In the ever-evolving world of contemporary classical and instrumental music, few artists embody the spirit of international collaboration quite like John Vegard Schow. The Norwegian composer, pianist, and professor of performing music is on the brink of releasing a groundbreaking EP that showcases his unwavering commitment to fostering global musical connections.
Schow’s journey in music began early, as it often does for many musicians. Influenced by his mother’s gentle singing and his own childish experimentation with various instruments, his passion for music has been a constant companion throughout his life. From the endearing image of a young Schow recording rock-n-roll songs on a cassette player to the determined teenager mastering multiple instruments, his path to becoming a versatile artist and educator seems almost predestined.
Now, armed with a master’s degree in musicology from the University of Oslo and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from The Grieg Academy, Schow has carved out a unique niche for himself in the music industry. “I write music in different genres,” he explains with a hint of pride in his voice. “Jazz, pop, gospel, worship, children’s music, and music for film, theatre and TV.” This diversity is not just talk – it’s evident in his impressive portfolio, which includes touring several European countries and the US as a pianist, producing music for various artists, and even composing for an animated series viewed in over 180 countries.
When asked to describe his music, Schow pauses thoughtfully before responding. “It’s peaceful music with strong melodies that invites listeners to dream, focus, and relax,” he says, his eyes genuine with passion. His hope, he adds with a warm smile, is that listeners will find “inspiration, calmness, rest, revelations, new ideas and a lot of fun” in his compositions.
But Schow’s latest project might just be his most ambitious yet. Titled “Pianists of the World,” this EP brings together Schow and four renowned European pianists in a unique collaboration. The project’s genesis can be traced back to September 2023, when Schow, with the backing of organizations like Music Norway and Musikkforleggerne, embarked on a whirlwind tour across Europe to meet with the collaborating composers in their home studios.
The “Pianists of the world” EP
The EP consists of four tracks, each a collaboration between Schow and a different European pianist. As of July 30th, 2024, three of the four singles have already been released, each making its own splash in the music world:
“Swans of Bruges” featuring Tom Kristiaan from Belgium, released on May 25th, 2024
“Fawns of Amersfoort” with Ron Adelaar from the Netherlands, released on June 13th, 2024
“Lamb of the Midlands” collaborating with Christof R Davis from the UK, released on July 14th, 2024
The final single, “Crane Dance of Närke,” a collaboration with Rasmus Høisgaard Thomsen (known as Højsgaard) from Sweden/Denmark, is set to drop on August 2nd, 2024, alongside the complete EP.
This project is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to Schow’s vision of breaking down musical borders and exploring diverse pianistic styles. The Norwegian company Make Music Publishing AS holds publisher rights for all tracks on the EP, underlining the international scope of this collaboration.
As the August 2nd release date inches closer, there’s a palpable buzz among music enthusiasts worldwide. The EP will be available on all major streaming platforms, allowing listeners to embark on this musical journey across Europe from the comfort of their own homes or on-the-go.
But in true artist fashion, Schow isn’t resting on his laurels. Even as “Pianists of the World” prepares for its grand debut, he’s already knee-deep in other projects. New solo piano pieces are taking shape for late 2024 and early 2025, and he’s also tackling a more ambitious project based on the Song of Songs. As if that weren’t enough to keep him busy, he’s also in the process of composing 150 songs inspired by the Psalms. “There’s always more music to be made,” he says with a smile.
For those eager to explore Schow’s work, his music and updates can be found on various platforms including Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. His official website, schow.org, offers a treasure trove of information about his projects and collaborations.
As we count down the days to the release of “Pianists of the World,” one thing is crystal clear: John Vegard Schow continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in piano music. This EP stands as a shining testament to the power of collaboration and the universal language of music. So mark your calendars for August 2nd – this is one musical journey you won’t want to miss. Who knows? It might just be the soundtrack to your next big adventure.
This article contains branded content provided by a third party. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the content creator or sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or editorial stance of Popular Hustle.
There’s something refreshing about an artist who doesn’t chase volume. “I don’t make music to sound loud. I make music to sound deep,” says iurisEkero, and after diving into his catalog, you get exactly what he means.
Born in Mendoza, Argentina, iurisEkero (stylized in lowercase, like his approach to fame) grew up in a house where music wasn’t just background noise—it was the main conversation. His grandfather recorded albums as a vocalist, his father played trumpet, and young Iuris absorbed it all. But here’s what’s interesting: instead of just carrying the torch, he’s completely reimagined it.
Now splitting time between the USA and Argentina, iurisEkero creates what he calls “sonic exploration”—pop mixed with electronic textures, ethereal vocals, and these atmospheric moments that genuinely make you want to hit pause on everything else. He pulls inspiration from unexpected places: cities at night, red wine, those comfortable silences between people who know each other well, and what he describes as “the glitch of memories.”
His latest single, “This Summer Night,” dropped on August 19th and perfectly captures that specific magic. At 3:17, it’s packed with synths that stick in your head and a melody that somehow feels both nostalgic and brand new. Other tracks like “The Sun, The Wine and You” and “Midnight Drive” show his range—each one catching different emotional frequencies while keeping that distinctive warmth that comes from his bicultural perspective.
The numbers tell their own story. Nearly 3 million Spotify streams. Over a million YouTube views. But when you mention this to iurisEkero, he seems genuinely surprised. “I don’t even understand those numbers,” he admits. “I just enjoy and am grateful.”
What he hopes listeners take away is simple: that urge to play a song again, whether you’re remembering someone, dancing alone in your kitchen, or waiting for something you can’t quite name yet. Even his breakup songs somehow feel optimistic—there’s always this undercurrent of possibility in his work.
Currently working on a new album featuring various guest artists, iurisEkero seems ready for whatever comes next. The sound explorer from Mendoza has found his frequency, and people are definitely tuning in.
What happens when you achieve everything you dreamed of before turning 23, but there’s no one around to celebrate with? That’s the question Alain Mékani wrestles with in “Quiet,” his introspective new single that dropped August 1st, 2025.
The Dubai-based artist, who grew up in Beirut speaking Arabic with his mom and French with his dad while MTV played in the background, has been carving out his own corner of the Middle Eastern pop scene since his 2023 debut “Fool.” But this latest track hits different. It’s raw, honest, and uncomfortably relatable for anyone who’s ever felt alone in a room full of people.
Written during a period of professional success while living abroad, “Quiet” runs just over three minutes but packs an emotional punch. The track opens with Mékani reflecting on his younger self’s dreams—the car, the new place, all achieved before his 23rd birthday. But here’s where it gets real: “I left it all behind just to find myself / But am I really free?”
The chorus doesn’t pull punches either. When he admits “I’ve been going through some changes and my mind is fucking racing,” you feel that restless energy. It’s not polished pop perfection; it’s someone working through their stuff in real-time. The official music video, which premiered July 31st, visually captures this internal conflict.
“Quiet” by Alain Mékani
Family threads through every verse — and you can feel it. There’s the promise to make his mother proud, the desire to share his victories, and that gut-punch line about missing the people who matter most. The bridge transforms into something between a mantra and a desperate reminder: “Be somebody if you’re nobody.” It’s less motivational poster, more survival mechanism.
Since emerging with tracks like “Awlad El Haram” and his licensed reimagining of the Lebanese classic “Tallou Hbabna” earlier this year, Mékani has built a reputation for blending French, Arabic, and English lyrics with what critics call a “melancholic awakening” sound. Regional outlets including Musivv and Buro 24/7 Middle East have taken notice of his ability to pair cross-cultural production with genuine vulnerability.
The artist, who taught himself guitar after starting on accordion at eight, turned to songwriting as therapy following his father’s death in 2015. While working a marketing day job in Dubai, he spent nights and weekends learning production, eventually creating the demos that would launch his career.
Currently working on collaborations with Rayan Bailouni and Jay Janith, Mékani is pushing further into French territory with his upcoming releases. It’s a natural evolution for someone who grew up switching between languages at home. As he puts it: “I write in three languages because some emotions need more than one passport.”
The first thing that hits you about Siren isn’t just her voice—it’s the sheer audacity of someone who taught themselves everything. No formal training, no music theory classes, just pure instinct driving her to create something that sounds like Rammstein got into a late-night conversation with Lana Del Rey while Massive Attack played in the background.
At 24, this LA-based artist has already written around 70 songs, most still unreleased, sitting in her vault like secrets waiting to surface. Born June 13, 2001, Siren started making music in 2019, and what’s emerged since then defies easy categorization. Her sound pulls from trip-hop pioneers like Portishead, the industrial weight of German metal, and the cinematic drama of Tchaikovsky—yes, the Swan Lake composer.
“Every ache must be turned into art,” she says about her approach to music. It’s this philosophy that drives her self-described “raw confessions where melancholy meets beauty.” Her mezzo-soprano voice shifts between whispered vulnerability and soaring intensity, creating what she calls “cold waves of sound that mesmerize like a siren’s voice in the night sea.”
Siren
The artist’s journey started unexpectedly early. One of her most vivid childhood memories involves her grandmother singing Russian folk songs on a winter swing—an experience she describes as “blue, cold, wintry, dark, nostalgic, deep, soulful, and melancholic.” By twelve, she’d discovered Rammstein, which she credits with awakening “strength, courage, resistance, and the spirit of a fighter.” The band shaped about 60% of her musical taste, while Lana Del Rey, who she calls her “musical mother,” opened up the other side of her artistic personality.
What’s striking about Siren’s work is how she balances opposing forces. She describes her music as reflecting both her anima and animus—the feminine emotional vulnerability paired with masculine instrumental drive. This duality shows up everywhere in her sound: acoustic piano meets electric guitars, string arrangements collide with rock drums, trip-hop grooves support orchestral swells.
Her latest release, “Devil 2019,” dropped on August 3, 2025, running 3:28 and showcasing her hypnotic vocal control. But it’s just a taste of what’s coming. Her debut single “Siren Heroine,” released on June 13, previews her upcoming album “Blue Blood,” which promises an oceanic, siren-themed concept drawn from songs written three to four years ago.
Siren
Beyond music, Siren works as a visual artist, filmmaker, and photographer, creating her own visual concepts exactly as she imagines them. She admits to both loving and fearing the ocean—thalassophobia mixed with an obsession for deep blue imagery. “I reflect what I fear. I am what I fear,” she explains.
When asked about dream collaborations, she mentions Hans Zimmer, Rammstein, and Lana Del Rey—though she notes that most of her musical heroes are dead. Her approach to creation remains uncompromising: “I don’t write for people—I write for myself. Music is how I let you know me.”