It’s not every day an influencer successfully crosses into the music world. And yet, Katie Hamden, 24, seems to be doing just that. With a following of over one million as a model and content creator, Hamden has now released her debut house track “NOBODY ELSE.” I spoke with her last week about this new musical chapter – and trust me, her enthusiasm is contagious.

Your new single “NOBODY ELSE” just dropped. How would you describe it to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?

It’s a House track made for those late nights and early mornings in clubs. The kind of song where you grab the DJ when you want to take the energy up a notch. The female vocals over those synths… it makes you feel like anything’s possible. Empowering but also ethereal, if that makes sense? I wanted something that would really move people.

What inspired your sound for this track?

I’ve always been drawn to rhythms that transcend whatever’s happening in the moment. For ‘NOBODY ELSE,’ I wanted that fierce club aesthetic. You can hear it in the loops and drops—they took forever to get right, but when they hit, they really hit. I wanted something authentic but still polished, you know?

Can you share some insight into your creative process?

A lot of it came from traveling around Europe and seeing firsthand how electronic music connects with people. Music has always been my escape, but watching how House music specifically moves crowds… it just clicked. I wanted to be part of creating that feeling for someone else. I wanted to make something that would get under people’s skin in the best possible way.

This is your debut House track. What does it mean to you personally?

I’ve poured so much time into ‘NOBODY ELSE.’ It means everything to me right now. What I really want is for people to hear it and stop hesitating about whatever they’re holding back on. There’s this part where the title loops over and over—that’s the moment where I imagine people just letting go completely. Going a little crazy. That’s the whole point, right? Music should take you somewhere.

How does your experience as an influencer connect to your music?

They’re more connected than people might think. I built this following through modeling and content creation, but it was always about a certain energy and aesthetic. That’s exactly what I’m doing with my music now, just through a different medium. Still me, still that positive vibe people connected with initially. Music just gives me a whole new way to express it.

As our conversation winds down, I can’t help but ask what’s next. “More music,” she says simply. “Much more.”

Walking away from our interview, I found myself humming “NOBODY ELSE” – a testament to its catchiness even after just one listen.

The track is available now on all streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

Hamden brings something fresh to the table with this debut – a smart mix of driving beats and those unmistakably sultry vocals that practically demand to be played after midnight. Whether it’s a rooftop party or a packed club, the track fits right in. What’s interesting about her jump from Instagram to the studio is how seamlessly she’s made the transition.

She’s clearly figured out what clicks with people online and somehow translated that into audio form. Let’s be honest – most influencer music projects feel like obvious cash grabs. This doesn’t. There’s an authenticity here that catches you off guard.

For those wanting to keep up, check her out on Instagram and Spotify.

“NOBODY ELSE” proves Hamden isn’t just posting feel-good content – she’s creating soundtracks for those moments when you actually feel good. In a world where new music drops constantly, that’s exactly the kind of focus that stands out.

Will her music eventually overshadow her influencer fame? Hard to say. But watching someone dive this wholeheartedly into something new makes you want to root for them. And that alone makes her debut worth streaming at least once.

Music has long been a space where boundaries blur and friendships transform into creative partnerships. Such is the case with Massachusetts country artist Timmy Brown and Nashville-based DJ/producer John Price, who have released an EDM remix of Brown’s 2016 hit single “Lil Bit.” The collaboration, which dropped on May 9, 2025, represents the evolution of a decade-long friendship and creative partnership between the two musicians.

The remix, clocking in at just over 3 minutes, transforms Brown’s original country track into a high-energy dance anthem while preserving the heartfelt lyrics and melodic core that fans have come to appreciate. Price’s production adds pulsing synths, driving bass lines, and those strategic drops that give the song new life for summer festivals, tailgate parties, and club dance floors.

It’s worth noting that before collaborating on this remix, Brown and Price built their musical relationship performing at the Six String Grill & Stage at Patriot Place, adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Anyone who’s been there knows the venue became a significant launching point for both artists, with Brown showcasing his vocals and live band while Price delivered his trademark country-style DJ sets that energized audiences night after night. “Every time we’d play Six String, the crowd just gave us something special,” Brown reflects in promotional materials for the remix. “We knew we were building something bigger.”

This creative partnership has now culminated in a cross-genre experiment that maintains respect for the original song’s country roots while embracing electronic dance elements—something that isn’t always easy to pull off.

The original “Lil Bit,” released by Brown in 2016, quickly gained traction, breaking into the Top 100 charts within 24 hours of its release—no small feat for an independent artist. The new remix maintains the song’s fundamental appeal while broadening its potential audience to include EDM enthusiasts. “We’ve always pushed each other,” Price notes about the collaboration. “Timmy’s the real deal—one of the best voices in country music. Bringing our styles together felt effortless because of the history we’ve shared on and off stage.”

This seamless collaboration stems from both artists’ established careers in the industry. John Price has established himself as a leading figure in Nashville’s country EDM scene—a genre that wasn’t even really a thing a decade ago. Originally from Boston, Price relocated to Nashville where he has made significant inroads in the music industry. His career includes tours with major country artists like Morgan Wallen and Thomas Rhett, putting him in front of thousands of country music fans across the nation. Recently, Price reached a professional milestone by headlining the opening night of Luke Combs’ Category 10 venue in Nashville, further cementing his status in the industry.

Similarly impressive is Timmy Brown’s trajectory in the country music scene. Hailing from the Northeast and now Nashville-based, Brown has built his reputation through heartfelt songwriting combined with those energetic performances that leave audiences wanting more. His 2016 debut EP and the original release of “Lil Bit” marked his entrance into the country music scene. Since then, Brown has independently released several projects and gained recognition across various platforms—no easy task in today’s over-saturated country scene.

The partnership between Brown and Price reflects a growing trend in country music that embraces influences from other genres, particularly electronic dance music. This cross-pollination has been gaining momentum in Nashville and beyond, as artists seek to expand their audiences and creative expressions. You can hear it in mainstream country radio, where electronic elements have steadily crept in over the past five years. The remix of “Lil Bit” serves as both a celebration of the artists’ longstanding friendship and a testament to their willingness to push artistic boundaries. While maintaining respect for country music traditions, the track opens new possibilities for both artists to reach broader audiences.

Fans interested in experiencing this genre-blending track can find “Lil Bit – John Price Remix” on Spotify. Followers of both artists can stay updated through their respective Instagram accounts—John Price & Timmy Brown—and discover more of their music on Timmy Brown’s Spotify and John Price’s Spotify. Initial reception suggests the remix is making waves in both the country and EDM communities, with its release timing positioned perfectly for summer festivals and playlists. The track’s blend of Brown’s authentic country vocals with Price’s electronic production expertise creates a distinctive sound that honors both genres while creating something fresh for listeners.

Industry insiders have noted that this kind of genre-bending collaboration often serves as a testing ground for where music might be headed next. The success of artists like Diplo venturing into country territory with Thomas Wesley projects has proven there’s an appetite for these crossovers. Similarly, Post Malone’s collaboration with Morgan Wallen on “I Had Some Help” demonstrated how seamlessly pop-trap production can complement traditional country vocals when done right. Brown and Price seem to have tapped into this trend at just the right moment, adding their names to the growing list of artists successfully blurring genre lines.

As both artists continue to develop their respective careers in Nashville’s competitive music scene, this collaboration showcases their versatility and willingness to experiment with sound while maintaining the authentic connection to their musical roots and their shared history performing together in Massachusetts. The success of this remix may well pave the way for future cross-genre explorations as they continue to build on their decade-long relationship in music. Whether this leads to a full EP of remixes or influences their individual artistic directions remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—this partnership is one to watch in the coming months.

I recently caught up with David Shao, who’s been making quite a name for himself in the magic world. He’s the kind of performer who sticks in your memory – not just for his sleight of hand, but for the way he makes you laugh while your jaw drops. Over the past decade or so, Shao has worked his way through some pretty impressive venues, from the legendary Magic Castle in Hollywood to the thought-provoking stage of TEDxUCIrvine. What makes him stand out isn’t just technical skill – it’s the way he blends razor-sharp comedy with genuine wonder. Just last month at the Magic Castle, he had everyone from regular guests to Jaden Smith doubled over in laughter between gasps of amazement. There’s something refreshingly different about his approach that keeps audiences coming back for more.

Can you tell us about when and how you got started in magic?

I was very interested in magic when I was 9 years old. I saw Lu Chen (刘谦) performing on TV during the Chinese Spring Festival Gala and got hooked with magic. I didn’t start my magic journey until I was 15 when I joined a magic club in high school. I was very shy as a kid, and magic changed me completely. Even though I am still shy sometimes, magic has helped me to connect with people more easily.

What is the core value that drives you as both a magician and an artist?

To make people happy. I like to bring magic and share happiness with everyone. It doesn’t help with my career in terms of business, but it helps me to realize that I am lucky to do what I love, and sharing it with others allows me to see the impact of magic beyond entertainment. It keeps me grounded and reinforces why I fell in love with magic in the first place. At the end of the day, if I can make someone smile, even for a moment, then my magic has served a greater purpose.

How would you describe your style of magic, and how do you differentiate yourself from other magicians?

My style is very unique—I combine magic with dry humor. I have some early inspirations from Kyle Eschen, who was a magic castle junior magician member. I am more of a one liner—each line I say or each action I make would make the audience laugh. Some of the lines that I wrote don’t make sense and they are very silly. But they fit my character very well and people would laugh at them.

What role does storytelling play in your magic performances?

There is almost no storytelling in my magic performance because my show is more centered on the character. For example, one of my lines that I wrote was ‘when I was a child, I was a kid.’ So the show was more centered on how each line would make the audience laugh rather than telling a compelling story. And this is how I find myself different from other magicians. A lot of the magicians like to tell stories, like how magic inspired them and how it had changed them.

How do you balance your creative vision with the expectations of your audience?

I think the key is staying true to my style while remaining adaptable. My magic is built on dry humor, deadpan delivery, and unexpected surprises—those are non-negotiable parts of my creative identity. I always write new scripts surrounding this character. But at the same time, I recognize that different audiences have different expectations, and I adjust the way I present my magic to make sure it resonates with them.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a magician?

Sometimes I would mess up in a show, but I would always improvise to finish the magic, without letting the audience realize that I messed up. This happens all the time. There are a lot of times where the audience doesn’t follow my instructions so I have to control the room. I am always trying to overcome something—whether it’s the magic performance, or the business.

How has being involved in charitable events shaped your career?

I like to bring magic and share happiness with everyone. It doesn’t help with my career in terms of business, but it helps me to realize that I am lucky to do what I love, and sharing it with others allows me to see the impact of magic beyond entertainment. It keeps me grounded and reinforces why I fell in love with magic in the first place.

How do you see the future of magic evolving with technology, and where do you hope to take your craft next?

The world is changing, and magic is also changing. Magic has become more visual nowadays because of technology. AI has been a big topic in many industries, and a lot of AI tools have been developed for people to utilize. But for magic, I think it wouldn’t help much besides screenwriting. Magic is something that you feel in the moment, and AI will never be able to create that sensation. Even if a robot can perform magic, it is still a robot—it lacks the human presence, the spontaneity, and the emotional connection that make magic truly magical. For myself, I want to do a magic tour in the future.

Do you have any upcoming projects or performances that your fans should look out for?

One of the producers of America’s Got Talent contacted me. I submitted to AGT and if I can move on to the next step, I will be on the 20th season.

Watching David work is a bit like seeing two shows at once – there’s the technical wizardry that leaves you wondering “how on earth did he do that?” and then there’s the comedian who seems to be having just as much fun as everyone else in the room. It’s this balance that’s earned him his reputation. While many performers in his field take themselves rather seriously, Shao has carved out his own space where wonder and laughter coexist perfectly.

Whether he’s performing for celebrity guests or bringing joy to charitable events, you get the sense that he’s exactly where he belongs. His possible appearance on America’s Got Talent could be the next big chapter in an already fascinating career story – though something tells me he’d approach that massive stage with the same authentic charm that’s gotten him this far.