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.

Judy Whitmore Shares Seasonal Spirit

In light of seasonal spirit, singer Judy Whitmore recently released a Christmas album. The project features covers of her favorite holiday songs and her single “The Ghost of Christmas Past,” a heartfelt sentiment to loved ones. Whitmore is also a dedicated community leader in the arts. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Pacific Symphony and volunteers her time as a member of the Board of Directors of Pacific Jazz Orchestra, Backhaus Dance, and The OC World Affairs Council. To learn more about Judy Whitmore and her new Christmas album, read on.

Cytrus' Psychedelic Songs

Cytrus, a Seattle-based Psychedelic Powerfunk band, recently dropped their new album “Duality.” The project explores the fusion between familiar psych rock elements and a modern 60s/70s psych soul. They let their passion for supporting others bleed into their music by hosting musical livestreams to raise money for organizations near and dear to their heart, including Snohomish Boys & Girls Club, Christopher Street Project, and Backline. To learn more about Cytrus and their new album, read on.

Alexis Plaen Invites You to "Enjoy the Void"

Chicago-based singer-songwriter Alexis Plaen just released her new album, “Enjoy the Void.” The project was born out of the mass isolation felt during the recent COVID-19 lockdown and carries a confrontational energy towards society. Incorporating activism into her music, Plaen has performed at benefit concerts to provide support for families in Gaza and hosted her album listening party in partnership with the mutual aid group Yardsales against F4ascism. To learn more about Alexis Plaen and the Void, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.7Eva Elisa WellsDecember 1, 2025music artist, music industry, new music, New Album, capitalism, mutual aid, fascism, chicago, lyricsComment

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.

Becca Hannah's Addictive Album

Singer-songwriter Becca Hannah creates music that blends styles of R&B, soul, jazz, and pop to communicate the complexities of human emotion. “Caramel,” the lead single off of her upcoming album “Tonight In My Dreams,” embodies the irresistibly addictive feeling of a new crush. It brings a light-hearted and playful start to the album’s emotional journey. Beyond the music, Hannah shows her passion for supporting children with developmental disabilities and mental health struggles through her work at organizations like Holding Hands. To learn more about Becca Hannah and her upcoming album, 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.