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  • Runaway by Lucas Lutter: A Soulful Folk Journey

    Runaway by Lucas Lutter: A Soulful Folk Journey

    Runaway Cover

    Runaway – Lucas Lutter

    Release Date: 2025
    Genre: Singer-Songwriter / Folk
    Duration: 3:39
    Date of Review: June 5, 2025
    Reviewer: Rafael Montecruz

    “Warm vocals, beautiful writing, and a melody that stays with you.”

    From the very first note, Runaway pulled me in with a soft acoustic guitar and ambient echoes that worked together in harmony. I felt a sense of calm overcoming my person as I listened to this new tune. Then Lucas began to sing, and his voice hit with that rare singer-songwriter warmth, as if I were hearing a close friend open up about his life.

    The songwriting is exceptional, wrapped in a melody that’s both beautiful and intimate. I might’ve missed this hidden gem had Lucas not chosen to share it, and for that, I’m truly thankful.

    Listen now:

  • Before the web

    Before the web

    Do you remember life before the internet?

    Absolutely. The internet is amazing, having instant access to information and being connected 24/7 is a huge advantage. But growing up before all that was a different kind of fun.

    Back then, there was no streaming. You had to wait until a certain day or time to catch your favorite show. There were no apps, just CDs and radio. If you had a question, there was no quick search. You had to really figure it out, which made finding the answer feel that much more satisfying.

    I remember hearing the song “Luna” by Don Omar on the radio and I fell in love with it instantly. The funny thing was that at that time, I didn’t know who Don Omar was. I spent weeks trying to figure out the name of the song. It was frustrating, but it made finding the name of the song that much more thrilling.

    In a way, life pushed you outside more. You had to be out in the world to experience it. And honestly, there was something beautiful about that.

  • Chance Emerson’s All My Love: Emotional Singer-Songwriter Track

    Chance Emerson’s All My Love: Emotional Singer-Songwriter Track

    All My Love Cover

    All My Love – Chance Emerson

    Release Date: 2025
    Genre: Singer-Songwriter / Folk
    Duration: 3:44
    Date of Review: May 25, 2025
    Reviewer: Rafael Montecruz

    “A heartfelt acoustic gem that instantly draws you in.”

    All My Love opens with a lovely guitar melody, instantly paired with Emerson’s rich, gravelly vocals—full of emotion and sincerity. His storytelling is vivid and immersive, each line pulling you deeper into the song.

    This is one of those rare discoveries that feels like fate. I hadn’t heard of Chance Emerson before, but now he’s earned a spot on my playlists. A true gem I’ll have on repeat.

    Listen now:

  • Sebastián Yatra’s Disco Rayado: A Love Letter in Latin Pop

    Sebastián Yatra’s Disco Rayado: A Love Letter in Latin Pop

    Disco Rayado Cover

    Disco Rayado – Sebastián Yatra

    Release Date: 2024
    Genre: Latin Pop
    Duration: 2:31
    Date of Review: May 23, 2025
    Reviewer: Rafael Montecruz

    “A love letter with great rhythm.”

    Yatra’s Disco Rayado begins with gentle strums of the guitar and tender heartfelt vocals, que paran corto de enamorarte — a signature style that I’ve come to love and appreciate. But at around 0:31, it lifts unexpectedly into an upbeat rhythm, blending emotional storytelling with sonic energy.

    The mix is crisp, the balance is perfect — letting Yatra’s vocals shine. It’s catchy, well-crafted, and endlessly re-listenable. A song you don’t just hear — you feel.

    Listen now:

  • Balancing What Matters

    Balancing What Matters

    How do you balance work and home life?

    I wish I could say I balance work and home life with ease, but the truth is, I had to make sacrifices and adjustments throughout the years.

    I don’t get as much sleep or downtime as I’d like, and I’ve cut back significantly on things like watching tv or playing games.

    It’s not always easy but I do it because I need to work, I’m not ready to let go of my music, and my family is everything to me.

    I just try to stay focused on what’s most important everyday.

  • The light that guided me

    The light that guided me

    Share a story about someone who had a positive impact on your life.

    One person who had a profoundly positive impact on my life is my mom. Growing up, it was always just the two of us, and through every challenge, I watched her work tirelessly, lifting others with her kindness and never asking for anything in return. 

    She’s been one of my greatest inspirations, the one who believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. Because of her, I came to realize that some dreams are worth fighting for. 

  • One for the road

    One for the road

    Have you ever broken a bone?

    Unfortunately, yes. I broke my knuckle bone during school. One day I came to learn that the bones in my knuckles were not stronger than the bones in the other guy’s hip. That day after my mom had to leave work to come get me from the office, we rode the Muni bus to the doctor’s office. She was a little upset with me to say the least. The doctor had to insert a small titanium plate to repair my broken knuckle, a plate which I still have to this day.

  • Inspiration

    Inspiration

    Thank you all for taking the time to read. I recently sent an email telling a brief backstory of how “Dime Qué Será de Ti” came to be:

    I thought it would be a good idea to post for everyone else to read as well.

    For those interested, read on.

    After months of writer’s block and feeling as if I had lost my musical inspiration, I woke around 2AM one night — the notes of a piano echoing through my mind. I immediately looked around for something to record on, the only thing I had on me was my iPad… so having to make due, I opened a downloaded piano app and let the melody guide my fingers. I composed through the night, not pausing, chasing the inspiration, until I had completed a rough sketch of the song.

    That moment became the heart of “Dime Qué Será de Ti.”

    I was able to translate the song into English (Tell Me Why) and began working with Abraham Armell in 2023. I loved his vocal rendition of my song so that is why I released “Tell Me Why” first. 

    Check out the links below for the music.

    Dime Que Sera De Ti (A. Mix)
    Tell Me Why (Remix)

  • 🎧 First Listen: Why I’m Reviewing Music

    🎧 First Listen: Why I’m Reviewing Music

    Welcome to the first post on the Montecruz Music review section.

    As an artist, I know what it takes to write a song that means something — something honest, emotional, or raw. I’ve spent years creating music from the heart, and along the way, I’ve realized something else: I love listening just as much as I love creating.

    This space is where I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the songs and artists that move me — whether it’s a lyric that sticks in your head, a beat that shifts your mood, or a performance that says everything without saying much at all.

    Here’s what you can expect from this review section:

    • Unfiltered takes on new releases and hidden gems
    • Emotional breakdowns of lyrics and production
    • Shoutouts to independent artists doing incredible work
    • Reviews in both English and Spanish, depending on the track

    My goal? To spotlight music that deserves to be heard — and to build a space where music lovers and music makers meet.

    Whether you’re here as a listener or a fellow artist, I’m glad you stopped by.
    Let’s listen deeply. Let’s feel something real.

    More reviews coming soon.

    — Rafael Montecruz