NMR
September 1, 2025

Spotlight Sessions – A New Artist Montage – ( All Genres )

Spotlight Sessions

Discovering New Music Artists Through Social Media

The music world is moving faster than ever, and one of the most exciting ways to find fresh talent today is through short-form content on social media. Platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts are giving emerging artists the stage they deserve—often in under 60 seconds. These platforms are no longer just spaces for entertainment; they’re the new grassroots venues where the next wave of musicians are first discovered.

That’s where our new feature comes in. Spotlight Sessions is a series dedicated to promoting short, engaging introductions to new music artists who are making noise online. Instead of long biographies or heavy discographies, we’ll bring you the quick hits: a glimpse of their sound, their influences, and what makes them stand out.

Why short pieces? Because that’s how fans are connecting with artists now. A 30-second clip of a bedroom demo on TikTok can spark millions of plays overnight. An acoustic performance on Instagram can turn casual listeners into loyal followers. By focusing on these short-form moments, we’ll highlight the energy, authenticity, and raw creativity that social media platforms make possible.

Each week, we’ll feature a handful of artists discovered through viral clips, trending sounds, and curated playlists. Whether it’s an indie band experimenting with synths, a singer-songwriter sharing a snippet of their latest ballad, or a rapper freestyling from their kitchen, you’ll get a quick introduction and a reason to keep them on your radar.

We believe music discovery should be fast, fun, and accessible. With Spotlight Sessions, we’re curating the best of social media’s rising stars so you can spend less time scrolling and more time listening.

NMR
August 31, 2025

Sam Way – Alchemy ( Live) ( Ballad / Acoustic )

Sam Way – New Live release – Alchemy

Love for the written word and a desire to tell powerful stories has always been at the heart of Sam’s work as an artist. As a teenager, he filled notebooks with plays, poetry, and short stories, while also composing his first songs on the out-of-tune upright piano his mum once played.

Music quickly became his passion. Weekends were spent exploring new artists, pouring over the ‘Staff Picks’ section at HMV, and spending every bit of pocket money on records. Creativity offered him a refuge—a source of catharsis that would ultimately shape his life.

After moving from a small rural town in southwest England to the capital, Sam released his debut music in 2013 through a small independent label. He threw himself into songwriting, collaboration, sonic experimentation, and touring. However, feeling limited by label bureaucracy, he broke away to independently fund his own music and studio time.

Early Releases and Milestones

Sam’s live performances quickly gained attention, with highlights including a cross-country UK tour, 14 dates alongside fellow songwriter Anna Pancaldi, a festival appearance at Somersault in Somerset, and a main stage performance at Bristol Summer Ball.

His self-funded debut EP, Architect, featured five original songs he both wrote and co-produced. A strategic social media campaign helped spread the word, propelling Architect into the top 15 of the UK Singer-Songwriter iTunes Charts.

Between 2015 and 2019, Sam released 10 singles, three official music videos, and performed internationally in LA and NYC at Sofar Sounds shows and the iconic Rockwood Music Hall. He also featured in Mahogany Sessions’ coveted Covers project with an intimate live rendition of “Without Me.”

Sam’s breakout moment came with Interlude, a piano composition that gained traction across classical, neo-classical, and instrumental playlists. From 2019 onward, he has been steadily building towards his forthcoming album while releasing 10 more singles, publishing his first poetry volume, and collaborating with pop producer Rob Late on the track Closer.

Notable appearances include live performances and interviews on BBC London, with his single Give Me Something receiving airplay on BBC Introducing in Devon.

Today, Sam’s catalogue has surpassed 1 million streams on Spotify and he has amassed over 3,200 followers on the platform. His work continues to be championed by press outlets and supported through numerous PR campaigns, cementing his place as a multi-faceted artist with a gift for storytelling.

NMR
August 30, 2025

CF98 – Hate My Life ( Pop / Punk )

Polish pop-punk staples CF98 are back with their latest single, “Hate My Life,” and it’s a burst of nostalgia, angst, and unfiltered honesty. Packed with shout-along choruses, raw lyrics, and early 2000s energy, this track perfectly captures the chaos of growing up, wrestling with anxiety, and questioning everything—without pretending to have it all figured out.

“Hate My Life” is nostalgic, fun, angry, and weirdly comforting—the kind of track for anyone who grew up on Paramore and Sum 41, or still finds themselves screaming along to teenage anthems in the car.

If you still get goosebumps from teenage anthems, need a soundtrack for your quarter-life (or mid-life) crisis, and love the idea of screaming into the void while keeping it catchy, “Hate My Life” is exactly what you need.

“Hate My Life” is the fourth single from CF98’s upcoming album, Stupid Punk, set to drop on October 24, 2025 via SBÄM Records and Double Helix Records.

NMR
August 29, 2025

Elementary Chaos – Let Go ( Pop / Punk )

Elementary Chaos have returned with a brand-new album titled Dancing on a Wire, and its opening track, “Let Go,” sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come. The song immediately draws listeners into the duo’s world of layered instrumentation, heartfelt delivery, and atmospheric soundscapes.

For those unfamiliar, Elementary Chaos is the creative partnership of Ed Hubregtse and Addy de Hond. Both are passionate multi-instrumentalists who seamlessly switch between vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboards. What makes their music even more compelling is the fact that it’s completely self-produced—the recording, mixing, and mastering are all done in-house, giving each track an intimate and authentic feel.

Their performances are often found in the theater setting, where their sound can unfold with cinematic weight and emotional depth. With over two decades of collaboration behind them, the duo has built a catalogue of albums and singles that showcase their evolution while staying true to their artistic core.

Musically, Elementary Chaos draw inspiration from New Wave, Rock, and Indie, with echoes of legendary acts such as U2, Simple Minds, and Editors shaping their sonic palette. This influence is clear in the soaring guitars, driving rhythms, and rich vocal textures that run throughout Dancing on a Wire.

“Let Go,” as the album’s first track, feels both like a statement and an invitation—one that pulls listeners into an atmospheric journey blending nostalgia with modern indie edge. It’s a powerful reminder of why Elementary Chaos have remained a creative force for more than twenty years.

NMR
August 24, 2025

Friendship Commanders – Midheaven ( Rock / Metal )

Nashville-based heavy duo Friendship Commanders are gearing up for the release of their new album BEAR, arriving October 10 via Magnetic Eye Records.

The record was co-produced by band members Buick Audra (guitars, vocals) and Jerry Roe (drums, bass), alongside their longtime collaborator Kurt Ballou, who also tracked the instrumentals and mixed the album. At its core, BEARexplores the elusive concept of belonging—where it exists, and where it doesn’t.

New Dual Single: “X / MIDHEAVEN”

Today, the band unveils their second dual single, “X / MIDHEAVEN,” paired with a brand-new music video for “X,” directed and edited by Jerry Roe and shot by Jarad Clement. The premiere launched via Everything Is Noise, and both tracks are now streaming across all major platforms.

Just like their earlier dual single “KEEPING SCORE / MELT,” these new tracks represent opposite ends of BEAR’s sonic spectrum—one leaning heavier, the other more spacious and melodic—each tackling themes of identity and influence.

On “X”

Written in June 2024, just weeks after the passing of Steve Albini, Buick Audra reflects:

“I was grieving, but I was also watching a generation grieve in ways I’d observed my whole life—stoically, strongly, sentimentally, and somewhat individually. This song is a loving send-up to that lost generation. We wanted the track and visuals to honor some of the artists who raised us creatively, including Steve. The camera I’m holding in the second verse was his. Very moving to have and include it here. He was a young Boomer, but the absolute King of Gen X. Missed and loved.”

On “MIDHEAVEN”

Audra continues:

“‘MIDHEAVEN’ goes wider; it gets into this idea of being born under a certain set of stars, and whether or not that has anything to do with who we are. As a person who feels like a lifelong misfit with a nature I can’t seem to change, I’m curious about where that starts. Is it written from the start? I’m willing to believe anything at this point. Some days, it’s tempting to blame it all on the sky.”

Drummer/bassist Jerry Roe also weighed in on the creative process:

“I wanted the video for ‘X’ to have the vibe and look of those by our favorite bands from the Gen X/Grunge era while still being its own thing. Everyone wanted to appear tough and cool while also not seeming to take what they were doing too seriously. There’s such a particular mood of the era that no one has captured since. It was the best time for the medium of music videos, honestly, and it was a lot of fun to try and channel it. I find it moving to watch in a way that surprises me.”

“‘MIDHEAVEN’ stands out in our discography for being so instrumentally driven. The vocals and melody are just as integral a part of the song as any in our repertoire, but large portions of this track are just the two of us ripping at each other—and it’s an absolute blast to listen to and play.”

What’s Next

With BEAR on the horizon and a growing catalog of dual singles, Friendship Commanders are shaping a body of work that’s as emotionally raw as it is sonically powerful. Stay tuned for more ahead of the album’s October 10 release.

NMR
August 23, 2025

Kittenhead – Purr..Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang ( Punk / Pop )

Kittenhead is a five-piece powerhouse of veteran musicians, based across Los Angeles, Orange County, and Oakland, California. Using modern tech to collaborate remotely, the band fuses their ideas before coming together in person to add that unmistakable secret sauce—creating music that’s poignant, inclusive, and undeniably fun.

Over time, Kittenhead has sharpened their edge, crafting a darker and bigger sound filled with gender-bending swagger, hip-gyrating grooves, driving rhythms, and hooks that stick. Their lyrics cut straight to the core, blending rebellion with raw emotion.

The band’s lineup is stacked with experience, featuring members who have played in notable acts like Green Jelly, The Generators, Butt Trumpet, The White Trash Debutantes, Blackjack Betty, The Dirty, and Lisafer. Some members have even been playing together since junior high, giving Kittenhead a rare chemistry that shines through their music.

Meet the Band

  • Kivi – Lead vocals, cowbell

  • dd – Guitar, backing vocals

  • Erin – Bass, backing vocals

  • Mike – Guitar, attitude

  • O-Face – Drums, more cowbell

On Stage and Beyond

Kittenhead has built a reputation as a high-energy live act, with standout performances on the main stage at Oakland Pride and Folsom Street Fair, as well as roller derby events nationwide. Their hit single “Derby Girl” has become a roller derby anthem, still blasted during team warmups.

Their music has reached international radio audiences, earning spins on Rodney on the ROQ, 93.1 Random Radio SF, XXXX Brooklyn Radio, and more. Beyond the stage, Kittenhead has never shied away from giving back. They’ve headlined Reno’s Marianarchy Festival, a charity event raising funds for medical expenses, and their philanthropy has earned them support from both a Colorado radio producer and an Orange County nonprofit.

What sets Kittenhead apart is their focus on authenticity. This isn’t a band chasing image or glam—it’s about raw rock and roll energy, rebellion, and inclusivity.

With their fourth release, #Authentic on the horizon, Kittenhead is gearing up for another bold chapter. You can stream their music on all major platforms, but to really experience Kittenhead, catch them live and see why they’re one of the most dynamic underground rock bands today.

NMR
August 22, 2025

Eels! Eels! Eels! – Live Long, Fen Tiger ( Pop / Punk )

With pulsing beats, untamed vocals, and raw intensity, “Live Long, Fen Tiger” drops on streaming platforms today, capturing the fierce independence of the legendary Fen Tigers — a people who stood their ground, lived off the land, and made themselves heard against all odds.

This isn’t just a song. It’s a celebration of survival and wildness — not only in nature but in spirit. An unorthodox anthem for anyone who’s ever felt the need to reclaim their voice in a world that tries to silence it. Channel your inner primal spirit — this track wants you to roar.

A New Era for the Band

Following the release of their powerful single “Glorious” back in May, the band is turning up the heat in 2025. “Live Long, Fen Tiger” arrives August 22nd, marking a pivotal moment in their journey.

To celebrate, the band will play their first-ever headline show on the same day, featuring a double-sided release:

  • The fierce new single “Live Long, Fen Tiger”

  • Their bold reimagining of The Troggs’ classic “Wild Thing”

Building Momentum

Fresh from storming revered East Anglian venues such as The Portland Arms, Louis Marchesi, and St Stephen’s Church, the band has also earned spins on Radio X and Louder Than War Radio.

The energy is undeniable. The Eels! Eels! Eels! wave is only just beginning.

About EELS! EELS! EELS!

EELS! EELS! EELS! are a rock ‘n’ roll/heavy blues band delivering raw, riff-driven songs steeped in East Anglian folklore, the beauty of wild landscapes, and the thunderous urgency of climate change.

Their sound fuses primal energy with storytelling — mixing lust-fuelled swagger, earworm hooks, and a shimmer of nostalgia. The result? A powerful cocktail that defines the essence of EELS! EELS! EELS!.

NMR
August 21, 2025

Alexis Barotelli – Second Chance ( Pop / Ballad )

Alexis Barotelli – Second Chance ( Pop / Ballad )

Alexis Barotelli – Second Chance ( Pop / Ballad )

Aug 21, 2025 | Blog

 NMR – Virtual artists are amongst us folks
is the future or part of it at least, this track is written by humaoid and peformed by droid, make of it what you will.  

Virtual Artist Alexis Barotelli Debuts Emotional Ballad “Second Chance”

Songwriter Craig Raybould has stepped out from the shadows—but not into the spotlight himself. Instead, he’s introduced Alexis Barotelli, a virtual vocalist designed to perform his deeply personal, human-written songs.

The debut single, “Second Chance,” is a soulful pop ballad about love finding its way back after heartbreak. Fragile, emotive vocals float over cinematic instrumentation, creating a sound that blends the intimacy of artists like Freya Ridings and Birdy with the intrigue of a voice that doesn’t technically exist, yet feels strikingly real.

“Second Chance” is part of Alexis’s debut album, The Moon Fell Down, now available on all major streaming platforms. While Alexis may be virtual, the emotions woven into her songs are undeniably and deeply human.

Listen on YouTube below

Back To Blog

NMR
August 17, 2025

Review – Yamaha SG1500 guitar – 1982

A Quick Look at My Yamaha SG1500 (1982, Cherry Finish) 🎾 In this video, I take a closer look at my classic Yamaha SG1500 electric guitar from around 1982. I originally bought this beauty brand new from Woodroffes Music Store in Birmingham, UK, and it’s still in fantastic condition today.

This SG1500 features: Stunning Cherry finish with an Ebony fretboard Push-release coil taps Twin humbuckers for that powerful Yamaha tone All-original hardware, plus the original case and receipts The Yamaha SG series is legendary for its build quality and tone, and the SG1500 is a true vintage gem for collectors and players alike.

Keep an eye out for my next video, where I’ll be featuring the Yamaha SG3000S in Gold!