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Perry Project Announce New Album Animals That Trusted You

Sistra News Team
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Perry Project Announce New Album Animals That Trusted You

Minneapolis alternative rock band Perry Project announce the release of their fourth major album, Animals That Trusted You, out Friday, June 26, 2026. Written throughout 2024 by singer-songwriter Tracy Perry Jr. and guitarist Stafford Christensen, and produced by Owen Sartori, the album is Perry Project’s most intimate and emotionally direct work to date — a record that sits unflinchingly in the aftermath of broken trust, examining the silence left behind when relationships fall apart.

“Animals That Trusted You” explores what happens after the damage is done — not just between people, but within yourself. Shaped by real experiences of heartbreak, divorce, family separation, and the lingering sense of powerlessness that comes from watching painful events unfold both in the world around you and in your own backyard, the sessions produced something raw, atmospheric, and deeply felt. Guitars move between warm melodies and uneasy, off-balance tones shaped by unconventional tunings, creating a subtle instability that mirrors the emotional terrain the album maps. The arrangements give space for feeling to settle rather than resolve, resulting in a record that refuses the comfort of easy answers.

Lead single “Callous” opens the album and sets its emotional compass — previewing a band that has grown both sonically and personally with every release, and arriving with something to say that could only come from this particular chapter of Tracy’s life.

“Animals That Trusted You” is Perry Project’s fourth major release, following their 2022 EP Liars, Fires and their previous albums Can’t Steal Soul (2014) and Regardless of Everything, Are You Okay? (2019). It is mixed by Owen Sartori, Adrian Bushby (MUSE), and Math Bishop (Taylor Swift), and mastered by Frank Arkwright of Abbey Road Studios — whose credits include Coldplay, The Killers, The Verve, and The Smiths.

Tracy Perry Jr. grew up in Ridgecrest, California — a remote town in the Mojave Desert where long stretches of empty highway kept the world at a distance. With little to do and endless quiet, imagination became essential. He spent those long, hot days coming up with songs in his head for the people he observed, recording homemade radio shows with his siblings, and dissecting music the way only a future songwriter can: isolating bass lines, guitar parts, and vocal harmonies, studying how songs were constructed before he had the language to describe what he was doing.

The revelation came in high school. Hearing Oasis’s Champagne Supernova for the first time, something clicked. He picked up a guitar and immediately started writing. A friend’s invitation to open a show — with no material ready — pushed him to write a handful of songs in a hurry. Nervous and shaking, he performed for a crowd of about ten people, discovered something he couldn’t ignore, and never looked back.

He relocated to Seattle, launched Perry Project on Myspace in 2007, and spent the following years writing constantly — crafting over sixty songs and finding in songwriting something more enduring than any original collaborative plan. After enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, he spent deployment days off writing and playing guitar, and continued performing relentlessly while stationed in Tampa. In 2012 he moved to Minneapolis, invested his military savings in his debut album, and connected with producer Davide Raso to bring years of material to life. Can’t Steal Soul arrived in 2014, mastered by Joe LaPorta, known for his work with David Bowie, Foo Fighters, and Imagine Dragons.

The addition of guitarist Stafford Christensen — a Minnesota native influenced by Pat Metheny, Sting, and David Gilmour — expanded Perry Project into a full band and transformed the project’s dynamic. That collaboration deepened through Regardless of Everything, Are You Okay?, the pandemic-era Liars, Fires EP, and now into the intimately constructed sessions that produced Animals That Trusted You.

 

 

“Like the Passing Clouds” — A Lesson in Emotional Balance from Alex Krawczyk

Michael Stover
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“Like the Passing Clouds” — A Lesson in Emotional Balance from Alex Krawczyk

Let’s take a moment and really listen, shall we? Because what Alex Krawczyk offers in “Like the Passing Clouds” isn’t just a song—it’s a gentle but firm reminder about how we manage our inner world. And quite frankly, it’s something many of us could do with learning.

From the very beginning, the tone is calm, measured, and intentional. There’s no chaos here, no overwhelming noise competing for attention. Instead, a soft acoustic guitar lays down a steady foundation, like a reassuring presence in the room. The arrangement is tidy, thoughtful—nothing excessive, nothing out of place. And that’s important. Because when everything is in balance musically, it allows the message to come through clearly.

Now, let’s talk about that message.

“I welcome my thoughts like the passing clouds.” It’s a simple line, but it carries weight. What Krawczyk is doing here is modeling emotional regulation—acknowledging thoughts without letting them take control. She’s not suppressing feelings, nor is she overwhelmed by them. She’s observing, allowing, and then letting them move on. That’s a skill. A vital one.

Her vocal delivery reinforces this beautifully. There’s no strain, no need to prove anything. She sings with calm authority, the kind that comes from understanding rather than reacting. It feels grounded, centered—like someone who has taken the time to sit with their emotions instead of running from them.

And that’s where the real strength of this song lies.

Too often, we’re encouraged to either ignore our feelings or dramatize them. “Like the Passing Clouds” offers a third path. It encourages awareness. Reflection. Patience. Krawczyk doesn’t rush to fix things, and she certainly doesn’t pretend everything is perfect. When she asks, “Am I here or am I gone?” she’s acknowledging confusion—but she doesn’t spiral. She stays present.

Musically, the song follows that same philosophy. There’s no dramatic build, no explosive release. It remains steady, controlled, and consistent. Some listeners might expect more of a payoff, but that would completely miss the point. This is about maintaining balance, not chasing extremes.

And I must say, there’s something quite reassuring about that.

“Like the Passing Clouds” creates a safe emotional space. It doesn’t overwhelm you, and it doesn’t abandon you either. It simply sits beside you, encouraging you to breathe, to observe, and to carry on with a bit more clarity than before.

In many ways, it feels like guidance without instruction—a quiet nudge rather than a lecture.

And perhaps that’s what makes it so effective.

Because when all is said and done, this isn’t just a song you listen to. It’s a song you learn from.

–Foster Joseph

Brian Mullins Releases Heartfelt New Single “Route 20”

Sistra News Team
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Brian Mullins Releases Heartfelt New Single “Route 20”

West Virginia-based country artist Brian Mullins, known to fans through his Cowtown Road project, releases his deeply personal new single “Route 20”, an emotional journey through loss, memory, and the enduring power of family.

Written from the heart, “Route 20” reflects on the profound impact of losing his grandfather Leonard and his uncle when Brian was just a young boy. The song captures the ache of childhood grief, the lasting memories that shape us, and the quiet strength found in carrying loved ones forward. With its honest storytelling, warm acoustic tones, and heartfelt vocals, “Route 20” delivers a touching slice of real-life country music that resonates with anyone who has ever navigated the road of loss.

Brian Mullins brings authenticity and raw emotion to every note. Growing up in the hills of West Virginia, his music is grounded in the stories, struggles, and triumphs of everyday life. Whether singing about faith, family, or the open road, Brian’s songs connect deeply with listeners who value genuine, heartfelt country music.

“Route 20” is the latest chapter in Brian’s growing catalog, following well-received tracks like “Cowtown Road,” “God is Good,” and others that celebrate roots, resilience, and real-life reflection. The single is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and all major streaming platforms.

Fans can also watch the official video for “Route 20,” which brings the song’s story to life with personal visuals and West Virginia scenery.

This release continues Brian Mullins’ mission of creating music that feels like a conversation with old friends, honest, comforting, and full of heart.

Stream “Route 20” now on all major platforms and experience a song that turns personal loss into shared strength and a beautiful memory.

About Brian Mullins 

Brian Mullins is a West Virginia country artist whose music is rooted in real-life stories, family, faith, and the simple beauty of the mountains. Performing and recording as Cowtown Road, he creates heartfelt, authentic country songs that speak to the everyday experiences of love, loss, resilience, and gratitude. With a growing catalog and a dedicated fan base, Brian continues to share music that feels like home.

Thrift Shop Dress by ReeToxA

Mena Ezzat
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Thrift Shop Dress by ReeToxA

ReeToxA, one of our favourite indie rock bands from Australia, has graced the Rock Era stage multiple times, and we consider ourselves fortunate. Recently, they unveiled their electrifying new single, “Thrift Shop Dress,” which serves as the exciting first glimpse of their upcoming second album.

The track is incredibly energetic, and I absolutely loved the lyrics—they’re quite catchy! When paired with the melodic riffs, it becomes even more engaging. In fact, “Thrift Shop Dress” evokes memories of the golden days. It possesses a spirit that transports me into a time capsule, taking me back two or three decades.

The story behind the song revolves around Jason McKee, the lead singer and songwriter of ReeToxA. On his way to a band rehearsal, he encountered “the most beautiful cool girl,” as he described her. This fleeting moment sparked his imagination, leading him to write the song in just a minute.

Typically, I discover intro songs that resonate with our feelings and thoughts. I truly believe that ReeToxA excels in this area. I’m eagerly looking forward to their upcoming album, and, as always, I’ve added this track to my music collection. Take a listen, and I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

MILYAM Releases Cinematic Atmospheric Single “Intimacy”

Sistra News Team
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MILYAM Releases Cinematic Atmospheric Single “Intimacy”

Visionary independent artist and label founder MILYAM unveils her latest single “Intimacy”, an immersive masterwork of atmospheric downtempo R&B and Soul. Designed for the velvet shadows of the night, the track blends deep emotional resonance with sophisticated electronic production, creating a hypnotic, late-night soundscape that invites listeners into a world of high-end minimalist aesthetics and profound lyrical depth.

“Intimacy” captures the magnetic pull of connection and vulnerability, delivered through MILYAM’s signature sultry and captivating vocal identity. As the architect of her own sonic universe under MILYAM EMPIRE, she continues to push boundaries with cinematic, emotionally rich music that bridges classic soul with modern atmospheric pop.

Recently recognized by international media as a “visionary artist,” MILYAM crafts a distinctive global sound rooted in elegance, introspection, and high-fidelity production. With her entire creative catalog officially registered and preserved in the U.S. Library of Congress, she stands as a professional, independent powerhouse ready to bring her unique vision to the world stage.

“Intimacy” is more than a song; it is a cinematic invitation into a new era of sophisticated R&B. Perfect for late-night playlists, ethereal listening sessions, and content creators seeking atmospheric, high-quality tracks with strong emotional and visual storytelling.

Stream “Intimacy” now on all major platforms.

About MILYAM

MILYAM is a global independent singer-songwriter and founder of MILYAM EMPIRE. She creates a sophisticated fusion of atmospheric Pop and Soul, blending high-end minimalist aesthetics with cinematic production and a sultry, captivating vocal identity. Recognized by international press as a visionary artist, her music explores emotional depth and elegance, building a distinctive legacy in the independent music space.

Exzenya Releases Emotional Soft Pop-Rock Ballad “The Fans Applauded”

Sistra News Team
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Exzenya Releases Emotional Soft Pop-Rock Ballad “The Fans Applauded”

Rising independent artist Exzenya unveils her deeply personal new single “The Fans Applauded”, a soft pop-rock ballad that captures the raw vulnerability many performers face just moments before stepping onto the stage.

With dramatic, emotionally charged vocals and heartfelt storytelling, the track takes listeners inside the intense fear and self-doubt that can strike right before a performance, the racing heartbeat, the silent questions, and the worry that everything might fall apart. As the song unfolds, the audience becomes part of the transformation: the crowd begins singing along and applauding, turning panic into courage and isolation into connection.

“The Fans Applauded” is a celebration of the unique bond between artists and their supporters, the very people an artist fears disappointing often become the ones who give them the strength to continue. Blending elements of pop, soft rock, and singer-songwriter storytelling, the song highlights Exzenya’s powerful vocal delivery and emotionally driven songwriting.

The track resonates strongly with fans of Colbie Caillat, Christina Perri, P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, Florence + The Machine, Sara Bareilles, and Adele.

Exzenya shares: “It’s about that real moment of standing on stage, completely overwhelmed with fear, and then feeling the audience lift you up. It’s a tribute to the power of encouragement and how fans help artists find their voice.”

Following the success of her previous single “Drunk Texting,” “The Fans Applauded” continues Exzenya’s journey of creating raw, personal, and relatable music through her independent imprint, Exzenya Productions.

“The Fans Applauded” is available now on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more.

About Exzenya

Exzenya is an independent artist based in the United States whose music blends emotional storytelling with pop, R&B, and soft rock influences. Known for her dramatic vocals and honest songwriting, she creates songs that connect deeply with listeners. Her independent imprint, Exzenya Productions, allows her to maintain creative control while delivering authentic and heartfelt music.

A NIGHT LOCKED IN ITS OWN ECHO!

Cherine Abulwafa
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A NIGHT LOCKED IN ITS OWN ECHO!

What happens when the night doesn’t end, but simply folds into itself? On “Feverlock,” FREZYA captures that exact threshold, the point where motion fades yet sensation deepens. As a follow-up to Furtiva, the track shifts the focus away from climax and into what lingers after: the breath, the closeness, the quiet intensity that refuses to dissipate. It’s a subtle but deliberate pivot, and one that FREZYA navigates with striking control.

Built on a steady 112 BPM groove, the track leans into an Afro House framework shaped by amapiano’s signature log-drum pulse. The rhythm doesn’t push forward aggressively; instead, it circles, loops, and settles into the body. A warm sub-bass anchors the low end, while crisp shakers flicker across the surface and gritty cowbell accents add a raw, almost tactile tension. The production feels polished yet breathable, allowing each element to exist without overcrowding the mix.

That sense of space becomes essential once the vocals arrive. FREZYA’s deep, textured alto is delivered with an intimacy that feels almost intrusive, in the best way. There’s a softness to the phrasing, a controlled looseness, as though each line is unfolding in real time rather than being performed. The melodies remain minimal, intentionally so, letting the groove carry emotional weight while the voice traces its edges.

There’s also a quiet dialogue embedded within the track. The interplay of vocal tones, contrasting yet complementary, creates a sense of convergence rather than contrast. It feels less like two distinct presences and more like a shared atmosphere, where boundaries blur and identities soften into one continuous emotional current.

As the track unfolds, subtle expansions begin to emerge. The introduction of horns in the bridge adds a gentle lift, widening the sonic field without breaking its hypnotic core. It’s not a dramatic shift, but rather a deepening, like the room growing larger while the connection at its center remains unchanged.

“Feverlock” thrives in stillness. It doesn’t document the rush of the night, but its echo, the suspended moment where adrenaline dissolves into warmth, where time slows but feeling stays heightened. This is where the track finds its identity: not in spectacle, but in absorption.

There’s a quiet confidence in that restraint. By resisting excess, the song becomes more immersive, more personal. It invites repeated listening not through escalation, but through atmosphere, through the way it wraps itself around the listener and lingers there.

With “Feverlock,” FREZYA doesn’t just extend the world introduced in Furtiva; she refines it, distills it, and lets it breathe. The result is a track that doesn’t chase the night, but gracefully holds it in place..

Jada Di’Larosa Releases New Album To Love Is To Perform

Sistra News Team
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Jada Di’Larosa Releases New Album To Love Is To Perform

New Orleans artist Jada Di’Larosa releases her new album, To Love Is To Perform, out today, April 17, 2026, on all digital platforms — independently released and entirely on her own terms. Blending alternative, indie, and nu-jazz across a collection of songs performed on piano, violin, and voice, it is a record that carries the atmosphere of the city it was born in: smoky, cinematic, and alive with something that refuses to be rushed.

Di’Larosa lives along Bayou St. John, and the album sounds like it. Quiet water. Late hours. Red wine and reflection. By night she works as a professional showgirl — costumes, lights, the full glamour of New Orleans stage life — but the music she makes in her quieter hours belongs to an entirely different register. Reclusive where her stage persona is bright, introspective where performance is extroversion, To Love Is To Perform holds the tension between those two worlds without trying to resolve it.

In her own words, the album is “a collection of what sounds to be just demos that have been tucked away collecting dust over the past year or two. An imperfect, small insight into my strange, uniquely glamorous yet reclusive life. A diary of a New Orleans girl who sits along her quiet bayou drinking red wine and dreaming while looking at the reflections that pass through the water, just waiting in the wings of the moment.”

That quality — of something intimate and unfinished, of music that was never meant to perform for anyone — is precisely what makes it so compelling. These songs carry subtlety and hold space for silence in a way that feels rare. Di’Larosa’s voice and cadence are entirely her own: unhurried, hypnotic, and impossible to place within a single genre or tradition. Universal in theme — love, loss, the ever-present tension of being alive — but deeply singular in delivery.

The album’s standout track “Costume” is available to listen to now, and it captures everything the project is reaching for: the push and pull between the self that performs and the self that watches from the wings, between glamour and solitude, between what is shown and what is felt.

To Love Is To Perform is a stunning embodiment of resilience and an unbridled passion for life — made by an artist who has found her expression completely, and invites anyone still searching to listen closely.

 

Stephanie Happening Activates “Wait What” – A High-Octane Electronic Anthem of Reclamation and Defiance

Sistra News Team
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Stephanie Happening Activates “Wait What” – A High-Octane Electronic Anthem of Reclamation and Defiance

On this designated Day of Reclamation, London-based alt-pop artist and system Stephanie Happening (living with Dissociative Identity Disorder) releases “Wait What,”  a sharp, precision-engineered electronic club anthem that captures the exact moment of realisation and unapologetic defiance.

Born from boundary-setting, psychological precision, and playful rebellion, “Wait What” is not just a song — it is a declaration. It is the sound of the System waking up, choosing self over spectacle, and saying, “I see it now. I choose differently.”

Built with razor-thin synths, a relentless driving low-end, and cinematic production, the track delivers high-octane energy designed for the modern club circuit while carrying a powerful survivor-coded message. It speaks directly to those who have been gaslit, sidelined, or told to shrink — offering a sonic blueprint for reclaiming power and voice with clarity rather than noise.

“Play it loud. Play it alone. Play it with loved ones. Play it when you need to remember who you are and who you can be,” states the official System Directive.

“Wait What” continues Stephanie Happening’s mission of creating bold, emotional, and unapologetically real music that fuses cinematic soundscapes with survivor storytelling. From post-breakup anthems to identity-reclaiming montages, every track is built for sync, healing, and cultural impact — serving as a testimony of what it means to reclaim one’s power.

About Stephanie Happening

Stephanie Happening is a London-based alt-pop artist and a system living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Their work is a fused project of identity, resilience, and survival. With a sound that blends cinematic production and survivor-coded storytelling, Stephanie creates bold, emotional, and unapologetically real music that explores the full spectrum of human experience — from introspection to defiance. Their tracks are designed not only to be heard, but to empower, heal, and resonate deeply.

Stream “Wait What” now and join the reclamation.

Fish And Scale Releases Powerful Cinematic Indie-Folk Single “Tapestry”

Sistra News Team
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Fish And Scale Releases Powerful Cinematic Indie-Folk Single “Tapestry”

Acclaimed German independent artist Fish And Scale (Roland Wälzlein) releases his deeply personal new single “Tapestry”, a cinematic indie-folk track that transforms childhood trauma into a moving anthem of resilience and hope.

Written as a poignant flashback to his own open-heart surgery at the tender age of six, “Tapestry” captures the oppressive feeling of helplessness in a sterile hospital environment, contrasted with the surreal comfort a child finds in the smallest details — such as the pattern of a wallpaper or a yellow dog that becomes a silent companion in a moment of fear. The song begins intimately with delicate piano and guitar, gradually building into a powerful, anthemic chorus that reflects the journey from vulnerability to strength.

“This is a cinematic indie-folk track about surviving childhood heart surgery,” says Fish And Scale. “It starts intimate and grows into a powerful anthem. For fans of Ben Howard & Bon Iver.”

Musical authenticity that opens the heart — that is what distinguishes Fish And Scale. His artistically arranged songs pay homage to life and reflect its deeper meaning. Sometimes powerful and passionate, sometimes subtle and soulful. And always a bit different, surprising, and extraordinary.

Growing up in Franconia, Germany, Roland survived a life-altering heart operation as a child. This profound experience has remained with him throughout his life, shaping his lyrics and musical expression. A turning point came during his first stay in a “silent retreat,” which completely transformed his understanding of life. “Tapestry” processes these traumatic experiences while celebrating the human capacity for healing and growth.

“Tapestry” is available now on all major streaming platforms and serves as a powerful addition to Fish And Scale’s growing catalogue of emotionally resonant, independent folk music with a mystical touch.

About Fish And Scale

Fish And Scale, the artistic project of Roland Wälzlein, is a unique German storyteller whose music blends independent folk with mystical depth. Praised as “My favorite independent folk artist” by Emmy Award-winning journalist Michele Gillen and described as a “Rare and unique artist” by former Atlantic Records A&R manager Wyatt Easterling, Fish And Scale creates songs that touch the heart and awaken inner wisdom. His music reflects existential questions, personal growth, and the deeper meaning of life.

Listen to “Tapestry” now on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major platforms.

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