Aurin Woods is a Chicago based singer-songwriter from Memphis, TN. She began her career as a recording artist at twelve years-old and released two albums (“My Reality” and “Reinvented”) by the time she turned sixteen.
Now, at 24, Aurin has established a unique sound blending R&B, Neo-soul, Hip-Hop, and Pop. With her live band, Aurin creates a sound and space that is rooted in the soul of Memphis fused with the legendary grit of Chicago. Aurin’s band, The Human Experience (also known as The Hex) formed at Columbia College Chicago in 2017 while studying Contemporary and Popular Music. Since then, they have been combining their collective influences of rock, punk, and soul music to give voice to the complexity of the human experience. She delivers a new synthesis of sound to the R&B world and recently brought it to life with this electrifying five-piece band as the artist in residence at Uncommon Ground Lakeview. The residency resulted in many positive reviews including The Chicago Tribune’s. Artistically, Aurin pushes boundaries and goes outside of her comfort zone to find meaning where others may not and tell stories. As now an international performing artist through her musical studies at PopAkademie in Mannheim, Germany, she uses her compositions to share interesting takes on the human condition, and the relatability and sweet soul of it all makes her music a must listen by everyone, everywhere.
Andie uses her electric guitar and Winehouse-eque, sultry voice to draw in her audience and create originals with a unique sound influenced by jazz & soul
An acclaimed indie folk band whose influences include Americana, country-rock, and classic Beatlesque pop, the Head and the Heart was formed in Seattle by a group of Northwestern transplants. They broke into the mainstream in 2013 with the release of their sophomore outing, Let’s Be Still, which peaked at the number ten slot on the Billboard 200 and shot straight to the top of the U.S. Folk and Independent Albums charts. Subsequent efforts Signs of Light and Living Mirage reached the upper echelons of the U.S. and Canadian charts. In 2022, the band issued their fifth LP, Every Shade of Blue, which included the hit single of the same name.
The lineup formed in 2009, when songwriters Jonathan Russell and Josiah Johnson met at an open-mike event at Seattle’s Conor Byrne Pub. Pianist Kenny Hensley, bassist Chris Zasche, violinist Charity Rose Thielen, and former Prabir & the Substitutes drummer Tyler Williams rounded out the roster, and the Head and the Heart spent the first half of 2010 touring the Pacific Northwest before self-releasing their eponymous debut in June. By the end of the summer, they’d created enough buzz to entertain offers from several record labels, eventually signing with Sub Pop that fall and reissuing their album — this time with remastered tracks and one new song — in early 2011.
The Head and the Heart spent much of their time on tour in 2012 and subsequently began the writing process for their second album while they were on the road. The bandmembers eventually returned to Seattle to record their sophomore release, 2013’s Let’s Be Still. Enjoying continued success, they moved from Sub Pop to Warner Bros and, after taking a break to recharge their creative batteries, returned to the studio and recorded their third full-length album (and first major-label release), Signs of Light. Featuring their second U.S. Adult Alternative chart-topper, “All We Ever Knew,” the record was released in September 2016 and soared to number five on the Billboard 200, their highest showing to date. Co-founder Joshiah Johnson left the group amicably shortly after the album’s release and was replaced by Matt Gervais, the husband of Charity Rose Thielen. The companion Stinson Beach Sessions, a collection of unreleased demos from the making of Signs of Light, arrived the following year.
Steady touring followed until the Head and the Heart returned to the studio to record a follow-up. Their fourth effort, Living Mirage, was issued in 2019 and peaked at number 16 on the U.S. Billboard 200. Early 2022 saw the release of the stirring single “Every Shade of Blue,” which appeared on the album of the same name later that April. ~ Andrew Leahey, Rovi
Philadelphia’s DEVIL MASTER have been spitting in the face of convention since forming in 2016 with their raw, twisted brand of death rock meets black metal punk mayhem. Manifestations is a compilation of DEVIL MASTER’s full catalog, two sold out demos from 2016 & 2017 (S/T & Inhabit the Corpse); remixed, remastered, and sounding more malevolent than before; plus available on vinyl together for the first time. The vinyl version of the self-titled demo was originally released on America’s Leather Doomsday Records followed by both being pressed by Germany’s Erste Theke Tonträger.
Now in 2019, DEVIL MASTER stake their claim as one of the most venomous, twisted entities in the underground with their hellish debut, Satan Spits on Children of Light. The album, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Arthur Rizk (POWER TRIP, MAMMOTH GRINDER, OUTER HEAVEN, and more,) rattles the very gates of hell with a vile dose of black metal-infused punk mayhem. Commanding the steel of VENOM, the fury of BATHORY’s earliest years, and the raw, uncompromising nature of the notorious GISM, Satan Spits on Children of Light sees DEVIL MASTER emerge from the grave and reach new blasphemous heights. Give in to the Satanic panic and obey your DEVIL MASTER!
Long before playing hundreds upon hundreds of shows and sharing the stage with countless venerable icons of their craft, the members of Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown were just wide-eyed, attentively mesmerized kids listening to records; knowing early on that music would guide their journeys through life. Perhaps it’s for that very reason that the last few years have urged them to ask a question that has become so ubiquitous in our culture, both in America and abroad: “What am I meant to do with my skills? How can I best serve myself and the people I care for? How do I keep the enthusiasm of a kid hearing rock and roll for the first time alive?”
Following the release of their last album on Snakefarm Records (Pressure) in 2020, TBSD decided it was time to return to their independent roots. This change in course was inspired both by urgency and an enduring sense of commitment to their audience. The hope ultimately being that having a greater degree of ownership over the recording, promotion, and release of their music will strengthen the conviction of the band, while tearing down any barriers that could prevent fans from hearing their most earnest work. The decision was made and Rattle Shake Records was born.
“We spend so much time writing and recording, it’s time we start spending more time sharing our art with the people who care. We’ve seen how the soup gets made and are confident that any ingredients we are missing will be obtained. That’s the spirit of this band and has been since day one. We’ve built our fan base in such a grass roots way that it only makes sense. They want to support us and OUR collective cause. When I say “our,” I’m including the fans. They are the reason we feel confident enough to make this leap. This is the next logical step in our trajectory as a band and we are thrilled to offer up “Shake The Roots” as the first release from Rattle Shake Records.”
Bryant remains grateful for the journey thus far, and brimming with excitement for what lies ahead. In his mind, he, Caleb Crosby, & Graham Whitford are neither too far removed from the early days of the band playing clubs overseas, or an enduring ‘DIY’ mentality for what lies ahead. Bryant says, “The “Do It Yourself” mentality is very close to the heart of rock and roll. Oh you say no? Well, we say yes, so look out.”
Although the band has shared the stage with artists such as AC/DC, Guns N Roses, Aerosmith & Jeff Beck, to name a few, one doesn’t get the sense that any of these guys are above driving all day, pushing their own cases, and leaving it all on the stage when given the chance. This is a band that has something to prove and will go to great lengths to do so.
The first single Shakedown fans can look forward to from “Shake The Roots” is “Ain’t None Watered Down.” It’s a song penned by Bryant and Rebecca Lovell. “When Caleb, Graham, and I started talking about what we wanted to do next, we kept kicking around the idea of getting back to our initial roots as a band. So much of that was steeped in low down blues and rock and roll. One morning I was kicking around a little song idea with my wife and “Ain’t None Watered Down” was born. Everything fell into place so naturally. Once the Shakedown got hold of it and it served as a road map of sorts for the new album.”
“Shake The Roots” is the bands fifth full length album. It encompasses the energy of their live show and is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Shakedown. The edges are not sanded down, but the attention to detail is not lacking one bit. It sounds as if they approached the writing and recording of this record with the same intention they approach their live performances with. It is evident that the band means it and wants it to mean even more to their fans.
“Ghostrider” is another standout on the the album. The no frills approach makes you think, “If I was a sound guy, I would want to mix this band loud!” “Roots” is a classic tip of the hat to the band’s inspiration and you can hear that they’ve diligently studied at the school of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. “Learned to swim in muddy waters, learned to walk on rolling stones.” The track “Sell Yourself” says, “If you don’t sell yourself, you’re gonna get sold by somebody else.” So many of the lyrics on this record feel as if they are telling the truth and nothing but the truth.
As the Shakedown embarks on relatively uncharted waters at this stage in their career, Bryant feels fortunate to have such a wide-ranging and evolving education. These days, the lessons have come courtesy of the frontman’s studio in Nashville, TN. Tyler & Caleb recently contributed to the new Larkin Poe record, “Blood Harmony.”
“I got to do some engineering and co-produce a new record for Larkin Poe! Over the last few years, I really started focusing a lot of my energy on producing records. Caleb, Graham, and I all spent so much time in the studio. Our writing got better and my skills as an engineer/producer have certainly developed in a positive way. I started working with a bunch of artists that I love. I felt I could bring a certain danger to the process. Getting to co-produce “Blood Harmony” with Larkin Poe most certainly proved that investing in a bunch of old microphones was well worth it. Caleb played drums on the majority of the record and all of the time he and I have spent over the years makes us a force in the studio. We can look at each other without saying a word and the conversation gets had. To me, it reminded me of the team spirit that I always imagined and admired in so many bands that I love. To have that in my own band and be able to harness it to make music… That’s a powerful feeling.”
Tyler puts this pivot in their business model simply, “We want to release MORE music and we want our fans to know that their support is what is fueling it.” It’s one thing to choose to become the master of your own destiny, but it’s an entirely different animal to identify the adversity that may come your way in the process. Bryant has grown into the type of person who no longer sees that as a red stop sign. For him, it’s often a useful indicator to keep pushing forward. “I’ve dealt with a lot of anxiety over the years and there are certain techniques that you use to manage it. You learn how to breathe properly. That’s sort of what the Shakedown is doing right now. We’re learning these techniques that will allow us to breathe and thrive as a band. Sure, there’s some insecurity in what we’re doing, but that insecurity is fuel. If you know what you’ve gotta do in your heart, you’ve just gotta do it.”
For a band that’s stood on too many decorated stages to count, and seen first hand how the greats always seize the opportunity to push beyond their comfort zone, we shouldn’t be surprised by their new endeavor. It’s just the latest in a long list of lessons learned. If there is one thing we know for certain, the roots run deep with Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown.
Gary Camaro, frontman for the Chicago rock outfit The Wabash Cannonballs.The Poet Laureate Of Ashland Ave. Dipsomaniac Of The Highest Order. Proprietor Of Black Jackal Studio
AMY MYERS
SEARS TOWER OF FOLK
AltFolk/Country band from Chicago, formed in 2021.
A powerful trio showcasing catchy riffs, creative songwriting, and a brand of energy that could be canned and sold, Diet Lite is gritty, feel-good rock ‘n’ roll at its finest.
Hailing from Milwaukee, WI, Diet Lite started in 2017 as a collection of various recording projects between drummer Evan Marsalli and guitarist Kelson Kuzdas. The band quickly brought guitarist Max Niemann into the fold, and they’ve been hammering out tunes across the Midwest ever since.
The band’s eclectic style has been described as where “garage rock meets power pop,” showcasing sweet hooks, pungent absurdity, and the spirit of drunken collaboration. The group takes pride in active bass lines, melodically forward verses, and familiar yet fresh material.
Julius the Mad Thinker is a dynamic producer and must- see international DJ talent. Since the age of 17, Julius has worn many hats while distinguishing himself in the dance music industry. He is a true visionary with infectious energy and amazing music. In 2017, Julius produced his debut album “Perspective”. “An album of epic tunes for the dance floor, ranging from soulful vocals, deep to the classic Chicago sound. A wide array of variety and substance – Osunlade” Julius’ reputation for uniting music communities and launching premiere DJ music events has attracted worldwide acceptance and respect as well. His most recent event production to gain international awareness is Mi Casa Holiday (MCH). In 2009, Julius and business partner Jenn Hurst bridged DJ entertainment with unique travel concepts to co-found MCH (Mi Casa Holiday – www.micasaholiday.com). In 2012, MCH achieved sold-out status, and since has evolved into the most exciting travel and music community in the US. Stay tuned and be ready to experience the next wave of JtMT!
Lori Branch is a Chicago native that begin her life-long affair with music in 1980 as the DJ for a Chicago-based, social club named Vertigo. Vertigo, founded by Eric Bradshaw, Craig Loftis and Steven Moore hosted dozens of teen parties from 1980-1984 in such iconic locations such as Sauers, the Loft, the Penthouse, Aragon Ballroom and McCormick Place.
Naïka is a singer/songwriter born in Miami, Florida who developed an interest in music from an early age while living and traveling internationally with her family.
With parents hailing from Madagascar and Haiti, and growing up around the world in countries such as Guadeloupe, Kenya, France, South Africa and Vanuatu, Naïka’s multicultural background has shaped her both musically and individually which resulted in defining her unique sound she refers to as “World-Pop”.
In 2018, Naïka graduated from Boston’s prestigious ‘Berklee College of Music’ with a degree in Professional Music. Her songwriting abilities were first recognized when she won a scholarship in BMI’s annual “John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship”, where she was awarded first runner up in the nation-wide competition.
In 2017, she took the Haitian community by storm after releasing her take on the forgotten traditional song “Papa Gede Bel Gason”, which accumulated over 1M views online. Attention began fueling around Naïka after she released her first single “Ride” which organically amassed over 5 million streams on Spotify alone.
The song reached #2 on the ‘Spotify Viral Global’, and made its’ way to viral charts in over 12 countries around the world including the US, Canada, UK, France, Australia, Norway, Belgium, Czech Republic and Argentina.
The success of ‘Ride’ led Naïka to sign a record deal with Capitol Records DE (a division under Universal Music Group) while she was still in her last semester as a college student. Two years later, after completing her contract with UMG, Naïka began to release her music independently.
In July 2020, Naïka released Part 1 of her debut two-part EP project entitled ‘Lost in Paradïse’, which garnered nearly 4 million streams across Spotify and Apple music.
In September 2020, Naïka released a cover of ‘Don’t Rush’ by Young T & Bugsey on Tik Tok that had a big viral moment. With over 20 millions views in just 3 months, Naïka quickly became an internet sensation, gaining the attention of some big names like Jason Derulo and even the original creators of the song, Young T & Bugsey who created a remix version featuring Naïka.
Following the success of ‘Don’t Rush’, Naïka’s song ‘Water”, which is the first song released from the Lost in Paradïse Part 2 Project, was featured in EA Sports Game Fifa 21’ and also placed on the soundtrack. The song accumulated over 40k Shazams in just 2 months.
Naïka’s dream is to bring people together through her music, to shatter stigmas and encourage human connection that goes beyond race, religion and gender.
Rhythm Ninja Drums is a version of myself. It’s the other side of me that I hold tight amongst most company. There is just something about being behind a drum-set that just sets me free.
Danceable noise hip-hop jazz funk monologue-core. We are a Chi-based band that combine hip hop, punk, funk, and free jazzelements into tight arrangements that implode into chaos while incorporating critical and satirical social commentary on police, conspiracy theories, and cults.
Mutated from the chaos cloud that engulfed the early 2020’s, John Gaetano and Tim Chambers locked themselves away withintheir Bridgeport, Chicago panic-room audio-sensory laboratory.
Their broad atmospheric range of sonic vibrant highs and melancholy melodic lows reminds us to …stop and smell the roses … before lighting them on fire.
Like Murder… started in 2019 by a group of local Cleveland, Ohio musicians and longtime friends, who gathered to celebrate and perform the underground heavy metal cult classic album “When The Kite String Pops” by Acid Bath. This happened on the 25th anniversary of the albums release. Long since defunct, in 1997, Acid Bath had grown into a cult following, bigger after the bands break-up then during its short lived gigging years. Like Murder… had intended to be a “one-off” show paying tribute to Acid Bath and their debut album. But with the resounding success of the show, to a sell out capacity audience in Cleveland, Ohio, it was clear that another show must happen. Two years later, Like Murder… resurfaced to celebrate “Paegan Terrorism Tactics”, the unfortunate final album of Acid Bath, to yet another sold out show.
Gig opportunities have surfaced for this band throughout the United States, making it clear that an audience exists. Like Murder… has begun the adventure of becoming the first ever, road ready Acid Bath tribute act.
The goal of Like Murder… has been the same throughout, to bring audiences, many who never got the opportunity to see Acid Bath, a live and raw experience of the music of Acid Bath. We very much grew up on this music, lived it during its existence and want to share and keep the music alive for fans of Acid Bath, both past, present and future.
Liturgy is the project of Hunter Hunt-Hendrix, whose yearning, energetic “transcendental black metal” exists in the space between metal, experimental, classical music and sacred ritual. The band is simultaneously a platform for fine art and theology
Blackened death metal band based out of Chicago. With lyrical inspiration rooted in existential abjection and terror, Selenoplexia blends stream-of-consciousness songwriting with the brutality of the genre’s staples.
Founded in 2021 by guitarist Daniel and drummer Jonathan, and completed with the merciless vocals of Courtney and backbone of bassist Sawyer, Selenoplexia has created a haunting and intense live experience.
Selenoplexia released their first full-length album “Exalt and Despair” on October 13, 2023. The album was engineered and mixed by Spenser Morris at Bricktop Recording in Chicago, IL and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege.
Cheap Monarchy has emerged as an exciting addition to the storied Chicago alternative music scene. A bright, alt-rock sound influenced by The Strokes, COIN, and Saint Motel coupled with energetic live performances make Cheap Monarchy a band to watch.
In 2021, Cheap Monarchy played shows at HVAC Pub, The Store, and Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern and were selected to play a set in Glen Ellyn’s SparkFest. In 2022, the band headlined a sold out show at The Store and performed at Chicago’s legendary Subterranean in Wicker Park. They will be releasing their debut EP in August. The boys look forward to seeing you on a dance floor near you soon!
Band Members include Nick Barella – Vocals / Keys, Gordon Utendahl – Lead Guitar, Justin Macmillan – Bass, Adam White – Drums, and Michael Taylor – Sax / Guitar
Jonathan Scales is one of the most innovative steel pannists on the planet, and is redefining and challenging traditional expectations of his signature instrument. In his hands, the sonic palette of an instrument often associated with cruise ships and tropical resorts is radically expanded to mimic the role of horns, piano, vibraphone or marimba due to his stunning, virtuosic technique. Scales’ mesmerizing compositions have captivated listeners and elevated him to the status of a true composer, forging new territory in the medium of instrumental music.
The Buncha Bastards are an acoustic harmony duo from Peoria, Illinois.
HULDER
Hulder’s darkness began to spread through the underground beginning in 2018 with the release of the Ascending the Raven Stone demo tape. A few more heavily traded and widely regarded cassette releases later, the band signed with Stygian Black Hand Records to release the first vinyl offering in the form of the EP, Embraced By Darkness Mysts…This solidified Hulder’s influence within the international metal scene but it wasn’t until the debut full length album, Godslastering: Hymns of a Forlorn Peasantry (Iron Bonehead Records), that both underground and more broad audiences were captivated by Hulder’s black metal craft. The long awaited first live performances took place in Olympia, Washington and New York City in the autumn of 2021. It was on the Winter Solstice of 2021 that a new partnership was announced with 20 Buck Spin Records, and plans for a new mini-album and second full length album were unveiled. The year 2022 will mark just the beginning of Hulder’s powerful live performances throughout the United States and, eventually, to lands beyond.
A roots-infused, internationally touring folk duo, Crowes Pasture performs sometimes joyful, and oftentimes, poignant, songs that reflect a mutual passion, sense of discovery and celebration of the human connection.
Platinum-selling South London collective D-Block Europe announce their highly-anticipated album, Lap 5, along with the release of their brand new single, ‘Fantasy’.
A summer anthem in waiting, ‘Fantasy’ arrives with a William Thomas-directed visual, displaying Young Adz and Dirtbike LB venturing into a high-spirited trance, enjoying the entertaining atmosphere.
Dropping on 16th September, Lap 5 magnifies D-Block Europe’s meteoric rise as they set their sights on global domination. Consistent in carving their own lane, Lap 5 is a celebration of the last five summers. Their upcoming record is the pinnacle of Young Adz and Dirtbike LB’s distinctive artistry and compelling penmanship. It will include previous servings, ‘Black Beatles’ and ‘Elegant & Gang’, both permanent fixtures in the Official Singles Chart, alongside a wealth of brand new material.
For the first time in over 40 years, EXTC – featuring XTC’s original iconic drummer, Terry Chambers – is bringing the phenomenal XTC songbook to the stage. Fans can expect EXTC (named and approved by band leader, Andy Partridge) to equal the fire and passion of the original XTC line up, storming through hits and classics like Making Plans for Nigel, Senses Working Overtime, Sgt Rock, and many more.
Beach Goons is an alt-rock trio based out of San Diego, CA. They have described themselves as “Californian high school kids who love Bleeding Knees Club and watching Palo Alto while crying” and “Los vatostristes de Barrio Logan” (loosely translated, “the sadbois from Logan Heights”). They primarily make music in a genre they’ve dubbed “surf punk,” with lyrics in both English and Spanish.
As a result of journeying into his mind and collecting a wide range of emotions, 鬼 has included many lighter and more uplifting passages than previously on “Beautiful Ghosts”, although dark twists are balancing the score. New elements include a significant use of clean vocals throughout the album and there are even playfully progressive rhythms as in the opening track ‘All Is Lost’. The core elements that have shaped UNREQVITED in the past remain active as well. The massive anthemic refrains from “Mosaic I: L’amour Et L’ardeur” (2018) are equally present as the simple melancholic melodies from the 2016 debut album “Disquiet” and the orchestral grandeur of “Empathica” (2020). Ever since 鬼 conceived UNREQVITED as a special musical vehicle for his multi-faceted creative output and brought it to light in 2016, his project has been a constantly shape-shifting and stylistically wide roaming creature. With “Beautiful Ghosts”, the Canadian is at the same time gathering the strands of his previous works and taking an innovative step forward that makes it even harder to slap just one label onto his sound. “Beautiful Ghosts” applies a rich palette of musical colours, hues, and shades that are passionately blended together by the theme of “love”.
Mӕre – a malicious folk entity that creeps up on sleeping people’s chests during thenight and instils breathlessness and anxiety. It is this state of diffused terror and paralysis thathas been enshrined in HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY’s music ever since their 2012 debut album.January 2021 will see more tales from their feverish dreams ready to break out into the light ofday.With M.S.‘s captivating guitar melodies and J.J.‘s lyrics, ridden with trauma, delirium and loss,their unique mixture of black metal and post rock creates an inescapable maelstrom ofshattering screams and sudden acoustic guitar interludes.As pioneers of the “post“ movement, the Austrians have, ever since their conception in 2011,drawn fans and critics deeper and deeper into the depths of their melancholy, self-hate andanger.Their previous release “Arson” reached #29 in the German and #62 in the Austrian charts.”Mӕre” will be graced with several friends of the band who have entered into the intoxicatedworld of HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY to guest on the album; Alcest’s frontman Neige brings ahaunting flair to ‘Sing For The Damage We’ve Done’, the anonymous voice of Gaerea joins inon ‘Silver Needle // Golden Dawn’, and, as session drummer, the duo one again commit to noneother than Kerim “Krimh“ Lechner (Septicflesh, live-Behemoth). However, an act of HARAKIRIFOR THE SKY’s stature no longer needs to rely on namedropping to be noticed.“Mӕre“ was recorded during the spring quarantine of 2020, which may well have been thecause of the feeling of abandonment that permeates the ten songs. Self-loathing with numbingrestlessness will still echo through your bones long after the last note of the Placebo cover‘Song To Say Goodbye‘ has resonated. Recorded and produced by M.S. and mixed with thehelp of Daniel Fellner, this fifth oeuvre is another milestone in the history of the duo who willcelebrate their 10th anniversary in 2021.
As the daughter of a minister and kin to a lot of church folk Nikki grew up listening to traditional gospel/christian music and spent much of her grade school days involved in school band playing clarinet and oboe. But, despite her early exposure to music, it wasn’t until the tender age of 28 when she finally began to start making music of her own.
Nikki was born and raised in North Carolina but Chicago is where she found her first home as a performer and songwriter. Starting out in the open mic scene it didn’t take long for her to garner local support and make her way to some great stages around the midwest: opening for acts such as Jaime Wyatt, Caroline Spence, Boo Ray, and Sean Watkins.
She is a former winner of the awarded Uncommon Ground Songwriting competition; she has been voted as a ‘Judge’s Pick’ in the Nashville Rising Song contest, and recently had her single Love.Save.Me make it to the semi-final round of the International Songwriting Competition.
Nikki finds a way to combine captivating melodies and insightful lyrics with a voice full of raw passion. Her music is unapologetic in it efforts to grapple with real life; and yet elegantly embodies the essence of her “Carolina Soul”.
