It seems the year started just a little while ago, and now it’s already coming to an end. Time is flying fast as ever. Lots of ideas, lots of projects, lots of great releases by so many awesome musicians. In this post I would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been accomplished and give credit to the artists whose music submissions excited me most.
In 2025 I released two stories and their musical audiobook versions. I also had a chance to experiment with creating AI music – a project that turned out surprisingly successful; at least I could not have expected to achieve the sound I got. Finally, I have seven playlists that crossed the threshold of 1,000 followers. Slowly but steadily, I am expanding my presence. I receive and review music on Soundplate.com, Pitchplaylists.com, One-Submit.com, and on Groover (for Rock Pioneer). I am also open to direct submissions by email or on Instagram.
The blog has been an endeavor. Many posts have been published, and I plan to continue writing about music in 2026.
The Rock Pioneer podcast, which I truly enjoy making episodes for, has experienced a bit of a stall lately. This is not for the lack of good music. I am looking forward to doing more in 2026. The podcast will undergo some changes, but I expect that it will continue.
This brings me to wishing you all a great new year in 2026. I hope to continue receiving your music and to be able to play my part in helping it get discovered.
Music aside, my very best wishes to everyone! May all your projects come to fruition!
Music Picks:
This time I will focus on music I received in 2025. There will be no mainstream artists featured, and I will explain what I liked so much about the songs that I mention. I decided to feature 25 songs, plus a bonus track. I hope you dig my numbers’ game.
X by SCHANZ:
https://open.spotify.com/track/2tOcmZmPRY8XFR5mTIOOIV
This outstanding composition was created and produced by Bjorn Schanz all by himself. It features a double bass line and very charming vocals. The message in the lyrics is as deep as it gets, and overall, this is a remarkable track. There is a released episode of Rock Pioneer about this song. Take a listen and learn more about Bjorn and his music.
Catching Matches by Dymer:
https://open.spotify.com/track/4lz4R6m5RGwov6GMn6K3XC
This was another feature on Rock Pioneer. A unique blend of styles, spectacular energy, and a very solid production – a song that you won’t forget.
Fire Walk With Me by Safe At Any Speed:
https://open.spotify.com/track/5jcSEBOU2wke2chyePFD3p
Yet one more song that was featured on our podcast. The raw energy in this punk rock / rock’n’roll track is unmatched. The lyrics are incredible.
Above the Water by Her Mountain Majesty:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0dv8I3bOL7kuehN0hIh2hn
This song features phenomenal singer-songwriter vocals, a tight-to-the-beat band performance, and a very personal message in the lyrics. To be featured in a Rock Pioneer episode, this song is very special, and it is well worth your attention.
Do Not Succumb To Fear by The Tidal Water:
https://open.spotify.com/album/1oU6THrcU0yHw51cxvhGBo
The opening song of the album Polarity introduces the listener to the unique yet familiar sound of Martin Hovden and his band. Their sound reminds me most of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar and the music of Jimi Hendrix. Give the song and the album a listen and let me know if you agree with my assessment.
Imtiredandeverythinghurts by Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate:
https://open.spotify.com/track/2JnClpDSJxXPo4SaXSGD1U
To be featured on the Rock Pioneer podcast, this song has a deeply personal touch, as well as great energy and an awesome performance by a duo of very talented musicians.
Rush by Spirits of Saturn:
https://open.spotify.com/track/4vxpL87i6ktp1mYgjVNrwX
These guys drew inspiration from many styles and created one of their own. Love it!
Athena by Bear Witness:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1XFJmqfXJRFHJO8G8C5GFO
Two brothers redefining alternative rock. A true gem in my collection.
Amen by Circle:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6yaOPLIj5ZzOHlZ1Siq5fu
This is a recent discovery I made when reviewing music on One-Submit. With great energy and a solid mix, this AI creation sounds very human.
Bad Man by Penny Rebels:
https://open.spotify.com/track/4w7phiixHZSVXIuhqdtP6C
A gritty and funky mix of pop and blues rock that you still cannot pigeonhole. The band has a groove of their own, playing what feels right. Thumbs up!
Let The People Dance by TIBURSKY:
https://open.spotify.com/track/3hfgkB1NmjxXMoHpX7uZ0o
Johannes Tibursky is back with a new album. A very seasoned and experienced musician and producer, he is very consistent with his music creations. I have admired Johannes’ style ever since I heard Carnival Is Over by his old band Prussia.
I Don’t Care by Jo Jo James:
https://open.spotify.com/track/62w0fmE95VJf3NCp1Mu0x7
This gem is proudly featured on several of my playlists.
Nipe by Clownphill:
https://open.spotify.com/track/4UGnXCUnEvkF9Euj4qBli7
Featured on my Electronic and Big World playlists, this sweet and energetic song is among my absolute favorites.
Never Said It by Paul Monroe:
https://open.spotify.com/album/0dU8Br8feMFmAGRF5wHm5x
Nice and very professional EDM sound that I always seek out for my Electronic playlist.
Utopia by AaronViz:
https://open.spotify.com/track/5Cx3LWaluXUYK5R2U5fRBR
One of many hits by Aaron featured on my playlists. Keep it up, Aaron!
Born Again by Patricia Baloge:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1Ke8rUVPo4rzSO8MKdYbF8
Leaning toward a mainstream sound, Patricia Baloge still leaves her personal mark in every composition. Steady beat, solid vocals, and a well-balanced mix.
On Me by Julia June and ED universe:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1yGArJDWutkqh0CEVdDbWr
This is such a well-balanced track, with every part taking its rightful space and letting the other parts shine as well. Deep, soul-penetrating vocals paired with hypnotic instrumentation create a one-of-a-kind listening experience.
Getaway by Stephanie Rodd:
https://open.spotify.com/track/39zSeRDx7OfyDf3H0w1HBr
This light, positive song is a true gem on my Happy Reggae playlist.
L.A. Times by Westcoast P:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0BbfMnkPN4wWym7pvkV9DM
What a great way to speak about social and economic issues!
You can keep that by Eyerap:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1hZSKkIbRTx00KJ8f1qrSI
Love the swagger and the clean production.
Go Along by Prafecy:
https://open.spotify.com/track/31X6amByKUCD18ygT1LFbV
A solid old-school sound from Toronto, Canada.
Take Me Home by Luke Sharp and Eternia:
https://open.spotify.com/track/35LLZFDsvIBT7Zhub9m5v6
Yet again Canadian artists bringing a sound you cannot ignore.
Ye by Willy Da Funky Kid:
https://open.spotify.com/album/2jI3KaZMrQbQSurWkr39iq
You have got to admit, Willy has sound. And he is very funky indeed. I have featured several songs of his on my playlists.
Hell Of A Night by Kaution:
https://open.spotify.com/track/1gf35TbYdh0bNWKBCovNzh
Raw storytelling where rhyme and rhythm are equally important. Give a shout-out to this independent, self-produced artist.
Under They Skin by Koncept:
https://open.spotify.com/track/46EFvy8OQGoNGIJAnUmqf1
This artist can almost be called mainstream. Yet he has a style of his own and that old-school swagger that today’s rap is missing so badly.
As a bonus track, I would like to mention a song of mine released in 2025 that I am particularly proud of. It has been some time since I wanted to write a song like this. My focus was on the lyrical content, although I am happy with how the music and sound overall turned out as well. The song is very personal to me, and it describes how it feels when an entire country is falling apart. It is not something you can watch on TV; you can only experience it. Maybe some of you will be able to remember those days in a more poetic way, while others will learn something new.
Ashes in the Wind: https://open.spotify.com/track/6ls0twbzlY2DT8rpXFNheS
Final Thoughts:
It has been an interesting year that has come and gone too fast, it seems. And although it is good to be busy — this is usually a sign of things going well at work and with other projects, and time just flies — I wish it could stop sometimes. The trick is to be able to enjoy the moment and live in the present. Somehow it is always harder than it seems. We often keep busy with one thing or another, and the moment we catch a break, we immediately start looking for the next thing to do.
I hope that in 2026 I will be able to have more time to slow down and reflect. It is during such quiet, peaceful moments that true revelations visit, and you can suddenly understand or learn something — though not intentionally at all. Instead, your brain just needed this quiet time to organize thoughts into something coherent — to organize the chaos.
To all of you who read my blog and send your music to me, I wish a healthy and peaceful new year in 2026. Maybe you too will get a chance to take some time for yourselves. Don’t do it with expectations. Simply relax, feel the time and space, feel free and alive, forget all distractions, and let inspiration guide you.
I am looking forward to reconnecting with you in January. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and all the best to you and to the people you care about!