ON THE RISE
A father-daughter duo that has come together through their love of music, Then & Now is composed of father Graham and daughter Tori Ferreira, along with a collection of skilled creatives to share their vision and bring incredible music to their fans. Most recently Then & Now has released an incredible new album, Aces, Angels and Devils.
Then & Now came together over the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was because of the fear and coldness of the pandemic,” they explained. It didn’t take long for the duo to build a team of top class musicians of varying genres and backgrounds. All together they were able to create magic.
Aces, Angels and Devils features a collection of nine amazing tracks. The album showcases a collection of sounds, with the duo pulling from Graham’s Country background, Tori’s more Punk interests, and a collection of other genres ranging from Classical to Reggae.
The single from Aces, Angels and Devils, “Angel or a Devil?” is a track about deciding if a woman is an angel or a devil. “It’s really about loving someone who has the potential to hurt or even destroy you,” Graham said. “There’s an angel and a devil in all of us.”
Along with this single, this album features songs about meeting the devil on a train to Reno in “3 Aces”, or a fun cover like “Tequila Sheila”. Each song dives into its own unique sound and a genre that feels like a sort of Classic Country of its own design.
Graham and Tori hope that by listening to Aces, Angels and Devils, as well as all of their other projects, people are able to know and feel the father-daughter dynamic of the project. “This is the kind of music that you can listen to it over and over and over again,” Tori explained. “It's a blend of music and genres that are so complex. There is always something new to hear in it.
Following the release of Aces, Angels and Devils, Then & Now is excited about their next big release. Another new album, Cowgirls Also Sing The Blues, features Tori’s vocals, Graham’s writing and a gorgeous bluesy sound. The new project is set to release in February of 2024.
“We focus on the highest quality of all aspects of our music but it is really lyrically and vocally driven,” said Graham. “I want people to listen to our music and really decide for themselves what it means.”
Be sure to stay tuned in to Then & Now on various platforms for new music, visuals and social posts.
ON THE RISE
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American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, Jewel Bell—otherwise known as Influence—gifts listeners an energetic single called “What You Deserve.” Packed with thought-provoking lyrics and an unforgettable beat, the single comes just in time for summer
When Jewel Bell was born, his destiny was set in front of him. A miracle baby born to a mother who had been paralyzed for seven years, the young Influence knew from an early age he was meant to succeed and continue to pave his family’s legacy. “It’s my turn to put my feet in the sand and make my print,” adds Influence. “I’m excited to be on this journey. I’m glad. I’m ready. My music is worthy. I’m looking forward to shining my light in the world. I have a story and a testimony.”
Influence is no stranger to the game—he’s been putting out music since pre-social media days, selling CDs out of his trunk. His influences include hip-hop icons like Tupac, Biggie, Nasa, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, as well as R&B legends including Ginuwine, Dru Hill, and Boyz II Men. Influence says, “R&B sparked my mind, but hip hop ignited my soul and became the driving force that drove me into the studio.”
The rapper is also a natural performer. Influence has won several events, including the Uplifting Minds National Talent Competition, and became a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, The Best In The West Hip Hop Competition, LA’s Next Up Music Showcase, The Showcase Tour, and The Coast To Coast Live Music Showcase.
His latest single, “What You Deserve,” is inspired by “ingenuity and creativity” according to the rapper. While listening to beats, Influence found the one that would soon become his single. “Basically, when I heard the island beat, I thought, ‘Oh that’s crazy!’’ I had to do my homework. At first, I didn’t know that part of the beat is an Ace of Base sample. Just by name, I didn’t realize I know all of these songs. It was a really cosmic moment for me that made it doper to be a part of the project and have their sample be a part of my project.”
The combination of the beat and sampling made the songwriting process flow easily for Influence. “Once I heard what they put together, it wasn’t too hard to put my sauce on it,” adds the rapper. “I go through a phrase where I like to immerse myself in the music. Once I get into it, I don’t come out until I have what I feel is the perfect sound or verse.” It only took the rapper about a week to finish the song, carefully writing each verse until it met his approval.
Since its release, the song has garnered positive reviews and feedback. “Everybody loves it so far,” shares Influence. “I don’t expect that to change. I’m not trying to please everyone—I make music driven by my emotions and creativity, but I make sure I pick dope beats, so it sounds good.”
Good things are on the horizon for Influence, starting with the premier of Rap League. This summer, Influence is looking forward to sharing his music through a recent placement in an upcoming movie. He’ll also be taking part in a TV show set to air this summer.
Make sure to stay connected to Influence on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
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