Foam Ropes: Thoughtful...Provocative...Worthwhile...

“Thoughtful, provocative, colorful, and worthwhile…” that is how singer, songwriter Derek Nicoletto, lead vocalist of Foam Ropes would describe his music.  Foam Ropes is an indie pop musical delight that is sure to make you think, and feel all at once.  Their music has a lot of heart, and comes with an enticing nature that just leaves you asking for more.

Being an indie artist is not always easy though.  Without the financial backing of a major record label and the “connections” that comes with it, Foam Ropes have had a hard time being able to get their music heard by the masses.  “In the era of who can scream the loudest, it’s tough to get heard,” explains Derek.  However, this does not stop Derek  from doing what he loves as music is something that comes naturally to Derek and he explained that the greatest pleasure that comes with his music is the ability to write powerful lyrics that can resonate with people he’s never even met in his life.  He also shares, “There are no backing tracks in Foam Ropes.  Each note is from a human.  The thrill of this is the same danger and excitement you get in live theater.  The ride of giving a live performance is something to which I’m deeply, deeply addicted.”

Performance and great lyrics, that is what Foam Ropes is all about and with writing lyrics comes a deep connection to the writer.  Derek shares that the most personal song he has written is a song titled, “Birches”, which tells of the suicide of a close friend.  “I cannot get through it yet in rehearsals without breaking apart.  My bandmates know the story, so they are very gentle and play it with incredible care, meaning and respect.”

Once listening to Foam Ropes’ music one could clearly feel that there is meaning that lies in every song.  From the lyrics, to the delivery and even the musical arrangement, there is no doubt about the fact that there is a true love and passion for music that runs through each of these melodies.

Connect with Foam Ropes:

Facebook: Foam Ropes

Twitter: @FoamRopes

Instagram: @FoamRopes 

Soundcloud:  Foam Ropes

Anna Luxion: Connect and Think

Anna Luxion, is a singer/songwriter who has taken her music to new heights through her fearless pursuit to make quality music.  While some people know all along that they are meant to be in the spotlight, it took Anna some time to come to the realization that music was her thing, but music always came naturally to her.  As a child, Anna’s interest in music started with playing the guitar and by the time she got to college she inched closer and closer to the idea of doing music full time. Finally she decided to take some music classes, and eventually became a Theory/Composition major with a minor in Creative Writing at Southern Illinois University.  Anna’s vast knowledge of music and passion for raw emotion in song lead her to realize, “I can use the "textbook" side of music to enhance those emotions that I'm trying to get across.”

Anna’s music never goes without much thought and precise vision.  Her recent single, Magpies, tells of the importance of looking beyond material things and into the more important things in life.  “I had been thinking a lot about how focused we can be on material ideas and objects,” says Anna, “[magpies] are birds most known for their obsession with shiny things, even if the things themselves are worthless,” hence the song’s title.  Magpies is the first single off of Anna’s second album that she hopes to have out early next year (*fingers crossed*)!

After being in LA for only a couple of months, Anna is adjusting nicely to the new environment, allowing herself to embrace the talent she is constantly surrounded by and use the success and hard work of others as motivation to keep working toward her own goals.  In the future, Anna plans on working hard to release new music for her audience, as she continues working toward improving as an artist. 

Anna’s music goes beyond being a pretty sound, her lyrics are filled with purpose, “I think, in this life, certain people are given gifts and talents and opportunities, in order to fill roles. And I feel like one of my roles is to help people connect and think.”

Connect with Anna Luxion:

Facebook: Anna Luxion Music

Instagram: @AnnaLuxion

Twitter: @AnnaLuxion

YouTube: Anna Luxion Music

Sarah Wise: Beyond a Voice

In love with the music and moved by passionate lyrics, the young and witty Sarah Wise is nothing short of a well rounded artist.  Sarah admits that while she was always singing as a kid, what really drew her in to music was the opportunity to be creative and release any and all kinds of energy through her words.  “I would be upset or angry and writing a song was releasing that stress,” shares Sarah.

Sarah’s music is a good mix of heartwarming lyrics and a soulful, cool vibe that is an unlikely combination to come by.  Her early musical influence was Celine Dion, however now she says that her taste in music ranges from Cristina Perry and Sia to Drake and Beyoncé.

As an artist, Sarah describes herself as someone who does her music with a lot of feeling.  When listening to a song, Sarah places a huge emphasis on lyrics and how the lyrics in a song make her feel.  This is something that she tries to incorporate when she is writing her songs; heartfelt and touching lyrics that people can relate to.  In two of her singles, “Toxic Love” and “Forgot How to Say Goodbye”, Sarah says she was able to use personal experience to write songs that many can relate to.  Sarah says that for her, “being able to write something and turn it into something great was a way to get over the situation and in a way boost my self-esteem because song writing is an excellent reminder of a talent you have.”

It is evident that music is Sarah’s one true love, and her motive in doing music goes beyond just making music, and on to being able to touch the hearts of all who hear her.  Her ultimate goal is to be able to tour with her music and touch other people’s hearts in the way that other artists have touched her.  But for now, she remains happy doing her music, expanding her fan base, and being able to share her love of music with anyone who will be kind enough to listen.

Connect with Sarah Wise:

Instagram: @sarahannecw

Soundcloud:  Sarah Cecilia

Tiffany Janell: Power and Soul

It all started in the backseat of a car.  As she was riding along listening to Mariah Carey’s “Hero”, Tiffany Janell, who was 10 years old at the time, began to sing along.  Tiffany’s parents paused in awe, asking her to keep singing, in acapella and now, years later she graces us all with her soulful and vibrant voice through her different social media channels.   Her voice has a power and emotion that will leave you wanting more, and Tiffany’s infectious personality will have you wondering just what she has to offer to the world.

While Tiffany says that she can identify with many genres of music from Jazz, to Salsa, she admits that her home is in R&B/Soul.  Her musical influences vary, “Currently If P!nk and Adele had a musical baby it would be Tiffany Janell,” she says.  However, growing up in a Puerto Rican household, Tiffany was also influenced by artists like La India, Marc Anthony and La Lupe.

Tiffany’s ultimate goal is to be able to do music full time.  She has gone to great lengths to be able to make this dream a reality, moving from Philly to California in order to pursue her dream.  “It has its challenges, but I've learned the hard way nothing grows in comfort zones,” she shares. Tiffany dreams of one day having crowds of people singing her music with her and she hopes to make music that people can relate to; just like her musical role model, Pink.

Tiffany’s message to the world is loud and clear, “be reminded that your dreams matter!”  She hopes to inspire people to invest love and time in themselves, saying that everyone should “sing and dance to your own beat.”

Connect with Tiffany Janell:

Twitter: @TiffanyJanell

Instagram: @MsTiffanyJanell

Soundcloud: TiffanyJanell

Vine: TiffanyJanell

Youtube:  Tianelle77

Zaiah: Strength and Soul

Zaiah is a soulful and unique singer songwriter from Indiana who knows first hand what it is to trade a normal life for his burning passion of music.  Zaiah’s music career started early on—his mother’s taste in music always influenced him growing up.  Artists like Prince, Whitney Houston, and Teddy Pendergrass were some of his earliest influences.

After high school, Zaiah went on to college to study Biology with hopes of becoming a doctor.  However, his passion for music soon took over and he was faced with the tough decision of continuing his studies or following his dreams.  Zaiah decided it was now or never, so he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where he would pursue music.  “I am from a smaller city where everybody usually knows what is going on with the next individual. I was ashamed to return to my city without a degree, but once I felt that God instilled this goal in my heart, I had a drive that superseded my prideful thoughts,” he shares.

With the soulful and infectious voice that Zaiah has, he has nothing to worry about because there is so much to love!  Zaiah shares that his favorite thing about music is the fact that he is able to touch so many people with his voice.  His ultimate goal would be to have more time to dedicate to his music and make it his full time job, but for now he is happy being able to reach new audiences every day. “Talking to people about life experiences and encouraging others to follow their hearts, goals, and dreams is very important,” says Zaiah.    

Zaiah wants to be able to give back with his music, noting that it is important to be honest when expressing himself as an artist, something that he learned from his biggest role model: his grandmother.  Although he fights for his dream every day, Zaiah admits that is not easy, especially because in the past he has been extremely critical of himself.  “It takes a strong person to produce something you believe is great, yet still receive negativity from others,” he says, and it is this vulnerability that makes being an artist so special.   

Zaiah is now working on creating new music and expanding his following, “I think people can expect to hear and see more confidence in who I am as an artist,” he says.

Connect with Zaiah  www.zaiahmusic.com

Facebook:  Zaiah Music

Twitter:  @ZaiahMusic

Instagram:  @ZaiahMusic

YouTube:  ZaiahMusic

TJ Fox: New EP "Pieces of Me" and Live Show in NYC

Nothing like new music from a talent that is already known here on A Vocal Accord!  We first met TJ Fox in July of 2013 when he was promoting his first single 1,000 Reasons.  Since then, TJ has released his very first EP Last Good Memory in Summer 2014 and now he is hitting us with some more new music with his second production Pieces of Me.  

TJ shares that since the last time he was on A Vocal Accord he has been able to truly find himself as an artist by surrounding himself with other artist, "Watching, listening, and learning from other acts is the best way to enhance your performance I always say!"  

Pieces of Me, TJ's second production will be out in digital stores tomorrow (Wednesday, May 27th), and he will be celebrating with a live performance in NYC.  TJ says that this latest production has a different sound than people may be used to from him. He shares that his favorite song on the production is titles "Fire Won't Fade", and is sure to remind the listener to never give up on whatever they may be fighting for.  TJ says that his experience making this EP was an enjoyable one, especially because of the other talents he was able to bring on, "...talented musicians such as Lou Vecchio from the band New Politics, and with the help and professionalism from my producer Rob Guariglia, this EP has had an abundance of talent put into it that I am very grateful to have been a part of."  

Be sure to head over to digital stores and support TJ's latest production Pieces of Me and if you're in the NYC area be sure to check out his live show tomorrow night!

WHO:  TJ Fox LIVE!

WHAT:  TJ Fox will be doing a live show in NYC to celebrate the release of his second EP "Pieces of Me"

WHEN: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 7pm

WHERE: The Bowery Electric (NYC)
               327 Bowery at 2nd Street
               New York, NY 10003

Follow TJ on social media! 

Website: http://www.tjfoxmusic.com

Facebook: TJ Fox Music

Twitter: @TJFoxMusic

Instagram:  @TJFoxMusic