#ArtistSpotlight: Have you heard? Check out John O’Brien’s environmentally conscious pop-rock folk-inspired song “Mother Ocean.” Read more here…

Hit that play button to deep dive into the music! You might have just found your newest playlist addition!

Artist Bio

For over 45 years, John O’Brien has been known for creating music and performing live acts. John O’Brien is a living legend with a soulful and environmentally conscious ability to express themselves through the power of pop, rock, and folk music, as well as create an intriguing thread of thoughts and pictures with words with his latest single Mother Ocean.

Inspired by his mother’s love of art and nature, this unique music project, titled “Mother Ocean” by John O’Brien has an end goal of simply connecting people from all over the world with environmental and climate justice through music.

The meaningful lyrics in this song are truly soulful and display emotional narratives of environmentally-conscious driven stories, open to personal interpretation from the listener, which helps in creating a bond between the music and listener, that builds a strong listener base!

John O’Brien is a Performer, Recording Artist and Songwriter who has been creating music for more than four decades. He performed all over the world releasing more than seven albums. His original recordings have excited the music media with extensive airplay on stations including SiriusXM and multiple streaming platforms including Spotify, YouTube and others.

Artist Interview

Modern Soulful Music Awards (MSM:) What do you think makes you stand out from all the other aspiring and upcoming artists in your genre of music?
John O’Brien (JB:) I’ve been at it since I was 7 performing and so on. When I was younger in the 60s I went through a long phase as a writer and performer of folk songs and I found myself learning to tell stories as folk singers do. I took that drive into rock and pop and wrote and produced still writing in that style. My new album was released about 3 weeks ago. Love’s Vexations:

MSM: If you could collaborate with ANY artist/band… Who would you choose and why?
JB: Charlie Puth. He is just incredible in every respect that I can imagine as a writer and producer. Also, Donald Fagen, I learned every song on Steely Dan’s first four albums. Now that was an education!!

MSM: What do you think is your biggest Advantage and your biggest Disadvantage being an Indie artist?
JB: Advantage: Total Freedom! Disadvantage: Being required to fight like hell to be heard.

MSM: Do you prefer the Independent route or would you rather sign to a major record label, and why?
JB: I am off on a tour in the UK July 19-31 and I hope my concerts will provide me with a springboard. Since I’ve never been offered or have sought a label partner, I’ll just stay where I am unless the right situation presents itself.

MSM: Out of all the songs you’ve released, what do you think is your best song and why?
JB: Probably “The Spider’s Love Web” since it sort of captures the new writing and production style I’ve gotten into since the pandemic. It’s on the new album. I also love two others on the new album, “Siboney” and “Sweet Ballet”. However, when I’ve been rehearsing for the tour, it is Mother Ocean that really moves me. I wish the world could hear it.

MSM: Between creating in the studio OR performing live on stage, which is your most enjoyable one and why?
JB: I haven’t performed live on stage in 3 years and I love studio work. My new album is my 4th studio album. I’m about to find out since I’m performing in concerts in 6 UK cities starting in a couple of weeks. Mother Ocean is a prominent song on the set list.

MSM: What would you consider the most successful or proudest moment in your music career, so far?
JB: Coaching children and teenagers on how to pursue being a musician in a way that is healthy. I sincerely believe that every child should be provided with an instrument as soon as they are able to make any sense of it. It teaches math, culture, and most of all self-expression.

MSM: What inspires you the most about the music industry these days?
JB: Just my ability to express myself, I think the inspiration is why I want children and teenagers to grab into it while they have a chance to express their feelings and thoughts.

MSM: If you weren’t in the music business or industry, what do you think you would be doing with your life instead?
JB: What I do to make an actual living income now (LOL!). I’m an environmentalist and I know the law and testify in legal proceedings to protect the environment and stop climate change.

In the music industry, attaching a strong brand to music is extremely important. We think that John O’Brien is definitely on the right track in this regard. Here at Modern Soulful Music Awards, supporting artists is our #1 priority, we kindly ask you to check out the legendary John O’Brien.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnobriensmusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnobriensmusic/
Website: https://johnobriensmusic.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6lRwXnKMf5nIw0THEttkXJ
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/john-obrien
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwzP4-jgRZ1ofrEaKgQWX4w?view_as=subscriber

Artist Spotlight: Meet Matt Poyle back with an acoustic country single: “Always Be Mom To Me” #NewMusic

Ryan Whyte Maloney & Matt Poyle – Always Be Mom To Me

Matt Poyle is a rising artist with a soulful and conscious ability to express themselves through the power of country music, as well as create an intriguing thread of thoughts and pictures with words with Always Be Mom To Me.

This unique music project, titled “Always Be Mom To Me” by Matt Poyle has an end goal of simply connecting people from all over the world with gratitude for a mother’s love and appreciation through music.

The acoustic instrumentation that makes up the arguably simplistic soundscape of Always Be Mom To Me never fails to intrigue and keep the listener engaged with the complex structure and layered elements of Matt Poyle vocals.

The soulful acoustic vocals of Matt Poyle on Always Be Mom To Me are introduced seamlessly each time, and the harmonies are at the forefront of the track, and constantly take the spotlight.

Artist Interview

Modern Soulful Music Awards (MSM:) What made you decide to jump into the music industry or music business?
Matt Poyle: I have always been passionate about music, and I’ve been writing and recording music for close to a decade now. Music has always been my biggest motivation, I started businesses when I was a kid so that I could afford to buy new music and instruments.

MSM: What do you think makes you stand out from all the other aspiring and upcoming artists in your genre of music?
“Always be mom to me” stands out because it was written from my experience of being a caregiver for my mom, and experiencing her passing. There are a million country songs about moms, but I feel that my personal experience is relatable in a way that is unique.

MSM: If you could collaborate with ANY artist/band… Who would you choose and why?
I am always open to collaborating with any artists, authors, musicians.

MSM: What do you think is your biggest Advantage and your biggest Disadvantage about being an Indie artist?
I don’t think there are disadvantages for me. The biggest advantage is that I get to be creative in any way that I want to. If I feel like writing a song, I do that. If I want to do stand-up comedy, I get on stage and do that, when I want to write another book, I can do that.

MSM: Do you prefer the Independent route or would you rather sign to a major record label, and why?
I love being able to write and record and create what I want when I want.

MSM: Out of all the songs you’ve released, what do you think is your best song and why?
I have loved the response to “always be mom to me” I’ve gotten emails and calls from people all over the country saying that the song made them cry and appreciate their moms.

MSM: Between creating in the studio OR performing live on stage, which is your most enjoyable one and why?
I like performing for small groups, but recording in my home studio is my favorite.

MSM: What would you consider the most successful or proudest moment in your music career, so far?
The proudest moment I have is when I inspire someone else to pursue their passion. I have a letter hanging in my office, from a student that says “thank you for showing me that someone from where I’m from can be successful”

MSM: What inspires you the most about the music industry these days?
I think the freedom to be able to create what you want without restrictions. Learning that I can create and distribute my own music on my terms is liberating.

MSM: If you weren’t in the music business or industry, what do you think you would be doing with your life instead?
I have a lot of other hobbies and interests. I teach full-time and I enjoy learning new things. Some hobbies I’m exploring now are hiking, massage and reiki, photography, guitar and ukulele, woodworking, writing books, and podcasting.

In the music industry, attaching a strong brand to music is extremely important. We think that Matt Poyle is definitely on the right track in this regard. It’s no surprise that with time, the music and the brand continue to just keep going up!

This is our absolute favorite thing to say. If you’ve read any of the blogs we publish, you’d know we put out this message. Connect with Matt Poyle. More music will certainly be in their future! We are as excited to keep you in the loop on future projects!

Modern Soulful Music is looking for soulful songs of summer!

Enter your SUMMER SONGS now!

Summer songs connect us to some of the most memorable times of our lives.
Hot, steamy, lazy, funny, or revolutionary.
Pool parties, ocean breezes, BBQs, gritty streets, and ice cream treats.
It’s a vibe.

The Modern Soulful Music Awards is conducting bi-weekly SUMMER SONGS contests. 1 winner is selected every other Sunday.

All Summer Songs entries will also compete in Best Artist of the Year 2022 contest.
1 Song = 2 Ways to Win.

Entry deadlines are each SUNDAY at 11:59pm PDT
The next Summer Songs deadlines are: July 3, July 10, July 17, and July 24.

Winners are announced each Sunday on Instagram at 2pm ET. Follow @modernsoulfulmusic to join the conversation.

You could win the following Summer Songs prizes:

  • All Award Winners will receive Artist of the Year plaques and free artist promo on our Podcast.
  • All Award Recipient Nomination Finalists will receive personalized Award Certificates.
  • Every playlist nomination entry will be automatically entered into the Modern Soulful Music Awards.
  • Once nominated, your followers may place their votes by liking your song on the Spotify playlist and sharing the playlist on social media with the hashtags #ModernSoulfulMusic #SoulfulAwards. (Artists with the most plays and/or shares on our list will win the Best Artist Award – inclusive of multiple song submissions.)

ENTER AT MODERNSOULFULMUSIC.COM/AWARDS

#NewMusic Check out our Modern Soulful Music Monthly Spotlight Winner: Jessenation offers up a whole new afro-soul and world music project! Click Here!

Jessenation has a new project to show you. Listen here!

https://open.spotify.com/Jessenation/28THAMmVgo4ijgBiKfmdQg

Love Song by Jessenation has an end goal of simply connecting people from all over the world with love through music.

https://open.spotify.com/Jessenation/28THAMmVgo4ijgBiKfmdQg

Hit that play button to deep dive into the music! You might have just found another one of your newest playlist additions!

Je m’appelle by Jessenation is a beautiful, soulful and catchy afrobeat song, perfectly produced that will send you on a journey with smooth vocal melodies and catchy electronic beats in the background.

https://open.spotify.com/Jessenation/28THAMmVgo4ijgBiKfmdQg

High Grade is a successful fusion of afrobeat and soul music, with crisp brass and a clever rhythmic conversation between the chattering drum beats. The great singing of Jessenation on this track is definitely a mood changer and will get you in a dancing trance immediately when you turn it on.

https://open.spotify.com/Jessenation/28THAMmVgo4ijgBiKfmdQg

Familial and unrefined, Jessenation & Queen Drie with Deaj encompasses the fundamental sounds of African heritage in their music. Finding one’s place within a diaspora in connection to the Motherland can be an integral part of exploring afro-beats and world music in hip-hop. This is certainly true of Sunmomi. You’ll be melodically transmuted to a place of music, culture, and afro-bliss.

In the music industry, attaching a strong brand to music is extremely important. We think that Jessenation is definitely on the right track in this regard. It’s no surprise that with time, the music and the brand continue to just keep going up!

This is our absolute favorite thing to say. If you’ve read any of the blogs we publish, you’d know we put out this message. Connect with Jessenation. More music will certainly be in their future! We are as excited to keep you in the loop on future projects!

Listen Now #SongReview Sammified is in heavy playlist rotation with I Believe with Jessenation

Jessenation ft. Sammified has a new project to show you. Listen to I Believe here!

Hit that play button to deep dive into the music! You might have just found your newest playlist addition!

The world music instrumentation that makes up the arguably simplistic soundscape of I Believe never fails to intrigue and keep the listener engaged with the complex structure and layered elements of Jessenation and Sammified vocals.

Sammified is a rising producer with a soulful and conscious ability to express themselves through the power of music, as well as create an intriguing thread of thoughts and pictures with words with Jessenation vocals on I Believe.

I Believe by Jessenation and Sammified is a beautiful, soulful and catchy afrobeat song, perfectly produced that will send you on a journey with smooth vocal melodies and catchy electronic beats in the background.

Familial and unrefined, Jessenation and Sammified encompass the fundamental sounds of African heritage in their music. Finding one’s place within a diaspora in connection to the Motherland can be an integral part of exploring afro-beats and world music in hip-hop. This is certainly true of I Believe. You’ll be melodically transmuted to a place of music, culture, and afro-bliss.

In the music industry, attaching a strong brand to music is extremely important. We think that Jessenation and Sammified are definitely on the right track in this regard. It’s no surprise that with time, the music and the brand continue to just keep going up!

This is our absolute favorite thing to say. If you’ve read any of the blogs we publish, you’d know we put out this message. Connect with Jessenation and Sammified. More music will certainly be in their future! We are as excited to keep you in the loop on future projects!

#ArtistSpotlight Nubian Woman is a brand new alternative hip-hop track from OG Sweetz: don’t miss out!

NEW MUSIC ALERT! We’ve got music from OG Sweetz! Today we’re featuring Nubian Woman

Hit that play button to deep dive into the music! You might have just found your newest playlist addition!

This unique music project, titled “Nubian Woman” by OG Sweetz has an end goal of simply connecting people from all over the world with black feminine beauty through music.

Lyricist and Rapper OG Sweetz continue to raise the bar in the alternative, soulful, and storytelling hip hop, with the striking intensity and equally inspiring visuals of Nubian Woman.

OG Sweetz is an OG Sweetzknown for throwing a wrench into the works and going against the grain of the current music trends by providing an alternative vibe. Their mannerisms are all their own.

The Nubian Woman tune employs a genuine calm feel alongside a single vocal lead and minor echoes of voice for added impact, with essential yet melodic background and intense pace.

In both sound and lyrics, OG Sweetz’s voice is becoming increasingly distinct from the rest of the artist’s repertoire. In addition to being familiar and appealing, it authentically conveyed the song’s atmosphere, presented honesty, and revealed exposure. All while weaving through a series of flows that continually return to the creative and melodically captivating hook.

Nubian Woman by OG Sweetz is a definite highlight, with captivating melodies, a relatable theme that is packaged in a unique way, and great storytelling. Their latest release, Nubian Woman demonstrates their lyrical abilities, opening with a captivating vocal performance — and melodic flow. Still, the soothing musical landscape creates a creative contrast and allows it to flow perfectly with their vocal tone.

This song, in particular, exemplifies what vulnerability and openness feel like to connect even with an audience of global listeners who are thousands of miles away. The quality of the “NUBIAN WOMAN” experience is captivating; certain moments truly grab your attention and make you want to revisit this space and listen again.

OG Sweetz’s writing capabilities demonstrate the depth and grasp of the talents required to create songs that speak to their own experience. They are quickly becoming a brand name to be acknowledged in an ever-growing industry that’s in desperate need of a new generation of music. The story, concept, and performance of Nubian Woman — including clever wordplay – are key components of the music. OG Sweetz’s music is unapologetically honest, raw, and beautifully crafted.

The meaningful lyrics in this song are truly soulful and display emotional narratives of black feminine beauty-driven stories, open to personal interpretation from the listener, which helps in creating a bond between the music and listener, that builds a strong listener base!

#SongReview Onyi Moss is in heavy playlist rotation with Lost Sheep

Hit that play button to deep dive into the music! You might have just found your newest playlist addition!

“Lost Sheep” builds up from modest, minimalist beginnings through several levels of cinematic intricacy and ambiance, ultimately immersing and engrossing listeners from start to finish in this surprising world of sounds.

If ever a song was perfectly designed to open up a conceptually considerate project Lost Sheep is the one. A clear sense of soul meets with a ministry-style vocal that inspires confidence and invites the audience to participate in glorious praise.

As this genuinely motivating, refreshing, and purposeful new alternative single “Lost Sheep” from Onyi Moss reaches the scene, creative production and robust sound design combine with firmly planted objectives to create something extraordinary.

That leading voice is mesmerizing. The vocal tone and the delivery fit the mood and purpose of this writing perfectly. The entire song is so spacious and calming to have filled the room. The melody and these words in Lost Sheep are easy to connect with and involve yourself in, which is an enormous calling card in terms of the compelling alternative songwriting of Onyi Moss.

The multi-layered sounds and moments that comprise this record are rather refreshing in terms of production.

This is our absolute favorite thing to say. If you’ve read any of the blogs we publish, you’d know we put out this message. Connect with Onyi Moss. More music will certainly be in their future! We are as excited to keep you in the loop on future projects!

You can also find it on your preferred platform using this link: ffm.to/lostsheep.OPR

It’s A Gift is a brand new Retro Soulful track from Marlon McClain: don’t miss out! Check It Out

The Soulful Retro vocals of Marlon McClain on It’s A Gift are introduced seamlessly each time, and the harmonies are at the forefront of the track, and constantly take the spotlight.

Inspiring and retro-soulful vocals direct with an emotional intent and multiple layers of delicacy on Marlon McClain’s uniquely written works, the self-aware neo-gospel soul single It’s A Gift will make you feel deeply attuned with the narrative of this track.

Beautifully crafted, with a more beautifully flowy-form melody than most songs, fusing that retro-soul inspirational meander with a more soulful comforting structure for something that essentially delivers the best of both worlds with “It’s A Gift.”

The meaningful lyrics in this song are truly soulful and display emotional narratives of inspirational driven stories, open to personal interpretation from the listener, which helps in creating a bond between the music and listener, that builds a strong listener base!

It’s A Gift introduces the skillfully meandering vocal retro-soul harmonies of Marlon McClain in a way that feels acquainted yet also indicative of an artist ready to pave their own way, with a likable beat that injects a level of weight and easily recognizable styling into the track.

This is our absolute favorite thing to say. If you’ve read any of the blogs we publish, you’d know we put out this message. Connect with Marlon McClain. More music will certainly be in their future! We are as excited to keep you in the loop on future projects!

#ArtistSpotlight Farewell is a brand new Hip Hop & Rap track by Shinolda Kool. Stream it Today!

You have to check out this Farewell by Shinolda Kool and add it to your playlists!

Hit that play button to deep dive into the music! You might have just found your newest playlist addition!

Shinolda Kool is a rapper, lyricist, and musical composer who has been igniting the Rap scene for a while now. Their latest release, Farewell demonstrates their lyrical abilities, opening with a captivating vocal performance — and melodic flow. Still, the soothing musical landscape creates a creative contrast and allows it to flow perfectly with their vocal tone.

The Farewell tune employs a genuine calm feel alongside a single vocal lead and minor echoes of voice for added impact, with essential yet melodic background and intense pace.

Shinolda Kool is an artist known for throwing a wrench into the works and going against the grain of the current music trends by providing an alternative vibe. Their mannerisms are all their own.

Shinolda Kool low-voiced bellow is deep, atonal, and easygoing, and its contained coolness is captivating. It’s a kind of rap rendition that wraps you around its low-voiced bellow.

The vocal tone of Shinolda Kool , the sharp delivery, the dynamic flow, and the similarly sharp, smart arrangement of the bars all contribute to the weight.

The soulful Hip Hop & Rap vocals of Shinolda Kool on Farewell are introduced seamlessly each time, and the harmonies are the forefront of the track, and constantly take the spotlight.

In both sound and lyrics, Shinolda Kool voice is becoming increasingly distinct from the rest of the artist’s repertoire. In addition to being familiar and appealing, it authentically conveyed the song’s atmosphere, presented honesty and revealed exposure. All while weaving through a series of flows that continually return to the creative and melodically captivating hook.

Farewell by Shinolda Kool is a definite highlight, with captivating melodies, a relatable theme that is packaged in a unique way, and great storytelling.

This is our absolute favorite thing to say. If you’ve read any of the blogs we publish, you’d know we put out this message. Connect with Shinolda Kool . More music will certainly be in their future! We are as excited to keep you in the loop on future projects!

Read This! Blake Fades drops new track: Shine #NewMusic

Hit that play button to deep dive into the music! You might have just found your newest playlist addition!

NEW MUSIC ALERT! We’ve got music from Blake Fades! Today we’re featuring Shine!

Blake Fades is an artist known for throwing a wrench into the works and going against the grain of the current music trends by providing an alternative vibe. Their mannerisms are all their own.

Blake Fades’ low-voiced bellow is deep, atonal, and easygoing, and its contained coolness is captivating. It’s a kind of rap rendition that wraps you around its low-voiced bellow.

The vocal tone of Blake Fades, the sharp delivery, the dynamic flow, and the similarly sharp, smart arrangement of the bars all contribute to the weight.

All while weaving through a series of flows that continually return to the creative and melodically captivating hook.

In both sound and lyrics, Blake Fades’ voice is becoming increasingly distinct from the rest of the artist’s repertoire. In addition to being familiar and appealing, it authentically conveyed the song’s atmosphere, presented honesty, and revealed exposure.

Shine by Blake Fades is a definite highlight, with captivating melodies, a relatable theme that is packaged in a unique way, and great storytelling.

Blake Fades keeps things simple yet effective, with a creative, almost soothing beat, excellent vocal rhythm, flashes of melody, and an overall song that grabs the listener’s attention while also energizing them.

The soundscape created by Blake Fades creates the perfect atmosphere for the harmonic flow and exceptional story-telling that follows – the music has a classic yet fresh, crisp feel and rhythm to it. Furthermore, Blake Fades employs a one-of-a-kind rhyming style and lyrical craft that brings the most conscious and emotional weight possible.

The story, concept, and performance of Shine — including clever wordplay – are key components of the music. Blake Fades’ music is unapologetically honest, raw, and beautifully crafted.

This is our absolute favorite thing to say. If you’ve read any of the blogs we publish, you’d know we put out this message. Connect with Blake Fades. More music will certainly be in their future! We are as excited to keep you in the loop on future projects!