This vocals-only version of “Roundabout” by Yes pulls back the curtain on the band’s legendary harmonies. Jon Anderson’s unmistakable voice, supported by Chris Squire and Steve Howe, takes center stage in this stripped-down rendition of the 1971 prog epic. It’s a rare chance to hear the intricacy behind one of rock’s most iconic tracks.
The Ultimate Guide to Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom: Stay Connected on the Road
By Mitch Rice
Imagine cruising down a scenic highway, the wind in your face, and the freedom of the open road. Now, imagine doing it while staying connected to your riding group, listening to your favorite music, or taking a call—all without taking your hands off the handlebars. That’s the magic of a Bluetooth motorcycle intercom. Whether you’re a solo rider, a two-up adventurer, or part of a group ride, this tech enhances communication, safety, and enjoyment.
What is a Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom?
A Bluetooth motorcycle intercom is a wireless communication system designed specifically for motorcyclists. Installed in or on a helmet, it allows riders to communicate with passengers, other riders, or even connect to devices like smartphones or GPS units. It uses Bluetooth technology—yes, the same that connects your wireless earbuds—to transmit voice data in real-time.
It’s more than just a gadget. It’s a revolutionary tool for communication and convenience on the road. Whether you’re planning routes, chatting with a riding buddy, or changing your playlist, the intercom puts control at your fingertips—literally.
Pros and Cons of Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom Systems
No tech is perfect, and Bluetooth motorcycle intercoms are no exception. Let’s look at both sides of the coin:
Pros:
- Convenient Communication: Chatting with your group or passenger becomes effortless.
- Hands-Free Operation: Allows for safer riding with fewer distractions.
- Multifunctional: Enjoy music, GPS, calls, and intercom in one device.
- Expandable Networks: Some models support up to 15 riders at once.
- Weatherproof Options: Many intercoms now handle rain, dust, and heat like a champ.
Cons:
- Limited Range: Bluetooth typically offers short-range (though mesh helps).
- Battery Dependency: You’ll need to keep it charged—forgetful riders beware!
- Noise Interference: Even with noise cancellation, high speeds can reduce clarity.
- Learning Curve: New users might take a bit to master controls and pairing.
Despite the drawbacks, the benefits far outweigh the limitations. For long-distance riders, daily commuters, and riding duos, it’s an investment worth making.
How Does Motorcycle Bluetooth Intercom Work?
You’re probably wondering, how does a motorcycle Bluetooth intercom work? Let’s break it down.
These intercoms operate using Bluetooth radio waves. Once paired, they establish a secure, short-range wireless connection. Riders can talk to each other in real-time, typically within a range of 500 meters to 2 kilometers, depending on the model. Some advanced models offer mesh networking, allowing dynamic pairing and extended range across groups.
Key working components include:
- Microphone and speakers: Installed inside the helmet to pick up and relay audio.
- Bluetooth chip: Connects devices wirelessly.
- Control panel: Usually located on the helmet’s exterior, enabling easy access to functions.
Many riders prefer a Bluetooth intercom with audio multitasking, which lets you stay connected with your passenger or fellow riders while listening to GPS instructions or music—all at the same time.
Why Use a Bluetooth Intercom for Motorcycle Helmet?
Why should you invest in a Bluetooth intercom for a motorcycle helmet? Simple—convenience, safety, and communication.
Here’s what makes it essential:
- Hands-free operation: Answer calls, control music, and chat without touching your phone.
- Enhanced safety: No more risky gestures to grab your phone mid-ride.
- Navigation aid: Listen to GPS instructions without taking your eyes off the road.
- Rider-passenger communication: Coordinate stops or just enjoy a conversation.
Whether you’re a commuter or a long-distance tourer, it turns your helmet into a smart hub, simplifying your ride in every possible way.
How to Choose a Bluetooth Motorcycle Intercom
Shopping for an intercom? Here’s what to keep an eye on:
- Range and connectivity: More is better, especially for group rides.
- Battery life: Aim for at least 8–10 hours of talk time.
- Voice control: Hands-free convenience is key.
- Weather resistance: Rain happens. Your gear should be ready.
- Audio multitasking: As mentioned, it’s a must-have.
- Noise cancellation: For crystal-clear communication at high speeds.
Installation Tips for Bluetooth Intercoms
Installing a Bluetooth intercom is easier than it sounds. Just follow these steps:
- Position the speakers near your ears inside the helmet padding.
- Secure the microphone, either a boom mic (for open face) or wired mic (for full-face).
- Attach the control unit using a clamp or adhesive mount.
- Run the wires under the padding for neatness.
- Pair the device with your phone or other intercoms.
Check your model’s user manual for specifics—each has a slightly different setup.
Safety Considerations When Using Bluetooth Intercoms
While these devices make riding more enjoyable, safety should always come first. Here are crucial safety tips when using a motorcycle Bluetooth intercom:
- Avoid Overuse: Keep conversations brief to maintain full attention on the road.
- Keep Volume Moderate: Loud music can drown out essential traffic sounds.
- Familiarize Before Riding: Practice using the controls while stationary.
- Secure Installation: Loose wires or components can be distracting or hazardous.
- Legal Awareness: Some regions have regulations about helmet speakers and mobile communication—always check local laws.
Remember, the intercom is there to support your ride, not dominate it.
Bluetooth Intercom Maintenance and Care Tips
You’ve spent good money on your intercom—now take care of it:
- Keep It Dry: Even waterproof models do better when not soaked regularly.
- Clean Mic and Speakers: Dust and wind debris can affect sound quality.
- Check Battery Health: Avoid letting the battery die completely. Charge regularly.
- Firmware Updates: Brands like Sena and Cardo offer updates for bug fixes and features.
- Inspect Wiring: For wired systems, check regularly for frayed cables or loose connections.
Proper maintenance ensures your intercom lasts for many seasons and stays reliable during every ride.
Conclusion
A Bluetooth motorcycle intercom isn’t just a tech gadget—it’s a riding essential. From improving communication and safety to enhancing your overall experience, it’s revolutionized the way motorcyclists connect. Whether you’re traveling solo, riding with a partner, or leading a group, there’s a Bluetooth solution tailored for your helmet, needs, and budget.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Reclaim Your Reading Space: Style Your Library Shelves with Beauty and Class
By Mitch Rice
Creating a personal library or reading space is what every bibliophile wants! The idea of being surrounded by your favourite books brings solace and happiness. It helps you travel inwards, far away from this chaotic world, and create a vortex of joy, beauty, and wonder.
Books stacked on shelves can certainly make a space. However, there are a few tricky aspects that you need to consider. The approach matters most – that is, whether you want a collected yet cluttered or airy and minimal look, you need to balance the opposites.
Needless to say, a little handholding can go a long way in giving shape to your reading space the way you want.
- Custom cabinets steal the show
The library cabinet you choose defines the look and feel of the room. Every other décor element revolves around it. Hence, it’s best to opt for custom cabinet solutions rather than selecting from generic online or offline deals. The built-in library shelves offer much more than storage space. It reflects your taste and adds class to your personal library space.
The new-age service providers have come up with built-in library shelves, walls, and other custom cabinet solutions that complement your room’s design. Most importantly, they can be customized based on your room space requirements, limitations, personal choice, and budget capacity. You can browse through the latest collection from Quality Custom Cabinetry and choose what caters to your needs.
- Stick to a flow and rhythm
If you view any object or similar items at a stretch, it feels monotonous. Therefore, try and break up collections and books with contrasting items. Choose personal mementos, ceramics, or artwork that complements a library set-up and texture. Your shelves would look both balanced and striking. Some other options to opt for include new-age abstract artwork, ornate boxes, and candlesticks.
Ensure any décor item you select aligns with the look you wish to create and can be kept comfortably in the shelf space.
- Experiment with negative space
Most stylists emphasize negative space. Allowing some space in the shelves makes anything from a paper lining to a paint color to pop. If you overstuff shelves with books, it can look rich, but also boring. While both are tried and tested ways to arrange library cabinets, you need to decide on things you feel are worth highlighting.
From a potted plant to an ancient wall clock your grandparent had, choose what’s striking and creates an ambiance.
- Let it appear real and raw
The secret sauce to have a reading space with its aura and energy is not to force things. According to Anthony Amiano, an interior stylist, the décor needs to be imperfect and casual. Anything overtly perfect looks airbrushed and not natural. To create what Amiano says is to allow some books to lean and even old books with soiled covers to be kept in front. Having potted plants that have faded leaves also adds to the natural beauty of the room.
There’s no fixed rule on creating a personal library. You can draw inspiration from the décor magazines and even your school library. The idea is to have a space that blends in beauty, class, and originality.
Final words
It’s important to give some thought to your personal library or reading space. After all, you are going to spend quality time here, immersed in thoughts and developing new perspectives. Using the best cabinets while playing with negative space and keeping it real can work wonders.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
5 Surprising Facts About Madvillain’s ‘Madvillainy’
Madvillainy is the singular studio album by the legendary hip-hop duo Madvillain—MF Doom and Madlib—released in 2004 on Stones Throw Records. Its dense lyricism and experimental production made it a defining moment in underground hip-hop, blending obscure samples and innovative beats. Despite its minimalist creation process and early setbacks, Madvillainy has grown into one of the genre’s most acclaimed and influential records.
- Brazilian Hotel Room Beat Lab
Madlib created most of Madvillainy’s instrumentals during a trip to Brazil, working in a bare-bones setup in his hotel room. Armed with only a Boss SP-303 sampler, a turntable, and a tape deck, he transformed this minimal gear into a full-fledged creative laboratory. This stripped-down approach gave the beats a raw, experimental texture that became the album’s signature sound. Madlib’s time in São Paulo allowed him to crate dig for rare vinyl samples, fueling the eclectic, global vibe heard throughout the record. The unique production circumstances highlight Madlib’s ingenuity and ability to turn simplicity into art. - The Early Leak That Almost Stopped It All
About fourteen months before Madvillainy officially dropped, an unfinished demo leaked onto the internet. This unexpected leak frustrated both MF Doom and Madlib, who decided to halt work on the album and shift focus to other solo projects. Madlib went on to release Champion Sound with J Dilla, while Doom released two solo albums as King Geedorah and Viktor Vaughn. The break allowed the duo to step back, recharge, and eventually return to complete Madvillainy with renewed focus. This pause arguably shaped the final album’s more polished and mature sound. - Stones Throw’s Unexpected Bestseller
Despite coming from an indie label known for underground releases, Madvillainy became one of Stones Throw Records’ best-selling albums. It reached number 179 on the US Billboard 200, a notable achievement for a highly experimental hip-hop album on a small label. The album’s success expanded Stones Throw’s visibility and even helped the label open a new office in Highland Park, Los Angeles. It’s a testament to the lasting appeal of Doom and Madlib’s work that Madvillainy became a commercial success without compromising its artistic vision. - Doom’s Vocal Transformation
Initially, MF Doom recorded the album with a more hyperactive and enthusiastic vocal style. However, after the demo leak, he reworked his delivery into a slower, more relaxed, and confident flow. This vocal shift allowed Doom’s intricate lyrics and complex wordplay to breathe, enhancing the album’s mysterious and immersive atmosphere. Critics and fans alike praised the change, noting that it better matched Madlib’s intricate beats and gave the album its iconic vibe. Doom’s vocal evolution on Madvillainy highlights his artistry as a lyricist and performer. - Iconic Masked Mystery on the Cover
The cover art for Madvillainy was designed by Stones Throw’s art director Jeff Jank and shot by photographer Eric Coleman. Inspired by King Crimson’s In the Court of the Crimson King and Madonna’s self-titled album cover, the grayscale image focuses on MF Doom’s masked visage. Jank wanted to capture the man behind the mask rather than just the mask itself, emphasizing Doom’s mysterious persona. The addition of a small orange square added a distinctive visual element, making the cover instantly recognizable. This iconic artwork perfectly encapsulates the enigmatic and revolutionary spirit of the album.
5 Surprising Facts About My Chemical Romance’s ‘The Black Parade’
The Black Parade is My Chemical Romance’s third studio album and a landmark in emo and alternative rock history. Released in 2006, this concept album tells the haunting story of “The Patient,” a man facing death from cancer who embarks on a vivid journey through memory, loss, and redemption. With its grand, theatrical sound blending emo, punk, glam, and classic rock influences, The Black Parade captures raw emotion and unforgettable anthems like “Welcome to the Black Parade.” Produced alongside Rob Cavallo and recorded in the atmospheric Paramour Mansion, the album’s powerful storytelling and dynamic energy propelled My Chemical Romance to international acclaim.
Ask ChatG1. The Haunted Mansion That Shaped the Sound
Most of The Black Parade was written and recorded while the band sequestered themselves in the eerie Paramour Mansion in Los Angeles. The band described the mansion as spooky and unsettling — so much so that its creepy vibe actually seeped into the music itself. Imagine crafting an emo-rock masterpiece surrounded by ghost stories and creaky floorboards.
2. A Concept Album With a Marching Band Heartbeat
Frontman Gerard Way dreamed up the album’s story about a dying man called “The Patient,” who meets death in the form of his fondest childhood memory: a marching band. This vivid childhood flashback became the emotional and musical core, inspiring the sweeping anthem “Welcome to the Black Parade.” Childhood nostalgia meets rock opera? Yes, please.
3. A Creative Pause That Sparked ‘Famous Last Words’
During recording, the band hit a creative block and took a break to perform at a nearby nightclub. While that break helped their mental health, the songwriting stalled — until guitarist Ray Toro played with a new song idea, which Gerard helped shape into the powerful track “Famous Last Words.” Sometimes a little night out is just what the doctor ordered.
4. Nearly a Double Album — With a Song Regret
Did you know The Black Parade almost doubled its length? Gerard Way revealed the album “could have been, and almost was, a double album.” One notable cut was “Kill All Your Friends,” a song Gerard later wished had made the final tracklist. That’s a lot of extra MCR magic almost left on the cutting room floor.
5. The Only Album Featuring Drummer Bob Bryar
The Black Parade holds a unique place in My Chemical Romance history as the only studio album to feature drummer Bob Bryar before his departure in 2010. So every drumbeat you hear is Bryar’s — the heartbeat driving this legendary emo rock record!
Hip Hop Richie Mike Drops New Single “Stackin Dem Racks” Celebrating Hustle Humility and Peace
Houston’s rapid-fire wordsmith, Richie Mike, unveils his latest single, “Stackin Dem Racks,” dropping June 27 through Boss Baller Entertainment. Packed with uplifting energy and personal storytelling, the track remains true to his signature style and carries the mindset to stay focused, stay driven, and trust that the grind will pay off.
The release is on par with his previous catalog of work; however, with this new track, it’s clear that Richie is growing more confident and comfortable with his craft. Although his delivery is smooth and often melodic, his lyrics hit with depth, painting pictures of what it means to stay humble, hustle hard, and keep your peace in a world that often tries to take it from you.
“This song is about me and everything I go through in my daily life,” Richie Mike explains.
A rising name in music, Richie Mike brings a refreshing balance of street wisdom, Southern swagger, and lyrical depth to the modern rap scene. He continues to gain momentum with each project he drops. Singles like “Gorilla Glue” and “Stackin Dem Racks” highlight his evolving sound, characterized by faster flows, deeper bars, and original metaphors.
Driven by authenticity and backed by strong support, Richie’s music stands apart with its message of peace, growth, and self-expression. He first discovered his love for music as a teenager, tagging along to studio sessions with his friends. After laying down his first track, something clicked, and he knew he’d found his calling. Influenced by his Houston roots and inspired by iconic artists, Richie studied both the underground and the mainstream, pulling pieces from each to build his “New Era” sound. Performing on stage across Texas and beyond, his shows are a vibe, attracting new fans at every event he appears at. His brand, MBK (My Brother’s Keeper), reflects his commitment to loyalty, positivity, and pushing meaningful narratives.
With years of professional experience, a strong work ethic, and a growing fan base, “Stackin Dem Racks” reinforces Richie Mike’s position as an artist on the rise. With high-quality production and a grounded, uplifting lyrical focus, the single is poised to connect with fans looking for both a vibe and a vision.
Latin Pop Dance Valeriya Force Releases Bold New Single “Thunder” Inspired by Miami’s Summer Storm
July 11, 2025 marks the release of a brand-new single from Valeriya Force — “Thunder”, a bold summer track infused with heat, sensuality, and feminine power. Blending Latin rhythms, tropical atmosphere, and emotional intensity, this record is a pulse of movement and liberation. The track is now available for pre-save.
The song was born unexpectedly — during a drive from Miami to Sarasota. Rain poured outside, thunder cracked the skies, and suddenly a melody sparked in Valeriya’s mind. That raw, vivid moment in the middle of the storm and highway became the creative ignition of “Thunder.” A track built entirely on instinct, body, and freedom.
“Thunder” is a story of a woman who is no longer afraid. She doesn’t perform or play nice. She moves with the rhythm of summer, owns her body, knows her desires, and doesn’t apologize for her strength or sexuality. It’s not a tale of surrender — it’s a declaration: “I am the thunder.”
It is passion without drama. Power without aggression. Dance not for attention but for release. Her desire isn’t vulnerability — it’s her fire. She moves boldly, loves fiercely, and lives on her terms.
“Thunder” is a vibrant fusion of Latin Pop, Dance, and Tropical Groove. The sound captures the post-rain heat of Miami — electric air, bodies in motion, skin sizzling, every beat syncing with the heartbeat. This track is crafted to be felt, not just heard. It doesn’t play in the background — it takes over the moment.
“Thunder” is the product of a creative partnership. Valeriya wrote the lyrics and melody, driven by pure intuition. The arrangement was created by Ukrainian producer Vlad Ustinov, delivering a rich, Latin-flavored atmosphere. Vocal recording was done in a home studio, with support from her husband Vladyslav Tkachenko, who coordinated the production process.
Mixing and mastering were completed by Nikita Chena, known for his deep, textured audio work. Vladyslav Tkachenko also leads the business strategy of FORCEMUSIC INC, the independent label behind the release. He handles marketing, rollout, and vision. Valeriya Force is the creative powerhouse — not only the voice but the artistic mind behind the melody, mood, and emotion.
This is not just collaboration — it’s partnership. Vladyslav finds the sound. Valeriya feels and writes it. Together, they turn tracks into cinematic experiences.
This single is dropping at the peak of summer, right in Florida’s rainy season. It sounds exactly like July in the tropics: hot, wet, sensual, and alive.
This is music for nights alone, for rooftop parties, for dancing barefoot in your kitchen. For claiming your body. For expressing who you are without filters. For turning up the volume and letting go.
Indie Rocker Aidan Leclaire Band Releases New Album ‘Hail to the Dogs’
Following the success of their cosmic sophomore EP, The Spaceman, the Aidan Leclaire Band returns with Hail to the Dogs, a gripping and emotionally charged new album, released today. Diving deep into the raw undercurrents of human experience, this new record explores loneliness, longing, and the unrelenting need for authenticity in a world obsessed with validation.
Inspired by the dark totalitarian allegories of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, Hail to the Dogs paints a portrait of a generation grappling with unseen powers and personal disillusionment. The album title and cover art get their inspiration from the book’s concept, where no matter the species, there will always be a group looking to impose power and dominance.
Recorded across Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia with producers Ben Green (Ivakota Studios) and Nico Laget (Sweet Spot Studios), the project captures a raw and soulful sound, pulling from the spirit of 1990s alt-rock while carving something wholly its own.
The lead single, “Good Boy,” which released May 15, sets the tone with its punk-tinged high energy sound, centering on a yearning to escape materialism and rediscover purpose. Other highlights include “Is This All There Is?,” a searing portrayal of communication breakdown in a fractured relationship, and “Break,” reimagined from their earlier Spaceman EP to capture the fire of their live performances.
With standout tracks like the urgent, biting, “Find Me,” and the brooding anthem, “Dark Days, Long Nights,” Hail to the Dogs cements Aidan Leclaire Band’s reputation for creating music that is visceral, relatable, and timeless.
The Aidan Leclaire Band is a Washington, D.C.-Northern VA based group known for their eclectic blend of indie rock, alternative and pop music. Formed in 2024, the band has quickly risen in popularity, captivating audiences with their raw, emotional sound and impressive stage presence, cementing their place as one of the most exciting new acts on the scene.
Their earlier work, including 2024’s The Spaceman, earned critical acclaim and a devoted following. Now, with Hail to the Dogs, the band pushes further, offering an unfiltered look at the struggles, contradictions, and hopes of a generation seeking its voice.
Blake Smeltz Makes Bold Debut with ‘Heartbreak Highway’ — A Gritty, Soulful Country Journey
Today, country artist Blake Smeltz released his debut album, Heartbreak Highway, a striking collection of songs that trace personal heartbreak, youthful recklessness, deep loss, and hard-won healing.
A project as lived-in as it is lyrical, Smeltz distills the emotional highs and lows of relationships, resilience, and growing up across its 9 tracks, cementing him as a bold, gritty and heartfelt new voice in country music.
From the nostalgic rush of “Nicotine Daydream” to the ragged honesty of “Good Faith” and the gut-punch ache of “You Ain’t Whiskey,” the album captures what Smeltz does best: making personal stories feel universal. It’s messy, real, and filled with heart.
Produced by William Gawley, Michelle Robertson and Dave Flint, Heartbreak Highway pairs Smeltz’s gravel-edged vocals with unflinching, modern country storytelling. With one foot in the emotional territory of Zach Bryan and the other in the anthemic sway of Luke Combs, the album unspools like a map of the moments that make a man, weaving Blake’s vivid lyricism with the emotional depth and introspection of lived experience.
Standout Tracks Include:
– “Nicotine Daydream,” a nostalgic, high-energy anthem about first love, Springsteen, and the memories that never quite fade.
– “Good Faith,” a heartfelt track about grief, growth, and holding on to the people who help keep you steady when life hits hard.
– “You Ain’t Whiskey,” a raw breakup ballad comparing lost love to the burn of whiskey’s fleeting comfort.
– “Dear Old Me,” a reflective letter to the future self, wondering if the sacrifices made along the way were worth it.
– “Drive,” a moody, introspective look at escape and self-reckoning, written for anyone who’s ever needed to just keep going.
– “The Road,” a slow-burning song about walking away from bitterness and choosing peace, even when it hurts.
“This album represents all that has made me who I am today,” said Smeltz. “All of these songs are inspired by my life, as well as those close to me. I feel the album as a whole helps put into words what many struggle to open up about. It’s for everyone, from the alone and heartbroken, to the happy and enthusiastic. Every word is authentic.”
The album will be accompanied by a release party in Nashville at 6 pm on July 1 at The Local.
Blake Smeltz, a native of Evington, Virginia, has always felt a deep connection to nature, a bond that resonates throughout his music. A self-taught artist who wears his heart on his sleeve, Blake merges sharp songwriting with captivating storytelling to craft songs that are both authentic and engaging. His raspy voice and tenderhearted approach allow him to forge meaningful connections with listeners, drawing them into his world.
Inspired by country legends like Luke Combs, Zach Bryan, and Jason Aldean, Blake seamlessly navigates genres, blending elements of country-rock, singer-songwriter, and everything in between. In 2023, he emerged with Demos From the 434, a project that ignited his passion for music and led him to ultimately release his debut album, Heartbreak Highway. Blake’s artistry is a unique blend of Zach Bryan’s introspective lyrics and Luke Combs’ soulful style, enriched by his own powerful voice and heartfelt storytelling.
Outside of music, his passions for motorcycle rides, racecars, and life on the open road fuel his adventurous spirit and inspire his creative process.
Rooted in the stillness of nature and the beauty of God’s creation, Blake channels these experiences into lyrics that resonate deeply with his audience. With his passion for music and a life lived boldly, Blake Smeltz is poised to take country music to exciting new horizons.
Northfield Debuts Nostalgic Indie Single “It’s Too Easy” from Time-Capsule Album
Connecticut-based Northfield is the musical equivalent of your favorite old flannel: a little frayed, a lot worn and questionably stylish, but surprisingly comfortable and you probably have had it since the 90s. Fronted by songwriter and self-admitted music nerd Jesse Perkins, the band stumbles along somewhere between indie rock and alt-country, often forgetting which was the goal to begin with.
Northfield has just released its debut single “It’s Too Easy,” recorded in early 2024. It’s a song that doesn’t merely evoke the sound of the 90’s – it was in fact written in the 1990’s by Perkins. As if sprung from a musical time capsule, fans of bands from that era, like Dinosaur Jr, Wilco, and Pavement, will find Northfield to be a slice of the 1990’s, perfectly preserved in its sonic freshness.
“It’s Too Easy” will be the first single released from Northfield’s upcoming album titled “Lost and Found.” The title “Lost and Found” refers as much to Perkins himself, as to the songs that he unearthed from his early days of writing, recording, and performing. After being away from music for the past twenty years, Perkins re-discovered that early passion for music and formed Northfield in 2024.
“This album could have, and maybe should have come out 25 years ago, but here it is now – better late than never!” said Perkins.
After recording the basic tracks in his basement studio, dubbed Good Enough Records, Perkins, a native of Northwest Connecticut, who spent time in Boston before returning to his old stomping ground, sought out old friend and co-producer Mike Goldberg to finish and mix the album. Goldberg added brash guitar solos and subtle keyboards to Perkin’s songs. Together, they recruited bassist Randy Kane, a player Perkins had known from the Connecticut music scene, and Kane’s cousin Ethan Sawyer on the drums.
With the Northfield line up completed, “we concocted a rag tag cacophony that’s equal parts fuzzy and jangly on the surface, while being both earnest and reckless underneath. Northfield’s not going to change the world, but we might make Tuesday night a whole lot better. Come in with low expectations and you just might have a new favorite band!” said Perkins.
Despite his flair for nonchalance, bordering on 90’s indie-rock self-effacement, while he may have felt lost from music over the past 25 years, he certainly wasn’t wasting time. The singer was in fact teaching high school, and by all accounts he was incredibly passionate inside the classroom as he is now behind a microphone.
One of his students from that era, Tom Burger, who followed Perkins advice to pursue music along with athletics, went on to manage the band Hall and Oates, working with the prestigious Los Angeles, CA-based Wolfson Entertainment. Burger, who now runs his own Nashville, TN-based TAB Management, credits Perkins as an influence in his career, and considers Northfield one of his favorite new bands. He was also instrumental in introducing Northfield to Pilot Light Records, which is now managing Northfield’s distribution, promotion, and publicity.
“Northfield delivers a live set that is full of grungy alt-country heart, energy, and hometown pride – tight grooves, scuzzy 90’s vibes, soulful melodies, and a feel-good atmosphere that brings the whole crowd together,” said Burger.
With the release of “It’s Too Easy” on Pilot Light Records, now streaming around the world on sites like Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and Amazon Music, Northfield has also released a music video produced by Connor Rog of Kicker Pictures, Inc. The music video, now on YouTube, is a montage of original 8mm footage, set against footage of the band captured earlier this year. The music video has an experimental feel, perfectly capturing the spirit of the band, and the era of music it represents.
“It’s Too Easy” is the first of several singles to be released over the next few months, with the complete album due in early November, 2025. The band plans to release a music video for every single, following a “unique cascading waterfall strategy,” according to Marc Alan of Pilot Light Records.