Brazilian band Zircon Skyeband is carving out a niche for themselves with their takes on beloved classics.
The latest is their rendition of “Careless Whisper”, originally released in 1984 by Wham! (George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley).
The cover is one five tracks on of their latest EP, Catch A falling Star.
“Careless Whisper” by Zircon Skyeband is out now on all streaming platforms.
As part of the rollout for his third album, Philadelphia-based artist RAUSCH has issued a solo piano covers series highlighting some of his key influences.
Artists represented in this round of single releases have included Queen, Pink Floyd, Guns N’Roses, and the darker side of Billy Joel.
This 9th and final installment pays tribute to the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne.
“I think the reason Ozzy Osbourne’s death hit me as hard as it did (for someone I never met) is because, above all else, he always seemed real,” says RAUSCH.
“People have long pointed out a darkness in some of my songwriting – “owning it,” as my therapist likes to say! – and I’ve only recently realized that it’s Ozzy himself whose lyrical voice really helped pave the way for embracing such psychological sincerity through (my) music.”
He added: “Seems neither of us knew any other way – only difference is I’ve never bitten into a bat, snorted ants, or p*ssed on the Alamo…
“As for the Ozzy selection? I was really tempted to go with lesser-known near-and-dear-to-my-heart favorites (“Old L.A. Tonight,” or the late-career gem “Ordinary Man”), but truth be told, I do in this case feel just as deeply moved by that which is most widely known: “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”
Stream “Mama, I’m Coming Home” (Piano Instrumental ) by RAUSCH
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Jack Horton is back with his second EP in a year: Imperfections, a five-song collection that blends storytelling with polished musicianship.
The pianist’s and songwriter’s release features four original songs and a fresh take on a Jim Croce classic.
Horton is releasing one song a month from the EP, starting in April, with the last song being released in August.
Leading the EP is Set “Me Free”, a song born from personal transformation and letting go. “I’m grateful for my divorce,” Horton says. “Without it, I’d never have written “Set Me Free”, which is about loving someone enough to let them go.”
Next comes the upbeat, pop-country anthem “String Around My Finger”, the tale of a songwriter choosing love over Nashville. Horton nods to his musical heroes in the lyrics: “I’m playin’ covers at ol’ Joe’s every Wednesday night / Elton John, Johnny Cash, and a little John Prine.”
The EP also includes “Operator”, a reimagined version of Jim Croce’s 1972 classic. “As a songwriter, I never thought I’d cover someone else,” Horton says, “but I wanted to bring something new to this song.”
“Never Know Why” is a passionate duet with Vesper Stockwell, Horton’s musical collaborator and partner. The EP closes with a reworked version of Space and Time, Horton’s 2023 single about someone asking for space as a way of ending a relationship.
Imperfections follows The Tokyo Sessions, a four-song EP of Japanese music written by Horton, who is bilingual, while living in Tokyo. That project will be promoted in Japan starting in mid-2025.
About Jack Horton
Jack Horton grew up in Oregon before moving to Tokyo in his late teens, where he supported himself and worked his way through Japanese law school by playing piano bars on weekends. After a successful career as an attorney, government official, and tech founder/CEO, he returned to his first love—songwriting. A classically trained pianist, Horton’s music blends storytelling with deep emotional resonance.
Listen to “Operator” by Jack Horton
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Nobody loves “The Stake” like ‘the way they do’ The buzz for Zircon Skyeband’s music is undeniable, and their rendition of “The Stake” is a testament to their unique style.
Originally by the Steve Miller Band, this cover highlights the band’s distinctive vocal style along with blending soulful horns and gritty guitars to deliver an extraordinary musical experience.
Each note resonates with the burning emotions of the song, inviting listeners to join in and sing along.
Listen to the “Stake” by Zircon Skyeband
One of Alicia Keys’ greatest hits “Fallin” is getting an Afro House makeover, thanks to French DJ and producer Vanetty.
After making a name for himself in his home country with hits like “Ethnica” and “Stars At Night” Vanetty combines an Afro House percussion and arrangements with the warm and captivating voice of Loubna, a Gospel and Soul artist who delivers an incredible performance on the track.
He performed “Fallin” at a New Year’s Day show in Madrid and had received the consign of fellow French artists like Bob Sinclar, Michael Canitrot and Yass.
Stream Vanetty’s “Fallin”
Connect with Vanetty on Instagram, Facebook and X
For our first cover story, Amexin opens up about his relationship with DJ Tunez, future collaboration with Wizkid and his love for his hometown, Aba.
Shortly after our meeting over Zoom for this interview, the rising star thrilled fans at his first headline show “The Amexin Special” held in Lagos.
Hi Amexin, how you doing?
I’m fine, thank you how’re you?
I dey, what are you up to?
Well, It’s weekend so my plate of hot eba is waiting for me. Today I’m having it with one of my favourite soups, okro. My friends like it too.
Nice. Eba and okro soup is definitely goated. Where are you from, though.
I’m from Aba in Abia State and I owe a lot to my hometown. Growing up there had such a positive impact on my music. Only best the best songs make it to the city and that helps you as an artist.
Cool. What inspired your stage name?
I just want to put a face to the word “amazing” basically be the image that pops up in people’s minds when they hear the word. I want to be amazing.
You and DJ Tunez seem to have such a great relationship. How did you two meet?
The love of music brought us together. He fell in love with my music after hearing some of my unreleased songs from someone else in the industry. He reached out to me and we connected.
What’s like working with him?
It’s been an amazing experience. DJ Tunez os very supportive. He’s someone who always wants to take care of you. He’ll call me up and be like “How’re you?” “Call me if you need anything”
It’s been great.
What’s next for you two?
I’m dropping a new single and I have a show coming up in December, The Amazing Special. It’s my first headline show so I’m excited.
Okay, I have to ask: since you’re so close to DJ Tunez, have you met Wizkid?
Yes.
Really? What was it like?
Superstar Wiz. At first I was nervous but I quickly realized that he’s such a cool, relaxed person.
Omg! Any collaborations coming?
Definitely. Watch out.
Great. So what other things do you like apart from eba and what do you do to relax?
Music. Music. Music.
In fact, I wish I could have music as food. If I could I would hire someone just to make playlists depending on the mood, the weather and the time of the day.
But since I can’t replace music with food, I also like to eat noodles.
Me too. Do you add crayfish to your noodles? Because there’s been a fierce debate about it on Twitter.
I do
Great!
I grind it but I also like to have tiny pieces that I can chew while eating.
Oh my God! Yes!
I also add a lot of fresh peppers
Yes! You’re so amazing. I like you.
Thank you
You’re welcome. So how long have you been in Lagos.
A little over a year now.
What do you think of the city?
Very expensive. Unlike Aba, but it’s a wonderful place.
You’re right. So what are your dream collaborations, apart from Wizkid?
It’s hard to choose because there are a lot of artists that I admire. But I just want to work with people who love my music and people that I also connect with.
Chris Brown, for example. I love him
What impact would you like to have on the Nigerian music industry?
I just want to connect to the fans, the ones who love and support my music. Like you Chioma, I know you love my music.
I do
Great! That makes me happy.
Final word to your fans
I love you all. I promise to keep dropping hot gbedu and bangers. Just for you. I appreciate your support. Believe in yourself and have faith in God
Top three venues you’d like to perform at
I’ve never really thought about it but Rolling Loud, Something in the Water and the O2 Arena
Thank you so much for talking to me and Goodluck with everything.
Thank you for having me and have a nice weekend.
You too.
Check out Amexin’s new project, “The Amexin EP” here