Life has changed dramatically since the start of the pandemic. No traveling, concerts, movies, drinks at bars, gym sessions or even weekly, mundane marketing trips. I now daydream about these previously unappreciated activities. Cat Ridgeway’s album, “Nice To Meet You” is how I will approach the world and each wonderful and sometimes even boring endeavor once it’s safe to resume some normality.

2020 has been a heck of a ride, full of ups and downs, at times seeming hard to find light in the darkness.  Shining stars exist throughout, however, bringing us through the craziness. Among those beacons of light, new music by our favorite artists is certainly something that guides us.

Emerging folk-rock artist, Streetlight Cadence releases their Christmas single, "Chillin’ (2020)," November 20 on all music streaming platforms. The holiday-inspired winter song was written and produced by Streetlight Cadence, alongside award-winning songwriter Raymy Krumrei.

Forget Black Friday, Franksgiving is the real event as today ushers in the long-awaited release of Alex Winter’s highly acclaimed documentary, “Zappa,” about the prolific genius composer, free speech activist, cultural ambassador to Czechoslovakia and legendary musician, Frank Zappa, as well as the surprise digital release of the corresponding Zappa Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. A perfect complement to the film, the 68-track soundtrack is available to stream and download now via Zappa Records/UMe. “Zappa” is now available everywhere in the U.S. on demand from Magnolia Pictures.

Canada’s most endeared and revered fiddle power couple Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy have announced A Celtic Family Christmas At Home Tour.

Mento Buru is a 7-piece band from Bakersfield, CA that combines an energetic blend of Latin alternative, Jamaican SKA and reggae sounds. Veterans of ska music’s hyperactive nineties third wave, the group has released music on the Moon Ska and Steady Beat record labels establishing their reputation as a genre-defying musical act around the globe.