We Speak Music

Marsha Bartenetti Releases Poignant New Single “New York Minute”

Published

2 months ago

May 19, 2026

Acclaimed vocalist Marsha Bartenetti unveils her deeply moving new single, “New York Minute,” a stirring interpretation of the classic song originally written by Don Henley, Danny Kortchmar, and Jai Winding. First released in 1989, the song’s timeless message about the fragility of life resonates now more than ever—and in Bartenetti’s hands, it takes on renewed emotional depth and intimacy.

With a haunting arrangement by Stephan Oberhoff and the rich, expressive cello work of Kevin Bate, “New York Minute” becomes a reflective and cinematic listening experience. The track captures the fleeting nature of time and love, reminding listeners how everything can change in an instant. Bartenetti’s vocal performance is both vulnerable and powerful, conveying the perspective of someone who has known loss yet continues to embrace love in the present moment.

“Marsha brings an authenticity that can’t be taught,” says Oberhoff. “Her voice carries the weight of lived experience, and that’s what makes this recording so special.”

The single was mixed by Stephan Oberhoff at Creation Station East in Fairview, Tennessee, and mastered by Eric Boulanger at The Bakery in Los Angeles, ensuring a polished yet emotionally raw sound that stays true to the song’s essence.

A seasoned performer known for “crossing any genre for a good lyric,” Bartenetti has captivated audiences across the country with sold-out performances at iconic venues such as Vibrato Grill Jazz, Catalina Jazz Club, Feinstein’s at the Nikko, and Vitello’s. Her ability to connect emotionally with listeners has remained a defining trait throughout her career.

Bartenetti’s musical journey began in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s, where she performed alongside some of the era’s most influential acts, including The Youngbloods. In 1980, she was honored as Best Vocalist in the American Songwriters Association’s International Contest, opening doors to collaborations at Motown Records with legendary writers behind hits for artists such as Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, and Anita Baker.

After stepping away from the music industry, Bartenetti found widespread recognition as a voice-over artist, becoming the voice behind major national campaigns and earning the nickname “The Voice Mail Queen.” Her voice reached millions worldwide before she ultimately returned to her first love: music.

In recent years, Bartenetti has experienced a powerful creative resurgence, releasing multiple albums and reconnecting with audiences through live performance and recording. Her latest work continues this momentum, blending heartfelt storytelling with masterful musicianship.

“New York Minute” is now available on all major streaming platforms and serves as a preview of Bartenetti’s upcoming album project slated for release in 2026.

Credits:
Lead Vocals: Marsha Bartenetti
Background Vocals: Michael Mishaw, Connye Florance, Stephan Oberhoff, Marsha Bartenetti
Cello: Kevin Bate
Keyboards, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Percussion: Stephan Oberhoff
Bass: Danny O’Lannerghty
Electric Guitars: Pat Bergeson
Drums: Marcus Finnie
Arrangement & Production: Stephan Oberhoff

About Marsha Bartenetti
Marsha Bartenetti is a genre-spanning vocalist whose career has evolved from the golden-era San Francisco music scene to international recognition as both a recording artist and voice-over icon. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to authenticity, she continues to create music that speaks to the human experience with honesty, depth, and soul.

We Speak Music

The Songs of Butler & Cupples Prioritise Craft on Intimate New Single ‘Better off Lost’

Published

5 days ago

July 3, 2026

Brett Wylie

Following the momentum of their first three breakout releases earlier this year, genre-fluid project The Songs of Butler & Cupples have returned with ‘Better off Lost’. A stripped-back, intimate offering that further sharpens their songcraft-first ethos, the release reinforces the duo’s position as one of the most forward-thinking, emerging songwriting projects operating outside the traditional band framework.

Conceived entirely as a vehicle where pure songcraft remains the central focus, The Songs of Butler & Cupples was formed in direct response to a contemporary music landscape increasingly shaped by image, algorithms, and visual perception rather than musical composition.

Led by two highly experienced industry songwriters, the project is intentionally fluid. It allows musical ideas to dictate their own final form without being restricted by rigid genre conventions or commercial chart expectations. With ‘Better off Lost’, the pair turn inward, embracing an acoustic-led direction underpinned by Americana-leaning textures and delicate, emotive vocal arrangements.

Sonically, the track marks a further evolution in their rapidly expanding creative palette. Built around a gentle acoustic guitar foundation, ‘Better off Lost’ foregrounds vulnerability and vocal performance above all else. The raw emotional delivery is elevated by subtle, layered harmonies and understated pop sensibilities that give the track its modern, polished edge.

The duo’s stylistic range has already drawn comparisons to boundary-pushing artists such as Miley Cyrus and Kacey Musgraves, whose recent celebrated works have helped reframe contemporary Americana within the broader pop landscape. Like those icons, Butler & Cupples demonstrate a versatile range that fiercely resists easy categorization.

Across their 2026 discography, they have proven comfortable shifting between entirely different sonic worlds, including: Electronic-Leaning Production: Utilising sleek, modern digital textures. Experimental & Rock Influence: Embracing grittier, guitar-driven edge and unpredictable structures. Acoustic Minimalism: As heard on the new single, proving that a strong emotional through-line remains intact regardless of the instrumentation.

Rather than chasing viral TikTok trends or tailoring their masters for playlist algorithms, the project remains deeply rooted in strong structural songwriting, genuine emotional resonance, and absolute creative freedom.

At its core, The Songs of Butler & Cupples functions as an open creative framework without built-in limitations or outside expectations. ‘Better off Lost’ stands as another clear statement of intent from the duo: that well-crafted songs, when given proper breathing room and unfiltered honesty, still possess the power to cut through the modern noise.