ON THE RISE
Brooklyn’s own Har’Monique, celebrates the release of her first single in over two years, “One In A Million.” Serving as the lead track from her eagerly awaited album Monique, this song is set to rekindle the flame that listeners have been missing. “One In A Million” is an ode to uninhibited passion and desire. With an infectious beat and sultry vocals, this song sets the stage for a period of intense connection between lovers where the world outside dissolves into obscurity.
“I usually do more pop than R&B since R&B can be a bit slow for my taste. And this song was written in 2017, so I don’t even recall where I was mentally at the time, but I fell in love with this melody and wanted to do something with it,” said Har’Monique.
Released on July 12th, “One In A Million” is the first of many singles to come off Har'Monique’s forthcoming album Monique set to release in April 2025. Over the next several months, Har'Monique plans to drop a new single every other month to get fans prepared for the new music. It’s a lengthy but cohesive album showcasing Har'Monique’s eclectic range, offering a mix of pop ballads, reggae-inspired pop songs, R&B, and some hip-hop.
“I don’t want to be put into a box - ever. This album is a taste of me, and the next song will be pop-based!” enthused Har’Monique.
Having spent over a decade crafting and recording music, Har'Monique boasts an extensive catalog. Though Monique is her first official album release, it marks her seventh in a lineup of eight self-written projects yet to be released. As the album takes shape, the tracklist remains fluid, but fans can expect a robust collection of 15 to 20 tracks, consistent with the length of her previous albums.
Hands-on with every aspect of production, Har'Monique is in the studio three days a week pumping out songs in preparation for this album release. While she leads the creative process, she also collaborates with EngineEarSu, an engineer from Luxor Studios in Brooklyn, and for mastering, she works with Elliot James Mulhern from Soundbetter.com. Additionally, she’s teamed up with U.Kay Hip Productions for the music video for “One In A Million,” is already out."
“I had a lot of producers and engineers who doubted my creative abilities. I couldn’t believe the ways they tried to limit me,” continued Har’Monique, “I’m finally working with people who get me and what I’m trying to put out and have the patience to work with my creative process. I don’t like to be told when something is ready. I’m not a perfectionist; it’s simply that these songs are my babies - this is my image and my brand.”
Har'Monique's artistic journey began with writing novels and short stories in elementary school, earning her recognition and opportunities to share her work. By middle school and high school, she balanced her academic responsibilities with a passion for storytelling, often writing novels, short stories, and poems on the side. Her professional foray into music began when an ex-boyfriend, an audio engineer, encouraged her to try writing and recording music, which ignited a deeper interest in developing original music.
“It’s a creative expression and outlet for me. It’s not about the celebrity factor; it’s about the artistry. I love writing, and while I enjoy singing, my focus is on the sound, the body of music itself, what is created,” added Har’Monique.
While she is hyper-focused on the new album and the music video for the single “One In A Million,” Har’Monique is excited to share that live performances and appearances are coming soon! To catch more from this up-and-coming pop star, listen to the new single, “One In A Million,” available across all music streaming platforms, and follow Har’Monique on Instagram @har_monique23 for news, music, updates, and more.
ON THE RISE
Houston artist Skyve knows what it feels like to carry weight you didn't realize was yours. His latest single, "Eternal Time," released July 7th, moves fast and hits harder with under two minutes of guitar-forward energy that somehow manages to feel upbeat and contemplative at once. There's a throwback quality to it, too; the pacing and chord choices carry a distinctly 90s sensibility, the kind of arrangement that trusts a hook to land without over-explaining itself.
Skyve drifts easily between rapping and singing, carrying the song with an unhurried confidence. It's a track about the people and patterns we hold onto long after they've stopped serving us and the strange, freeing ache of finally setting them down.
"It's about taking a step back and finding the things in people that are holding you back or hurting you, and you don't realize it at first," says Skyve. "It's hard to let go of those things and those people, but it will make you a better person."
Born Stryker Johnson, Skyve has been building toward this moment since childhood: making beats on an iPad before he could drive, then on his phone, and eventually in FL Studio, where he landed three years ago. He's 19 now wth “Eternal Time” marking his 11th project, but the first he's genuinely proud of, the kind of song he finds himself coming back to on his own time.
True to his instinct for range, he sings, raps, and plays guitar, with no interest in staying in one lane. 'I do a lot to explore,' he explains, adding that piano, drums, and even banjo are next on his list. For now, he places this project in indie rock territory with an indie pop lean — guitar-driven, melodic, and resistant to easy categorization.
"If I had to categorize my sound, I'd say indie, more than anything. A more creative feeling. Not like the standard sound music offers today," explains Skyve.
On "Eternal Time," Skyve co-wrote and produced alongside a collaborator who helped shape the guitar melodies and the song's overall flow, with both contributing to the drum programming. The lyrics, though, are his alone — as they always are.
"It depends, but I do maybe 50 percent of my own stuff," he shares of his process more broadly. "This one was with a producer who helped lay down some melodies on guitar and get the flow started. But I always write all my lyrics."
The release came with a rare milestone: a live show two weeks prior, marking one of Skyve's first times performing guitar in front of an audience. "It was a little nerve-racking," he admits, "but it ended up being fun overall."
"Eternal Time" isn't tied to an album or EP; it stands on its own, at least for now. But Skyve is already looking ahead. "I do have an album coming out this fall," reveals Skyve. "I'm still working on getting more details, but that's something I want to walk fans through."
For an artist who insists he can't imagine doing anything but music, Skyve's approach feels less like a career plan and more like a compulsion toward honesty. “I don't want to bring a single song or idea to the grave with me,” he reflects — a line that could double as his mission statement. “Eternal Time” is proof he's already living it, one unfinished thought at a time.
“Eternal Time” is now available on all streaming platforms, with promotional support from Starlight PR. With an album on the way this fall, it's clear Skyve is just getting started, so be sure to follow along on social media to catch what's next.
