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Lizzie Thomas Brings Jazz and Soul to the Holidays with This Christmas

Sistra News Team
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Lizzie Thomas Brings Jazz and Soul to the Holidays with This Christmas

November 18, 2024 (New York, NY) – Just in time for the holidays, renowned jazz vocalist Lizzie Thomas delivers This Christmas, a fresh, soulful take on holiday classics. Known for her dynamic presence and captivating performances, this festive collection is infused with her signature blend of jazz, Neo-soul, and R&B. Featuring top-tier jazz musicians—including John Di Martino on piano, Wayne Escoffery on saxophone, Dezron Douglas and Noriko Ueda on bass, Kevin Sibley on B3 Hammond, Leandro Pellegrino on acoustic guitar and Neal Smith on drums. These master musicians create a sophisticated sound that captures the joy and warmth of the season.

The first single, a sultry and soulful cover of Donny Hathaway’s iconic “This Christmas,” will drop on November 1, 2024, followed by the full album release on November 8, 2024. This Christmas will be available on limited-edition 10-inch green sparkle vinyl and all streaming platforms via Dot Time Records.

Lizzie’s version of Hathaway’s “This Christmas” features a warm, groovy B3 organ, giving the holiday classic a deep, soulful vibe.

“I believe “This Christmas” is one of the best Christmas songs.  It’s hip, speaks to the present moment, and it’s not nostalgic.  It showcases my current band and soulful vibe. Written in 1970 by Nadine Mckinnor & Donny,  inspired by Nat King Cole. It is Black American Music at its finest. Thank you, Donny Hathaway!”

The album continues with “Christmas Time is Here” (A Charlie Brown Christmas), with a bossa nova feel led by Brazilian guitarist Leandro Pellegrino. Thomas creates a lush romanticism featuring the flugelhorn sounds of Antoine Drye on “It’s Magic.”  She delivers a lively big band rendition of Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime,” featuring her fluid scat stylings and arrangement that breathes fresh vitality into the song, and Terry Roche’s “Star of Wonder” closes the album on a hauntingly beautiful note with the intimate collaboration of Di Martino and Smith.

Born in Pittsburgh and raised in the South, Thomas made her way to the New York City jazz scene after honing her craft in Nashville. Since then, she has earned critical acclaim for albums like New Sounds From The Jazz Age and Duo Encounters and has performed sold-out shows at iconic venues such as Birdland, the Triad Theatre, Chelsea Table & Stage, and Blues Alley. Over her 16-year career, she has shared the stage with jazz legends Ron Carter, the late Russell Malone, Helio Alves, and the Harlem String Quartet. Lizzie Thomas continues to tour globally, which she has done for 16 years. Her forthcoming European tour begins in March 2025, where she revisits Switzerland, Germany, France, England, and Ireland.

Pol Sembrano Unveils New Synth-Pop Era with Teaser EP Anywhere Ahead of Self-Titled Album Release

Sistra News Team
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Pol Sembrano Unveils New Synth-Pop Era with Teaser EP Anywhere Ahead of Self-Titled Album Release

Pol Sembrano is a Filipino-American composer and classically trained pianist from Seattle who has recently decided to step out of his comfort zone into electronic music with his upcoming self-titled album. To get fans in the swing of his new synth-heavy pop style, he’s releasing a teaser EP called Anywhere with four tracks on the album which Sembrano feels reflect this new direction he’s taking.

With a focus on vintage synths inspired by experimental artists of the 80s and 90s, Sembrano also puts an emphasis on his existential lyrics. It’s a bit of artistry he likely wasn’t able to explore much as a classical pianist, not to mention programming.

I have always been confident in myself as a musician and by writing, producing, arranging and performing on my own. I am a classically trained pianist, but I am also inspired by other genres of music, in this case electronic/dance music. This provides a whole new dimension in my music persona as I do not wish to be categorized as “this or that type of artist”.

The music is hook-driven with melodies that intertwine, especially at the end. This enables the listener to hear subtle nuances which make for an interesting listening experience.

In terms of style, Sembrano seems to take inspiration from almost everything, and not just music. “any songs that have a strong melody or hook, a great bass line and lyrics that speak to the heart, as well as understated (visual) masterpieces that are open to interpretation and musicians’ autobiographies.”

In the first four years, audiences will hear lashings of Depeche Mode, Blondie, New Order and even early Kylie Minogue in Sembrano’s clean and well-produced synth work, whilst his vocals are more indie and almost progressive in nature. This combination, as Sembrano says, makes the work danceable but experimental at the same time. A thought-provoking party vibe the likes of which hasn’t been seen since the late 00s or even the 80s.

With the first four teaser tracks whetting fans’ appetites, Pol Semrano is likely to gain a fair few new fans before his debut album even drops.

Independent Music Promotions

Trendsetter by MHY

Cherine Abulwafa
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Trendsetter by MHY

TRENDSETTER IS NOT JUST A SONG TITLE!

An incredibly distinct sound that shines right from the start: unpredictable, intriguing, and leaves you wanting more!

“Trendsetter” by MHY is more than just a debut single. It’s a powerful statement from an independent artist carving out his own space in the industry. Hailing from Lewisham, England, MHY’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and sheer determination. With a hands-on approach, he’s taken charge of every aspect of his music, producing and writing the track himself, blending homage to his influences with a sound that’s undeniably his own. “Trendsetter” pulses with raw energy, capturing MHY’s spirit and story with every beat.

Drawing on influences from UK rap legend Giggs, MHY channels that same gritty, grounded approach, but with a style that’s anything but derivative. Rather than following established formulas, he embraces experimentation, layering sounds in new ways, manipulating basic grooves, and crafting rhythms that are at once complex and organic. Bells and percussive patterns take center stage here, adding a unique rhythm and movement to the track that defies convention: and, in true pandemic-born resilience, MHY began shaping “Trendsetter” during lockdown before refining it further during a family holiday to Cyprus, a place close to his heart and integral to his creative process.

The song is more than a showcase of musical skills; it’s a testament to MHY’s journey through tough times and the clarity he’s found through music. With lyrics that reflect self-discovery and a willingness to persevere, “Trendsetter” speaks to anyone who’s ever fought to make their voice heard. MHY’s journey through mental health challenges and his drive to find purpose through music make this track deeply personal yet universally relatable. His journey has been one of “trials and errors,” as he puts it, with each experience contributing to the vision he’s now bringing to life.

In a world where following trends often seems like the way to “make it,” MHY steps up to do the opposite: he’s set on creating his own, unapologetically!

Callpeax by jean-philippe ruelle

Cherine Abulwafa
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Callpeax by jean-philippe ruelle

CALLPEAX REDEFINING WHAT PEACE MEANS

This release gently and cleverly transcends you into a dimension to heal and connect with both yourself and the world.

“CALLPEAX” by Jean-Philippe Ruelle is an evocative composition that dares listeners to rethink peace in a way that feels deeply personal and universal at once. Inspired by the enigmatic nature of shortwave “number stations,” it weaves a coded message: Dare to peace, translated across languages and embedded within a symphony of downtempo electro beats, warm synths, and resonant brass. It invites us to decode peace through sound, feeling, and introspection.

Infused with the timeless electronic influences of Vangelis, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Air, “CALLPEAX” achieves an atmosphere that is both calming and hypnotic. Each sound layer, carefully crafted and thoughtfully placed, draws listeners into a state of peaceful reflection, building from tranquil beginnings to an intense and emotional climax that pulses with the urgency of its message.

The track’s evolution takes the listener on a journey that is as therapeutic as it is thought-provoking. As the final notes approach, dancer Joëlle Kapompole brings “CALLPEAX” to life through movement, embodying its call to action. With each gesture, Joëlle mirrors our struggle to find peace within, prompting listeners to confront the courage it takes to embody this ideal fully. Her presence elevates the song’s emotional resonance, challenging us to embrace peace with conviction and vulnerability.

“CALLPEAX” by Jean-Philippe Ruelle is indeed a call to reflect; a reminder of music’s power to bridge the gaps in our divided world. In urging us to dare for peace, it taps into the transformative power of art to spark change and unite us across boundaries.

 

Summer by Blue Shirt Charlie

Cherine Abulwafa
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Summer by Blue Shirt Charlie

Blue Shirt Charlie’s latest track, Summer, brings an extraordinary warmth to listeners, even as it was recorded on a frigid winter night at Nashville’s Southern Comfort, once the home of outlaw country icon Waylon Jennings. Capturing the magic of that setting, Summer explores the cycle of loss and restoration through the metaphor of seasons. Here, the band leans into a quiet restraint, letting the lyrics take center stage in a spare, haunting arrangement that somehow feels as boundless as the open countryside they sing about.

Born at the forefront of the Alt-Country movement, Blue Shirt Charlie originally carved their name along Texas’ Brazos River. Known for fusing raw Americana with electric rhythms and guitar effects, they’ve won fans from beer-soaked honky-tonks to arty rock venues. Richie Sessions, Russ Chapman, and Lex Lipsitz reconnected in 2022 after years of hard living, marked by experiences like war deployments and heartbreak. This collective history enriches the themes of hope, weariness, and resilience woven through Summer, a tale that seems almost to distill their scars and victories into a song.

While Summer offers a gentler sound than the fierce drive of their previous single Shelter, the emotional weight is undeniable. It’s a striking shift for a band whose signature blend of rough-hewn lyrics and alt-country grit has always drawn listeners in, rewarding those who linger with glimpses of something profound and deeply relatable. Anchored in a soundscape influenced by everyone from Elliott Smith to Steve Earle, Summer emerges as a reflection of the band’s journey; a path marked by love, loss, and the enduring pursuit of solace.

Blue Shirt Charlie brings this song to life not just as musicians but as storytellers, inviting us to see our own stories in their words. Their approach is timeless, yet carries the familiar ache of modern Americana, a genre the band has mastered while paying homage to the legacy of greats like Jennings himself. So, in case you’re looking for a song that feels like a fireside reflection on everything life has thrown at you, Summer might just be the warmth you’re after this winter!

Alina Ly Makes a Heartfelt Return With Live Recording Of Single ‘Keep Me Warm’

Sistra News Team
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Alina Ly Makes a Heartfelt Return With Live Recording Of Single ‘Keep Me Warm’

Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Alina Ly quickly rose to prominence with her heartfelt brand of heartfelt indie pop ballads since debuting in 2018. Following a four-year hiatus, Ly is set to make a powerful comeback with the emphatic new live recording of her previously released, acclaimed single ‘Keep Me Warm’.

Recorded with just three musicians, the recording sparks a sense of magic that can only be uncovered when music is found in its purest form. Consisting of just two guitars and a piano, the single remains just as punchy and alluring as its studio recording yet with an added sense of boldness and vulnerability. Gentle vocals outstretch to the most powerful of sentiments, entwining a noble sense of beauty throughout the airwaves.

Speaking about returning to the single, and her time away, Alina Ly comments, “I wrote Keep Me Warm with my guitarist, Jake Stentiford. It was our first co-write that came about one spontaneous evening, sat around in my room noodling away on our guitars. Jake came up with this beautiful guitar part that became the foundation for what I spent the rest of the night writing to, which I suppose is sort of a letter I wrote to myself at the time. For me, this song is a message about persevering through darkness, and the remembrance that we still carry light and warmth within ourselves through it all. It’s a special song to us both because of the journey of its creation and the support we had releasing it. 

I went on a hiatus after that to start thinking about an album, and that took its own journey in itself as well. I went from one end to the other and almost didn’t come out of it, but a lot has been simmering and I’ve now got multiple records in the making that I hadn’t imagined possible. Before introducing any of it though, it felt right to pick back up where we left off. We never got the chance to do a live video for Keep Me Warm as planned, so to be able to do it now, in a new light and introducing this space that I’ve spent all this time in feeling, grieving, writing, and recording these records in means everything to me.”

Twinning with the live video, a sister release of the live session’s audio will be released on streaming platforms on November 22nd.

Plus Music PR

Katie London Swaps Pop Ballads For Rock Anthems On New Single ‘12th of Never’

Sistra News Team
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Katie London Swaps Pop Ballads For Rock Anthems On New Single ‘12th of Never’

Since making a defiant comeback in 2024, Katie London’s newly re-energised artistic momentum has shone a dynamic new light onto her artistry. With a back catalogue of heart-wrenching pop ballads, she swaps the emotional sentiments for roaring guitar riffs on her latest release ‘12th of Never’.

Embracing her Essex girl roots, the single quickly takes rise as a no-punches-pulled slice of alt-rock. Roaring guitars come quickly flooding across the track, supported by a fierce drum beat, whilst the vicious and infectious melodies give the single its defiant edge. Bouncing back stronger from failed relationships of days gone by, London’s irresistible new anthem sees her make a staggering new effort, brimming with irresistible dark-pop soundscapes.

Speaking about the change of sound on the new single, Katie London explains, “My new song ’12th Of Never’ is a dark, twisted, no-nonsense, FUN pop song for anyone who has ever experienced heartache! I had so much fun writing this one and I totally took on the persona of an unhinged ex-girlfriend. It’s different from what I’ve released recently but I’m obsessed with my ‘evil’ artist alter ego!”

Plus Music PR

Vancouver Musical Artist Geoff Gibbons Releases New Single: “Beautiful Broken Things”

Sistra News Team
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Vancouver Musical Artist Geoff Gibbons Releases New Single: “Beautiful Broken Things”

[Vancouver, BC, Nov. 7, 2024] – Vancouver-based singer-songwriter Geoff Gibbons has released his new single, “Beautiful Broken Things.” Known for his soulful melodies and poetic lyrics, Gibbons’ latest track dives deep into the beauty found in imperfection, highlighting themes of resilience, love, and redemption.

“Beautiful Broken Things” is a heartfelt reflection on life’s scars and the grace that can arise from embracing them. With lines like “We’re beautiful, broken though we are” and “We never sold our wings,” Gibbons captures the essence of human fragility while celebrating the strength found in vulnerability. The song pairs raw, emotional storytelling with his signature folk-rock sound, creating an anthemic piece that resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level.

“Everyone has their battle scars,” says Gibbons. “This song is about honoring those experiences—about acknowledging the mistakes, the missed chances, and the moments we can’t take back, while recognizing that through it all, there’s always another day, and we are all in essence still beautiful.”

“Beautiful Broken Things” also reflects Gibbons’ unique ability to meld folk sensibility with elements of rock and Americana. His heartfelt vocals bring an emotional authenticity to the lyrics, while the rich instrumentation evokes imagery of long roads, open skies, and the weight of shared experiences.

Following up his previous releases, the new single continues to solidify Gibbons’ place as one of Vancouver’s standout singer-songwriters. Whether you’ve been following his music for years or are new to his sound, “Beautiful Broken Things” will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

“Beautiful Broken Things” is now available on all major streaming platforms. For more information, interviews, or performance inquiries, please visit www.geoffgibbons.com

Independent Music Promotions

CASHRULES by KARAN

Cherine Abulwafa
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CASHRULES by KARAN

If there’s one track that feels like it’s bringing the West Coast’s pulse to the heart of Vancouver, it’s CASHRULES by Karan. With this latest release, the Canadian-based artist taps into the bouncy, groove-laden sounds of West Coast hip-hop, taking notes from greats like DJ Mustard while adding his own signature R&B-infused twist. The result? A song that glides as smoothly as it knocks.

Karan’s distinct style, which has already made waves across Asia and beyond, shines here with effortless flow and a sharp lyrical edge. Known for his unique blend of alternative R&B and hip-hop, Karan first broke out on the Singaporean scene with “XO” and hasn’t looked back, garnering millions of streams and chart-topping success. CASHRULES is an exciting evolution, blending both his signature smoothness and a vibrant, West Coast-inspired energy that’s impossible to resist.

Beyond the track’s undeniable groove, there’s a depth to Karan’s music that resonates. Each release from him feels like a chapter in a larger story, one that’s been unfolding with each single, EP, and now, as we near the release of his upcoming album Echoes From The Hills. Following his wildly successful “Memento,” which hit #1 on iTunes R&B/Soul Singapore, CASHRULES is yet another testament to his artistry and growth.

Karan has already proven his range, releasing genre-spanning projects like his three-part EP series, and CASHRULESshows his readiness to make even bigger waves. Turn up the volume, let the bassline carry you, and prepare to be immersed in a vibe only Karan can deliver!

Chrysalis by Dream Thief

Cherine Abulwafa
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Chrysalis by Dream Thief

Dream Thief’s newest release, “Chrysalis,” delivers an electrifying fusion of electronic pop and future bass, balancing intensity with moments of raw vulnerability. Known for a sound that feels as haunting as it is powerful, Dream Thief, collaborating with Mars Atlas and SNOWFYRE, presents a track brimming with energy and introspection. Released on November 8, 2024, “Chrysalis” emerges from Dream Thief’s personal journey of growth and self-discovery, offering a deeply relatable message of resilience and transformation.

Hailing from Albuquerque, Dream Thief’s music carries influences from artists like What So Not, Flume, and Grimes, blending the unique qualities of dark-alt vocals with profound lyrical content. Mars Atlas shines as the lyrical architect and voice behind “Chrysalis,” bringing her words and vocals to life in a performance that is both haunting and deeply moving. The track pushes beyond genre norms with its transformative soundscape, characterized by drastic vocal resampling and chilling synth leads that feel almost alive. Her layered synth contributions evoke a hypnotic, emotional pull that’s both stirring and grounding.

“Chrysalis” unravels like a narrative, an inward journey marked by struggle, reflection, and the painful beauty of leaving behind an old self. Through its mix of heavy drops and delicate spaces, the song becomes a powerful anthem for anyone who has felt trapped but is finding the courage to change. It’s a reminder that, though shedding parts of ourselves can be painful, it’s also the key to finding an untapped strength within.

As Dream Thief, Mars Atlas, and SNOWFYRE prepare to ring in the New Year at Colorado’s Grand Temple House in Denver, they’re inviting listeners to not only celebrate but also reflect on the power of transformation. In a world where music can sometimes feel transient, “Chrysalis” anchors itself as a steady, focused call to become who we were always meant to be!

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