Gene  Aaron

Gene Aaron

Managing editor

For nearly two centuries, C.F. Martin & Co. has been shaping the soundscape of music in all genres and has become a global brand that defines and represents American culture. From the hands of legends to the stages of everyday storytellers, Martin Guitar continues to embody tradition, innovation, and musical excellence. At the 2025 NAMM Show, the company celebrated a monumental milestone with the unveiling of its D-3 Millionth serialized model, a symbol of craftsmanship and heritage that’s as much a work of art as it is an instrument.

Under the leadership of CEO Thomas Ripsam, Martin Guitar is embracing the future without losing sight of its roots. Whether it’s through the introduction of the striking new Art Guitars series or the expansion of the Martin Artist Showcase, the company continues to explore bold intersections between visual creativity and sonic brilliance. As both a brand and a cultural institution, Martin Guitar remains deeply committed to nurturing artistry, elevating musical expression, and supporting musicians at every stage of their journey.

In a world where music and craftsmanship collide, few artists embody the fusion of culture, innovation, and raw sonic power like Demetrio Scopelliti and John Ivan. Scopelliti—a multifaceted guitarist, producer, and founder of Inspiria Guitars—has built his legacy across borders. Born in Italy and based in Norway since 2008, he blends the bold spirit of Viking culture with the elegance of Italian design. His music and instruments are reflections of that duality: fierce, expressive, and meticulously crafted. 

Joining the conversation is John Ivan, known to many as GuitarSlinger—a veteran of the international metal scene and a true force in progressive and thrash metal. As a key member of the Michael Vescera Project and co-founder of The Voices of Metal, John brings decades of stage and studio experience to the table. Together, these two music experts explore what it means to push boundaries, elevate the guitar craft, and stay authentic in an ever-evolving musical landscape.

In a music scene increasingly flooded with hyper-polished production and genre-blending experimentation, The Outfit—a hard-hitting rock band out of Chicago—remains firmly rooted in the classic spirit of rock and roll. Their latest single, “Hard On Me,” is more than just a new release; it’s a declaration of intent. It marks a significant turning point for the band, both in sound and in identity, with the debut of their new lead vocalist, Bill Wilson

With a straightforward message wrapped in driving riffs and attitude-laden vocals, “Hard On Me” encapsulates what The Outfit does best—delivering authentic, guitar-driven rock with a raw emotional edge. The song is aggressive yet accessible, catchy but uncompromising, and above all, it’s real. In today’s music landscape, where so much is filtered through layers of synthetic sheen, The Outfit’s gritty, back-to-basics approach is not only refreshing—it’s vital.

Oceans On Orion, the genre-bending modern metal band based in Tel Aviv, Israel, continues to forge bold new creative paths with their latest release—a striking reimagining of Linkin Park’s emotionally charged anthem, “Breaking the Habit.” Rather than simply recreating the original, the band reconstructs it with intensity and purpose. Featuring the haunting and expressive guest vocals of Israeli singer-songwriter Danny Ly Ziser, this version transforms the song into something deeply personal and sonically powerful.

Layering the original’s emotional depth with crushing djent-style riffs, punchy nu-metal grooves, and a cyberpunk visual aesthetic, Oceans On Orion redefines what it means to honor a classic while reshaping it into something bold and new. From the first frames of the video, viewers are plunged into a dystopian landscape—marked by decaying backdrops and glitch effects—that powerfully mirrors the emotional chaos and introspection at the heart of the song’s lyrics.

There’s nothing quite like the energy of a live rock show—the raw vocals, the electrifying guitar solos, the thundering drums, and the undeniable connection between band and audience. It’s a feeling that fans chase, a moment that exists only in that space and time. But what if you could capture that experience and relive it over and over again? 

Plush has answered that call with Live USA ’24, an album that transports listeners straight into the heart of their explosive performances. 

With this release, the all-female rock powerhouse delivers the next best thing to being in the crowd, giving fans an unfiltered, high-octane experience. As a band that has been making waves in the rock scene with their powerful sound and undeniable presence, Plush has built a reputation for dynamic performances and emotional depth.

In the world of rock music, time is often the ultimate test of an album’s significance. Some records fade into obscurity, while others stand as a testament to the artists’ dedication, passion, and craftsmanship. For Mike Derosier, Roger Fisher, and Steve Fossen, their journey with the band Reigning Sun is one of perseverance, nostalgia, and musical brilliance. Decades after their initial recording sessions, their album Forest Rain is finally getting the recognition it deserves—proving that true art transcends time.

Originally recorded between 1992 - 1995, Forest Rain was born from a deeply personal and artistic collaboration between guitarist and vocalist Roger Fisher, drummer Mike Derosier, bassist Steve Fossen, and guitarist/vocalist Gino D’Cafango. The project was conceived as a tribute to Roger’s late son, Forest, while also serving as a celebration of their shared musical synergy. The band poured their hearts into crafting a sound that embodied both emotional depth and rock ‘n’ roll energy.

The global music scene was shattered with Beyoncé’s eighth studio album act ii COWBOY CARTER, a shockingly disruptive and, in the eyes and ears of many, controversial yet perfectly performed and produced masterpiece, which smashed streaming platforms, airwaves, and news outlets on March 29, 2024, following the monumental release of two lead singles, "TEXAS HOLD 'EM" and "16 CARRIAGES" on February 11, Superbowl Sunday. 

In this groundbreaking work, Beyoncé embarks on a bold musical journey that transcends genre boundaries, rooted in the rich tradition of country music while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. With her trademark creativity and fearless approach, Beyoncé delivers an album that pays homage to musical pioneers across genres like Country, Rock, Classical, and Opera, and it celebrates the past while charting a bold new course in Americana culture while valiantly redefining the soundscape of Americana culture.

Can you imagine and plan your holiday celebrations without a splash of colorful magic that would make your parties bright, flamboyant, and unforgettable? Then, you should saturate the palettes of your soirées with the prismatic line of Empress 1908 Gin. These colorful creations don’t just taste incredible; they turn every gathering into a sensory experience with cocktails that are as striking as they are delicious. 

The Empress GINeration of some of the most distinctive hand-crafted gins with the most distinctive flavors, making the most distinctive mesmerizing cocktails, includes the best-selling Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, the fragrant Elderflower Rose Gin, and the Cucumber Lemon Gin, introduced earlier this year. Whether hosting a formal soirée or a cozy holiday happy hour, Empress 1908 Gin inspired cocktails will decorate your festivities in style with elegance and flair.

Published in Culture Press

Images and information about Jerry Garcia exhibition are courtesy of Arete Gallery

Jerry Garcia is one of a few defining figures who reshaped American culture and rock history in the second half of the Twentieth Century, a cornerstone of anti-war and human rights movements of the late ’60s through early ’70s, whose heritage and legacy, both as a musician and as an artist, continues to resonate, embodying a spirit of innovation, nonconformity, and creative exploration that has influenced generations.

On August 1st, 2024, the Arete Gallery opened a ravishing exhibition celebrating Jerry Garcia's art. This exhibition brought music and visual art fans into the dynamic creative world of the iconic Grateful Dead frontman. Though Garcia is best known for his extraordinary musical legacy, he was also an accomplished artist, creating a remarkable collection of paintings, drawings, and mixed-media works throughout his life.

Published in Art

All-female rock sensation Plush recently wrapped up their first headlining Find The Beautiful Tour, following an epic, 23-show arena series with Disturbed and Falling In Reverse earlier this year. Plush closed the touring year by heading over the ocean to shake up Japan, where they played a special show in Okinawa on October 5, 2024, at the Futenma Flight Line Fair

Right before leaving for The Land Of The Rising Sun, Plush has dropped a new music video for their smashing hit "Run," directed by Chase Warren. The song held a spot on the Billboard Top 40 Mainstream Rock Chart for several weeks and is featured on their latest EP, Find the Beautiful, which was released in January under Pavement Entertainment.

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SULÉY ERA is an emerging global multimedia publication reinventing digital media as a new-age communications platform.

Publisher: Suléy Group | Seattle, WA

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