• coffee snob ☕ • photographer 📸 • @GlasseFactory journalist • writer •
Articles by Helana Michelle
Porch Light Opens Up About Making Big, Authentic Rock Music
Porch Light recently launched their debut album, Hush. Shortly after, they kicked off a full tour throughout the United States, each of which are nearly sold-out. And there’s good reason for this. The Minneapolis-based rock band first joined forces on the road months before making music of their own and becoming the band we know today. Was it purely just for the love of the music? Making sure the on-road chemistry matched the energy they wanted to catch in their recordings?
ivri Shares Sonic Universe of “Evidence of You” at Aftershock Festival
You’ve likely heard the voice of ivri if you’ve been anywhere on the internet in the last couple of years. The Florida-born, Brooklyn-based artist has been building an entire universe of her own design since releasing her original music; however, even before then her works have been sampled many times. “My biggest song isn’t even my own,” she comments. “It’s actually a sample of my voice that someone took. And at the time when it happened, I didn’t know I could get paid for that,” she chuckles.
Emery on Evolving through 20+ Years of Post-Hardcore at Aftershock Festival
With more than two decades together, Emery has remained a defining name in post-hardcore, known for emotionally charged songwriting and a sound that continues to evolve. We caught up with Emery at Aftershock 2026 to talk about the evolution of their sound and what keeps them creating. Watch the full interview here: VIDEO
RED Breaks Down Legacy Since “End of Silence” at Aftershock Festival
Red ignited my love for hard rock music in the way they add cinematic elements to their music. And they’ve done this for many others. They’ve spent the last two decades bringing a cinematic edge to hard rock. Their 2006 debut album, End of Silence, introduced the band to a wider audience with standout tracks like “Breathe Into Me” and “Already Over.” These tracks gained them a Grammy nomination and cemented the record as a landmark release in their career.
Ari Abdul’s New Era: “It Really Changed My Life to Say No”
Ari Abdul has charged into the scene with a newfound confidence and edge. Since releasing her viral debut, “BABYDOLL,” and over the course of the last four years, the Brooklyn-born artist plunges further into the shadowy, trip-hop-inflected sound she’s cultivated; from it she showcases a more raw, unfiltered side to her songwriting. This new chapter marks the latest evolution for an artist whose career began almost entirely by accident. Growing up, she was a self-described Tumblr fangirl.
Porch Light Returns to Northern California for Electric Set
People lined up down J Street for Sacramento’s Harlow’s Nightclub before doors first opened. The band playing that night? Rising Minneapolis-based band Porch Light. The five piece band recently kicked off a nearly sold-out tour but also celebrating freshly released debut album, Hush. We had a chance to catch up with them before their set over at Harlow’s’ back porch. Details for that are coming soon (stay tuned on the website for more); but we’re here to yap about their performance for that first.
Chelsea Wolfe Cascades through “The Dark” in San Francisco
Just a couple of weeks since releasing latest album, The Dark, Chelsea Wolfe has taken to the United States for a round of shows in celebration. No matter what’s been in store for her musically, Chelsea’s fanbase manifest at every opportunity; this time at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre in the heart of the city for the first night. The intimate seats packed in with audience members clad in blacks, grays, and whites. All seemingly understood the assignment.
Motionless In White, Lorna Shore, Fit For a King, and Static Dress Defy 105-Degree Heat
Share Motionless in White kicked off the “Sweat and Blood” tour this summer, also featuring rising and current heavy-hitters in the scene Lorna Shore, Fit For A King, and Static Dress. By the time this tour begins, it will have been just under three years since our last U.S. headliner, and we are absolutely shooting for the moon to celebrate our return.
How Showing Teeth Became One of Metal’s Fastest-Rising New Artists
This isn’t just a lyric from Showing Teeth‘s latest single, “Rip.” I honestly think that this band could very well be metal’s next big icon. First off, they’re already sharing the stage with Bring Me The Horizon, Motionless in White (watch here), Beartooth, President, and more as they tour around the world; but it’s their sound that truly hits the mark for the next generation of metal.
Erin LeCount on Making Music To Process Big Feelings
Erin LeCount is made for everyone who creates, wishes they were creating, and everyone who gets a little funny feeling when they go into a theater and thinks of what they might have done or said or sang or written while spending their time there instead. The twenty-three year old is easily one of the most compelling rising voices in the alternative pop scene. Her instincts for her craft are wide open and raw as a producer, singer-songwriter and creative “girl’s girl”.
Why Charli xcx’s “Rock Music” Actually…Rocks?
As a long time rock and roll and metal music listener, I’ve grown a little tired of some of the aspects of the genre. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good head bang moment, a good guitar solo, a good mosh pit, but when has rock music been truly challenging the genre as we know it to create something new and different just for the sake of it?
Tamar Kaprelian Talks Writing, Motherhood, and Building on Her Own Terms
Tamar Kaprelian has spent years writing songs that filled arenas without her name on the ticket, shaping defining moments for other artists and earning multi-platinum credits, including a global hit with Rosa Linn’s “SNAP,” which has surpassed 4 billion streams. From there, she built her own path with Nvak Collective, a company that has helped educate more than 5,000 women. Right now, though, she is building for herself. Her new single “The Only” traces the contours of first-time motherhood.
Jutes Ignites New Chapter with “Disassociate”
There’s something new stirring in the alt-rock community. Within it, a disruptor of it all, Jutes, has returned with the beginning of a new musical era. The new single, “Disassociate” uses his signature blend of raw lyricism with smoldering production to deliver the embodiment of emotional escape. Jutes has construct his own world in his music, and it doubles as a cathartic release to fans who’ve connected to his works. His signature refuses to simply “dabble” in genres.
Metal’s Newest Phenom, Vana, Unleashes New Single, “In Your Name”
Many in the rock and metal music community have begun to whisper the name Vana in conversations online. Her latest single “In Your Name” has been no exception. The New Zealand-based artist merges an industrial alt-metal sound with brutal riffs, electro-pop elements, trap-influenced production, and visceral vocals. With a recent debut on Sumerian Records, “Pray” has achieved nearly four million streams on Spotify alone. This single shortly follows it up with a steady increase in momentum.
Aftershock, the West Coast’s Biggest Rock Festival, Returns with Fifth Stage and Camping
Danny Wimmer Presents has shared the full lineup for the Aftershock, set to take place for the fourteenth year running at the scenic Discovery Park in Sacramento, California. The lineup features over one hundred and forty artists – the largest lineup for the festival yet. This year, it will take place from October 1-4th, and will feature an addition of a fifth stage to the site. The biggest news outside of the stellar lineup is their addition to RV & tent camping, which will be located at Cal Expo.
Nostalgix Shares Music Journey and How She Chooses to Feel Instead of Run
Just before the rush of dance music’s biggest event in the US, Miami Music Week, we had a moment to chat with DJ, producer, and songwriter, Nostalgix in honor of International Women’s Month. On the brink of releasing her debut album, Inferno, and about to continue her tour throughout the US, we spoke with Nostalgix about her journey to music, as well as how her newfound vulnerability led her into a path of strength and authenticity.
Yaelokre Weaves Story and Song in San Francisco
Yaelokre takes San Francisco’s The Independent for not one but two sold out shows on the same night. With no opening acts, the folk artist took the focus of the evening. Keep reading to hear our thoughts about the performance… “I heard you wanted a story,” Yaelokre, aka Keath Ósk, commands after joining the stage. They plucked their instrument and fell into song after a fanfare commenced.
Small Fools Bring Medieval Magic to The Fillmore with The Oh Hellos
Medieval folk duo Small Fools joined with The Oh Hellos on select dates of their fall United States tour; and we met up with them at San Francisco’s historic The Fillmore to witness them live. Small Fools have risen in the alternative folk niche on socials due to their unique takes on the genre. Siblings who were classically trained in music have crafted music of their own unique making, inspired by the medieval times, all while sharing powerful messages behind their lyrics.
Haute & Freddy Take San Francisco in their Theatrical “Tiny Grand Tour”
Haute & Freddy are climbing the ranks since debuting a sound that meets 80s glam pop with a little extra modern sparkle. We slotted ourselves in to witness them live in San Francisco, and not to mention, their very first headlining tour. San Francisco’s charming Cafe Du Nord, nestled in the Mason district underground, featured a packed crowd and a few local acts – as well as their special guest, Jack Powers, to fill out the night with a theatrical showcase of talent.
Memphis May Fire Aftershock Interview
We caught up with Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire at Aftershock Festival. The band’s energy was as explosive as ever. Their mix of huge hooks and raw emotion shows how they continue to evolve while staying true to their roots. Matty talked about how the band has reconnected with their core sound. They stripped things back to what first inspired them and let that guide their latest music. The riffs are heavy, the lyrics are honest, and the drive to connect with fans is stronger than ever.
How Rabbitology Turns Folklore into Sonic Magic in their Live Shows
Rabbitology won’t be a well-kept secret for long. Their musicality is one that we boast meets the greats; especially as their sound continues to develop.
Violent Vira Just Lit the Fuse for Her Next Era
Violent Vira is setting a tone in the future of rock and metal music. There is a revival brewing; and it includes the blend of emotive and cathartic lyrics with storytelling concepts behind them. Not to mention, Vira herself has showcased a powerful combination of sweet, clean vocals, and intense and gritty ones. The world is catching on quickly.
Rabbitology and Madilyn Mei Deliver Unforgettable Sing-Along at Sold-Out Show
Rabbitology has joined Madilyn Mei for the “One Man Circus” tour. These two rising voices in alternative folk and indie pop offered a sold-out and excited crowd in Sacramento’s Goldfield Trading Post. They seemed to spin entire worlds from their fingertips as they sang lilted notes and created self-produced percussion onto the stage with their drum pad. Fans of all ages sang along, offering kandi to the artist, as well as other sweet gifts.
Why Kami Kehoe’s Sound is Resonating with Millions
Drummer, songwriter, and producer Kami Kehoe is a fearless spirit with a creative passion for music. That much is evident the second you hit play on any of her music. People around the world are starting to take note as latest EP, Kandy, has hit millions of streams just a few weeks after its release. Kami’s raw, genre-bending style fuses the energy of punk, alt-pop vulnerability, and rock grit. And it has clearly struck a chord with fans across the globe.
Artist of The Month: Attack Attack! on Merging Wit and Technical Precision
So it’s been decided. Though Attack Attack! isn’t going country anytime soon, their recent release of their full-length album, Attack Attack II has sent them on the road for the ONE HIT WONDER tour. We joined up with them in a former country bar before their performance to chat about it. But it was the way the band seems to have locked in on their sound again since releasing a series of EPs that caught our attention. Attack Attack II is everything fans craved.
Interview: Savage Hands Talk Life On Tour
Maryland’s own, Savage Hands are back with a vengeance. They’re continuing to sharpen a sound that thrives on intensity, honesty, and the sheer power of letting it all out. This alt-metal band is currently on the road with Attack Attack! after releasing a series of heavy-hitting singles this year, the latest being “Trust Issues.” The song surges between glitchy distortion and soaring melody, embodying a vulnerability anyone can scream out loud rather than keep bottled inside.
Attack Attack! Take Roseville By Storm
Attack Attack! are back swinging after releasing their latest album, Attack Attack II. Fans stormed into Goldfield Roseville and packed the former country venue tight in anticipation for the night to come. Read our thoughts on the performers below and see a couple of photos highlighting the evening below: The night started with a performance from Versus Me, who offered a high-intensity rush that surged through the crowd. Mosh pits gathered and continued on throughout the remainder of the night.
Want to Know Who to See At Aftershock? We Got You Covered
We’re counting down the days until this year’s Aftershock Festival hits Discovery Park. The day-to-day schedule is still to be announced but here are a few acts we have our eye on for this year… @glassefactory live music that makes you feel alive > • #laceysturm #flyleaf #concert #livemusic ♬ All Around Me – Flyleaf We caught Lacey Sturm’s set when she was in Roseville earlier this year, but the full band has yet to hit northern California since its reunion.
How iyla Holds Both Sorrow and Strength in Her Story
We have a special guest as our August Artist of the Month! Meet iyla, who’s celebrating the release of her debut album, Weeping Angel. In the hardest seasons of our lives, we can find the true beauty that lies within all it has to offer. iyla plunged right into creating and from it created a beautiful body of work that shares the struggles as well as the strength and self-assurance that came from her own journey.
Will “Everybody Scream” for Florence + The Machine’s New Single?
Babe, wake up; it’s time for Florence + The Machine’s new era. There’s nothing like waking up one morning and seeing the first post from Florence Welch’s socials; announcing a new album cycle on the horizon. This time it’s the sixth album, releasing on Halloween. The title track, “Everybody Scream” is out now, along with pre-orders for the new album.
Ethel Cain Weaves Love and Lore into Siren’s Song in Berkeley
Share “I love love…” Ethel Cain sighed with a smile curling onto her face. The Greek Theater in Berkeley was all love for Ethel Cain‘s performance last night. Just a week after the release of Willoughby Tucker, I Love You, she’s set out for a full tour across the U.S. We had the pleasure of joining her with her fans, surrounded by the eucalyptus trees and cool August San Francisco bay breeze. Not many words were spoken throughout the night.
Longing for Classic YA Fantasy? Audrey Laine’s “The Knighthood” Has You Covered
Audrey Laine’s newest fantasy novel, The Knighthood, features a classic fantasy novel that flips the hero’s journey trope on its head. Releasing on August 29th this year, the novel features Evy, the main character, who finds out that all she’s ever known and been destined for has been turned to ash. My world had been shattered before- broken into pieces. Those pieces were dust now, and my life dust in the wind. Not only was I a foreigner to my own bloodline- my own parents, I was limited. A vapour.
Nashville Artist Spotlight: Brooke Martin is Just Getting Started
We’re excited to present our Nashville Spotlight artist for the month of July, in partnership with H.O.M.E! Brooke Martin‘s journey as a singer-songwriter didn’t begin in a traditional sense: that being a music classroom or traditional studio environment. However, she’s currently attending university, and is taking in everything she learns with stride. She has come a long way since winning Voice of the Ocean at just 13.
Liahona Olayan Electrifies with “Strum That Guitar”
Singer-songwriter and American Idol alum Liahona Olayan has just dropped her new single, “Strum That Guitar,” a vibrant track blending pop with Latin rhythms that’s poised to climb the charts. The chorus is irresistibly catchy, packed with so much energy you’ll easily get swept up in its rhythmic magic. Produced in Los Angeles by Grammy-nominated Luigie “Lugo” Gonzalez, this song is primed to be an instant hit.
Looping Back to What Matters: Tash Sultana’s Raw Return to the Stage
We have an exciting exclusive for you. July’s artist of the month features none other than Tash Sultana. The genre-defying multi-instrumentalist has turned the stage into a sacred space for many years now. They’ve also been on the road throughout the spring celebrating the release of their latest EP, Return to the Roots, and evidence proves that they’re stronger in their sound, in their message, and in who they are than ever before.
Philip Meneses (aka bubbly_nuggets) Talks AI and Making Music with the Greats
We’re so excited to announce that we’ll be joining with Philip Meneses (aka bubbly_nuggets_) on our live-streaming platforms! Philip Meneses is a seasoned session guitarist, freelance music director, and producer whose career spans genres, stages, and studios.
Caroline Kingsbury Is Writing The Songs She Needed Growing Up
It’s a queer music renaissance, baby! ~ Caroline Kingsbury Have you ever watched an opener at a concert and wondered: how the heck has no one caught on to this artist yet? This was my impression when I caught Caroline Kingsbury‘s set back in the summer of 2022. Yes, I was already on the concert high thanks to shows being finally back after a year and a half of none, thanks to…you know what. And Caroline’s energy on the intimate Goldfield Midtown stage, performing for just a few of us? I absolutely.
RUMPUS on Changing the DJ Game from Punk Drummer to House Hero
Canadian drummer and producer RUMPUS is on to make it into some big things; especially with the year he’s been having. Last month, his single “Set It Off” was featured onHBO’s White Lotus. Additionally, his viral edit of RÜFÜS DU SOL’s “Innerbloom” continues to travel around the globe, garnering support from Tiësto (who played it at Ultra), Dom Dolla, and Kaskade, lighting up iconic stages such as Tomorrowlandand Creamfields.
Sleep Token’s “Even In Arcadia” Explores Fame and Identity
Sleep Token‘s next era has been unveiled in full, at last. Their second full-length, Even In Arcadia, follows an instant United States tour sell-out and a fanbase so hungry for their new music that they went deep into finding answers. The band happily obliged. Shrouded in anonymity and defined by their ritualistic performances, Sleep Token have carved out a space that exists far beyond genre.
MISSIO and Human Experience: An Interview
MISSIO recently concluded their tour throughout the United States in celebration of their release of latest album, I Am Cinco. See our full review of their performance, linked here. The Texas-based duo has brilliantly captured the essence of the human experience. In a creative escape to Mexico City, the album was completed. MISSIO knew in that trip that they’d made something truly special.
Attack Attack! Breaking Up—or Breaking Out? Country Reinvention Sparks Rumors - Glasse Factory
Attack Attack! has flipped changed the script with a reinvention into… country? You heard that right. Long-time drummer and founding member Andrew Wetzel announced he’s ditching the drums and grabbing the mic as the band’s new front man. If you’ve been around during the original Warped Tour days in the mid-2000s or shopped at Hot Topic, you know the band.
ALIEN WEAPONRY: Exploring “Te Rā” and Dominating Stages Worldwide
New Zealand’s modern groove metal trio, ALIEN WEAPONRY, recently unveiled their most mature and powerful album to date. Te Rā, produced and mixed by the legendary Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God, Gojira, Megadeth), delivers a gnashing blend of groove, nu, math, and thrash metal, with anthemic choruses and a refined technical prowess. The album also features a special guest appearance from none other than Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God, adding an extra layer of intensity to this already explosive offering.
Paleface Swiss Triumphs in Rosevile Return
A performance review of Paleface Swiss’s spring tour… Switzerland’s hardcore outfit, Paleface Swiss released their latest album, CURSED, early this year. They swiftly took to the road to celebrate. Known for their incomparable live performances and fearless approach to intense and vulnerable topics, the band has built a reputation as one of the most vital, unfiltered and rapidly rising forces in the world of modern metal today.
Join Us on our Livestream with Tessa Violet
We’re so excited to announce that we’ll be joining with Tessa Violet on our live-streaming platforms! Growing up an only child in a small town in Oregon, Tessa Violet always had a deep desire to create authentic connections with people. YouTube was the first platform which allowed her to foster those connections; as she grew up, and the platform evolved, it became a place for many budding musicians to flock.
Paris Paloma Embraces Purpose and Passion Live
We’ve been following Paris Paloma on her music journey for the last couple of years, and it’s been nothing short of inspiring to witness her growth. She recently began her latest US tour, which is to continue through the spring. We joined up with her again in San Francisco, albeit at a bigger venue: The Regency Ballroom. The night featured a sold-out crowd, as well, where the audience dressed in flowing dresses, armor, and flower crowns in honor of the serenade and unity in community.
Nu Metal and Thrash to Reign at Aftershock
The west coast’s biggest rock, punk, and metal festival is back for it’s lucky thirteenth year; and will hit Sacramento‘s Discovery Park from October 2-5. We’re excited to see some newcomers to the festival, rare and reunion performances, and some fan-favorite veterans.
Join us on our Livestream with Helena Mayer
We’re so excited to announce that we’ll be joining with Helena Mayer on our live-streaming platforms! Helena Mayer is a singer and songwriter born in Thousand Oaks, California. From an early age, Helena has had a passion for music, and now together with Joshua Zegan, she has begun releasing R&B and pop-infused music. Her deeply introspective, sometimes brooding, and soulful lyrics represent a dichotomy when paired with the dance-oriented, electronic instrumentation.
MISSIO Plays Goldfield for “I Am Cinco” Tour
MISSIO is on the rise since releasing their latest album, I Am Cinco, last May. We joined up with them on their Sacramento date of their current tour yesterday to witness the release in person, and well… it was in short, quite a treat. Following their most recent tour with Badflower, the Texas duo is currently on their I Am Cinco North America headline tour. Special guest, Layto, will also be joining them throughout the remainder of the tour. “It’s been a while since we’ve headlined North America.
Livestream Interview with Savannah Low
We’re so excited to announce that we’ll be joining with Savannah Low on our live-streaming platforms! Savannah Low’s impressive 20-year career as a singer-songwriter is highlighted by stellar releases, appearances on American Idol and America’s Got Talent, and performances opening for artists such as the Jonas Brothers and Zara Larsson at iconic venues like the House of Blues.
Ringing in New Year at The Sphere, AI’s Role in Music, and More: Glasse Factory Podcast Ep. 1
We’re beginning 2025 with something new! Our founder, Alex, Josh, and myself joined together online to create our first podcast episode. During our chat together, we shared our New Year’s plans and shared our thoughts about AI’s role in the music space. We’re very excited to share what we hope are many new episodes to come. Watch the full video below: VIDEO Stay tuned for more updates on the Glasse Factory Podcast, and don’t forget to like and subscribe!
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