Montecruz Music

Tag: Singer Songwriter

  • October 2025 Featured Song: Revelation by Nick Howe

    October 2025 Featured Song: Revelation by Nick Howe

    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…

    October 2025: Revelation: Nick Howe

    Behind the Song

    Revelation is one of the newest singles from singer-songwriter Nick Howe, which has quickly found its way to the top of my playlist 2025 Next Gen Vibes. Revelation is a powerful and emotional track that begins with a calm, reflective tone, before building in intensity.

    Through its lyrics and instrumentation, it tells the story of a man who is standing at the edge, both mentally and physically. The lyrics are well-crafted and deeply relatable, while the instrumentation perfectly complements the emotional weight of the message in the vocals. Excellent work, Nick. Keep pushing those limits.

    “I will learn as I keep falling. Pull me to the edge again.”

    🎧 Listen Now

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

  • Q&A: My Favorite Hobby & Pastime

    Q&A: My Favorite Hobby & Pastime

    What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

    One of my favorite hobbies is writing. I’ve always enjoyed creating songs and stories in my free time. I’ve always seen writing as a way for me to travel to another world as a different person or character. It helps me step outside my comfort zone and change my scenery a bit, even if I’m just sitting in my studio. I even keep a couple of ink pens and fancy notepads that I would use specifically for my creative writing.

    Another pastime I really enjoy is trying out different restaurants with my family. I love discovering new types of cuisines and finding those hidden gems that I want to keep returning to. If I hadn’t chosen the path I’m on now, I probably would’ve become a chef. It was something that I studied for in school and truly enjoyed.

  • Hoy: A Vibrant Reimagining of a Latin Classic

    Hoy: A Vibrant Reimagining of a Latin Classic

    Hoy cover art

    Hoy – Mindblow, Briana Timari, OZLEMEK, Centyes

    Release Date: 2025
    Genre: Latin Pop/EDM
    Duration: 2:36
    Date of Review: September 26, 2025
    Reviewer: Rafael Montecruz

    “A new take on a Latin classic. You won’t want to miss this one!”

    Hoy, originally popularized by Gloria Estefan and written by Peru’s legendary songwriter Gian Marco, has long been a Latin Pop classic. Now, Mindblow, OZLEMEK & Centyes breathe new life into the hit with a vibrant reimagining, featuring the captivating vocals of Briana Timari.

    From the very first note, Timari’s voice immediately draws you in. The synth pads and synths set up the atmosphere, while the percussion and crisp shakers inject the track with a pulsing Latin rhythm. The layered production adds depth and a certain texture, which makes you want to keep listening to see where the track will take you.

    This reimagined version of Hoy is a song of pure energy. It’ll have you moving on the dance floor or just nodding along in your seat. A super fun update to an already exceptional song. Hoy is a showcase of pure talent you can feel.

    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.

  • Review: Cole Rosen’s Gripping New Single ‘Dead To Me’

    Review: Cole Rosen’s Gripping New Single ‘Dead To Me’

    Dead To Me cover art

    Dead To Me – Cole Rosen

    Release Date: 2025
    Genre: Rock
    Duration: 2:22
    Date of Review: August 31, 2025
    Reviewer: Rafael Montecruz

    “Memorable, heartbreak rock anthem”

    Cole Rosen’s newest single, Dead To Me, is a masterpiece you won’t want to miss. The grit of the rock-infused electric guitars, the steady pulse of the drums, and a tight bassline frame Rosen’s distinctive vocal performance. Subtle vocal effects add mystique without dulling the edge.

    The lyrics trace the final moments of a fractured relationship, the arrangement telling the story; as the verses tighten with tension, the choruses burst open, and a searing guitar solo around 1:55 lets the heartache speak for itself. You can feel every line sung in this heartbreak-rock tour de force. With a runtime of 2:22, Dead To Me is memorable, to-the-point, and sure to reach the top of many rock-inspired playlists.

    Listen now:

  • 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

    If you enjoy the song, add it to your playlist today. Let’s keep that momentum going. Thank you for listening.

    Rafael Montecruz
    Singer • Songwriter • Storyteller

    Listen now:

  • tension by Haiden Henderson

    tension by Haiden Henderson

    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…

    August 2025: tension: Haiden Henderson

    Behind the Song

    Haiden Henderson’s newest track, Tension, is one that you won’t want to miss. It’s a bittersweet clash of heartbreaking lyrics and an infectious, upbeat melody. The production is excellent, blending emotional vocals with dynamic rock elements for a sound that you won’t soon forget. If this track hooks you, then the rest of the Tension album is a must-hear.

    “You’re so cold, never thought I’d have to watch you go. Best friend to a lover to a ghost.”

    🎧 Listen Now

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

  • Experience the Vibrant Sounds of NOCHVNCE’s ‘You’

    Experience the Vibrant Sounds of NOCHVNCE’s ‘You’

    You cover art

    You – NOCHVNCE

    Release Date: 2025
    Genre: Pop/Funk
    Duration: 2:56
    Date of Review: August 1, 2025
    Reviewer: Rafael Montecruz

    “WOOOOO!!!”

    NOCHVNCE is a rising duo making waves with their latest single, You — a vibrant fusion of pop and funk that hits all the right notes.

    From the initial fade-in till the moment the funky guitar riffs drop, the track hooks you. The vocals are catchy and emotionally relatable, riding through the highs and lows of pop perfection. The chorus was my favorite part of the song — hooky, smooth, and impossible not to nod along to. NOCHVNCE is definitely a duo worth watching, and You is just the beginning.

    Listen now:

  • Josh Ross & Akon: New Country Pop Hit Reviewed

    Josh Ross & Akon: New Country Pop Hit Reviewed

    Drunk Right Now (Na Na Na) cover art

    Drunk Right Now (Na Na Na) – Josh Ross, Akon

    Release Date: 2025
    Genre: Pop/Country
    Duration: 3:18
    Date of Review: July 21, 2025
    Reviewer: Rafael Montecruz

    “It’s been too long since I’ve heard one of Akon’s songs. I thought he was gone, and I’d never hear from him again.”

    Akon was a pivotal star when I was growing up, so when I saw that he released this new country/fusion track — a reimagined version of his heartbreak classic, Right Now — I was instantly intrigued.

    From the very start, I was hooked. The blend of acoustic and electric guitars sets a raw, heartfelt tone, perfectly matched by Josh Ross’ gritty and powerful vocals. Then Akon comes in — smooth, melodic, and timeless. His delivery is a reminder of why he’s always been a musical prodigy. The duet feels effortless, like two friends trading stories over heartbreak.

    Keep the masterpieces coming, Akon.

    Listen now:

  • I Fantasise Review: A Summer Hit by Natalie McCool

    I Fantasise Review: A Summer Hit by Natalie McCool

    I Fantasise cover art

    I Fantasise – Natalie McCool, Ellysse Mason

    Release Date: 2025
    Genre: Pop/Rock
    Duration: 3:25
    Date of Review: July 18, 2025
    Reviewer: Rafael Montecruz

    “A summer hit you won’t want to miss.”

    I Fantasise is the pop/rock hit you’ve been waiting for. It kicks off with a compelling blend of palm-muted guitars and vocals that immediately draw you in. As the drums enter, the energy builds steadily, flowing seamlessly into a catchy verse and pre-chorus that promise something big.

    And then the chorus hits, giving you that powerful and satisfying payoff. The dynamic interplay between Natalie McCool and Ellysse Mason adds emotional depth and a great texture to a mix that’s both clean and professionally produced. Overall, I Fantasise stands out as a stellar production from all involved.

    Listen now: