Hollis Brown has been releasing music since 2013 and is about as conscientious and hardworking as a band can get. The Queens, NY group recently announced they are set to release their latest album Ozone Park on June 7 via Mascot Label Group, the first single off the record “Do Me Right” is out now. You probably have heard Hollis Brown’s all-American rock ‘n’ roll before without even knowing it; their blend of Americana, soul, and hard rock has been featured on major television shows, motion picture trailers, designer fashion shows, and more. The group is happy to pave their way toward national recognition with their sound which pays homage to the rock heroes of the past without compromising its contemporary feel. Folk, country, blues, this band juggles these styles with grace and when necessary blends them powerfully. Check out their new video for “Do Me Right” below. - Rene Cobar

The “Are You With It” showcase, presented by Makings, is coming up at Cornerstone the 30th of March and it’s getting quite the local buzz. Makings is a music and artist advocacy group founded by Austin Prince and his manager, Kara McCall. Makings is all about helping promote Bay Area musicians who might not yet have a huge name or representation. The “Are You With It?” series does just that.

Says Austin Prince, “There’s no genres; we’re not trying to put on a big clubby scene or something where you have to know people to get in a set. You just have to be musicians who have talent and the passion to perform. We’re all about making those connections within our communities, at these shows. We want to help less-exposed artists find their footing and get their music out there.” So who’s on feature at this month’s Are You With It? A lot of funk, sassy R&B, and a touch of poppy indie rock, all brought to you by Madi Sipes & the Painted Blue, Trace Repeat & Cereus Bloom and--back by popular demand and fan’s insistence--Austin Prince. To honor Mr. Prince, check out his charming new music video featuring a skateboarding bird. -Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

NYC group Ghost Funk Orchestra will be taking the stage at Brooklyn Bazaar on April 4th, and they will be bringing the sounds of their 2017 record Something Evil with them. In songs like “Fluorescent,” the group uses Djembe rhythms to lure the listener into a vortex of funky basslines and soulful vocals, their odd time signatures keeping you at the epicenter of the jam. The nine-piece ensemble of Julian Applebaum (bass), Seth Applebaum (guitar), Kyle Beach (drums), Stephen Chen (bari sax), Laura Gwynn (vocals/keyboard), Romi Hanoch (vocals/percussion), James Kelly (trombone), Joshua Park (guitar), and Rich Seibert (trumpet) utilizes every instrument at their disposal to craft a type of “heavy soul” or “dark funk” sound that fits their namesake. If you are up for something new, we recommend checking them out. - Rene Cobar