Category: Latest News & Updates

Montecruz Music’s Latest News & Updates

  • Evelyn Cormier’s Like Me Better: A Must-Listen in February 2026

    Evelyn Cormier’s Like Me Better: A Must-Listen in February 2026

    Montecruz Music’s Featured Song of the Month

    One song. One moment.

    Montecruz Music’s Song of the Month

    February 2026: Like Me Better: Evelyn Cormier

    Behind the Song

    Welcome back, Cruz Fam, to another Song of the Month. February was a tough one. I received hundreds of submissions and listened to many different tracks, but one song managed to edge out the rest and stand out the most: Like Me Better by Evelyn Cormier.

    From the very first listen, the vibe of this track stood out. It’s packed with infectious, upbeat energy that makes you want to get up and dance. The vocals were very well done; fun, emotional, and uniquely expressive. The songwriting is also very strong, with lyrics that flow naturally and keep you engaged in the story.

    The instrumentation is equally impressive. The guitars, bass, drums, and synths are beautifully blended together, creating a cohesive sound that takes the song to a whole new level.

    A well-deserved Song of the Month, go give it a listen, Cruz Fam.

    “I think that I like me better, when my past isn’t pulling me down.”

    🎧 Listen Now

    Come back next month for a new featured song. Got a track you think deserves the spotlight? Email us.

  • Indie Pop Track Review: ‘Change Your Mind’

    Indie Pop Track Review: ‘Change Your Mind’

    Hoy Cover

    Change Your Mind – The Grownup Noise

    Release Date: 2026
    Genre: Indie Pop
    Duration: 1:36
    Date of Review: February 20, 2026
    Reviewer: Rafael Montecruz

    “I’m going to change your mind!”

    Hey Cruz Fam, welcome to the first of hopefully many Montecruz Music Reviews for 2026. I wanted to kick things off with Change Your Mind, one of eleven tracks from The Grownup Noise’s newest album.

    I was only recently introduced to The Grownup Noise, and I have to say, I haven’t been disappointed. What immediately caught my attention were the clear 70’s influences woven throughout the track, giving it a modern-day Beatles feel while still sounding fresh and current.

    Another standout is the excellent vocal performance from lead singer Paul Hansen. His calm, laid-back tone fits the song perfectly. Not to be outdone, the instrumentation is beautifully recorded, while the overall production has a polished, professional sound that makes it clear this project was a true labor of love.

    At just around 1:36, Change Your Mind has instant replay value, making this track a hit you won’t want to miss.

    Listen now:


  • December 2025 Song of the Month: Don’t You Want It? by Winnie Ama

    December 2025 Song of the Month: Don’t You Want It? by Winnie Ama

    Montecruz Music’s Featured Song of the Month

    A song lived. A story felt. A voice that stays, long after the last note. And the award goes to…drumroll please…

    December 2025: Don’t You Want It?: Winnie Ama

    Behind the Song

    Happy Holidays, music lovers! This month’s Montecruz Music Song of the Month goes to Winnie Ama’s opening track from her newest album (DEKA), Don’t You Want It?

    Winnie absolutely wowed me with this one. Don’t You Want It? is a vibrant fusion of funk and modern-day pop, tied together by Winnie’s soulful vocals. From the very first note, the song had me hooked, with its sensual and seductive tone that had me nodding along to the rhythm.

    If you’ve made it this far, I truly appreciate you. Thank you for all your love and support throughout this incredible year. Now, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to the rest of her wonderful album.

    “I don’t wanna wait another minute for us. Everything about you says that we should meet up.”

    🎧 Listen Now

    Come back next month for a new featured song. Got a track you think deserves the spotlight? Email us.

  • Madrugada: A Cinematic Journey in Portuguese Pop Music

    Madrugada: A Cinematic Journey in Portuguese Pop Music

    Madrugada (Portuguese Version) cover art

    Madrugada (Portuguese Version) — Rafael Montecruz feat. Evran de Almeida

    Release Date: October 24, 2025
    Genre: Pop
    Duration: 4:02
    ISRC: usl4r2560801  •  UPC: 199800718625

    “Madrugada… As horas cinzas em que duas almas perdidas se entrelaçam. Mas a nossa história… continua.”

    “(Translated) Madrugada… The gray hours when two lost souls intertwine. Yet our story… continues.”

    Madrugada (Portuguese Version) is a cinematic, Gipsy-inspired story told through song. It marks Montecruz’s first-ever Portuguese release; his way of saying thank you to the Portuguese fans who connected with him through his website and social media. Inspired by his late grandfather’s storytelling, Montecruz weaves emotion, melody, and memory into a tale that transcends language and culture.

    Musically, Madrugada blends the passion of flamenco guitars with the drive of modern pop production. Acoustic and electric guitars take center stage, supported by a dynamic rhythm section of drums, subtle strings, and atmospheric synths. All of this is tied together by the enigmatic vocal performance of Evran de Almeida. Madrugada is meant to be unlike anything you’ve ever heard before.

    Favorite quote:

    “Dramatic melodies combine with fiery rhythms on this track, which features a dynamic arrangement that blends traditional flamenco with modern pop and a stirring performance from guest vocalist Evran de Almeida.” — Steven Azami

    Rafael Montecruz

    Singer • Songwriter • Storyteller

    Listen now:


  • September 2025 Featured Song: One More Time by T.Rafe

    September 2025 Featured Song: One More Time by T.Rafe

    Montecruz Music’s Featured Song of the Month

    A song lived. A story felt. A voice that stays, long after the last note. And the award goes to…drumroll please…

    September 2025: One more time: T.Rafe

    Behind the Song

    One more time has held a special place at the top of my playlist, Indie Songs You Need to Hear, for one simple reason; it’s a stunningly beautiful track. While it may not have the big-budget polish of mainstream hits, it shines in ways that matter far more. The writing is exceptional, drawing you into a lyrical journey that stays with you long after the final note. The instrumentation is equally moving, with the piano often taking center stage. The strings and guitar add a gentle warmth, while the drums provide that build-up you didn’t know you were waiting for. T. Rafe’s tender, heartfelt vocals tie it all together, closing the piece with genuine emotion. Every lyric and every piano note feels like medicine for the soul. Do yourself a favor and listen to this track today.

    “Would you stay beside me, would you say you want me, like the worlds colliding as you hold me tightly.”

    🎧 Listen Now

    Come back next month for a new featured song. Got a track you think deserves the spotlight? Email us.

  • Someday (Reimagined): A New Take on Rafael Montecruz’s Hit

    Someday (Reimagined): A New Take on Rafael Montecruz’s Hit

    Someday (Reimagined) cover art

    Someday (Reimagined) — Rafael Montecruz feat. Abraham Armell

    Release Date: July 25, 2025
    Genre: Pop
    Duration: 2:31
    ISRC: USHM92542845  •  UPC: 199800115226

    “I hear your voice, echoing through my mind.”

    Someday (Reimagined) breathes new life into Montecruz’s 2024 release (Someday), transforming it into a more upbeat production. This version lives in that hazy place between dreaming and waking, where reality blurs and imagination takes over.

    Layers of shimmering synths, funk-infused guitars, and haunting backup vocals meant to feel like echoes in your imagination pull you deeper into that dream realm. Beneath its upbeat groove lies the heart of a ballad, the kind that makes you want to dance with tears in your eyes.

    What people are saying:

    “Quite possibly his catchiest and most euphoric, thought provoking single to date.” — Stereo Stickman
    “Excellent production, solid mix. Fantastic atmosphere, and a restrained energy that runs throughout. Gorgeous intro, nice synth selections.” — Steven Azami

    Rafael Montecruz

    Singer • Songwriter • Storyteller

    Listen now:


  • Montecruz Music: Upcoming Single Release on July 25, 2025

    Montecruz Music: Upcoming Single Release on July 25, 2025

    Latest News from Montecruz Music

    Updates, stories, and the freshest beats from the Montecruz Music world.

    Someday Reimagined single cover artwork

    Upcoming Single July 25, 2025

    We’ve been working on something special at Montecruz Music. A new version of a single that many of you have come to know and love.

    A reimagined take that brings new life and perspective while keeping the heart of the original intact.

    “The curtains rise, the audience roars to life.”

    A familiar melody, a whole new vibe. Coming soon.

    Stay tuned for more updates from Montecruz Music. Got news or music to share? Email us.