“Music has always been my lens for understanding the world. It’s a universal language that transcends borders, time, and experiences, showing me how interconnected we all are. Whether it’s the protest songs of the 1960s or a pop anthem that makes you want to dance, music teaches empathy and resilience.”

Eric Alper: That ……

"Everything. Back then the music was pure, and the industry was somewhat corrupt but there were openings to get through with some real shit. Now everybody’s copying everybody else and there’s very little I hear that’s new and good."

Jon Tiven:

Soul Glimpse to the Music Mission

Jon Tiven…

“Life is indeed more than music and I see many things that has other influences but I basically relate it all to music because I can see a Blues in it all.”

Eb Davis: Alright Blues Then and Now

Ebylee "EB" Davis is an…

"I believe an Artists' primary role is to themselves, not just to please others. If an artist chooses a path of socially relevant or irrelevant art, it is their choice, but not responsibility. Art may spark emotions in people, who may relate, understand or support your message. Art brings awareness."

Steve Johannsen: The Colors of Music

Steve…

“I want music to remain a healing and uniting force, and stay clear of the political and social rifts that divide us. I want music to always be a positive force that everyone can relax with, commune with, and be at peace with, whatever their type of music may be.”

Ed Alstrom: Music of Life, Life of…

“Music is a healer; the best blues music will turn sadness to joy. You can get lost inside of a song or performance like nothing else and come out feeling different, better.”

Marc Lipkin:

Alligator Attack -…

"If it wasn't for the blues music rock and roll wouldn't never exist which eventually shook up the world's culture. In today's emotional coldness, the sounds and lyrics of that kind of music provide a direct outlet to real human essence, building a world that is more sensitive and hopeful."

Giotis Kyttaris: Blues Machine & Black Jug

Athens…

"My inner life is the source that determines how I write about what I am experiencing. What influences me is everything that I experience. By this I mean from love and friendship to politics, the working world from tech to traffic to social media, rain walking, etc."

Fred Hostetler: Americana Experiences

Fred Hostetler is an indie artist, American…

"The blues is the most resilience form of Art known... That the number one reason to spread the seeds... Blues ... is waiting for them who don’t know him!!! When the blues touch the soul ... the soul remember!!! The Blues makes you happy even when you are sad for any reason!!! The blues (especially in minor mood) take you in front of the Lord!!!"

Miguel Vilanova: Don Plays The…

"I think music is still having the desired affect on people. It can take away sadness, bring people together, express love and hope. There is nothing quite like a stroll down a musical memory lane to stir the emotions."

Colin Hart: A Rock n' Roll Life

In July 1971 Colin Hart, a Geordie lad from South Shields, was on his first tour of America as a…

“Music is like a good old friend. It brings back memories connects you to your present by uplifting you and sometimes it also speaks about you or things you are going through so you cannot feel alone with music. Humans need music to get trough everyday challenges.“

Sarah Sokal: Twisted Games Blues…

“Music is a unifying force, and coming out of the pandemic, live music has become even more cherished. However, economic challenges have shifted the landscape, with fewer people attending shows or buying physical music.”

Lucas Haneman: One Man …Band…

”Music is omnipresent. It's so sad that music is trapped in the hands of a few pimps like Spotify, Apple and Amazon. Blues music is especially important as well as soul, gospel, funk, rock n roll and many other music because it is man made, handmade music. In contrast to computer, loop, autotune music. Emotion is not transported by computers!”…

“Well in my case the blues has taken me to many place around the world. So have experienced many other cultures. As humans we are all the same!”

Tommy Castro: Close To The (Blues) Bone

On Friday, February 7, 2025, Alligator Records will…

“Music is an extra-semantic way of communication, aimed at our inarticulate subconsciousness, at the deep layers of the soul. Music is not ear to ear, it is soul to soul. We should aspire to reach the state of holism- it is when the whole is bigger than the sum of its parts. I try not to write meaningless lyrics, but to send a message.“…

"Today music serves less of a spiritual role than it has in the past and although I can appreciate its role as entertainment, I find I gravitate towards music that uplifts my soul and resonates with a part of myself that thinks this whole human experience is worth it."

Ernesto J Ponce: In-Between Times

In-Between Times (2024), the new…

"Preserving blues, and acoustic music in general, is crucial to our society’s mental health. It’s a world away from computers, television, traffic, and troubling political events. There are some folks in this world who don’t understand blues music. I always try to remind them that blues is not about giving in to adversity but overcoming it. It has always been a celebration of life, even in life’s difficult times."…

"Don’t try to please everyone. Be honest with your choices. What you do is not always gonna be everyone’s bag. Now I sing across a lot of styles and some people have told me some are dogshit. That’s fine. But if you mean your music, you will build genuine and beautiful connections with your audience through music.  I love singing the blues and folks reach out to me to say keep doing what you do - we feel it … that means everything."…

"The Blues originated from the Black Community and described Black People’s hard times mainly due to racial discrimination. As a result, the Blues had – by default – a big impact to human rights as it motivated people, societies and authorities to adapt deterrent legislation. As a music idiom, the Blues had a vibe strong enough to inspire and be the base for modern music which is massively accepted and dominates audiences for 60 – 70 years now. Thus, the…

"The blues expresses the whole range of human emotions and has always been rooted in personal struggles and societal challenges, so it will always be relevant. I think as a blues artist it’s important to embrace the heritage of the genre, but also to find your own voice within it and bring something new to the table."

Will Wilde: The Blues Is Still Alive…