Search Results

Joe Jonas is three-for-three with the singles off his upcoming solo album Music for People Who Believe in Love , and the latest track, “Heart by Heart,” is giving major slow-dance-in-the-rain  energy. The song just dropped today (April 25), and it’s a softer, stripped-back side of Joe — think delicate acoustic guitar, dreamy keys, and lyrics that hit you right in the chest. It’s tender, it’s raw, and it’s got that Lewis Capaldi sadness woven in (yep, he co-wrote it, along with Oscar Holter, Savan Kotecha, and Max Grahn). The production team? Stacked. Holter, Kotecha, and Fat Max Gsus are all over it, and it shows . Leading up to release day, Joe’s been on his softboy promo game — hosting a cozy hang at Caracas Bakery in Miami and giving New York fans a surprise performance at Bleecker Street Bar. A super-intimate Vevo live session is also floating around, filmed in one take out in LA, just him and the mic. No frills, just feelings. “Heart by Heart” is out now on all platforms via Republic Records — and if you’ve ever loved hard and lost harder, this one’s going to sting (in the best way). Stream it, cry to it, repeat.

Article by Rebecca McDevitt / Contributions by Rachel Wilson In the ever-evolving landscape of alternative music, few bands have been making waves quite like Young Culture. Hailing from Albany, New York, this dynamic trio has been carving out their place in the scene with a fresh blend of pop-punk, alternative rock, and irresistible melodies that captivate both nostalgic fans and new listeners alike. The Journey Begins Young Culture was formed in 2016 by longtime friends Alex Magnan (vocals), Gabe Pietrafesa (guitar), and Troy Burchett (guitar). Their shared love for music and a passion for storytelling through sound led them to craft their signature style. Their sound, reminiscent of early 2000s pop-punk with a modern twist, resonates with fans who crave both anthemic choruses and heartfelt narratives. Breaking Through Since their formation, Young Culture has steadily gained momentum, releasing a series of EPs and albums that have garnered critical acclaim. Their self-titled album, released in 2020, showcased their ability to seamlessly fuse pop and punk influences into a cohesive and exciting project. More recently, their 2022 album You Had to Be There  further solidified their standing in the alternative music world, highlighting their growth as musicians and songwriters. Their discography is filled with catchy hooks and unfiltered emotion, exemplifying the highs and lows of youth, relationships, and self-discovery. Tracks like “Hum,” “Better Off As Friends,” and “Whisky” highlight the band’s knack for balancing singalongs with introspective lyricism. A Live Experience Like No Other One of Young Culture’s strongest assets is their live performance. Known for their high-energy shows and genuine connection with fans, the band has built a loyal following across the country. They have toured extensively, sharing the stage with notable acts in the alternative and pop-punk scene like State Champs, Daisy Grenade, Meet Me @ The Altar, Broadside, and Grayscale. Their ability to create an intoxicating atmosphere at their shows speaks volumes about their dedication and talent. Photo by Rachel Wilson The Road Ahead With a strong social media presence and a growing fanbase, Young Culture is poised for even greater success. Their collaborations, including their recent single “Jesus” with fellow New York natives Daisy Grenade, show their willingness to experiment and evolve their sound. As they continue to push boundaries and explore new musical landscapes, there’s no doubt that Young Culture is a band to watch. Album Artwork for "Jesus" by Young Culture, Daisy Grenade For fans of alternative rock and pop-punk, Young Culture represents the best of both worlds. As they continue to rise, one thing is clear: Young Culture is here to stay.

Welcome back, boys. We missed you. Mayday Parade is 20 years in and somehow still managing to kick us in the feels like it’s 2007 and we’re all discovering heartbreak for the first time. Their new EP Sweet  (the first of a three-part rollout—yes, a trilogy!) is a warm, guitar-soaked hug to the old days and  a confident step forward. Right out of the gate, “By The Way” reminds us who they are: a band that’s survived scene phases, MySpace heartbreaks, and skinny jeans that probably should’ve been retired years ago. It’s catchy, it’s emo, it’s them . The kind of track that feels like screaming into your pillow, but in the best way. Pop-Punk Nostalgia With a Pulse “Who's Laughing Now” might be the standout here—it’s a full send into pop-punk throwback territory, and it absolutely rips. With driving drums, palm-muted verses, and Derek Sanders delivering vocals that sound like they could still break up a high school relationship, this one deserves to be screamed in a crowd with your best friends (and maybe your ex nearby, just for dramatic effect). The songwriting? Still sharp. The production? Crisp, clean, but not overdone. It’s clear these tracks were made with care—Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount, longtime collaborators, helped bring this one to life, and the chemistry’s still strong. “Pretty Good To Feel Something” – We Felt That The closer of this EP isn’t trying to be the flashiest—it’s trying to be the truest . “Pretty Good To Feel Something” wraps the whole thing in gratitude and growth. It’s reflective without being overly sentimental. It's not a goodbye letter; it’s more like a soft reset. A deep breath before what's next. So What’s the Verdict? If Sweet  is the beginning of a new Mayday Parade era, we’re fully here for it. It captures what made us fall in love with them in the first place—those big choruses, the earnest emotion, the undeniable sense that this band gets it . But it also shows a maturity that only comes from sticking around, figuring things out, and still finding something worth singing (and screaming) about. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for the next two installments. If they’re anything like Sweet , we’re in for something really  special. Rating: 9/10

A collective archive of unfiltered fan magic. Welcome to The Vault: Fan Edition— a fan-built digital archive, curated by SoundCheck Mag. This isn’t just a place to drop photos or stories. It’s a sacred space for everything that makes fandom electric, chaotic, and real. Think backstage tears, parking lot parties, pit selfies, polaroids taped to your mirror, or the TikTok you made at 2AM when your favorite artist announced a tour. Every whisper, every scream, every spark—preserved. Because your moments are the ones worth remembering. We’re collecting: Concert footage (any era, any vibe) Fan edits, memes, and handmade signs Outfit pics, DIY merch, posters Emotional breakdowns (written, audio, or video—we want them all) Art, letters, journals, and unreleased fan content Anything from the before, during, or after that tells your story No filters. No pressure. Just you, being a fan. Why “The Vault”? Because these are the things you save. The videos you watch on loop. The ticket you kept in your wallet. The blurry photo that somehow means everything. The industry documents the stage. We document the soul. UNLOCK THE VAULT. ADD YOUR MOMENTS TODAY. First name* Last name* TikTok Handle (For Credit) Instagram Handle (For Credit) Email* A window will open once you submit to upload your files to a DropBox. Thank you. Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

SoundCheck Mag is your exclusive source to music news and entertainment. Featuring some of today's hottest music stars and rising talent, we cater to bringing you closer to your favorite artists. From behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive interviews and photos you've never seen before. Find it all and more when you subscribe to SoundCheck Mag. Your backstage pass to music’s biggest moments The SoundCheck Festival Guide The Governors Ball Is Back and Bigger Than Ever Half•Alive Lights Up Detroit with Visual Brilliance and Unshakable Vibes Emo Meets EDM: Said The Sky & Taylor Acorn Craft Something Special on “Reminisce” Late Nights & Lustrous Sounds: The Driver Era’s Obsession is a Fever Dream You’ll Want to Stay In WE CATER TO THE Creatives Discover RAW Spotlight Fans Explore Fan Lens Artists Uncover Artists Submission Welcome to Your Front Row Seat! Soundcheck Mag is “Your backstage pass to music’s biggest moments,” delivering photography-driven coverage of concerts, festivals, and exclusive artist experiences. From day-in-the-life vlogs and fan recaps to deep artist features, we capture music from every angle, blending inside access with fan perspectives across genres like pop, rock, indie, rap, and R&B. We're dedicated to providing an elite experience for our friends, because like you, we're music fans too. Experience all the excitement from every angle, exclusively at SoundCheck Mag! Subscribe to Our Mag!

About Rebecca McDevitt Co-founder, Chief Marketing Officer, East Coast Photography Coverage, & Managing Editor of SoundCheck Mag From Passion Project to Concert Photography For Rebecca McDevitt, photography began as a simple creative outlet—an opportunity to capture memories of family and her beloved dogs with her first camera, a Nikon D3400. It was never about turning a hobby into a career. It was about freezing moments in time, preserving emotion, and seeing the world through a new lens. But everything changed when she found herself photographing live music. A few friends in local bands needed a photographer, and Rebecca, always up for a challenge, stepped in. The rush of capturing artists in their element, the unfiltered energy of a live performance, and the connection between musicians and their fans sparked something in her. "I immediately fell in love with it," Rebecca reflects. "The unpredictability of live music, the raw emotion on stage—there's nothing like it. You only get a split second to capture the perfect shot, and that kind of pressure is what makes it so rewarding." Shaping a Signature Style Rebecca’s earliest experiences in music photography were shaped by her time working with Flowers for Taco and Light Up The Moon, two cover bands that toured across the Tri-State area. These experiences gave her a crash course in fast-paced, low-light shooting environments—forcing her to develop a distinct approach. "I grew up in a small town where cover bands were huge," she says. "It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me everything—how to work in difficult lighting, how to anticipate movement, and how to bring out the energy of a performance in a still image." Her aesthetic evolved into something darker, grungier—deep contrasts, moody tones, and dramatic lighting. Alternative music and aesthetics became her core inspirations, allowing her to develop an editing style that resonated with fans and artists alike. A Defining Moment Behind the Lens While she has photographed countless artists, one of Rebecca’s most memorable moments wasn’t at a traditional concert. It was at The Basement Yard Experience—a live podcast tour that brought its fan-driven community to theaters across the country. She was hired to shoot their Washington, D.C. show in June of 2024, and the experience left a lasting impact. "It wasn’t your typical concert, but it was so fan-driven," she says. "Watching people interact with something they love, seeing how much it meant to them—that's what live events are all about. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career." Building SoundCheck Mag: A New Vision for Music Journalism Rebecca’s journey into the music industry wasn’t just about photography. She saw a huge gap in music journalism—one where the behind-the-scenes creatives, smaller artists, and dedicated fans were overlooked. Alongside LJ Portnoy, she co-founded SoundCheck Mag, determined to build a platform that gave voice to the entire music community—not just the biggest names in the industry. "There are so many people working tirelessly behind the scenes—photographers, videographers, lighting designers, producers. They rarely get recognized, but they’re the backbone of the industry," she explains. "And then there are the fans. Fans are the reason live music exists, and yet, they’re often left out of the conversation. We wanted to change that." A Mission Beyond the Mainstream SoundCheck Mag isn’t just about highlighting rising artists—it’s about reshaping the way people experience music media. While major publications focus on the industry’s biggest stars, Rebecca and her team are committed to covering local bands, independent artists, and the people who make concerts possible behind the scenes. "We’re not here to chase headlines," she says. "We’re here to tell the stories that matter—to bring fans closer to the artists they love and introduce them to the ones they haven’t discovered yet." Her goal is to expand SoundCheck Mag into a bi-coastal operation, with offices in New York City and Los Angeles. She envisions a growing team of writers, photographers, and creatives—all united by a shared passion for music. Leading SoundCheck Mag: A Multi-Faceted Role As CMO, Co-founder, East Coast Photography Coverage Lead, and Managing Editor, Rebecca wears multiple hats, helping bring SoundCheck Mag’s vision to life. Her responsibilities include: Overseeing marketing & branding strategies to expand the magazine’s reach. Managing new hires and curating a diverse team of creatives. Developing and designing magazine layouts, ensuring every issue has a unique aesthetic. Writing press releases, interviews, and feature articles to spotlight emerging talent. Handling artist & brand collaborations, ensuring strategic partnerships that align with the publication’s mission. But above all, she’s most excited about the opportunity to photograph and interview new artists, discover rising talent, and continue building a platform that celebrates the full spectrum of the music industry. A Creative Force in Music Media Rebecca McDevitt isn’t just a photographer or a music journalist—she’s a creative force reshaping how the music industry is documented. With SoundCheck Mag, she’s building something bigger than herself—a platform that celebrates artists, fans, and the behind-the-scenes creatives who bring live music to life. As she continues to push boundaries, one thing is clear: her lens isn’t just capturing music—it’s capturing a movement. Advice for Aspiring Photographers & Writers For those looking to break into concert photography or music journalism, Rebecca’s advice is simple: Photographers: "Never stop learning. Your first photos won’t be perfect, but that’s part of the process. Watch YouTube tutorials, experiment with different editing styles, and keep pushing yourself." Writers: "Write every day. Even if you think it’s not good enough—keep writing. Your voice matters, and the more you practice, the stronger it will become." Personal Favorites and Fun Facts Rebecca’s music taste is deeply personal, shaped by the artists who soundtracked her life. Her favorite albums include: "Lovely Little Lonely" – The Maine "Best Intentions" – We Are The In Crowd "It’s About Time" – Jonas Brothers And speaking of the Jonas Brothers—they remain her dream artist to photograph. "They’ve been my favorite band through everything," she says. "If I ever get the chance to shoot them, I’ll probably cry." Beyond photography, Rebecca has another unexpected talent—bowling. She once placed 9th in a state tournament, a feat that still surprises people when they learn about it.