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PRESS RELEASE FROM SHUTTER UP & LISTEN - APRIL 25, 2025 Just ahead of Mental Health Awareness Month, Leo Dante unveils his powerful new single, “Medicine” — a raw and resonant pop-rock track that dives headfirst into the complexities of mental health. Co-written by Alessandro Rütten (Leo Dante), Liam Heinze, Maria Christensen, and Wesley Steed, “Medicine” captures the haunting cycle of intrusive thoughts, the weight of anxiety, and the yearning for something — anything — to numb the pain. Produced by Leo Dante, Liam Heinze, and Myles Priest, the track fuses gritty guitars and hard-hitting drums with Dante’s soaring, emotionally charged vocals. It’s a sonic storm that mirrors the inner chaos many face in silence. “Medicine” doesn’t just showcase Dante’s artistry — it opens the door for honest conversation, giving a voice to the struggles that often go unseen. Bold, cathartic, and unapologetically vulnerable, “Medicine” More than just a song, it is a timely reminder that acknowledging pain is a powerful first step— and that no one struggles alone. About Leo Dante Ever wondered what you’d get if you were to throw the pop anthems of Twenty One Pilots, the alt-rock energy of Bring Me The Horizon, the vocal prowess of Steven Tyler, the nu-metal angst and gravel of the late Chester Bennington and the RnB licks of Usher into a blender? Well…..The answer to that would probably be Leo Dante. Based in Nashville, Tennessee; the German born pop-rocker is a multinational, multi-lingual and multi-talented artist, singer, songwriter, multiinstrumentalist, producer, performer and even viral social media star…Leo Dante really can do it all. A previous contestant for The Voice Germany and Eurovision, Leo has performed on stages across the world including for legendary hitmaker Desmond Child where he was asked to sing lead vocals for Aerosmith’s ‘Crazy’ at his sold out 2022 ‘Desmond Child Rocks the Parthenon’ concert among the ancient ruins in Athens, Greece. Leo has also been a featured artist for multiplatinum selling Swedish EDM legends Mike Perry, TEN TIMES and Erlandsson and Sony Germany's Leon Brooks. Having racked up millions of streams and editorial playlist placements across all major DSP’s in the past year alone, Leo has gained thousands of followers and millions of views across his social media accounts and his Leo Dante's covers have caught the eyes and ears of record labels and the original artists around the world, even getting reaction posts, likes and comments from Sam Tompkins, Teddy Swims and MGK along the way!

Date:  April 15, 2025 Venue:  St. Andrew’s Hall, Detroit, MI T our:  Personas World Tour Contributed By: LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief Photographer: LJ Portnoy Photography - Half-Alive in Detroit, MI On a wet and slightly dreary Tuesday night in Detroit, Half•Alive offered an antidote to the gloom, delivering an immersive audiovisual experience that blurred the lines between concert and performance art. Touring in support of their Personas  World Tour, the band brought their innovative, movement-infused stage production to St. Andrew’s Hall, transforming the venue into a multisensory environment steeped in color, rhythm, and collective energy. From the initial notes of the first opener to the final crescendo of the night, the atmosphere was electric—undeterred by the rain falling just outside. Photographer: LJ Portnoy Photography - Crowd during Half-Alive in Detroit, MI Setting the Stage: Mehro & The Walters Photographer: LJ Portnoy Photography - Mehro performing in Detroit, MI The evening commenced with Mehro  (pronounced “Marrow”), whose emotionally resonant vocals and understated presence immediately drew in the audience. His connection with the crowd extended beyond the stage; following his set, Mehro greeted fans at the merch table, engaging in thoughtful, unrushed conversations. These 5–10 minute interactions demonstrated an uncommon level of care and sincerity—reflecting an artist invested not only in performance, but in human connection. Photographer: LJ Portnoy Photography - The Walters in Detroit, MI The second act, The Walters , shifted the tone with a warm, melodic set that balanced nostalgia with modern sensibility. Their sound, accessible yet rich, proved to be an ideal bridge to the headliner, and by the end of their performance, many attendees expressed newfound appreciation for the band—an indication of their growing resonance. Enter the Personas: Half•Alive’s Signature Experience When Half•Alive took the stage, the venue erupted. Attendees leapt to their feet, the majority singing and dancing in sync with the music. The band’s entrance featured surrealist "Personas"—costumed, puppet-like creatures—evoking a dreamlike theatricality and immediately establishing the show’s conceptual framework. The set design featured a staircase that doubled as both a visual centerpiece and a choreographic tool, enhanced by a lighting palette dominated by purples, deep blues, and warm reds that shifted fluidly to underscore the emotional tone of each track. Photographer: LJ Portnoy Photography - Half-Alive in Detroit, MI The choreography—executed by lead vocalist Josh Taylor alongside two dancers—was precise, interpretive, and seamlessly integrated into the musical performance. Rather than distracting from the music, the movement elevated it, offering a physical interpretation of lyrical themes and creating a layered performance that was both visceral and cerebral. Spanning 22 songs, the setlist reflected a carefully curated balance of older fan favorites and new material. The sonic progression felt intentional, with moments of high energy to start the show, slower songs filling out the middle, and bringing it back home for the end. A standout moment occurred during “R.I.P.,” when the lead singer of The Walters returned to the stage for a surprise collaboration. The crowd’s response was immediate and enthusiastic, underscoring the communal tone of the evening and the synergy among the touring acts. Photographer: LJ Portnoy Photography - Half-Alive in Detroit, MI The Audience Dynamic The crowd at St. Andrew’s was notably generous in spirit—fans were actively creating space for others, sharing in the moment rather than competing for it. During peak moments, hands were raised in celebration, some attendees capturing the experience on their phones, others dancing without a care in the world. The overall mood was one of shared joy, connection, and release. Photographer: LJ Portnoy - Audience during Mehro's set Photographer’s Perspective As credentialed press, I had the opportunity to photograph the first three songs from the front-of-house. These opening moments revealed a show built on contrasts—precision and chaos, intimacy and spectacle. From the vantage point of the balcony later in the evening, the full scope of the lighting design became apparent. The visual storytelling elements, particularly the lighting choreography during songs such as “still feel.” and “All My Love (Imperative),” intensified the emotional resonance and elevated the live experience well beyond standard concert parameters. Final Thoughts What defined the evening was not simply technical execution or performance flair, but the emotional atmosphere created by both the artists and the audience. Half•Alive successfully merged high-concept visuals with deeply personal themes, delivering a show that felt as intellectually engaging as it was viscerally entertaining. For fans both seasoned and new, this was not merely a concert—it was a communal act of expression. And for many, it’s a night that will echo long after the final note faded from St. Andrew’s walls.

Album Artwork & Photo by Chris Eadie. For anyone who's felt too much and said too little—this album speaks the language. JP Saxe doesn’t write love songs. He writes what happens after. The shame. The silence. The parts we think we’re the only ones feeling. Articulate Excuses  is a tight, emotionally fraught collection of eight songs that dig deep, hit hard, and leave a mark. It's vulnerable without asking for your pity. Romantic without being sweet. Reflective without ever offering a clean conclusion. If you're going through something—or recently went  through something—this album doesn't just speak to you. It sits down next to you, places a hand on your shoulder, and quietly whispers, “Yeah, same.” Don’t Leave Me Alone With My Thoughts “Don’t leave me alone with my thoughts” - Smartphone Make Me Dumb This is where it begins—and where it already aches. The opening track of Articulate Excuses  isn’t loud. It doesn’t try to impress. It just cuts right through the noise and lands where your most tender fears live. That single repeated line is almost too real for those of us who’ve used our phones to drown out what’s happening inside. It’s haunting. And it’s beautiful. I’m Sorry That I Want You But Don’t Choose You “I'm sorry that I use you, sorry I confuse you, I'm sorry that I only show up when I'm scared to lose you, I'm sorry that I want you, but don't choose you, ‘I'm sorry’ don't mean what it used to ." - I Wanna Move to Brooklyn There’s a rise and fall in this track that mirrors the way anxiety pulses through a relationship on the edge. It’s deeply reflective and emotionally brutal. It doesn’t ask for forgiveness. It just lays the pain bare. This one lit my chest on fire—because I’ve been on both ends of those lines. This is the song that feels too  close, and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. I Wanna Make You Feel Safe—Whatever That Means “I wanna make you feel safe, Whatever that means, Am I strong enough to let you feel free?  If you wanna stay, If you need to leave, I'm still learning what it means.” - Safe This song is quiet, but it carries the weight of a hundred unspoken fears. The melody moves gently, but the words press hard. There’s something so real in trying to love someone right when you don’t even know what that means anymore. It’s not about grand gestures—it’s about sitting with uncertainty, and still showing up. A Baddie With A Vibe I Can’t Feel About "A Baddie With a Vape Addiction" This is the album’s curveball. It's sensual. Quirky. But it doesn’t carry the emotional weight that defines the rest of the project. The tapping tempo feels out of sync with the rest of the record, and it didn’t land for me. It’s fine—but in an album that otherwise guts you, this one just grazes the surface. I Make A Fist, Trying To Reach For A Hand “It's killing us, it's killing me, In some cases, literally, literally. I wanna crumble into someone I wish I knew how I could loosen my grip, But I make a fist, trying to reach for a hand." - Soft Ass Bitch This is the kind of song that makes you stop what you're doing and just feel . There's an honesty here that’s not trying to be poetic—it just is . Raw. Real. Visceral. It’s the sound of someone admitting they’re losing their grip while desperately trying to hold on. This one grabbed me. Hard. You’re Gonna Be Okay Anyway “Whether or not you want it, Your whole life's gonna change, I'd be lying saying, Everything will be okay, You're gonna be okay anyway.” - Okay Anyway This one feels like it was written for right now. For the middle of the change. For the grief of letting go. It doesn’t offer false comfort—it offers real  hope. And sometimes, that’s the only thing that feels honest. This song swirls through pain, heartbreak, and healing, and it doesn’t rush the process. It sits with it. And it sits with you . Here’s My Full Attention—Have It Inconsistently “Is it too soon to say I wish you were beside me?  I want that space in the back of your mind, I wanna temporarily do everything right. Here's my full attention, have it inconsistently, Hear you out with that manipulative sympathy." - Let a Ginger Make You Cry This track lives in the push-pull. It’s messy, romantic, self-aware, and a little manipulative—all at once. It’s not the strongest on the album, but there’s something painfully honest in the way it admits: I want to be better, but I don’t know how to be consistent.  It's the emotional equivalent of a half-truth said with good intentions. It Could’ve Ended Stronger The final track—an interlude from Saxe’s grandfather—feels oddly placed. It doesn’t offer closure, or elevate the themes we’ve been reckoning with. After everything that came before it, this one feels more like a whisper that trails off mid-sentence. It doesn’t ruin the album—but it does leave it feeling a little unfinished. So What’s the Verdict? Articulate Excuses  is a beautifully devastating album. It doesn't try to be perfect—it just tries to be real . And it succeeds. For those who feel too deeply, love too messily, and are still figuring themselves out—this is for you. It’s an emotional time capsule of shame, longing, grief, healing, and everything in between. It won’t fix your heartbreak. But it might help you sit with it. Rating: 8/10   ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tracks You’ll Keep Repeating: “Smartphone Make Me Dumb”  “I Wanna Move to Brooklyn”  “Safe”  “Soft Ass Bitch”  “Okay Anyways” Tracks You Might Skip:   “Grandpa’s Interlude”  “Baddie With a Vape Addiction” This album doesn’t just tell a story—it feels  like one. And that story might be yours, too.

PRESS RELEASE Pre-save Everest HERE Halestorm, the GRAMMY-winning band initially formed by siblings Lzzy and Arejay Hale with guitarist Joe Hottinger and bassist Josh Smith, have announced Everest , their sixth studio album out August 8 on Atlantic Records. Today the band also announced the “nEVEREST Duality tour,” a US/Canada tour this fall with Lindsey Stirling and supported by Apocalyptica. Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 2 at 10 AM local time.  Last week, the band offered a glimpse of Everest with “Darkness Always Wins,” the first song to be revealed from the upcoming collection. The song teases an album, produced by GRAMMY winner Dave Cobb (Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell), that dives deeply, both lyrically and sonically, into the band’s mountainous climb over the last couple decades. “Our album Everest is a story of our journey as a band, full of beautiful endings and new beginnings,” says Halestorm frontwoman Lzzy Hale. “We weave a tangled web of melancholy, frustration, anger and the vast purgatory of love and love lost. It is a rollercoaster of epic musical detours, great songwriting and completely unhinged twists and turns. Everest is an auditory representation of the 4 pillars of Halestorm. Let us reintroduce ourselves and invite you into our world…if you dare.” Rolling Stone said of “Darkness Always Wins,” "What the song has going for is its catchy, brooding, and dramatic in all the ways we love Halestorm songs to be,” and Revolver noted "The arrangement remains lean even as the amps begin to crank into the red, though ‘Darkness Always Wins’ still sports some exquisite minor-key melodicism, a metal-chunked bridge, loud-as-hell requiem bells and a classically rippin’ rock guitar solo." “Darkness Always Wins” impacts at Active Rock radio this week, but already debuted as the “Greatest Gainer” at the format with early airplay last week. The newly announced nEVEREST tour follows an epic run first supporting Iron Maiden in Europe and dates with Volbeat in the US with a one night-only-performance at Black Sabbath’s final show in Birmingham, England. See below for a full list of upcoming dates. *** ABOUT HALESTORM: What started as a childhood dream of Lzzy and Arejay Hale, Halestorm has scored seven #1 hits at rock radio, and their music has surpassed one billion streams across platforms worldwide. They’ve received two GRAMMY nominations and won in 2012 for “Love Bites (So Do I)” as Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance. The band has built a reputation for their dominating live performances and has shared the stage with rock icons like Heaven & Hell, Alice Cooper, and Joan Jett. ABOUT LINDSEY STIRLING: Few artists embody the boundless creativity and gifts of multi-award-winning musician Lindsey Stirling. Known as much for her genre-bending virtuosity on electronic violin as she is for endlessly dazzling audiences with her extraordinary talents as a dancer and performer—elements she brings to the stage as part of her spectacular live show—Lindsey tours with stunning frequency and continually sells out iconic venues around the globe. Her groundbreaking vision has gained her millions of adoring fans worldwide, four Billboard chart-topping albums and two Billboard Music Awards, including Top Dance/Electronic Album for her third studio release, Brave Enough. Her holiday album, Warmer in Winter, catapulted to the #1 spot on Billboard, Amazon and iTunes Holiday Album charts upon release and lead single “Carol of the Bells” made history as the only instrumental song ever to reach the Top 10 at AC Radio. Lindsey's song Shatter Me featuring Lzzy Hale (of Halestorm) recently garnered platinum status. A New York Times bestselling author (and creator of her own comic book), Lindsey felt compelled to push her boundaries even further for her seventh full-length effort, Duality, ultimately embracing a whole new level of freedom in her songwriting. Lindsey has amassed over 28M million subscribers across social platforms, over 3.5 billion views and 14.3M subscribers on YouTube, 5.2M million followers and 115M likes on Tik Tok, 4.1M followers on IG, and over 500k user generated creations across Tik Tok and Instagram reels. HALESTORM: ON TOUR 2025 May 27 - June 28: Supporting Iron Maiden (where noted) July 5: supporting Black Sabbath July 17 - August 22: Supporting Volbeat (where noted) September 11 - October 11: (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) October 22 - November 26: Support from Bloodywood November 20 - November 26: Support from Kelsy Karter & The Heroines  MAY 15 - Daytona Beach, FL - Welcome To Rockville (festival date) 17 - Ocean City, MD - Boardwalk Rock (festival date) 27 and 28 - Budapest - Sportarena (supporting Iron Maiden) 31 - Prague, Czechia - Letany Airport (supporting Iron Maiden) JUNE 1 - Bratislava, Slovakia - O’Nepelu Arena (supporting Iron Maiden) 3 - Leipzig, Saxony - Felsenkeller Leipzig (headline date) 5 - Trondheim, Norway - Trondheim Rocks (festival date) 7 - Stavanger, Norway - Viking Stadium (supporting Iron Maiden) 9 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Royal Arena (supporting Iron Maiden) 12 and 13 - Stockholm, Sweden - 3Arena (supporting Iron Maiden) 16 - Helsinki, Finland - Olympic Stadium (supporting Iron Maiden) 18 - Tallinn, Estonia - Helitehas (headline date) 19 - Riga, Latvia - Palladium Riga (headline date) 23 - Lille, France - Aeronef (headline date) 25 - Dublin, Ireland - Malahide Castle (supporting Iron Maiden) 28 - London, UK - London Stadium (supporting Iron Maiden) JULY  1 - Lausanne, Switzerland - Les Docks (headline date) 2 - Eindhoven - Effenaar (headline date) 5 - Birmingham, UK - Villa Park (supporting Black Sabbath) 17 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena (supporting Volbeat)   19 - Salt Lake City, UT - Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)   21 - Auburn, WA - White River Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)   22 - Ridgefield, WA - Cascades Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)   24 - Wheatland, CA - Kia Forum (supporting Volbeat)   26 - Phoenix, AZ - Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)   28 - Irving, TX - The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory (supporting Volbeat)   29 - Houston, TX - 713 Music Hall (supporting Volbeat)   31 - Rogers, AR - Walmart AMP (supporting Volbeat)   AUGUST 2 - Franklin, TN - FirstBank Amphitheater (supporting Volbeat)   3 - Alpharetta, GA - Ameris Bank Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)   4 - Tampa, FL - MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)   6 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion (supporting Volbeat)   7 - Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube Live (supporting Volbeat)   9 - Camden, NJ - Freedom Mortgage Pavilion (supporting Volbeat)   10 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center (supporting Volbeat)   12 - Bangor, ME - Maine Savings Amphitheater (supporting Volbeat)   13 - Gilford, NH - Bank NH Pavilion (supporting Volbeat)   14 - Mansfield, MA - Xfinity Center (supporting Volbeat)   16 - Hershey, PA - GIANT Center (supporting Volbeat)   17 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center (supporting Volbeat)   19 - Clarkston, MI - Pine Knob Music Center (supporting Volbeat)   21 - Noblesville, IN - Ruoff Music Center (supporting Volbeat)   22 - Tinley Park, IL - Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre (supporting Volbeat)   23 - Marshfield, WI - Central Wisconsin State Fair (headline date) SEPTEMBER 11 - Salem, VA - Salem Civic Center (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 12 - Cherokee, NC - Harrah’s Cherokee (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 14 - Bridgeport, CT - Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 16 - Syracuse, NY - Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 18 - Laval, QC - Place Bell (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 19 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 21 - Madison, WI - Breese Stevens Field (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 23 - St. Louis, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheater (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 24 - Cedar Rapids, IA - Alliant Energy PowerHouse (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 26 - Welch, MN - Treasure Island Amphitheater (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 27 - Duluth, MN - AMSOIL Arena (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 29 - Bonner Springs, KS - Azura Amphitheater (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) OCTOBER 1 - Sioux City, IA - Tyson Events Center (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 2 - Grand Forks, ND - Alerus Center (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 4 - Winnipeg, MB - Canada Life Centre (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 5 - Saskatoon, SK - SaskTel Centre (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 7 - Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 8 - Penticton, BC - South Okanagan Events Centre (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 10 - Vancouver, BC - Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 11 - Spokane, WA - Spokane Arena (co-bill w/ Lindsey Stirling, with Apocalyptica) 22 - Wiesbaden, DE - Schlachthof (with Bloodywood) 23 - Oberhausen, DE - Turbinehalle 2 (with Bloodywood) 25 - Hamburg, DE - Inselpark Arena (with Bloodywood) 27 - Stockholm SE - Fållan (with Bloodywood) 28 - Copenhagen, DK - The Grey Hall (with Bloodywood) 30 - Warsaw, PL - COS Torwar (with Bloodywood) NOVEMBER 1 - Berlin, DE - Columbiahalle (with Bloodywood) 3 - Prague, CZ - Lucerna Velkỳ Sàl (with Bloodywood) 5 - Vienna, AT - Gasometer (with Bloodywood) 6 - Budapest, HU - Barba Negra (with Bloodywood) 8 - Munich, DE - Zenith (with Bloodywood) 9 - Zurich, CH - Komplex457 (with Bloodywood) 11 - Milan, IT - Alcatraz (with Bloodywood) 12 - Barcelona, ES - Razzmatazz 1 (with Bloodywood) 14 - Pamplona, ES - Totem (with Bloodywood) 15 - Madrid, ES - La Riviera (with Bloodywood) 17 - Paris, FR - Olympia (with Bloodywood) 18 - Amsterdam, NL - AFAS Live (with Bloodywood) 20 - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines) 21 - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines) 23 - Birmingham, UK - bp pulse LIVE (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines) 24 - Manchester, UK - AO Arena (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines) 26 - London, UK - O2 Arena (with Bloodywood, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines)

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

Article by Konstantina Buhalis / Contributions by Rebecca McDevitt Everything you need to know to survive (and thrive) during festival season Festival season is officially back, baby—and with Coachella Weekend One behind us, it’s time to dust off your fanny pack, break in those boots, and dive into one of our favorite times of the year. Whether you're vibing with the crowd in the California desert, road-tripping to your favorite regional fest, or planning an outfit like it’s a Met Gala appearance—we’ve got you covered. 🎸 Festival Sets 101 Let’s talk about what you’re really there for: the music. Every festival has its own personality, from the eyeliner-heavy nostalgia of When We Were Young , to the genre-blending chaos of Coachella  and Bonnaroo , to the cowboy boot stomp of Stagecoach  or Outlaw Music Festival . No matter your vibe, there’s a fest with your name on it. Now, don’t expect artists to play their full-length, deep-cut, emotionally devastating encores. Festival sets are tight—usually under an hour—which means most bands opt for crowd-pleasers and hit-heavy lineups. Some go rogue and play an entire album ( cough  My Chem doing Black Parade  at WWWY), but most keep it fun and familiar. If you're hoping for that one rare B-side from 2011... maybe save that for the headlining tour. TL;DR: Festivals are for the greatest hits, the biggest sing-alongs, and dancing like nobody’s watching—because truly, no one is. They’re too busy trying to make it to the next stage in time. 🏕️ Festival Styles & Setups Not all festivals are created equal. Some are city-based with hotels nearby ( hi, Lolla! ), and others are full-on camp-outs ( Bonnaroo, we see you ). Know before you go—because nothing kills the vibe like realizing your “rustic glamping tent” is actually a soggy field with 3,000 other people who also didn’t pack enough baby wipes. Hotels are great if you can snag one. Book early or be ready to splurge. Airbnb? A solid move if you're rolling deep with the crew. Camping? It can  be magical... or miserable. If you love sleeping under the stars and don’t mind waiting in line for a communal shower, go for it. If not, embrace your inner indoor cat and find a bed with AC. Also: Always check if your ticket includes any kind of partner packages—some festivals offer bundles with local hotels. Hidden gem alert! 💃 Festival Fashion: Fit Check Let’s be honest: for some people, the outfits are half the experience.  And we’re not judging—we’re cheering you on. From vintage tees to rhinestone cowgirl moments, from DIY accessories to full-on runway slays, fashion is one of the ways fans turn festivals into living, breathing art. Coachella used to be boho central, but lately? It’s evolved into full glam, high-fashion meets desert-core realness. Meanwhile, When We Were Young leans alt-nostalgia, and you better believe emo is back in black . No matter the aesthetic, a few essentials remain: Comfy shoes (your future self will thank you) A small bag (security will thank you) Sunglasses and sunscreen (your skin will thank you) A charged phone (for all the pics, duh) Pro tip:  If you’re rocking a look you’ll only wear once, thrift it. Or better yet—make it. Custom fits are always a flex. That said—let’s be real for a sec. Festival fashion has a messy history with cultural appropriation. Leave the war bonnets, bindis, and traditional cultural attire you don’t understand at home. Respect is always in style. / 🧭 What to Expect (and How to Not Lose Your Mind) Festivals are magical chaos. Long days, loud music, endless walking, and somehow you still forget your sunscreen every time. (Don’t do that.) Whether it’s a smaller scene like Fixation Fest  in Detroit or a multi-stage monster like Cold Waves  in Chicago— planning ahead is your best friend . Hydrate. Screenshot the schedule. Wear layers. Map out your “must-sees” but leave room for discovery (some of the best sets are the ones you stumble into). We’ve done both ends of the spectrum—press pit at Warped Tour 2016 (sweaty chaos) to chill hangs at indoor venues (bless the air conditioning and non-porta-potty bathrooms). No matter the setting, a good crew and good vibes make everything better. Want insider tips?  Join festival-specific Facebook groups or Reddit threads. People post everything from set time leaks to outfit inspo to survival hacks. It’s like having 10,000 festival big siblings giving you advice. ☀️ Final Thoughts Festival season is about more than just music—it’s about community . It’s the strangers you scream lyrics with, the outfit you’ve had planned since January, the goosebumps during that one surprise guest appearance. It's chaotic, it's sweaty, it's unforgettable. So prep smart, pack light, dress loud, and have the best damn time . We’ll see you in the pit (or the back, by the food trucks—no judgment). And don’t forget your sunscreen. Seriously. — #SoundCheckMag  | #FestivalSeason #SeeYouInThePit #StayHydrated

The Governors Ball Music Festival is set to return with a stellar lineup, promising an electrifying weekend for music enthusiasts. Set to return to Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York, the festival will run from June 6-6, 2025, featuring a diverse roster of artists providing performances that will light up NYC. Headliners for this year's event include Tyler, The Creator , Benson Boone , Olivia Rodrigo , Feid , Hozier  and Glass Animals , alongside performances from rising stars and established acts such as Tyla , Wallows , MARINA , Clairo , Conan Gray  and Young   Miko . Fans can expect an amazing mix of hip-hop, pop, rock, and electronic music, that’s sure to keep the party going all weekend long. Reflecting on last year's unforgettable event, standout performances like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter’s sets left the crowd buzzing. Sabrina Carpenter delivered an energetic set that finished off with the announcement of beloved album, Short n’ Sweet’s release date, while Chappell Roan captivated the audience with her dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals that drove her stardom soaring right after her performance at last years Gov Ball. What artist’s do you guys think will rise to stardom this year at Governors Ball 2025? Beyond the music, Governors Ball will offer a vibrant festival experience with gourmet food vendors, pop-ups, and interactive activities, reflecting New York City's dynamic culture. If you are debating on GA, GA +, or VIP, your best bet would be VIP due to the shorter wait times for food, the closer view of your favorite artists from any one of the three stages and an overall great VIP experience with shade and a lounging area with direct viewing of the stages. Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead, as the festival's convenient location offers easy access via public transportation. Start the Summer off right by attending this years Gov Ball featuring the hottest lineups, some of NYC finest food vendors, and a weekend of lasting memories. Bring family and friends and just have fun during New York’s biggest party with 60+ of the world’s BEST artists. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of something great right in the heart of New York City!  Limited tickets remain, and prices are set to increase after April 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Secure your spot now to enjoy the festival at the best available price. Current best option is their 1-Day ticket for VIP but hopes not gone yet. If you want to save money on 2-day or 3-day tickets, Gov Ball currently has a waitlist for those tickets so sign up as soon as you can and keep an eye on when those become available. Stay tuned for more updates, including set times and special guest announcements, as the countdown to Governors Ball 2025 continues. More news available here on SoundCheck Mag!

Review By Rebecca McDevitt Let’s talk about reinvention—because The Driver Era just did it again, and Obsession  might be their boldest move yet. Ross and Rocky Lynch have always had a knack for bending genres and chasing the vibes that feel right in the moment. But with Obsession , they’re not just chasing a feeling—they’ve caught  it. This record is a full-on immersion into alt-pop glamour, vintage grooves, and late-night introspection. And honestly? It works. Right out the gate, the album pulls you into its world. “Don’t Take the Night” sounds like a disco ball exploded in the best way—funky, flashy, and addictive. Then you hit “Can’t Believe She Got Away,” and suddenly you’re in a smoky lounge, nursing a heartbreak with a soul-stirring groove. It’s textured, warm, and totally self-produced by the brothers, which just makes it that much more impressive. What stands out most, though, is how personal  this album feels. There’s a maturity here—a willingness to sit in discomfort, to own heartbreak, to get a little messy. “Same Old Story” hits especially hard, wrapping honest lyrics in a beat that dares you to dance through the sadness. And that’s kind of the theme of Obsession : feeling it all and letting the music move you through it. This isn’t just a playlist of catchy songs. It’s a curated experience. Every track feels intentional, every lyric feels lived-in. It’s the kind of album you throw on during a late-night drive and suddenly realize you’ve been singing along to every word. Obsession  is sexy, smart, a little sad, and completely addicting. It’s The Driver Era doing what they do best—pushing themselves, surprising us, and sounding damn good while doing it. 🎧 SoundCheck Selects: Obsession  Highlights 1. “Don’t Take the Night”  If Studio 54 had a baby with modern indie-pop, it would sound like this. Glittery, groovy, and totally infectious.  2. “Can’t Believe She Got Away”  Soulful with a subtle crunch—this one sneaks up on you emotionally while you’re vibing to the beat. 3. “Same Old Story”  That bittersweet anthem we all need. Nostalgic and new at the same time. 🎨 Album Artwork & Credits Album:   Obsession Artist:  The Driver Era Release Date:  April 11, 2025 Label:  TOO Records Cover Art & Visuals:  Courtesy of The Driver Era Creative Direction:  Ross & Rocky Lynch So yeah, if you’ve been craving a record that hits the sweet spot between dancefloor daydreams and emotional gut punches— Obsession  is your next obsession.

Genre: Emo, Slowcore, Electronic, Pop Sign Crushes Motorist has been one of the premier Slowcore artists over the last few years, building a cult following online as an Emo darling, incorporating multiple elements that have created a distinctive style of music that hits all the high points of the internet’s favorite genres. Artist, 19-year-old Liam McCay, who has been releasing music under the name Sign Crushes Motorist (named after the Duster song), has released a new album, The Saddest Truth (BuVision Records) ,  with producer KayCee, meshing two genres that have borrowed from each other for years to create a solid piece that effortlessly uses emo and slowcore as a foundation for hiphop and pop lyrcism and themes.  Painting by: Ilya Repin Slowcore as the New Soundtrack  Over the last few years, the genre of Slowcore, an extension of Shoegaze, has become increasingly popular as music sharing has evolved again through TikTok. With Duster finally receiving their due recognition, Sign Crushes Motorist has filled the gap left by the missing genre through their interpretation of it. As genres evolve, SCM is at the center of the changing parameters and branches out on this new release to demonstrate the transcendent nature of slowcore, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration and common ground in creation.  On "The Saddest Truth ," the sound associated with Slowcore Music (SCM) is reappropriated through Hip-Hop production, bringing an entirely new idea of what Slowcore can sound like. SCM has been known for its minimalism, but partnering with KayCee brings a full-bodied, modern edge that elevates the lush production into a transformative album, allowing SCM to reach a new fan base.  Ethereal Ethos Through the record, the ethereal undercurrent pushes the tracks forward, with KayCee’s romantic leanings, it’s reminiscent of Ye  and Donda  by Kanye West. The third track, “Make Sure You’re Loved” ft. JinJin is one of the crown jewels of the record, with a stunning hymnal-esque arrangement that swells repeatedly following the organ tones and group vocals echoing through the last half of the track. It’s an ambitious testament to partnership.  The Saddest Truth uses features sparingly, but in a conscious choice, the featured artists shine on their respective tracks, allowing the production to act as their primary artist, and their vocals and features are the additional piece that completes the track.  Further into the track listing is “BRUISED,” a more traditional dark trap song that evokes a sense of urgency and tension-building 808s, which build the narrative of a struggling couple. Bruised is reminiscent of the trap music that dominated playlists and was the new sound of emo music in the late 2010s. On the final track “LEAD ME FATHER,” the hymnal church choir returns on the track, creating an otherworldly association. The textured production gives the finale a powerful send-off that bridges the gap between the atmospheric traditions of SCM and KayCee's genre-bending, sampling approach to finalize their sonic experiment.  Final Verdict While the production and arrangements are stunning, longtime fans of Kanye West may find this record to have a derivative nature. Still, overall, the partnership between Sign Crushes Motorist and KayCee has proven to be worth the listen. The Shoegaze adjacent melodies and the edgier Hip-Hop are a perfect match, and overall, Saddest Truth  is an album that pushes the boundaries of CSM and Kaycee, showcasing a new era of artistry and ideology.  Rating: 7/10

Photographed by LJ Portnoy, Midwest coverage On September 24, 2024, at St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, MI, Griff and opener Stephen Dawes took the stage for a mesmerizing night of music as part of the Vertigo World Tour. This highly anticipated stop in the 18-date US and Canada run drew a passionate crowd, eager to witness Griff’s signature blend of heartfelt lyrics, swirling visuals, and handcrafted artistry before she embarks on her next adventure—opening for Sabrina Carpenter on the second leg of the Short ‘N Sweet tour. A Night of Excitement & Swirls The energy inside the historic 1,000-capacity venue was electric, with roughly 700 fans filling the space—a testament to Griff’s growing fanbase. But this wasn’t just any ordinary concert crowd. Her devoted fans arrived adorned with her signature hand-drawn swirls—painted across wrists, clothing, and even faces—a touching tribute to the singer’s signature aesthetic. It was a visual symbol of unity and admiration, creating an intimate connection between Griff and her audience before she even stepped on stage. A Sweet Start with Stephen Dawes Opening the night was Stephen Dawes, a rising singer-songwriter with a delicate yet compelling presence. Initially, his nerves were visible—standing relatively still as he eased into his set. But as the night progressed, something shifted. He found his rhythm, gradually expanding his presence across the stage, embracing the moment with a newfound confidence. Watching him transform from cautious to commanding was a heartwarming experience, and by the end of his set, he had undoubtedly won over the room. Griff’s Spellbinding Entrance The moment Griff emerged to the hypnotic opening notes of “Vertigo”, the crowd erupted. Photographed by LJ Portnoy, Midwest coverage A wave of cheers, screams, and pure excitement filled the venue as she stepped into the spotlight, immediately captivating everyone in attendance. True to her artistic spirit, Griff’s visuals were stunning—from the carefully curated lighting to the handmade outfits she designed and sewed herself. Her attention to detail isn’t just in her music but in every aspect of her performance, making the entire night feel uniquely personal. A Setlist to Remember Griff delivered a 17-song set, seamlessly weaving between soul-stirring ballads and high-energy anthems. In a special moment of spontaneity, she plucked two songs directly from the audience’s requests, adding an extra layer of intimacy to the show. And just when the night seemed to be winding down, she returned for a two-song encore, bringing the grand total to 19 tracks—a true gift to her fans. Photographed by LJ Portnoy, Midwest coverage The Future is Bright for Griff Griff’s Detroit stop on the Vertigo Tour was more than just a concert—it was an immersive experience. From the carefully crafted visuals to her effortless stage presence, she proved why she’s among the most exciting rising stars in pop music today. As she sets her sights on 2025 and beyond, one thing is certain: Griff isn’t just an artist to watch—she’s an artist to remember.

The Illinois State Fair was packed with anticipation on August 15 as fans lined up outside the grandstand gates for hours—some arriving early in the morning—just to secure the perfect spot for the Jonas Brothers' highly awaited performance. The dedication was real: as soon as the gates opened, a sea of fans sprinted to claim their spots close to the stage, setting the tone for an electric evening. Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography The show kicked off in true celebratory fashion with "Celebrate!," an opener that had the entire crowd on their feet. Nick, Joe, and Kevin wasted no time diving into a mix of career-spanning hits, including "What a Man Gotta Do" and the ever-nostalgic "S.O.S." The energy was palpable, and with it being Joe Jonas’s 35th birthday, the night carried an extra layer of excitement. At one point, the crowd erupted into an impromptu "Happy Birthday" singalong, making the moment even more special. Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography The setlist was a well-balanced blend of nostalgia and recent hits, with standouts like Nick’s "Jealous," DNCE’s "Cake by the Ocean," and a powerful cover of Coldplay’s "Fix You," which hadn’t been played live since 2008. The moment the opening chords rang out, fans swayed, sang along, and lit up the night with phone flashlights, creating an intimate atmosphere amidst the grandstand setting. Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography Closing out the show with high-energy bangers like "Burnin’ Up," "Sucker," and "Leave Before You Love Me," the brothers left the Illinois State Fair crowd buzzing. Their ability to seamlessly mix old favorites with new chart-toppers, all while keeping the energy high and the connection with fans strong, made this a night to remember. Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography For those who camped outside all day, sprinted through the gates, and sang their hearts out, the wait was more than worth it. The Jonas Brothers proved once again why they remain one of the most beloved acts in pop music today. Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography

Former Critics embrace chaos and evolution with their new single, music video, and upcoming tour. Article by: Konstantina Buhalis, Contributor Edited by: LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief Photos accessed from Band's FaceBook and Instagram pages. Photo obtained from Former Critic's Band Facebook page . A Sonic Gut Punch: “Can You Feel It?” Detroit darlings Former Critics are back with a brand new single, “Can You Feel It?”, dropping April 11 ahead of their next full-length release. The track is a high-impact punk anthem that fuses thrash, spoken word, and horror-punk energy into a textured, hyperactive homage to Detroit’s gritty punk legacy. Leaning into a self-described genre of “graveyard punk,” Former Critics offer something darker, more visceral — a sound and aesthetic that draw heavily from horror elements while maintaining the DIY ethos that defines their scene. Curated Chaos with a Catchy Core From the jump, “Can You Feel It?” grabs your attention with a wall of sound and screeching feedback that hits like a shot of adrenaline. The opening guitar solo doesn’t hold back, launching listeners into a dense, fast-paced rhythm section that pulses with raw energy. Between the throbbing guitars and heavy riffs, the drumming takes cues from 2000s garage rock, adding structure and momentum to the layered chaos. Yet, within the noise lies clarity — clever lyrics, cheeky wordplay, and a tightly constructed composition that feels chaotic on purpose . It’s a track that punches hard and sticks with you. Punk with Purpose: Evolution and Energy With over a decade in the Detroit punk scene, Former Critics remain a local staple — not just for their music, but for their community-focused mindset and unwavering social commentary. This latest single is a testament to their artistic growth: darker, sharper, and more intentional than ever. They’ve also been teasing the accompanying music video on TikTok, where fan anticipation is building fast. Comments flood in on every post as followers dissect clips and countdown to the release. Former Critics are tapping into that digital momentum while staying true to their analog punk roots. Keep up with Former Critics on Instagram! Hitting the Road: Tour with Antighost Former Critics are set to hit the road this spring, joining Antighost on a Midwest and East Coast tour. With the new single, a buzzing online presence, and a performance reputation built on sweat and catharsis, they’re poised to take their signature chaos beyond Detroit — and into new ears. Photo obtained from Former Critics band's Instagram Page.

Article by Rebecca McDevitt / Contributions by Rebecca McDevitt & LJ Portnoy If you're feeling saxy, Gabi Rose is here to blow you away—literally! This powerhouse saxophonist and vocalist mixes pop, jazz, and R&B like a musical mad scientist, creating sounds that are as smooth as they are inspiring.  She’s jammed with big names like Bilmuri and the Jonas Brothers, all while leading her own band, Enrose. Whether she’s lighting up the stage or going viral with her killer sax covers, Gabi is always pushing musical boundaries and keeping things fresh, funky, and full of soul! Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Gabi Rose and dive into her journey as an artist. We discussed her unique sound, the experiences she's had while touring, and what’s next for her band, Enrose. Gabi shared insights into the creative process behind her music and gave us a glimpse of the exciting plans the band has in store for the future. SoundCheck: I want to talk about your saxophone first. How did you develop a musical identity with the saxophone? And what made the saxophone such a core part of your history?  Gabi Rose:   So, I always heard when I was younger, before I even knew that being a musician was in the cards for me. I remember hearing that, and I can't. Man, I wish I remembered who said this to me, but I remember hearing that the saxophone is like a human voice, and actually, arguably the most similar to a human voice than any other musical instrument. And so that has allowed me to have my own unique sound with it, because I'm also a vocalist. And really, everybody has a voice. So that is why vocals in music resonate the most with people: we all have a human voice, even if we choose not to use it for singing, it's the most connective way. And so I feel like then, especially identifying as a singer. Even, you know, when I was a kid just doing it for fun. The more I was singing and the more I was playing, and the more I was doing them together, the more I was able to develop a voice.  SoundCheck: What made the saxophone such a core part of your artistry?  Gabi Rose:  Oh, yeah, I mean, I feel like a saxophone. It's just. It's a little bit more unique, you know. I grew up going to shows. I loved rock music. I was listening to a lot of The Killers, and I loved the Foo Fighters and Paramore and all these bands, and I didn't play a rock instrument. I picked up a guitar when I was in high school because and just like acoustic guitar, because I wanted something that I could learn to accompany myself with to sing, but I still wasn't like playing a rock star instrument. But then, yeah, just like never stopping playing saxophone. The cool thing about that is, as I said before, it does resemble a human voice, but it can resemble a lot of different instruments. I feel like the saxophone can very closely resemble a guitar, too, if played in the right way. It can be a lead instrument. It is a lead instrument. So, in the same way that you might choose to have a rip and guitar solo in a song, you can substitute that for sax, which is what they did a lot in the eighties and increasingly more now. So I feel like I'm in the prime of that being something that's like making a comeback and. So I feel like I'm right on the sweet spot of that as a saxophone player in pop music and rock music. So yeah, I think that's why I've been able to use it as a tool. Because it is a little bit more unique. There are a lot of guitar players out there, but there are not quite as many saxophone players in pop music, at least not yet.  Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography SoundCheck: That's my next question is, do you think that you're seeing a resurgence of saxophone and pop music? Or do you feel like you're the one paving the lane with it?  Gabi Rose:   I'm seeing it for sure. And I think I'm helping pave that, too, because when people hear it, they're like, oh, cool, like, I want to have that in my song. I would say, really, ever since TikTok. I got on TikTok, January of 2021. I said, I don't know how long this whole lockdown thing is gonna happen. But at that point I had already been committing myself to producing and making videos, and what I was doing, was learning how to video edit, and so, taking some of my favorite songs and reconstructing them, reharmonizing them, singing, playing all this stuff just kind of treating that as if it was my job which wasn't paying me. But I wanted to stay on top of the grind and on top of learning and all this stuff. So then with TikTok, I was like, “Hmm, maybe this is a platform that I can get”.  I can start using it, and things don't have to be quite as polished. So that was the 1st time that I was like, maybe I could just get on and start playing over music. And the 1st video that went viral for me. It was within 2 weeks of being on TikTok and posting, and it was a video of me playing a saxophone solo over Olivia Rodrigo's Driver's License. And I was like, Wow, like it went so viral. And I was like, Wow, that's crazy. And that was the first.st That was the beginning of a long string. Thousands and thousands of comments since then like, “Bring saxophone back”. And at first, those comments would be replied to, and people would reply to those comments by saying things like, Yeah, I agree. Like, I love saxophone; we need more of it. And now it's funny, because the comments that I see are people not disagreeing with that. But people saying, yeah, let me give you like 5 to 10 bands that are already doing that now, or 5 to 10 artists that are doing that, or they're sending over albums. They're sending over songs; they’re like, if you want that, it's out there, and we know where it is now. So, I think it's been happening. It's just, I think, in the last 5 years, I've seen it so much more. And maybe that's just also my bias, because I'm the one I'm in it. I'm definitely seeing it more, which I think is cool.  SoundCheck: Okay, your biggest music influences.  Gabi Rose : I mean, definitely Paramore. Sometimes when people ask me this, they're like, Oh, my God, you didn't say Paramore like, I'm so surprised. And it's like, yeah, actually, I mean, of course, it's Paramore like that. Not that the band was hugely influential for so many people. And I think I would say Paramore and Foo Fighters came around for me at this sweet spot where I was starting to dial in my own unique taste in music. It's like we grow up listening to the music that we're just exposed to, whether it's our parents or what we're hearing from our friends or in school, what's on the radio, whatever.  And then you hit this point where you're maybe pre early teen years or something. And that's when you start to choose what you want to listen to and get in with the communities and start going to shows. So that was the beginning of that for me. Well, the Jonas Brothers, for sure there was that era. Yeah, there was like the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus. Well, 1st it was Christina Aguilera, then it was the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, and then it came like Paramore, Foo Fighters, and then when I got to college, I was exposed to R&B music. I had these like CDs growing up, the Now That's What I Call Music. CDs, and there would be songs by Brandy and Aaliyah, and TLC. And Erykah Badu, and stuff like that, and I love and and Babyface, and I love those singles, but I never got my hands on full albums, and then my freshman year. I remember the day so vividly when I discovered Spotify so vividly. It was my roommate at the time who was like, Yeah, there's this new thing, and you could cause we were just downloading music or ripping it off of Youtube or Limewire. If we had money, I would try to buy as much as I could to be fair, but I had so many interests, you know. That was the Tumblr age, too. So I was discovering a lot of music on Tumblr, and I was like everyone's talking about this band Arctic Monkeys like, I need to hear this album, you know. So yeah. So then, I remember vividly going on to Spotify for the 1st time. And that's when I got exposed. That's when I heard D'angelo for the 1st time, and that's when I heard Moonchild for the 1st time. That's when I heard Lawrence for the first time, these bands that were incorporating more soul and jazz, and it was perfect timing for me because I wasn't writing music. I wasn't soloing or improvising or performing with a band or any of that stuff until my second year of college. So it was a combination of discovering that kind of music where, for the first time, I'm like, oh, I feel like my voice, I like that. I like learning how to sing that stuff, and saxophone is very prevalent in these songs, too, like soul music and R&B, and that kind of stuff, and then coupled with. Now, I also am in a school with a music program that isn't gatekeeping. I wasn't in a music conservatory or anything like that. Kind of like. The sky's the limit here, and I can choose what to do. And you know, I wanted to learn. And I wanted to discover. So those happen at the perfect time. So that's when I started directly, the songs that I was beginning to perform and try to write were directly were from the influence of that music that I was listening to. But like that was kind of my arc of music. And then after college, that's when I kind of it all sort of came together, because that's when I got back into rock music. I wasn't listening to rock music for like 4 or 5 years. I listened to what was happening now and realized I really like this. And now I can start to combine some of what I have been exposed to and studied over the last 5 years and combine it. And that's my experience being with a band like Bilmuri.  Now, it's the common, the culmination of both of those things. And that's why I feel so at home in like my role in this band, because it's the perfect combination.   SoundCheck: All right. I want to talk about Enrose. If someone is just discovering Enrose for the first time, what's the one song you'd want them to hear first?   Gabi Rose:  I think I would say the new one, “Not A Barbie”. I love the saxophone lead. It's using saxophone in a way that's not just a solo. And it's also similar to like My Happiness, which I know a lot of people like that song, too. It's using the saxophone as if it's a guitar lead or even a vocal lead. It's the chorus and I have enjoyed utilizing the instrument in that way. And it's like with my music. I can do whatever I want. It's been fun to experiment with that. It's my main tool of choice, but it doesn't take away from the fact that it's a song that’s directly related to my life. And I get to sing on it, it's not just about the saxophone. It's just an element that's part of it, and it is a major part of it done in a different kind of way. I think that song is just fun. It's girly but also aggressive. It hits you right away. Yeah, I think that's the song that I would show people. I'd be like, this is kind of like me in a nutshell right now, and it's gonna change. But this is me in a nutshell. And this is the song that I think best represents the music that I'm doing right now. SoundCheck: Going back to that. Between Not A Barbie and i like it. They're similar. But they're different. What was the inspiration behind both of those songs?  Gabi Rose:   So “i like it” was, I was sitting in my room just making a beat. And I liked those chords, and they were whimsical and dreamy to me. It kind of brought me to the feeling of being a little bit tipsy and a little bit just like you're feeling yourself. It's like one of those nights that you're just like, I could do anything. I feel good, and I maybe want to put myself out there. It kind of reminded me of getting into this space that you want to get in that you can't always access. You can't always tap into feeling good. You can't always tap into wanting to go out and put yourself out there. It's scary, but a song like that. Something about the chords. And then I just started gibberishing, and that's what came out of just feeling yourself and wanting to maybe do something crazy. And it's not even LMFAO like, get crazy. Not that kind of song. It's almost like embracing your feminine divine and embracing your body and feeling sensual and sexual and everything. So that's why I had this idea of being in a hotel room like I am now, and just kind of what do I want to do like you're on vacation or something, or in my case, I might be on tour, and I could be anybody that I want to be right now.  SoundCheck:   You’ll never see these people again. Gabi Rose:   Exactly, exactly. I think about that identity of cause. I travel all the time now, and you know. I think I like to think that as a touring musician being in all these different cities, I can tap into that. But I can't necessarily, because I am traveling in a group, and like I do have an identity. But I've always loved the idea of going on vacation or traveling solo, or traveling with just one other person, and for however many days that you're there. Nobody knows you. You're a complete stranger to everybody. You don't ever have to go back there. You can pack whatever kinds of clothes you want to wear, you can change your hair, you can change your style, you can change your accent, you can change anything about yourself, and be a different person for a week. And I love that concept. I think that's so cool.  And then “Not A Barbie”. It's sort of an angry song. It's a bitter song. It's a little bit resentful but playful, resentful. So it's kind of the acknowledging that at one point or another, you might have felt trapped, and sometimes we do. I guess I could speak for myself, feeling the need to show up a certain way for somebody. Not meeting expectations and feeling like you need to be perfect, and that you're never getting it right. And it's kind of like a fuck you song so it's very different than I like it, which is a very peaceful song. But Not A Barbie is about feeling like you were put in a box. And now it's like that's not me. I'm unapologetically, I am so not perfect; I'm so far from perfect. And so that was the whole idea behind the music video of, I just wanted to rip some hair off of Barbies, and burn their clothes and draw eyeliner on them and everything. I saw this photo on Tumblr way back on my computer. It's stayed on my hard drive for all this time. And it's just this captivating photo of a fucked up Barbie, which is funny, because then the Barbie movie came out, and Weird Barbie was a character, and I was like yes, like everybody, had a weird Barbie at one point or another. We are all Weird Barbie. We're not regular Barbies. We are weird barbies, and every weird Barbie is different, too. When you take a regular barbie that hasn't been fucked up out of the box, they all look identical, but once you start fucking up a Barbie, it's never going to be the same as any other Barbie again. So we are more like that. That's what I wanted to do for that music video.  Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography SoundCheck: What's the biggest misconception about being at your level in the industry?  Gabi Rose: That I know what's happening, that I know what I'm doing. I think people I remember looking up to people that were, I guess, at my point now, and thinking that they had it all figured out. I kind of go one step at a time and work my way up. You never really have it figured out because you're just faced with more and more challenges that you're not familiar with. And even more, I interact with some bigwigs and stuff. Maybe before we met, I thought, wow, this person, they know what's going on. I look up to them, and don't get me wrong, like I am so lucky to be in rooms with some of the smartest, most creative, brilliant people. But I kind of realized we're not that different. You just have the balls to still be here and grinding and figuring it out. And I think, especially in the music industry, that's all it takes. It's the balls to keep going because people don't have it figured out in the same way that I might be scrambling to put a show together, for one night or something, and I'm like, oh, my God, I forgot to get the merch together. I need to get a merch seller, and we need to print the set lists. And what am I gonna wear? I have to tell the band what they're gonna wear. And oh, my God, wait! What time do we have to be there? There are so many things. It's that times 100 in every other touring circumstance. And the only difference is that you might have more people with a little bit more experience. But every day, there's something new coming up. So yeah, I think that's the biggest misconception is that people like me have it all figured out, and we certainly don't.  SoundCheck: You guys are just winging it day by day.  SoundCheck: I wanted to dive into your energy on stage. Do you think about the crowd? Do you think about the music?  Are you just up there getting lost in everything?  Gabi Rose:   So I feel like when I get ready to go on stage. I am getting into character. It's not too dissimilar from the type of person I am in real life, I don't think, but it's sort of this extreme version and this elevated version. I take notes from my favorite artists because they do the same thing. You have a very obvious example, which would be somebody like Chappell Roan, who speaks very openly about this. She's like, I go into drag when I'm on stage, and she named herself Chappell Roan because it's an alias. It's a different name. It's the artist version of her and so I tap into that before I go on stage because then I feel like I can perform and try anything that I want. And I'm not worried about what to do? What is that person from high school who was in my drama class gonna be thinking? I'm not thinking about who I am and all my experiences, and who's going to judge me and all this stuff. I'm showing up on stage as this kind of character. So I think being able or having now sort of gotten a lot further into figuring out who that person is, what kind of charisma do I exude when I'm on stage, is what feels honest. Like what doesn't feel forced, but it is challenging to my regular ego like it's challenging but not dishonest. I think that helps me show up consistently because now I've done hundreds and hundreds of shows in different types of circumstances. You know I might be playing with Enrose, but I might be playing with the Jonas Brothers. I might be playing with Bilmuri. I might be playing at a wedding. I might be playing a club gig  I might be doing a jam session, there are so many I might be going on. Tiktok live. And they're all different. And you need to. I've always wanted to show up in a way that works for those different circumstances. You know you're I'm not gonna do a wedding wearing the same types of clothes that I would wear with Bilmuri, and then holding up my middle finger and be like “let's crank our hogs!” I'm not gonna show up that way, but I think the charisma is something that is the through-line. I'm gonna have a different language and a different- Gabi Rose:   What's the word?  SoundCheck:   You have to adapt   Gabi Rose:   You have to turn it on because also there's been times that I have to perform, and I don't feel like performing and I think that's what gets draining. And I think that's where a lot of it is. I can see how some artists who become so big, so quickly, and who tour 250 days of the year or more and who never really get a break. And then, even when they're not touring. They're getting recognized on the street all the time. It's like they never have the chance to turn it off.  SoundCheck: Can't imagine  Gabi Rose:   It's hard. I could see that. But I think tapping into this person helps, because then, when you're on stage, that's who you are. And then when you're off stage, you can get back to like who you are at your core. So, yeah, separating them a little bit is good.  SoundCheck: What's your most memorable performance between festivals and shows?  Gabi Rose:   There's been a few. Last year I played with the Jonas Brothers at this big festival in Quebec City. I honestly don't remember the name of it, because it's like this French name. Huge festival, and we played to 65,000 people and the energy, you couldn't even see people at like. It was a sea. At that point I had played over 70 shows with the Jonas Brothers, and something about that one. I also love playing outside. So playing festival stages is always fun. I used to love going. I haven't been an attendee at a major festival like that in quite some time, but I always loved that when I was in high school and college. It was also how I bonded with other people, you're there for multiple days. Sometimes you're camping. You're discovering so much new music. And all this stuff. So people almost tap into their vacation selves when they're going to festivals. They're like, oh, yeah, like this is who I am, this weekend.  That was super memorable to me. Bilmuri shows get better and better all the time. Last night was one of my favorites.  Gabi Rose:   We played in Munich, Germany. It was like a smallish room for us. I think it was 600 capacity sold out. The image in my head that I took was, everybody was jumping up and down at the same time. But there's this scene from Woodstock, 99, where I mean all hell broke loose at Woodstock. 99. But Korn was playing. And everybody's jumping up and down. But there are thousands and thousands of people, and the sound is traveling slower than like what you're seeing on stage, like sound travels differently than light, and you know sight and all that stuff. So you're seeing people jumping up and down at the same time. It's like a wave. And even in our 600 capacity room yesterday. That's what was happening. And I'm glad that you asked me this question. Because I meant to have this conversation with the guys, and I just haven't yet, but I want to make sure I bring it up, because that image has always been a dream of mine to see from being the person on stage and helping facilitate that and orchestrate that, and that was so cool yesterday. Then I also just felt like as a band we put on such a world class show yesterday, like I think all of us would be so proud to watch that show again, and to present that show on a big stage at a big festival or something like that, like if that's if that's the capacity that we have to perform at on a regular basis. I think we're gonna do well this year, now that we're doing like a lot of festivals coming up for the summer and stuff.  I haven't played with Enrose as much as I would like to because I'm always on tour. I want to say the very first Enrose show. We were playing in New York City, and it was a small room. It was at Mercury Lounge, and the room was pretty full. Everybody was feeling it, and I remember I was nervous because there were so many moving parts. And I forgot my makeup bag. So then I was like fuck. I have to go on stage without my makeup. And I felt like I was gonna feel so exposed and ugly, and all this stuff, and then that show went so well, and I had so much fun. And once I started performing with the guys. I wasn't thinking about anything else. And that's the best feeling, too. As the leader of a project, the lead singer and stuff, to feel like the guys or girls that you have on stage with, like they got your back, and you can just perform the way you want, and the show's gonna go smoothly. That's a great feeling. And I got the same feeling when Enrose opened up for Bilmuri at Bowery Ballroom back in 2023, or something like that. It was such a great show, and it just felt so locked, and I felt like I could loosen up. And I feel like I've learned something new from every show. So, those are some of my favorites.  I try to also remember them cause like, when I have a really good show, I'll do a TikTok video of me saying how I feel. It's the same thing with journaling; I journal to remember the feeling. I don't journal to remember what happened. I journal to remember the feeling. And so I try to take note of the shows that felt the most impactful and memorable, so that I can hopefully recreate it.   SoundCheck: So, every artist has tough lessons that they have to learn in the industry. What's something that you had to learn the hard way when you were starting, or even now?  Gabi Rose:   I guess the first thing that comes to mind is so Chris Williamson, who has the podcast Modern Wisdom. He talks about unteachable lessons. And in a nutshell it's lessons that we've heard throughout our entire lives, such as you know, don't eat the junk food because you're going to regret it, or, going to the gym is going to be good for you, or make sure you call your mom, or he likes to say you don't love that pretty girl. She's just hot, and you were able to get her. It's all these things, or money doesn't buy happiness, these cliche things that we hear. Yet we still feel like we need to learn them for ourselves or in the girl world. It's like that. The guy is a cheater. He's a player. He's not good for you, girl. And she's like he's different, like, I promise he's different. And then he's not different. It's like there are certain things that we just need to find out for ourselves. So, I guess something that I've learned. The hard way is you don't learn unless you do. You don't learn unless you take action and try. You have to fail in order to learn and in order to grow. And I've been lucky with some. I, at least feel lucky with some of the things that I've gotten to experience. I'm always gaslighting myself. Sometimes I'm like, Oh, my God! Like something's gonna get ruined. Something's gonna get messed up like this is too good. But you know I've been rejected. I've had tough things that I've had to get through. I feel like the reason that I keep growing is because I keep showing up, even when it feels scary. Back to what I was saying, it seems like no one knows what's going on. Everyone's just learning by doing so.  Maybe it's not a hard lesson. It's just you kinda have to show up every day and try or else.  SoundCheck: We kind of talked about this when I last saw you in New York. Social media can be such a powerful tool, but it can also be overwhelming, especially because there are so many platforms nowadays. Do you see it as more of a help or more of a burden?  Gabi Rose:  I don't want to knock social media because it's been really helpful for me. It's beautiful that we have something like that where you can show up how you want to show up, and you can self-promote. You don't need to go through a middleman, and you don't have to go through agencies or management, or labels, or anything to get your music out there like. Really, for the first time, we have artists where they have the ability to craft whatever story they want. To craft and create the type of audience that they want, and the type of narrative that they want. So it's cool in that way, so I can't knock it. But I also find myself growing resentful of it because I think it takes me away from my creative brain. Social media to me is never-ending. It's like there's always a new message to look at. There's always a new thing on your algorithm. There's always a new comment that you want to look at, and maybe you shouldn't even look at it. And there's always a new idea that you have to post and a new trend.. And the problem with social media is, it's so addictive. I would love to say creativity comes from thinking about content or photos or something that I'm gonna post and then letting it be. But that's just unfortunately not the way it works. And I do get sucked into the optics of it and the results. And I think, being a creative person, creativity is not about results. It's about the process, and social media taints that a little bit. You're constantly comparing yourself to other people, and if you're not getting the outcome that you would have hoped for, then you start to think, is my art bad? Should I stop doing it? And so in the same way that social media can be encouraging because it's a vehicle for us to do whatever we want. It can also be super discouraging because you get sucked into feeling like they also have option anxiety. It's like, should I be doing that? I see this person is doing covers of Shania Twain. like should I be doing that? But this person's doing, you know, mostly original stuff. And this person isn't doing any videos at all. They're just posting photos. And it's overwhelming. I'm still finding a healthy balance. But the way I approach content is content is,  my content comes out of what I'm doing in real life. So I'm not showing up every day thinking, what kind of content am I going to make so I can grow myself on social media. The way I do content is if I'm doing cool shit in real life. I'm trying to document even a small percentage of that, and come up with some kind of story that is enticing enough to post on social media, and that feels the most genuine and authentic to me, and it doesn't cause burnout for me, because I'm like I would be doing this stuff anyway. And now I'm kind of treating it as a little bit of a scrapbook, because now I can remember how I was feeling and what I was working on and where I was at musically. If it's playing video or something like that. So I love being able to then go back in the archive from 2021, and even before that and see where I was at.  So I think it's really good, but I don't really approach it in the sense of I'm creating content to grow as a content Creator. I dipped a toe into that world, and I realized it didn't feel authentic to me, and it started to feel like work, and I didn't like that.   SoundCheck:  The next question is about your time, strictly with Bilmuri and the Jonas Brothers. You've toured with them both. What did you take away from those experiences? And then, did they shape your approach to performing in any way because they're 2 different types of music? Gabi Rose: So I joined Billmuri at the it like kind of 2021, and then toured for the first time with the band in 2022, which was the first tour that Johnny, our lead singer, and who created the project, that he did since before Covid and so it was a new beginning in a way. I continue to take away a lot from that band because I'm very involved in it and I have a stake in how well it does. I've been with the band since we were hoping that even a hundred people would show up. And we were doing sold-out 200-person rooms. And we were like, “What, this is crazy! It's sold out!” And now we're doing 2,000, and we're doing even more later on. And now we've played arenas opening up for Sleep Token. So, I’ve been a big part of that band's growth, and I fervently want it to succeed. And so even though it's mainly Johnny Frank's baby, I feel like it's my baby, too, and I think all of us feel like that, too, like we're proud to be part of that project. The initial thing that I took away from it, which I continue to take away from it, is, there are so many that there's no one-size-fits-all for how you can be creative. Also that music is the most beautiful when it is a team effort. Everybody works together really, really well, and everybody respects each other a lot, and it's allowed me to try things and to grow into this type of artist that I am now and be bold and be brave, and it's been just like a great vessel for me to explore my own creativity, and how I fit into this project, and luckily it's always felt like super honest. But I think I didn't believe in myself before joining Bilmuri. I didn't believe that I would ever have a place in a band like this, and a rock band like this, now, being very much a part of the band, but playing, not a conventional instrument, for a post hardcore, post emo country leaning sort of jazz, but mostly rock band. It's allowed me to create a new role. And redefine what a rock band has to look like. And that set me up for playing with the Jonas Brothers, because I learned how to perform in a new way. And you know, with Jonas Brothers it was going to be different, because then I'm performing with a horn section which then the beauty from a horn section is the bond that you have, and then also locking in to the harmony and the rhythm, and being super super tight and then, once you get that right, we're like characters on stage. We're like moving all over the stage. And we danced a lot. And we're interacting. And so I think both projects have gotten me to think about a performance on a whole.  I can appreciate now the roles that everybody has. So there are so many roles like there's so many things that go into creating a big production, I mean, even in a 200 person room. It's like everybody is doing a really important role, from lighting to playback to monitors to front of house engineer, and so learning all of that and appreciating all of that, then I can lock into okay, what am I best at? And where do we need to fill in the gaps? And so both have allowed me to just step into like, you know, I do have something to offer here. And I feel really grateful that my inherent, I guess skills. What I enjoy and I'm also good at has been appreciated and utilized in both projects. And now I feel like I can get on stage in front of thousands of people and feel pretty confident and have a good time.  Photo by LJ Portnoy SoundCheck: So, between both, what is the funniest behind-the-scenes moment that anybody would be surprised by? You don't need to out anybody. Gabi Rose:   Well, God. I don't. Honestly, I don't know if I have, if I have a specific moment, but what I can say is with both groups. We really became like family. And so it just gets really stupid. It gets really silly and really stupid. And it's part of what gets us hyped up to be on stage. It kind of reminds me of when I first started doing musical theater. And there's a bond with musical theater kids where everybody gets close, and everybody's like really touchy feely. But then, when you're on stage and you're rehearsing, and especially when you're in a show setting. You're like, I feel comfortable with this person. So this is gonna make our performance that much better. And I think it's the same with both Bilmuri and with the Jonas Brothers. The closer and the more genuine your connection is, the stupider you can be, and even the more secrets you share. The more yourself you can be. Then it translates to being on stage, and people can see that. So I can't. I honestly can't think of a specific thing right now. But what I can say is, some really, really, really stupid shit goes down on a daily basis. And I have a bond with the people that I have toured with the Jonas Brothers and with Bilmuri, which I don't think I can have with anybody else in any other setting. It's a different type of thing. The people that you tour with.  SoundCheck: This makes me excited for the day that I ever get to go on tour.  Gabi Rose: You would fit in perfectly.  Gabi Rose:   Yeah, it's super fun. It's one of a kind.  SoundCheck: These next ones are like random questions that have nothing to do with anything. Build your dream tour, lineup, dream, dream tour lineup with any artist, dead or alive, no limit. Gabi Rose: Oh, my God, okay, so for me, it would be D'angelo headlining. I want to make a dream band that's headlining. So you have D'angelo, then you have Beyonce, and she's dancing, and she's singing. She's also like the dance captain. Olivia Rodrigo's dance team gets so much hate. But I think their moves are so good. So I would have Olivia Rodrigo's dance team.  I don't know if this band is gonna work. But those are the people that I want to see on stage the most. And then who am I missing? And then you have the entire current Eagles touring band, all 15 of them or however many are on stage doing the backup vocals because their vocals are so locked. And then you have John Mayer's original rhythm section. So like Pino Palladino. And yeah, that it's like all over the place. But I think it could work. And then Hayley Williams comes on and she's belting it out. Yeah, we can't do it without Hayley Williams.  SoundCheck:   Can't do anything without Hayley Williams.  Gabi Rose:   Yeah, she can fit in anywhere, honestly.   SoundCheck: You're not wrong.  Gabi Rose:  I think I would have to. If I had more time, I would think more deeply about this and craft it out. I don't know if this would work, but I think it would work because I love the artists that I love. I have great taste, and I know that they can jam. They could work together really well. I like Olivia, specifically her dancers. That's who I want.  SoundCheck:  What's a completely unexpected hobby or talent?  Gabi Rose:   I don't have any other talents. Yeah, I don't think I have any other talents, nothing that I've discovered yet. Everything that I try to do, I realize, like shit. This is hard and would take a long time to get good at. It's funny, like, I think if you talk to a lot of musicians, it's like, What is your hobby? It's like, what do you mean?  I've made it a point to try and get into some other hobbies. Honestly, my favorite thing to do is so boring. But I started going on long walks last year, and long walks are a way that I can clear my head and decompress. So long walks are my favorite thing to do, and that's another reason why. Also it goes hand in hand with touring, because then we're always in a different city, and I don't mind getting 30,000 steps in on a day before a show. And I love to dance so I love to maybe pop a 5 to 10 milligram gummy, put my headphones on, get in front of a mirror. I think, in another world, if I wasn't a musician I would be a backup dancer or something like that. That would have been like the craft that I would want to develop so dancing is cool because I don't feel this pressure. And I like to go to the gym, too. I like to lift.  SoundCheck: All right. These last ones are all fan questions. This one's from Donna on Twitter. She said, “Did Sleep Token create the music for your sex part in Emergence, or did they have you listen to the song and then give you free rein to write the music?”  Gabi Rose:   I don’t know how much I can speak on the Sleep Token thing, to be honest, because they try to keep it super private. I think out of respect, I wouldn't want to say too much. I'm actually kind of surprised that I wanted to ask permission before I said, am I, you know? Am I being credited? And can I say that?  I don't wanna speak too much on the process because I wanna respect their process. A lot of people have asked to interview me since then, and I'm like I just don't know.  SoundCheck: I knew that question was gonna pop up somewhere.  Gabi Rose:   But what I will say is, it feels really good to be like to be on that record.  SoundCheck:   Feedback on that has been insane.  Gabi Rose:   The feedback is huge, they keep it to a very tight ship, so the fact that they welcomed me onto that song as somebody that's outside the band. I don't take that lightly. That's huge. So yeah, that's what I will say.    SoundCheck: This is from Megan on Facebook. she said, which fan base is better? Bilmuri or Jonas Brothers, and then put “There's only one right answer.”  Gabi Rose:   Oh, my God! No, they're so different. It's a different fan base. I feel like if somebody approaches me on the street. Like, “Oh, Gabi Rose!”  You must have been from a Jonas Brothers concert or Bilmuri or whatever. Both fan bases have been kind and just super supportive. It's like, obviously the Jonas Brothers fan base is so large. But the Jonas Brothers fan base is so unique in the sense of those fans are fans for life, and support the brothers in whatever music they do and whatever they do, even outside of just being part of the Jonas Brothers, and I find similarities between that and Bilmuri, even though Bilmuri is a smaller fan base at this point. It's like people are just into it. They care about the music, but they also care about the band members, and like what's going on, and the lore and all this stuff. So it's just been fun being part of the story. Because fans in both camps want to follow along with the story. I'm like a character in both stories now.  SoundCheck:  It's always interesting because, as someone who's also very into the Jonas Brothers fan base, I never realized how much we're very like “Let's follow every single person in the band” Not just the brothers, but the band.  Gabi Rose:   I didn't expect that. Been very, very cool.   SoundCheck: Okay, this is from Jeremy. On Facebook. You already mentioned bands you grew up listening to. And he said what finally inspired her to move, to doom Sax. Gabi Rose:   None of the bands that I grew up listening to had saxophone, so I wasn't inspired by a band, necessarily with the saxophone, maybe a little bit like Steely Dan. But it wasn't a band that inspired me. I do feel like it would have been nice growing up to see more girls like me doing it because then I would have had somebody to aspire to. But at the same time it does feel very much like a unique experience for me being able to do it. SoundCheck: This is from Pau on Twitter, she said. “You used to be a Jonas Brothers Fan. How did that impact your tour experience now, being on the other side?”  Gabi Rose:   I was definitely starstruck. But I also knew that there's a big difference between meeting heroes, maybe 20 years ago, and then meeting them now, because in meeting the Jonas brothers, now, it was like, I'm working with you now, I'm literally supporting you on stage. So there's immediately this respect. And we're gonna be cooperating. We're gonna be seeing a lot of each other. So it was, it was a combination of being starstruck because 12-year-old Gabi would never believe that. But also just being like, I respect you a lot, and we're peers. And you know I'm happy to be here. And I've put the work into it now. So I know what I'm doing here. I feel very determined, and I know what's going on. I know what we're doing here; it's hard to describe, but it was cool. They were welcoming. And they're really kind. And so some people say, don't meet your heroes, but I feel so lucky to have not only met my heroes but gotten to perform with my heroes. So it feels very full circle.  SoundCheck: Okay, this is from Rachel on Twitter. If you weren't a musician, what do you think you'd be doing as a career? And what is your favorite place that you've traveled to? Gabi Rose:   So, like I said before, I'd be a dancer. I kind of like to say this every day, because this is how I warm up for shows like I'm the annoying one in the dressing room that's blasting music and singing and jumping up and down and dancing. They're like some guys in this band, and then some guys and girls, even with Jonas, that want to relax. And they might go to the bus and take a nap, and I'm like, that is so not me. So I would want to be a dancer, I would say. And then what's my favorite place that I've traveled to?  Gabi Rose:   I think Barcelona, of all places on earth, is my favorite still because actually, that was the first place that I performed professionally when I graduated from university and it opened up my world in a lot of ways. It was almost also kind of like performance boot camp for me because I needed to sing, and I was playing, and I was like DJ-ing in a way, too, and performing for hours on end, and also speaking Spanish and trying to interact. So it was learning a lot of skills at once, also learning a lot of songs and things like that. So now that I get to come back to Barcelona, and I'm planning on big stages, and I feel like I know so much better who I am now as a musician and as a human, as an artist. And when I first started in that city I was like a fish out of water. So, it's a great reminder of how far I've come. So that's why, on a personal level, I love that city, but also it just never so it never ceases to amaze me how energized I feel when I'm there. Sometimes you have this memory, and you're like God. I think about this so beautifully in my head. But I'm actually kind of afraid to experience it in real life because it might not be like the story that I've come up with in my head. But that city, I think, has it all. So every time I go back there, I feel amazing. Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography SoundCheck: Lastly, do you have anything you want to say to all of your fans? Is there anything we can expect from Enrose in the future?  Gabi Rose: So I guess to everybody I would say, this is unbelievable to me. I really never thought that I would be in this position, and I really do feel like the poster child of somebody who didn't necessarily have a lot of self belief, but just kept doing it and never stopped and truly followed a passion that has led me to a more beautiful and fulfilling and creative life than I could have imagined. So to have anybody that's supporting what I'm doing pushes me forward. It's: it drives me a lot. I have a lot of self-doubt. So to have anybody who believes in what I'm doing helps, and then, as far as Enrose, I'm never gonna stop making music. So even with such a crazy touring schedule, you know, with Bilmuri and Jonas and whatever else. I still have a lot that I want to say and that a lot that I want to write about. Enrose is the place where I do that. So I'm writing more music, and we're always gonna be squeezing it in in between the chaos. SoundCheck: Thank you for taking the time, even in your busy schedule. Women supporting women.  Gabi Rose:   Hell Yeah. Of course. Thank you for having me. I'm excited for you and this whole thing.

25 Years Later, “In Love and Death” Still Shreds—and Soothes The Fillmore, Detroit – April 7–9, 2025 Article by Konstantina Buhalis, Contributor  Article Edited by LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief Photos by LJ Portnoy Photo by LJ Portnoy Photography. The Used - Detroit, MI at the Fillmore Detroit. From Basement Demos to Emo Royalty At the height of emo’s golden age, a few bands rose to iconic status—and The Used was undeniably one of them. Emerging from the early 2000s post-hardcore wave, they blended raw poetry with arena-worthy hooks, capturing the hearts of eyeliner-clad teens and scene kids across the globe. With 2.8 million monthly Spotify listeners still tuning in, The Used’s influence hasn’t faded—it’s evolved. The Utah-based band, formed in 2000, hustled through early setbacks before linking with producer John Feldmann (Goldfinger). Their self-titled debut (2002) set off an explosion, powered by anthems like “The Taste of Ink,” “Buried Myself Alive,” and “Blue and Yellow.” All three made the charts, and the record went platinum, kicking off what would become a defining era. Three Albums, Three Nights, Three Different Vibes This tour wasn’t just a concert—it was a retrospective. Three nights, three albums, three emotional journeys. While each show stood on its own, they also told a collective story of transformation. Night two—In Love and Death—felt like a raw open wound. Konstantina captured the electricity of that sold-out crowd, the line snaking around the Fillmore, fans screaming every lyric like a lifeline. “The energy was electric and exciting, with fans from Gen X all the way to Zoomers,” Konstantina wrote. “One yelled ‘The Used saved my life.’ Another shouted ‘I love you, Bert!’ It was undeniable—their music still matters.” By contrast, night three (featuring Lies for the Liars ) had a different flavor. “It was actually the smallest crowd of the three,” shared LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief of SoundCheck Mag, who asked a fan who had attended all three nights. “But the vibe tonight are super relaxed. The crowd is just soaking it all in.” While the second night was pure nostalgia, the third night felt like the band—and the fans—settling into their skin. Photo by LJ Portnoy Photography. The Used - The Fillmore Detroit, Detroit, MI. The Crowd: Generations of Black Eyeliner and Healing Both nights made one thing clear: this fanbase has grown—but never outgrown emo. “It reminded me of Jonas Con,” LJ added. “There were multi-generational fans—dads with daughters, some lifting toddlers on their shoulders flashing tiny ‘rock on’ hands.” It wasn’t just a concert. It was a passing of the torch. Bert McCracken: The Heart of the Stage Mid-set during night two, Bert McCracken took a moment to reflect, revealing he had just passed 13 years sober—a moment that brought cheers, tears, and toasts from the crowd. “He was glowing,” LJ noted from of night three. “I loved seeing the smiles on his face. You could tell he was in his atmosphere—completely at peace and proud to be up there.” Each night, Bert’s connection with the crowd felt intimate, like a conversation with old friends—loud, chaotic, and deeply comforting.  Photo by LJ Portnoy Photography. The Used - The Fillmore Detroit, Detroit, MI. Final Thoughts: Emo Isn’t Dead—It Grew Up With Us The Used isn’t a band frozen in time. They’re still here —louder, wiser, and just as vital. Whether you came for the screams, the sobs, or to introduce your kid to the music that saved you, this tour was a love letter to every fan who's ever felt too much.

Pop Edition Contributed by by LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief Pop’s latest drops, straight from your algorithm and into your rotation. Rachel Chinouriri - Little House EP (Photo by tagged/credited to: instagram.com/isaacfarley11 & instagram.com/laurengharris ) Pop is on fire right now. Whether you want to cry in your car, dance in your kitchen, or simply add that perfect new vibe to your playlist, these new tracks have you covered. From sultry slow-burners to high-energy bangers, we’ve gathered the best of the best that deserve a spot in your rotation ASAP. Azizam  – Ed Sheeran Genre:  Acoustic Pop / World Fusion Release Date:  March 29, 2025 Why you need this on repeat:  From the very first note, Ed pulls you into a sun-drenched daydream. His vocals float over acoustic strings with a rhythmic flair that feels effortless and intimate. Best time to play it:  Golden hour, windows down, breeze in your hair. Lyric Spotlight: "Azizam, I’m lost in you again.” (Azizam is Persian for “my dear”—extra swoon points.) Vibe Check:  Warm, playful, and tender with a global twist. For fans of:  Harry Styles, James Bay, Shawn Mendes Honey  – John K Genre:  Pop / Funk-Pop Release Date:  March 28, 2025 Why you need this on repeat:  This one struts. It’s jazzy, sexy, and feels like a night out with just the right kind of trouble. That chorus delivers pure pop bliss and instant serotonin. Best time to play it:  Pre-game mirror dance or post-date afterglow. Lyric Spotlight: "You taste like honey, you move like a melody." Vibe Check:  Slick, groovy, and unapologetically flirty. For fans of:  Khalid, Two Feet, Jeremy Zucker (Sleek, modern pop with lowkey swagger and just the right dose of R&B flex. ) Hard Feelings  – EVAN GIIA Genre:  Power Pop / Electro Pop Release Date:  March 28, 2025 Why you need this on repeat:  An emotional bop with powerhouse vocals—EVAN GIIA delivers grit and clarity with a chorus that punches straight through. It’s the kind of track for when you’re moving on but still need to feel every beat. Best time to play it:  When you’re processing change and need that cathartic release. Lyric Spotlight: " Don’t need your sorry—I needed you honest." Vibe Check:  Bold vocals paired with electro energy and breakup catharsis. For fans of:  Alessia Cara, Griff, Dagny All I Know  – Rudimental & Khalid Genre:  Electronic Pop / Soul Release Date:  March 29, 2025 Why you need this on repeat:  The vocals can make you cry, but the beat keeps you moving. It’s emotional and expansive—a feeling like falling in love at a festival, with that perfect mix of vulnerability and danceable energy. Best time to play it:  2AM, when you’re spiraling in the best way possible. Lyric Spotlight: "All I know is I feel alive when I’m with you." Vibe Check:   Euphoric soul-pop with an edge of late-night longing. For fans of:  Khalid, Tai Verdes, Jonas Blue ( Smooth vocals, pulsing beats, and just enough heart to hurt a little. ) DOWN BAD  – SAILORR Genre:  Alt-Pop / Rap-Pop Release Date:  March 29, 2025 Why you need this on repeat:  It’s sexy, confident, and totally cinematic— like the soundtrack to your personal makeup montage or that moment when you decide to own your vibe completely. Best time to play it:  While getting ready for a night out or whenever you need a little attitude boost. Lyric Spotlight: "If I’m down bad, I’m still above you." Vibe Check:  Mirror glam meets full main character energy with a nod to bold, seductive pop. For fans of:  RAYE, BANKS, Tinashe twilight zone  – Ariana Grade Genre:  Indie Pop / Slow-Pop Release Date:  March 27, 2025 Why you need this on repeat:  Dreamy and vulnerable, this slow-burner hits deep. The lyrics feel intimate and personal, inviting you to lose yourself in its reflective mood. Best time to play it:  When you’re driving alone at night and need to dive deep into your thoughts. Lyric Spotlight: "I don’t blame you for what I imagined." Vibe Check:  Soft glow, moody vocals, and poetic heartbreak that lingers. For fans of:  Fletcher, Maisie Peters, Emily Burns Call Me When You Break Up  – Selena Gomez, benny blanco, Gracie Abrams Genre:  Electronic Pop / Nostalgia Pop Release Date:  March 29, 2025 Why you need this on repeat:  This trio delivers emotional precision wrapped in synth shimmer. It’s a nod to early 2000s pop with modern storytelling and a beat that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Best time to play it:  On the dancefloor with your friends after a long day—where every beat feels like a throwback with a twist. Lyric Spotlight: " You say it’s nothing—then call me when it ends." Vibe Check:  Early-2000s drama with grown-up depth and a catchy, reflective hook. For fans of:  Hilary Duff, Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams 6LESSINGS  – Jessie Reyez & 6LACK Genre:  Rap-Pop / Alt-R&B Release Date:  March 29, 2025 Why you need this on repeat:  It’s raw, real, and rhythmically hypnotic. Jessie’s raspy honesty fuses with 6LACK’s mellow flow to create a track that’s both introspective and irresistibly catchy. Best time to play it:  Late-night loops when you’re in deep reflection mode. Lyric Spotlight: "I wanted love. You wanted someone to heal you." Vibe Check:  Introspective, gritty, and beautifully flawed. For fans of:  Jessie Reyez, Giveon, Jhené Aiko ( Emotional, stripped-down R&B that lingers long after it ends. ) Special Shoutout: “Little House” EP – Rachel Chinouriri Genre:  Alt-Pop / Indie Pop Release Date:  March 29, 2025 Why you need this on repeat:  A compact, emotional EP that proves Rachel Chinouriri is one to watch. Every track is textured and intimate, but “Can We Talk About Isaac?” is the one that’s been on loop all week. Best time to play it:  When you’re craving honesty with a sonic hug. Lyric Spotlight: "You say you’re fine, but you never really call." Vibe Check:   Unfiltered, poetic, and hauntingly soft. For fans of:  Lizzy McAlpine, Conan Gray, Dylan ( Emotional indie-pop with poetic lyrics, soft textures, and a beautifully bruised kind of honesty. ) 🌀 Fresh Off the Feed, Straight from the Source Every track in this roundup brought something undeniable—whether it was a killer hook, an emotional gut-punch, or a beat that just wouldn’t quit. These songs are pure pop energy: confident, catchy, and impossible to ignore. But the best part of pop? It’s not just one sound. This playlist bends genres without hesitation—alt-pop, indie-pop, electro-pop, power-pop, R&B-pop—it’s all here, and it’s thriving. This week’s drop isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a pulse check on where pop is headed: bold, vulnerable, genre-fluid, and built to move. Whether you’re queuing it up for a solo dance break or passing it to your group chat, these tracks aren’t just fresh—they’re already on repeat .

Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography If you haven't listened to senses , now is your chance. I discovered senses listening to a Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify, and since then, they haven't disappointed. They recently released their EP i’m still breathing, and it's nothing short of incredible. Filled with grungy, punk vibes, it set the tone for their upcoming tour. I had the chance to catch senses at their show in Philadelphia at the Foundry. If you haven't see this band live yet, you're missing out. All I have to say is WOW. Make sure to grab tickets to one of their last few tour dates! Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography Opening the show, MVSSIE  delivered a performance steeped in darkwave and post-punk influences. The band’s vocals and powerful melodies created an experience that had the crowd hyped up. I watched one guy jumping up and down screaming every word. Following them, Negative 25  cranked up the intensity with a punk-rock edge and angsty energy. They even had us crack our knuckles in radio silence! What a wild experience. The band’s chemistry and unapologetic attitude got the audience ready for what’s to come. When senses  took the stage, you felt the energy in the room shift. The crowd burst into singing and screams.  The Los Angeles-based duo, Madison Taylor (vocals/guitar) and Nick Sampson (drums), delivered a set that balanced aggression and vulnerability. The band opened with "diamonds on your dagger," immediately commanding the crowd’s attention with Taylor’s intense vocals and Sampson’s thunderous drumming. Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography The setlist was a journey through the emotional highs and lows that define senses ’ sound. Songs like "gonna make sure" and "every little thing" showcased their knack for contagious hooks, while tracks like "novocaine" and "me against me" leaned into darker, introspective territory. The cover of Chappell Roan’s "good luck, babe!" was one of my favorites of the night, highlighting the band’s versatility and playful side. Who doesn’t love a little pop goes punk?  Photo by Rebecca McDevitt - RJL Photography Closing out the night, senses  delivered a trio of powerhouse tracks—"playing dead," "sleepwalking," and "better than this"—leaving the audience wanting more. Their ability to capture emotion and deliver it with intensity resonated deeply with their fans, and it SHOWED. senses  left no doubt about their rising status in the alternative scene.

Ardmore Welcomes Wheatus Written by Eric Sperrazza Revised by LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief Photography by Eric Sperrazza Ardmore, PA - “So, what do you want to hear?” inquired Wheatus  brainchild and frontman Brendan B. Brown to a packed Ardmore Music Hall after ingratiating himself to fans in the front of the stage on Saturday. The Origins of a Dirtbag Brown founded the band in 1995 in New York City, and within a few years, Wheatus was practically the house band at the Luna Lounge on the Lower East Side. In 2000, they released their first self-titled LP, Wheatus , which saw two singles; “Teenage Dirtbag” and the cover of Erasure ’s “A Little Respect.” Although both charted in the States and abroad, it was “Teenage Dirtbag” that saw the biggest success, appearing in the major motion picture soundtrack for the film “Loser.”  Although not a single, the song “Punk Ass Bitch” from the debut record was reworked as ‘Chan’s The Man” and used for the end credits of the 2000 cartoon series Jackie Chan Adventures. On March 20th of this year, Brown assembled Wheatus for a 25th Anniversary tour celebrating that very debut album and made a pitstop in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Punchline Brings the Energy First on the stage was the Pennsylvania natives Punchline . The twenty-seven-year battle-tested road warriors of pop punk kicked off a nine-song opening set with the song “Darkest Dark” from the 2018 LION album. They continued with songs from the “Delightfully Pleased” and “Everywhere” LP, such as “Roller Coaster Smoke,” “Keystoned,” and “Flashlight.” Even though their set was fueled by high energy, it was the unlikely cover of The Cranberries “Linger” that was the crown jewel of their performance, somehow reimagining the very emotion that the song should in voke by merely playing it in their style. A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Setlist Punchline packed up their gear, and Brown found his way to the stage first, glad-handing and giving well-wishes to fans. As the rest of Wheatus followed suit, Brown playfully began a “choose your own adventure” setlist, including the audience’s feedback on just how and when the songs from their debut record would be played in celebration of its anniversary… And play they did! Giving the audience every great song from the 2000 self-titled effort like “Truffles” and “Love is a Mutt From Hell,” Brown and friends worked the audience, with Brown bouncing from corner to corner on the stage, and even bringing up special guest, Will Landis, to accompany the band with banjo and harmonica for “Sunshine” and “Leroy.”  The band even did “Chan’s the Man!” scratching the itch of superfans calling out their requests. Of course, Wheatus would go on to perform their hit single, “A Little Respect,” and closed out the night with the inimitable “Teenage Dirtbag,” to the sing-along delight of every single person in the venue. Brendan Brown: A Fan’s Frontman Afterward, Brown came out to the fully lit and emptied Hall to meet personally with every fan waiting, autographing ticket stubs and obliging to selfies. “It’s just so great,” said Brown when speaking to him about the new generation TikTok-fueled Gen Z fans in attendance. And as it turns out, he is, in fact, a fan of Iron Maiden . Commenting on a fan’s Seventh Son of a Seventh Son album cover shirt, Brown would yell, “Great album! Underrated!  Just like ‘ Somewhere in Time! ’“ A Nerd Punk Legacy Some Geek Rock bands, like Weezer , can surpass their lane in the sub-genre and redefine themselves in the pop culture zeitgeist. Others, like Barenaked Ladies  or They Might Be Giants , never veer off course. With that in mind, Wheatus stands unique. making music that reaches both Alternative fans and the pop-punk fanbase. Their singles stand uniquely alone in their sub-genre of Nerd Punk, thus making their shows more like the “The Breakfast Club” of fans. For a night, Admore Hall ticket holders could have been a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, or a criminal...but all  were happy to be together while putting on the warm blanket of nostalgia and belting out “Teenage Dirtbag,” arm and arm.     Keep up with Wheatus at:   Website    Facebook    Instagram    YouTube    X    TikTok     Check out Punchline at:   Website    Facebook    Instagram    YouTube    X    TikTok

Nineteen Years Later, Not Much Has Changed By LJ Portnoy | Editor-in-Chief Contributions by Rebecca McDevitt Jonas Brothers hit the Sky Stage, session one during JonasCon - March 23, 2025 (Photographed by LJ Portnoy). Photo from November 26, 20006 - Jonas Brothers with fans, LJ Portnoy (right). November 26, 2006. The air was cold. I was thirteen, standing in the front row at the Michigan State Fairgrounds, pressed up against the barricade. My first concert. My favorite band. The Jonas Brothers. It had cost five dollars to get in. T-Squad and Nuttin' But Stringz opened the Radio Disney showcase, but nothing could prepare me for what happened after the set.I met them. Right outside by the tour bus. No flashy lights. No photo pit. No photographer. Just three boys, a dream, and a moment that would unknowingly shape the next two decades of my life. Nineteen years later, not much has changed. Except now, I'm not just a fan in the front row — I'm photographing the band I grew up with, capturing moments for the very magazine my friend and fellow photographer, Rebecca, and I built together. What started as a shared love of music and storytelling has evolved into SoundCheck Mag, and JonasCon wasn't just a fan event. For me, it was the moment everything came full circle. Rebecca’s First Show - The Moments That Shaped Her Photo from December 3, 2006, Rebeca (left) and fan. “I remember everything about that day,” Rebecca said, her voice warm with the kind of nostalgia that sits right behind your eyes. “It was freezing. Like, numb-your-fingers kind of cold. But I didn’t care. I got there at 7 a.m. with nothing but a hoodie, a poster that said ‘I <3 Joe,’ and this buzzing feeling that something big was going to happen.” It was December 3, 2006 — her very first Jonas Brothers concert. The Theatre of Living Arts in Philly. Seventeen-dollar tickets, a 1 p.m. showtime, and the kind of magic only a teenage heart can truly recognize. She waited outside for hours, tucked into a line of other hopeful girls who believed in something they couldn’t quite name — something bigger than just three boys with instruments. “I ended up in the second or third row,” she laughed. “I don’t think I blinked once during the set. They were right there  — and I just kept thinking, ‘This is everything.’” Somewhere in the swirl of that day, she met Chris Koon — a name every elder-Jonas fan knows. She was even invited to an after-party but never went. Not because she didn’t want to, but because what mattered most had already happened. “That show changed something in me,” she said softly. “It was the beginning of it all.” Now, almost twenty years later, she’s not the girl holding a sign. She’s behind the lens — camera in hand, heart full — documenting the very band that shaped her. The little girl who froze outside the TLA in 2006 never left. She just grew up, found her voice, and made her way back — a little closer, a little stronger, and this time, telling the story in her own way. JonasCon - Coming Full Circle “Honestly, I didn’t go in with expectations,” Rebecca said. “I just wanted to shoot some photos and have fun with my favorite band. That was it.” But sometimes the most unexpected moments hit the hardest. One of the most emotional highlights came not from the stage, but from a quiet room tucked inside the activation space — where fans could line up, preview clips from Joe’s upcoming solo album, and browse limited-edition merch. Rebecca was one of the lucky few who got to hear a snippet of Constellation , a brand new track from the album releasing this May. “Even just hearing part of it… it got to me,” she said. “It’s a completely new sound for Joe — really emotional, a little haunting. I almost cried. I wasn’t ready for it.” The moment was fleeting — just a glimpse — but powerful in its intimacy. A whisper of what’s to come, shared only with those standing in that space. The kind of moment that anchors a memory deeper than you expect. Fans pictured at Sky Stage, session one, during JonasCon. What began as a day to shoot and enjoy quickly turned into something deeper — emotional, chaotic, joyful. The crowd was buzzing with memories and screams, elder emos and Gen Zs all tangled together in the same heartbeat. “We were all there for the same reason — to celebrate something that’s been part of our lives for over half  of it,” she said. “That doesn’t happen often. That kind of connection. That kind of legacy.” Rebecca attended both Sky Stage Sessions, but the second one stood out the most — especially when All-American Rejects took the stage. “I’m such an elder emo,” she laughed. “Hearing Move Along  live after all that Jonas Brother emotion? It was everything. ” All American Rejects performance - JonasCon, Sky Stage session two (Shot by Rebecca Jean Limited Photography). The chaos of the con — the laughter, the crowd, the shared history — only made the day more powerful. There were moments of deep reflection tucked between snapping photos and capturing Reel content. She even met a fan named Pau who had flown all the way from Costa Rica  just to be there. “It reminded me how global this community is. We’re all carrying different memories, different favorite songs — but we’re united by the same love for these guys. It was kind of overwhelming, in the best way.” Thanks to a team member, Rebecca and I ended up with VIP bracelets for the second Sky Stage session — a small, surreal behind-the-scenes moment that reminded us just how far we’ve come. “That girl at the TLA in 2006 wouldn’t believe this,” Rebecca said. “I was there with my best friend, photographing my favorite band, building something we created from scratch. It felt like a full-circle moment — and it’s only the beginning.” Jonas Brothers fan and JonasCon attendee. The Sky Stage Was Heaven Rebecca McDevitt photographed (by LJ Portnoy) at Sky Stage, session one. Before the quiet intensity of Joe’s solo album preview — before the sneak peek of Constellation  made us both stop in our tracks — the day began with pure, joyful chaos on the Sky Stage. Saturday, March 23, 2025 – Rutherford, NJ  We arrived at the American Dream Mall by 5:45 a.m., clutching our camera bags and caffeine, buzzing with a strange mix of adrenaline and disbelief. This wasn’t just another convention. This was JonasCon  — a one-day celebration of the Jonas Brothers’ 20-year anniversary. And we weren’t just attending. We were documenting it. By 7:30 a.m., we were through security — all our professional gear approved (thank you, Hank). Around 8:50, the gates to the Sky Stage opened, and we stepped into the audience area, hearts racing. Big Rob kicked things off with a panel hosted by Chicks in the Office , and when the crowd called for it, he gave us a surprise a cappella performance of Burnin’ Up.  Iconic doesn’t even begin to describe the moment — hearing that voice, live , in 2025? It was like someone hit rewind and fast-forward at the same time. Timeless and brand new all at once. Next came Franklin Jonas, relaxed and magnetic, performing with Harper Grace. Their newly released single IDK  was both fresh and nostalgic — a little elder emo, a little country-pop, and a whole lot of soul. Harper’s vocals absolutely soared, and Franklin’s grounded presence proved the Jonas bloodline carries more than just fame — it carries talent. By noon, Kevin, Nick, and Joe took the stage for their first panel — another Chicks in the Office  interview — and the crowd erupted. Cameras up. Hearts pounding. They were just feet in front of us, and somehow, it still didn’t feel real. The meditation ended, our eyes blinked open — and there they were. The Jonas Brothers. Jonas Brothers at JonasCon - Sky Stage, session one - March 23, 2025, photographed by LJ Portnoy. There’s no other way to describe it: it was magic. The kind of magic that lives in the pit of your stomach, tied to years of posters on bedroom walls, burned CDs, and late-night MySpace messages — which, in our case, is where this whole story really began. “We met on MySpace,” Rebecca laughed. “Back when you could rank your Top 8 and decorate your profile with glittery gifs and autoplay music. That’s how it started. Talking about these boys. Sharing edits, lyrics, dreams. We didn’t know it then, but that  was the beginning of Soundcheck.” So when Kevin, Nick, and Joe finally took the stage and started to play, it wasn’t just a concert. It was a full-circle moment — for the band, for the fans, and for us. Earlier that morning, sometime around 10 a.m., we got an email — we’d been selected to submit fan-generated content directly to the Jonas Brothers’ team. It wasn’t an official press assignment. There were no photo passes, no front-row access. We were just two girls with cameras, standing in the crowd like everyone else — except now, we had a purpose. We’d been invited  to tell the story, and we weren’t going to waste the opportunity. “When I read the email, I just froze,” Rebecca said. “Like… they picked us? Us? It changed everything.” Every photo we took after that felt charged. Intentional. Like we were capturing not just a performance, but a legacy. We weren’t just screaming fans anymore — we were storytellers, and this was our  story to tell. There was a rhythm to it — click, sing, scream, click — as they moved across the stage with the same charm that captured every girl in the room’s heart back in 2007, except now, we were women behind the lens. Still in awe. Still believing. “They’re still ours,” I remember thinking. “And we’re still theirs.” That Sky Stage performance was more than just a set. It was a bridge — between who we were, and who we’ve become. Between fan and creator. Jonas Brothers fans and JonasCon attendees.  Between MySpace, and Soundcheck Mag. These Songs Raised Us The Sky Stage morning set was a blur of chords, harmonies, and history — about eight songs total, ranging from crowd-igniting classics like Burnin’ Up  to newer releases like Leave Before You Love Me  and Love Me to Heaven.  It was short, high-energy, and unforgettable. But it was later in the day, during the general admission performance, that the emotional gut-punch hit. We weren’t inside the venue for that one — instead, we stood just a few feet away, watching the livestream on a nearby screen tucked inside the fan-inspired merch area of the mall. But when the opening notes of Time for Me to Fly  and 7:05  began, it didn’t matter where we were. Those songs stopped me cold. “I hadn’t heard them live since 2006,” I whispered. And suddenly, I wasn’t 31 with a camera anymore. I was thirteen, barefoot in my bedroom, scribbling lyrics in the margins of my homework. Burning CDs for my best friends. Crying over AIM away messages. They weren’t just songs — they were pieces of my past. And somehow, even through a livestream, they found their way back to me. “I wasn’t just singing along,” I thought. “I was healing.” Music has a way of tethering you to who you were, and who you’re becoming. Even through a screen. Even from a mall hallway. JonasCon attendees and Jonas Brother fans. After the Sky Stage performance, the day was far from over — in fact, it felt like it had just begun . We stepped off the concert high and onto the convention floor, where the energy of the fanbase pulsed through every corner of the American Dream Mall. From the Jonas Beach  poolside sessions (yes, fans really showed up ready to swim in 40-degree March weather — indoors, of course) to interactive activation games like the Jonas Escape Room and Jonas Mini Golf, it was clear this event wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was a love letter  to every fan who’s been there since the first chords of Mandy  graced our ears. Even though I didn’t make it through the escape room or golf course myself, just seeing the effort and creativity poured into every station made me emotional. It wasn’t just well-designed — it was thoughtful . They thought of everything. They thought of us. Every inch of the convention screamed connection, legacy, and celebration. Fans Flew In From Everywhere — And We Spoke to Them All We brought our cameras, but our real goal was to capture the heart  of the fandom — not just through images, but through their stories. And they came ready. Some of our favorite conversations came from fans who had traveled from all over the world — Australia, New York, Hawaii… and even Costa Rica. “I flew in from Hawaii to go to JonasCon and it was the best day of my life!” said Taylor. “Getting to spend an entire day dedicated to the band I have loved since I was 14 meant the world to me.” “If you would've told 14-year-old me that one day I'd spend 14 hours at a mall living out all of my Jonas hopes and dreams, I'd never have believed you,” Lindsey shared. “JonasCon was truly a fantastic experience. What a way to kick off their 20-year anniversary.” Then there was Pau, who traveled from Costa Rica — and whose story left a lasting impression. She didn’t just make the trip for JonasCon. A few months earlier, on October 12, 2023, Pau was invited backstage by the Jonas Brothers themselves. JonasCon attendee and Jonas Brothers fan, Pau from Costa Rica. “That day changed me,” she said. “They knew who we were. Where we came from. What we do. It was crazy. It put something inside of me.” She carried that moment into JonasCon — living proof of what this fandom can manifest. Her story wasn’t just about getting to meet them. It was about the connection, the recognition, and the deep emotional validation  of being seen by the very people who shaped your youth. Other fans shared memories that spanned decades: “My favorite memory is meeting my best friend on MySpace. We’ve been messaging for 16 years,” one fan told us. Another added, “My best friend upgraded our tickets in Albany to B-stage, and I lost my mind — like, slowly falling down crying.” “I brought a birdhouse to the concert in 2009 because Kevin once said he wanted one,” someone else laughed. “And I got to give it to him.  It was the best day of my life.” From Jonas Beach swim sessions to pink faux fur coats in limos, to countless concerts with sisters, moms, and chosen family — everyone had a story . A moment where life stood still and the music did something bigger than just entertain. It was moments like these — chance encounters, childhood memories, friendships formed in comment sections — that made JonasCon unforgettable. Because this fandom isn’t just about the music. It’s about who we’ve become because of it. Joe Jonas' Next Chapter Joe Jonas Activation - Photographed by Rebecca Jean Limited Photography One of the busiest areas of the convention was the merch space — a mix of fan-designed shirts, rare vintage tour tees, and exclusive official drops. I gravitated toward Joe’s table immediately. I left with a JJ horseshoe crop top, a Cup of Joe sweatshirt, and most importantly — a sense that something bigger was unfolding beneath the surface. Just before the second Sky Stage session, I stepped into the Joe Jonas activation room — a quiet, curated space where fans could browse merch and preview clips from his upcoming solo album, For People Who Want to Believe in Love Again  (out May 23, 2025). We only heard snippets — just enough to feel it. Inside look at the Joe Jonas activation - Filmed by Rebecca Jean Limited Photography The tracks weren’t flashy or loud. They were soft. Reflective. Vulnerable. It felt like Joe had cracked his heart open and left it on tape, giving us a glimpse into something deeply personal: his breakup, his rebirth, and the quiet, aching hope of learning to love again. But this isn’t the wound of another Jonas Brothers split — not even close. It’s a window into his own , a self-reflective chapter he needed to write through as an artist and a human being. Joe’s solo music feels cathartic — like he’s digging through the emotional wreckage, not to dwell, but to grow. It’s not a goodbye to the band. It’s an inner reckoning. A healing. A rebirth. This isn’t just a solo project. It’s an emotional offering —  for anyone who’s ever had to start over, and still dared to believe in love. Joe Jonas during Sky Stage session one (Shot by Rebecca Jean Limited Photography) Why SoundCheck Exists — And Why It All Comes Back to Jonas Click here to order a print copy of SoundCheck mag, available now! Here’s the truth: without the Jonas Brothers, there would be no Soundcheck Mag. Nineteen years ago, we were two girls on opposite sides of the internet — bonded not by geography, but by music. It started with a Top 8 on MySpace, glittery headers, burned CDs, and late-night messages about tour setlists and favorite lyrics. But it became something much deeper. Because what we found through this band wasn’t just friendship — it was vision . The Jonas Brothers didn’t just soundtrack our coming of age — they were the reason we picked up cameras, the reason we started writing, the reason we believed in storytelling in the first place. We didn’t just want to scream from the crowd anymore. We wanted to be part of something bigger  — something that honored the artists, the fans, and the magic that exists between them. And that’s what Soundcheck is. This isn’t just a music magazine. It’s a platform for passion. A home for voices. A love letter to the songs that shaped us, the artists behind the curtain, and the fans who never stopped believing. From festivals to dive bars, from global headliners to emerging indie acts with just one listener on Spotify — we’re here for the art, not the algorithm. Because good lyrics deserve a spotlight. Because honest melodies deserve a moment. Because music — real music  — isn’t about follower counts. It’s about feeling. JonasCon wasn’t just a convention. It was a culmination. A reminder of where we started… and how far we’ve come. We didn’t have press badges. We weren’t in the photo pit. But still — there we were. On the third level of the Sky Stage, cameras raised, hearts pounding, tears in our eyes. JonasCon attendee and Jonas Brothers fan. We weren’t “official.” But we were exactly  where we were supposed to be. Documenting the moment. Capturing the magic. Telling the story — not as fans, but as founders. Soundcheck exists because we grew up in this fandom. Because we fell in love with music in real time. And now, we get to give that love back — one story at a time. Franklin Jonas performing at Sky Stage, session one at JonasCon. It Was Never Just a Phase There’s a narrative people like to spin about "fangirls." That we grow out of it.  That we mature, move on, find new obsessions. Jonas Brothers fan wall, wall of posters. But we know better. This fandom — this family  — has grown with us. I saw moms and daughters holding hands in the crowd. I saw girls my age crying to songs they first heard in 2005. I saw three brothers step onto a stage, look out into a sea of faces, and see us still standing there. They were the first band I ever saw live. The first time I felt the magic of concerts. The first photos I ever took with a dream of doing more. Nineteen years later, not much has changed —  Except now, I get to tell the story from the other side of the lens. LJ Portnoy Photographed (by Rebecca Jean Limited Photography) at Sky Stage, session 1. And Now… We Begin Two months ago, Soundcheck Mag was just a dream. A late-night brainstorm. A shared “what if” between two women who never stopped believing in the power of music. Now?  It’s a fire. A movement. A mission. SoundCheck Mag, issue one is out now! Get your digital copy here. While the Jonas Brothers celebrate twenty years, we’re celebrating two months — and already, we know this is just the beginning. We’re more than fans. We’re artists. Creators. Visionaries. And we’re building something bigger than ourselves. We want to spotlight every voice. Every genre. Every artist — from one fan to 100 million. We care about the music , the lyrics, the stories behind the spotlight. We care about what makes you feel . And we’re here to tell those stories with all the heart we’ve got. This is for the believers. The ones still singing in their bedrooms. The ones still crying in the crowd. The ones chasing the same magic we felt at thirteen. So here’s to the last two months. And here’s to the next twenty years. We’re looking for partners. For contributors. For dreamers. For doers. For anyone who believes in the magic of live music, the pulse of shared experience, and the power of storytelling. From the lens of our cameras to the notes in our journals — From fan to founder — We’re all in. And we’re just getting started. spotlight, Artist Submission, Subscribe]]

The Jonas Brothers are making 2025 their biggest year yet! Celebrating 20 years of music, they just dropped some major news— a brand-new tour, multiple album releases, and a fresh single that’s already stealing hearts . “Living The Dream” Tour Kicking off August 10 at MetLife Stadium , the Jonas20: Living The Dream  tour is set to be a nostalgic, high-energy celebration  of their two-decade journey. To make things even better, they’re bringing along Marshmello, The All-American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls —a dream lineup that blends pop, EDM, and classic 2000s rock. New Music Incoming The brothers aren’t just hitting the road—they’re dropping a brand-new album, Greetings From Your Hometown , on August 8 . And if that wasn’t enough, Joe Jonas is also set to release his solo album, Music For People Who Believe In Love , on May 23 . Plus, a live album is dropping on June 13 , giving fans the chance to relive the magic of their concerts anytime, anywhere. Alongside these huge announcements, the Jonas Brothers just released their latest single, “Love Me to Heaven” , a track that fuses their signature sound with fresh, upbeat vibes. It's sure to be the song of the summer! Stream it now on all platforms and get ready for an unforgettable year with the JoBros! Stay tuned for tour coverage, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content—only on SoundCheck Mag !

Craving a playlist update? These must-stream songs from the past two weeks are for binging, shuffling and sharing with the group chat.  A little bit pop, a little bit indie, a little bit country and A LOT of ear candy, these fresh bops and bangers will live rent-free in your headphones. Official artist Spotify photos: (L-R) Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, Jonas Brothers, Wishy, Sofia Camara, Chris de Sarandy, Franklin Jonas and Harper Grace, Good Neighbours  Body and Soul – Chris de Sarandy Genre: Indie Pop  Release Date: March 13, 2025 Why you need this on repeat: A growly, passionate take on what it means to be human, this is the ultimate self-acceptance track.  Best time to play it: When you want to feel connected to yourself with a quick therapy sesh.   Lyric Spotlight: “ Oh, I’m a mess, I guess the best of me you already know .” (Damn, that raw vulnerability.)  Vibe Check: Gritty, powerful vocals that carry you into an anthemic chorus. For fans of: Imagine Dragons, Alex Warren, OneRepublic, Hozier and X Ambassadors         Here We Go Again — Sofia Camara Genre: Pop Release Date: March 21, 2025   Why you need this on repeat: An artist who blew up on TikTok, Sofia Camara just dropped her debut EP and this song is a standout.  Best time to play it: When you want a mid-tempo bop that’s deep and poignant. Lyric spotlight: “You're a ghost in a world away from home.” (Such a vivid picture in so few words.)    Vibe check: Honest, heart-wrenching; it will break you and heal you.   For fans of: Alessia Cara, Halsey and Demi Lovato   IDK – Harper Grace & Franklin Jonas  Genre: Country Pop Release Date: March 21, 2025 Why you need this on repeat: This duet is sonic velvet — smooth and sultry with a unique narrative style and blended vocals that consistently balance and challenge each other. Best time to play it: With both breakup and ready-to-love-again themes, it’s for anyone nursing a broken heart or putting theirs back on the line.  Lyric Spotlight: “I’ve been lovin’ for the plot of it”  / “I’ve been ghostin’ for the point of it.” (Too real, all of the dating PTSD.)  Vibe check: Pretty but fierce with relatable storytelling. The bridge hits especially hard with its dueling his/hers POVs and mesmerizing harmonies.   For fans of: Lady Antebellum, Mumford & Sons and Kacey Musgraves     Love Me To Heaven – Jonas Brothers  Genre: Pop Release Date: March 21, 2025 Why you need this on repeat: The instrumentation and tempo remind me of Bruce Springsteen. It’s also a nostalgic throwback to the vintage JoBros sound of past eras. Go off, Jersey boys.  Best time to play it: When you’re dancing alone in your bedroom like the main character in a rom-com. Lyric Spotlight: “Turns out the Northern Lights don’t impress me much, guess I’m just a fool for the human touch.” (SO Bruce-coded.) Vibe check: Feel-good and energetic with a gospel-esque echo on select lyrics. The clapping break will make you envision scream-singing along at the next JB tour. For fans of: Bruce Springsteen, Shawn Mendes and Harry Styles     Starry Eyed – Good Neighbours Genre: Alternative/Indie Release Date: March 21, 2025 Why you need this on repeat: The epitome of effortless listening, the melody feels like a barefoot summer breeze. Best time to play it: When your mood needs a dose of serotonin.  Lyric spotlight: “These feelings falling in between my sofa and your skinny jeans.” (We love a clever rhyme.) Vibe check: If an optimistic extrovert were a song, it would be this one.  For fans of: MGMT, Foster The People and Capital Cities  Sunset Blvd – Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco   Genre: Pop  Release Date: March 14, 2025 Why you need this on repeat: It’s a cheeky glimpse into a super-couple’s love. With a soft pop sound that feels ripped from an ‘80s playbook, this collab is sweet, cute and unserious.  Best time to play it: When you’re deep in your romantic feels reliving the experience of falling for someone. Lyric Spotlight:  “Woman of few words, but for you I'd keep my mouth wide open.” (Blushing yet? This song is overflowing with innuendos and euphemisms.) Vibe check: Dreamy, synth-heavy, flirty beat with a daring pre-chorus that catches you off-guard. For fans of: The Weeknd, Ellie Goulding and Lauv Wishy — Over and Over Genre: Indie Rock Release Date: March 18, 2025 Why you need this on repeat: Because we all deserve an escape into childlike wonder and imagination. When to play it: When you’re lost in a daydream…or wish you were. Lyric spotlight: “ I wanted to wake and find gold in my house.” (Casually poetic.)  Vibe check: Hazy but vibrant. Whimsical without being silly.  For fans of: Modest Mouse, Sublime and Death Cab for Cutie

We are offering an exclusive 20th Anniversary Jonas Brothers merch collection! Available here now. Contributed by: Rebecca McDevitt Editor-in-Chief: LJ Portnoy The Jonas Brothers are commemorating their 20th anniversary with JonasCon, a special one-day event on March 23, 2025 , at the American Dream Mall  in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This milestone celebration offers a variety of activities and experiences for fans. Here’s everything you need to know to maximize your experience. JonasCon Exclusive Poster presented by SoundCheck Mag. Photos and graphic design by Rebecca McDevitt Entry & Security Guidelines Bag Policy: According to a recent post from @jonascon2025 twitter, Attendees are permitted to bring bags of any size, but all bags, regardless of size will be searched and screened by security upon entry.  Prohibited Items:  No outside food or beverages, large backpacks, or large umbrellas. Entry Time:  Doors open at 8 AM, so arrive early to secure a good spot. Registration: Entry is free, but registration is required. While initial registration has closed, fans can join the waitlist for updates. Wristbands & Tickets:  Ensure your digital or physical tickets are scanned upon entry, and wristbands must be worn at all times for re-entry. Re-entry is subject to availability and capacity.  Exclusive SoundCheck Mag Jonas Brothers 20th Anniversary Merch is available now in the shop. Click here. Main Attractions & Performances Sky Stage (Located at the Ice Rink) The Jonas Brothers will take center stage in the main performance space. Expect special guest performances and potential surprise collaborations. Large screens will ensure great visibility even if you're further back. Jonas Beach (Located at DreamWorks Waterpark) A laid-back, beach-themed activation with acoustic sets, Q&A sessions, and exclusive fan meet-ups. Lounge areas with Jonas Brothers-themed décor, perfect for relaxation between performances. Pop-up merch stands featuring exclusive, beach-inspired festival gear. Exclusive SoundCheck Mag Jonas Brothers 20th Anniversary Merch is available now in the shop. Click here. Fan Activations & Exclusive Experiences Live Performances:  The Jonas Brothers will perform live, with potential special guest appearances. Sound off in the comments below who you think will be a surprise guest! DJ Sets:  Enjoy music from guest DJs throughout the event, including from Deleasa. Q&A Panels:  Interactive sessions where fans can engage directly with the band. Trivia & Games:  Test your Jonas Brothers knowledge and participate in interactive games, taking place at The Gameroom Eats. Karaoke:  Sing along to your favorite Jonas Brothers tracks. Camp Rock karaoke at House of ‘Que restaurant and Camp Star karaoke at the Dream Bar. Camp Rock Throwback Zone:  Step into nostalgia with interactive exhibits, props, and sing-alongs from the iconic Disney movie. Jonas Vinyl Lounge:  A listening experience featuring deep cuts, unreleased tracks, and personalized vinyl engraving. Shake By The Ocean:  A Jonas-inspired dessert pop-up offering limited-edition snacks and themed beverages exclusively through Candy Land Shake Bar. Band Together Art Wall:  Leave your mark with a message or drawing dedicated to the band and fellow fans. Camp Rock Bar:  A themed area inspired by the band’s iconic movie. Jonas Pizza:  Enjoy specially crafted pizzas in honor of the band, made available by Best Pizza. G.I. Jonas: Appreciate a one-of-a-kind Jonas-themed laser quest experience, exclusively at The Game Room . Jonas Brothers Escape Game:  This only-available at Jonas Con experience will be available at The Escape Game New Jersey . Jonas Golf: Enjoy the Angry Birds Golfing experience with a Jonas-flavored twist, available at  Angry Birds Mini Golf. Dream Wheel: Hear exclusive unreleased tracks by Jonas Brothers while riding this iconic wheel. Jonas Cookies:  Treat yourself to Jonas-themed cookies only available at Mrs. Fields™ Cookies. Exclusive SoundCheck Mag Jonas Brothers 20th Anniversary Merch is available now in the shop. Click here. Newly Announced Features: Free Portraits: Jo nasCon attendees are invited to a Free Fan Portrait Studio with Pamela Littky. Pamela is known for her stunning work with Jonas Brothers, Green Day, Justin Bieber, and Rihanna. She will be capturing special fan portraits throughout the event. Find her at Concourse G, Level 3. Love Me to Heaven Music Video Shoot:  Jonas Brothers are releasing a brand-new single, “Love Me To Heaven,” and want you to be a part of the music video. Anthony Mandler is the legendary director of this shoot. You have a chance to be featured in this exclusive opportunity by locating the video shoot area.  JonasCon Welcome Committee: Team Jonas needs a dedicated group of fans to help greet fellow attendees and help guide them to their activation stations. Join the welcome commitment to receive early access to JonasCon, a Welcome t-shirt, and VIP access to One Sky Stage session. Register here . Meet and Greet Opportunities:  Throughout activation experiences, you’ll have a chance to win a pass to a special limited Meet and Greet with the Jonas Brothers at the end of the night. There is a limited number of passes available, which will be handed out randomly throughout the day. Visit all activations for your chance to score this opportunity.  VIP Packages: Obtain your ultimate upgrade by upgrading to become a Sky Stage VIP. Packages are still available through VIP Nation. Obtain guaranteed optimal views, plush lounge chairs, Jonas Brother gift items, an assortment of light snacks, a mini fridge with beverages and designated staff for the Jonas Beach Skybox Session or one ticket to the show and early access to an exclusive merch booth on the Sky Stage with an Ultra Pass. Passes can be purchased here. Sky Stage, Jonas Beach, and Keynote Fan Sessions:  All Fan Experiences are ticketed events. You must obtain access to these events through 1iota.com . All tickets are good for up to 2 guests. Waivers must be signed and acknowledged and guest information must be entered and match government issued IDs. The Jonas Beach experience is 21+ ONLY. Fans were eligible to select one experience from these three events. Sky Stage and Jonas Beach have two sessions occurring simultaneously. One starts at 10AM - 1PM, and one is at 2:30PM - 5PM. The keynote session was later added to occur at 7PM - 10PM and features a live performance. Note, these experiences are currently sold out. Check back to 1iota.com for additional updates or more information on availability. Exclusive SoundCheck Mag Jonas Brothers 20th Anniversary Merch is available now in the shop. Click here. Food, Merch & More Official Merchandise Booths:  Official JonasCon 2025  merch, including hoodies, posters, and limited-run vinyl. Fan Creations: Creators, designers, and artists are invited to sell their custom Jonas Brothers merchandise at JonasCon. Many fans are also participating in the opportunity to trade pins, stickers, bracelets, and more. We will be bringing mini posters to trade! Food Trucks & Concessions:  Various festival-style eats, including vegan and gluten-free options. Nellie’s Southern Kitchen:  Enjoy a meal prepared by the head chef, Mr. Kevin Jonas Sr, at the Marcus Live Grille. Around the Clock:  Treat yourself to Jonas-favorites curated by the brothers at Around the Clock. Charging Stations:  Don’t let your phone die before capturing the best moments—multiple charging hubs are available on-site. Click here to view all the SoundCheck JonasCon exclusive totes. Travel & Parking Parking:  Available at the American Dream Mall . Parking opens at 6:30 AM. Arrive early to secure a spot. Rideshare Drop-Off Zone:  Dedicated area for Uber, Lyft, and other services. Public Transit:  Shuttle buses are available from designated pick-up spots to make travel hassle-free. 2025 Calendar (with three bonus months of 2026) Featuring the Jonas Brothers available here. Final Tips for an Unforgettable JonasCon Experience ✔ Stay hydrated and bring a reusable water bottle (hydration stations available). ✔ Plan your schedule in advance to catch all the key performances and activations. ✔ Follow @SoundCheck.Mag and @JonasCon2025 and on Instagram for real-time updates, exclusives, and insights directly from the fans! ✔ Most importantly—soak in the Jonas-fueled experience and have the time of your life! Hit the follow so you can catch all the fun and excitement! We promise this is something you won't want to miss! SoundCheck Mag Exclusive Content! For two weeks only the SoundCheck Mag team is offering an exclusive JonasCon collection  for the fans. Featuring photos you’ve never seen, taken by our team of talented photographers. This collection offers posters, totes and even a Jonas Brothers 2025 calendar, with three additional bonus months of 2026, giving you even more content to love! Head over to our Jonas Collection now for exclusives and sign up here  for a special 10% discount at checkout.

Photos and Review by Eric Sperrazza Photo by Eric Sperrazza Since 2002, Dropkick Murphys  have performed a series of shows leading up to and on Saint Patrick's Day. Once just a luxury of those that could get to Boston, Massachusetts, in the last few years, the band has expanded on dates and even locations as far down south as Florida while on the road to the coveted holiday. On Tuesday the band made their traditional Pennsylvania stop at the Mohegan Sun Arena in the resort town of Wilkes-Barre, special guests, Teenage Bottle Rocket  and The Menzingers  in tow.  Kicking off the night was Ramonescore  punk band, Teenage Bottle Rocket. Still riding high from the 2021 Fat Wreck Chords LP release, Sick Sesh! ,  the band tore through a cavalcade of genuinely fun pop-punk songs like “Bigger Than Kiss” and “Freak Out!”  They ended the set with their 2009 hit single, ‘Skate or Die.” Photo by Eric Sperrazza Pennsylvania’s own The Menzingers took to the stage next. Powering through a thirteen-song set list, they kicked off with the aptly named, “I Don’t Want to be an Asshole Anymore.” From there, they touched on classics like, “Obituaries” and “America (You’re Freaking Me Out!)” and even performed the rather appropriate, “Irish Goodbyes.” At about nine o’clock, the lights went down, and the Dropkick Murphys backdrop began to illuminate. Then, Ken Casey  (vocals),  Matt Kelly  (drums), James Lynch  (guitar), Tim Brennan  (muliple instruments including accordion), Jeff DaRosa  (multiple instruments including banjo), and Campbell Webster  (bagpipes) would proceed to march onto the stage to the sounds of Sinead O’Connor ’s “A Foggy Dew,” piped through the arena sound system. Noticeably absent for the third year in a row, however, was co-singer, Al Barr . Photos by Eric Sperrazza Ripping into their set with “Climbing a Chair to Bed” and “The Boys Are Back,” Casey would find himself doing delicate balancing acts on the general admission guard rail, dueting with the audience and building excitement. The momentum was seemingly lost during “Bastards on Parade” as Casey had to address violence in the mosh circle and being respectful of female fans. From that point forward, it seemed that the medic tent saw steady action throughout the rest of the show as the band pressed forward with “Barroom Hero” and the union rally anthem, “Which Side Are You On?”  But, the true spirit of the Irish holiday came in to full bloom as Dropkick rounded out their night with the pub-worthy singalongs, “Going Out In Style” and Rose Tattoo.”  Unfortunately, the fabled 'I’m Shipping Up To Boston” encore was stopped as, yet again, Casey had to address someone injured on the floor.” He did, however, give us one more round to sing along to and finish with the salutation of the working class, “Workers' Song.”  Overall, this was a night filled with some special moments. And although Wilkes-Barre, and the Pocono Mountains as a whole, are riddled with tourist destinations, the area is absolutely a working class population, rooted in industrial jobs and manual labor. Dropkick Murphys and their pro-union voice have always had a home there for the better part of their career. For that, the band’s song choices would be perfect had it not been for the fact that it was the Saint Patrick’s Day tour. Missing were staples of the band’s holiday shows like, “Kiss Me, I’m Shitfaced,” “The Dirty Glass,” and “Fields of Athenry.”  Further, it should be noted how missed Al Barr is. There was a dynamic between Barr and Casey on stage that added to their gang-chorus pub anthems…a palpable energy. The show is in no way bad with Ken Casey at the wheel alone, but it is different without the duo rabble-rousing the crowd and bringing you along on whiskey-riddled adventures.  Photo by Eric Sperrazza My one pointed thought upon leaving was just how violent the general admission section was. Seeing Dropkick Murphys shows since the 1998 Vans Warped Tour, I have never seen the on-site medics more busy and certainly never had “I’m Shipping Up To Boston” stopped because of crowd injuries…ever.Whatever Wilkes-Barre was working through, I hope they got it all out and are okay! Bad Religion will join Dropkick Murphys for the Summer of Discontent Tour , which will kick off on July 22nd in Spokane, Washington, and end on August 17th in Big Flats, New York. Tickets are available here . Keep up with Dropkick Murphys  at: Website Facebook Instagram Youtube TikTok     Check out The Menzingers  at: Website Facebook Instagram Youtube TikTok     X Get more Teenage Bottlerocket  at: Website Facebook Instagram Youtube TikTok     X