Peter, Paul and Mary
Peter, Paul and Mary, a legendary folk group of the 1960s, have cemented their status as one of the most enduring music acts in history. Their remarkable longevity surpasses that of other renowned groups like the Weavers, setting them apart with their continued association with Warner Bros. after decades in the industry. The trio’s deep roots in folk music and their wide-reaching appeal across audiences distinguish them from their competitors.
Peter, Paul and Mary emerged as part of the 1960s folk revival, tracing their inspiration back to the late ’40s and the formation of the Weavers. Their journey intertwined with significant historical and political events, leading them to become torchbearers of a new, politically focused branch of folk music. Despite facing challenges and blacklisting, their music left an indelible mark on American popular culture, influencing a wave of new talent and maintaining a meaningful presence in the music scene.
Throughout their career, Peter, Paul and Mary navigated through changing musical landscapes, competing with emerging rock & roll bands while staying true to their folk roots. Their ability to address political and social issues through their music resonated with audiences, making them a voice of conscience during turbulent times. The trio’s profound impact on civil rights movements, antiwar campaigns, and cultural shifts solidified their legacy as key figures in folk music history, paving the way for a new generation of musicians to carry on their message of activism and social awareness.
Jesse Welles
The artist is a visionary in the world of modern art, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions with every creation. Their unique style and innovative approach have captivated audiences worldwide, earning them a reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. With a passion for experimentation and a keen eye for detail, the artist brings a fresh perspective to every piece, sparking conversations and inspiring others to think outside the box.
Known for their ability to evoke deep emotions and provoke thought through their work, the artist has carved out a distinctive niche in the art world. Their signature aesthetic combines tradition with contemporary influences, creating a fusion of past and present that resonates with viewers on a profound level. By seamlessly blending diverse elements and textures, the artist constructs immersive experiences that transport onlookers to new realms of imagination and introspection.
AC/DC
AC, A.C., A/C, or Ac commonly refers to air conditioning, which is frequently shortened to A/C. It also represents alternating current, a form of electrical current where the flow changes direction periodically. Additionally, AC, A.C., or Ac may have other connotations beyond these, serving as versatile abbreviations in various contexts.
Read MoreTiny Habits
Tiny Habits is a band formed in Boston, MA by artists Maya Rae, Cinya Khan, and Judah Mayowa. The trio of talented singer-songwriters crossed paths at Berklee College of Music, laying the foundation for the band’s inception in early 2022. Initially, their musical journey kicked off with shared covers, creatively recorded in the dorm’s stairwell and shared on various social media platforms. Their distinct focus on exquisite three-part harmonies became the centerpiece of Tiny Habits’ alluring signature sound, captivating audiences with reimagined renditions of songs spanning multiple genres, propelling them to unprecedented viral fame. The trio garnered early acclaim and support from a diverse array of music icons including David Crosby, Marcus Mumford, Phoebe Bridgers, and Noah Kahan. Notable collaborations ensued, featuring prominent artists like Mark Ronson, JP Saxe, and Lizzy McAlpine, with a memorable performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk alongside Lizzy McAlpine. The release of their first two original singles,
Tiny Habits’ breakthrough came with the release of their debut EP, “Tiny Things,” in April 2023, solidifying their position as one of the most promising bands to watch in the upcoming year. Their rise to prominence continued as they embarked on a series of significant tours, marking notable milestones in their musical journey. In early 2023, the band had the honor of opening for Gracie Abrams during her “Good Riddance Tour” across North America, followed by a highly successful US tour of their own, selling out venues nationwide. As the year progressed, they took their captivating performances overseas, supporting Noah Kahan on his European and UK tour in the fall of 2023—a testament to their growing global presence and fan base. Looking towards the future, Tiny Habits is set to reunite with Gracie Abrams once again, this time joining her on her Australian tour scheduled for January 2024. The band’s remarkable talent and distinctive sound have not gone unnoticed in the music industry, earning them praise from legendary artists such as Sir Elton John himself. In a glowing endorsement on his radio show ‘Rocket Hour,’ Sir Elton John described Tiny Habits as ‘beautiful’ and ‘delicious,’ solidifying their status as a rising force in the contemporary music scene. With each performance and release, Tiny Habits continues to captivate audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
James Taylor
James Taylor has been a musical icon for over five decades, touching hearts with his soulful baritone voice and unparalleled guitar-playing style. Throughout his illustrious career in songwriting and live performances, Taylor has sold an impressive 100 million albums, achieving numerous gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications. His exceptional talent has garnered multiple Grammy awards and prestigious inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Furthermore, in recognition of his profound impact on American culture, Taylor was honored with the National Medal of Arts in 2012, followed by the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, the highest civilian honor in the nation. In 2016, he received the esteemed Kennedy Center Honors for his outstanding contributions to the performing arts. Scheduled for release on January 31, 2020, is ‘Break Shot,’ an intimate and authentic audio memoir chronicling Taylor’s formative years. Presented as the first-of-its-kind Audible Original by Taylor, this captivating blend of music and storytelling offers a glimpse into the artist’s early life experiences. Concurrently, Taylor is set to launch his latest album, ‘American Standard,’ featuring fourteen meticulously curated tracks showcasing his vocal prowess and exceptional musicality. Noteworthy for its innovative approach, the album is characterized by stripped-down guitar arrangements, expertly crafted by Taylor himself and acclaimed guitarist John Pizzarelli, deviating from the conventional piano-centric style. ‘American Standard’ is poised for release on February 28, 2020, promising a fresh perspective on Taylor’s musical evolution.
Read MoreTyla
Tyla’s music pushes boundaries. Infused with her vibrant personality, her songs offer an innovative take on pop and R&B, shimmering with the euphoria of South African amapiano, and an otherworldly approach to production that makes every track feel like something totally new. The Johannesburg native introduced herself internationally with her debut “Getting Late” featuring Kooldrink, and now “Been Thinking” and “To Last,” her new singles via Epic Records, push her artistry forward and solidify her versatility as she bounds toward her goal. But despite her big dreams, Tyla is doing her best to remain carefree. She never anticipated that “Getting Late” would permeate beyond South Africa, much less reach the U.S., but realized something was happening when people all over the world were making TikToks to the song, eventually resulting in millions of streams.
Tyla’s emotionally rich music began when she was just 12, penning songs in her diary, which led to writing and singing more seriously as a high schooler. Ever since, she’s been guided by her intuition, which has her primed to build out her fan base and maximize her reach. She’s focused on the year ahead, performing and crafting her debut studio album, with the same intention from when she began. Signed to Epic Records through a joint venture with Johannesburg/New York-based Fax Records, and co-managed by We Make Music and Africa Creative Agency, Tyla is poised to achieve international dominance with style, soul, and spirit.
Anthony Brown & group therAPy
After spending some fruitful years in the background, songwriter, arranger, and background vocalist Anthony Brown stepped forward in 2012 with Anthony Brown & group therAPy. The strange capitalization refers to the group’s beginnings in 2000, when the Maryland native launched the group Answered Prayers to showcase his songwriting. As Brown’s work played a role in hit gospel albums like Maurette Brown-Clark’s The Dream (2007) and Stephen A. Hurd’s Times of Refreshing (2009), Answered Prayers evolved into group therAPy. Performances on three of BET’s annual Celebration of Gospel specials — in 2006, 2007, and 2012 — preceded their self-titled 2012 debut. Released by Tyscot Records, the album featured guest appearances from Maurette Brown Clark and VaShawn Mitchell. In 2015 they returned with Everyday Jesus. It topped Billboard’s gospel albums chart, while the single “Worth” reached the top of the gospel songs chart. A Long Way from Sunday followed in 2017 and became Brown and the group’s second number one full-length.
Read MoreElton John
Sir Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, is a legendary British singer, songwriter, and pianist. With a career spanning over five decades, Elton John has established himself as one of the most iconic and influential figures in the music industry. Known for his flamboyant style and powerful vocals, Elton John has captivated audiences worldwide with timeless hits such as ‘Rocket Man,’ ‘Tiny Dancer,’ and ‘Candle in the Wind.’ His unique blend of rock, pop, and glam rock has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Elton John is also renowned for his philanthropic efforts and activism. As a prominent supporter of various charitable causes, he co-founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars to fight HIV/AIDS. His advocacy for LGBTQ rights and HIV awareness has made him a prominent figure in the fight against discrimination and stigmatization. In addition to his artistic and humanitarian work, Elton John’s flamboyant stage presence and extravagant costumes have solidified his status as a true music icon, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike.
Premiata Forneria Marconi
Premiata Forneria Marconi, initially known as I Quelli, made their mark during the late ’60s and early ’70s in Italy. Their musical journey began with the release of the album ‘Storia di un Minuto’ followed swiftly by ‘Per un Amico.’ A significant turning point for the group was their encounter with ELP’s Greg Lake and Pete Sinfield of King Crimson and Roxy Music during a visit to London. Sinfield, impressed by the band, joined forces with them as a lyricist and producer, resulting in the creation of ‘Photos of Ghosts,’ an English adaptation of ‘Per un Amico.’ To simplify matters for the British press, the group adopted the shorter name PFM. The release of ‘L’isola di Niente,’ renamed ‘The World Become the World’ for the English audience, marked a pivotal moment for PFM as they ventured into the British music scene. Subsequent albums like ‘Live in U.S.A.,’ ‘Chocolate King,’ and ‘Jet Lag’ showcased the band’s versatility and gained them recognition, eventually leading to a deal with Elektra Asylum Records. Returning to their Italian roots, PFM continued their musical odyssey with releases like ‘Passpartù,’ ‘Suonare Suonare,’ and ‘Come Ti Va In Riva Alla Città’ under RCA Records. After a decade-long hiatus, PFM made a comeback with ‘Ulisse’ in 1997, followed by ‘Serendipity’ in 2000, solidifying their legacy in the music industry.
Read MorePFM
PFM, not to be confused with the ’70s Italian prog-rock group of the same name, rose to prominence as a leading creator of ambient and intelligent jungle music during the peak of the genre in 1995-96. Known for hit tracks like ‘One and Only’ and ‘For All of Us,’ PFM skillfully combined hard amen breaks with warm analog melodies and mesmerizing atmospherics, drawing comparisons to artists like Photek, Peshay, Source Direct, and LTJ Bukem. Their innovative sound, showcased in songs like ‘Dolphin Tune,’ ‘Stone Killer,’ and ‘Music,’ helped establish a more accessible style of drum’n’bass that appealed to a broad audience, setting them apart as pioneers in the jungle music scene.
Comprising the talented duo of Mike Bolton and Jamie Saker, PFM, short for Progressive Future Music, were early signees to LTJ Bukem’s prestigious Good Looking/Looking Good labels, where they gained recognition for tracks such as ‘Wash Over Me’ and ‘The Western Tune.’ Although they parted ways with Good Looking in 1997 after a string of successful singles, PFM made a comeback in 1999 with the release of ‘Arrival’ on Session Group, followed by a notable EP on Good Looking featuring Alaska, Paradox, and Cedar. Their musical journey continued with the release of ‘Producer 02’ in the spring of 2002, solidifying their legacy as influential figures in the world of jungle music. – Sean Cooper, Rovi
J Balvin
J Balvin, the award-winning Colombian urbano singer, has solidified his position as a top-tier Latin pop crossover act with chart-topping hits and multi-platinum-selling albums. From his breakthrough singles like “Yo Te Lo Dije” to his successful collaborations with artists such as Bad Bunny and Nicky Jam, Balvin’s music has resonated globally. His innovative style and trendsetting influence in the reggaeton genre have garnered him widespread recognition and acclaim in the music industry.
Born as José Álvaro Osorio Balvin in Medellín, Colombia, his passion for music was sparked at a young age through a diverse range of musical influences. Balvin’s early career milestones, including his chart-topping singles like “Ginza” and collaborations with international stars like Beyoncé, have set the stage for his unprecedented success. His dedication to pushing musical boundaries and exploring new sounds has culminated in a series of critically acclaimed albums, with each release showcasing his evolution as an artist and a cultural icon.
From his Grammy-nominated album ‘JOSE’ to his latest hits like ‘Niño Soñador’ and ‘Forever My Love,’ Balvin continues to captivate audiences with his infectious energy and distinctive sound. With multiple chart-topping singles and high-profile collaborations under his belt, Balvin remains at the forefront of the music scene, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
‘Til Tuesday
‘Til Tuesday, remembered for their lone hit single ‘Voices Carry,’ gradually evolved into a platform for the remarkable songwriting of Aimee Mann. Emerging in the era of new wave, ‘Til Tuesday experienced a significant boost in their commercial success with the stylish music video for ‘Voices Carry,’ which quickly became a favorite on MTV. Despite the initial success, the group struggled to replicate the triumph of their debut single, and their subsequent albums failed to capture the attention of both the public and the media. By the time they released their third album, ‘Everything’s Different Now,’ ‘Til Tuesday faced diminishing prospects on the charts. However, Aimee Mann’s captivating songwriting had already garnered a devoted following, including renowned musicians like Elvis Costello. The underperformance of the album paved the way for Mann to embark on a successful solo career.
Aimee Mann’s musical journey began after her studies at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. Her involvement in the local punk scene led her to collaborate with bands like Young Snakes and an early version of Ministry. In 1983, Mann, along with Michael Hausman, Joey Pesce, and Robert Holmes, formed ‘Til Tuesday. The band started playing gigs in the Boston area and eventually won a prominent battle-of-the-bands competition held by a local radio station. Following their victory, ‘Til Tuesday signed with Epic Records. Their debut album ‘Voices Carry’ in 1985 showcased Mann’s emotional depth, inspired by her personal experiences, notably her separation from Hausman. The album’s title track quickly climbed the charts, propelling ‘Voices Carry’ into the Top Ten. Simultaneously, Aimee Mann’s publicized romance with songwriter Jules Shear added to the album’s intrigue and her growing reputation in the music industry.