"Indie Songs for Wistful Hearts": A Conversation with Darius Oon

Darius Oon is branching out on his own in the music industry. After a childhood of playing guitar and piano and listening to The Beatles with his parents, he’s been a proud member of a number of bands before releasing his first single as a solo artist this past June. Taking inspiration from Djo and Wallows, he describes his sound as having a certain “nostalgic quality.” Oon is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and cancer research, and has worked closely with many organizations that support these causes.

G'Ra Asim Won't Be Tied Down to Just One Form Of Self-Expression

G’Ra Asim finds creative outlets for self-expression in everything he does. Teaching, writing, reading, making music and more are all pursuits he has delved into as a means of connecting with others through their share in their beliefs and passions. He has worked closely with multiple bands, sets of students and political organizations like the New York Immigrant Coalition, Say Her Name, and the African American Policy Forum to stand up for and support the rights of all people of color across the country.

Art, zIssue 59Olivia WeberAugust 21, 2026g'ra asim, olivia weber, music, book, Author, Musician, Black culture, BLM, mental health, Storytelling, artistComment

Biribá Union is Bringing Back Real Instruments and Cultural Diversity to the Music Industry

Biriba Union is a band that celebrates unity, cultural expression and the warmth and authenticity that comes from playing a real instrument. Their advocacy for democracy and freedoms for all translates into their work as musicians and their humanitarian work through the organization “Play for the Vote.” You can stream all their unique and creative music through the links at the bottom of this article and be on the look out for more music from them at the end of the year.

Singer-Songwriter Amy Jo on the Rising Country Music Scene in the UK and Mental Health Advocacy

Amy Jo is a rising star in the UK’s, shockingly buzzing, country music scene, and she draws inspiration from her coastal hometown and passion for gender equality. Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, Alicia Keys and more have all inspired her style of sound and storytelling over the years as she releases music with her own unique point of view. Her Master’s degree in gender studies informs her songwriting about topics like men’s mental health, and she has plans for new music in the coming weeks.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 58.3Olivia WeberJuly 31, 2026olivia weber, amy jo, country pop, women, singer song writer, music, mental healthComment

Hila The Earth Helps Us Connect With The Earth On A Deeper Level While Having Fun!

Hila the Earth is not your everyday performer. A Brooklyn girl with heart, Hila grew up with hip hop and drag queens, and has been freestyling for a long time. The big turning point in her live was when she fell in love with nature and the Earth. This was a game changer! New York City is not known for its green spaces. But Hila, now dressed as the Earth, fully embodies the Earth wherever she goes and performs. With songs like “WAP — Wet Ass Planet” and “Go Parks” you will quickly fall in love with her fervor and wit as she raps and freestyles you into caring about the environment! Read on to learn more about this insanely talented woman and the Earth we all love!

Integra Pink Blends Political Activism With 'Mixtape Music'

Integra Pink is a Southern California-based band that specializes in delivering the unexpected. Whether that means playing with all different genres from punk to disco, or constantly raising the bar for immigration advocacy, they know exactly who they are as musicians and advocates. Their work with immigration rights organizations like CHIRLA is inspired and their music makes people believe in a more optimistic future.

zIssue 58.2, SWAC: InfluencerOlivia WeberJuly 6, 2026integra pink, olivia weber, Immigration, music, ICE awareness, california, punk, songwriting, bandComment

Notep Draws Strength Through Coral Reefs for Upcoming EP

Notep is an electronic musician from Thailand who obtains inspiration and power through the beauty of the oceans, the coral reefs, and nature as a whole. PAKARANG is her upcoming Earth Day-themed EP that details how humanity and nature are one and the same more than they are opposites. She has done work with many environmental organizations including her own initiative called High on Your Own Supply that promotes environmentalism and sustainability to the younger generation through events, projects and lessons.

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 58.2Olivia WeberJune 25, 2026notep, olivia weber, oceans, music, electronicmusic, coral reefs, Thailand, enviornment, songwritingComment

Maren Davidsen Knows Her Worth and Isn’t Afraid to State It

Maren Davidsen is a Norwegian singer and songwriter who blends Nordic Americana with country influences to tell stories of growth and change both in her relationship with others and her relationship with herself. She discusses her latest single releases, how she balances existing in so many places at once and what her debut album means to her. She is passionate about encouraging empathy and aid for the homeless in her country and beyond.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 58, zIssue 58.2Olivia WeberJune 23, 2026maren davidsen, olivia weber, country, music, singer, songwriter, activism, homelessness, travelComment

Kelli Blanchett and Sad Tunes

Kelli Blanchett will seduce you with her soft sad melodies as she shares her life through her music. As a survivor of chronic illness she is a passionate advocate of disability rights and representation. We are excited about her new album Casual Dining, and had the opportunity to discuss it and her humanitarian work with her here.

Fitzroy Holt - You've Probably Been the Bastard

Fitzroy Holt’s soulful music will leave you with hope and recognition. For someone who thinks everyone has been a bastard at some point he is very generous, giving back to organizations for kids with cancer and mental health. Read on to learn more about Fitzroy Holt.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 58, zIssue 58.1Jejeune MagazineJune 9, 2026music, Art, cancer, kidsComment

Juana Everett - Whatever It Takes

From Madrid to Nashville Juana Everett has captured our hearts with her soft Americana vibe, with a little bit of Spanish flair. You wont regret letting her music wash over you and take you along on her journey as you read on to learn more about her, her music, and her volunteer work with World Central Kitchen.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 58, zIssue 58.1Jejeune MagazineJune 5, 2026music, female artists, americana, HungerComment

Mai Khoi - Pop Star To Exile

Mai Khoi went from golden album pop star to exile just for standing up for the rights of her people in Vietnam. As Americans we take for granted our right to free speech and to protest. But we now have Mai Khoi helping us to fight to keep that right in America too. Mai Khoi has some of the most incredible rang of a singer I have ever heard. Her songs range from metal banshee to jazz to surreal art. With her new album, Five Years in Exile, just coming out you don’t want to miss it or seeing her live, if you can. But for now, read on to learn more about this absolutely fascinating woman and her art!

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 58, zIssue 58.1Kira BuccaMay 26, 2026activism, activist, music, female artists, vietnamComment

Danni Nicholls Will Touch Your Soul With Her Lyrics

From milky vocals to lyrics that touch your soul, Danni Nicholls will wrap her music around you with her songs that will inspire your own journey. When Danni isn’t creating music or living through the experiences that inspire her music, she is advocating for kids, the arts, or playing at benefits. To learn more about Danni Nicholls, please read on!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 58, zIssue 58.1Eva Elisa WellsMay 22, 2026music, Napal, female artists, new music, queerComment

Kid Sistr on New Music & Queer Identity

<p style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Three-piece queer band Kid Sistr knows all too well that the lessons you learn throughout your adolescence stay with you forever, aspects of girlhood bleed into adulthood. Their most recent release, “American Teenage Prophecy,” creates a world where love of all kinds exist without societal expectations. Playing charity concerts at Campchella for Amplify, their dedication to inspiring young girls continues. To learn more about Kid Sistr and their new music, read on.</p>

Reifier's Electronic Experimentation

Multidisciplinary producer, composer, vocalist, and engineer Reifier just released their debut EP titled “The Unfolding.” The project is an experimental electronic journey that explores self-discovery and transformation. Dedicated to supporting women and LGBTQ artists, Reifier also co-runs a supportive music studio called Forastero Sound and Music. To learn more about Reifier and their new music, read on.

Zoey Tess Blends Activism and Art

Inspired by politically vocal artists that have come before her, singer-songwriter Zoey Tess blends her passion for music with activism in hopes of inspiring radical change. Her latest single, “Knocking at Your Front Door,” faces issues relevant to people of color, the LGBTQ community, and women head on. With her debut album, “There’s Gonna Be a Reckoning,” on the way, we can’t wait to see what’s in store. Also a proud advocate for gun reform, Tess was recently welcomed as an Artist for Action under the Sandy Hook Promise organization. To learn more about Zoey Tess and her upcoming music, read on.

Rich Allo's Introspection

Music artist Rich Allo explores the ups and downs of the human experience through music. From mental health to relationship dynamics, his introspective lyrics speak to deep human emotion. His new single, “You” details the emotional difficulties of trying to stay in control and not let something break you down. Show his dedication to mental health awareness even further, a number of his shows have been in aid with the mental health focused organization Mind Jersey. To learn more about Rich Allo and his new single, read on.

Yilian Cañizarez Reminds Us that Resilience Brings Renewal

Yilian Cañizarez uses music as a tool for translating emotion and connecting with her audience. Her new single, “Vamos a Florecer,” functions as a reminder that resilience can bring renewal. Beyond the music, Cañizarez is dedicated to supporting several different movements, including ones that fight against racism, work to expand children’s exposure to art, and support the ocean. She has been able to work as an ambassador for Ville de Lausanne — Campaign Against Racism in Switzerland, support her family’s organization Palacios House of Arts, and serve as a “Voice for the Ocean” for UN World Oceans Day. To learn more about Yilian Cañizarez and her new music, read on.

Kathy Kennedy's Abstract Art

Artist Kathy Kennedy has been creating for over 30 years. Art and music have always come natural to her. Her latest piece, “Vowel Jams”, an album, signifies a rise in energy with its rhythmic vocalizations and unique sounds. Influenced by women, social justice causes, and multiple different art mediums, Kennedy’s innovative art is unlike anything you’ve ever heard or seen. To learn more about Kathy Kennedy and her new album, read on.

Rising Star with a Vintage Soul: The Story of Gina Zo

With a voice that echoes the smoky allure of classic soul and the fearless edge of modern pop, Gina Zo is more than just a singer—she's a storyteller who wears her heart on every note. First gaining national attention as a standout contestant on The Voice, Gina has since carved out a unique space in the music world with her raw vocals, retro style, and unapologetic authenticity. But beyond the spotlight lies a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and creative evolution that's just beginning to unfold.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.5Kylie MurphySeptember 30, 2025singer, singer song writer, songwriter, new music, music artist, music, activism, Volunteer, authenticity, VoiceComment