Author: Steve Owens

Filmmaker Ross McElwee has spent forty years recording himself and his family, creating documentaries that chronicle the shifting contours of American society through the lens of personal history. His son Adrian grew up inside those films, and eventually began experimenting with the camera himself. When a Hollywood producer acquires the rights to adapt McElwee’s 1986 breakthrough SHERMAN’S MARCH into a work of fiction, twenty-year-old Adrian sees a chance for his father to finally reach a wider audience. As the adaptation stalls, Adrian gets swept into a deepening drug addiction and dies from a fentanyl overdose, leaving behind hours of personal…

Austin-based singer, songwriter, recording artist and LGBTQ+ activist Caleb De Casper will be performing a set this Sunday, July 19 at Highland Lounge, (404 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701), as a part of Austin drag legend Cupcake’s revue “Kream.” De Casper will be performing tracks from his forthcoming album, “Delirium,” (slated to drop Summer of 2027), alongside Austin-based artist, songwriter, and sound engineer, Sydney Wright. The show starts at 8 p.m. Media who are interested in attending can RSVP here. De Casper just recently released his latest single, “Waiting 4 Heaven,” from the new album. Stream the single here. For more information…

RJ Cloud Spills the Secrets to Pro Sound | The Hitmakers Room What really makes a great recording— the mic, the preamp, the room, or the engineer? In this episode of The Hitmakers Room, host Steve Owens chats with RJ Cloud, founder of Cloud Microphones and creator of the iconic Cloudlifter, for a deep dive into microphones, recording techniques, studio gear, podcasting, and the art of chasing perfect sound. RJ shares career stories, breaks down why certain mics suit different voices, offers practical tips for home studios, and points out common mistakes musicians, podcasters, and creators make when recording. Whether…

Summer soon forward, and Ayetian is making sure the vibes are fully JamPack. The dancehall star on the rise has officially unveiled the cover art and tracklist for his highly anticipated new project, JamPack, arriving July 10. Packed with 16 tracks, heavyweight collaborations, and the infectious energy that has made him one of Caribbean music’s most exciting young voices, the project arrives as Ayetian continues one of the hottest runs in dancehall. JamPack HERE The forthcoming project brings together an impressive lineup of collaborators including Ky-Mani Marley, Stefflon Don, Kodak Black, Skillibeng, and longtime collaborator Nvtzz. Production across the project…

Tony-nominated Broadway star and Melody Place recording artist Jasmine Amy Rogers will headline the highly anticipated Broadway revival of “The Sound of Music,” opening in Spring 2027. Rogers will take on the cherished role of Maria, a spirited young woman who becomes governess to the seven children of the von Trapp family. Marking the musical’s first return to Broadway in nearly three decades, performances will take place at the legendary Lincoln Center Theater.  Under the direction of Lear deBessonet, the production is scheduled for a limited run beginning April 15, 2027. With music and lyrics by Rodgers & Hammerstein, the…

GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning artist Mark Isham has unveiled At the Carousel Club, his first solo album in 15 years, set for release on August 21. Renowned for seamlessly navigating jazz, electronic music, orchestral composition, and film scoring, the Academy Award-nominated composer blends these diverse influences into a bold, hybrid musical vision. The title track, released alongside the announcement, serves as a striking introduction, uniting the contrasting forces that have shaped his artistic journey: discipline and risk, structure and spontaneity, technology and human expression. Get the Single Now “The Carousel Club is a place where musical journeys are offered for…

That drumbeat had me exhausted just sitting still—felt like I’d run a marathon without leaving my chair. No doubt this song will be lighting up dance floors everywhere. Belfast trio KNEECAP have today shared a Shanti Celeste remix of “Cold At The Top”, a track taken from their recently released critically acclaimed new album, FENIAN, which was out in early May on Heavenly Recordings. Listen Here Kneecap – Cold at the Top (Shanti Celeste Remix) The Dan Carey produced album hit the number one spot in Ireland and number two in the U.K. The Chilean-born, London-based DJ and producer Shanti…

At only 16 years old, Southern California singer-songwriter Ella Quynh is emerging as one of the most exciting young artists to watch. With powerhouse vocals and a fearless approach to blending genres, she is creating a sound uniquely her own—combining the soulfulness of R&B and Blues with the energy of hard rock and the infectious hooks of pop-rock. Ella’s musical journey began in theater, performing in productions including Hercules, Peter Pan, and Willy Wonka. Her remarkable voice became evident early, from singing Tori Kelly songs at age nine to delivering emotionally charged performances of Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’” by the time…

Vinyl records have made one of the greatest comebacks in music history. What was once considered a format of the past is now a thriving community of collectors, music lovers, audiophiles, and young fans discovering music in a completely new way. Whether you’re buying your first record or building a collection of hundreds, understanding vinyl culture can help you get more enjoyment from every album you own. Why Vinyl Records Are So Popular Again In a world dominated by streaming, vinyl offers something unique: a physical connection to music. Collectors enjoy: Many music fans say vinyl encourages them to listen…