Rising Star #65

Welcome to Rising Star 65—where music, creativity, and innovation collide to shape the future of the global arts scene.

This edition takes the experience to new heights, inviting you to dive into groundbreaking artistry and a deep passion for sound. Rising Star 65 isn’t just an event—it’s an unforgettable journey through diverse musical landscapes, where every performance tells a story that lingers long after the final note.

Imagine a stage alive with electrifying energy, where emerging talents share their unique narratives through the power of music. From anthems of resilience to soul-stirring ballads, each moment is crafted to move, inspire, and ignite the imagination.

At Rising Star 65, the stage transforms into a dynamic canvas, painting sonic landscapes rich with emotion and creativity. It’s a tribute to artistic brilliance, fresh perspectives, and the universal language of music that unites us all.

Championing diversity and the thrill of discovery, Rising Star 65 spotlights voices destined to shape the future of music. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary evolution.

Are you ready to be moved? 🌟🎶

Step into a world where tomorrow’s icons take center stage, and the magic of music rekindles your spirit.

Viv May - "favorite team"

Viv May’s latest single, favorite team, is more than just a song—it’s a heartfelt anthem that blends emotion, sonic creativity, and a call for unity. Recorded in the intimate setting of her living room, the track showcases her signature approach to music: deeply personal lyrics paired with infectious, danceable melodies that make listeners question whether to move their feet or wipe away a tear.

Hailing from Paderborn, Germany, Viv May has long been carving out her space in the pop landscape, driven by a lifelong passion for songwriting and storytelling. favorite team, released on December 27, 2024, exemplifies her ability to turn raw emotion into music that resonates on a universal level. Inspired by the frustration and anger she once felt, she transformed these emotions into a message of hope, urging people to choose love, empathy, and understanding over division.

The song’s production carries a unique touch, shaped by synth sounds, deep 808 basslines, and an ethereal outro adorned with layered harmonies, bird chirping, and soft wave-like elements. This combination creates an atmospheric, almost cinematic experience, reinforcing the song’s overarching message of peace and togetherness. The influence of Ariana Grande’s eternal sunshine is subtly present, as Viv May embraces an uplifting energy that shifts the listener’s mood to a lighter place, even when tackling heavy themes.

Despite its seemingly simple love song exterior, favorite team delivers a broader, more profound message. In a world filled with conflict and division, Viv May calls for unity, urging listeners to see themselves as part of one global team rather than opposing sides. The outro—one of the song’s standout moments—cements this idea, wrapping the track in a beautifully layered soundscape that lingers long after the final note.

While Viv May currently has no immediate performances lined up, she has recorded a live session featuring two of her songs, love u a little 2 much and YOU!, available on her YouTube channel. With spring gigs on the horizon, fans can expect more live showcases of her emotionally charged and sonically rich music.

At its core, favorite team is a reflection of who Viv May is as an artist: a dreamer, a storyteller, and a musician who has been writing songs since childhood. Whether at the piano or layering vocals in her home studio, she pours her heart into every note, staying true to her motto: “I love writing songs that make you question whether to dance or cry.”

With favorite team, Viv May continues to solidify her place in the pop scene—one heartfelt, thought-provoking song at a time.

Syndarian - "Time Away"

From the quiet depths of Hibbing, Minnesota, emerges a deeply personal and sonically immersive experience—Time Away, the latest album from independent artist Syndarian. Released on March 3, 2025, this record is more than just a collection of songs; it is a narrative-driven, conceptual journey that demands to be experienced in sequence. With influences spanning from Bob Dylan and Pink Floyd to Guns N’ Roses and Nine Inch Nails, Syndarian crafts a soundscape that is both nostalgic and refreshingly original.

What sets Time Away apart is its deeply introspective nature. Written, recorded, and produced entirely by Syndarian in his home studio with basic equipment, the album carries a raw authenticity that resonates with listeners on a profound level. It’s not merely an exercise in musicianship—it’s a reflection of the artist’s time spent away from the world, finally bringing to life songs that have lived within him for years. With themes of self-discovery, resilience, and personal transformation, Time Away bridges the gap between past and present, grief and acceptance.

The album unfolds like a diary, taking the listener on a journey from innocence to understanding. Each track contributes to the greater whole, making it essential to experience Time Away in order. Syndarian masterfully blends haunting melodies, bluesy undertones, and rock-driven energy to create an atmosphere that is both intimate and expansive. His ability to weave storytelling into his compositions evokes the spirit of the legends who inspired him, yet his voice remains distinctly his own.

Lyrically, Time Away is a testament to hard-earned wisdom, questioning the illusions of youth and confronting the realities of life with an unwavering honesty. Whether through melancholic acoustic passages or electrifying guitar work, the album never strays from its emotional core. The DIY production only adds to its charm—there’s an unfiltered sincerity here that polished studio recordings often lack.

In an era dominated by fleeting trends and algorithm-driven music, Time Away stands as a rare gem—a body of work that prioritizes substance over spectacle. It’s a record that rewards patience, inviting listeners to sit with it, absorb it, and find their own meaning within its layers.

Syndarian’s Time Away is not just an album; it’s an experience. A deeply personal, yet universally relatable reflection on the passage of time, loss, and the rediscovery of self. For those willing to take the journey, this is a record that will linger long after the final note fades.

Megapenny Music – "Grains of Sand"

It takes a special kind of passion to step away from music for four decades and return with a song that feels as fresh and vibrant as anything on today’s pop charts. But that’s exactly what Al Young has done with "Grains of Sand," the debut single from Megapenny Music. Released on February 21, 2025, the track isn’t just a comeback—it’s a statement.

Young’s roots in electronic music run deep. A classical pianist turned synth designer, he spent the late '70s and early '80s not just playing music but building the very instruments that helped shape the sounds of that era. His creations found their way into the hands of emerging artists, but before his own music could take center stage, life took him in another direction. Fast forward 40 years, and that unfinished creative journey has come full circle with "Grains of Sand."

At its core, the song is a love letter to Euro pop, the genre that first captivated Young during his early exposure to the Eurovision Song Contest and travels across Europe. Featuring the enchanting vocals of French singer Delphine Savatte, "Grains of Sand" tells the story of a young traveler discovering the endless possibilities the world has to offer—each experience as fleeting and unique as the grains of sand beneath her feet.

Sonically, the track is a masterclass in nostalgia-infused modern pop. The pulsing synths and melodic hooks are reminiscent of classic Europop anthems, yet the production feels crisp and contemporary. Savatte’s voice floats effortlessly over the shimmering electronic soundscape, delivering a performance that’s both wistful and exhilarating. It’s the kind of song that belongs equally on a festival stage or a summer road trip playlist.

With "Grains of Sand," Al Young isn’t just revisiting his musical past—he’s proving that great music knows no timeline. It’s a bold, heartfelt debut that signals an exciting new chapter for Megapenny Music. And if this first single is any indication, Young’s return to the industry is only just beginning.

⭐ Verdict: A captivating Europop revival that blends nostalgia with fresh, modern energy. If you love timeless synth-driven pop, this one’s for you.

Ed Gage - "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" (AC/DC Cover)

Few artists can take on an AC/DC classic and do it justice, but Ed Gage proves he’s up for the challenge. His electrifying cover of Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap—featuring the powerhouse vocals of the late Steve Grimmett (Grim Reaper) and John Gallagher (Raven)—delivers a fresh yet faithful homage to one of rock’s most infamous anthems. Released in 2021, this collaboration is a testament to Gage’s deep-seated love for classic heavy metal and his ability to bring together legends to craft something truly special.

From the very first riff, Gage’s reverence for AC/DC is palpable. His razor-sharp guitar work and gritty vocals channel the raw energy that made the original so iconic while infusing it with a heavier, modern edge. Grimmett’s unmistakable voice brings a dramatic, soaring intensity to the track, while Gallagher’s gritty basslines anchor the song in true rock-and-roll fashion. Rounding out the ensemble, Derek Sedota on guitar and Nick Moran on drums add precision and punch, making this cover a full-throttle metal experience.

Recorded remotely during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the track is a testament to perseverance and passion. Gage coordinated the project from Los Angeles, while Gallagher and Grimmett contributed their parts from England, and Sedota and Moran laid down their tracks in Buffalo, NY. Despite the distance, the final product feels seamless, a powerful reminder that great music knows no boundaries.

For longtime fans of AC/DC, this cover retains the rebellious spirit of the original while adding a heavier, more theatrical spin. It’s a nostalgic ride through the golden era of hard rock, yet it stands firmly in today’s metal scene. The song reflects Gage’s lifelong devotion to rock music, influenced by legends like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, KISS, W.A.S.P., Saxon, and, of course, AC/DC.

Beyond music, Ed Gage has made a name for himself in Hollywood, working as an actor, martial artist, and stuntman in major productions on platforms like HBO, Netflix, and Amazon. His dedication to entertainment in all its forms shines through in this project, blending his musical and cinematic expertise to create not just a cover, but a larger-than-life tribute.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with praise from metal heavyweights like Paul Di’Anno (Iron Maiden), Tony ‘Demolition Man’ Dolan (Venom Inc.), and John Gallagher himself. Their endorsements cement this cover as more than just a passion project—it’s a celebration of rock’s enduring power.

If you’re a fan of classic metal with a modern edge, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap by Ed Gage is a must-listen. It’s a high-voltage, riff-fueled thrill ride that pays respect to the past while proving that rock and roll is very much alive.

Chayne - "Don't Make Me Laugh"

At just 17, rising pop artist Chayne is already proving she has the charisma, talent, and sharp wit to stand out in the ever-expanding music industry. Her latest single, Don't Make Me Laugh, is a striking statement wrapped in a glossy pop package, blending her bilingual, cross-cultural background with an undeniable knack for melody and storytelling.

From the very first note, Don't Make Me Laugh makes it clear that Chayne isn’t here to play by the rules. The track opens with swirling lead guitars that nod to indie and alt-rock influences, setting the stage for her commanding, energetic vocals. Her voice carries a cool confidence, effortlessly delivering a biting yet playful critique of dishonesty—whether in love, business, or beyond. The infectious hook lingers long after the track ends, a testament to her natural songwriting ability.

Lyrically, Chayne doesn't hold back. She taps into a universal frustration—being misled, manipulated, or underestimated—but delivers it with a wry sense of humor. "Sometimes the people closest to you aren't completely honest and might blur the truth to their own ends. I think it's called manipulation, ha ha!" she shares, hinting at the inspiration behind the song. The irony in her words pairs perfectly with the song’s punchy production, making for a track that’s as smart as it is addictive.

There’s a fresh energy in Don't Make Me Laugh that suggests Chayne is only scratching the surface of her potential. While the song's polished pop sensibilities make it instantly accessible, its alt-rock edge gives it an authenticity that feels distinctly hers. With a growing catalog and an album on the horizon, Chayne is steadily making waves—ones that, with the right momentum, could become a tsunami in the pop scene.

If Don't Make Me Laugh is any indication, Chayne is carving out her own space in modern pop, and she’s doing it with attitude, talent, and an unmistakable voice. Keep an eye on this one—she’s here to stay.

Johnny The Widower - My Lady Is Gone

Few albums carry the weight of lived experience the way My Lady Is Gone does. Johnny The Widower, the moniker of Brooklyn’s own Johnny Jones Jr., channels decades of passion, pain, and perseverance into a soul-stirring record that is as personal as it is universal. A seasoned songwriter and producer, Johnny has spent years in the trenches of the music industry—ghostwriting for Whodini, working alongside Stevie Wonder, and managing the R&B duo FLOW. But this album? This one is different. This is his heart laid bare.

At its core, My Lady Is Gone is an unfiltered tribute to love and loss, dedicated to Johnny’s late wife, whom he lost to cancer in 2017. His grief isn’t just a theme here—it’s a presence, woven into every note, every lyric, every haunting piano chord. Yet, rather than drowning in sorrow, Johnny transforms his pain into something deeply moving and profoundly beautiful.

The album opens with the title track, My Lady Is Gone, a delicate yet powerful ballad that feels like a conversation with the past. Johnny’s raw, heartfelt vocals carry a weight that can’t be faked. It’s not just a song—it’s a memory, a confession, a farewell wrapped in melody.

Instrumentally, My Lady Is Gone is a testament to Johnny’s evolution as a musician. A self-taught pianist who once faced skepticism from traditionalists, he proves beyond a doubt that music isn’t about where you trained—it’s about what you feel. And Johnny feels everything on this record.

Beyond the music itself, this album represents something much bigger: a blueprint for independent artistry. As the driving force behind FLOWCEx, his production company, Johnny isn’t just telling his story—he’s paving the way for other artists to tell theirs.

My Lady Is Gone is more than an album; it’s a statement, a milestone, a soul laid bare. It’s proof that resilience, passion, and a deep love for music can create something timeless. This isn’t just an artist releasing an album—this is a man turning life’s hardest moments into something unforgettable. And for that, Johnny The Widower deserves every bit of the spotlight coming his way.

Starvving Review

In an era where the digital and the tangible are constantly colliding, STARVVING, the latest offering from dvdv and producer Poly Armour, emerges as a hypnotic exploration of longing, survival, and transcendence. With an intricate balance of industrial tension and celestial release, the album weaves through the textures of electronic pulses and ethereal vocal sweeps, drawing listeners into a world where emotions feel both boundless and suffocating.

At its core, STARVVING is a meditation on what it means to exist in a rapidly accelerating world, where the hunger for meaning is as intense as the pressure to escape reality. The duality embedded in the album’s name—both starving and star-wing—perfectly encapsulates its sonic and thematic essence. It speaks to the human desire for connection, for transcendence, and for the brief, brilliant moments of illumination that flicker like celestial bodies in the night sky.

From the first track, dvdv’s vocals rise like vapor, floating above Poly Armour’s precise yet unpredictable production. It’s a synergy that feels instinctive, as if both artists are channeling the same pulse from opposite sides of the void. The album’s soundscape oscillates between the razor-sharp edges of industrial percussion and the dreamlike vastness of ambient reverberations, embodying a constant push-and-pull between chaos and serenity.

Tracks like “Overheaded,” which initially gained traction on Beatport’s Best New Electronica Playlist, serve as a gateway into the duo’s evolving sonic world. Here, hypnotic rhythms grind against soaring vocalizations, conjuring a space where emotional vulnerability is laid bare, yet draped in an armor of pulsating beats. In contrast, moments of stark minimalism—where dvdv’s voice stands almost alone, like a whisper in the digital wind—offer a striking reminder of the fragility that underpins human connection.

There’s a deeply existential undercurrent running through STARVVING, one that wrestles with the concept of agency in a world dictated by external forces. “To exist within the binary human collective is to be manipulated,” dvdv muses, a sentiment that pulses through every layer of the album’s composition. The music becomes a mirror to our modern reality, where the noise of the outside world is relentless, yet the search for something real—something inward—is the ultimate act of defiance.

Poly Armour’s production is both surgical and organic, at times gasping with breath-like synth swells, at others collapsing into intricate distortions that feel like reality unraveling in real time. The interplay between these elements creates a fever dream of sound, a landscape that is both alien and deeply intimate. As the album progresses, the tracks fold in on themselves, morphing into something fluid and ever-changing, much like the transient nature of existence itself.

With STARVVING, dvdv and Poly Armour have crafted a work that feels like a transmission from another dimension—one where dreams, fears, and raw emotion intertwine in a breathtaking display of sonic artistry. It’s an album that doesn’t just ask to be heard; it demands to be felt.

DayEyez Confronts the Shadows in New Single "Insecurities"

Alt-rock has always been a genre built on raw emotion, and DayEyez’s latest single, Insecurities, doesn’t just tap into that energy—it amplifies it. A brooding, anthemic track that blends searing guitar riffs with emotionally charged vocals, Insecurities is an unfiltered look at the turmoil of self-doubt and the fear of losing yourself in a relationship built on fragile truths.

From the first notes, the song sets a heavy, almost cinematic tone, weaving together pulsating beats and layered melodies that feel both intimate and vast. It’s a sound that finds its roots in the emotionally driven rock of Linkin Park and the stadium-ready energy of Imagine Dragons, yet still carries a modern electronic edge that makes it undeniably DayEyez.

Lyrically, Insecurities digs deep, unraveling the inner conflict of masking fears with deception—only to watch it all unravel. DayEyez doesn’t just sing about regret; he makes the listener feel it. Every verse drips with the weight of unsaid words and unhealed wounds, building to a chorus that explodes with both desperation and catharsis.

“This song is about those moments you can’t take back—the lies told out of fear, the walls built to protect yourself, and the regret that lingers when you realize you only pushed them further away,” DayEyez explains. And that sentiment is felt in every crashing drumbeat and soaring vocal swell.

With Insecurities, DayEyez continues to redefine the boundaries of alternative rock. Having already racked up over 18,000 streams on Bubblegum Pop and built a loyal following through genre-blending releases like Cold Reaction and Light It Up, he’s proving that AI-driven music isn’t just a gimmick—it’s the future. Insecurities stands as both an evolution and a statement, cementing DayEyez’s place in the ever-changing landscape of modern rock.

Now streaming on all major platforms, this is a track you don’t just listen to—you experience it.

JOIZE

Joize's "Nasty," released on March 6th, 2025, is a seductive, smooth, and unforgettable offering from the rising Manchester-based artist. Teaming up with long-time friend and producer ISTHATBEMA, Joize delivers a fresh twist on the Afro RnB genre, blending intoxicating melodies with a rhythmic bounce that’ll have listeners swaying from start to finish.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Chris Brown, Young T & Bugsey, and Don Toliver, "Nasty" pulses with a late-night energy, capturing the essence of carefree vibes and magnetic attraction. The track effortlessly takes you on a journey through a night out filled with flirtation and freedom, perfect for both a party and intimate moments. Its sensual lyricism combined with a club-ready bounce makes it a standout in the world of Afro RnB, sure to resonate with fans of smooth, sultry beats and irresistible hooks.

Joize’s recording process was just as organic as the sound he crafted. Recorded in a self-built studio in Old Trafford, the session was all about capturing that authentic, laid-back confidence that defines "Nasty." The vibe was smooth and fluid, with Joize layering harmonies and ad-libs to enhance the track’s seductive feel. By keeping the production raw and unpolished, Joize made sure every lyric carried the emotion it was meant to convey, delivering a track that feels both personal and universal.

What truly sets "Nasty" apart is its balance between soulful Afro RnB melodies and infectious rhythms. It’s a track that invites you to live in the moment, whether you're heading to the club or enjoying a quiet night with friends. Joize’s artistic evolution is clear in this release, as he steps confidently into the spotlight, ready to make waves in the Afro RnB scene.

With performances on the horizon and strong social media promotion, including TikTok and Instagram campaigns, Joize is set to ensure "Nasty" reaches the right audience. If this track is any indication, it’s just the beginning of an exciting journey for the artist, one that promises even more captivating sounds to come.

Tate Simms

Tate Simms' latest single, Tragedy, marks a powerful turning point in his career, cementing his place as a solo artist with a message that cannot be ignored. Released on January 3, 2025, this track feels like a wake-up call, a rallying cry for a world plagued by uncertainty, anxiety, and social unrest. Recorded in his Los Angeles studio, Simms not only wrote, produced, and arranged the song, but he also poured his soul into its creation, infusing it with raw passion and urgency.

Drawing inspiration from the current political climate and the pervasive sense of global tension, Tragedy is a reflection of Simms' frustration with the state of the world. The song opens with a layer of intricate guitar work, a hallmark of Simms’ skill as a multi-instrumentalist, before unfolding into textured vocals that give the lyrics a dynamic, almost haunting, depth. The way he plays with layers in both the guitars and the vocals creates a palpable sense of emotional weight—this is music that demands to be heard, felt, and understood.

Simms' words, which are both personal and universal, directly address the current moment. He paints a bleak picture of the United States' political landscape, lamenting how the country once regarded as the greatest in the world has become, in his view, a global embarrassment. But amidst the sorrow and frustration, there’s an undeniable sense of motivation. Tragedy is more than a song about what’s wrong—it’s a call to action, an urging for people to rise above complacency and fight for change. The track is charged with the kind of energy that only comes when an artist is deeply invested in their message and the world around them.

The standout feature of Tragedy is not just its powerful lyrics, but the sonic textures Simms has carefully woven throughout the track. His use of layered guitars adds an unexpected richness, while his vocal range—at times fragile, at others forceful—brings an extra layer of vulnerability to the song. It’s a nuanced approach to rock music, offering listeners more than just a quick hit of emotion, but a complex journey through sound.

For Simms, this release marks the beginning of a new chapter. After years of performing with heavyweights like Christina Aguilera, La Toya Jackson, and the late Joe Cocker, he’s stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist, with a message that’s as urgent as it is personal. With Tragedy, Simms proves he has more than just musical chops—he’s using his platform to challenge and inspire. In a time when the world feels more divided than ever, Tragedy serves as a reminder that music can still provoke change, ignite hope, and make a difference.

This release is more than just a song; it’s a statement. Simms isn’t just singing about the world—he’s demanding action, urging us all to take responsibility for the future we want to build.