Shallow Honey – “Ordinary Men”

Rising Egyptian-American musician Michael Isaak is preparing to release his debut album The Carpet Maker. The project explores his diasporic identity, blending his Egyptian heritage with his American upbringing through a distinctive sound he calls “Arabesque Folk.”

For the New York-based artist, the album represents a new creative chapter—one shaped by reconnecting with his cultural roots and rediscovering the music that shaped his early life.

Cultural Roots

The Carpet Maker tells the story of Isaak’s personal journey from cultural distance to a deeper understanding of his Egyptian identity.

The album began to take shape following a trip to Egypt in 2023, an experience that Isaak describes as transformative.

“I began to go back and listen to all of the Arabic music from my childhood and reconnect with my culture. When I was back at home, I’d sit at the TV with my dad almost every night, and he would show me a different piece of music — Fairouz’s Andalusyat; the Bombotaya, a traditional folkloric song and dance from my dad’s hometown Port Said, Egypt; many pieces from Umm Kulthum, the most beloved and prolific singer from the Arab world.”

Inspired by this rediscovery, Isaak revisited the music of legendary Arab artists such as Fairuz and Umm Kulthum while developing the album’s sonic direction.

Arabesque Folk Sound

Musically, The Carpet Maker blends guitar-driven folk songwriting with traditional Arabic instrumentation.

A central element of the album’s sound is the Arabic oud, which became a guiding instrument throughout the recording process. Isaak even learned to play the instrument while writing the album.

Working alongside Iranian oud player Sohail, he also incorporated Arabic modal systems known as Maqams, allowing him to create a musical language that bridges traditional Middle Eastern sounds with contemporary folk influences.

Each track on The Carpet Maker reflects a different dimension of Isaak’s exploration of heritage, memory, and belonging.

The title track, “The Carpet Maker,” was the first song written for the album. It imagines an alternate life in which Isaak’s family never left Egypt. Inspired by memories of his grandparents weaving rugs and singing folk songs, the piece expands into deeper reflections on identity and family history.

The album’s lead single, “Hold Your Keys,” explores themes of displacement and resilience. The song uses a house key as a symbol of hope passed down through generations within diasporic communities.

Isaak also reinterprets “Eastern Rain” by Joni Mitchell, reshaping the song through Arabic musical traditions and infusing it with his own cultural perspective.

Together, these songs form a cohesive narrative about identity shaped by distance, culture, and time.

Shallow Honey – “Ordinary Men”

“Ordinary Men” is a fierce, unflinching protest song that exposes the everyday violence, entitlement, and hypocrisy women often face at the hands of men who see themselves as harmless.

Through sharp, confrontational lyrics, the track reclaims bodily autonomy and turns the shame of abuse back onto the perpetrators. It blends raw vulnerability with defiant power, challenging the systems that protect abusers while stripping women of their rights. At its core, the song insists that the real problem lies not with the victims, but with the “ordinary men” who cause the harm.

About Shallow Honey

Shallow Honey are an alt-rock four-piece from Brighton, formed in early 2020 by guitarist Ben Siviter, bassist Carl Toppin, and vocalist Rai Conway, with drummer Seb Philp joining the lineup in late 2024.

The band’s sound is a dynamic fusion of rock and pop, unapologetically tackling feminist themes while balancing both loud and quiet moments. Their music moves between melt-your-face guitar riffs, fuzzy driven basslines, and powerful, groove-heavy rhythms.

Highlights and Releases

Shallow Honey have already built an impressive list of live achievements, including supporting The Subways at a sold-out show in Northampton. They have also appeared at festivals such as CorCroLand and LOUD WOMEN Fest London, and joined Melita Dennett for a BBC Sussex Live Lounge session.

In 2024, the band released their debut EP Lost Bodies, followed in 2025 by the single “WHAT YOU MADE ME DO,” produced by Steven Ansell of Blood Red Shoes.

Inimata: New EP Tri-State Scumbag – Electro Punk Experimental

About the EP

Tri-State Scumbag is the newest release from Inimata and marks their most substantial project since the debut album Dog Trauma. The EP represents a tonal shift from the previous record, refining Inimata’s eclectic sonic palette and sardonic aggression into something that feels both polished and deliberately chaotic.

Guided by the narration of Benjamin Prendagast, Tri-State Scumbag takes listeners through seven high-energy tracks that rarely let the momentum slow down.

The EP kicks off with “Rework,” driven by chugging basslines and bright guitar riffs. The track shifts seamlessly between gritty grunge textures and a wide, melodic chorus. From there, the project moves into more classic Inimata territory with the off-kilter energy of “Pop Off” and the synth-laden grooves of “Cult Classic.”

The record leans further into electronic and hip-hop influences, building to the explosive “Cut That!” — one of the EP’s most energetic moments.

After that peak, the project cools slightly with “Big Rig Energy,” a grimy yet captivating groove featuring the EP’s only guest appearance from Sydney artist Freddy.

The closing tracks bring the project home in style: “Talk Tough” delivers another burst of intensity, while “Best Behaviour” wraps things up with a blend of compassion and humor.

Together, the seven tracks form a tightly packed ride through Inimata’s genre-blurring sound world.

About Inimata

Inimata was born in London before moving to Australia, eventually spending much of his formative years growing up in Newcastle.

Emerging in a local scene largely dominated by indie and surf rock bands, Inimata quickly positioned himself as one of the most distinctive artists in the area. Developing his craft as a producer, songwriter, and performer, he steadily built a reputation through energetic live shows and genre-bending releases.

Over the years, he has shared stages with a range of acts including Doris, Behind You, Feelsclub, AFK, and Veles the Menace.

Refusing to be boxed into a single genre, Inimata blends humor, intensity, and ambition into a sound that is both explosive and unpredictable. That creative freedom is exactly what makes Tri-state Scumbag such an engaging listen.

Lana Crow – New Single “Unknow The Known”

Rising pop-rock powerhouse Lana Crow is set to shake up the airwaves with her latest single “Unknow The Known.”The fast-paced anthem trades comfort for clarity, delivering a sharp commentary on modern society’s growing divisions.

Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Tristan Boston, the track arrives at a time when public discourse often feels louder than ever. Rather than adding to the noise, Crow’s new release challenges listeners to question what they believe—and why.

For Crow, the inspiration behind “Unknow The Known” came from a deeply personal realization.

For years, she struggled with self-doubt, viewing her tendency to question herself as a flaw. Over time, however, she began to see it as something far more powerful.

“I grew up despising my lack of self-confidence and conviction, always second-guessing myself,” says Lana Crow.

“I used to see it as a weakness. But today, I watch a world full of people who are overly confident in their own beliefs.”

As debates and opinions grow more polarized, Crow believes uncertainty can actually create space for deeper understanding.

“When I look at people like myself—those who were never overly sure of their own ideas—I realize that, in many ways, we have more clarity about what’s happening. It is not a bad idea to question yourself and the information you receive.”

Thought-Provoking Lyrics

Musically, “Unknow The Known” is a high-energy blend of pop-rock attitude and indie-pop polish. Gritty guitar riffs drive the track forward, while soaring melodies give the song a powerful emotional lift.

Lyrically, Crow encourages listeners to challenge assumptions and rethink accepted narratives.

Rather than encouraging louder arguments, the song promotes a quieter but more powerful response: observation, reflection, and curiosity.

Crow suggests that if people paused to ask why they prefer certain information before rushing to judge, the world might become a more understanding place.

The Must Haves – Evie – Indie Pop Punk

London’s noisy slacker indie rock misfits The Must Haves are back with a brand-new single, “Evie,” landing on all streaming platforms on March 3.

The band are also releasing a limited-run double A-side 7” vinyl, available through selected independent record stores and on their Bandcamp page, with MP3 downloads available too.

The release features two tracks packed with the band’s signature fuzzy, guitar-driven slacker indie sound.

Side A – “Evie”

A catchy indie riff with fuzzed-out hooks and laid-back vibes. Fans of Modest Mouse, Pavement and Grandaddy will feel right at home here.

AA Side – “Pissing on Strangers”

Flip the record and you’ll find a dirtier, groove-driven guitar workout, inspired by the grungy melodic weight of Dinosaur Jr. and Kyuss.

Raw, noisy and proudly lo-fi, this one’s built for fans of DIY indie rock and fuzz-heavy guitars.

Release details

Digital release: March 3, 2026

Format: Double A-side 7” vinyl

Pressing: Limited to 200 copies

Available via independent record stores and Bandcamp

The Bathrobes – Do You Wanna Call 

Formed in Belgium in 2022, The Bathrobes emerged from a simple but powerful desire: to make music without hiding behind a role, a concept, or an artificial image. From the very beginning, authenticity was their guiding force.

Very quickly, Django came up with a simple yet brilliant idea — to go on stage wearing a bathrobe. What started as a playful gesture soon became the band’s unmistakable trademark. More than just a gimmick, the bathrobe represents something deeper: breaking down the invisible wall between artist and audience, and reminding everyone that music is, above all, about pleasure, spontaneity, and shared emotion.

Over time, this image has evolved. The bathrobe is no longer just an outfit — it has become a ritual. It marks the transition between intimacy and exposure, between who they are offstage and who they become under the lights. Stepping on stage remains an intense and demanding moment, where the band gives everything without filters, in a constant search for sincerity and connection.

About the band

Composed of four musicians, The Bathrobes craft an indie pop-rock sound sung in English, driven by melody, emotion, and collective energy. At its heart, the project is a human adventure.

The collective spirit plays a central role — both in the creative process and on stage. Their music is shaped by the exchanges, contrasts, and sensitivities of each member, united by a shared ambition: to create vibrant, unifying moments that resonate long after the final note fades.

First Releases & Live Momentum

In 2023, the band released their first two tracks across streaming platforms. “Take Care of Me” quickly became their most-streamed song, while “Change” further confirmed their indie pop-rock direction.

On stage, they built momentum through showcases, local events, and festival appearances — including performances at Unifestival in Liège and Parcours Amplifiés 2025. These live experiences played a crucial role in shaping their identity and directly led to the creation of their third track, “Do You Wanna Call?”

Defining Chapter: “Do You Wanna Call?”

After several years of live performances and early releases, The Bathrobes are now entering a more structured and intentional phase of their journey.

Their latest single, “Do You Wanna Call?”, signals a clear evolution — both sonically and artistically. The track feels more deliberate, reflecting a growing maturity in the band’s sound and vision. The balance between emotion, intensity, and cohesion takes center stage, marking a pivotal moment in their development.

This progression is part of the preparation for their debut EP — a key milestone designed to unify the different facets of their artistic identity and establish a sustainable, long-term direction.

Whether on stage or in the studio, The Bathrobes champion a sincere and deeply human approach to music. Rather than chasing immediate consumption or fleeting trends, they prioritize evolution, durability, and meaningful artistic growth.

At this turning point in their journey, The Bathrobes are no longer just experimenting — they are building something designed to last.

Joe Doonan – Before You Leave – Acoustic / Folk.

At its core, the upcoming EP from singer-songwriter Joe Doonan is about the emotional fallout that follows when something meaningful between two people comes to an end.

But as Doonan explains, the project reaches far beyond the idea of a relationship simply not working out.

“It’s so much more than something not working out. The EP explores the process, and in many ways the sense of loss and stages of grief we all go through when something meaningful comes to an end.

It’s something that’s not talked about enough when dealing with important relationships coming to an end — no matter the type, how long or short-lived they might be.”

The EP captures a deeply human experience: the sudden absence of someone who once formed part of your everyday life.

“I’ve always struggled with the idea that someone can come along in life, be a part of your every day — sometimes for a short while, sometimes for many years — and then for one reason or another, they’re gone. Just like that. Living an alternate life you may never get to know and, in some cases, becoming a person you may never see again.”

Documenting a journey through love, emotional struggle, and the mental toll of trying to hold things together, the EP reflects the isolation that often follows the end of an important relationship.

Yet despite its themes of grief and uncertainty, the record ultimately arrives at a place of hope — recognising that while the absence someone leaves behind may feel overwhelming, it also creates space for something new, exciting, and the possibility to love more deeply than ever before.

New Release  – Before you leave

The EP’s focus track, before you leave, explores the overwhelming feeling of meeting someone who completely catches you off guard in the best possible way.

However, beneath the highs lies the quiet, unavoidable understanding that the connection may not last forever — like a ticking time bomb you can’t escape.

As reality slowly sets in, the track captures the painful inevitability of imagining a life together in some alternate world, before ultimately coming to terms with the need to let each other go.

About Joe Doonan

Joe Doonan is an established singer-songwriter whose music draws on real-life experiences of hope, love, and loss.

Recently, he has collaborated with a number of multi-platinum-selling and Emmy Award-winning songwriters from across the globe, including:

• Paddy Byrne (Tom Grennan, Paloma Faith)

• Rob Wells (Adam Lambert, Ariana Grande)

Doonan has continued to gain recognition for his work, earning a performance slot at Liverpool’s Official Eurovision Festival, Eurofest, and headlining the prestigious:

• The Bedford

Following a series of sell-out headline performances, he completed his debut Australian tour before embarking on his first UK tour in 2025.

Joe Doonan is set to release a series of singles throughout the year, culminating in the release of his upcoming EP.

Dylan Ivy  – Bio

Dylan Ivy is a German-born, Liverpool-raised rock artist whose sound channels the spirit of the greatest guitar-driven music from the past six decades. Defined by crushing rhythm guitars and sharp yet deceptively simple lead work, Ivy’s style blends a progressive edge with a clear throwback to a time when rock bands were focused on making unapologetically rock music—rather than chasing pop-leaning trends.

His catalogue moves comfortably between short, high-impact commercial anthems and emotionally charged, heartfelt ballads, showcasing a dynamic approach that appeals across the heavy-to-soft spectrum. Lyrically, Ivy draws from his clinically diagnosed melancholy, embedding an honest and deeply personal perspective into his songwriting while maintaining a sense of control and refinement in his phrasing.

Ivy’s second single, Hedonism, arrives this Friday (27.02.26), revealing a heavier side to the project. The track also serves as the title piece from his forthcoming debut record, currently expected in late Spring 2026.

With his debut era taking shape, Dylan Ivy is an emerging artist with much more still to come.

Bio – ​Sefan Olias – Live Now

“LIVE NOW” – A song about fear, hope and the courage to overcome it and really live.

Sometimes we feel trapped – between past and future. Too many thoughts, too many fears and the quiet question: Was that all? “LIVE NOW” tells exactly about these moments. The fears of loneliness, loss, ageing and the voice in us that tells us: Don’t wait, start slowly and live now. A reminder that it’s never too late to start.

If the song touches you, carries you away and gives you hope then leave me a HEART there, and share your thoughts. Maybe you’ve already found a way, or you’re struggling with something. Let’s create a space for courage and support here. Perhaps more than a comment section is created here – perhaps connections will be created.