No matter how you slice cover songs, it somehow brings the room closer together. We all know the words, and we all have our own connection to the original recording. They become tweaked to the artist’s interpretation and ability. We sometimes hold cover bands far higher than we hold an unknown original artist. It’s the familiarity, the sense of having a bond with a piece of music, that draws us in. But what is it about them that distinguishes them from originals and what qualities count as good cover songs?

From Trance Around the World; showcasing some of the most refined trance/progressive tunes, to Group Therapy; continuing the theme with musical family awareness. From acoustic sets in hot air balloons to orchestral sets at The Greek, from pop stars to game soundtracks and even NASA; Above & Beyond have lived up their alias since the beginning. As independent artists, and label owners, it truly is living the dream. With the incline in mental health awareness and embracing Anjuafamily members, they are proud to present their latest project: Flow State, an instrumental album free of words, yet, flowing with subtle sounds of classical, new-age europhia.

South Carolina singer-songwriter, Kylie Odetta, debuts her summer anthem in a potpourri of colors, candy, and sunshine. As the video suggests, the stress of mundane must-dos can outweigh the need to relax and take in the moment. Odetta’s soft voice help transport us to the sandy shore, almost feeling the warm sand between your toes as you sink into your favorite beach chair. Her actors represent many of us who are unable to escape or simply aren’t a fan of sandy leftovers. They let the music take over and express their personality through their attire. Also, attitude is everything!

Tony McGuiness, representing a third of Above & Beyond, humbly creates the first ever A&B online newsletter. As a natural master of lyricism, he begins with food for thought from his recent experience at Spotify’s studio…

Amid the humid yet breezy bay of Tampa just beside the Buccaneer’s stadium, emerges thumping bass, throbbing lights, and colorful people. This year’s festival is dutifully named as the stages create a triangle gathering all angles of Earth’s biggest supporter slowly setting in the west.

After three years of releasing music independently, Scibilia has signed with Sony’s Epic Records with “You Are The Night” single. His acoustic, soul-packing voice is a door-stopper while his lyrics surface with emotional tides. Scibilia was a beautiful opener for Mexico’s Rodrigo Y Gabriela and sits well with any genre. We look forward to what his next label chapter may bring.

Creative mixologist Mat Zo is back with a brand new EP. While he may be ‘Tracing Steps’, it’s certainly a step in a new direction of innovation and ‘funky beats’. Self-titled track is a blend of upbeat elements of tropical electro-pop, one that is sure be a consideration for a summer anthem. Speaking of summer, I believe a “heat wave” is in order. This spiraling tech tune is full of pool time pleasure with splashes of twists and turns. “Lust” takes a dip into more progressive synthesising sounds; whereas, “Deep Inside” suggests a slow sunset into deeper progressive feels. Also progressive by nature, “Deep Inside” is a tune for multiple house and dance genres.

It’s always lovely to see women within the music movement. For the multi-cultural artist, Sofia Kouresis, Sofia Kouresis EP is just the first leg of a long experimental journey. She takes a different approach to house music with mingles of passenger subway rides and natural loops. Much like her atmosphere, her music knows no boundaries; yet it is bound to bring a fresh outlook on experimental/electronic music. Kouresis is also set to announce a US Tour this summer.