Rising Star #48

Welcome to Rising Star 48, where the world of music and creativity is about to ignite your senses.

Fueled by a relentless drive for innovation, Rising Star 48 transcends the ordinary—it's a vibrant blend of artistry and imagination that will elevate your musical experience to new heights.

Picture a rich tapestry of emerging talents from across the globe, each weaving their unique melodies into a collective masterpiece. From anthems of resilience to deeply soulful ballads, prepare for an emotional journey like no other.

In this exceptional showcase, artists become storytellers, crafting immersive narratives that whisk you away to places of wonder and introspection. Through the universal language of music, they invite you on an unforgettable journey, where creativity knows no limits.

Rising Star 48 breaks barriers, celebrating diversity at its core. Here, innovation flourishes as a wide spectrum of sounds unite in a shared celebration of musical discovery.

Are you ready to take this thrilling leap? 🌟🎶

Join us as we venture into unexplored musical horizons. The stage is set, the artists are primed, and the symphony of Rising Star 48 is ready to captivate your heart and spark your imagination.

Jake the Jeweler's "Living Skyline": A Dark, Gritty Soundtrack to Urban Life

Philadelphia’s music scene has birthed yet another powerful voice in the form of Jake the Jeweler, a producer whose debut instrumental EP, Living Skyline, offers a fresh take on urban soundscapes. Though a newcomer to solo projects, Jake’s reputation as a boundary-pushing producer is well-established. His first full-length project paints a sonic picture of city life through a blend of atmospheric synths, punchy drums, and deep grooves that invite listeners into a world of tension, grit, and reflection.

Jake’s journey as a producer is a reflection of his broad musical interests. From jazz and hip-hop to electronic and experimental, Jake draws from a deep well of influences. His name has been linked to Philly’s rising hip-hop scene, with notable production credits for artists like Nabil Muquit on The Only Way Out Is Up, but Living Skyline is his first major solo release. His versatility shines through, showing his ability to seamlessly shift between genres while maintaining a distinct signature sound.

What sets Jake apart is his approach to production. He sees music as a medium for storytelling and emotion, crafting instrumentals that communicate just as effectively as any lyricist. In Living Skyline, he offers more than beats for background listening—each track has a narrative and emotional arc, guiding listeners through a diverse range of moods.

Jake’s EP doesn’t adhere to traditional genre lines. His decision to blend hip-hop with downtempo and IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) results in a sound that feels timeless yet cutting-edge. This genre-defying approach makes Living Skyline more than just an instrumental EP—it’s a statement about the future of music production.

Jake the Jeweler challenges the concept of what a "beat tape" should be. His sonic palette is rich, full of intricate textures and bold contrasts. Tracks seamlessly move between dark, brooding synth lines and groovy rhythms, pushing listeners into moments of deep reflection before plunging them into energetic beats. The push-and-pull of tension and release is palpable, making each track feel like its own self-contained journey.

Living Skyline is as much a reflection of the city as it is of Jake the Jeweler himself. It captures both the outer world—the relentless pace, the noise, the grind—and the inner emotional landscape of those navigating it. Gritty yet soulful, dark yet hopeful, the EP is a sonic map of the highs and lows of urban life.

It’s clear that Jake the Jeweler is a name to watch. His ability to push the boundaries of instrumental music while remaining deeply rooted in emotion and story makes this debut EP a refreshing and compelling entry into the world of modern music production.

WATERSIDE’s "Mine": A Journey of Love and Simplicity

WATERSIDE is back, but this time with something a little different from their usual rock-infused sound. With their latest release, "Mine," the band has tapped into a more intimate, pop-rock atmosphere that celebrates the unexpected beauty of love. Led by the soulful voice of Daria Ostapczuk, the song takes listeners on a lyrical journey that resonates with anyone who's found love at an unexpected time.

Coming just three months after their EP Za rokiem Rok, the band felt "Mine" needed its own spotlight. While Za rokiem Rok carried a strong rock identity, "Mine" didn’t quite fit into that mold. Rather than altering the song to fit the EP, the band made the bold decision to record it separately, taking advantage of the renowned Studio Hertz in Bialystok, Poland—a space famous for producing powerful, sonically rich tracks.

This time around, WATERSIDE sought new methods, new approaches, and fresh experiences, which ultimately led to the creation of a unique musical atmosphere. While still maintaining a light rock essence, "Mine" introduces an added layer of depth through the use of string arrangements and keyboard instruments. These elements work together, enhancing the song’s emotional core while offering listeners a fresh taste of the band’s evolving sound.

At its heart, "Mine" is about the surprise of finding love when you least expect it. The song captures the cozy, hopeful feeling of discovering someone who can truly change your life for the better. Daria Ostapczuk’s heartfelt delivery brings sincerity and warmth to the lyrics, making the song not just a reflection of love, but a celebration of it. The delicate yet soulful vocals combined with the light instrumentation create an atmosphere that's perfect for dancing with your significant other, or simply getting lost in the moment.

The release of "Mine" was accompanied by a music video, which debuted on September 9, 2024. Directed by the talented duo of Michał and Monika from MMP Studio, the video is a visual embodiment of the song’s simplicity and emotion. The band chose to focus on minimalism, allowing Daria’s expressive performance to take center stage.

With "Mine," WATERSIDE has offered listeners a glimpse into a new side of their musical identity. The band continues to grow, exploring different sounds and recording methods while staying true to their emotional core. This track not only expands their discography but also deepens the connection they’ve built with their audience.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to WATERSIDE’s music, "Mine" is a song that will resonate with your heart, inviting you to dance, reflect, and remember the beauty of love in its most unexpected forms.

Aster Rhys and the Mystical Journey of "Crossroads"

Aster Rhys, an emerging voice in the folk singer-songwriter scene, has unveiled her latest offering, "Crossroads," a song that pulls listeners into a spiritual journey defined by fate, choices, and life’s inherent uncertainties. As the second single from her much-anticipated EP Four Directions, "Crossroads" encapsulates the ethereal yet grounded nature of Aster’s artistry—blending personal storytelling with mystical exploration.

At its heart, "Crossroads" is a song about transitions. It’s a poetic meditation on those pivotal moments when we find ourselves standing at the intersection of fate and free will, uncertain of the future, yet knowing that each decision we make will alter the path ahead. Using the imagery of roads and highways, Rhys masterfully weaves a narrative that transcends the literal. Roads become metaphors for the journey of life, and the crossroads—both literal and spiritual—serve as sacred spaces where we confront our deepest choices.

Musically, "Crossroads" enchants with its lush instrumentation, a delicate mix of acoustic guitar, bass, flutes, drums, and accordion. This soundscape is at once rooted in folk tradition while reaching toward the mystical, much like Rhys herself. Fans of introspective folk music will immediately connect with the atmospheric qualities of the song, reminiscent of artists like Basia Bulat and Bat For Lashes. There is a haunting, almost otherworldly quality to Aster’s voice as she navigates themes of fate and spirituality, using the gentle rise and fall of her melodies to reflect the uncertainties that the song explores.

Aster's journey to write "Crossroads" began with a deeply personal experience. Following a long estrangement from an ex-partner, she embarked on a road trip from Michigan to New Hampshire to meet again, a journey punctuated by a pivotal stop at Lake Erie. It was here that "Crossroads" began to take shape—its lyrics drawing on the physical markers of the road, like the yellow and white lines that serve as metaphors for the unknown paths we traverse in life. This moment of reconnection inspired Aster to delve into the symbolism of crossroads, both as a place of spiritual transformation and as a metaphor for the points in life where we must choose a new direction.

In discussing the track, Aster speaks to the spiritual undertones of "Crossroads," noting how the song explores crossroads as liminal, sacred spaces where unseen forces guide us forward. "It's a call to change," she explains. "It embodies that inexplicable feeling of intuition—something that goes beyond the sense of self and the rational mind—where you walk the boundary line between reality and a lucid dream." Aster captures this otherworldly tension in her lyrics, which speak to the invisible yet undeniable pull of fate, as well as the profound sense of standing on the precipice of a life-altering decision.

This single builds anticipation for the full Four Directions EP, a collection that promises to be both a personal and spiritual exploration of fate, resilience, love, and loss. As Aster Rhys continues to carve her space in the folk landscape, she invites listeners to join her on this journey—one that is as introspective as it is expansive, as grounded in tradition as it is elevated by a sense of the divine.

For fans of poetic storytelling and lush, atmospheric folk, "Crossroads" is a must-listen. It’s a song for the wandering soul, a reminder that at the moments when we are most uncertain, we are often closest to discovering something new about ourselves. With Four Directions on the horizon, Aster Rhys is poised to further cement herself as a singular voice in modern folk music, a storyteller whose songs are both deeply personal and universally resonant.

BLOODLIN3: A Journey Through "Situations"

Independent rap group BLOODLIN3 hails from the fusion of two distinct locales, El Paso, Texas, and Paducah, Kentucky. Formed by four lyrical masterminds—Buk of Psychodrama, Reinman Quiji, Mallachi, and Stephen King—the collective has quickly gained attention for their unique, authentic sound. Their latest release, "Situations," is a testament to their gritty resilience and collaborative spirit, shaped by diverse influences like Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Three 6 Mafia, Tech N9ne, Twista, Eminem, and Brotha Lynch.

Each member of BLOODLIN3 brings their own flavor to the table. Buk of Psychodrama, a veteran of the legendary rap group Psychodrama, brings an unmistakable voice and depth in both the hook and his verse. His experience infuses the track with credibility and raw emotion. Reinman Quiji enters with a precision flow in Verse 2, weaving lyrical complexity with a sense of urgency. Mallachi follows up on Verse 3, delivering fierce and introspective bars, while Stephen King closes out the track, putting a dark, reflective twist on the final verse. Each artist layers their personality into the song, creating a sound that is raw, real, and unmistakably BLOODLIN3.

"Situations" was recorded in collaboration with Buk of Psychodrama, who added not only his lyrical contribution but also his veteran production expertise to the mix. Recorded in both El Paso, TX, and Paducah, KY, the track represents a cross-state collaboration that pushes regional boundaries. The energy of both cities is captured in the production, blending the desert grittiness of El Paso with the small-town grind of Paducah.

At its core, "Situations" is about living in the moment while refusing to give in to life’s challenges. BLOODLIN3 urges listeners not to take today for granted—no matter what obstacles may come your way. The message is simple but powerful: pursue your dreams and never give up.

The song is deeply rooted in the idea that life is unpredictable. It pushes listeners to rise above those "situations" that can either break them or make them stronger. It’s an anthem of endurance, echoing the sentiment that nothing should stand in the way of chasing your passions. For BLOODLIN3, this theme isn't just artistic—it’s personal.

Drawing from legends like Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia, BLOODLIN3 balances technical rhyme schemes with a hypnotic flow. Fans of Tech N9ne, Twista, and Brotha Lynch will appreciate the rapid-fire delivery, intricate wordplay, and attention to detail that each member brings to the track. Much like these artists, BLOODLIN3 refuses to be boxed into one style, instead opting for a versatile sound that is dark yet empowering, introspective yet rebellious.

With the release of "Situations," BLOODLIN3 proves they are more than a sum of their parts. The track is a deep dive into the human experience, marked by perseverance and hope amidst adversity. As an independent group, BLOODLIN3 is showing the world that they have something important to say—and they’re saying it in their way, on their own terms. This isn’t just music; it’s a movement. Keep your ears open for BLOODLIN3—they’re just getting started.

"Let’s Have a Party": The O.O.'s Joyous Anthem for Post-Pandemic Celebration

As the world slowly begins to reclaim its sense of normalcy after the upheaval of the lockdown, The O.O. steps into the spotlight with his much-anticipated indie track, "Let’s Have A Party". This vibrant and celebratory anthem couldn’t have come at a better time—an energetic invitation to dance, rejoice, and let go of lingering anxieties.

Hailing from the Isle of Wight, The O.O. is a singer/songwriter whose passion for music sparked early on in the most unexpected of ways. Known for being a bit disruptive as a child, his headteacher removed him from lessons, opting to teach him music instead—a twist of fate that set The O.O. on his artistic journey. Now, with influences ranging from British indie icons The Kooks, The Fratellis, and The Libertines, The O.O. has honed his craft over the years. His sound combines the raw, spirited energy of these influences with his own unique storytelling ability.

Before releasing "Let’s Have A Party", The O.O. had already garnered attention, with appearances on BBC Introducing for his previous singles. Critics and fans alike have been quick to praise his vocal prowess. As Bored City once noted, “However, it’s The O.O.’s voice that truly steals the show. Rich and emotive, his vocals are a work of art in their own right.” Edgar Allen Poets echoed this sentiment, calling him “an artist worth following closely,” adding to the anticipation for his latest release.

Recorded entirely in The O.O.’s home studio, this indie banger is an infectious anthem designed to get toes tapping and spirits soaring. It’s not just a party song—it’s a rallying cry for joy after a long period of global uncertainty and social isolation. The O.O. wrote the song when COVID-19 restrictions began to lift, but the lingering effects of the pandemic—heightened anxiety and strained mental health—were still palpable. His solution? To bring people together through the universal language of music, encouraging everyone to let loose and celebrate life once again.

The upbeat rhythm, catchy melody, and spirited lyrics of "Let’s Have A Party" remind us of the simple pleasure of having a good time. Whether it’s dancing, drinking, or simply celebrating the present moment, The O.O.’s latest single taps into a shared desire to reconnect with joy. As We Write About Music aptly put it, “Don’t miss out on this enchanting musical journey from one of the Isle of Wight’s most promising talents.”

With "Let’s Have A Party", The O.O. is more than just another indie artist—he’s a voice of his generation, channeling post-pandemic experiences into a song that’s both deeply relatable and undeniably fun. His ability to blend personal storytelling with a universally appealing sound sets him apart, and as he continues to refine his craft, one can only anticipate more cool tunes from this emerging talent.

Get ready to turn up the volume. Let’s have a party—because if anyone deserves to celebrate, it’s all of us.

CLASSTRONAUT Takes Flight: The Emotional Depth Behind "Chemical Reaction"

Boise's rising synthpop quartet, Classtronaut, is soaring to new heights with the release of their double single, "Chemical Reaction" and "Gee Whiz," on September 15th. Known for their innovative sound, the band describes "Chemical Reaction" as a “neo-psychedelic yacht pop adventure”—a multi-layered sonic journey that draws comparisons to the ethereal productions of Pond and Tame Impala. Yet, even with these influences, Classtronaut’s latest release carves out its own unique identity, balancing escapism and emotional gravity.

While "Chemical Reaction" may transport listeners to an otherworldly place with its dreamy synths and textured soundscapes, the story behind its creation is firmly grounded in reality. Brian, one of Classtronaut's founding members, reveals a deeply personal and poignant backdrop to the band's recent work. “Our son was diagnosed at birth with a rare genetic illness. In those two years of navigating hospital stays and sleepless nights, music became my outlet,” he shared. Through the haze of sleepless nights spent in hospital rooms, Brian would email Gus, the band’s co-founder, song ideas in the quiet hours. These fragments of inspiration eventually blossomed into what we now hear in "Chemical Reaction" and "Gee Whiz."

This raw emotional process wasn't typical by any means, but it helped the band members channel their struggles into art. Music wasn’t just an act of creation—it became a coping mechanism. “In between hospital stays, we’d arrange vocals and instruments. It was therapeutic, helping us through some dark times,” Brian recalled. Classtronaut didn’t set out to craft hits for a mass audience; instead, they wrote as a form of survival, a way to process pain. But when they debuted these songs live at a local venue, the response was immediate and deeply felt. It was a moment of realization for the band that their music, born from personal hardship, resonated with others on a universal level.

Critics have praised "Chemical Reaction" for its lush production and psychedelic undercurrents, a rich tapestry of sound that invites listeners to get lost in its sonic world. Yet, the song also serves as a deeply personal narrative of resilience and emotional vulnerability. As much as "Chemical Reaction" is an auditory escape, it is also a testament to the healing power of music. The combination of swirling synths, gentle guitar riffs, and introspective lyrics captures a moment in time for Classtronaut—a band grappling with life’s uncertainties, yet emerging stronger through their art.

The companion single, "Gee Whiz," continues this exploration of personal turmoil, using upbeat rhythms and catchy melodies to create an engaging contrast to the emotional weight behind the lyrics. Together, these tracks serve as windows into the band's collective heart, bridging their personal experiences with the universal emotions of loss, love, and hope.

Classtronaut’s regional success continues to grow. Known for their infectious soundscapes and powerful live performances, the band has already shared stages with the likes of Petite Noir and Mystery Skulls. Their appearance at the 2024 Treefort Music Festival in Boise has further cemented their reputation as a key player in the Northwest indie music scene.

These recent achievements showcase the band’s ability to balance artistic integrity with mainstream appeal. Their distinctive blend of retro and modern pop elements sets them apart from the crowd, creating a sound that feels at once familiar and wholly original. For fans of indie music and neo-psychedelia, Classtronaut is a name to watch. And for those who have faced their own struggles, "Chemical Reaction" stands as a reminder of the ways art can uplift, inspire, and ultimately heal.

Exploring Sonic Frontiers: Jorge Natalin’s "Blue Overtone Monkey"

In a music scene saturated with predictable formulas, Jorge Natalin's latest release, Blue Overtone Monkey, stands out as an intriguing sonic journey. The track, a collaboration with Dutch artist Hilarius Hofstede, is a bold experiment that blends genre-defying elements into a psychedelic landscape, creating an experience that feels both alien and oddly familiar.

At its core, Blue Overtone Monkey fuses Natalin’s distinct electronic soundscapes with Hofstede’s intense spoken word performance. Described as a mix of experimental guitar techno and psychedelic rock, the track defies easy categorization. Natalin draws inspiration from celestial forces—citing the sun and moon as creative muses—while Hofstede, known for his unconventional approach to art and sound, channels influences like Bill Laswell and William Burroughs into his powerful vocal delivery. The result is a mesmerizing fusion of sound and voice that provokes thought as much as it stimulates the senses.

The story behind the track adds another layer of intrigue. The vocals were recorded during a spontaneous, rain-soaked morning in Amsterdam, where Hofstede’s spoken word performance unfolded in a single inspired session. His words reflect on the giant transformation the world is currently undergoing, speaking to the chaos, uncertainty, and potential for renewal. The atmosphere of the recording—rainy, moody, and charged with creative energy—seeps into the track itself, making it feel like a commentary on our shared existential moment.

Blue Overtone Monkey doesn’t fit neatly into any particular genre. It’s a heady mix of electronic beats, guitar riffs, and psychedelic textures, propelled forward by Hofstede’s urgent, almost prophetic voice. The track feels equally at home in a late-night club as it would in an avant-garde art gallery, embodying the spirit of both worlds. It’s music that refuses to be background noise—it demands attention, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its strange, hypnotic rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics.

For fans of experimental music, Blue Overtone Monkey offers a fresh, bold perspective. Jorge Natalin’s fearless exploration of sound, combined with Hilarius Hofstede’s striking performance, results in a track that pushes boundaries while remaining deeply connected to the world we live in. It’s a reflection of our times, wrapped in a genre-bending, mind-expanding soundscape that will leave a lasting impression.

If you're looking for music that challenges conventions and sparks introspection, Blue Overtone Monkey is a must-listen.