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Neena Rose Rises Above With Powerful New Pop Anthem “Superman”

Eric Alper
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Neena Rose Rises Above With Powerful New Pop Anthem “Superman”

With a voice that cuts like a comet and lyrics that strike the heart, Canadian pop sensation Neena Rose returns with her latest single, “Superman.” The fiery, emotional ballad is a bold next chapter in her unstoppable rise—one that now includes more than 12.4 million total digital streams, 875,000+ TikTok followers, 240,000+ playlists, and a growing fanbase that spans the globe.

“Superman” flips the fairytale. It’s not about waiting for someone to save you—it’s about realizing your worth when they don’t. Wrapped in Neena’s smooth, cinematic vocal performance, the track delivers soaring hooks and heart-on-sleeve honesty: “In the shadows / I fought your battles / When you said you were the one protecting me / But you’ll never be my Superman.”

“I wrote ‘Superman’ as a kind of unmasking,” Neena explains. “It’s about that moment you stop romanticizing someone and start realizing they were never the hero in your story—you were. You always were.”

Released under the mentorship of industry giants, Neena’s work continues to grab attention across major platforms and industry circles. She recently took home “Original Recording of the Year” at the 2023 Hollywood Independent Music Awards and has collaborated with Grammy winners and hitmakers like Eric Hudson (Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige), Blush (Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland), and Travis Kr8ts (Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Flo Rida).

The 22-year-old Hamilton, ON native has been stunning audiences since her debut single “Games” in 2018. With performances reaching over 50,000 people and features in dozens of media outlets, Neena Rose has become a defining voice of Canada’s new pop era—fierce, authentic, and impossible to ignore.

“Love working with her because she wants it so bad and she’s willing to take direction. She has all the boxes ticked,” says Tiyon Christian (multi-platinum, 4x Grammy-nominated producer). Eric Hudson compares the experience to working with “the great late Whitney Houston,” while Travis Kr8ts praises her for being “fast and easy to work with” and having “a very special voice.”

Neena’s empowering message has found fertile ground on social media as well. With over 875K TikTok followers and viral clips showcasing her vocal range, vulnerability, and writing, she continues to prove she’s more than a pop artist—she’s a generational storyteller.

“Maybe you’ll never know how hard I really had to try,” she sings in the bridge, peeling back the curtain on the emotional weight of loving someone who can’t meet you halfway. “Superman” speaks not only to heartbreak but to healing—and the realization that strength often comes from walking away.

Whether she’s on stage, on screen, or on your screen, Neena Rose keeps proving that vulnerability is power, and truth is timeless. “Superman” is out now on all streaming platforms.

John Dawson Shares Reflective New Single “Take the Time” and Quietly Shines as One of Canada’s Finest Singer-Songwriters

Eric Alper
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John Dawson Shares Reflective New Single “Take the Time” and Quietly Shines as One of Canada’s Finest Singer-Songwriters

From Newmarket, Ontario, songwriter and guitarist John Dawson releases his latest single “Take the Time,” a beautifully reflective and emotionally grounded piece that reaffirms his place as one of Canada’s quietly brilliant voices in folk and roots music. With lyrical depth, warm arrangements, and an honest vocal delivery, “Take the Time” reveals Dawson’s rare ability to explore the human condition with clarity, humility, and heart.

Written and performed by Dawson, the track is accompanied by a stellar rhythm section featuring Manny DeGrandis on bass and Anthony D’Angela on drums. It was produced by Mike Walsom and mastered by Justin Perkins, whose work helps bring out the song’s rich sonic texture without overwhelming its intimate message.

“When I take the time to look back as I should / I know that I have seen less bad than good / And I know that all I have is enough.”

The single was born from a place of introspection. Dawson explains that the song was inspired by the advice of a composer he admired: “Never seek art at the expense of life or you will lose both.” From this starting point, Dawson crafts a lyrical journey that acknowledges the disappointments of life while embracing gratitude and emotional honesty as guiding lights.

“Take the Time” is the latest example of Dawson’s thoughtful approach to songwriting. His lyrics carry the weight of lived experience and a willingness to be vulnerable, offering a kind of musical companionship for listeners navigating their own uncertainties and self-reflection. He writes not to impress, but to connect.

A graduate of the Humber College Music Program with additional degrees in Music and Education from York University, Dawson has quietly spent decades honing his craft. His career includes performances with Juno and Grammy-nominated artists, work in music education, and a memorable moment backing up Jackie Lomax at a Beatles Festival in 2011. He is also endorsed by Yamaha Canada, further reflecting his credibility within Canada’s musician community.

When not recording or performing, Dawson is a dedicated educator, podcaster, and music advocate. He co-hosts a weekly wrestling radio show called Ringside Heat and continues to find inspiration in both the everyday and the extraordinary. His songwriting influences include George Harrison, Paul Simon, Bill Frisell, Eric Clapton, and Mark Knopfler, and his music reflects that same balance of technical skill and soulful intent.

“Take the Time” is another step in a deeply personal and ongoing conversation between artist and listener. It invites us all to pause, reflect, and remember the simple but profound truths that often go unnoticed in our daily lives.

With quiet conviction and unmistakable talent, John Dawson continues to offer songs that feel like gifts. “Take the Time” is one such gift—open-hearted, beautifully crafted, and well worth hearing.

Alex Blum Blends Blues Guitar & Future-Funk on “Believe Everything You Hear About Me”

Eric Alper
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Alex Blum Blends Blues Guitar & Future-Funk on “Believe Everything You Hear About Me”

North Carolina native Alex Blum delivers a heady, genre-bending statement with his latest single, “Believe Everything You Hear About Me”—an introspective, blues-soaked odyssey that sits somewhere between confessional and cosmic, wrapped in gritty guitars and minimalist electronic production.

Now streaming everywhere, the track is a standout from Blum’s 2025 album Good Weather, a self-produced tour through blues-rock terrain with detours into hip-hop, ambient, and progressive sonic realms. Built from the ground up with Blum on guitar, vocals, harmonica, drums, keys, and production, “Believe Everything You Hear About Me” is equal parts confrontation and transcendence.

“It’s a song about things people say about each other,” Blum writes. “On one level, you know it’s in your power not to let other people’s lies affect you. But at the same time, your life is very much affected by them no matter what you do.”

The song reads like a modern-day blues diss track without names, biting with sarcasm:

“So believe everything you hear about me / And make sure you ask for details too / And go take all your authority / And go make it true.”

The track’s psychedelic guitar solo—layered with delay in the spirit of Eddie Hazel’s “Maggot Brain” and John Frusciante’s whammy-warped leads—anchors the emotional surge. “It’s not quite rock music because of the electronics, and not quite electronic music either because it’s mostly driven by the playing,” Blum explains. “But overall the song still feels bluesy.”

This duality defines Good Weather, the follow-up to Blum’s fast-tracked blues LP Speak Dreams to Me. It’s a cohesive yet eclectic body of work that threads together his diverse catalogue: from traditional blues and instrumental guitar EPs to danceable beats, ambient textures, and even a rap mixtape. Still, it always returns to what matters most: the guitar and the message.

Blum’s music, rooted in Chapel Hill and forged from late-night Asheville sidewalks and solo studio sessions, is soaked in authenticity and unfiltered expression. A line cook by day and a sonic architect by night, he brings the same raw energy to the studio as he once brought to the streets of Asheville and Nashville, busking with an amp and an idea.

45 Americana Artists You Need in Your Life

Eric Alper
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45 Americana Artists You Need in Your Life

From dusty highways to dimly lit honky-tonks, Americana music captures the heart and soul of the American experience. Whether it’s country-leaning, folk-soaked, or rock-tinged, these artists bring truth, twang, and timeless storytelling to every note.

Amanda Shires
A fiddler, poet, and powerhouse vocalist, Amanda Shires brings heartache and grit to every lyric. Whether solo or with The Highwomen, her voice shines.

The Avett Brothers
With foot-stomping energy and tender harmonies, The Avett Brothers blend bluegrass, folk, and punk-spirit into unforgettable live shows and introspective albums.

Bob Dylan
The blueprint for modern songwriting, Dylan’s influence touches every corner of Americana. His lyricism, melodies, and fearless reinvention remain unmatched.

Bruce Springsteen
From small towns to the open road, Springsteen writes the soundtrack to working-class life. Albums like Nebraska and The Ghost of Tom Joad feel like worn-in denim.

Buddy Miller
Known as a go-to guitarist and soulful singer, Buddy Miller brings warmth to every collaboration. His production work and solo records are steeped in deep American roots.

Calexico
Spanning desert landscapes and border towns, Calexico’s cinematic blend of Americana, mariachi, and indie rock evokes wide-open skies and whispered secrets.

Chris Hillman
A founding member of The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, Hillman’s mandolin and harmonies helped shape country rock as we know it.

Creedence Clearwater Revival
Swampy grooves, Southern imagery, and John Fogerty’s unmistakable voice make CCR a cornerstone of rootsy rock ‘n’ roll.

Damien Jurado
With whispery vocals and vivid storytelling, Jurado’s haunting songs unfold like dream sequences on long drives through quiet landscapes.

Dave Alvin
A master of West Coast roots rock, Alvin blends rockabilly, blues, and poetry into narratives that feel pulled from California backroads.

The Delines
Led by novelist Willy Vlautin and singer Amy Boone, The Delines craft noir-toned Americana with cinematic soul and velvet melancholy.

Drive-By Truckers
These Southern rockers pen songs with bite and brains. With layered guitars and fearless lyrics, their music explores the American South with honesty and fire.

Emmylou Harris
With a voice like a prairie wind and a career filled with daring collaborations, Emmylou Harris is a guiding star in the Americana universe.

The Felice Brothers
Rambunctious and lyrical, The Felice Brothers channel Dylan, The Band, and beat poetry into scrappy songs full of heart and mischief.

Gillian Welch
Sparse, haunting, and rooted in Appalachian tradition, Welch’s music echoes with timeless beauty. Her partnership with David Rawlings is a model of quiet brilliance.

Grateful Dead
Born from psychedelia, the Dead fused folk, blues, country, and improvisation into a freeform Americana style that continues to inspire generations.

Gram Parsons
A cosmic cowboy and pioneer of country rock, Parsons helped bridge honky-tonk and hippie culture. His work with The Byrds and solo albums remain essential.

Jason Isbell
A storyteller of staggering empathy, Isbell’s songwriting touches on recovery, relationships, and redemption. His work with The 400 Unit is modern classic material.

Jayhawks, The
With soaring harmonies and jangly guitars, The Jayhawks helped define the alt-country scene of the ’90s. Their melodies are endlessly replayable.

John Hiatt
Hiatt’s gravelly voice and clever lyrics shine across blues, rock, and Americana. A true songwriter’s songwriter with decades of stellar material.

John Mellencamp
Chronicler of small-town life and social truths, Mellencamp’s music bridges rock and roots with a populist spirit and Midwestern heart.

John Prine
Equal parts wit and wisdom, Prine’s songs carry a quiet power. His catalog is filled with characters, compassion, and lines that linger long after.

Johnny Cash
The Man in Black stands tall in every corner of American music. His deep voice and moral clarity gave voice to the downtrodden and the defiant.

Josh Rouse
Blending folk-pop charm with Americana soul, Rouse writes breezy, thoughtful songs perfect for long drives and quiet mornings.

Justin Townes Earle
A gifted songwriter with a rich musical legacy, Earle’s catalog weaves folk, blues, and country with honesty and flair.

Kacey Musgraves
With a voice like sunshine and lyrics full of wit, Kacey Musgraves blends country and pop with Americana storytelling and wide-open emotional depth.

Los Lobos
From East L.A. to global stages, Los Lobos merge Chicano rock, blues, folk, and roots music with irresistible rhythm and cultural pride.

Lucinda Williams
A master of poetic grit, Williams lays bare life’s heartbreak and joy with a weathered voice and fearless spirit. Her songs are Southern gothic treasures.

Lori McKenna
A quiet powerhouse in the songwriting world, McKenna crafts emotionally detailed portraits of family, love, and everyday life.

Marty Stuart
A keeper of country tradition and a fearless explorer of its edges, Stuart blends rhinestone flair with deep respect for roots music.

Neil Young
From acoustic ballads to electric anthems, Young’s restless creativity and raw emotion make him a cornerstone of American musical storytelling.

The Byrds
Their fusion of folk and rock sparked a revolution. With chiming guitars and harmony-rich arrangements, The Byrds redefined what country-rock could be.

Old Crow Medicine Show
Fiddles fly and boots stomp when Old Crow hits the stage. Their revival of Appalachian traditions brings old-time music roaring into the present.

Patty Griffin
With soulful vocals and lyrical depth, Griffin’s songs cut to the emotional core. She brings both intimacy and strength to every note.

Robert Earl Keen
A Texas favorite and master storyteller, Keen’s laid-back wit and road-weary tales have earned him a loyal following across generations.

Rosanne Cash
Elegant and introspective, Rosanne Cash carries forward her family’s legacy with literary songwriting and a distinctive voice all her own.

Ry Cooder
Slide guitar genius, global music advocate, and roots revivalist—Cooder’s work spans cultures and continents while staying grounded in tradition.

Son Volt
Formed after Uncle Tupelo’s split, Son Volt’s gritty sound helped define alt-country’s mix of twang and feedback. Jay Farrar’s voice is unmistakable.

Stephen Stills
A cornerstone of folk-rock, Stills brought searing guitar work and complex songwriting to groups like CSNY and Buffalo Springfield.

Steve Earle
Outlaw poet, political voice, and roots rocker, Earle’s songs come packed with grit, heart, and messages that resonate far beyond the studio.

Wilco
From twangy beginnings to experimental horizons, Wilco stretches the Americana genre in new directions while staying true to storytelling roots.

Willie Nelson
With his signature phrasing, unmistakable guitar, and outlaw spirit, Willie Nelson remains a beloved icon of American music and a national treasure.

10 Tips for Working With Session Musicians Efficiently

Eric Alper
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10 Tips for Working With Session Musicians Efficiently

Whether you’re producing your first EP or laying down tracks for a sync pitch, session musicians can elevate a song with precision, professionalism, and heart. Think of them as musical superheroes—ready to drop in, lay down the magic, and head out before the pizza gets cold. But even heroes appreciate direction! Here are 10 ways to make the most of your time (and theirs) in the studio:

1. Send the Tracks Ahead of Time

Session musicians appreciate having material in advance—demos, charts, reference tracks—at least 48 hours before the session. Sharing key, tempo, and vibe notes sets everyone up for success.

2. Provide Clear Charts or Notation

Whether it’s chord charts, Nashville Numbers, or sheet music, clarity matters. A clean layout makes it easy to follow the structure and minimizes time wasted on confusion.

3. Have a Vision (Even a Loose One)

Communicate the direction you’re going for. Descriptions like “gritty like Alabama Shakes” or “groove like Vulfpeck” give musicians something to latch onto. Vague instructions lead to vague results.

4. Trust Their Ears and Instincts

Session players bring years of training and countless hours of genre-spanning experience. When they offer a tweak or creative idea, it’s often to make the track shine. Collaboration leads to magic.

5. Create a Chill, Professional Atmosphere

A respectful, focused, and low-stress environment helps musicians deliver their best. A little warmth and humor go a long way—snacks help, too.

6. Use Thoughtful Scratch Tracks

If they’re playing along to a scratch vocal or rhythm, make sure it’s solid—on time and reasonably in tune. That scratch becomes their reference point, so the better it is, the better the session.

7. Plan Efficiently

Come in with a clear agenda. Prioritize the core parts of the song first before obsessing over tiny fills. Studio time is precious—and costs add up quickly.

8. Know When It’s “The Take”

Striving for perfection is natural, but sometimes take #3 already has the spark. If it feels right and serves the song, move forward. Trust your gut (and theirs).

9. Give Proper Credit (and Pay on Time)

Session musicians deserve to be named and paid fairly for their work. List them in credits, update metadata, and if it’s a paid gig, deliver payment promptly. Respect the craft.

10. Stay in Touch

Great musical relationships often start with one great session. Share the final track, tag them when it’s released, and bring them back next time. Most are always ready for another round.

Session musicians are more than hired hands—they’re musical partners who bring expertise, flexibility, and feel. With a bit of prep and mutual respect, any session can be smooth, productive, and even a little magical.

My Chemical Romance’s Isolated Vocals For “Welcome To The Black Parade”

Eric Alper
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My Chemical Romance’s Isolated Vocals For “Welcome To The Black Parade”

“Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance, released in 2006, is an emo-pop-punk anthem from The Black Parade. It tells the story of the Patient’s death, with themes of memory, mortality, and resilience. The song evolved over years, sparked by a piano line from producer Rob Cavallo. A critical and commercial triumph, it topped U.K. charts and became an era-defining rock anthem.

18 Out-of-This-World Songs About Planets, to Celebrate the Apollo 11 Moon Landing

Eric Alper
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18 Out-of-This-World Songs About Planets, to Celebrate the Apollo 11 Moon Landing

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped down from Apollo 11’s lunar module and onto the surface of the moon, delivering the immortal words: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Fifty-six years later, Earth’s playlist is still echoing through the cosmos.

To celebrate that historic lunar leap, here are 18 fun, far-out songs about planets that will launch your ears into orbit. Some are scientifically accurate. Some… not so much. All of them are ready for liftoff.

Beastie Boys – “Intergalactic”
A sci-fi rap anthem with robot voices, funky beats, and enough space vibes to power a warp drive.

Björk – “Pluto”
Explosive, experimental, and otherworldly. It’s like a volcano erupting on a dwarf planet.

Bruno Mars – “Locked Out of Heaven”
Sure, it’s not about Mars, but the guy put the planet in his name. That counts. Besides, this song is pure cosmic electricity.

David Bowie – “Life on Mars?”
A surreal space opera disguised as a glam-rock anthem. No official update on Martian life, but if it exists, they’re probably humming this.

Duran Duran – “Planet Earth”
New wave meets planetary shoutout. It’s fashionable, futuristic, and fun. Earth deserves a dance track too.

Elton John – “Rocket Man”
Inspired by astronauts, sealed in song by a piano legend. This is the spiritual soundtrack to floating above the Earth in zero-G.

Frank Sinatra – “Fly Me to the Moon”
No moon playlist is complete without Ol’ Blue Eyes. In 1969, the Apollo 11 crew actually played this in space. That’s a flex.

Jamiroquai – “Cosmic Girl”
A disco-funk jam that blasts off like a candy-colored comet. You can practically hear the stars sparkle.

John Williams – “The Asteroid Field” (from The Empire Strikes Back)
Planets beware—this isn’t a song, it’s a full cinematic space chase. Buckle in. Things get bumpy around Jupiter.

Muse – “Supermassive Black Hole”
A gravitationally heavy rock anthem that sucks you in with sinister riffs and interstellar swagger.

Nick Drake – “Pink Moon”
Delicate and haunting, this acoustic gem feels like a whisper from the lunar surface at 3 a.m.

Phoebe Bridgers – “Moon Song”
Heartbreaking and heavenly. Like looking out the window of your spaceship with a guitar and a soft cry.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Parallel Universe”
Funky, frantic, and full of cosmic chaos. It’s like drifting through space on a skateboard with Flea on bass.

Sun Ra – “Saturn”
Avant-garde jazz from a man who claimed to be from Saturn. Experimental, groovy, and as spaced-out as you’d expect.

The B-52’s – “Planet Claire”
Quirky, twangy, and totally space-age. Imagine a neon UFO party with retro ray guns and sax solos.

The Police – “Walking on the Moon”
Appropriately bouncy and totally timeless. Armstrong did it first. Sting did it with a bassline.

They Might Be Giants – “Why Does the Sun Shine?”
It’s not technically about planets, but it’s catchy, educational, and has the energy of a classroom with no gravity.

Train – “Drops of Jupiter”
Love, loss, and space metaphors collide in this early-2000s singalong. That title alone launched a thousand science fair posters.

Singer-Songwriter Samantha Hooey Returns With “Red Skies” and EP ‘Silver’

Eric Alper
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Singer-Songwriter Samantha Hooey Returns With “Red Skies” and EP ‘Silver’

Canadian singer-songwriter Samantha Hooey has emerged from a twelve-year recording hiatus with a luminous, introspective new EP titled Silver, led by the radiant single “Red Skies.” A study in restraint, reverence, and resilience, Silver is a collection of five soul-stirring songs that feel both timeless and startlingly present. With textures as gentle as moonlight and lyrics carved from deep personal renewal, the EP is Hooey’s most intimate and focused work to date.

“Red Skies” opens the project like a quiet meteor streaking across the morning—its lyrics evoke the image of birds lifting before a storm, revealing a truth that’s been waiting to be named: “Always thought that I was scared of dying / turns out I was just afraid to live.” That single line, repeated throughout the song, encapsulates the raw emotional clarity Hooey brings to her craft.

“These songs came out of a healing process,” Hooey shares. “I hope they resonate with those seeking a reminder of their own resilience.”

Rooted in the acoustic landscape of her Vancouver home—and written on the same guitar she’s had since her teens—Hooey’s songs on Silver honour cycles of nature and emotion: growth, rest, release, renewal. The project conjures quiet Northern Ontario nights under the Perseids meteor shower and Georgian Bay’s dusky hues, with every track inviting the listener inward.

Produced with care and intuition by Jeff Zipp, Silver benefits from a sonic palette that’s lush yet uncluttered. Hooey is joined by a tight-knit group of collaborators including Yamil Chain-Haddad (bass), Darryl Havers (organ), Geoff Hicks (drums), and Scott Smith (guitar/pedal steel). Each player offers restraint and warmth, giving space for Hooey’s voice to rise and glow like the full moon she sings of in “Red Skies.”

There’s a natural elegance to her delivery, one that recalls early Sarah Harmer or Gillian Welch, while planting its feet firmly in the present. In “Red Skies,” she sings of the dual pull of light and darkness, of fear of vanishing and choosing to stay: “It was a wild force like a white horse / pulling the stars down to me.” The language is mystical but rooted in real, lived experience.

Born in London, ON and now based in Vancouver, BC, Hooey’s deep Canadian roots hum beneath each melody. Her sense of time and space feels organic, even meditative, offering solace for anyone needing stillness in a noisy world. “Silver isn’t about arrival,” she says. “It’s about the journey back to connection.”

With “Red Skies” now available across all platforms and the full EP arriving with quiet force, Samantha Hooey reintroduces herself not as a newcomer but as a deeply felt presence returning home. The songs don’t shout—but they stay with you long after the last note.

Country Guitarist Chase Stevens Releases Nostalgic New Single “Songs In An Old Diner”

Eric Alper
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Country Guitarist Chase Stevens Releases Nostalgic New Single “Songs In An Old Diner”

Mississauga-based troubadour Chase Stevens is back with “Songs In An Old Diner,” a feel-good country single soaked in nostalgia, memory, and the magic of a melody. Recorded in both Nashville and Toronto, the track is a spirited follow-up to 2024’s “As Good As It Gets,” and previews the sound and soul of Stevens’ forthcoming third album.

Chase calls his style “Troubadour Country”—a blend of New Country and classic singer-songwriter storytelling. Inspired early on by the timeless work of Jim Croce, Harry Chapin, and Cat Stevens, Chase found his path in country after discovering Keith Urban and immersing himself in Nashville’s songwriter scene. “It was a trip to Nashville that cemented my direction,” he says. “I realized I wanted to tell stories that felt real, that people could see in their own lives.”

“Songs In An Old Diner” is exactly that kind of song. It’s a lyrical time machine, set in a roadside eatery filled with red vinyl swivel stools and mini jukeboxes that spin up old heartbeats and long-lost dreams. “It’s amazing what a song in an old diner can do,” Stevens sings in the chorus—a line destined to resonate with anyone who’s ever found themselves transported by the right track at the right moment.

The single follows the success of Stevens’ award-winning album Trespassing Castles, which produced a string of #1 hits on the Canadian Indie Country Chart, including “Another Little Roadside Kiss,” “Gypsy Wind,” and “Taking Pictures off the Wall.” “Gypsy Wind” earned him the 2023 ISSA International Single of the Year, while “Another Little Roadside Kiss” was named Best Country Song and Best Video at the Red Carpet Music Awards in Holland.

In Stevens’ words, “This new single is more than a trip down memory lane—it’s a love letter to the people, places, and songs that shaped us. It reminds me of how music marks time. We were running with the wind trying to chase a dream… Every day felt like it was shiny and new.” The song’s vivid lyrics and warm production offer a snapshot of youthful innocence and first love under the glow of neon signs.

Chase’s storytelling gifts first garnered national attention with his debut album Tumbleweed, particularly the track “H.W.R.” about a Canadian WWII soldier—a song that earned features on CTV National News and widespread critical acclaim. That same honesty and sense of history runs through “Songs In An Old Diner,” bridging the past with the present in three chords and the truth.

With more new music on the horizon and a third album in the works, Chase Stevens continues to cement his place as one of Canada’s most heartfelt country voices. His ability to blend visual detail with emotional depth makes each release more than a song—it’s a story worth reliving.

R&B/Afrobeat Artist ZOCHI Releases Bold, Faith-Rooted Queer Anthem “Beside Me”

Eric Alper
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R&B/Afrobeat Artist ZOCHI Releases Bold, Faith-Rooted Queer Anthem “Beside Me”

ZOCHI, Canada’s self-proclaimed Queen of Afropop—and a real-life Nigerian princess—releases her fearless and tender new single “Beside Me” today. Blending R&B soulfulness with Hip-Hop grit and Afrobeat rhythm, “Beside Me” is an anthem for belonging, vulnerability, and queer faith. The song follows her internationally celebrated single “Alone (Whole Again)” and continues her journey as one of Canada’s most exciting rising artists.

“I wanted to write a song that can still be universal even if faith-based,” ZOCHI shares. “We all want to be loved and accepted. It shouldn’t matter if the declaration of love is coming from the queer community. I just want people to feel and be compelled to love when they listen to this song.”

“Beside Me” was recorded and engineered at Monumental Bluedoor Studio in Regina, Saskatchewan, with longtime collaborator Walter Jeworski, and produced by Hip-Hop DJ and friend Dexty (Daniel Rolàk). Though ZOCHI and Dexty speak different mother tongues, she says they speak the same musical language—one rooted in love, liberation, and joy.

Lyrically, “Beside Me” is both intimate and anthemic. “Somebody knows / God was the one who did write it / I can’t even tell you how I feel / My feelings are tied in the rainbow,” ZOCHI sings in the chorus. It’s a poetic celebration of queer identity and divine authorship, filled with urgency and affirmation. “I needed a new love / Somebody a new love / I gave it a new look / I need help I’m sick of / Somebody knows.”

As a queer Christian and lesbian woman, ZOCHI makes no apology for the intersection of her sexuality and her spirituality. “My faith and my connection to God has always been based on authenticity,” she explains. “He has encouraged me to live my truth, even if some Christian teachings might oppose me. We—queer people—are ambassadors of His love. We represent the incredible depth of God’s love.”

Born Uzochi Lolia Ifeanyiukachu in Nigeria and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, ZOCHI is blazing her own path as a genre-defying artist whose debut EP Afrikaanman Fairytale earned national and international recognition. The EP hit #1 on the campus radio charts and landed in the Top 10 on !earshot’s National International Chart. Her single “Alone (Whole Again)” was featured on CBC’s Marvin’s Room, Billboard Magazine, Tinnitist, Cashbox, and more.

She’s been seen on stages across Canada, including opening for Jully Black on the Saskatchewan leg of her 2025 tour, and will perform July 30 at Sean Jeans “Revival” Residency at The Palais Royale in Toronto. ZOCHI is currently nominated for Best Pop Music Video at the Canadian Independent Music Video Awards, and Afrobeats Artist of the Year at both the Western Canadian Music Awards and Saskatchewan Music Awards.

“Hip-Hop reminds me of my childhood, even though I was raised in an Afrobeat household,” ZOCHI says. “It helped me survive and escape the trauma of growing up gay in a Christian home. But music—and God—chose me. And now, I choose love.”

“Beside Me” marks a continued evolution in ZOCHI’s sound and story, signaling her strength as a lyricist, her vulnerability as a storyteller, and her power as a vessel for healing. “I know that you love me,” she repeats in a melodic refrain near the end of the track, inviting listeners into an embrace that is both romantic and divine.

With “Beside Me,” ZOCHI continues to create music that transcends boundaries—of genre, of faith, of identity—and celebrates the radical, revolutionary force of love.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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