There’s a vulnerability that comes with performing—a unique exposure that intensifies when an artist bares their heart on stage. At World Cafe Live’s Philly Rising open mic, that vulnerability transforms into power. For Angel Concepcion ( @arconcepcion ), this night was more than just another performance; it was a full-circle moment. When she first arrived in Philly, she shared how the Philly Rising stage at World Cafe Live became her safe space—a place to refine her craft and strengthen her confidence. Now, she stood on that same stage, commanding the room with ease, charisma, not as a random act but as a featured artist. Open mics are the place where artists grow and evolve. But performance isn’t just about talent—it’s about connection. Comfortability on stage is something many up-and-coming artists struggle to master, but Angel made it look effortless. Before she even began to sing, her personality shined causing an immediate audience connection where you sat there feeling like you were watching a good friend perform. Storytelling, Humor, and a Song About a Donut A standout moment of the night occurred when Angel gave the Philly Rising audience an exclusive sneak peek of her new song, “Yum” (which, at the time of this article, has yet to be released). She recounted an interview with WXPN, the radio station at The World Cafe Live, where they asked, "What was the strangest or funniest inspiration for a song?" Her answer? A donut. But “Yum” wasn’t just a playful jingle—it was a song layered with emotion, struggle, and the internal battle between temptation and discipline. Angel took a deeply personal yet universally relatable experience from her own weight loss journey and transformed it into a song that we can’t wait to hear when it’s released. Her intro to the song was a perfect mix of humor, personality, and authenticity, delivered with the timing of a comedian setting up their punchline. She shared a humorous memory: after losing 20 pounds, she heard her mom walk into the living room and, mimicking her mom’s Filipino accent, say, “Angel, I got a box of your favorite donuts.” The room erupted in laughter. But beneath the humor was a song that resonated deeply—a reflection of the struggle we all face when trying to resist what we know isn’t always good for us. Even before singing a note, Angel had the crowd completely locked in, hanging on to her every word. By the time she began to sing, we were hanging on every lyric. A Rising Star to Watch Beyond her storytelling and stage presence, Angel Concepcion’s musicianship and the fully loaded pen with ink in it is what truly sets her apart. Performing her own songs with her guitar, her original melodies feel both fresh and familiar, her soulful vibrato carrying echoes of that Philly magic that tends to bless those that spend time in the city. There’s no doubt—Angel is one of those rising stars. It won’t be a surprise to us when she graces bigger stages, and it’s only a matter of time before she becomes one of those undeniable voices in Philly’s music scene. Be on the lookout—Angel Concepcion is on the rise. Be sure to follow Angel Concepcion on socials: @arconcepcion. You don’t want to miss what’s coming next.

Philadelphia’s live music scene is alive and well, and Seraiah Nicole is a name you need to know. The singer-songwriter took the stage at South Jazz Kitchen last night for another sold-out, soul-infused performance that left the audience captivated from the first note to the last. With Southern-inspired cuisine in one room and a world-class jazz experience in the other, South set the perfect stage for a night where music, culture, and community came together. Backed by an all-star band, including Dan Rouse ( @drouse ) on keys, Sunny Dee ( @sunnydeedrumma ) on drums, and Tim Ragsdale ( @timonbass_ ) on bass. Supporting her powerhouse vocals were Dise Diasonama ( @disemusic ) and Maya Belardo ( @mayabelardo ) weaving harmonies that wrapped around the room like a warm hug. Seraiah’s Live Show Feels Like Family One thing about a Seraiah Nicole concert—by the time you leave, you’ll feel like family. Her set was an emotional journey, effortlessly moving between soul-stirring originals and reimagined classics. Standouts of the night included her stunning takes on "At Last" and "Over the Rainbow," each performed with the kind of passion that makes you hear the lyrics in a whole new way. You could feel her gospel roots shining through every note, creating an atmosphere that felt as warm and welcoming as a Sunday service or a family gathering. But it’s more than just the music—it’s the way Seraiah connects with her audience. Between songs, she shares personal stories, cracks jokes, and makes it feel like she’s singing directly to you. There’s an authenticity to her delivery, a rawness that reminds you that great music is not just only about how great one sings but it’s about making people feel something real. Whether you walked in alone or with friends, by the end of the night, you were swaying, singing, and vibing like long-lost cousins at a cookout. If you’re looking for a live music experience in Philly that blends soul, jazz, and genuine connection, Seraiah Nicole is an artist you need to follow. Her shows sell out fast—so grab your tickets early and prepare for a night you won’t forget. Follow @SeraiahNicole on socials or at www.seraiahnicole.com  and don’t miss out on the next unforgettable performance.

From the creative minds of Joey “Stix” & Terrance “Mac” comes Move Something, a live music dance party / concert experience held at Brooklyn Bowl in Philadelphia in partnership with Live Nation. Stix and Mac are really on to something special with this one. When coming to a Move Something dance party expect to encounter an elevated elevated club / concert experience, with a lineup personally curated by Stix and Mac featuring the best local DJs, Musicians and Artists alike ready to party. Hosted by Queen Jo who was just super fun the entire night and a great ball of energy. Sheddin was able to sit down with Queen Jo for a quick interview to give her thoughts on the event, you can check out or interview with Queen Jo and a few of the other featured acts that were on the main stage below. From covering a lot of events wether you’re an artist or DJ no one likes playing to a dead crowd full of wall flowers but with the structure of Move Something featuring DJs and not just as an interlude between bands setting up they were able to always keep the energy high and the people engaged and that was just so refreshing to see. Looking into the crowd we saw every shade in the crayon box represented, and its just something really fun about the power of music and how it can bring all types of people together. Here are our quick take aways from Move Something For artists / DJs Move Something great platform to showcase your talent at a notable venue to network and get new fans. Tired of the typical “club scene” but want to get dressed up to have a fun night of partying Move Something is your spot Get on the bandwagon now, it would be dope to see this event tour at all the other Brooklyn Bowl locations Theres always something entertaining going on, wether its talking to a vendor or just grabbing some shoes to go bowl there’s plenty to do for fun at Brooklyn Bowl. Cant wait for the next one! We didn’t get a chance to connect with everyone that took the stage but want to also shout out the co-sponsors of the event Soundroom and REC Philly. Special shout out to all the artists that stopped by our cameras to chat, be sure to follow them on instagram! Check out the videos below of the artists we were able to chat with during the event.

Split sheets are essential documents for musicians, especially in situations where multiple individuals collaborate on creating a musical work. Here are several reasons why musicians need split sheets: 1. Clear Documentation of Contributions: Split sheets provide a clear and written record of who contributed to the creation of a song. This includes songwriters, composers, lyricists, and anyone else involved in the creative process. 2. Ownership and Copyright Information: They specify the percentage of the song owned by each contributor. This is crucial for establishing ownership rights and determining how royalties will be divided in the future. 3. Avoids Disputes and Misunderstandings: Having a written agreement prevents disagreements and misunderstandings among collaborators regarding their respective contributions and entitlements to royalties. 4. Simplifies Royalty Distribution: Split sheets simplify the process of distributing royalties. Performance rights organizations and other royalty collection agencies rely on these agreements to distribute payments accurately. 5. Facilitates Future Dealings: When a song becomes successful, there might be future opportunities for licensing, covers, or collaborations. Having a clear record of ownership makes negotiations with third parties much smoother. . 6. Preserves Creative Relationships: By clearly defining each person's contribution and ownership stake, split sheets can prevent disputes from arising, preserving creative relationships between collaborators. 7. Reference for Credits: Split sheets serve as a reference for album credits, ensuring that all contributors are properly acknowledged for their work. In summary, split sheets are crucial because they provide transparency, prevent conflicts, ensure fair compensation, and help maintain positive and professional relationships among musicians and collaborators. They are a fundamental tool for establishing a clear understanding of the business aspects of music creation.

Creator: Mike Coppola | Credit: Getty Images| Copyright: 2019 Getty Images Much like how Johnny Carson revolutionized interviews and introduced new comedians to the world, Sway Calloway has become synonymous with authentic music discovery through his segment '5 Fingers of Death' on the popular show 'Sway in the Morning' on Sirius XM Radio. While the concept of inviting artists to freestyle over random beats isn't novel, Sway has elevated it to an art form, setting an unparalleled standard in the industry. Comparing this phenomenon to Michael Jackson's moonwalk, it's safe to assume that other hosts might have attempted a similar approach in the past. However, Sway stands out as the best, a fact attested not just by my opinion but also by the YouTube community. To gauge the authenticity of any content, one only needs to read the honest and passionate opinions shared in the YouTube comments section of popular videos featuring Sway's interviews. His unique style and genuine passion for music have truly set a gold standard in the realm of musical discovery. The 5 fingers of death will make or break an artist or fraud. Not everyone can handle it. I remember watching an interview where I wish he would call out the frauds by name where he would bring artists on and they themselves would say I am cool with the interview but I am not trying to come in there and rap. That’s like me having a show on TV where I interview basketball players where people tune in to here me talk to athletes about the fundamentals of basketball and them telling me I’ll talk but don’t ask me to dribble, shoot, or dunk though. If consider yourself to be a lover of music regardless of genre, love a real MC, can appreciate hip-hop check out King Los. Literally one of my favorite artists that Sway introduced me to via the 5 fingers of death. Check out the below video below of the epic true freestyle flow of a real MC destroying the mic. This is real talent, real music. For more music and culture check out the SwayUniverse For the latest and greatest from King Los check out his latest work God, Money, War on iTunes #SWAYINTHEMORNING #HIPHOP #KINGLOS #REALMUSIC #REALHIPHOP #swayuniver

The Divine Lorraine Hotel has seen its fair share of history, but on this night, it was all TreWay and The Now Generation officially introducing their latest single, "Comfortable." Setting the tone for the night was DJ @ohlei, with a dop set that blurred the lines between performance and musicianship. DJs who take their craft seriously and has the ability to drops some easter eggs in their set and not just have a basic playlist we are big fans of! Her ability to read the room, mix genres, and create a seamless flow of sound is something you have to experience live. If you haven’t yet, find out where she’s playing next—her sets are more than music you're getting an experience! TreWay & The Now Generation: @its_treway | @juicebox_music | @musicbymurph | @brays.anatomy | @izjohnson The night, however, was about more than just a song. Tre Way is carving a space that merges Philly’s deep-rooted musical legacy with a forward-thinking sound. He spoke candidly about the time he spent at home in 2021, a rare moment of stillness after years on the road do to covid. Tre said “The pandemic gave me time to reflect on who I am and what I’m meant to do…” That period became a catalyst for growth. Philly has always been a city that breeds authenticity. “Philly taught me to be myself,” he shared, a philosophy that pulses through his music. His sound doesn’t chase trends—it tells stories, reflects experience, and stays true to who he is. If you haven’t yet, stream "Comfortable" and keep an eye out for what’s next from Tre Way and The Now Generation. Philly’s music scene just got even more exciting. Follow: @its_treway; @_thenowgen | @ohlei | @juicebox_music | @musicbymurph | @brays.anatomy | @izjohnson

Taylor Swift’s rise from “just a girl in a Chevy truck” to one of the most influential artists in the world is nothing short of legendary. She epitomizes an American artist—flawed, honest, and ever-evolving. Her music has an unmatched ability to resonate with listeners, especially young women. From the start, she’s captured the raw emotions of love, heartbreak, and life, making her the voice of a generation. Her latest surprise double album, The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD) , is her most vulnerable work yet. Released mid-“Eras Tour” with 31 tracks, the album explores her emotional depths, particularly after her breakup with longtime boyfriend Joe Alwyn. Swifties, her devoted fanbase, quickly decoded the hidden messages and symbolic gestures she teased, like the iconic two fingers at the 2024 Grammys signaling the double album. Swift’s not just making music—she’s changing the game. By re-recording her old albums to take back control, she’s shaking up the industry and setting a new standard for artist ownership. But it’s not just about music. Swift's political stance is clear—she’s used her platform to fight for LGBTQ+ rights and challenge industry sexism, speaking out when many stay silent. She’s faced more scrutiny as a woman in the spotlight than most men ever will, yet she keeps winning. Taylor Swift is a cultural powerhouse who uses her influence to inspire change and empower others. Whether dominating the charts, reinventing the music industry, or simply living her truth, she’s an icon whose impact goes far beyond pop stardom. Swift isn’t just an artist; she’s a movement. Writing Staff: Kimberly Childers ( our resident Swifty extraordinaire) Follow Sheddin on Instagram  and TikTok  for more music and music reviews.

Jason Hadshian, better known as J Hatch, truly embodied the spirit of living life to the fullest. Despite juggling numerous projects, he had an extraordinary ability to connect with people, making each individual feel valued. Through his influential work with iStandard, Creative Spaces, and the RnB Playlists, Hatch left an indelible mark on the global music community, building a network that empowered countless artists to grow and thrive. Photo Courtesy of Monty "WRIGGZ" Burks | @SHOTBYWRIGGZ Experiencing firsthand the three day Creative Space Camp in Manhattan back in October of 2023 it was nothing short of epic, The energy in New York that weekend was electric as fifty emerging artists, writers, and producers from across the country came together to connect, create, and collaborate.   Day 1: Honoring Legends and Building Community The camp kicked off with Hatch giving out his flowers, honoring industry icons Benny Boom, Buckwild,and others celebrating their achievements and providing us all the opportunity to hear their stories and network directly. Photos Courtesy of: Monty "WRIGGZ" Burks | @SHOTBYWRIGGZ Day 2: Music, Collaboration, and Creation On the second day, the focus shifted to making music. We all listened to the records each other produced that best represented ones sound. This is what helped Hatch and team form pairings of writers and producers to create new records over the weekend. These collaborations opened doors for potential sync and artist placements. There are too many to name but this night was insane, you walked into any of the studios you felt like you were hearing the future of music. Photos Courtesy of: Christien Gerrick Day 3: Feedback and Growth The final day brought everything together as guest judges gave us constructive feedback on our creations. They pushed us to refine our tracks and inspired us to the possibilities of where music can take you. A really fun moment came when it was @keyzdamogulllc chance to play his records. He literally had the whole studio jumping along with the judges! I swear the whole camp almost fought Hatch because he was joking around and cut Keyz track right before the drop! Truly by the end of the camp, although you walked in as strangers, you had no choice by to leave as family and friends. A Legacy Beyond Music Now a year later, looking back on this moment you would have never known that Hatch was battling stage 4 colon and liver cancer and doing chemo therapy every 2 weeks. The only way you found this out from Hatch was for motivational purposes only to inspire you. Tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us, so when you look back on your life, will you be able to say you took every chance you could? Photo Courtesy of Monty "WRIGGZ" Burks | @SHOTBYWRIGGZ Hatch's legacy goes beyond the music he helped create. His influence lives on in the countless lives he touched, encouraging us all to live with purpose and passion. Although he’s no longer with us, his spirit continues to inspire us to embrace life without regrets. Rest in power, Hatch. May we all continue to strive to live as you did—full throttle, embracing every moment, full of purpose and passion. Honour Jason's memory by donating in his name to The American Cancer Society (Donate)

Protect your mind, respect my time, and value this money, Never shy away from the lessons life throws at you. The latest record, " PR3Y" by Gatormoney featuring Rick Hyde and produced by Maserati Sparks , leaves you wanting a part two. It also goes without saying that music producer Maserati Sparks got “another one” with this beat. He gave both artists the perfect canvas to go crazy and just paint. We don’t know what it is about New Yorkers but it just feels like everyone born or raised in the concrete jungle seems to embody this relentless hustle and constant pursuit of dreams despite the odds. In a world where distractions are plenty and opportunities are few, keeping your mind sharp, your time well-spent, and your money in tact isn't just smart—it’s survival. A message that comes through on the record PR3Y. The mind, time, and money are three of the most valuable assets anyone has, and in the fast-paced world of hip-hop, squandering any of these can be the difference between success and failure. How Hyde ends his verse with, “The mind is a terrible thing to waste. ..so is time, so is money…” is like a modern day hustlers proverb and with Gatormoney closing his verse with, “Had to learn some lessons from the demons I was reppin.” a raw reflection of his own personal journey. Tough times don't last always when you learn to recognize what has been holding you back. But don’t just take our word for it—go listen, download, and stream " PR3Y. " After we got hooked on this single, we couldn’t help but dive deeper into Gatormoney’s discography. If you have some time, check out our team’s favorite tracks and add them to your playlist. Here are a few to get you started: " Life After Death " " Flaws " " Decisions (Forever Hollywood) " Some highlights of Gatormoney’s career include opening for Snoop Dogg and collaborating with Grammy winner 808 Ray. Stay connected to Gatormoney by giving him a follow @gatormoney and visiting https://gatormoney.bigcartel.com/ .

With the number of times people have said that hip-hop has died and come back to life, it could be a cat named Jesus. And as hip-hop has evolved d, it has begun to resemble something we all know closely and some of us love: fast-food chains. What are we talking about? Let us explain. Do you remember when you were a kid, and you’d be with y our parents driving home from school or an after-school program, and you’d see the red hair of the Wendy’s girl or the beautiful glow of the Golden Arches come into your view? It was almost like you could hear those juicy burgers and fries calling your name. But more times than not, your parents probably shot down your fast food dreams, saying,” Do you have McDonald’s money?” or even the infamous “There’s food at home!” Heartbreaking, we know, we were there. But our parents often didn’t let us fulfill our kid-like fast food cravings because fast food was never meant to be a daily dietary staple. As we all now know, it’s NOT the healthiest option. But somehow, now that we DO have that McDonald’s money, we’re all probably eating it too regularly instead of taking the time and energy to cook higher quality and healthier options at home. Do you see where we’re going with this? Fast food is like today’s hip-hop, and today’s hip-hop is like fast food. Yikes. The thing about fast-food chains is that they are expert influencers, targeting communities with solid purchasing power through meticulously planned advertising strategies. Everything from their menu choices to the locations they select is carefully calculated to create a daily demand for a product meant to be consumed sparingly. But do ya’ll hear us? You can't reap the rewards of manipulated consumption without acknowledging the consequences. And the music industry is the same way, particularly in hip-hop. What once was meaningful packed lyrics, rallying anthems and ciphers about fighting back against racism, injustices, and truth, has turned into water downed mumble raps, repetitive club beats, and rappers with no skin in the game flashing cars they can’t afford to buy, chains they didn’t earn, and creating chaos and noise in a world already overloaded with bogus people famous for nothing but dumb antics. To harm the body is to sever the mind. Just as consumer advocates rally against the fast-food industry and hold it accountable for failing to inform consumers about their choices adequately, there are artists and platforms in the hip-hop world advocating for discerning consumers. And it’s about damn time. We see a transformation in the music industry, marked by a "woke" and conscious trend rooted in a grassroots movement to reintroduce authentic music. Like fast food, quick indulgence in shallow music can leave you empty, but a well-crafted, independent musical experience can keep you returning for more. It would be unfair to blame the entire industry for the state of hip-hop today or every artist, but the ones producing subpar music? We’re looking at you. We get it; you’re just capitalizing on opportunities. But it’s time for ya’ll to face the music ( no pun intended) and reap the repercussions of your actions. While the era of mumble rap and its inherent contradiction persists, we look forward to a shift and changing the guard in music toward a revival of genuine music. We’re ready for a departure from the fast-food-style music constantly shoved into the airwaves by the powers that be and look forward to reclaiming what makes music genuinely great. It’s time to stop eating fast food and start cooking at home.