Musician Cindy Lawson is not afraid to say what she’s feeling. After taking a break from music, her new single, The Reckoning”, has pulled her back into the craft at full force. It’s powerful and unforgiving nature screams in delight at the karmic wheel of life. Beyond the music, Lawson is dedicated to community. Supporting efforts like Minnesota Music Resistance Group, International Institute of Minnesota, and Abortion Access Front, she highlights the importance of making a difference. To learn more about Cindy Lawson and her music, 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

From Silence to Sound: Lily Vakili’s Journey Back to Herself

Lily Vakili’s artistic journey is as multifaceted as the life she’s led—spanning law, dance, human rights work, and now, a deeply personal return to music under her own name. With the upcoming release of Oceans of Kansas, Vakili opens a new chapter that blends vulnerability with bold sonic experimentation. From navigating change to embracing her role as a mother of a neurodivergent child, her insights reveal a compelling artist grounded in truth and transformation. Read below to find out more about Lily’s evolution, her latest music, and the stories that shaped them.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.5Angelina DeSalvoSeptember 17, 2025singer, mother, songwriter, self expression, self love, dancer, actor, human rightsComment

Talking Violet Offers a Look Into Their Mind

Talking Violet’s music transports listeners to a nostalgic grunge dreamland. After a brief pause in releasing music, their new single “In Your Mind” marks a powerful come back. With lyrics that incite self-reflection, this single surrounds an important message with a sentimental atmosphere. Beyond the music, the members of Talking Violet are dedicated to supporting others. Handing out To Write Love On Her Arms pamphlets that include mental health resources to fans at shows is just one example of this dedication. To learn more about Talking Violet and their new music, read on.

Iris Gold: Smiling Through Adversity

Singer-songwriter Iris Gold radiates positivity not just through her personality, but through her music too. Her latest single “Smile” is a testament to her perseverance and longtime mission to make herself and others smile even when facing adversity. Including her family, friends, and youth she met during her time working with the organization Plan International Zimbabwe in the music video for “Smile” is just one way she strengthens her message. To learn more about Iris Gold and her new music, read on.

Hillary Reynolds' Soothing Songwriting

Singer-songwriter, Hillary Reynolds, debuts her first solo album, “Changing Seasons” on August 8th. The first single off of the album, “Can’t Turn Off My Mind”, sets the tone for the albums refreshing lyrical honesty, bright sounds, and soothing melodies. Beyond the music, Reynolds helps run her mother’s breast cancer foundation, The Trina Fund. To learn more about Hillary Reynolds and her upcoming album, read on.

Undress My Heart: Suvi on Music, Motherhood, and Meaning

Suvi is a Stockholm-based artist with roots in both Finland and Sweden. Her path into songwriting began through a mix of schoolwork, early writing, and encouragement from a fellow musician. After a five-year break, she returns with “Undress My Heart,” a track that marks a shift toward a more stripped-down sound. In this interview, Suvi talks about her creative process, activism, and how motherhood and community have shaped her recent work and future direction.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.2Angelina DeSalvoJuly 22, 2025mother, motherhood, singer, songwriter, music, purpose, meaningComment

Meet Chayne: The Voice You Didn’t Know You Were Obsessed With (Yet)

Chayne is an artist with a voice that draws you in and a sound that stays with you. Blending elements of soul, pop, and R&B, their music is both intimate and expansive, carefully crafted but emotionally direct. With recent releases like It’s Gone, He’s Gone, and an upcoming debut album, Chayne is steadily carving out a space in today’s music landscape, bringing depth, clarity, and unmistakable style to everything they create.

Raw, Real, and Unapologetically Herself: Sophia Warren on Music, Rescue, and the Quiet Rebellion of Telling the Truth

Meet Sophia Warren: singer-songwriter, activist, and rebel heart. With her newest EP Adesso, she leans into raw emotion and radical honesty, crafting songs that are messy, real, and deeply human. When she’s not making music, Sophia is fighting for animals through the nonprofit she co-founded, Animal Defenders Alliance. From challenging unethical rescue practices to rescuing dogs from crisis situations, her mission is as bold as her sound. Read more below as Sophia opens up about her journey in music, the stories behind Adesso, and why she refuses to stay quiet—onstage or off.

Courage in Full Color: Krystofer Maison on Art and Activism

Krystofer Maison is an artist who doesn’t play by the usual rules — and that’s precisely what sets him apart. With a sound that blends raw emotion, striking lyrics, and a fearless approach to genre, he’s been steadily building a name for himself as someone who creates music that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. In this interview, Krystofer opens up about his creative process, the stories behind his songs, and what drives him as an artist.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.1Kylie MurphyJune 20, 2025#queermusic, queer, singer, songwriter, inspiration, activist, LGBTQ+, mental healthComment

Ginger Winn Sings to Souls

For this singer-songwriter, song writing is more than a creative outlet, it’s a way to process emotions. Ginger Winn stuns with her surprise EP “Reflections” and new single releases from her upcoming album “Freeze Frame”. Each song from these two projects produce nothing short of raw emotion, heartbreaking honesty, and deep connection. Partnering with Rewind Kingston to donate a part of proceeds to mental health initiatives and using her music to share important resources like the 988 crisis line, there is no doubting Winn’s dedication to mental health awareness. To learn more about Ginger Winn, her upcoming music, and its story, read on.

Sam Redmore and Abdominal's Mother Earth - When Song Meets Art

What happens when you combine a message about the climate crisis, music, and powerful storytelling? You get Mother Earth, the latest single by Sam Redmore featuring Abdominal, a track that is as thought-provoking as it is captivating. Each section of the track unfolds with its own tone and energy, mirroring the diversity of voices in the climate conversation. Mother Earth is more than just a song — it is a wake-up call to the effects of climate change. To learn more about the song, read on!

Art, zissue 54.4Chelsea ChanDecember 27, 2024climate change, music industry, Art, songwriterComment

Adelide - Finding You Through The Tune

Adelide's musical journey is a true testament to the power of passion and personal exploration. Based in Brooklyn, New York since 2019, Adelide has carved out a niche in the music industry with her distinctive blend of disco, synth-pop, and soul. Adelide's songwriting process, deeply rooted in her jazz background, unfolds beautifully, often beginning with chords that came from her creative spark. Her latest single, "Witness," exemplifies her ability to seamlessly blend inspiration with personal narrative. Beyond her music, Adelide is a passionate advocate for causes close to her heart. Her involvement with the Youngsters of Uganda (YOU) organization underscores her commitment to making a positive impact. To learn more about Adelide, read on.

Helena Hallberg - Stories to Songs

Meet Helena Hallberg, the Swiss-born folk sensation. With roots from Brooklyn to Zurich, Switzerland, and influences spanning from Joni Mitchell to ABBA, her debut album 'Epithet' blends Scandinavian inspiration with Nashville melodies. Through personal experiences and social commentary, her music speaks to empowerment and change. Outside the music studio, she uses her platform to foster community and awareness confronting misogyny to uplift marginalized voices. To learn more about Helena Hallberg, read on.

Art, zIssue 54, zissue 54.2Chelsea ChanMay 28, 2024artist, music industry, Musican, songwriter, health care, socially awareComment

Ananya - Harmonizing Hearts

In a world where the spotlight often blinds us to the struggles beneath the surface, one artist stands out not just for her fascinating melodies, but for her unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy. In her debut EP, “I Woke Up One Night,” Ananya takes her dreams and creates lyrics that have listeners mesmerized. Her music and wellness app, The Nani Wellness Project, serves as a refuge for those grappling with their inner demons, offering solace and a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles. Continue reading to learn more about Ananya.

Seth Glier - Saving Our Planet Lyric By Lyric

Seth Glier, known for his diverse talents ranging from mushroom foraging to music production, seamlessly weaves the wonders of the natural world into his lyrics. Whether from his recent album "Mammoth" or the eagerly awaited "EVERYTHING," this Grammy-nominated artist elevates music by addressing themes of climate change and scientific awareness. Outside the studio, Seth Glier has used his platform to spread awareness about this global issue and has collaborated with various organizations such as NRDC. Read on to learn more about Seth Glier.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 52Chelsea ChanDecember 12, 2023singer song writer, science, nature, climate crises, Grammy Award, songwriter, music artist, music videoComment

Faith Gara - Changing Cities and Rescuing Kittens

Aspiring artist and songwriter Faith Gara captures the struggle of chasing dreams in a new city through her new solo single, "Still Want It." This song delves into the feelings of homesickness and loneliness that Faith experienced after relocating to California, but you can feel her determination and strength shinning through. Despite the challenging nature of being an independent artist in any city, Faith hopes young artists feel a little more heard through her song, as perusing dreams never goes exactly as plained. One big positive to her move that didn’t make it into her song is that she is now volunteering at a kitten shelter. Somehow, that seems to make every day a little brighter, even if the sun isn’t shining outside. Continue reading to discover the resilience and passion that fuels Faith's inspiring journey.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 51Jessica MoraSeptember 4, 2023artist, independent artist, songwriter, singer, kitten season, SmokelinesComment

Housewife - Making Music For Change

Housewife, a Toronto- based indie rock outfit, led by 20-year-old solo artist Brighid Fry (she/they), has recently released the music video for their single, “Fuck Around Phase,” and announced a North American tour with Scottish singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini. Housewife’s songwriting intertwines timelessness with thought-provoking perspectives on AFAB experience in a male-dominated industry. Fry is also an advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and environmentalism, holding up her activism as a founding member of the Canadian chapter of Music Declares Emergency. Continue reading to learn more about Brighid Fry’s approach and passion for tackling change through her music.

Symonne Harrison - Equal Parts Fun and Business

Symonne Harrison is a name you cannot miss! This young actor, singer, and songwriter has done more than just star in movies like 'A Christmas Dance’ and TV shows like ‘The Affair’, Nickelodeon’s ‘Hot Mess’, and the upcoming ‘Crown Lake’ on Brat Network. Her eponymous (with a twist!) beauty brand, ‘Ennomys’ is definitely something to look out for - it’s vegan and FDA and EU approved! The teen content creator has big dreams and ambitions which include moving into the entrepreneurial and real estate space. Her relatability and ability to translate her vision into action is what makes her a fan favourite! Read on to learn more about Symonne Harrison and her endeavours!

Alt Pop Artist Cat Janice - Fighting Cancer Through Music

Alt Pop artist, Cat Janice’s story is truly inspiring. Between her battle with Cancer and passion for music, she has been able to tell her story through an artistic lens. Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Cat’s love for music began at the ripe age of six and just kept on growing as she got involved in playing instruments and joining different musical groups. After being diagnosed with cancer, she felt like her life was completely falling apart and she began to lose focus on what she loves most, music. However, she realized that music was her outlet and decided to use it to raise awareness and express her self. Her new single, ‘Chill the fck out’ represents her way of relieving stress after her cancer diagnosis and sending the positive message of normalizing anxiety and finding ways to work through it. Besides music, Cat is involved in several nonprofits that focus on a variety of different, important causes. Keep reading to learn more about Cat Janice’s encouraging story and positive outlook on life!