We Speak Music

Son Stone To Release New Single “Old Fashioned” On May 1, 2025

Published

1 year ago

April 7, 2025

A Boozy Hook, A Passionate Riff, And An All-Too Common Love Story Fuel This Electric Folk-Rock Track

Acclaimed songwriter, poet, and humorist Son Stone (Ben Diamond) returns with a brand-new single titled “Old Fashioned,” dropping May 1, 2025. The track is a bluesy, boozy romp through a love story sparked by whiskey, wit, and wild musical chemistry.

Co-written with Son Stone’s lead guitarist Dan Doll, “Old Fashioned” was born during an impromptu jam session that turned into something more. “We were drinking and jamming at Dan’s house when he told me to take a lead on a song,” recalls Ben. “I’m not a lead player, but I played a lead anyway. Afterwards he said, ‘That was really passionate!’ I told him, ‘One part passion and three parts alcohol.’ That was our hook!”

What followed was one of the fastest songs Ben had ever written. The story? A boy meets a girl, she’s not interested—until alcohol opens the door to a passionate and co-dependent relationship. Raw, witty, and tongue-in-cheek, “Old Fashioned” is as emotionally unfiltered as it is musically tight.Son Stone is known for crafting songs with the wit of John Prine and the grit of Tom Waits, and “Old Fashioned” is no exception. The Long Island-based artist has penned over 200 songs across genres—folk, rock, blues, pop, Hawaiian slack key, and fingerstyle instrumentals—and continues to push creative boundaries with each release.

Ben has shared stages with legends like Jorma Kaukonen (Hot Tuna / Jefferson Airplane) and David Gans (Grateful Dead historian and SiriusXM host). His work has appeared in American Songwriter magazine, and his band, Son Stone, remains a staple on the New York music scene, performing regularly at venues such as My Father’s Place, LIMEHOF, The Landmark Theater, The Bitter End, and the Fiddle & Folk Festival this coming September.

Following the release of his long-awaited ninth album in March 2024, Son Stone is gearing up for the release of a full-band rock album this June. But first, he’s raising a glass to “Old Fashioned”—a track that proves a good story, a strong hook, and a little alcohol can go a long way.

“Old Fashioned” will be available on all streaming platforms on May 1, 2025.

We Speak Hip-Hop

BigHxlq337 Stays True to His Roots on “Round Here”

Published

1 day ago

August 12, 2026

MJ Savino

Some artists make music about their hometown. BigHxlq337 makes music from it…Born and raised in Franklin, Louisiana, BigHxlq337 has built his career on telling real stories about the people, places, and experiences that shaped him. Influenced by legends like Nas, Rakim, Z-Ro, and Webbie, he combines thoughtful lyricism with the soul and grit of Southern hip-hop.

What makes BigHxlq337 different is his dedication beyond music. For the past 14 years, he has worked as a teacher and coach, helping students at Centerville High School while continuing to pursue his artistic goals. That commitment to both education and entertainment reflects the same authenticity found throughout his music.

After years of performing with Undivided Band and sharing stages with artists including Z-Ro, Lil’ Keke, Devin the Dude, and Young Bleed, BigHxlq337 has carved out a lane of his own. His latest single, “Round Here,” captures the pride, culture, and community of South Louisiana, offering listeners an honest glimpse into the world he calls home.

As he prepares for the release of his upcoming mixtape, BigHxlq337 remains focused on creating music with lasting impact. Through every verse and performance, he’s proving that staying true to your roots never goes out of style.