COVER - The Neighborhood Kids Are The Voice Of A Generation

In a time in history when every turn feels bleaker than the next there is a ray of hope emerging to help ride us in this fight to do good and care about each other. The Neighborhood Kids started out as just kids who wanted to make hip hop, but they couldn’t stay quiet to the injustices in the world. Now they are know as, and perfectly named their first album, the “Voice of the Revolution”. And with 233K followers on Instagram alone and millions of views, this generation is listening and ready. We are hungry and tired of the injustice, and there is nothing like a good beat to get us amped up to take on the world. Because if we don’t do it, no one will. Read on to get to know the Neighborhood Kids, their music, and the many nonprofits they work with better.

Selah Sue's Captivating Collaboration

Belgium-born singer Selah Sue recently released her latest single “Another Way,” a moody, rhythmic collaboration with the Gallands that sits as the opening track to their new album “Movin’.” The album is collection of unique tracks that, together, build something special. Passionate about mental health advocacy, she’s been a godmother for Tele-Onthaal since 2013. To learn more about Selah Sue and her new music, read on.

Bailey Hyneman's New Soulful Single

Memphis-based artist Bailey Hyneman recently released a new single titled “Better Days.” The song is soulful and heartfelt a meditation on perseverance through tough situations. Beyond music, Hyneman is a supporter of a multitude of organizations making a significant impact, including St. Jude and The Contributor. To learn more about Bailey Hyneman and her latest music, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.9Eva Elisa WellsApril 17, 2026music artist, music industry, female artists, cancer, Give backComment

Orquestra Pacífico Tropical: Celebrating Culture

Orquestra Pacífico Tropical is a Portland-based Cumbia collective. Their most recent release, a single titled “Fantasma,” is a beautiful celebration honoring fond memories. The band will release their third studio album on June 19 titled “El Poder.” Beyond the music, they play an active role within their community by working with Bienstar to help BIPOC first time home buyers find the resources and support they need. To learn more about Orquestra Pacífico Tropical and their upcoming album, read on.

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.

Whiskey Flower's Unapologetic Honesty

Queer duo Whiskey Flower creates music that pulses with the beat of honesty, understanding, and resilience. They recently released their single “Stop Stereo,” the first taste of their upcoming EP “Double Yellow Lines,” a gritty, unflinching bark of laughter in the face of conformity that empowers listeners to embrace authenticity. Playing fundraisers for Santa Fe’s Girls Inc. organization, their dedication to inspiring authenticity continues. To learn more about Whiskey Flower and their upcoming EP, read on.

Kiyan Foroughi: The Journey Back to Yourself

Multi-cultural producer and storyteller Kiyan Foroughi has collaborated with vocalist Rachelle Ruby and rapper Maisa One on “Beautiful Distraction,” the second single off of his upcoming debut concept album, “inner light. OUTER SPACE.” This track is a seductive collision of genres that leads you to give into desire. Beyond the music, Foroughi shows his support for accessible healthcare by investing in the organization Watsi. To learn more about Kiyan Foroughi and his upcoming album, read on.

MeccaMind: Authenticity is Everything

MeccaMind has carved out a place within the music industry for a genre of their own creation. Their latest release, #Vol.2, is an explosion of unique, high-energy beats that build a body of work with defiant spirit. For MeccaMind, music is not only a means of expression, it’s a tool that helps them create safe and inclusive spaces for Black alternative youth and serves as a launchpad for emerging artists and collaborations. To learn more about MeccaMind and their latest release, read on.

Crimson Riot: Powerful Punk

Crimson Riot, a Las Vegas-based punk band, recently dropped the lead single from their upcoming album, “Third Time’s A Charm,” titled “Cross The Line.” The track is a classic punk anthem that has us impatiently waiting for more. Beyond making music, the band has their own organization, ‘Rockstar Recyclers,” that is dedicated to helping bring instruments to promising young musicians. To learn more about Crimson Riot and their upcoming album, read on.

Raivo Jackson's Blues-Infused Western Grooves

Finland-based band Raivo Jackson recently released their debut album “Tangled Up In Roots,” a collection of narrative driven songs written from compelling character point of views. The latest single from the album, “Swimming Under Ice,” is a blues-infused, western groove that explores the forces that drive someone to make bad decisions. Beyond the music, lead vocalist Saska teaches Finnish to immigrants at the Finnish Refugee Council. To learn more about Raivo Jackson and their debut album, read on.

Unifying Americans: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

On February 8, with a total of 135 million viewers, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance became the most watched halftime show ever. One thing was clear throughout the almost 14 minutes he was on the field, this performance was not just an homage to Puerto Rican and Latino culture, but an act of resistance against the backdrop of aggressive immigration crackdowns and targeted racist rhetoric.

Namira's Multicultural Music

Korean-American singer-songwriter, DJ, and producer Namira blends culture to create a fusion of Eastern and Western influenced music. Recently stepping out with her debut EP titled “California Forever,” she merges EDM and folk rock to create a sound she calls “California EDM.” Namira connects back to her roots throughout this new project and honors both her mother and her heritage. Beyond music, she recently took action and joined in on No Kings and anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. To learn more about Namira and her new EP, read on.

James Artissen: Making a Mark on the Music Industry

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, record producer, audio engineer, and founder of Humble Sound Records James Artissen has made a name for himself in the music industry. Through his experience working in various areas of music production, he has been able to implement techniques into his own art that create a sound unique to him. Artissen also uses his platform for the betterment of others, often partnering with the mayor of Atlanta to raise funding for the homeless, HBCU’s, and benefit concerts for communities around the city. He is also preparing to launch his own music foundation to educate young musicians about the music and entertainment industry. To learn more about James Artissen and his music, read on.

NORA.'s Knack for Relatable Storytelling

Leaving a corporate 9-5 to purse her dreams of a career in the music industry, NORA. is set to release her debut EP, “Just Words.,” on January 30th. After getting a taste of what’s to come through her single, “Kiss My Ass.,” we know we can expect nothing less than catchy hooks and relatable storytelling. Beyond the music, NORA. advocates for children with disabilities, volunteer at the nonprofit organization Best Buddies, and has even been a part of Musicians on Call’s 2025 holiday campaign. To learn more about NORA. and her debut EP, read on.

Nicolle Maroulis of Hit Like A Girl on Music and Meaning

Lead singer of the “indie/emo/sometimes hardcore” band Hit Like A Girl, Nicolle Maroulis, opens up about their music making process, the story behind their latest single, “Keepsake Theory,” and the band’s upcoming LP, “Burning at Both Ends.” Beyond music, Maroulis displays their passion for helping the transgender community through their organization No More Dysphoria Found. To learn more about Nicolle Maroulis and Hit Like A Girl’s upcoming project, read on.

Rina Rain's Mantra for Inner Peace

Mantra artist and meditation guide Rina Rain released a new, powerful mantra song, “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu,” to help lead others to heal and find their inner peace. The track comes as a sneak peak of her new album “Whispers of Rain,” a meaningful project filled with unique mantras rooted in ancient tradition. Her dedication to making her practices accessible is clear through her work opening programs for minorities and those experiencing financial hardships. Rain also devotes her time to various non-profit organization in pursuit of heling others build resilience and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. To learn more about Rina Rain and her upcoming album, read on.

Xoë Miles's Vulnerable Storytelling

Singer-songwriter and producer Xoë Miles recently released her new single “Someone’s Somebody.” Creating a contrast between lyrics and beat, the track delves into one-sided feelings and the practice of overthinking with an energetic, 2010s inspired sound. Beyond the music, Miles is committed to volunteering her time to organizations like Children's Cancer Recovery Foundation, Snowdrop Foundation, Tunes for Tots, and Hollister's Girls Rock Camp. To learn more about Xoë Miles and her new music, read on.

Jules: Music as Unfiltered Expression

Artist Jules recently released his anticipated 10-track debut album “Loverboy Chronicles.” The project provides an unfiltered view of his personal experience and expression of love in our highly digital culture. Through raw emotional openness, Jules shows us that strength is found through honesty. Beyond the music, Jules is dedicated to supporting his community through participation in quarterly blood donations, helping local food banks and community events, and becoming the project manager for Union Dance. To learn more about Jules and his latest album, 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.