Fifteen Minutes of Fame Music Entertainment

Originally Published on July 16th, 2026

What a great day for new music! There is SO MUCH incredible work to go over today. First, I am very proud and humbled by the wonderful feedback I’ve already received for my album, Evaporate, which is out on all streaming platforms today! Also, if you get a chance, I was the featured guest on one of my absolute FAVORITE podcasts, The Morning Brew Podcast with Kayla. That episode is officially available to listen to today. We spend some time unpacking Evaporate, I do a live performance of Beattyville, Ky, we discuss some FMOF stuff, AND we are partnering for a very special giveaway of the limited edition Evaporate vinyl, so you definitely want to tune into the episode and make sure to follow Kayla’s Instagram and wherever you listen to podcasts!

That’s enough about me. There are so many great releases today. New music from Mitski, who is releasing a new album in March, Joy Oladokun, and many more! Be sure to check out all the new releases. Here are some songs and artists I really want to talk about:

Who I Am by Morgan Hawkins

Morgan Hawkins is an emerging indie folk artist out of Dallas, Texas. Considering she started releasing music in 2025, she is making incredible progress with a small catalog of just 5 songs. Debuting in September with the single, Human, Hawkins has consistently released 1-2 songs per month to close out 2025.

I love the organic foundation her music presents with an ambient atmosphere behind the structured forefront. As beautiful as the instrumentals are, everything plays a background to Hawkins’ superiority as a vocalist. She hints at a country style vocalist but primarily checks all the boxes of a more pop style genre. Placing those vocals in front of a folk accompaniment is simply extraordinary. An example of this wonderfully crafted blend is her October release of Restless. I love the layered guitars mixed in with the layered vocal work.

About the Song

Who I Am is the latest release by Texas-based indie artist, Morgan Hawkins. This 3 minute folk song released on December 19th, 2025. Who I Am features Hawking on vocals and acoustic guitar and she is accompanied by electric guitars, bass, and percussion.

As Who I Am begins, it opens with a very organic production. Just an acoustic and Hawkins’ vocals without much effect (if any). As the song breaks into the chorus, the band comes in, layered vocals fade into the background, and there are production touches like reverb, delay effects, etc. that can be heard on the guitars.

Who I Am definitely exhibits Hawkins’ roots focus as she once again toes the line to country music without quite crossing it. There is an evident influence of folk but this song definitely plays with the idea of crossing into a larger genre like country or maybe an alternative rock. I hear a striking similarity to Kelsea Ballerini but somebody like Sheryl Crow could also be argued.

Hawkins’ impressed with 5 strong releases in 2025. If anything, she has left her listeners curious with anticipation as we roll into 2026. She is a talent more than capable of being a crossover talent as she has produced nothing but consistently sound work that is all radio-ready.

Snow by Novelley

I am getting more and more convinced that German-based indie artist Novelley simply does not miss with her incredible work as a composer. Having been featured numerous times for her impressive catalog of work, including Blind Reactions, Spotlight articles, Recaps, and her article for Trembling Waltz, Novelley continues to impress with every release.

One thing I’ve particularly admired about her work is her ability to subtly explore different genres while maintaining a sound that is unique to hers.

About the Song

Snow is the latest release by German-based indie artist, Novelley. Releasing on January 15th, Snow is her shortest song to date with a run time of approximately one minute. But in that short span of time, Novelley impressed with an ethereal choral composition then transitions into a new age percussive style of music that could compare to Delerium or Enya.

This is a style much different than the folk work she has recently been producing but any listener wouldn’t know that she has strayed as it seems to come naturally to her. In fact, this stylistically relates to much of her earlier work, like her 2022 album, Presences Absences.

Snow may be a shorter song, but in its limited runtime, Novelley once again exhibits an unlimited imagination and a profound capacity for composition.

Volatile by Ruby Walker

Another short song, Alabama indie country singer Ruby Walker leaves quite the impression with her new single. Walker may have only been releasing music for 2 years but she has put quite a bit of music in that time, having released 15 singles and a 3-song EP spanning from the beginning of 2024 to the end of 2025.

With notable performances from songs like the slow to mid tempo Pennies and Diamonds, it’s hard to miss what truly makes Walker’s music special. Accompanied by a variety of musical components that stamp authenticity to her rich country sound, Walker’s vocals are silky, smooth, and they consume her audience with a captivating display of personality that pierces through every melody.

About the Song

Volatile is the latest release from Alabama indie artist, Ruby Walker. At just under 2 minutes, this uptempo southern jam released on January 16th. Featuring a full band, Volatile is fronted by a smooth vocal performance from Walker.

Volatile is a moving, groovy, southern rock/roots and country jam. Hitting influence from old blues rock and roll, it features acoustic and electric guitar, led my a steel/slide guitar, and is anchored down by bass and drums.

Walker’s vocals perform like gravity as the band have a sound that could take the room over but the moment Walker starts singing, the accompaniment seems to orbit around every single word.

Volatile runs at under 2 minutes but has enough time to throw some punchy verses and a couple of quick instrumental solos to really give this song some kick. This is one of my favorite releases of the month.

Go Press Play!