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Jake Kussmaul

I come from a family who is passionate about all things music. I learned to sing at an early age, and by 13, had my very own Fender Strat guitar. I tried my hardest at learning all that I could. Because I was born with cerebral palsy, I had to teach myself an adaptive playing style. I learned to write and record my own music, despite these difficulties. In college, I started making great use of my writing abilities by reviewing music, as well as copy editing. I guess it's best to stick with what you know, while welcoming a fair challenge at the same time.

Single Review: Randi Fay – “Lone Wolf” ft. Aaron Zinsmeister

Randi Fay is a multigenre singer/songwriter based in Green Bay, Wisconson. Initially, Fay held an extensive career in veterinary medicine before a debilitating hand injury would force her out of it in 2001. A decade later, after regaining her momentum by way of non-profit work, music fast became one of …

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Interview: Life of Agony’s Mina Caputo talks River Runs Red, The Sound of Scars, band chemistry, and more

On October 12, 1993, veteran Brooklyn quartet Life of Agony released their seminal debut album, River Runs Red. The album’s sound contained elements of grunge, thrash, and hardcore – a combination that resonated strongly with alternative rock and metal fans alike. Coupled with a lyrical concept involving the motions of …

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Single Review: Luclover – “Her Loss (ft. DMXN)”

Luclover has always had musical talent in his bones, but that asset was not yet initially fostered. The Texas-based Moroccan rapper instead advanced as an aspiring basketball player, a path shaped through both traditional and at-home lessons. By early 2019, however, his drive for basketball had waned, and music would …

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Single Review: Dirty Snowman Society – “Taste of Heaven”

Colorado’s Dirty Snowman Society is an alternative rock band comprising singer-drummer Frank Costantini, lead guitarist Jonnie Law, rhythm guitarist Chris Todoroff, and bassist Patrick Linfante. Formed in 2017, The Copper Mountain quartet comes from a varied range of backgrounds, having held such established position as Emmy-winning TV director and best-selling …

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Album Review: Maxime – The Honest Me Pt. 1

Maxime Boublil is a singer-songwriter from Paris, France. Both of Boublil’s parents had been deeply involved in musical theater during his childhood years, his father having written Miss Saigon and Les Miserables, while his mother portrayed the first Cosette in the latter’s local production. After over a decade of classical …

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Album Review: Thelonious Love – The Book of Thelonious

Thelonious Love is an emerging rapper, lyricist, and performer hailing from Houston, Texas. Having initially built an extensive background in theater, Love soon found his calling in music. He joined up with artist collective Jurnt Entertainment upon moving to Austin, developing a reputation for his fire-and-brimstone songwriting approach. Armed with …

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Single Review: Ritz Murphy – “Boytoy”

Ritz Murphy is best known for his tenure in pop trio Rare Blend, who hit it big with the 1997 MTV favorite, “Swang,” and again with “Boom Boom Boom,” as part of the soundtrack to the acclaimed 2000 movie Coyote Ugly. Following a move from San Diego to Los Angeles, …

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Album Review: Lailien – Ensoular

Lailien functions as both the pseudonym and alter ego of Bradley Shubat. Based in Toronto, Canada, the composer, producer, and director initially developed his musical sensibilities through piano at age 5. Shubat’s influence scope throughout adolescence would further expand to include equal traces of alternative rock, jazz, electronica and pop, …

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