Heart of Indie Radio

Welcome to our excluive behind the scenes interview with indie artist, singer-songwriter and author Demi Michelle as she sits down with Captain Eddie and chats about her brand new release "Fantasy". This young lady does not have a stop button, nor even a pause, she is full speed ahead. Please enjoy this very special visit in studio now, if you dare, haha :-) No seriously, you are in for a real treat.

About Demi

Heartfelt, charismatic, and authentic are three words used to describe Demi Michelle’s music.
The Pittsburgh-based pop and country songwriter turns her life experiences into songs that
touch the hearts of her listeners through captivating storytelling in her lyrics and memorable
melodies. She greatly looks up to Julia Michaels, Kelsea Ballerini, and Taylor Swift, three
incredible songwriters who share their stories in raw and truthful ways. Demi strives to remain
honest and authentic as a songwriter in her own music and during her collaborations with
others.
Demi pieced together her songwriting passion over the years. Her musicianship shines through,
being a classically-trained pianist and knowledgeable about music theory. Also being a creative
writer with an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction, Demi is always finding ways to blend her musical
talent and storytelling in powerful ways.
Demi kicked off her songwriting journey in 2019. After releasing several singles, she delivered
her debut album, Dear Diary, on October 15, 2021. This eleven-track album, which includes
Demi’s popular single, “Will I Ever,” truly gives listeners a glimpse into Demi’s heart and story.
The songs capture honesty and vulnerability, much like diary entries do. Demi wrote this album
for herself to explore her thoughts, feelings, and insecurities. Through writing Dear Diary, she
has gone on a journey of self-discovery.
On January 28, 2022, Demi was invited onto her hometown station, 100.7 STAR Pittsburgh, to
be the first artist on the morning show’s new segment, Bubba Show Live and Local Music
Spotlight. Along with an interview, “Will I Ever” aired during the show, making it Demi’s first play
on top 40 radio.
Demi’s debut chapter earned her two nominations at the 8th Annual Josie Music Awards, which
she attended at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. She received nominations for Pop
Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year for Dear Diary.
After a life changing debut chapter, Demi shared her five-track EP, It Is What It Is, on November
11. This project shimmers with self-empowerment and showcases Demi’s songwriting talent and
passion for blending genres in her music. It gives a glimpse into what listeners can expect in the
future, as Demi continues to write about meaningful and universal topics that are rooted in her
personal experiences.

Please enjoy this very special interview with Alabama singer, songwriter, recording artist Daniel Tidwell as he sits down for a chat with host Emme Lentino. 

Bio:

Daniel is a composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist living in in Central Alabama.

As a young child, he spent weekends with his dad at the local radio station while he broadcasted. Music has always been a part of his life.

He served in the Army in the mid 2000’s and recorded a lot of his early material in Iraq.

Daniel continues to compose and produce his own music all the while being a stay at home dad.

Contact:

https://instagram.com/danieltidwell14?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Relax and enjoy this special chat with host Emme Lentino and film producer Siman Cox. 

 Contact Information: 

http://www.alphastarproductions.co.uk/

 

Join Captain Eddie as he sits down for a chat with singer, songwriter, recording artist Taydem Shoesmith to talk about her career plans and her new song "Are You Clapping" 

Bio: About Me

I currently live in Iowa, but based in Chicago. I started acting when I was in middle school, and recently in the last 2 years I've started writing and producing music. I also like to read, play volleyball, and learn new languages, which I'm currently learning Korean.

 Please join us in welcoming Demi Michelle to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio International Radio Host - Captain Eddie

Demi Michelle Schwartz is an author from Pittsburgh, PA. She’s loved reading Young
Adult Mysteries and Thrillers from a young age, and she’s inspired by the work of Sara Shepard
and Karen M. McManus. Being drawn to these thrilling and twisty novels for the YA audience
eventually led her to step into the shoes of an author herself.
There’s something so enchanting about these stories that pulls her in, beyond the clues,
red herrings, and dangerous twists and turns. She’s drawn in by the realism and truth that these
stories are ones that could happen. There’s so much to be gleaned from the way protagonists act
and react in the face of danger and how a complex puzzle can lead to justice being served or the
lingering feeling of the world still being slightly off-balance. So much can be learned about the
human condition from these stories, and Demi continues to explore this concept both as a reader
and author of crime fiction.
Demi earned both a BA in Creative Writing and BA in Music at Seton Hill University in
Greensburg, PA. With encouragement from her undergraduate English professors, she went on to
pursue her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill and graduated with her degree in June
of 2022. She has finished writing her debut YA Mystery novel and is currently seeking
representation.
When Demi isn’t revising her second novel, a YA Psychological Thriller, she’s busy
chasing her other dream as a songwriter. Her creativity knows no bounds because along with
being a creative writer and songwriter, she’s the host of her own podcast, Write on Track: A
Songwriting Podcast.
Whether Demi is writing a full-length novel or crafting her next song, she always aims to
inspire and encourage others to shoot for the stars.

Twitter: @demimschwartz

Website: https://demimschwartz.com/

Please join us in welcoming Jamie Alimorad to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Intrenational Radio Host- Captain Eddie

Web:

https://www.jamiealimorad.com 

Bio:

Light first dawned on Jamie Alimorad's prodigal artistry in Boston's underground music circuit, while attending Northeastern University. From those humble beginnings, Alimorad dedicated himself to honing his craft as a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His time at Northeastern proved invaluable, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Music Technology, and a blossoming career.

Upon graduating, his music began trickling out from Boston's indie scene and out into the world at large. He independently released two albums (Cornerstone and Words Left Unsaid) that garnered enough success to warrant his first nationwide tour, taking him through cities, including, New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. The tour's success led to the 2014 music video for Words Left Unsaid single "Beautiful" hitting over 2 million views on YouTube.

Alimorad’s breakthrough album, This Is Tomorrow Calling, saw the singer team up with GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter and producer Gino Vannelli, and GRAMMY-nominated songwriter and producer Ross Vannelli. The trio have crafted a collection of vocal-centric pop music, that has more than its fair share of innovative twists, and turns, fueled by Alimorad's effusive passion towards fusing genres, including two New Music Weekly Top 10 singles, “Not Ready To Say Goodbye” and “Brighter Days,” while also receiving GRAMMY consideration.

Please join us in welcoming Brooklyn Summer to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Intrenational Radio Host- Captain Eddie 

BIO:

California native Brooklyn Summer is a 12-year-old country music artist turning Nashville on its ears! Since the age of five, Brooklyn was gracing stages, performing live showcases and volunteering her voice singing for hospice, local county fairs, art and wine festivals, and her hometown 4th of July events.

Ever graceful under pressure, she was declared Grand Champion winner of both the California State Talent Competition and the Greater Bay Area Talent Competition in her age group.

She is labeled a tiny powerhouse by both Los Angeles and Nashville music producers. She was a member of Youth Focus, a non-profit dedicated to providing well-structured youth programs and talent competitions till it closed its doors. At age 9, Brooklyn showcased her vocals live in Tennessee during the CMA awards week with The Nashville Spotlight. Brooklyn was scouted and referred to the multi-award-winning SweetSong Nashville, an Indie Label with offices and a recording studio in the heart of country music on the world-famous Music Row in Nashville.

​

She had already recorded and started releasing her first EP on all digital platforms by ten. At age 11, Brooklyn was interviewing and playing on FM country radio stations worldwide, singing in world-famous honky-tonks on Broadway, an entertainment district renowned for honky-tonks and live country music. Her favorite places to sing are Kid Rocks Honky-tonk, the world-famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge, and The Stage on Broadway

This spring, Brooklyn had already booked and performed her first solo Nashville shows! Music Producer Dennis Money jokes that "booking for Brooklyn feels like booking for the Rolling Stones. She's a little heavyweight, and everybody says yes!!"

​

Last year Brooklyn received her first hat endorsement with American Hat Makers. She attends the ICL Academy preparatory program, a leadership character-building online school where she can pursue her passion for music on the road without compromising her academics and college readiness. She is on target to graduate high school at the young age of fifteen. Miss Summer is also an actor, voice-over artist, and print model.

​

This summer Brooklyn signed on to two feature films. One of which she will play herself and sing her own original music. Brooklyn wants nothing more than to use her gift of music to give back to her community and help others. Brooklyn resides in Nashville and Los Angeles, where you'll find her singing around town, songwriting, and brushing up on her guitar and piano skills. Keep an eye out for this diminutive superstar!

Web: https://www.brooklynsummercountry.com/ 

Please join us in welcoming Grace Allis to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host- Emme Lentino

Social Media Link>>

https://instagram.com/thisisgraceallis?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Please join us in welcoming Prins to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host- Emme Lentino

Kiwi singer-songwriter Alannah Prins had all the makings of a great performer. With a background in acting, dancing, and modeling, it was only natural the triple-threat added yet another weapon to her arsenal - evolving a lifelong passion for music into her own unique brand of quirky electro-pop. PRINS was born.

With a number of achievements now under her belt, the pop powerhouse is taking the New Zealand music scene by storm. Having spent the past few years racking up performance experience, PRINS is now a firm fixture on the festival circuit, having secured coveted slots at the likes of Bay Dreams South, The Edge NYE Festival, Highlife's Sunsetters Festival, Electric Ave, RNV, Peachy Keen and Go Live Festival.

Reminiscent of industry heavyweights Dua Lipa and Halsey, PRINS' polished synth-pop sound layers infectious electronica with a dose of sultry rhythm-and-blues, a touch of theatrical flair, and a hint of '80s disco nostalgia - producing radio-ready dancefloor anthems sure to shake the crowd.

Despite the ongoing difficulties posed by the pandemic in 2021, PRINS had a widely successful year, expanding on her unique brand of electro-pop with a string of catchy club hits and carving out her corner in Aotearoa's flourishing music landscape. With millions of streams to her name, the Auckland-born artist has cultivated a legion of loyal listeners with her potent pop bangers and reputation for powerful, high-octane performances.

Following the success of 'Follow Me', which rose to #8 on the Hot New Zealand Singles Chart, PRINS hit the ground running with the release of 'Basic Bitch' and 'Midnight Calling', a grooving, bass-laden track that has since amassed the artist a strong fan-base overseas. The Midnight Calling (Remix) was featured on the CD Pool, the largest DJ promo pool in Europe, and charted in the UK Club Top 30 for 5 weeks - peaking at #11. The Christchurch-based talent was also interviewed by Rio Fredrika, the host of the widely popular UK music station Capital FM, on the CBBC program 'The Ultimate Playlist' - and subsequently landed a feature in the international pop culture magazine, Wonderland.

After hitting the summer festival circuit and performing a string of headline gigs throughout 2021, PRINS faced a series of cancellations later in the year due to the re-emergence of COVID-19 in New Zealand, with the virus, unfortunately, putting paid to a nationwide tour. But the setbacks haven't stopped PRINS from persevering with her music, with the pop powerhouse set to return in 2022 with the release of her latest single, 'That's the thing x' - a heady, slower-tempo track that demonstrates a new side to PRINS' artistry, showcasing her growth as a songwriter.

Now partnering with award-winning engineers such as Grammy recipient Chris Gehringer - who has worked with the likes of Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, and Lil Nas X - and expanding into the international market, PRINS has not only cemented her status as Christchurch's resident pop princess but established herself as a force to be reckoned with.

Please join us in welcoming Blake Dantier to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host- Emme Lentino 

Blake Dantier’s debut album Dry Season sounds like something that should be coming out of a jukebox in a smokey honky-tonk. It bears all the hallmarks of a Nashville throwback. Yet it was created on the other side of the world.

Dantier grew up in the suburbs, sandwiched between Sydney’s west and the Blue Mountains. Not exactly a melting pot for country music. He formed his first band with his older brother when he was 13, playing the drums. Their setlists were populated mostly by 80s glam rock and British heavy metal. “I’m a fan of all types of music,” he confesses. It wasn’t until he was old enough to legally drink a beer in a pub that he even heard of country music. “I get country music and it gets me – hearing it was like a lightbulb moment”.

The songwriter finds it easy to draw parallels between his own life and the ones sung about by his heroes. Each song on his 11-track debut album is a testament to that. It’s opener and title track snarls through the speakers like an old Waylon tune, with enough chickin’ pickin’ guitar to make Brad Paisley jealous. The entire collection was penned by Dantier himself, bar one co-write. “Some songs are autobiographical; some are almost totally made up. My only goal for this album was country songs that actually sound like country songs – something I don’t feel there’s enough of nowadays”.

Tales of lonesome drinking are cleverly delivered with a tounge-in-cheek outlook on ‘Wish You Were My Beer’ and ‘You Don’t Mix Whiskey’; while Dantier hits a more sombre note on ‘Ash & Dust’ and ‘Don’t Say When’, as he ponders mortality and death. Of course, no country record is complete without a story of love gone wrong – of which there’s no shortage. Yet tracks like ‘I’d Do It Again’ and ‘When She Gets Home’ deliver a fresh and bittersweet perspective on the tired trope. “You can tell I’ve tried to drown a broken heart, right?” chuckles Dantier.

The album succeeds as a throwback to a by-gone era, yet it doesn’t feel as though it’s stuck back in time. In part due to the work of producer, Simon Johnson from Hillbilly Hut studios. Together, he and Dantier recorded the album over the course of a year, with help from some of this country’s slickest players. “I wanted to combine that 70s Outlaw vibe and attitude with the musicality of 90s Alan Jackson and Brooks and Dunn records.”

Dantier has certainly captured the outlaw spirit of his predecessors and created a work that pays homage to his heroes, whilst still being completely his own. His dedication to “authentic” country music is clear in this honest collection of songs that are both familiar and original. Without a doubt, Dry Season is firmly planted in fertile ground.

 Please join us in welcoming Raspin Stuwart to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host- Avery Raquel 

Singer/songwriter/song stylist Raspin Stuwart’s life and career can best be described as a Tale of Two Cities – Chicago and Los Angeles, that is! However, these two cities are just starting points for a performer with truly universal appeal..

Born and raised in the Chicago area, Raspin was surrounded by the influences of the blues and jazz music greats of the era, as well as the popularity of the singer-songwriter music genre of the 1970s that begat one-of-a-kind talents such as Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen and Cat Stevens. His music is equally informed by the entirety of his adult life in Los Angeles, measured by his professional successes over the decades since arriving in the City of Angels to seek his fame and fortune at the tender age of 17. Like the music heroes who today remain relevant, serious music lovers of all ages relate to Raspin’s performances, his complex and intriguing lyrics, and inspired covers of classics.

Raspin’s emotional vocals, striking lyrics impact brightly on the listener, a stark contrast to his hypnotic melodic background. As evidenced on his new CD, NY2LA , his eclectic mix of theatrical, captivating and soulful music provides the perfect follow-up to his critically acclaimed, Starbucks-endorsed CD, We Do What We Do. Tracks on his NY2LA include a reggae version of “Smoke the Hookah,” the jazzish “New York 2 L.A.,” “Love Along the Way” (a unique pop hybrid rooted in the 1960s), the soulful, down-home warmth blues of “Mama’s Got the Blues,”.

Keeping Raspin in demand after long ago establishing himself in the music world is the fact that he remains the newest and freshest “veteran” musician, singer, songwriter and song stylist working today. His appearances at NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) in recent years, as well as his inclusion in the stellar lineup for Southern California’s Make Music Pasadena concert at Levitt Pavilion Pasadena, underscore his continued relevance in these unpredictable times, are the latest high points

Raspin’s unique style allows him to be right at home anywhere, from the smallest intimate theater to an energetic blues club. Raspin was the opening musical performance for author Marianne Williamson, and has been described as “a music guru... who makes us think,” by the Life Changes Network BBS. His fans are mesmerized when they attend his live shows and absorb his soulful music into their hearts and minds.

Please join us in welcoming Tim Soucy to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host: Emme Lentino 

Tim Soucy has been playing music since the age of 12. Going solo in 2012 and having released several singles and currently working on his ninth album. Tim plays multi genre styles of music and has been influenced by everything. Tim plays guitar, bass, drums, sings and does keyboards on the vast majority of all his music. Tim also does his own engineering. Give him a listen, I’m sure you’ll find a song to call your own to listen to over and over again.

Please join us in welcoming Allison Leah to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Host: Captain Eddie

New York-born and Nashville based, Allison Leah has an innate gift for songwriting, coupling honest stories with ethereal melodies and accumulating over a million streams worldwide.

2022 is expected to be a big year for Leah. Her folk-pop fusion EP is due summer 2022 and it has already won over the hearts of press outlets around the globe.

PopMatters states, “[Leah] introduces a swirling, melodious wall of pop sound to her usual inspiriting lyricism and lilting vocal performance on ‘what i’m missing’.”  And on her newest single, Tongue Tied Magazine writes, “‘sorry for myself’ is the ultimate power move of a song.”

For booking and other inquiries, please contact allisonleahmusic@gmail.com. Keep up with Allison on social media @allisonleahmusic.

Allison Leah’s music is available on all streaming platforms.

Website: https://www.allisonleahmusic.com/

Please join us in welcoming Arielle Eden to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Host: Captain Eddie 

NYC-based singer-songwriter Arielle Eden is a sensitive and sassy pop-country artist whose songs have the ability to feel uplifting even when they’re revealing hard truths. Her singular musicality bursts with bold vulnerability, well-crafted stories, clever hooks, and instantly-memorable songcraft. Arielle’s songs live in that infectious intersection of pop, country, Americana, and folk, and she has garnered favorable comparisons to Leann Rimes and early Taylor Swift.

Today, Arielle is embracing a fresh era of musical self-discovery working between New York and Nashville, writing and co-writing with a bevy of producers, songwriters, and musicians. The first taste of her epiphanic new sound is the harmony-lavished pop-country single, “Signs and Signals,” out March 25th. The track was co-written and produced by hit songwriter and Grammy-nominated producer Forest Glen Whitehead (Kelsea Ballerini, Mickey Guyton, Brandy Clark). “Signs and Signals” will be the title track of Arielle’s upcoming EP to be released later this summer. This upcoming milestone release, the Signs and Signals EP, explores an ill-fated romance from a variety of careless and carefree emotional perspectives. “

Arielle has previously released four singles and two music videos for which she’s garnered widespread press. Carl Cafarelli of “This is Rock N’ Roll Radio” gushes that Arielle’s music is “modern pop with classic sass.” Amelia Vandergast has described her catchy tunes as “empowering high-vibe synth-pop” and singled out her choruses by saying they “stick to your synapses like superglue.” In addition, Arielle’s songs have also been featured nationally and internationally on prime indie radio.

Zizzo, a Manhattan native, wields many labels: Musician. New Yorker. Guitarist. Bassist. Pianist. Transgender. But above all, he’s a self-taught singer-songwriter with a penchant for pop, and has so much to offer to this world. It’s this dynamic combination, these unique puzzle pieces, this gumbo of life experience, heartbreak, and identity, that makes up Ari Zizzo.

Ari hails from the Upper East Side of New York City, where his musical parents—his father, a record producer, and his mother an accomplished songwriter—incubated his early enchantment with music. He started piano at age 4, and by 13, he knew he wanted to be an artist. Ari studied music at SUNY Purchase, where he had an objectively normal college experience—playing sports and joining a fraternity—and moved to LA to set up shop as a songwriter.

Ari’s music is inspired by fierce love, gutting heartbreak, and his own struggle with identity. His greatest strength may be his admirable ability, as an artist, to empathize with and relate to others, no matter how different their experiences might be. “Transitioning for me, when you get down to the nitty gritty stuff, it’s obviously very different than someone just growing up,” Ari says. “But in some ways, it was just me trying to find myself and my identity, and so many young people struggle to deal with that in their own ways.”

The 24-year old is also heavily inspired by his parents, who he cites as his greatest musical influences, alongside Joni Mitchell, Third Eye Blind, CSNY, John Mayer, and The 1975. Right now, he’s gearing up to release brand-new music, which he co-produced in LA with Steve Wilmot (OneRepublic, U2, Ava Max).

“I put my heart and soul into this,” Zizzo says. “I just want to share my story.”

Facebook: Thearielleeden

Twitter: The arielleeden

Please join us in welcoming Crystal Gayle to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Host Captain Eddie &  Co-Host- Emme Lentino

 Grammy Awards:

• Best Country Vocal Performance Female: 1978 “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”

Recorded a song on 3 Grammy winning children’s albums:

• Best Children’s Recording: 1981 – “Sesame Country” with various Artists
• Best Children’s Recording: 1982 – “In Harmony 2” with various Artists
• Best Children’s Recording: 2006 – “Songs from the Neighborhood - the Music of Mr. Rogers" with various Artists

Grammy Nominations:

• Best Country Vocal Performance Female: 1978, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1987
• Best Country Gospel Album: 1996 “Someday”

Country Music Association Awards:

CMA Awards:

• Female Vocalist of the Year:  1977
• Female Vocalist of the Year:  1978

CMA Nominations:

• Female Vocalist of the Year: 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980
• Entertainer of the Year: 1978 and 1979
• Vocal Duo of the Year: 1983 with Eddie Rabbit, 1986 & 1987 with Gary Morris

Academy of Country Music Awards:

ACM Awards:

• Most Promising Female Vocalist: 1975
• Female Vocalist of the Year: 1976
• Female Vocalist of the Year: 1977
• Female Vocalist of the Year: 1979
• Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award - 2015

American Music Awards:

AMA Awards:

• Favorite Country Female Artist: 1979
• Favorite Country Female Artist: 1980
• Favorite Country Female Artist: 1986
• Favorite Country Female Video Artist: 1986

AMA Nominations:

• Favorite Country Female Artist: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1986
• Favorite Country Single: 1981 “If You Ever Change Your Mind”
• Favorite Country Album: 1980 “Miss the Mississippi”

American Eagle Awards

AEA Awards:

• Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)

Music City News

• Most Promising Female Artist of the Year (1975) - Crystal's first award!

People Magazine

• The 50 Most Beautiful People In The World - Ranked #2 (1983)

Radio & Records

• Most Performed Country Female Artist of the Decade on Radio (1975-1985)

Nashville Symphony

• Received the Harmony Award for exemplifying the harmonious spirit of Nashville's musical community (1987)

Celebration of Light Award

• Awarded by Waterford Crystal in recognition of Crystal's efforts on behalf of the American Lung Association (1988)

Cherokee Medal Of Honor

• Awarded in Tahlequah, Oklahoma (2000)

Native American Music Association Hall of Fame

• Inducted in 2001

Indiana Historical Society

• Indiana Living Legend Award (2005)

American Entertainment Magazine

• Best Female Entertainer (2007)

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

• Inducted in 2008

Hollywood Walk of Fame

• 2,390th Star awarded on October 2, 2009 - located on the west side of the 1500 block of Vine Street

Grand Ole Opry Induction

• Crystal was inducted at the Ryman by her sister Loretta Lynn on January 21, 2017

Lefthanders International

• Awarded Lefthander of the Year - Music (1985, 1988)

Please join us in welcoming Dan Antunovich to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host- Emme Lentino

With a 20 year session and touring career, Dan has played and

recorded with a wide variety of artists from around the globe. Dan

recently moved back to NZ after living in Los Angeles for 6 years, in

which time he established himself as a go-to musician and producer. In

his time in the U.S, Dan recorded in iconic recording studios (Capitol,

East West, Sphere, Sunset Sound, Plyrz, Nightbird, Paramount etc),

toured nationally, and performed regularly with celebrated artists and

musicians.

During his career in New Zealand, Dan performed in the house band for

TV shows such as “New Zealand’s Got Talent” and “The Singing Bee”,

regularly played and toured with artists including: John Rowles, The

Ladykillers, Rikki Morris, Autozamm (and many more), and appeared on

countless recording sessions, theater stages, and festivals.

In 2014 Dan was on the grammy nominated album “Kitaro - Live in

Istanbul”, which was recorded during an extensive world tour with the

celebrated Grammy winner.

Please join us in welcoming Matt Derda to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host- Emme Lentino

Matt Derda & The High Watts, a Folk Rock group from the Chicago area, combines storytelling with resonant melodies. Blending Rock N Roll riffs with Eastern Kentucky roots, they've created a unique sound that captures the essence of Johnny Cash's Nashville and the grit of rock acts like The Replacements.

Please join us in welcoming Carley Lusk  to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host- Emme Lentino

Carley Lusk wrote and recorded this R&B single in Los Angeles California. "When writing, I got to the section of the hook and I didn't know to say. The verse was completed but I still wasn't sure what the song was about. As I sat in front of my keyboard, I looked down at my phone and the time struck 2:22pm. I immediately sang the hook in one breathe and thats just what it was." Heartbreak but not heartache, sometimes you fall in love and it is only meant to be a beautiful memory.

Please join us in welcoming Demi Michelle to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Host Captain Eddie 

Heartfelt, charismatic, and authentic are three words used to describe Demi Michelle’s music. The Pittsburgh-based pop and country songwriter turns her life experiences into songs that touch the hearts of her listeners through captivating storytelling in her lyrics and memorable melodies. She greatly looks up to Julia Michaels, Kelsea Ballerini, and Taylor Swift, three incredible songwriters who share their stories in raw and truthful ways. Demi strives to remain honest and authentic as a songwriter in her own music and during her collaborations with others.

Demi pieced together her songwriting passion over the years. Her musicianship shines through, being a classically-trained pianist and knowledgeable about music theory. Also being a creative writer and in graduate school for her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction, Demi is always finding ways to blend her musical talent and storytelling in powerful ways.

Demi kicked off her songwriting journey in 2019. After releasing several singles, she delivered her debut album, Dear Diary, on October 15, 2021. This eleven-track album, which includes Demi’s popular single, “Will I Ever,” truly gives listeners a glimpse into Demi’s heart and story. The songs capture honesty and vulnerability, much like diary entries do. Demi wrote this album for herself to explore her thoughts, feelings, and insecurities. Through writing Dear Diary, she has gone on a journey of self-discovery.

On January 28, 2022, Demi was invited onto her hometown station, 100.7 STAR Pittsburgh, to be the first artist on the morning show’s new segment, Bubba Show Live and Local Music Spotlight. Along with an interview, “Will I Ever” aired during the show, making it Demi’s first play on top 40 radio.

Demi’s debut chapter earned her two nominations at the 8th Annual Josie Music Awards, which will be held in October at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. She received nominations for Pop Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year for Dear Diary.

The sun has set on Dear Diary, and Demi is ready for her next chapter. On May 20, she released her fiery pop-country single, “You Get What You Give,” which is the lead single off of her upcoming five-track EP, It Is What It Is.

Please join us in welcoming Sophie Maude to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host- Emme Lentino

Sophie-Maude is an artist who is at the fulcrum of New Zealand’s ever evolving R&B & Pop scene. Born and raised in Tauranga, NZ, she makes music that is driven by a desire to motivate, inspire, and tell her story her way.

She uses music as a coping mechanism for Autism, ADHD, OCS and Tourette’s syndrome. By drawing from her own life experience she articulates stories and shared perspectives that connect with audiences across the spectrum.

An incredible live performer that leaves listeners with goosebumps, her overarching ambition is to empower people through her music and to step out of her box in order to reach her full potential. She is driven by the desire to share emotion through music and to impact lives positively.

2022 sees Sophie-Maude dropping several singles that will take listeners on a journey through various emotions and bring them to a place where they can escape the world and be lost in the music.

Please join us in welcoming Brooklyn Summer to our studio to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host- Emme Lentino

California native Brooklyn Summer is an 11-year-old country music artist turning Nashville on its ears! Since the age of five, Brooklyn was gracing stages, performing live showcases and volunteering her voice singing for hospice, local county fairs, art and wine festivals, and her hometown 4th of July events. Ever graceful under pressure, she was declared Grand Champion winner of both the California State Talent Competition and the Greater Bay Area Talent Competition in her age group. She is labeled a tiny powerhouse by both Los Angeles and Nashville music producers. She was a member of Youth Focus, a non-profit dedicated to providing well-structured youth programs and talent competitions till it closed its doors. At age 9, Brooklyn showcased her vocals live in Tennessee during the CMA awards week with The Nashville Spotlight. Brooklyn was scouted and referred to the multi-award-winning SweetSong Nashville, an Indie Label with offices and a recording studio in the heart of country music on the world-famous Music Row in Nashville. She had already recorded and started releasing her first EP on all digital platforms with well-known music producer Dennis Money by ten. At age 11, Brooklyn was interviewing and playing on FM country radio stations worldwide. She spent last summer singing in world-famous honky-tonks on Broadway, an entertainment district renowned for honky-tonks and live country music. Her favorite places to sing are Kid Rocks Honky-tonk, the world-famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge, and The Stage on Broadway. This spring, Brooklyn will turn 12 years old in Nashville and is currently booking her first solo Nashville shows. Her Music producer jokes that "booking for Brooklyn feels like booking for the Rolling Stones. She's a little heavyweight, and everybody says yes!!" She has some exciting sponsors in the works and a hat endorsement with American Hat Makers. Brooklyn attends the ICL Academy preparatory program, a leadership character-building online school where she can pursue her passion for music on the road without compromising her academics and college readiness. Miss Summer is also an actor, voice-over artist, and print model. This summer, she is signed on to a star-studded feature film where she will play herself and sing her original music. Brooklyn wants nothing more than to use her gift of music to give back to her community and help others. Brooklyn resides in Los Angeles, where you'll find her songwriting and brushing up on her guitar skills. Keep an eye out for this diminutive superstar.

Please join us as we welcome Charissa into our studios to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Host- Eddie Davis (Captain Eddie) 

Two decades ago guitarist Colin Cripps helped a promising young Ottawa-area singer release her debut album. The album was Failer. The artist was Kathleen Edwards. Now while newcomer Charissa might not be asking for flowers anytime soon her debut EP, produced by Cripps, has a lot of the strengths and qualities Edwards had in spades starting out: an earnest-soaked earthy voice that should make for a long and successful road ahead. A perfect example is "People Like You" which, if you don't enjoy dear reader and listener, I've lost all respect for you already!

The five-song effort opens with the blissfully delivered "Scars and All" that builds into a mid-tempo roots-pop nugget in the vein of Sarah Harmer's "Basement Apartment." Meanwhile the gentle heartfelt execution of "Starlit Sky" shines over its simple, barren framework, letting Charissa work her never-forced magic.

Fans of Aimee Mann and Sheryl Crow would be wise to see out this EP as "The Last Time" is a confident piece of work minus any production gloss or theatrics. The only drawback might be it's just five songs with the title track wrapping up this stellar effort. I guess I'll have to hit repeat. Again and again!

Love and Be Loved was released on March 25, 2022.

Please join us in welcoming Emmy Law to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Host Eddie Davis (Captain Eddie)

Emmy Law is an indie-pop singer-songwriter currently based in Nashville, TN. Before moving to the city in February 2021, she spent four years in Atlanta, heavily involved in the local music scene. She’s performed in some of Atlanta’s top venues, including Eddie’s Attic, Red Clay Music Foundry, and the Music Room at Smith’s Olde Bar. She’s played in a variety of notable venues in the southeast, including Isis Music Hall in Asheville, NC, the Crimson Moon in Dahlonega, GA, and the Evening Muse in Charlotte, NC, where she opened for the national touring band The Arcadian Wild.

She’s also made a name for herself in Atlanta’s open mic scene, winning the night and advancing to the final round in a few of the best the city has to offer: Eddie’s Attic, EOP at Red Clay Theater, and the 99x Original Series. In 2014, Emmy won the John Jarrard Foundation songwriting contest, which was judged in part by members of the Zac Brown Band. As part of the contest winnings, Emmy opened onstage for some renowned Nashville songwriters and says it’s been one of the best moments in her performing career.

Emmy’s song ‘Simple’ from her ‘Find Ourselves Again’ EP was chosen as one of Immersive Atlanta’s best local songs of 2019. The blog states, “Emmy Law’s ‘Simple’ is a barebones folk song about navigating adult love and struggling to locate your identity in the present. All the while, the song’s delicate balance between piano and Law’s gossamer voice makes you wonder about the last time you let anything be simple.” Emmy’s new EP ‘Bitter Heart’, is the first music she’s tracked in this vocal style, and it’s a step in a new direction for her. It’s the first music she’s recorded in Nashville, and also the first music she’s recorded in this vocal style. The EP, out May 21, 2021, is a step in a new direction for her.

Send all booking inquiries to booking@emmylawmusic.com.