Rising Star #62

Welcome to Rising Star 62—a vibrant celebration of music, creativity, and the bold new voices shaping the future of the global arts scene.

This edition takes the experience to new heights, inviting you to immerse yourself in groundbreaking artistry and the raw energy of sound. Rising Star 62 isn’t just an event—it’s a journey through diverse musical landscapes, where every note carries a story, and every performance leaves a lasting impression.

Imagine a stage alive with electrifying talent, each artist bringing their unique perspective and passion to life. From anthems of resilience to soul-stirring ballads, every moment is designed to move, inspire, and ignite the imagination.

Here, music becomes a living canvas—painted with emotion, innovation, and fearless creativity. Rising Star 62 is more than a showcase; it’s a testament to the power of sound to connect, uplift, and redefine the future.

Diversity, fresh perspectives, and the thrill of discovery take center stage as we spotlight the next generation of trailblazing artists. This is your chance to witness history in the making, to feel the pulse of tomorrow’s icons before the world does.

Are you ready to be inspired? 🌟🎶

Step into a world where music’s next great chapter is unfolding—and where the magic of sound has the power to reignite the soul.

Larry Karpenko - Little Things New

In a year already brimming with standout musical releases, Larry Karpenko's Little Things New is a refreshing reminder of music’s ability to capture life’s most heartfelt moments. A songwriter with a gift for vivid storytelling and a knack for crafting melodies that feel both intimate and universal, Karpenko delivers a record that is both deeply personal and widely resonant.

At its core, Little Things New is a collection of songs built on themes of love, renewal, and the small yet profound moments that shape our lives. The album’s inspiration stems from a deeply personal place—Karpenko’s sister-in-law’s journey to finding love. Witnessing the joy and optimism surrounding her wedding, he translated those emotions into lyrics and melodies that encapsulate the magic of new beginnings.

Musically, the album is an acoustic-driven delight, merging the raw emotional energy of Dashboard Confessional with the lyrical depth of Steven Curtis Chapman. Karpenko’s vocals carry a level of detail and passion that would captivate fans of Bruno Mars, while the album’s production keeps things organic and immersive. The stripped-down yet carefully layered sound allows his storytelling to shine through, creating an experience that feels both cinematic and intimate.

One of the album’s defining moments is its title track, Little Things New, a song that effortlessly blends poetic lyricism with an uplifting melody. It’s the kind of track that wouldn’t feel out of place at a wedding or even in a touching cinematic montage. With a warmth reminiscent of The Princess Bride’s timeless romance, it’s a song destined to become a favorite among those who believe in the enduring power of love.

Another highlight is The River, a composition set to premiere on May 17, 2025, in a grand arrangement featuring orchestra, brass, choir, and bells. This performance will mark a significant moment in Karpenko’s career, showcasing his ability to craft music that transcends the singer-songwriter genre into something more expansive and symphonic.

Little Things New was brought to life at Kreation Records, an independent studio in Southern California where creativity flows freely. Karpenko and his team employed a meticulous recording process, utilizing XY-stereo micing alongside an LRBaggs piezo pickup to enhance the acoustic depth. His vocals were recorded on a Blue Blueberry microphone, ensuring every nuance of his voice was captured with clarity and warmth. The result is a sound that feels both polished and organic, inviting listeners into an intimate sonic space.

With its universal themes, heartfelt songwriting, and impeccable production, Little Things New is poised to stand the test of time. Karpenko’s hope for the song’s future is clear—he envisions covers, dance renditions, and reinterpretations that will continue to breathe new life into his creation. But for now, we savor the original, falling in love with its sincerity, its optimism, and its quiet yet profound beauty.

Oreaganomics – Everything is Legal

In a world where protest music often gets polished down to palatable soundbites, Oreaganomics refuses to dilute their message. Their latest single, Everything is Legal, is a bold, raw, and unfiltered reflection of modern society—one that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths. The Lincoln-based outfit has built a reputation for cutting through the noise with sharp political commentary, and this release is no exception.

From the moment Everything is Legal kicks in, there’s an undeniable urgency in the sound. The production itself adds to the mystique—the track was recorded in an unfinished basement, a setting that reinforces the underground, almost outlaw nature of its creation. Oreaganomics has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of who did what in the recording process, citing genuine concerns for their safety. The secrecy only amplifies the sense that this isn’t just music—it’s resistance.

Lyrically, the song hits like a manifesto. It doesn’t just highlight systemic injustices; it challenges the listener to question the very framework of legality and power. The title itself is a biting statement: in a world where corruption thrives unchecked, where oligarchs and corporations dictate the rules, what even is illegal anymore? And more importantly, what does it mean when those in power get to decide what’s permissible while everyday people are left to suffer the consequences? Oreaganomics doesn’t provide neat answers, but they don’t have to—their strength lies in asking the right questions.

The soundscape of Everything is Legal is just as compelling as its message. There’s a gritty DIY ethos at play, with a lo-fi edge that only adds to the track’s authenticity. Yet despite its rawness, the song feels good—there’s an undeniable energy, an undercurrent of defiance that makes it impossible to ignore. It’s music meant to move you, both physically and intellectually.

Oreaganomics has never been a band to play it safe. Their refusal to conform has made them both revered and, in some cases, unwelcome. They openly acknowledge that their outspokenness has put them on watchlists both at home and abroad. Some members are wanted for what many would consider victimless ‘crimes’—one for speaking out against oligarchs, another for providing access to Netflix in regions where it’s restricted. Their existence is protest in and of itself, and their music is an extension of that rebellion.

While the band has no upcoming performances (due in part to their precarious legal status), they remain committed to their mission: putting out protest music, no matter the cost. Everything is Legal isn’t just a song—it’s a battle cry. It’s a testament to the power of music as both an art form and a weapon against oppression. Oreaganomics knows the risks, but they’re saying their piece anyway. And in a world where silence is complicity, that kind of courage is more necessary than ever.

Hans Halstead -Everything Was Better When It Was Worse

Hans Halstead’s latest release, Everything Was Better When It Was Worse, is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged album that cements his place as a fearless storyteller and a voice for the modern age. Deeply influenced by the work of Bob Dylan, Halstead uses his music to examine some of society’s most pressing issues, from political unrest to personal struggles. What results is an album that feels both timely and timeless—an evocative journey through the mind of an artist who refuses to shy away from the raw and the real.

From the very first notes of Everything Was Better When It Was Worse, it’s clear that Halstead isn’t interested in delivering just another folk record. He fuses classic storytelling with contemporary urgency, crafting songs that not only pay homage to Dylan’s legacy but also carve out a space uniquely his own. Tracks like “The American Dream” and “Day of Love” pull no punches, tackling themes of identity, religion, and the fragile state of the nation with a poetic grace that is both haunting and deeply moving.

One of the most compelling moments on the album comes in “Six Feet Under,” a track born from Halstead’s personal experiences during college. Laden with angst and raw emotion, the song encapsulates the betrayals and hardships that have shaped him, making it an anthem for anyone who has ever felt the weight of disillusionment. It’s a deeply personal reflection that somehow manages to resonate on a universal scale—a testament to Halstead’s ability to transform individual pain into collective understanding.

But it’s not just the songwriting that makes this album exceptional—it’s also the people who helped bring Halstead’s vision to life. Recorded at Terrarium Studios in Minneapolis, the album boasts an impressive roster of collaborators, including Noah Levy (drums), Jason Orris (bass), Scottie Miller (piano), Jillian Rae (violin), and Walter Chancellor Jr. (saxophone). Each musician adds a unique layer of depth to the album, seamlessly blending their talents with Halstead’s intuitive sense of direction. This synergy is especially evident in songs like “Dancing at the Edge of the World,” where violin and saxophone weave together in a melancholic yet hopeful dance amid lyrics that grapple with the urgency of the climate crisis.

Beyond its sonic and lyrical brilliance, Everything Was Better When It Was Worse stands out as an album that refuses to sanitize or sugarcoat reality. Inspired in part by the tragic events of the 2018 Parkland shooting, Halstead crafts a narrative that gives voice to the victims rather than focusing on the violence itself. In “Day of Love,” he painstakingly names each of the 17 lives lost, ensuring their stories are heard and their dreams remembered. Meanwhile, “The American Dream” confronts the complexities of law enforcement failures, posing difficult questions about accountability and justice.

The impact of the album goes beyond music—it is a conversation starter, a challenge to listeners to look beyond headlines and into the human cost of social and political failures. And yet, for all its weighty themes, Everything Was Better When It Was Worse never feels preachy. Instead, it offers a deeply personal meditation on a world that often feels like it’s teetering on the edge, reminding us of the power of music to document, to mourn, and to inspire.

As Halstead prepares to take these songs to the stage—including a performance at KVSC’s Monday Night Live series on February 24—one thing is clear: Everything Was Better When It Was Worse is more than just an album. It’s a statement, a story, and, above all, a testament to the necessity of art in times of uncertainty. With this release, Halstead proves that folk music’s role as a vehicle for truth-telling is far from over—and that his voice is one we should all be listening to.

FailToCrit - New Age Preacher

Few albums in recent memory have managed to strike a balance between originality and accessibility quite like New Age Preacher, the latest release from FailToCrit. Dropping on January 27, 2025, the album is a testament to the duo’s relentless pursuit of sonic evolution, offering a listening experience that feels both refreshingly new and deeply immersive.

Hailing from Iola, Wisconsin, FailToCrit is the creative brainchild of long-time friends Terry Leitzke and Kain Schuster. With Terry handling intricate compositions and Kain delivering mesmerizing vocals, their synergy is on full display throughout New Age Preacher. The record is a bold step forward, showcasing a refined sound that never feels forced but instead naturally finds its place between innovation and familiarity.

One of the standout elements of New Age Preacher is its ability to defy strict genre classifications. Each track weaves through a tapestry of soundscapes—sometimes atmospheric and introspective, other times pulsating with unrelenting energy. The result is an album that feels dynamic and alive, capable of drawing listeners into its world with each note.

A large portion of the recording took place in a home studio, allowing Leitzke and Schuster the creative freedom to refine their vision without external constraints. That freedom is evident in the meticulous layering of sounds and the careful attention to detail, which elevates the album beyond a mere collection of songs and into a fully realized artistic statement.

At its core, New Age Preacher is an embodiment of FailToCrit’s philosophy: progress without stagnation. As the duo puts it, “Our goal is to keep moving forward and to keep making every release an improvement over the last, however small.” That sentiment is palpable in every track, as the album unfolds like a journey through their artistic evolution.

For fans and newcomers alike, New Age Preacher is a must-listen, a record that stands as a beacon of what happens when passion, craftsmanship, and fearless experimentation collide. With this release, FailToCrit isn’t just making music—they’re carving out a legacy.

Gabdez - Language of Freedom (Uhambo Oluya Ulwandl): A Sonic Journey of Liberation

In an era where music often serves as both an escape and a bridge between cultures, Gabdez’s latest single, Language of Freedom (Uhambo Oluya Ulwandl), arrives as a vibrant testament to the power of sound to transcend borders. Hailing from Milan, Paris, and Porto Cervo, this multifaceted artist crafts a sonic experience that is equal parts uplifting and immersive, seamlessly blending Amapiano and Afro beats influences with a fresh, contemporary touch.

Following the success of his previous release, African Vibes, Gabdez builds upon his signature style with a track that radiates warmth and movement. As the winter cold lingers, Language of Freedom offers listeners a much-needed escape—a journey into a springtime oasis where rhythm and melody paint a picture of boundless horizons. The track is a carefully constructed balance of light, effortless soundscapes and deep, resonant meaning, embodying a universal call for unity and liberation.

What sets Language of Freedom apart is not just its genre-blending brilliance but its deeply personal creative process. Written, composed, and produced entirely by Gabdez himself, the song reflects his dedication to crafting something both meaningful and accessible. The recording process, spanning his personal studio in Italy and sessions on the move, mirrors the nomadic spirit of the track, reinforcing the theme of freedom in both sound and substance.

A key highlight of the single is the mesmerizing female vocal accompaniment, which adds an ethereal quality to the track. The fusion of African expressions with English lyrics further enriches the song’s concept, emphasizing music as a universal language—a language of freedom. The melodies flow effortlessly, and the rhythmic elements keep the track dynamic, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its hypnotic groove.

Beyond the music, Language of Freedom carries a significant emotional and social weight. Gabdez envisions this track as an anthem of positivity, a sonic embrace for anyone yearning for connection and hope. With upcoming performances, including a major show in Bukovel, Ukraine, he aims to bring this message of musical unity to diverse audiences, proving that even in challenging times, music remains a powerful force for resilience and joy.

Gabdez describes this song as “for everyone who believes in the power of music—not just as sound, but as something deeper that impacts our daily lives for the better.” It’s a sentiment that echoes throughout the track, as every note, every beat, and every lyric carries the spirit of movement, liberation, and transformation.

So, close your eyes, let the music take you away, and embrace the journey that Language of Freedom offers—a journey where borders dissolve, and the only destination is pure, unfiltered expression.

Graphite Stain - Raining Over Clay

Emerging from the shadows of the underground metal scene, Graphite Stain delivers a strikingly visceral experience with Raining Over Clay. This record isn’t just an album—it’s an unrelenting meditation on mortality, the inescapable cycle of life and death, and the crushing weight of inevitability. The Cuban-born, Miami-based solo artist behind Graphite Stain crafts a sonic landscape that is both suffocating and hypnotic, pulling the listener into a world where existence itself is a relentless struggle.

The title track, Raining Over Clay, encapsulates the album’s overarching themes with brutal clarity. Its cyclical riff structure is reminiscent of a pottery wheel spinning ceaselessly, an apt metaphor for the endless, grinding nature of life. The track’s aggressive energy builds tension throughout, peaking in a cathartic chorus where the acceptance of death is realized: “It’s raining over clay, and I wash away.” This repeated line echoes with a haunting finality, reinforcing the feeling of dissolution—of being slowly consumed by forces beyond control.

Throughout the album, Graphite Stain blends crushing guitar work with emotionally raw vocal delivery, creating an atmosphere that teeters between chaos and calculated precision. Tracks like Drown in the Earth and Ashen Hands further expand on the record’s themes, each song presenting its own interpretation of decay and renewal. The breakdowns hit like a slow, inevitable collapse, while the melodic undercurrents add a layer of sorrow that lingers long after the final note fades.

What makes Raining Over Clay stand out is its ability to marry aggression with introspection. The album isn’t simply an onslaught of heaviness—it’s an experience designed to be felt as much as heard. Each track serves as another turn of the wheel, another moment in the unending motion of life’s cycle, mirroring the very struggle it seeks to portray.

With Raining Over Clay, Graphite Stain establishes themselves as a formidable force in the metal scene. This debut album not only showcases an artist unafraid to tackle existential weight through music but also cements their place as a rising voice in modern metal. It’s a record that demands attention, challenges the listener, and leaves a lasting impression—one that lingers like the remnants of a storm over shattered clay.

Eoin Shannon - Hello Forever

Some records don’t just play music; they tell stories, evoke emotions, and immerse listeners in a deeply personal journey. Hello Forever, the debut album from Cork-based singer-songwriter Eoin Shannon, does just that. Rooted in introspection and shadowed by dark moods, the album is a masterclass in storytelling, shaped by a remarkable ensemble of talented collaborators.

Drawing inspiration from the legendary Johnny Cash, Shannon crafts a sound that feels both raw and timeless. Across its 12 tracks, Hello Forever traverses themes of reflection, faith, and personal reckoning. There’s a haunting authenticity in his voice, made even more intimate by the fact that he recorded his vocals from the comfort of his own home. It’s this unfiltered honesty that makes each song feel like a private confession, pulling listeners deeper into his world.

The album's sonic landscape owes much to the contributions of producer and musician Larry Magee, who not only shaped the sound of ten tracks but also infused them with a depth that perfectly complements Shannon’s songwriting. Andrei Sorokin’s chilling composition for Dark November adds an eerie, cinematic touch, while Irish artist Chanele stuns with her ethereal vocals on Night is Dark, one of the album’s standout moments. Harmonies from Kesha Parish and Sam elevate the emotional weight of the songs, turning them into layered, immersive experiences.

One of Hello Forever’s greatest strengths is its ability to be deeply personal yet universally relatable. Songs like Everybody Got Crazy in Them, penned by David Murray, and I'd Grabbed You a Chair, written by Darren, introduce narratives that feel lived-in, as though they are echoes of real moments and emotions. Each track stands on its own, yet together they create a cohesive, compelling body of work.

What makes Hello Forever truly special is the chemistry between Shannon and his collaborators. Every element—whether it's the rich instrumentation, the evocative lyrics, or the haunting harmonies—feels intentional, elevating the record beyond just another singer-songwriter project. It’s an album that doesn’t just ask to be heard but to be felt.

Eoin Shannon has arrived with Hello Forever, and if this debut is any indication, his voice will be one to watch in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary folk and acoustic music. This is an album that lingers long after the last note fades—a testament to the power of honest music-making.

Vincent J. Rigney – Ghosting

Vincent J. Rigney is not just another musician; he’s a storyteller with a soul-deep connection to his craft. With a rich background rooted in a family of entertainers, Rigney’s musical DNA runs deep, and it shows in his ability to blend bluesy warmth with the raw energy of alternative rock. His latest track, Ghosting, serves as the final single from his upcoming EP Steel Town Boy, and it stands as a powerful testament to his artistry.

Recorded in his hometown of Corby, Northants, Ghosting is more than just a song—it’s an emotional deep-dive into the painful reality of digital-era disconnect. Rigney unpacks the complexities of a long-term friendship suddenly severed by silence, weaving a narrative of emotional abandonment that resonates universally. His lyrics, raw and vulnerable, cut through the noise of modern communication breakdowns, bringing forth a story that feels both personal and widely relatable.

Musically, Ghosting is a seamless fusion of bluesy soul and alternative grit. Rigney’s husky vocals carry the weight of every lyric, capturing the ache of unresolved goodbyes. The instrumentation, driven by a heartfelt rhythm section and moody guitar melodies, provides a haunting yet inviting atmosphere. The track’s production remains grounded, keeping the focus on Rigney’s evocative performance and the organic chemistry of his collaboration with local musicians.

What sets Rigney apart is his ability to connect, not just in live performances where his bold stage presence commands attention, but also through his recorded material. Ghosting exemplifies his growing reach, earning attention from international blogs, radio stations, and curated playlists far beyond the UK. It’s this ability to craft universally felt emotions into song that continues to build his fanbase, proving that his music isn’t just heard—it’s felt.

As anticipation builds for Steel Town Boy in 2024/25, Ghosting stands as a defining moment in Rigney’s evolving discography. It’s a track that lingers long after the final note fades—a haunting reminder of the ties that bind us and the silence that sometimes breaks them.

Ludwig Jonsson – No Angel Is Watching

Swedish musician Ludwig Jonsson has spent years carving his name into the rock and metal scenes, primarily as a guitarist for My Dear Addiction. Now, with No Angel Is Watching, he takes the solo route, delivering a gritty yet melodic record that fuses raw emotion with modern production. Fully self-produced, performed, and recorded in his own home studio, this release is a testament to Jonsson’s artistic independence and vision.

From the first listen, No Angel Is Watching establishes itself as an explosive blend of dirty rock and roll energy with a polished, contemporary edge. The influences are apparent yet seamlessly integrated—there are shades of Rise Against and Sum 41, an undercurrent of Bullet For My Valentine’s emotional weight, and a dash of I Prevail’s modern rock approach. Jonsson achieves something remarkable: a sound that is both rough around the edges and meticulously refined, striking a balance between unfiltered passion and calculated precision.

One of the album’s standout moments is its lead single, a track that instantly grabs hold with a chorus designed to stick. Jonsson’s vocals carry an emotional weight, and while the production embraces imperfection, it never sacrifices clarity. Lyrically, the album resonates with universal themes of struggle, resilience, and self-discovery. It’s no surprise that the origins of the title track date back to a time when Jonsson was playing hockey—an unexpected source of inspiration that proves how creativity finds its way through life’s winding paths.

Another highlight, "Anybody Out There", showcases his ability to craft songs that feel both deeply personal and widely relatable. This track, released as a solo single earlier in the year, already received strong reviews, setting the stage for the impact of No Angel Is Watching.

What makes this album even more impressive is the fact that Jonsson did it all himself. The guitars bite, the drums punch, and the production is crisp enough to give the record a modern edge without stripping away the raw intensity he aimed for. He embraces imperfection in a way that feels intentional—like a nod to the punk ethos—while still delivering something polished enough to sit comfortably alongside today’s biggest rock records.

Jonsson has already built a reputation in the Swedish rock and metal community, but No Angel Is Watching marks an exciting new chapter. It's a statement of independence, proving that sometimes the most powerful creations come from taking full control of the artistic process. With a gripping mix of nostalgia and fresh energy, this album has the potential to resonate deeply with fans of both classic and modern rock. If this is just the beginning of Jonsson’s solo journey, it’s safe to say there’s much more to look forward to.