A wise substitute teacher once said, “you’re not hardcore unless you live hardcore,” and actor and musician Rivkah Reyes clearly took that lesson to heart. Reyes, who played bassist Katie in the 2003 comedy School of Rock, has since become a real-life rockstar, recently releasing the hard-hitting, and hardcore, new single “Miss Congeniality.”

Borrowing its title, and a bit of lyrical inspiration, from the Y2K classic starring Sandra Bullock, the track, produced by frequent collaborator Blonder (Anna Shoemaker, Ryn Weaver), uses the metaphor of a beauty pageant to explore the pressure to make yourself more digestible, only to be left with the sting of coming in second place.

In the accompanying music video, co-directed by Reyes and Katie Colwell, edited by Jill Blutt, and filmed at OutBox, a queer and trans boxing gym in Bushwick, Reyes channels her inner Gracie Hart, Bullock’s character in the film. Robed in a hyper-feminine pink dress and sparkling tiara, she steps into the boxing ring to grapple with herself while challenging societal expectations of femininity.

On the latest episode of The Juice Box Sessions, we sat down with the New York City-based indie rock/pop musician and actor to discuss the new single, doing her own stage makeup, and what’s next.

Cover Art Photo By: Jon Del Real

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Your mid-twenties are for self-discovery, love, hard lessons, and, inevitably, a little mess. On her fourth EP, ATMOSPHERE, Natalie Shay captures it all. The record acts as a “sonic diary,” with the North London artist writing and singing with disarming honesty as she reflects on the past two years, marking the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another.

On the latest episode of the Juice Box Sessions, we sat down with Shay to chat about the making of the EP, including her collaboration with close friend Kaity Rae (Remember Monday, The Shires) and the most important thing she learned about herself along the way.

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For Carter Benjamin, “Take Your Sweet Time” isn’t just a song title; it’s a mantra. One that’s guided every setback, pivot, and breakthrough along the way.

Benjamin grew up immersed in music, whether in church pews or on car rides with his “music head” dad, blasting everything from Christian hardcore metal to Christian hip-hop and punk. When YouTube began expanding access to artists across genres, Benjamin’s world widened with it, revealing just how limitless music could be.

He entered college intent on earning a degree in music, but after struggling through three years, he pivoted to organizational leadership. The decision felt less like a strategy and more like a surrender. Defeated, he moved back in with his grandmother, unsure of what came next. Then, a seemingly ordinary trip to the store for a loaf of bread became an inflection point, a quiet but defining reminder that there’s power in breaking the mold rather than forcing yourself to fit inside one.

After a lifetime passion for music and a revived belief in himself, taking his sweet time finally paid off. On his third application to the Salt Lick Incubator, he was selected by an esteemed panel of Grammy-winning artists, earning a spot on the roster and access to grants, mentorship, and a creative community poised to help propel him forward.

On the latest episode of The Juice Box Sessions, Benjamin opened up about being part of the Salt Lick Incubator, the creative process behind “Take Your Sweet Time,” and his advice for other independent artists.

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If your New Year’s resolution includes setting boundaries, Mae Stephens has written your new alt-pop anthem, “Done With U.”

The defiant track marks a bold reintroduction to the Gold-certified British songstress, who first captured global attention with her breakout hit “If We Ever Broke Up.” Now 22, Stephens continues to write candidly from personal experience, unafraid to tell it exactly how it is.

The single arrives alongside an equally unapologetic—and cheeky—music video directed by Willow Hazell. Set within a satirical talent-show format, the visual finds Stephens confronted by contestants pushing their luck for her attention, with little success.

On the latest episode of Juice Box Sessions, we sat down with Stephens to discuss collaborating with Billen Ted (Becky Hill, Joel Corry, Wes Nelson), her advice on protecting your peace, and what’s next in this exciting new era.

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After infiltrating our feeds with “Ever After,” MICO is back with another earworm, “Parasite.”Teaming up with Haiden Henderson, MICO delivers a track about the emotional toll of a one-sided, all-consuming relationship. The string-laden production is a perfect host for the sinisterly good lyrics.On our latest podcast, we caught up with MICO on his "internet hometown hero" tour to chat about his new music, life on the road, and the the importance of building community.

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Two years after her critically acclaimed EP Southern Delicacy, Jai’Len Josey is serving up a fresh music era with “New Girl,” released via Def Jam Recordings.

The Atlanta-born artist flexes her evolving sound and production prowess on the sultry, genre-bending track, fusing R&B and UK Garage into the irresistible single. The Broadway alum doesn’t skimp on the vocals either, riding through intricate runs without missing a beat.

We caught up with her during rehearsals to talk about “New Girl,” stepping into her confident alter ego, and how The Sims inspired her forthcoming debut album, Serial Romantic.

Photo Credit: Theorian Jackson

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Listening to a Vacation Manor song feels like stepping into the soundtrack of a coming-of-age film, melodies steeped in nostalgia and hope, with lyrics that echo a main character’s voiceover, eloquently capturing life’s pivotal moments.

The indie-rock duo’s latest EP, Back To Town, arrives on the heels of some of their most meaningful milestones, from celebrating a decade as a band to embracing fatherhood.

ECHO sat down with guitarist and vocalist Nathan Towles to talk about the making of the EP, becoming a father, and learning to soak in every moment.

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With a distinctive sound and a passion for storytelling, Kaleb Cohen is quickly making a name for himself in the indie-folk scene. Drawing inspiration from a diverse musical upbringing and his experiences as a young artist navigating the industry, Kaleb brings a fresh yet nostalgic feel to his music. As he gears up for the release of his latest single, "Cherry Trees," we caught up with him to chat about his journey, creative process, and what’s next on the horizon.

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