Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Rapper Esparo releases new EP 'Moment in Time'


The rapper, songwriter and producer of hip hop known as Esparo has released his latest EP album, “Moment in Time.” The album contains eight original tracks for an approximate total listening time of 20 minutes. It has been proudly published as an independent release without the direction of the corporate music industry. Built on rhymes, packed with rhythms and showcasing the talents of one of the most intriguing young artists for 2018, “Moment in Time” proves that the underground scene has never been more exciting.

Esparo Voltaire cites as main artistic influences Meek Mill, Drake, Big Sean, and Future. Raised in the hip-hop homeland of Queens, New York, but imported to the West Coast's LBC rap hotbed where the legendary Dogg Pound cut their teeth, Esparo's own sound is a blend of that old-school boom-bap and contemporary lyric gymnastics which puts something on every fan's plate.

In addition to the skills of Esparo, himself, “Moment in Time” also features performances by Lil Durk and Zeus Anderson. The work has been co-signed by DJ Bandz and was produced by the multi-platinum crew of sound engineering legends, the 808 Mafia.

Speaking of the themes of his new record, Esparo writes, “'Moment in Time' gives listeners a personal look into a very important 'moment' in my journey. Artists come across ups and downs, but in the span of five months (April-August 2017) I've grown as an artist and built relationships with several individuals who can potentially play a huge part in my success.”

Esparo's debut release came in the form of “BarmitzFortune,” a mixtape dropped in 2013 to local acclaim. He followed this with a sequel in 2014 which featured several artists from the Long Beach underground scene, and then another later that year, “Lucky 7.” These mixtapes have proven to have broad appeal and staying power, but none as promising and well-orchestrated as “Moment in Time.”

“Moment in Time” dropped Christmas Day, 2017. Its influence and popularity continue to grow.

“Moment in Time” by Esparo is available online worldwide from over 600 quality digital music stores now. Get in early, hip hop fans.

-S. McCauley
Lead Press Release Writer


“Moment in Time” by Esparo –



Poet BlkSknn releases new EP 'Disconnect'


The poet, songwriter and producer of hip hop music known as BlkSknn has released his latest EP album, “Disconnect.” The album contains seven original tracks for an approximate total listening time of 20 minutes. The “Disconnect” EP by BlkSknn has been described as “an audio story told by BlkSknn,” and is presented by Blk English, who describe themselves as “a collective of independent artists of all avenues with similar progressive mindsets.” Inventive, poetic, and packed with social commentary, “Disconnect” from BlkSknn has something for every hip hop fan in 2018 and beyond.

BlkSknn cites as main artistic influences a Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Musiq Soulchild, Andre 3000, Bob Marley, Curren$y, and the American graffiti artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat.

This last entry in his list of favorite creative persons may seem out-of-place, but it makes perfect sense when BlkSknn describes his aims for “Disconnect” and other music. Basquiat painted separations: rich and poor, inner and outer, integration and segregation. Like Basquiat, BlkSknn is deeply interested in human connections – and “Disconnect”-tions.

BlkSknn says of his new EP, “My project is going to share and explore the relationships we have as human beings with the things we love the most.”

One of the latest colorful minds to come from the music hotbed of Seattle, Wash., BlkSknn has been described as “providing a new refreshing perspective on hip-hop music and the music industry as a whole. The combination of his uncanny rhyme patterns and infectious flows partnered with an unparalleled lyric ability, BlkSknn has made himself into a musical tyrant over the past year.”

One source writes of a recent BlkSknn performance: “You can see the exponential growth. He's been putting in enormous amounts of time every day to expand his range in sound and substance, and it has helped him elevate his abilities in ways that will one day touch the ears and souls of millions.”

Speaking of their own aims, the Blk English collective of artists have gone on record to say, “We are aiming to build a support system for artists who want to make a change with their craft so that we all prosper rather than one person in the city reaping all the benefits.”

The “Disconnect” EP album from BlkSknn is available online worldwide from over 600 quality digital music stores now.

-S. McCauley
Lead Press Release Writer


“Disconnect” by BlkSknn –



Rapper Dean Loc releases new LP 'The New Board Room'


The rapper and producer known as Dean Loc BKA King ArkLaTex has released his latest LP album, “The New Board Room.” The album contains 12 original tracks for an approximate total listening time of 45 minutes. Like the rest of Dean Loc's repertoire, it has been proudly published on the NLECO New Levels Entertainment Company LLC independent record label without the direction of the corporate music industry. Real, gritty, and mixing the old-school '90s gangsta sound with modern style and production, “The New Board Room” showcases Dean Loc as one of the heaviest hitters in the indie hip-hop scene today.

Houston, TX's Dean Loc cites as main artistic influences Easy E, C-BO, Ratchet Pat, Guitar Lucci, Twista, Busta Rymes, Micheal Jackson, Tupac Shakur, UGK, Ghetto Boys, Fat Pat, Lil KeKe, Slim Thug, Pall Wall, 2Chains, Big Krit, Big Sean, Drake, Jamie Fox, Jay Z, Lil Jon, DJ Kaled, Rick Ross, and Mahalia Jackson.

As might be inferred from this list of legends, his own sound stands on urban poetry first and a rat-a-tat rhythm second, rounding out his tracks with simple melody hooks that don't get in his way. Hip hop fans with a taste for unadulterated rap are likely to find much to appreciate in “The New Board Room” from Dean Loc.

In addition to the talents of Dean Loc, himself, “The New Board Room” also features the skills of Ratchet Pat, Guitar Lucci, the P.C.P. (Paper Chasing Playas), Jeremy Blane, Sly J, Jessie Mae Williams, and Da Twins Jayden and Jordan.

Asked to comment on the themes of his new LP, Dean Loc says, “Since I'm from the country and the streets, I have always been a hit maker for all ages. My main goal is to give you hot fire in every song. I focus on life, money, enjoyment, business, politics, and of course, music to uplift the soul.”

A representative from the NLECO New Levels Ent. label writes that “Longevity is highly respected as the primary goal for all artists here at NLECO™. This is the unique sound that is hard to find that we have right under our noses due to the sea of industry norms. With relationships fostered in the UK and over 40 countries on all seven continents, NLECO™ is featured in over 20 million Billboard Magazine ads. We are clear for launch right out the front yard to NASA better known as H-Town.”

“The New Board Room” by Dean Loc from NLECO New Levels Ent. Co. is available online worldwide from over 600 quality digital music retailers now.

-S. McCauley
Lead Press Release Writer


“The New Board Room” by Dean Loc –

Friday, January 26, 2018

Lana Fame releases new single 'Simon Says'


The singer and performer of modern soul and RnB known as Lana Fame has released her latest pop single, “Simon Says.” The track has been proudly published as an independent release without the direction of the corporate music industry. Classy, sultry, and showcasing the crystalline vocals of Lana Fame like never before, “Simon Says” is the latest reason to take note of this rising star from Texas.

Houston's Lana Fame cites as main artistic influences the Weeknd, Beyonce, and Drake. Her inimitable style blends lofty, youthful vocal tones with contemporary digital effects and a bass-driven sonic backdrop for a result suitable for dance floors, ear buds and urban chariots everywhere.

While the music should fit any pair of ears, don't miss the 'explicit lyrics' tag on the cover, however. “Simon Says” does not describe schoolyard games at recess.

Asked to talk about the themes of her new track, Lana Fame writes, “It's about the perceived submissive partner taking ownership in the bedroom sometimes. Sex should not be seen as something that's 'done' to a person. It's for the enjoyment of both / all participants.”

Lana Fame has been writing original music since the age of 12. Now just a few years later, Fame's official YouTube channel has over 30,000 subscribers and nearly three-million views, making her one of the most-watched independent singers on the Internet, more successful than a great many musicians signed to labels. Fame has performed on over 150 stages, including those benefiting charitable causes such as the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb, Tunes 4 Autism, Fashion for the Cure, and the 2013 Boys and Girls Teen Summit.

Fame's video covers of Drake’s “Hold on We’re Going Home” and Ciara’s “Body Party” were published on Houston's 97.9fm, the Box’s, website. Her feature on rapper Mekka Don’s “Forever Love” helped to land the song and video at many top websites, such as TheSource.com and AllHipHop.com. Her first official release, 2013's “Uzi,” reached AllHipHop.com as well as Jay-Z's Life + Times blog.

Commenting on her creative style, Lana Fame says simply, “I do me.”

“Simon Says” by Lana Fame is available online worldwide from over 600 quality digital music stores now.

-S. McCauley
Lead Press Release Writer


Official Twitter


Thursday, January 18, 2018

Mr. Stress One releases new LP 'Sawed Off Kartel'


The rapper, songwriter and producer of hip hop known as Mr. Stress One has released his latest rap LP, “Sawed Off Kartel.” The full-length album contains no fewer than 21 tracks for an approximate total listening time of an hour and 20 minutes. It has been proudly published on the Sawed Off Kartel independent record label without the direction of the corporate music industry. Original, gangsta, and packed with the boom-bap the fans have come to expect from the crew, “Sawed Off Kartel” stands as evidence that Mr. Stress One is a force of hip hop to be reckoned with.

Mr. Stress 1 Sawed Off cites as influences Chicano rap music, albums from the Sawed Off Records and Low Profile Records labels, Mr. Shadow, Mr. Sancho, Little Rob, West Coast, funk, and oldies music. Music from Mr. Stress 1, himself, stands on heavy base lines with unique hooks on top of solid rhythms.

“Originally Sawed Off Records started over 20 years ago here in San Diego,” he writes. “It had some of the most talented artists in the Chicano rap game back then. Today they are all music legends and true stars in the game!”

Since that time, Stress 1 has steadily kept the Number-One ranking at ReverbNation in the Latin genre for the entire San Diego area. Considering SD is California's second-biggest city at nearly twice the size of San Francisco, that's a gigantic accomplishment.

Speaking of the themes of his music, Mr. Stress 1 says: “Usually people rap about the physical things they have, not about the character they have. They don't talk about how they've conquered and persevered, and made non-believers believe in the craft. Game recognizes game and game recognizes lame – so you cant get away with that certain places...”

Stress 1 has expressed pride in the melodies and instrumentals produced by himself and the other Sawed Off Records producers, describing them as bearing “rap, funk, or oldies sounds with west-coast feels.”

Regarding signing with major labels like UMG and his decision to continue producing as an independent artist, Stress 1 had this to say:

“I have always been an independent artist. Also recruited into representing sawed off records as a free agent in 2015. Due to his presence online recognition and of performing local shows. It related to the same genre as Sawed off Records from the '90s, that's when I was ready to finally know that I was ready to release good quality of music. To stay loyal to the name Sawed Off. I've built like family relationships like comrades, when I met tons of other talented artists around the world for doing it. Some came and left. I decided to stay independent again and be my own boss. So I kept "Sawed off Kartel" just so I don't have to sign with the record companies' labels. I also didn't feel signing with Universal Music Group was necessary since I have my own domains and online sites that may bring along some traffic to those who love the same genre!”

“Sawed Off Kartel” by Mr. Stress 1 is available online worldwide from over 600 quality digital music retailers now.

-S. McCauley
Lead Press Release Writer


“Sawed Off Kartel” by Mr. Stress 1 –

Friday, January 5, 2018

Indie crew Rock Bass release third studio album 'Like the Fish'


The indie-rock group from West Virginia known as Rock Bass have released their newest LP album, “Like the Fish.” It is the third official full length from Rock Bass in a repertoire also including “The Adventures of Space Dog,” “Garbles,” and the seasonal EP, “A Rock Bass Christmas.” Like its predecessors, “Like the Fish” has been proudly published on the Try Catch Records independent music label without the direction of the corporate music industry. Warm, bright, grooving, and packed with the good humor fans have come to expect, “Like the Fish” proves Rock Bass is a name to watch in 2018 and beyond.

Morgantown's Rock Bass cite as main artistic influences Weezer, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Elvis Costello, and They Might Be Giants. Smooshing these groups together in the imagination arrives at a sonic likeness very close to the Rock Bass experience. They're fun, clever, danceable, and family-friendly while holding the interest of mature audiences with witty quips, pop-music hooks and undeniable melody lines.

Also adding to the allure of Rock Bass is an almost tangible music expertise running through “Like the Fish” and the rest of their recordings. Every note, beat, measure, harmony and lyric feels and sounds surgically precise, calibrated, balanced, deliberate almost to a fault but ultimately faultless. This makes sense. The band are no greenhorns.

“We have all been playing music since middle school,” writes singer, guitarist Canon Fazenbaker. “All four of us are now in our 30s.”

Nevertheless, Rock Bass – need it be said? Bass like the fish, not like the guitar – have only been together six years. Averaging slightly better than an official release every two years, they're an active crew with lots of creative energy yet to spend.

Asked to describe the themes and styles of their new record, Fazenbaker writes, “'Like the Fish' marks a return to our guitar-driven alternative rock roots. Our last album was more experimental. The main lyrical themes throughout the album focus on love, living in the moment, and moving past unexpected adversity.”

Rock Bass are Canon Fazenbaker (vocals / guitar), Kevin Poling (bass), Steve Yokum (drums), and Lee Dunn (guitar / vocals).

Rock Bass has been variously described as “classic indie rock,” “a genuine group” and “a band in motion.” They have also been called “a throwback to a time where thick reverb or booming production was not the goal of the music, a time when the instruments that carry the music and the musicians who carry the instruments were important.”

West Virginia's Rock Bass have been prominently featured on both WCLG and WOAFM99 radio, as well as on the popular WV Sound and Sonic-Smash Music blogs. Rock Bass also wrote and recorded the theme song for the alternative-rock Allegheny Mountain Radio program, Alternate Transmission.

“Like the Fish” from Rock Bass is available from over 600 quality digital music retailers online worldwide now. Get in early, alt-rock and indie music fans.

-S. McCauley
Lead Press Release Writer


“Like the Fish” from Rock Bass –

Rock Bass Official Website –