Author: Ritika Gulati

In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, acclaimed Harlem-based vocalist Candice Hoyes returns with a powerful new single, “Far Away Star,” a genre-defying tribute to jazz legend Duke Ellington. Set for release on April 15, the track reimagines a Swedish traditional song that Ellington recorded with vocalist Alice Babs in 1978, now reinterpreted by Hoyes through a contemporary lens rooted in history, justice, and cosmic aspiration. Teaming up with GRAMMY-winning arranger Ted Nash, Hoyes’s version features her crystalline soprano soaring over lush, soulful New Orleans-style horns. The jazz octet arrangement brings modern dynamism while honoring the elegance of classic vocal jazz. Her performance evokes comparisons to rising…

Bollywood star Tamannaah Bhatia turned heads as she walked the runway for designers Falguni Shane Peacock at Lakme Fashion Week 2025. The actress looked breathtaking in a dazzling bejewelled corset, paired with sleek black pants and a long-sleeved shrug. The event, held in partnership with Lufthansa Airlines, showcased a bold collection inspired by the theme “All it Takes is a YES.”The designs celebrated adventure, confidence, and the excitement of saying “yes” to new opportunities. Tamannaah opened the show in a fierce corset top with a deep neckline and an asymmetrical hem, perfectly hugging her figure. The outfit was…

Jane Doe is shaking up the rock scene with their latest music video, Atlas—a visually striking, hard-hitting anthem wrapped in absurdist comedy. Frontwoman Izzy Kay and her bandmates tackle themes of arrogance and self-importance, all while delivering searing vocals, blazing guitars, and a punch of classic rock energy. From oversized cupcakes to towering beach balls, Atlas reimagines the weight of the world in a way only Jane Doe can. In this exclusive interview, Izzy Kay shares the inspiration behind Atlas, how Jane Doe fuses old-school rock with their modern sound, and the challenges of being a woman in the industry. Plus, she gives us a glimpse into her…

Heather Mae isn’t just making music—she’s making space. A genre-defying artist-activist, she blends alternative rock, indie pop, and folk storytelling to craft anthems of mental health, queer liberation, and social justice. With her double album WHAT THEY HID FROM ME and kiss & tell, she delivers both a reckoning and a reclamation, unearthing buried truths and embracing unapologetic joy. In this interview with Blackbird News, Heather Mae shares her journey, the power of representation, and how music can be a catalyst for change. Hello Heather Mae, Welcome to Blackbird News! We are excited to have you here today. Could you tell us a bit…

Television Skies is a New York City based duo blending infectious pop rock energy with a vintage, feel-good vibe. Known for their anthemic hooks, raw emotion, and rebellious spirit, they create songs that hit with both nostalgic intensity and punk rock heart. Television Skies is redefining alternative pop music on their own terms — staying true, and free from disguise. Inspired by artists like The 1975, Coldplay and Arctic Monkeys, the duo craft intoxicating songs that speak to universal themes of love, identity, and perseverance. Their latest single “Time of My Life” showcases the duo’s ability to combine the anthemic energy of classic rock with…

Award-winning singer-songwriter Crys Matthews is redefining what it means to be a Southern musician. With her new album Reclamation, Matthews fuses Country, Americana, Folk, and Blues with a powerful social justice message, reclaiming the spaces long denied to Black artists, LGBTQ+ voices, and women. Rooted in the traditions of the South that raised her, she unapologetically embraces her identity as a preacher’s kid, a Butch lesbian, and a proud Southerner, weaving hope and activism into every lyric. Hailed by NPR’s Ann Powers as “a rising folk music star” and celebrated for her soul-stirring storytelling, Matthews is proving that music can be…

Diana McGrane’s journey into music is one of passion, perseverance, and poetic storytelling. The Los Angeles-based songwriter grew up immersed in a world where words and melodies held deep meaning—her mother, a Mexican poet and singer, instilled in her a love for lyrical expression, while her father, a boxing champion, taught her the discipline and determination to pursue her dreams. Though she initially followed a different path—balancing family life and a professional career—music was always there, waiting to be embraced. Now, with the release of her debut EP wondering, Diana is sharing her heartfelt stories of desire, connection, and reawakening with…

Samuel L. Pierce’s latest feature film has set its release date of May 13. We sat down with the actor, writer, director and producer, to discuss ‘Off The Line’. Welcome Sam and congratulations on the upcoming movie release! Can you tell us about the title ‘Off the Line’? The movie follows my character Mark Stevenson, a determined young inline speedskater, who is eager to establish himself in the sport. Upon learning that the circuit will finance and send a race team to compete in the prestigious European Grand Prix 24-hour race to beat their biggest rivals, Tropen Racing, Mark and…

Canadian actor and musician Amy Julia Rose began her journey when she performed in her first play at age six and immediately fell in love with the theatre. Amy has been dancing and singing through life ever since. As a young adult, she graduated with a BA from University of Guelph, and spent a year teaching English in Italy, where she got to combine her love of teaching and her love of languages. Amy is fluent in Italian and Spanish, conversational in Russian, and proficient in over 25 different accents and dialects. As an actor Amy is trained in many…

Dr. Jennifer Stanga, a shining example of resilience and determination, embodies the true essence of courage and strength. Diagnosed with lupus in 2024, Jennifer faced the daunting reality of living with an unpredictable disease that brought debilitating symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and frequent flare-ups. Despite the challenges, she refused to let lupus define her and instead embarked on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. With unwavering determination, Jennifer actively collaborated with her medical team, adhered diligently to her prescribed treatment plan, and embraced self-care practices such as maintaining a healthy diet, practicing yoga, and meditation to manage stress. Her…