FOLLOW Hazel Gaze ON: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE

Release Info/credits
Lyrics and Music by:
Rizo Balic

Song/album purchase link
https://open.spotify.com/track/4loOdujutGl7ek8RwumGQg?si=2b48f84e8596435c

FOLLOW Rizo Balic ON: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE

Release Info/credits
Hello, greetings to all the listeners of Real Music Hype. My track “From Hell to Heaven” touches upon several aspects of my life. One is the ethnic and religious persecution that directly affected my ex-wife, who is Romani. Another aspect concerns the situation within the Polish school system; far too many children take their own lives at a young age. For many, the daily obligation of attending school becomes a living hell—a burden they cannot withstand mentally, leading them to end their own lives. The song also reflects my internal struggle with drug addiction and the fluctuating states of consciousness I have had to face. At its core, this piece embodies victory—a victory I continue to strive for. If I were to record it again, the vocals would be more refined; I have since dedicated a great deal of time to vocal training, having lost my voice twice before due to excessive screaming. The entire track is infused with a spirit of immortality; each listener is empowered by the strength I’ve gained through my experiences and the choices I make every day—ultimately celebrating the triumph of life over death.

FOLLOW Archangel ON: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE 

Where are you based?
‘m based in Southern California, in Orange County, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. I grew up in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley, not far from West Point, and moved out to California in my twenties. I’ve been here ever since.

How long have you been making music?
‘ve been playing guitar since I was ten years old, so we’re talking about more than sixty years! I started writing songs when I was a teenager and played in several bands during high school and college. Even when my professional career took me in a different direction, I never stopped writing music. I released my first solo album, Call Me Ishmael, in 2020, and I’ve released five full-length albums since then.

What genre would you consider your music to be?
I’d describe it as Americana or Heartland Rock, with a pretty strong classic rock influence. I’ve always been drawn to music that combines interesting stories with memorable melodies and a solid rock-and-roll foundation. My songs can go in a number of directions musically, but storytelling is usually at the center of what I do. I’ve always thought of my songs as little three-act plays set to music. 4. What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
My father was a professional musician at West Point, so music was always part of our household. But the real turning point came in 1964 when I watched the Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. Like millions of other kids, I was completely captivated. I knew right then that I wanted to play guitar and make music. Of course, life doesn’t always follow the path you imagined. I spent much of my adult life building a career in the specialty lighting business, raising a family, and traveling around the world. But I never stopped writing songs. In 2014, I attended Steve Earle’s inaugural Camp Copperhead songwriting retreat, and that experience really reignited my determination to record the music I’d been writing all those years.

What are your biggest musical influences?
That’s a pretty long list! Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, Steve Earle, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, and Bob Seger have all had a major influence on my songwriting. I’m also a huge fan of The Who and the Eagles. But my musical tastes have always been pretty eclectic. I grew up loving progressive rock bands like Genesis, Yes, Jethro Tull, Gentle Giant, and Frank Zappa. I think some of those influences show up in my arrangements, particularly when a song takes an unexpected musical turn. What connects all these artists for me is their willingness to create music that has personality and doesn’t necessarily follow a formula.

Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?
I’m an independent artist, and I’ve released all five of my solo albums independently. It’s certainly a challenge handling the business side of things, but I enjoy having complete creative control over my music. I’m fortunate to work with a great production team, including producer and drummer Stephen Haaker and engineer and producer Brett Grossman. We’ve developed a really comfortable working relationship over the years, and that allows us to experiment musically without worrying about fitting into somebody else’s expectations.

What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?
Without question, the biggest challenge has been getting the music heard. There’s so much music being released every day, and for an independent artist, especially one who doesn’t fit neatly into a single genre, getting people’s attention can be difficult. I spent forty years in the business world, so I’m not afraid of hard work or learning how an industry operates. But the music business is a completely different animal! Writing and recording songs is the part I love. Trying to figure out algorithms, social media, streaming platforms, promotion, and how to reach new listeners is another story. The encouraging thing is that people are discovering the music, and I’ve been fortunate to receive some wonderful reviews and international radio airplay.

How many songs or albums have you released to date?
I’ve released five full-length solo albums: Call Me Ishmael (2020), I Ain’t Ever Growing Up Volume I (2023), Volume II (2024), YORICK (2025), and my latest album, ANTARCTICA (2026). I’ve also released a three-song holiday EP called California Christmas Tales, along with a few standalone singles. Altogether, that’s more than fifty original songs. I’m also part of the Copperhead Six Project, a collaboration of six songwriters who originally met at Steve Earle’s Camp Copperhead. We reunited in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to record Muscle Shoals Record Shop, which was released in 2024. It’s a roots-oriented project, somewhat in the spirit of the Traveling Wilburys.

Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?
My latest album, ANTARCTICA, was released on September 18, 2026. It’s my fifth full-length album, and I think it’s probably the most adventurous record I’ve made so far. There are ten original songs, and while the music still has that Americana and classic rock foundation, the subject matter is a little darker and more cinematic than some of my earlier work. The title track is based on the history of Deception Island in Antarctica, where whaling operations once flourished. It’s essentially a ghost story told from the perspective of men who traveled to the end of the world looking for work and found themselves surrounded by the consequences of what they were doing. Other songs explore isolation, relationships, aging, and the feeling of becoming invisible in a world that’s moving past you. There’s also a song called “We Were Immortal” that ventures into some of my progressive rock influences. The album was recorded at Sunset Sound in Hollywood and Cosmic Voyager Studios, with Stephen Haaker and Brett Grossman producing. I’m really pleased with how it turned out.

Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?
Absolutely! I’m actually back in Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood right now, recording new songs for what I hope will be another album released sometime in 2027. I’m always writing, and even while we were finishing ANTARCTICA, I already had ideas for new material. I enjoy the whole creative process, from developing the songs to hearing them come to life in the studio. I’m also looking forward to reuniting with the Copperhead Six Project in 2027. We’re planning a follow-up to our 2024 album, Muscle Shoals Record Shop. It’s a different experience working with five other songwriters, and I really enjoy the collaboration and exchange of musical ideas. In the meantime, I’ll continue promoting ANTARCTICA and performing live with the Tom Ciurczak Band. Between recording, songwriting, and playing live, there’s plenty to keep me busy, and that’s exactly how I like it!

FOLLOW Tom Ciurczak ON: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE

Release Info/credits
Released Sept 18th, 2026. All songs written by Tom Ciurczak. Produced and Engineered by Stephen Haaker and Brett Grossman. Recorded at unset Sound Studio’s Los Angeles.

Song/album purchase link
https://tomciurczak.com/store

FOLLOW Tom Ciurczak ON: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE

Release Info/credits
• Billy Smiley – Producer, guitar, BGVs
• Miles McPherson – Drums
• Chris Donahue – Bass
• Mike Payne – Guitar
• Jonathan Brown – Keys
• Howard Gripp – Acoustic Guitar
• Howard Gripp – Lead Vocals / BGVs
• Ron Hemby – BGVs
• Benjy Gaither – BGVs
• Mixing / Mastering – Billy Whittington
• Cover – Tayyabah Irfan

Song/album purchase link
https://music.apple.com/us/song/when-i-was-a-kid-feat-benjy-gaither/6804835146

FOLLOW Howard Gripp ON: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE

Release Info/credits
SALT are Sharon Woods in vocals, her husband Robin Woods on guitar, Simon Kettles on bass and James king on Drums

Song/album purchase link
https://salt9.bandcamp.com/album/dark?t=9

FOLLOW SALT ON: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE

Release Info/credits
Recorded at Studio City Sound in Los Angeles, California
Produced by Eric Johnson of NI Music Group
Written by Ava Rivello

Song/album purchase link
https://open.spotify.com/track/2k8lFb0TXmL3U8usrWAp62

FOLLOW Ava Rivello ON:  INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

Release Info/credits
LOS ANGELES, CA — Independent singer-songwriter and producer Tom Morgan has officially released his latest single, “Feel That Way Again.” Issued through his publishing company and de facto label, Chesterfield West (ASCAP), the track marks Morgan’s fifth single release of 2026, continuing a prolific creative year.

Written and produced by Morgan, “Feel That Way Again” blends his normally warm acoustic textures with a more uptempo rock & roll sound, reflective lyrical storytelling, and a refined production style. The track was recorded at the studio of Morgan’s longtime producing partner, Curt Piar, in Simi Valley, California.

“I wrote this track back in June, and when Curt and I got into his studio in Simi Valley, the whole song just fell into place almost effortlessly,” said Morgan. “Working with Curt is always seamless—we’ve developed a natural rhythm over the years where we can capture the raw energy of a song without overthinking it.”

Reflecting on the track’s quick composition and future plans, Morgan added:

“This song came together so quickly, but it instantly felt like an anchor for where my music is heading next. ‘Feel That Way Again’ is definitely going to be included on a full-length album project we’re preparing to release in early 2027.”

“Feel That Way Again” builds upon a discography that began with Morgan’s 2014 debut EP, West Coast Hearts, released on Not Dead Yet Records. In 2018, he produced and released Red Wine Diaries on his indie label, Poocham Road Records, continuing a career defined by self-guided production and authentic independent releases.
“Feel That Way Again” is available now on all major digital music platforms.

Media & Release Details
Artist & Producer: Tom Morgan
Label / Publishing: Chesterfield West
Rights Organization: ASCAP
Single Release Sequence: 5th Single of 2026
Upcoming Album: Scheduled for Early 2027
Selected Discography: West Coast Hearts EP (Not Dead Yet Records, 2014), Red Wine Diaries (Poocham Road Records, 2018)

Song/album purchase link
https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0HFHC2SYC?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_wW09bxDBZu4twNT9e8xjATTSI

FOLLOW Tom Morgan ON: INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE

Where are you based?
Philadelphia

How long have you been making music?
I’ve been singing since I was around eight years old, but songwriting came later. Once I started playing guitar and writing my own music, that’s when I really started figuring out who I was as an artist. Over the last few years, I’ve become much more involved in creating music that actually sounds and feels like me.

What genre would you consider your music to be?
I consider my music Indie rock. I love heavier guitars and live instruments, but I also really care about melody and lyrics. My songs can move between softer, more vulnerable moments and much bigger rock sections depending on what the song needs emotionally.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I grew up performing and playing different instruments, so music was always something I wanted to be involved in. But once I started writing my own songs, it became something completely different. I loved being able to take an idea that started with just my guitar and turn it into something I could actually record and share. I think what really made me want to pursue music seriously was realizing how much I enjoyed creating something from beginning to end. There’s always another song I want to write or something new I want to try.

What are your biggest musical influences?
My influences are pretty mixed. I love Paramore and Hayley Williams, Pierce the Veil, Staind, Evanescence/Amy Lee, Avril Lavigne and The Backseat Lovers, but I also grew up listening to artists from completely different genres and generations. I think pulling inspiration from different places has helped me figure out my own sound instead of trying to fit into one specific box.

Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?
I’m currently an independent artist. It gives me a lot of freedom to figure out my sound and direction without feeling like I have to change myself to fit whatever is trending.

What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?
I think one of the biggest challenges has been learning how much goes into being an independent artist beyond actually making music. I love writing, recording and performing, but there’s also promoting releases, creating content, planning everything and figuring out how to get your songs heard. It’s also been a learning experience finding my own sound and not feeling like I have to follow whatever everyone else is doing. I’m still pretty early in my career, so I know I’m going to make mistakes along the way, but I’m learning a lot from every release.

How many songs or albums have you released to date?
I’ve released three singles so far no good, (it was) never love, and hold me til i fall asleep. closer to dead will be my fourth release, and I’m working toward putting the four songs together as an EP.

Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?
closer to dead is a song I wrote while reflecting on a really difficult period of my life. It deals with depression, self-harm and feeling disconnected from yourself, which aren’t always easy things to talk about. I recorded it at Studio City Sound in Los Angeles with producer Eric Johnson. I wanted the music to reflect the weight of the lyrics, especially the way those feelings can build until everything seems overwhelming. It’s a different side of me than some of my other releases, and probably one of the most personal songs I’ve shared so far.

Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?
Yes! After closer to dead, I’m releasing a newer version of my first single, no good. I went back into the studio and re-recorded it with updated lyrics and production because I’ve grown so much since the original version was released. After that, the plan is to bring the four songs together into an EP. I’m also working on new music beyond the EP and hoping to perform live a lot more.

FOLLOW Ava Rivello ON: INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE