Archer Stevens - Pretty Ugly Rock, Pop Rock Arizona, U.S. Overall Impression: "Pretty Ugly" is the debut release from Arizona-based indie rock outfit, Archer Stevens. Taking its cues and inspiration from 1970s classic rock, this mid-tempo track features a vibrant sound and a massive arrangement centered around a soulful and compelling piano riff that's complemented by blazing guitar leads and brilliant Hammond organ, along with a lively rhythm section highlighted by heavy Latin percussion. Passionate male vocals explore introspective themes of self-esteem and rejection, and are bolstered by creative production techniques and soaring backing vocals that really bring this song to life. Alternative and indie rock enthusiasts, particularly those with vintage tastes, can find Archer Stevens' "Pretty Ugly" now available for streaming on all major music platforms.
Strongest Point(s): Outstanding production, incredible sounding mix. Excellent tonal balance and clarity, as well as use of stereo width and space. Strong "Sympathy for the Devil" vibes and song structure. Love the intro; great use of filtering there, awesome staging and build-up. Tremendous groove, fantastic piano riff. Terrific bass line, great kinetic energy and motion. The Latin percussion adds a ton of rhythmic character and color. Nice overdriven guitar tone as well. The breakdown/bridge at 2:48 works really well to create an interesting dynamic shape and provides wonderful variety. Things really ramp up following that section, great jam with a solid ending. Compelling vocal style and performance, plenty of rock swagger that fits nicely within the parameters of the song. The backing vox are well arranged and produced, and add another engaging human element. Lyrics work really well in this context, and should resonate strongly with alternative and indie audiences. Great title hook as well. All in all, this is a stellar rock track that draws heavily on retro influences and works them seamlessly into a modern form and production. Magnificent work here, by everyone involved!
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Pop/Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Indie Rock
Artist target suggestions: Spoon, The Walkmen, Cold War Kids, Dr. Dog, The Hold Steady, The Strokes, Guided by Voices, The War on Drugs, Ted Leo, Pavement, My Morning Jacket, Modest Mouse, The Killers, Cage the Elephant, Kings of Leon, Ben Folds, Ben Kweller
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About the Reviewer: Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers.
T.Hill - Ready 2 Rock (What U Gonna Do Girl?) R&B California, U.S. For Fans Of: VILLAIN, outr.cty, Young C.A., Siah SZN, J. Cole, Trav Torch, Pusherbeats, Bizzle, Jonny Craig, Valaire, Dragon, Jamez Flamez, Delo, Young AJ, Ikechuku Agoha, Toby Dicki, Leon Thomas, Muni Long, Jacquees, SILORR, Marvin Sapp, Jagged Edge, Elijah Blake Interested in being a New Music post? Head to your RadioAirplay.com dash and click Free Song Contest under your Special Offers menu on the RadioAirplay.com dashboard! #NewMusic #Original #OriginalMusic #R&B #Smooth #California #CA
Neil McGettigan and The Eleventh Hour - As We Discover Love Rock, Pop Pennsylvania, U.S. Overall Impression: Gentle and completely mesmerizing, As We Discover Love is an intoxicating new Pop Rock song by Neil McGettigan and The Eleventh Hour. This tune captures the dizzying feeling love can have, and fills the room with a bright Poppy sound. In addition to the breezy overall mood, there are moments that completely knock the listener off of their feet. When the singers converge in harmony leading into the terrifically catchy chorus, it is like the room begins to spin and gravity is suspended. While this description may seem a bit flowery or extra for such a small moment, these instances give the song such a cool edge that you want to hear them again and again. With the release of As We Discover Love, Neil McGettigan and The Eleventh Hour give listeners four minutes of bliss that gets better with each listen.
Strongest Point(s): A lot of care has been taken to shape both the overall sound and the blend of tone colors. In general, it is quite warm and bright. The organ adds a wonderfully unique voice that draws in listener even closer, and the bed of acoustic guitars makes you want to stay there forever. This attention to detail demonstrates how much of a song is defined by elements other than only lyrics or the singing.
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Pop Rock will enjoy As We Discover Love by Neil McGettigan and The Eleventh Hour.
Artist target suggestions: Sixpence None The Richer, Barenaked Ladies, The Beatles, Fastball, The Wallflowers, Bee Gees, Gordon Lightfoot, Burt Bacharach, James Taylor, Train, Dave Matthews Band, The Sundays, Snow Patrol, Maroon 5
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About the Reviewer: Zachary Larson is a professional guitarist and multi-instrumentalist in New York City. He performs frequently on Broadway and has toured with several musicals, onboard cruise lines, and as a classical chamber musician. His recorded work spans across Classical, Musical Theater, and Pop music. He holds a Master’s degree in music and has been a part of the Radio Airplay team for three years.
ThreeStyle - Best Things in Life Jazz, Instrumental Germany For Fans Of: Bob Mamet, Jay Soto, George Jinda, Andy Snitzer, Ray Obiedo, Marcus Johnson, 3rd Force, Vibes Alive, Urban Knights, Oli Silk, Brian Tarquin, Gota, Kayla Waters, Les Sabler, Patrick Yandall, Steve Oliver, Joe McBride, Jeff Golub Interested in being a New Music post? Head to your RadioAirplay.com dash and click Free Song Contest under your Special Offers menu on the RadioAirplay.com dashboard! #NewMusic #Original #OriginalMusic #Jazz #Instrumental #Germany #DE
Nashville Guitarman - Valentine's Night Rock, Pop Tennessee, U.S. Overall Impression: James Satterwhite delivers a charming, country-edged pop-rocker with "Valentine’s Night," a jubilant ode to romance filled with warmth and an undeniably infectious sense of energy. His amiable vocal presence is at the heart of the song and he makes each lyric feel depply endearing. There’s a natural, down-to-earth charm to his delivery—like a conversation between old lovers or a lighthearted serenade under soft candlelight. His voice carries a friendly, open quality that makes the track feel personal and inviting, perfectly aligning with the song’s theme of affection and appreciation. Combine this with the catchy hooks and rousing grooves and you get a tune that many a broad music lover can enjoy.
Strongest Point(s): The lyrics, while straightforward, possess an undeniable charm. The repeated refrains of “Won’t you be mine, won’t you be mine, won’t you be my Valentine tonight?” create a sense of playful urgency, as if the singer is eagerly awaiting a response from a loved one. There’s a classic, almost timeless appeal in lines like “Chocolates, dinner, and wine” and “I want to hold you tight, babe, I’ll treat you right,” painting a picture of a traditional yet sincere Valentine’s celebration. The song leans into the sweetness of the moment without overcomplicating things, keeping the emotions clear and the message direct. The vibrant nature of the arrangement works particularly well, with each instrumental element playing a vital role in shaping the track’s upbeat, celebratory nature. The groove-instilled rhythm guitar lays a good foundation, providing an engaging rhythmic sway that feels both relaxed and danceable. Charming lead guitar flourishes weave their way throughout the track, injecting moments of brightness and adding an extra layer of musical sweetness. Meanwhile, the bass delivers bouncy hooks that further enhance the song’s playful energy, locking in with the percussion to give the track its toe-tapping, feel-good momentum.
Target Audience Appeal: "Valentine's Night" is a charming country-infused pop-rocker and I can see it strongly resonating with fans of the genre.
Artist target suggestions: Alan Jackson, America, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Band, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Waylon Jennings, Brooks & Dunn
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About the Reviewer: Andre Avanessian is a freelance session guitarist, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording.
Sara Shiloh Rae & Bluebird Junction - The Butcher's Daughter Country, Americana United States Overall Impression: Sara Shiloh Rae & Bluebird Junction serve up lively Americana, on their release of “The Butcher’s Daughter”. This uptempo track features a rousing alt-country sound that blends rock'n'roll guitars with a hint of Nashville twang, courtesy of pedal steel and a toe-tapping two-step rhythm. Sara gives a stunning performance here, backed by male harmonies as she conveys a bittersweet narrative that closely examines the beauty pageant scene, warts and all. Americana and alt-country fans can find Sara Shiloh Rae & Bluebird Junction’s “The Butcher’s Daughter” now available as a single on all major music streaming platforms.
Strongest Point(s): Outstanding production, great sounding mix. Excellent clarity and tonal balance. Nice intro riff, grabs the listener by the ear right away. Wonderful blend of acoustic, electric and steel guitars. Drums and bass are locked in tight, brushes sound great here. Good variation between verse and chorus. Awesome vocal performance; fantastic country-style delivery and presentation, incredible phrasing and articulation. Love the little accents and ornamentations you used on certain syllabic beats, such as "chiffon" or the "beaut" in beauty queen. The male harmonies sound great on the choruses, adding a terrific texture and color. Brilliant lyrical content; incredibly visual and descriptive, while also taking a good-natured poke at one of the most hallowed of Southern traditions, the beauty pageant (as well as beauty standards in general). Lyrics also have a nice natural flow and allegorical sensibility, along with some great individual lines. Nice bit of real audio at the end, leaves a playful and flirty impression. Overall, this is a tremendous bit of song craft and a fine finished track that should appeal to alt-country and roots rock audiences in particular. Stellar work, by everyone involved!
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Country, Country-Rock, Alt-Country, Roots Rock, Americana
Artist target suggestions: Lucinda Williams, Sierra Ferrell, Margo Price, Jenny Lewis, Kacey Musgraves, Pistol Annies, Iris DeMent, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Brandi Carlile, Honeyhoney, Gretchen Wilson, Emily Nenni, Morgan Wade, Ellen Langley, Sarah Shook
Interested in having your Song Reviewed by our Professional Staff? Head to your RadioAirplay.com dash and click Song Reviews under the Special Offers menu!
About the Reviewer: Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers.
