new music Archives - POP ROCKS RADIO

Ainsley Costello: Big Hooks, Bigger Future

Bijan Marashi — Thu, 01 May 2025 19:58:24 +0000

Truth be told, after scheduling my interview with 21-year-old Nashville singer-songwriter Ainsley Costello, I had second thoughts. Not about her—her music struck me as both well-crafted and heartfelt, with an authenticity in her songwriting that many artists work years to find. And I thought (rightly so) that chatting with her would be a lot of fun. My concern, honestly, was for her. I reached out to her publicist and asked, “Has she seen my show? Does she know who my audience is?” In other words—does she realize she’s about to chat with a guy who could be her dad?

Maybe I’m not quite a geezer, but let’s be real—Ainsley didn’t write her music with middle-aged guys like me (or my audience) in mind. Still, her publicist assured me that she was genuinely excited to connect with a wider audience, and with that, I stood down and got to work preparing for our conversation.

Not Your Typical 21-Year-Old Musician

What I found surprised me. Not only was Ainsley well-spoken and thoughtful beyond her years (and forgive me if that sounds condescending—I remember my 21-year-old self, and let’s just say… yikes), but her experience in the music industry so far has already given her a level of insight and business savvy that many seasoned musicians would envy.

Ainsley Costello Gets It—And She’s Thriving

It’s no secret that the music industry today barely resembles the one that launched the careers of the artists I usually feature. Labels aren’t throwing money around, and long-term success now demands a mix of creativity, entrepreneurship, and a willingness to embrace tools and platforms that some of us can barely pronounce.

So yeah, I went into this wondering if we had much common ground — and came out a fan, not just of her songs, but of how she’s navigating this wild new version of the music world. Ainsley gets it. And more than that, she’s thriving in it.

And damn it all – she really knows how to write a great hook…

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New Music from Tamar Berk!

Bijan Marashi — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:50:00 +0000

Tamar Berk has always had a knack for crafting guitar pop with a slightly offbeat edge, a skill she honed during her days with Starball. Her solo work has taken that talent even further, showcasing the confidence of an artist fully in control of her music from start to finish. This is especially true on her latest album, Good Times for a Change. With each release, Tamar’s songwriting becomes more personal and assured, blending catchy hooks with lyrics that grapple with grief and the quest for brighter days. This album captures her at a pivotal moment—balancing the weight of the past with a longing to break free and embrace a better future.

Check out the album’s awesome first single “Good Impression”, now available on Bandcamp, and be sure to follow Tamar Berk there, as well. Watch for the exclusive video drop for her followers on Bandcamp! For those of us of a certain age, “20 Minute Workout” holds a special place in our, um…hearts. Ahem…

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Mark Ward’s Let ‘Er Rip! is Your Summer Playlist

Bijan Marashi — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:47:00 +0000

In an age of streaming, where skipping tracks is the norm, finding an album that hooks you from start to finish is a rare gem. Mark Ward’s latest release, “Let ‘Er Rip,” is making waves in Power Pop circles, and it’s easy to see why. The album is a vibrant mix of catchy riffs, singalong choruses, and irresistible melodies that will have you humming for days.

The album’s first single, “I’ve Been Around,” kicks things off with a bang, setting the stage for the rest of the album by perfectly showcasing Ward’s knack for blending nostalgic vibes with a fresh twist (and admittedly, the line “I don’t know you from a can of paint” just makes me smile). From there, the album takes you on a delightful journey through genres like Merseybeat and Jangle Pop, each track offering its unique and infectious groove.

If you’re searching for an album that’ll keep you from start to finish, “Let ‘Er Rip” is a must-listen. These songs are tailor-made for cruising in a convertible on a warm summer night—capturing the very essence of what Power Pop is all about.

“Let ‘Er Rip” is available on Bandcamp.

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