Nestled in the heartland of Ohio, amidst the serene landscapes of Urbana, a musical powerhouse emerges: Eleyet McConnell, a married duo whose harmonious union transcends boundaries and defies conventions. Comprising the talents of Angie and Chris McConnell, this dynamic pair is rewriting the rules of music expression with their unique fusion of raw emotion, introspection, and unapologetic originality.

The duo says, “We write music that is very relatable to anyone.  The beauty of music is that people can relate to songs in different ways depending on their circumstances at any one time.  The same song might resonate with different people in different ways.  That’s a beautiful thing. Our songs are about personal experiences, and truths, even when the truth isn’t easy to face.  You know, while we have things that are different from one another and yes, we are all unique individuals….we are really a lot alike. We are all in this life together just trying to find our way, and everybody puts their pants on one leg at a time.  Our music highlights that.  It finds what we all share and hopefully creates that place where we can all celebrate what we have in common and just relish in the moment.  It’s an escape from all the forces in the world that try to divide us.”

Their latest single, “Surrender,” serves as a testament to their artistry and resilience. Penned by lead singer Angie McConnell, along with Rick Schutte and JD Harris, “Surrender” delves deep into personal experiences and struggles, delivering a moving and honest narrative that resonates with listeners on a profound level. Angie’s soulful vocals, coupled with Chris’s masterful instrumentation, create a sonic landscape that is both captivating and poignant.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind “Surrender,” Angie shares, “For me, it’s my give it to God song, but I feel like people could relate to it in different ways. It’s one of the songs I’ve written that hit me all at once and fast. I couldn’t write the words down quickly enough and they just kept coming. It was like I was given a message.” This authenticity and vulnerability shine through in every note, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of introspection and self-discovery.

The success of “Surrender” follows the acclaim garnered by their debut single, “Gettin’ By,” which soared to the top 30 on the UK iTunes Rock songs chart. With each release, Eleyet McConnell continues to captivate audiences with their powerful storytelling and evocative lyrics that speak to the shared human experience.

Beyond their musical prowess, Angie and Chris’s partnership is rooted in a deep-seated love and mutual respect. Their onstage chemistry is palpable, creating an immersive experience that transports audiences to another realm. Whether performing in intimate venues or commanding larger stages, their authenticity and passion shine through, leaving an indelible mark on all who bear witness to their artistry.

As they continue to make waves in the music industry, Eleyet McConnell remains committed to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Their unwavering dedication to their craft and each other serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists and music lovers alike.

In a world inundated with conformity and sameness, Eleyet McConnell stands as a beacon of originality and authenticity. Through their music, they invite listeners to embrace vulnerability, find strength in surrender, and celebrate the beauty of the human experience. With their boundless creativity and unwavering passion, Angie and Chris McConnell are not just making music – they’re shaping the soundtrack of a generation.

Published By: Aize Perez

Get ready for a joyride! Sugarcane Jane’s newest album, “On A Mission,” is a delightful rollercoaster ride of musical exploration. It weaves through a variety of influences and genres, showcasing the band’s eclectic sound. From heart-tugging ballads and foot-stomping folk anthems to unexpected ska vibes, the album showcases Sugarcane Jane’s impressive musical range and genius.

The album launches with a bang with the track, “Try To Make It Look Like Me.” This fusion of alternative country and folk, spiced up with smart lyrics and powerful delivery, is an absolute treat. Crawford’s strong vocals form the heartbeat of the song, sending out a message of resilience and self-love that hits home with listeners. Teamed with vibrant instrumentals, this track is a fun yet profound experience that perfectly encapsulates Sugarcane Jane’s knack for creating music that’s both catchy and meaningful.

Then comes “Spirit Push,” adding a touch of spiritual depth to the album. Its minimalist instrumentals and grounded lyrics create a calming atmosphere of introspection. This stripped-back arrangement gives Savana Lee and Anthony Crawford’s harmonious vocals the spotlight, infusing the song with genuine depth and authenticity. It’s a touching moment in the album that showcases Sugarcane Jane’s talent for expressing emotion through music.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6AxhFgtxnmpi4M6N4EG0M1?si=088e10e7ad064d69

In contrast, “The Candle” brings a more solemn vibe, gradually picking up the tempo as it progresses. Its reflective lyrics and soft melodies offer a refreshing pause from the album’s more energetic tracks, giving listeners a chance to breathe and reflect. Crawford’s vocals shine here, conveying a raw vulnerability and yearning that’s both captivating and liberating.

A standout track of the album is “Fly On The Wall,” where Sugarcane Jane infuses their signature sound with hints of ska and shuffle. Its irresistible rhythm and catchy hooks are guaranteed to get you moving, while still preserving the band’s hallmark authenticity and sincerity. This track is a daring deviation from the album’s more conventional Americana sound, demonstrating Sugarcane Jane’s readiness to venture into new musical territories.

First single, “Burn” is another bona fide gem on the record.  Youtube has a brilliant live performance clip of this track, and it’s worth the price of admission to this album, alone.  Get ready to re-live the glory days of 70s AM gold with this one! 

Throughout the album, the band maintains top-notch production quality. Going beyond the usual stripped-back approach of folk music, the band explores new production techniques with “On A Mission.” The result is an impressively thoughtful and clever production by Crawford that perfectly matches the mood and tone of each song.

In a nutshell, “On A Mission” is a thoroughly enjoyable album that brilliantly showcases Sugarcane Jane’s diverse musical influences and styles. With Crawford’s emotional vocals, Lee’s robust harmonies, and the band’s expertly crafted instrumentals, it offers a compelling listening experience that will leave you craving more. Sugarcane Jane is a breath of fresh air in the Americana music scene, and “On A Mission” is a radiant testament to their creative prowess.

Published By: Aize Perez

In the heart of a community, where the steeples rise high, and the doors are purportedly open to all, there exists an unspoken dichotomy that challenges the very essence of faith and fellowship. This is a narrative not just about spiritual gatherings or religious affiliations but about the profound quest for genuine compassion and understanding among those who walk through life’s tumultuous paths. It’s a tale that weaves through the experiences of one individual whose journey from disillusionment in their church family to finding true sympathy among unexpected allies offers a poignant reflection on what it truly means to live by the teachings of faith.

The story unfolds with an individual, let’s call them Alex, whose life was deeply entwined with their church – a place they considered not just a sanctuary but a home and a family. It was here that Alex sought solace, guidance, and companionship. However, as storms gathered in Alex’s personal life, bringing with them challenges that tested every fiber of their being, an uncomfortable truth began to surface. The very community that preached love, understanding, and support became distant and indifferent when it mattered most.

Alex found themselves grappling with judgment instead of empathy and isolation instead of solidarity from their churchmates – individuals adept at reciting biblical verses but seemingly detached from putting these teachings into action. “The Bible should not just only be learned and memorized; it should be in action and deeds,” became a silent mantra for Alex during this time of trial.

It was amidst this disillusionment that an unexpected source of comfort emerged. Friends outside their religious circle – Catholics who were not part of Alex’s Seventh-day Adventist community – stepped forward. These friends exemplified what it meant to be truly Christ-like without fanfare or expectation of reciprocity. They offered practical help, emotional support, and an unwavering presence in Alex’s life and that of their children.

This revelation brought forth an epiphany – spirituality and compassion are not monopolized by any single denomination nor confined within the walls of a church. True sympathy transcends religious boundaries; it is manifested through actions that speak louder than sermons.

As Alex navigated through this period of introspection and healing aided by these newfound connections, they came to realize that being ‘the light of the world’ is less about eloquence in scripture recitation and more about how one chooses to act towards others in their moments of need.

Through social media platforms like Twitter (@alegre_honeyjanz), Alex began sharing insights from their journey – not as indictments against their former church family but as gentle reminders of what faith put into action can look like. These narratives resonated with many who had experienced similar feelings of abandonment by those they expected to show God’s love most clearly.

This story does not end with renunciation but rather redefinition – redefining what community means beyond congregational affiliations, reevaluating how actions can be more reflective of biblical teachings than words alone, and rediscovering hope in humanity through unexpected channels.

Alex’s experience underscores an essential truth: churches are made up not merely by those who frequent its pews but by individuals’ capacity to embody its teachings through empathy, service, and unconditional support outside its sanctuaries. It serves as a reminder that sometimes angels walk among us cloaked as ordinary individuals willing to extend kindness without precondition or prejudice.

Moreover, this narrative invites readers to reflect on their actions towards others within their communities – urging them not only to listen but also actively seek ways to demonstrate compassion, especially towards those feeling marginalized or neglected within supposedly safe spaces like churches.

While some may argue that no congregation is perfect given its human element – which is undeniably true – stories like these illuminate opportunities for growth and transformation both personally and communally towards becoming more inclusive embodiments of our professed beliefs.

In conclusion (though we’d rather subtly suggest), while steeples may reach for the heavens and scriptures may offer divine wisdom, it is in our daily interactions — our willingness to stand alongside someone during their darkest hours — that our true calling shines brightest. Let us then move beyond mere words into tangible acts of kindness so we might genuinely become beacons (in every sense) within our communities.

Published By: Aize Perez