We Speak Music

Michele Ducci releases sophomore studio album ‘Snail in the Clouds’

Published

1 month ago

June 12, 2026

Don Reed

For his second studio album, Snail in the Clouds, Michele Ducci recruited Simon Milner (Is Tropical, Ysing) to record and produce the album in his 4 am Studios in London. The result is a lush, multi-layered pop album that showcases Ducci’s superb songwriting and vocal talents. To add to these riches, Ducci and his partner Letizia Mandolesi created an entire world populated by fantastical creatures, which they lovingly portray in an epic full-length animated video to be unveiled soon.

The album and film tell the story of a planet called Snail, inhabited by hybrids – primarily a mixture between scorpions, snails and humans – who lead a life according to the style of Pythagoras, devoted to music. There is also a cloud man named Agostos, a writer of musical operettas, who together with a talking smoke machine called Doctor Subtilis, begins to kill all hybrids, targeting in particular the hybrid musician Diodoros and his band, in an effort to steal the ark of melodies, an ancient ship that allows the whole planet to survive with music and joy.

The tracks of the album are diverse in tempo, tone and instrumentation.

Follow the Sun is a radiant slice of psychedelic tinged pop with a joyously uplifting chorus. Rain on Me channels the synth-heavy soundscapes and dancing bass of Underworld’s Born Slippy behind Ducci’s cracked, world-weary vocals. Don’t Stress Her opens with a rhythmic drumbeat that is soon joined by a sinuous trail of violin and saxophone that conjures up the wave of a voice in filigree, while Next to Me is a tender love song sung by Letizia Mandolesi accompanied by sparse piano and violin. Woman Like You pairs bright distorted electric guitar with an electronic drumbeat, adding in Ducci’s soulful vocals and a catchy uplifting chorus with Letizia Mandolesi’s sweet vocal harmonies. A vintage organ pedalboard operated by Ducci simultaneously generates chords, bass and rhythm, like a one-man band.

The album is out now digitally via Monotreme Records with a limited edition 180 g vinyl LP to follow in July.

Michele and Letizia’s previous musical short film, The Great Book of Nature, is an official selection for the 2026 Venice Shorts Film Festival.

We Speak Indie Artist

How Dayton Ohio’s Raxz Turned Adversity Into Opportunity

Published

17 hours ago

July 18, 2026

MJ Savino

Every artist has a story, but few are as powerful as Raxz’s. The Dayton, Ohio native has faced challenges that could have stopped most people in their tracks. After serving an 11-year prison sentence and enduring the heartbreaking loss of both parents, he made a decision to rewrite his future through music.

A major turning point came when his mother left him a letter encouraging him to focus on his God-given talent. Her words became a source of strength and motivation, inspiring him to take his music career seriously and pursue the dreams he’d long put aside.

That dedication is paying off. Raxz has collaborated with respected artists such as Sally Sossa, Slatt Zy, and Trecinco, building a reputation for authenticity and determination. In 2022, he was recognized by XXL Magazine as an artist to watch, further validating his growing presence in the industry.

While success hasn’t come without setbacks, Raxz has remained committed to his vision. Whether battling self-doubt, maintaining consistency, or navigating the business side of music, he’s continued to push forward.

Now, he’s preparing for the release of City of Dragons, a project he describes as his most complete and hardest-hitting work to date. With production from Sauce Sinatra, Yung Steely, and members of 808 Mafia, expectations are high.

As his audience continues to grow, Raxz is proving that no matter where you’ve been, your story doesn’t have to define your future. Stream his new single “First Flight” below.