Fifteen Minutes of Fame Music Entertainment

Originally Published on April 14th, 2026

Point Blank by Mark Ward

Mark Ward, an indie rock artist originally from Alaska, is a moving, unapologetic songwriter. Formerly, Ward was a member of the bands Ryebender and Last Train, which produced songs that earned national airplay on independent radio, as well as some positive reviews. As a solo artist, Ward has released 3 albums with a 4th, Godless Country, slated to release on May 8th.

Prior to its release, Ward had released the culturally shattering and sobering song, Point Blank, a song written in response to the senseless killings of Americans Renee Goode and Alex Pretti by the US Government.

“Man, this song hits hard. I cannot tell you how much I love this powerful masterpiece. Thank you so much for this one.” – Boris Boden (Woody Radio)

Point Blank, is an upbeat pop rock song, infused with roots and Americana influence, that released on March 13th. It’s runs at around 3 minutes and 40 seconds. Featuring a full band performance accompanying Ward’s vocals, it is a powerful blend compositionally, lyrically, and in how it’s produced.

Point Blank is lyrically true to its name. Mark Ward boldly gets straight to the point in this song that both pays tribute to the lives of Alex Pretty and Renee Goode, while also targeting a response to the ones who are to blame for their murder. Ward references the lack of accountability from the a administration in charge of the US Government, as well as the people supporting them, while articulating the alarming reality of what it was like to watch these acts of domestic terrorism take place on American soil, for the rest of its citizens.

Point Blank is uptempo, with pocket performances by bass and drums, and sound performance by lead and rhythm guitars. Ward’s range is baritone to tenor, with a tone that comes right from his chest.

The production is balanced, with guitars panned and bass and drums mixed dead center. Ward’s vocals are mixed with little to no effect. The performance is raw, giving it a feeling of it sounding like a live recording. It honestly reminds me of the work of Reverend Rooster, who I’ve covered in depth.

I love the storytelling element to this song and Ward’s music. In particular, I think this story is a very important one. I was one of the millions of Americans broken by the recklessness and the overstepping of ICE, DHS, and the President. Ward has channeled the emotional context of that moment in the most powerful way. It respects the memories of the victims while condemning the actions of the ones who attacked our citizens, our country, and our constitution.

Mark Ward will be releasing his 4th LP, Godless Country, on May 8th.

$innerz by Dakotah Faye

Dakotah Faye, in independent rapper from Minot, ND, has been working on a trilogy album that chronicles his life after sobriety. The first album, hell was boring, released in 2023. The second, UNINVITED GUEST, released in January of 2025. Faye is currently in the process of finishing the third album.

Faye had been releasing music since he was 14z. Now 30, with 16 years of experience as an independent recording artist, he feels he is nearing the end of this chapter of his life, having recounted his experience with his different stages of sobriety.

“Music has helped me become the person I am today. It has always been a diary for me. I’m three years sober. My music, as of late, has talked about the issues I’ve dealt with fixing my life.” – Dakotah Faye

$innerz, doesn’t yet have a release date but runs at 4 and a half minutes long. This artist also has a proclivity for storytelling. Faye delivers his verses as a narration during a confession to a clergy member. He recants learning about sin at a young age, committing acts of sin, then lying about the sins as to not be punished for them.

With a deeper listen, the most obvious takeaway is the narrator’s regret for their past sins and an inclination to want to steady their course. There is also a sense of apprehension from receiving judgement. There is a distrust that seems to be pointed at possibly the clergy member or another party, where this person may be presenting themselves in a “holier than thou” fashion. This distrust instills a resolve in the narrator to do right for his own sake, not for the sake of others. To walk a straight path for his god, not for the people who are telling him he needs to.

I appreciate this outlook. If we put on our hats of faith and consider what lessons were taught from the Bible, mankind are condemned as all being guilty of sin. Therefore, it is not our responsibility to place judgement. God calls on His servants not to judge, but to witness. What does it mean to witness? It means to repeat what we hear and say without bias or prejudice. In other words, if we read the Bible and say, “what that means to me is…” we are officially taking matters into our unqualified hands. This is a leniency that is taken by way too many Christian authorities today. It is one of the major reasons for the mass exodus of the Christian faith.

I’m not lecturing on the teachings of the Holy Bible. Merely considering what Faye has said and how this narrative applies. $innerz is thoughtful, intriguing, and is sure to drum up excitement and anticipation for the rest of this unnamed album that Dakotah Faye will be releasing. In the meantime, definitely check out hell was boring and UNINVITED GUEST, now streaming on all platforms!