In conversation with ‘Beneath the Garden Magazine’: unveiling inspiration as the heart of storytelling If you visit the website of Beneath the Garden Magazine and click on their mission statement—as most writers who are eager to submit their work do—you will meet a quote from Audre Lorde’s collection of essays, Sister Outsider: “I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood.” …

'Beneath the Garden Magazine' is another indie magazine focused on sharing the literary works of up-and-coming writers. Read here about why small magazines like this are vital, as told by the team themselves:

In Conversation With: Claire Martine

“A little grunge, a little dreamy, a little kitschy.” This is the description of the sound that Claire Martine, Milwaukee native-turned New York transplant, has been cultivating and creating for herself. “With leaning into the grunge side of things, with having…

In conversation with Yawn Mower: ten years later Ten years in, Yawn Mower hasn’t drifted far from where it began. Rooted in New Jersey, the band has grown in size and sound, yet its foundation is still tied to the place that shaped it. “I personally would only want to be celebrating a ten-year anniversary with New Jersey,” explained frontman Mike Chick. “I don’t know if I would rather be in any other state than this beautiful state.”

In conversation with Yawn Mower: ten years later

Ten years in, Yawn Mower hasn’t drifted far from where it began. Rooted in New Jersey, the band has grown in size and sound, yet its foundation is still tied to the place that shaped it. “I personally would only want to be celebrating a ten-year…

In conversation with Amanda Conti: the personal and professional pieces of songwriting Of all things, it was an Instagram ad that brought the nonprofit RiverJAM Music to Amanda Conti’s attention. “I don’t know how I saw ,” she explained. “And it was such funny timing because the night before, it just had a whole breakdown about the fact that I felt very disconnected from myself as a songwriter and a musician. I hadn’t written in a while, and it’s a big part of my identity.

First in our series of RiverJAM's songwriting mentorees, Amanda Conti shares the importance of balancing the professional and personal aspects of songwriting and how RiverJAM helps her with both:

In conversation with Gavin Kim of Blush Boy: building a band, part 2 Gavin Kim has always been a musician first; now being in Blush Boy is a dream come true. Kim has been surrounded by music his entire life. Since his early days performing in the Broadway production of School of Rock, being in a band has always been the game plan. “I feel like the seed was kind of planted when I was in…

Here's the second part in our interview series with the members of Blush Boy. Now, Gavin Kim shares his thoughts on starting the band:

RiverJAM Music’s Songs & Stories showcases three generations of guitar virtuosity Red Bank, NJ, saw three generations of guitar talent perform at RiverJAM Music’s Listening Room: Songs & Stories concert on March 25. With Pat Guadagno, Johnny Kasun, and Luke Brindley showing off their fingerpicking skills, the venue was filled with the type of infectious melodies only a guitar can produce. The night began with Reagan Richards and Gordon Brown of Williams Honor…

RiverJAM Music's sold-out event boasted three generations of guitar talent. Read about the night here:

In conversation with Kyra Soto: finding confidence in first drafts Kyra Soto is no stranger to performing. Where some shy in front of the lens of a camera or the idea of being perceived, she thrives. “I grew up within the arts, and I've always just loved being in front of cameras.” She immediately recounts the Nickelodeon show iCarly, which served as the OG average-person-to-influencer pipe dream. “I loved that show and messing around in front of a camera, and always pretended to be making, like, iKyras… I think that’s what introduced me .” Her parents’ support was thus shown through Soto’s mother making her audition for an arts middle school, an act that Soto at the time remained apprehensive about.

Kyra Soto's second single comes out on Friday, and we spoke with her about what it means to leave everything on the page when writing music. Read our conversation here:

In conversation with Into Sunday: cultivating connection and finding meaning in the darkness  Emo pop-punk band, Into Sunday, is not afraid of the dark. In fact, they embrace it.  Founded in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the band has been making its mark on the local scene, exploring the gritty and emotional aspects of music since its members' early days attending Coughlin High School.  Growing up, Into Sunday lead singer, Taylor Chronowski, and drummer, Matt Ceklosky, bonded over their mutual love of emo bands and alternative music—specifically, iconic pop-punk band Blink-182.

Emo pop-punk band, Into Sunday, is not afraid of the dark. In fact, they embrace it. Read about our conversation with the trio here:

REVIEW – Mike Chick’s single ‘Atom Bomb’ makes art out of the rubble Fans of the Asbury Park music scene are no strangers to Yawn Mower. Their lo-fi indie sounds have performed all over Asbury and gained a growing fan base. Now, Mike Chick is preparing to release his newest LP, Congarts, on April 17. On March 20, Chick released “Atom Bomb,” the third single from the album. “Atom Bomb” follows Chick’s previous LP singles “Tomorrow is a Blur” and “Corona” and continues the album's anticipated vocal fun and hints at Chick’s Yawn Mower roots. 

We listened to the latest single of Yawn Mower's Mike Chick. Read about why we gave it a four-star review here:

The Playlist: Our Favorite Songs for the Month of February - The Pop Break The Playlist is a brand new column for Pop Break celebrating the songs we love at this very moment, and we think you, our readers, should be putting in your life as well! This column features recommen...

It's Pop Break's monthly playlist column - check out songs from Faith Hill, Motorhead, Jadakiss, Bad Bunny, Bob Dylan ... and Ninjago???

@billbodkin.bsky.social, @the-underground-edit.com, @bertrandallain.bsky.social , @kris-ingersoll.bsky.social, @bjhbowman.bsky.social & more!

Ren Genevieve on “Everything I Never Said” & The Importance of Leaning into Your Feelings - The Pop Break An interview with singer/songwriter Ren Genevieve about her new song, “Everything I Never Said.”

Gabrielle Sangataldo of @the-underground-edit.com interviews emerging pop/soul singer Ren Genevieve about her new music.

Heated Rivalry Isn't Hollywood — That's Why We Love It An editorial on why Crave's queer romantic drama Heated Rivalry has become the hit it has become.

Gabrielle Sangtaaldo of @the-underground-edit.com drops an editorial on why Heated Rivalry is so beloved.

Bella Lam Aptly Takes It Out on Her Guitar in New Firey Single An interview with Bella Lam on her new single "Take It Out on My Guitar," her viral TikTok show and being a student & touring musician.

We interviewed rising country star and TikTok sensation Bella Lam about her new song. @the-underground-edit.com

In conversation with Johnny Kasun: one guitar, endless possibilities For many musicians, the guitar is just one piece of a larger band. For Johnny Kasun, it is the entire show. Through his use of fingerstyle guitar, Kasun creates the sound of multiple musicians at once, weaving melody, rhythm, and basslines together on a single instrument. When a guitar was placed in Kasun’s hand at nine years old, he originally did not see it as a passion, but rather something to do.

In conversation with Johnny Kasun: one guitar, endless possibilities

For many musicians, the guitar is just one piece of a larger band. For Johnny Kasun, it is the entire show. Through his use of fingerstyle guitar, Kasun creates the sound of multiple musicians at once, weaving melody, rhythm, and…

REVIEW — ‘Heart the Lover’ by Lily King With no pun intended, I am a lover of Lily King. She is the ultimate indie literary darling, frequently appearing on the Indie Next List and loudly supporting independent booksellers; King provides a proud voice within the multifaceted community of indie writers. So, naturally, I needed my hands on Heart the Lover as quickly as possible, which I succeeded in. Immediately, I realized this book is a prequel and sequel to…

We read Lily King's most recent novel and rode the rollercoaster of emotions. See why our writer Lilly Wright gave this a glowing 5 stars:

In conversation with Pat Guadagno: how to make your own kind of music If you’re lucky, you’ll get to hear two versions of a song: the original version and the Pat Guadagno version.  For almost 50 years, the celebrated singer and musician has been entertaining audiences with his lively and unique stylings of beloved music, continuing to elevate songs with his innate musicality and one-of-a-kind perspective. Born and raised in New Jersey, Guadagno is well-known for his outstanding command of the guitar.

Ahead of his RiverJAM Music Listening Room performance, we talked with Pat Guadagno about his long-standing career and goals for the future:

In conversation with Luke Brindley: living for the music Music is second nature for Luke Brindley. From growing up in a music-centric family in North Jersey to studying the art in school, it’s almost as if music is the sun and Brindley lives in its orbit. “My parents were amateur musicians,” Brindley explained, “and I played in a duo with my brother. Music, and especially live music, was always a part of who we were as a family growing up… Everything I've done since I was a kid has been focused around music in some way or another.”

Ahead of his performance at RiverJAM Music's Listening Room on March 25, we sat down with Luke Brindley to discuss his music and what listeners can expect later this month:

In conversation with Em Beihold: unveiling the curtain on debut album, ‘Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter’ Sitting down, hand-making unicorn necklaces for “Unicorn,” Em Beihold talks about her long-awaited debut album, Tales Of A Shapeshifter, as part of °1824’s press conference. After her 2022 breakout hit, “Numb Little Bug,” went viral on TikTok, Beihold faced an identity crisis and a creative block while at the height of her career. This album chronicles that period of burnout, therapy, and a return to the instincts and artists that made songwriting feel like the place that she belongs in. 

Em Beihold shared about her influences and debut album, 'Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter.' Read all the details here:

In conversation with Kenna Heim of Blushboy: building a band, part 1 For Kenna Heim, the start of her journey with Blushboy wasn’t a grand cinematic moment; it was a curious raised hand. “At one of our orientation meetings, I raised my hand and said something that told everybody that I was a singer,” Heim recalled. “Then I was approached by Gavin , and he was like, ‘Oh, I heard you're a singer.

We sat down with Kenna Heim to talk about her beginnings with the band Blushboy. Read about it only on our site:

Sarah Kinsley offers insight to new EP, Fleeting Last spring, a New York City based singer-songwriter was struck with inspiration. In January, Sarah Kinsley spoke with the °1824 division of Universal Music Group about her upcoming EP, Fleeting. The artist is releasing five songs exploring vulnerability, impermanence, and the cinematic beauty of music. Kinsley has been consistently releasing music for seven years, with Fleeting being her fifth EP.

Sarah Kinsley offers insight to new EP, Fleeting

Last spring, a New York City based singer-songwriter was struck with inspiration. In January, Sarah Kinsley spoke with the °1824 division of Universal Music Group about her upcoming EP, Fleeting. The artist is releasing five songs exploring…

In conversation with Lilies of David: power in contrast Lilies of David didn’t set out to become a band. Originating as an alternative pop duo between Jeremy Rotolo and Dierdra McGrath, the project has since evolved into a five-piece band, joined by Michael Pulice (lead guitar), Matt Sonzogni (bass), and Derek Arnheiter (drums). “I kind of indirectly found out she could sing,” recalled Rotolo, who plays rhythm guitar and provides lead vocals. 

In conversation with Lilies of David: power in contrast

Lilies of David didn’t set out to become a band. Originating as an alternative pop duo between Jeremy Rotolo and Dierdra McGrath, the project has since evolved into a five-piece band, joined by Michael Pulice (lead guitar), Matt Sonzogni…

In conversation with Shrike and Thorn Productions: how a passion for creativity fosters community Macedonia Alexis and Evan Sims were raised with stories. Growing up with access to all kinds of media, storytelling was infused into the very marrow of their existence. “We both watched the classic Pixar and DreamWorks movies growing up. Emperor’s New Groove definitely played a part in forming our sense of humor,” Sims explained, “I really enjoy how film ties a lot of art forms together.” Film, music, and literature were not only childhood hobbies but also points of inspiration for their creative lives.

In conversation with Shrike and Thorn Productions: how a passion for creativity fosters community

Macedonia Alexis and Evan Sims were raised with stories. Growing up with access to all kinds of media, storytelling was infused into the very marrow of their existence. “We both watched the classic…

In conversation with Ren Genevieve: everything she never said When Ren Genevieve was working on her debut single for her upcoming EP, Everything I Never Said, one motto kept repeating in her head: “If you think this song is about you, it probably is.” That sentiment became the backbone of the project’s lead single and namesake, “Everything I Never Said,” released on January 16. “For me, songwriting is sometimes a moment to say something I might not actually say to someone,” Genevieve explained.

Ren Genevieve spoke with us about her tell-all, upcoming EP, "Everything I Never Said" and the titular track here:

In conversation with Nectarine Girl: hyperfixations and ‘Good Excuses for Laziness’ Nectarine Girl’s name stems from a two-week hyperfixation on her namesake fruit, which gradually grew to represent the sensitive girl she is on the inside. If she had to change her name to her current obsession, though, she says it would be Orchids. “I’m excited about the challenge,” she says, the smile evident in her voice. “I love keeping plants, so I’m excited to have so many orchids in my house.”

We sat down with Nectarine Girl where she shared horticulture tips, how she handles new music releases, and her latest album "Good Excuses for Laziness." Read the conversation only on our site:

In conversation with James Maddock: unraveling the mystery of songwriting British-born singer/songwriter James Maddock is renowned for his rousing live performances, deeply emotional music, and his innate ability to connect with audiences everywhere.  For Maddock, his passion for music began at a very young age, under the wing of his grandfather, a semi-professional ukulele player. Learning to play the instrument himself, Maddock soon understood the greater musical possibilities open to him.

James Maddock, post performance at RiverJAM Music's Listening Room event in January, shared his songwriting process and the mysteries involved. Read our conversation here:

In conversation with Kelsey Blackstone: making music with friends, for friends Kelsey Blackstone’s relationship with music has spanned her entire life. From early piano lessons and cello rehearsals to a cross-country move from Boston, Massachusetts, to Nashville, Tennessee, music has remained both her anchor and her ambition. “I started classical piano when I was 5 years old,” she says. “I always loved performing—I always loved being on stage and making the music.

In conversation with Kelsey Blackstone: making music with friends, for friends

Kelsey Blackstone’s relationship with music has spanned her entire life. From early piano lessons and cello rehearsals to a cross-country move from Boston, Massachusetts, to Nashville, Tennessee, music has remained both…

In conversation with Kiersten Blue: looking at the ‘Girl In The Mirror’ On the outside, Kiersten Blue is exactly what her name suggests: blue hair, melancholic lyrics, and even a single appropriately titled “Blue.” On the inside, though, Kiersten is overcome by an unmistakable drive and love for creating music. The singer is relatively new to the music world, having started during the COVID-19 pandemic almost six years ago. Inspired to pick up guitar again, Kiersten started writing music and amassed over 100 songs within her first year.

We spoke with Asbury Park-based artist Kiersten Blue about her latest EP and what it means to have a musical drive:

In conversation with Emmalee Rainbow: her new slow-building anthem, ‘I’ve Had Some Wine’ Emmalee Rainbow celebrated her 21st birthday in Las Vegas, battling a cold. She commemorated this moment in her notes app, which turned into her newest single, “I’ve Had Some Wine." Rainbow, who is from Los Angeles, began her career in entertainment as a child actress, appearing in national commercials, films, and popular TV shows such as Modern Family and NCIS…

Emmalee Rainbow shared with us the inspiration for her newest single, "I've Had Some Wine." Read about what she had to say only on our site:

Five Underground Albums That Got Me Through 2025 I had more than one person tell me that 2025 was a tough year for them. Whether it be socially, politically, or just several external factors that were weighing on their mind, it was not an easy year to separate the art from whatever else was going on in the world. It also doesn’t help that popular music did not reflect this. 

Here are some of the underground albums that we're deeming to be staples of 2025:

REVIEW — ‘Canticle’ by Janet Rich Edwards We are living in a period swamped with literary fiction. The stocked shelves of bookstores and BookTok doom-scrolling all point to its dominance, specifically in the cult of superiority fostered through its dry intellectual engagement riddled with irony and realism. To be a cool and well-rounded reader is to be a reader of “lit fic.” Canticle by Janet Rich Edwards is a breath of fresh air in this monogamous popular book culture.

We read "Canticle" by Janet Rich Edwards. See why we give it a glowing 5 stars: