not just forgiving them. You're forgiving the version of yourself who chose this, stayed, and believed in it. That's the part I'm still working on, honestly. Your music blends singer-songwriter vulnerability with hip-hop and pop influences. How did you use the production on "Puzzles" to reflect the emotions behind the story? I originally wrote the song on piano and was going to keep it for myself. It was really personal. It was more of a way for me to understand the situation than something I planned to release. But after I shared it with a couple of people, I started to realize how many of them saw themselves in it, and that changed things for me. In the studio, I wanted to keep it as real and authentic as I could while making it into something a lot of different people could find their way into. So the song starts and ends with just piano, the way it was written, and builds in the middle to match the story. It opens itself up, then comes back to where it started. Kind of like the feeling itself. Many people struggle with putting themselves first in relationships. What advice would you give to someone who recognizes they're in a codependent dynamic but feels guilty walking away? My advice would be to take a step back and really think about what's best for you. Friendships and relationships come and go. You're the only one who's with you the whole time. So being someone you actually like being around feels like the most important thing. Put yourself first. It's going to feel heavy in the moment, and the guilt is real, but that weight doesn't stay forever. Things get lighter, and eventually you learn to move on. You've spent the past year refining your sound and are entering a new chapter as an independent artist. How does "Puzzles" represent the artist and person you're becoming in 2026? This past year, I've learned a lot about myself and who I want to be as an artist. A lot of trial and error. You can expect the same energy in terms of writing meaningful, story-driven music, but you'll also hear me lean into a different side of me. I've been working hard on the sound, and the pieces are starting to fall into place. The next song I drop is closer to 2016 pop/dance, and after that, I'm experimenting with some new directions you'll hear soon. "Puzzles" is the bridge. It's the most honest version of me so far, and everything coming next is built on top of it.

Los Angeles folk-rock duo Bel Mercy is looking toward the future without letting go of the past on their latest single, "Better Days." The release arrives as an early glimpse into a larger body of work from the duo, who independently handled every aspect of the project, from songwriting and production to artwork and distribution. Made up of longtime partners Kristen and Chris, Bel Mercy channels decades of shared history into a sound steeped in the warmth of 1970s California. Their close harmonies and blend of folk and classic rock influences give "Better Days" a timeless quality, one that feels equally at home on a coastal drive or a moment of quiet reflection. At its core, the song explores the uncertainty that arises when the head and heart refuse to agree. Inspired by the complicated emotions that can accompany major life decisions and shifting relationships, "Better Days" captures the uneasy space between doubt and hope. What makes the track particularly compelling is its contrast. While the lyrics wrestle with difficult choices and the fear of getting things wrong, the music itself feels bright, uplifting, and full of movement. That push and pull mirrors the reality of change: even when the path ahead is unclear, there's still reason to believe brighter days are coming. The release's nostalgic visual identity adds another layer of meaning. Featuring an old photograph of Kristen's late grandmother on the cover art, the project embraces the comfort of memory while moving toward the future. With more music and live performances planned throughout the year, including an upcoming show at We Found New Music in Los Angeles, Bel Mercy is proving that sometimes growth isn't about leaving the past behind. It's about carrying it with you into whatever comes next. You've been together for more than twenty years and have known each other since childhood. How has that shared history shaped not only your relationship but the way you write and create music together? It’s been a wild ride spending twenty years watching each other become different people. It’s also a unique and beautiful experience to literally grow up alongside someone and have them be with you for all of the major (and minor) moments in your life that shape who you become. We basically don’t have to explain where a feeling came from because the other person was there. A lot of our shared language as songwriters comes from that. It also takes a ton of teamwork and synchronicity to navigate such a long period of change, and we like to think that comes through in our music. Our songs are rooted in our experiences, but we hope others can see themselves in them, too. When we’re in our studio, whether we’re writing a new song or getting some recording done, it’s like we transcend into a different universe for a while, one where we get to exist just with each other and focus on making sense of our story through music. "Better Days" feels uplifting and hopeful on the surface, but the lyrics tell a much more complicated story about uncertainty and relationships. What were you trying to capture emotionally with that contrast? Relationships are intricate, and for all of the advice people in your life will give you, at the end of the day, sometimes you don’t know what’s right, and you just have to choose anyway. “Better Days” is about that feeling when your head and your heart aren’t necessarily in agreement, and you’re trying to have faith in yourself despite that. The song feels uplifting because, at its core, it’s hopeful. It acknowledges that uncertainty can be painful, especially when it involves people you care about, but it also believes there’s something worth moving toward on the other side. In our personal lives, every meaningful road we’ve ever taken was paved with uncertainty but guided by hope. It can be a strange feeling to simultaneously doubt yourself while believing you’re heading somewhere important. Our motto in life has always been: if you feel scared but excited, you’re probably moving in the right direction. We wanted the song to feel like that. The single artwork features a photo of Kristen's late grandmother and leans into nostalgia. Why do you think we often look backward for comfort when we're trying to move forward? We think there’s a tendency to look backward for comfort because we have a better grasp of the known, even when it's difficult or painful, than we do of the unknown future. There’s something reassuring about revisiting memories, places, and people that remind you who you are and where you’ve been. We wanted to create a universe for this song that feels like looking back through rose-colored glasses. So we opted to create artwork, including the single’s cover, that draws on 1950s and 1960s imagery to evoke a version of the past that feels so distant it's almost like a fantasy. Of all the songs you could have chosen as your second release, why was Better Days the right one? Better Days is the definition of an oldie but a goodie for us. It’s one of our earlier songs, and from the moment it was written, we never really changed it. Through all the times we’ve played it live and revisited it in the studio, the melody and lyrics have always stayed exactly where they belong. So, in a lot of ways, it’s been an anchor for us. When it came time to choose our second release, it felt like the natural choice. Not only is it one of our most requested songs, but it also feels like a strong foundation for everything we’re building as Bel Mercy. You handled every aspect of this release yourselves, from production to branding. In an era of increasingly DIY artists, what have you learned about balancing creative freedom with the realities of being independent musicians? It’s both hard and amazing (noticing a theme?). We’ve had to lean on years of our existing skills while also learning so many new ones to get the songs from writing to release. It feels like we wear at least twenty hats between the two of us, and then a lot of it comes down to trusting our own instincts. But there’s incredible freedom in being independent. There are also real limitations in terms of time, resources, and energy. The beautiful part is that every challenge forces you to grow. We’ve learned things through making this music that we never would have learned otherwise, and that process has shaped us just as much as the songs themselves. At the end of the day, there’s something incredibly rewarding about looking back and knowing that every piece of what people see and hear came from the two of us.

Some crushes feel exciting. Others become impossible to ignore. On her latest single, "Party For One," rising pop artist Drew Richelle transforms the emotional chaos of unrequited love into a heartfelt anthem for hopeless romantics everywhere. Originally from Chicago and now based in Tennessee, Richelle has built a reputation for pairing emotionally honest songwriting with relatable storytelling. On "Party For One," she continues that trend, exploring the frustration, longing, and loneliness that can come from wanting someone you simply cannot have. Built around polished pop production and vulnerable lyricism, the track captures the experience of becoming consumed by feelings that have nowhere to go. Rather than romanticizing heartbreak, Richelle leans into the uncomfortable reality of waiting, wondering, and imagining a future that may never happen. One of the song's standout moments arrives with the lyric, "Where is cupid when you need him aiming arrows at your skin," a clever line that perfectly captures the desperation and hope that often coexist in situationships and one-sided romances. What makes "Party For One" particularly effective is its balance of vulnerability and self-awareness. While the song embraces feelings of loneliness, it also reflects personal growth and emotional maturity. There's an understanding that not every love story is meant to unfold the way we imagine, even when we desperately want it to. Richelle's vocal performance adds another layer of authenticity, allowing every lyric to feel lived-in and sincere. The emotional connection she creates with listeners is a testament to her strength as both a songwriter and storyteller. With influences ranging from Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo to Gracie Abrams, Drew Richelle continues carving out her own lane in modern pop. "Party For One" is a relatable and emotionally resonant release that reminds listeners they aren't alone in their search for connection, love, and their own fairytale ending. “Party For One” explores the experience of wanting someone you can’t have. At what point did you realize those emotions needed to become a song? Every time I realize I need to write a song about something, it’s because the emotions have become so overwhelming and consuming that I need to get them out. Songwriting has always been my way of processing and expressing those feelings honestly. What encourages me is knowing I’m never the only person going through these experiences. Someone else can hear my lyrics, connect them to their own life, and hopefully feel a little less alone. That’s the power of songwriting—turning your thoughts and emotions into stories that other people can relate to. One of the standout lyrics is, “Where is cupid when you need him, aiming arrows at your skin.” What inspired that line, and why does it resonate with you personally? That line came to me while I was out walking my dog. I liked the idea of asking, “Where is Cupid when you need him?” as a metaphor for wondering why romance always seems out of reach or why you can’t be with the person you truly want. It was a fun lyric to write because it uses vivid imagery, with Cupid aiming arrows at the person I want to be with. It captures that feeling of wishing love would finally find its way to you. Although the song deals with loneliness and longing, there’s also an underlying message of self-worth. How has your perspective on love and relationships evolved since writing it? My perspective has definitely evolved since releasing the song, thanks to the responses I’ve received, especially from girls who have reached out to say they relate to it. Those conversations have made me feel seen and reminded me that there’s nothing wrong with not finding love right away. I’ve learned that the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. Loving yourself first and knowing your worth creates the foundation for everything else. The rest will fall into place when the timing is right. Your music is known for being deeply personal and emotionally honest. Has sharing vulnerable stories become easier or more challenging as your audience grows? As my audience continues to grow, it’s actually become easier to write and share emotionally honest songs. I’m more excited than ever to share the music I’m creating now. My favorite songs by my favorite artists have always been the ones that are deeply personal—the songs that make you feel something. That’s exactly what I’m chasing with my own music, and I’m hungry to keep writing songs that connect with people on that level. Between your recent Pop Vocalist of the Year nomination, publishing your poetry book Dream On, and releasing new music, this seems like a major chapter in your career. What goals are you focused on next? I’m incredibly proud of my poetry book, Dream On. It challenged me to explore a different form of storytelling, and I learned so much through the process. I’m also grateful for my past and current Josie Award nominations. They do an amazing job of recognizing independent artists and celebrating the hard work that goes into creating music. Looking ahead, my biggest goal is simply to keep writing and releasing music that genuinely makes me happy. I’m currently working on an EP that I plan to start recording next month, and I’m also hoping to play more live shows and eventually tour so I can connect with listeners in person.

At a time when much of hip hop is driven by trends and fleeting moments, Kool Ken is focused on something more lasting: purpose. On his latest single, "GetchYa Mind Right," the Cincinnati-based artist, Air Force veteran, mentor, and founder of Zone 15 PRODUKKIONZ delivers an uplifting anthem centered on personal growth, accountability, and perseverance. Serving as the lead single from his 15-track album You Live On, "GetchYa Mind Right" immediately establishes the project's mission. Produced by multi-platinum producer Hi-Tek and featuring soulful vocals from Veronda "Vee" Gibson, the track blends polished production with motivational lyricism that encourages listeners to take ownership of their future and develop a mindset geared toward success. Rather than focusing on materialism or escapism, Kool Ken uses the record to challenge listeners to think critically about their choices and embrace the discipline required to reach their goals. The message feels authentic because it comes from lived experience. Having served in the United States Air Force and spent years coaching and mentoring young people, Kool Ken speaks from a place of wisdom rather than theory. Musically, the track balances classic hip hop sensibilities with contemporary accessibility. Hi-Tek's production provides a strong foundation while Gibson's vocals add warmth and emotional depth to the record's empowering message. Together, they create a song that feels equally suited for personal reflection and daily motivation. What makes "GetchYa Mind Right" particularly refreshing is its sincerity. Kool Ken isn't preaching from a distance; he's offering encouragement rooted in experience, reminding listeners that mindset often determines outcomes. As the introduction to You Live On, the single sets the tone for a project built around resilience, community empowerment, and leaving a positive legacy. In an era when positivity can sometimes feel overlooked, Kool Ken proves that meaningful hip-hop still has the power to inspire change. “GetchYa Mind Right” is built around the idea that success starts with mindset. Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired the song’s central message? Absolutely. I’m speaking from personal experience. Throughout my life, I’ve faced challenges, setbacks, disappointments, and moments when it would have been easy to quit. Whether it was serving in the Air Force, coaching student-athletes, building a music career, or simply navigating life’s obstacles, I’ve learned that success often comes right after the point where most people give up. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that time moves quickly. Sometimes you’re working hard toward a goal, and it feels like you’re not making any progress. You start questioning yourself and wondering if all the effort is worth it. But many times you’re much closer to achieving your dream than you realize. If you quit, all the time, energy, and sacrifices you’ve invested can be wasted. If you stay focused, remain disciplined, and keep pushing forward, your goals and dreams are attainable. “GetchYa Mind Right” is my way of encouraging people to believe in themselves, stay the course, and understand that their mindset will often determine their outcome. No matter where you come from or what you’re facing, don’t give up. Stay focused, keep working, and trust the process. You’ve served as an Air Force veteran, coach, mentor, and artist. How have those different roles influenced the perspective you bring to your music today? Serving in the United States Air Force added another level of discipline to the foundation I already had through athletics. The military taught me responsibility, accountability, dependability, and the importance of staying committed to a mission even when things get difficult. Before joining the Air Force, I wrestled, played football, and ran track in high school. Wrestling was where I excelled the most. I was a two-time placer at the Ohio State Wrestling Tournament, finishing fourth as a junior and state runner-up as a senior. That runner-up finish was very controversial, and I’ve often wondered what might have happened had I won the championship fair and square. However, that experience taught me an important lesson: life isn’t always fair, but you still have to keep moving forward. Whether as a veteran, coach, mentor, father, or artist, I’ve learned that perseverance is one of the most valuable qualities a person can possess. Those experiences have shaped my music and allowed me to lead by positive example. My goal is to inspire others to stay focused, overcome adversity, and become the best version of themselves. Working with legendary producer Hi-Tek is a significant milestone. What was the creative process like collaborating on this record, and what did he bring to the song? Working with Hi-Tek was truly a dream come true. As someone who respects his work and the impact he’s had on hip-hop, having the opportunity to collaborate with him was both exciting and humbling. Hi-Tek created the entire beat and brought his signature sound, creativity, and professionalism to the project. Being in the studio with a legendary multi-platinum producer and receiving his guidance throughout the process was an incredible experience. He offered valuable feedback, helped shape the record, and challenged me to bring my best performance. Once I heard the track, I immediately connected with the energy and message. The lyrics came naturally because the music inspired me. I truly believe “GetchYa Mind Right” has the potential to reach a wide audience because of its positive message and timeless production. I’m grateful to Hi-Tek for believing in the vision and blessing me with the opportunity to create this record together. The music industry often rewards controversy and negativity. Why has it been important for you to remain committed to creating positive and motivational hip hop? I stay committed to creating positive music because I believe balance is important. There is already plenty of negativity in the world, so I want my music to offer encouragement, motivation, and solutions rather than adding to the problems. Writing music is also therapeutic for me. I write what I genuinely feel, and once I record those thoughts and emotions, it’s a form of personal therapy. Music has always been an outlet that allows me to reflect, heal, and grow. I grew up listening to motivational and conscious hip-hop. Artists used music to educate, inspire, and uplift people while still being entertaining. That foundation has stayed with me throughout my career. Positive hip-hop isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am. If my music can help someone get through a difficult day, stay focused on a goal, or make a better decision, then I’ve accomplished my mission. You Live On focuses on resilience, legacy, and personal growth. What do you hope listeners take away after hearing the album from start to finish? My hope is that listeners connect with both the music and the message. You Live On was created to be an easy listen while still delivering meaningful content. The album is uplifting, inspiring, motivational, and rooted in real-life experiences. From start to finish, I want people to feel encouraged to keep moving forward regardless of the challenges they’re facing. I want them to understand that their actions, relationships, and impact on others create a legacy that lives on long after they’re gone. Ultimately, I hope listeners enjoy the music, share it with others, and find something within the album that speaks directly to them. If even one song inspires someone to pursue a dream, overcome adversity, or become a better person, then the album has accomplished its purpose.

Emerging indie-pop artist Della Vonne dives headfirst into heartbreak on her latest single, "Unsteady," a cinematic and emotionally charged release that transforms personal devastation into quiet resilience. Continuing to establish herself as an artist unafraid of vulnerability, Della Vonne delivers a track that embraces the complexity of healing rather than offering easy answers. Influenced by artists like Billie Eilish and Lana Del Rey while maintaining a voice entirely her own, Della Vonne has built a reputation for pairing atmospheric production with deeply introspective songwriting. On "Unsteady," she explores the emotional fallout of losing someone who once felt like home, capturing the confusion, obsession, and loneliness that can accompany heartbreak. Instead of presenting grief as a linear path toward closure, the song lingers in its messier moments. Della Vonne allows space for spiraling thoughts and emotional uncertainty before gradually shifting toward self-discovery, reminding listeners that healing often begins with reclaiming oneself rather than another person. The production mirrors that emotional journey beautifully. Haunting melodies, cinematic textures, and intimate vocals create an immersive listening experience, while subtle swells in intensity reflect the unpredictable waves of grief. The result is a track that feels equally at home soundtracking a midnight drive or a moment of quiet reflection. What makes "Unsteady" especially compelling is Della Vonne's ability to turn deeply personal emotions into something universally relatable. Her songwriting speaks to anyone navigating loss, identity, or the difficult process of starting over, proving that vulnerability can be one of an artist's greatest strengths. With more music expected later this year, "Unsteady" marks another confident step forward for Della Vonne. If this release is any indication, she's building a catalog that isn't afraid to confront life's darkest moments while reminding listeners there's always a path back to themselves. Unsteady takes listeners into some very dark emotional territory before arriving at empowerment. Was writing this song a form of closure, or did it uncover emotions you hadn't fully processed yet? Unsteady came to me about 7 years after the relationship ended, so I was definitely unpacking some baggage. But I'm in a much better place and a healthier relationship now, which has made me look back and think, "Oh wow, this was handled really badly," or, "There was such a better way this could have been dealt with." One of those things was how that particular breakup was handled. Though Unsteady takes it to the extreme, I definitely look back in hindsight and think to myself, "Wow, I wish I hadn't cried in the middle of a JCPenney over this guy." The idea of someone feeling like "home" is central to the song. Looking back now, how has your definition of home changed since the relationship that inspired Unsteady? My idea of home, and by extension the person who feels like home, has changed. Home isn't just a place that's fun and exciting. It's not a body occupying the opposite end of the couch. It's someone who makes you feel safe and welcome, who challenges you to be better, and celebrates you when you are. Your music embraces emotional contradictions: darkness and humor, heartbreak and healing. Why is it important for you to create space for all of those emotions to coexist? I think the world is living in a contradiction right now. There's so much darkness, and younger generations who have lived through so much of it have turned to humor to cope. As someone who would consider themselves a little on the cynical side, I think making light of the darkness is a great way to relate to one another and help each other get through the chaos. You make music for the emotionally self-aware and for outsiders. What do you hope listeners feel when they leave the world of a Della Vonne song? I just want to make music that helps people feel seen. Most people in my life would probably describe me as outgoing, but I put on a pretty good show. I have moments of anxiety, worry, and emotions that bury me deep inside my own head. I want people to know that even those who seem like they have it all together are sometimes crumbling when they get home, too. I have a few songs in the works that go to some really dark places, and I hope people hear the thoughtfulness and understanding in them. If those songs touch on something listeners have felt themselves, I hope they feel represented. Unsteady ultimately reclaims power after a loss. What's one lesson heartbreak taught you that you carry into both your music and your life today? Ultimately, heartbreak taught me to be kinder to myself and give myself more credit. Throughout school, I was known as "the one who always had a boyfriend," and honestly, they were right. I spent a lot of time focusing on how I could stand out to a guy and not enough time focusing on how I could stand up for myself. If I had, I probably would have started my musical journey a lot sooner. I've learned to be more confident in who I am and to love myself, flaws, inner demons, and baggage. That self-acceptance has helped propel me forward in ways I never thought possible.

Los Angeles singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and NPR Tiny Desk finalist Noa Bar embraces that idea on her latest single, "MILK AND HOTTIES," the first taste of her forthcoming album, A Heartbreak Specialist. Blending disco rhythms, jazz sensibilities, hip-hop influences, and her unmistakably experimental production style, the track transforms heartbreak into something unexpectedly liberating. Written after the end of a significant relationship, "MILK AND HOTTIES" documents a period of self-discovery rather than self-destruction. Instead of dwelling on what was lost, Noa explores the freedom that comes with reconnecting to yourself, even while navigating the lingering challenges of learning to trust again. Part of what makes the single so captivating is Noa's unconventional approach to production. Known for her viral looping performances, she continues to turn everyday sounds into musical building blocks. The chorus features a sample taken from a friend's car reverse camera, while the percussion incorporates the sound of her jacket zipper, proving that creativity often lives in the most unexpected places. As the opening chapter of A Heartbreak Specialist, "MILK AND HOTTIES" sets the tone for an album that promises to explore heartbreak from a refreshingly different perspective. We caught up with Noa Bar to talk about the inspiration behind the song, her boundary-pushing production process, and what listeners can expect from the new record. "MILK AND HOTTIES" begins near the end of your heartbreak story rather than the beginning. What made you want to introduce A Heartbreak Specialist from that perspective? That’s a great question. I started writing the album while I was going through a heartbreak. During that time, I healed, fell in love again, and had my heart broken again, all while I was creating Danceable Problems, my first album. In a way, I wanted to spoil the ending a little bit. I wanted to tell anyone listening to the album and following my story that I would be okay again and that they would be too. When we’re going through a breakup, it can feel like there will never be a better love, or that we’re simply too hurt to love again. But love is the best feeling on earth. I won’t spoil the album's actual ending because that would be like telling you the ending of a movie. But sometimes when you watch a thriller, you don’t need to know exactly how it ends. You just want to know the hero will be okay eventually. Or maybe that’s just me. You’ve become known for turning everyday objects into instruments. What’s the most unexpected sound you’ve ever recorded that ended up making it into a song? You can actually hear a few of them on “Milk and Hotties.” The reverse camera sound from a car became the lead synth in the chorus, and the zipper from my jacket became a hi-hat. We even used a voice memo from the day we wrote the song and worked it into the final recording. We wanted to be as experimental as possible with this album. I feel like part of my job as an artist is to discover new sounds and bring them into the world. There are so many creative ideas throughout this project, and I’m incredibly excited for people to hear everything we’ve been working on. The track balances confidence and vulnerability in a really interesting way. How did your relationship with solitude change during the healing process? That’s such an interesting question. For most of my life, I was terrified of loneliness. I constantly surrounded myself with people, whether that meant having friends over, going out, dating, or finding ways to avoid being alone. My last breakup changed that completely. I found myself struggling to trust people, so I withdrew and focused on therapy and self-growth. Around that same time, I started posting my looping videos online, and suddenly, things in my career started coming together. Eventually, solitude became a choice instead of a fear. I discovered that I genuinely enjoy spending time with myself. I go to bookstores, galleries, movies, and restaurants alone because I love my own company. I also noticed how much my inner peace and career benefited from becoming more protective of my energy. Today, I’m lucky to have amazing friends and people I love around me, but I’m definitely more intentional about who I let into my life. I think I’ve become an extroverted introvert. Your music blends disco, jazz, hip-hop, and experimental production so naturally. Do you start with genre in mind, or do you simply follow whatever sounds excite you? I usually start with a feeling. Most of the time, I have something I want to say, a melody stuck in my head, or a chorus I can’t stop thinking about. From there, we start building around it, layering sounds and stripping things back until it feels right emotionally. I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with my producer, Jonathan. He somehow says yes to all of my wild ideas and finds ways to bring them to life. Most of our sessions feel like two music nerds experimenting with instruments and sounds until something clicks emotionally. Genre is never really the goal. The feeling is. If listeners take away one feeling from "MILK AND HOTTIES," what do you hope is still with them after the song ends? I’d love for listeners to realize how beautiful life can become when you learn to enjoy your own company. For me, everything started changing when I stopped looking for validation elsewhere and started protecting my peace and energy. Spending time with myself helped me heal, grow, and ultimately build a life that feels much more aligned with who I am. If someone walks away from this song feeling inspired to choose themselves, even for a moment, that would mean everything to me.