Eclectic soul-rock artist and singer-songwriter, Evan Taylor Jones (ETJ) hails from Orlando, Florida. At just 13, ETJ began slowly dissecting the classic music he remembered his mother enjoying.

Jenny Kloote, a Lead Entertainment Advisor at Walt Disney World theme park in Orlando may have said it best: “His voice is like bread and butter; so smooth and tasty, I can almost eat it.” ETJ represents the soul of the late-greats and classics from the Motown and Mussel Shoals era, with songs centered around love, peace, happiness and triumphant over-comings.

ETJ’s first studio release was titled Songs From An Old Soul. Currently, he is promoting his new music, The Sunray Sessions Live EP. The six-song compilation (4 originals and 2 covers) was recorded live in a 14 hour session day at Sunray Recording Studios of Orlando, Florida with a total of nine musicians in one room.

You can catch ETJ on his North American tour coming 2016, dates and locations soon to be released.

“Over Your Shoulder” by Evan Taylor Jones

Singer-songwriter Kalsey Kulyk moved to Las Vegas at the age of 19 to work with famed record producer, Richard Dashut (Fleetwood Mac). She had a successful debut EP in 2014 and headed right back into the studio to follow it up with the uplifting single “Rewind.” The song has poignant lyrics which paint a picture of someone finally saying goodbye to the heartbreak and chaos left behind by a past love. It also possesses a lush sound with big percussion, untamed banjo, and warm vocals.

A native of Hudson Bay, Saskatchenwan, Kulyk’s battle with cancer at the age of seventeen inspired her to adopt the mantra, Sing And Be Heard — one that she has carried with her throughout her musical journey. Her infectious mix of country storytelling and whimsical folk instrumentation is filled with messages of hope, strength, and perseverance.

Have a listen to “Rewind” via the player below or via Soundcloud. Plus, you may view the official video via YouTube.

“Rewind” by Kalsey Kulyk

Accomplished actor, singer-songwriter, musician, parkour/freerunner and avid student, Troy Doherty released the EP Citizen Arrest back in October 2014. Doherty writes the songs, is the lead vocalist, and plays acoustic guitar and piano. Felicia Barton (American Idol runner up) is the backup vocalist. Joe King (lead guitarist of The Fray) plays lead guitar. All other collaborators are well known Nashville musical talents.

Since the age of ten, Doherty has also held a theatre career. He began in the New York, New Jersey area in the production of Lionel Bart’s musical Oliver! His other roles include Scut Farcus in the pre-Broadway world premiere of A Christmas Story, The Secret Garden musical, 13 The Musical, The Wedding Singer and most recently as Beethoven in Dog Sees God: Confession of a Teenage Blockhead.

Doherty is also a member of Tempest FreeRunning Academy in SoCal where he perfects his parkour and freerunning training. He has been a traucer for the past 4 years and was honored to participate in the first Parkour/Freerunning Olympics 2013 in SoCal.

The track “I’ve Got You” is a wonderfully crafted pop song — an anthem about never giving up and always believing in yourself. Doherty is offering an mp3 download of the song for free on Soundcloud.

“I’ve Got You” by Troy Doherty

“Ferris Wheel” is the first single from the new EP project by fifteen year old singer-songwriter Olivia Penalva. The track is a sugary-pop, summer anthem. Olivia’s bubbly vocals shimmer alongside flowery synths and breathy harmonies. The feel good, rhythmically-focused lyrics build a memory of refreshing moments spent in the sun with friends. The young talent brings her bright, carefree personality to a beautiful mix of pop tranquility.

Have a listen to “Ferris Wheel” streaming below, or via SoundCloud.

In 2013, at only 13 years old, Olivia wrote and recorded her debut album, releasing it to a sold out crowd at the Powerhouse Theatre. She also went on to secure herself as a Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition with her original song “Fight for You.” Now, she is working tirelessly on the follow-up EP in Los Angeles with a multitude of songwriters including Andrew Allen (Sony/ATV writer and fellow Canadian chart-topper) and Josh Cumbee (writer and producer).

[audio:Ferris Wheel.mp3|titles=Ferris Wheel|artists=Olivia]
“Ferris Wheel” by Olivia

From her award winning vocal and violin performances in her youth, to where she stands now on the brink of pop-stardom, there is no denying the immense talent of California-based songstress, Yulianna. Her new single, “True Love,” is a pop-jam featuring a electronic chorus with stunning vocals and colorful arrangements; grafting the shouts of “I believe in true love, taking me high, higher than I’ve ever been before” into your mind. The melody soars over a hook that hammers the message home.

Check out “True Love” via SoundCloud, or streaming below.

Yulianna attended the California Institute of the Arts, immersing herself in a wide variety of songwriting styles and genres. She took her time studying under a vast network of highly regarded singers, composers and songwriters. Not long after earning her Masters degree, she set to work on her first album, Race Car, with help from Grammy-nominated producer Robin Nixon.

Yuliannaʼs first full-length dance album, Californ-i-a, was entirely written and produced by herself and established writer-producers RAS. The album, released in January of 2013, is an inspiring and eclectic mix of pop tunes.

[audio:True Love.mp3|titles=True Love|artists=Yulianna]
“True Love” by Yulianna

Singer-songwriter, Anna Renee, offers a deeply profound mix of soul and blues with unforgettable hooks that draw you in the way only a great pop record can. Furthermore, her performances are theatrical, electric, and emotional. Not only has her experience as an actress carried into her music on stage, it has also allowed her to tap into other genres while writing. She isn’t afraid to channel her inner Carrie Underwood and write a country song when the muse strikes, or craft a hip hop beat with lyrics fit for Iggy Azalea.

Keep and ear out for Renee’s debut album coming out late this year, produced by Rock Mafia’s Aaron Dudley (Miley Cyrus).

[audio:Lone Wolf.mp3|titles=Lone Wolf|artists=Anna Renee]
“Lone Wolf” by Anna Renee

Los Angeles singer/songwriter, Kat McDowell, captures emotional struggles and tribulations with her new single, “Human,” from her upcoming album Rise Above due out on October 28th, 2014.

A world traveler by birth, McDowell was born in Japan and raised in New Zealand, allowing her mixed heritage to become a source of inspiration for the emotional connection she builds into every song. After years of success in the Japanese market, which included numerous EP’s and full length albums, she took a chance and stepped outside her comfort zone and hit the road. With over 1000 shows under her belt, including festivals like Australia’s One Movement, she steadfastly built a fan base that was drawn to her incredibly authentic and honest songs.

Written after a particularly heated argument, McDowell manages to turn on a sort of unending optimism that is hidden beneath a delicate, aching hurt. “Human” is a reflection of our every day struggles, and the power it takes to pick ourselves up off the floor and power through.

[audio:Human.mp3|titles=Human|artists=Kat McDowell]
“Human” by Kat McDowell

Born in the cowboy country of West Texas, and raised in the mountains of New Mexico, skiing was the first obsession for singer/songwriter Rett Smith. It was an hour long drive each way to the mountain and Smith’s father would play Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, ZZ Top, Buddy Guy and Hank Williams records all the way.

Smith won multiple Junior Olympic medals and became a fully sponsored athlete, but, he sustained a serious neck injury that kept him out of ski competition for two years, and eventually for good. However, it allowed him shift gears to learning the guitar and writing songs. Plus, he owed it to himself to spend a few years traveling the world and living life as spontaneously as possible.

After settling in Los Angeles, Smith quickly began playing shows. It was then that 9 time Grammy Winner Joe Nicolo caught wind of Smith’s music. The two decided to partner on Smith’s upcoming album, One To Blame. Known for his work with The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Cypress Hill, The Fugees, Lauryn Hill and more, Nicolo will produce the entire debut with Smith. “I Swear” is the first single from the upcoming album. The song exposes the dark side to a troubled relationship, as Smith dives deep into the chaos of a downward slide.

[audio:I Swear.mp3|titles=I Swear|artists=Rett Smith]
“I Swear” by Rett Smith

The album, At Your Mercy Circuit, is singer-songwriter Terese Taylor‘s first collaboration with Klaus Flouride of the Dead Kennedy’s. The artists spent two years honing what Flouride calls Taylor’s “dark yet humorous sensibility.” Each track of this haunting album is filled with Taylor’s characteristic mix of poetic lyriciam, grinding guitar, and moments of quiet beauty. Taylor’s songs take us on a journey into some of life’s hardest, darkest places but always with humor and a sense of wonder at it all.

Taylor is backed by a group of incredibly talented and accomplished musicians including James Whiton (double bass), Will Hendricks (bass), Garrin Benfield (lead guitars), and Teddy Rankin-Parker & Kristina Dutton (violin/cello).

[audio:Poor Man.mp3|titles=Poor Man|artists=Terese Taylor]
“Poor Man” by Terese Taylor

Born into a life of music, Salvador Santana first began playing the drums at the age of three, under the direction of his father, Carlos Santana. It was his experimentation with the drums that eventually led him to begin taking piano lessons at the age of six, and eventually, studying at the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts and Cal Arts. He has worked alongside iconic artists, such as Money Mark (Beastie Boys) and GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, and has co-written with his father. There’s no doubting that he has become an expert at his craft. On an EP titled Rise Up, Santana found his voice through a message of positivity and empowerment.

His empowering style is evident on the epic, cinematic track “Into The Light” — a song that encourages listeners to think for themselves and fight for what they believe in. “Into the light,” calls out the beautiful vocals of Alex Nester, in an absolutely breathtaking build that allows her voice to rise up above the harrowing instrumentation.

For a free mp3 download of the single “Rise Up,” visit Santana’s Soundcloud site. Plus, preview the official video for “Rise Up” here.

[audio:Into the Light.mp3|titles=Into the Light|artists=Salvador Santana]
“Into the Light” by Salvador Santana