ATLANTA, GA / MusicWire / March 5, 2026 — Rising hip-hop artist Big Money Blitz is officially celebrating a major milestone in his career as his breakout single, “Pressure (Shawty You Pressure),” has achieved RIAA Gold certification, surpassing 500,000 certified units in the United States. The track has also generated more than 75 million streams.
Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Blitz has spent the last 15 years building his career in Atlanta, steadily developing his sound and presence in one of hip-hop’s most competitive music markets.
His perseverance paid off in a major way when “Pressure (Shawty You Pressure)” exploded across streaming platforms, clubs, and radio nationwide. The record became a breakout urban hit, reaching the Top 15 on Urban Radio charts and the Top 20 on Rhythmic Radio in 2025, solidifying Blitz as one of the rising voices coming out of Atlanta’s new wave.
Big Money Blitz
The song’s momentum has translated strongly into the streaming world as well, where Big Money Blitz now reaches more than 850,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, while building a fast-growing audience of more than 120,000 followers on TikTok.
While celebrating the Gold certification of “Pressure,” Blitz is already pushing forward with new music. His latest single, “Big Booty,” is currently gaining heavy traction in clubs and on streaming platforms, continuing the high-energy sound that made his breakout record such a cultural moment.
With a Gold plaque now under his belt, a debut album in the works for a late-spring release, and momentum building behind his newest single, Big Money Blitz is positioning himself for an even bigger run in 2026.
As the Atlanta music scene continues to produce the next generation of stars, Blitz’s story — from Louisiana roots to Atlanta grind — is a testament to persistence, independent hustle, and the power of a record that connects with listeners everywhere.
Media outlets interested in interviews, features, or coverage may request press materials, including official photos, streaming links, and RIAA certification verification.
Half the Wealth, Twice the Risk: Inside America’s Gray Divorce Epidemic
Troy, United States – February 17, 2026 /Hermiz Law/
Americans over 50 are divorcing at twice the rate they did a generation ago, and the financial wreckage falls hardest on women. The gray divorce rate — divorces among adults 50 and older — doubled between 1990 and 2010, reaching 10.3 per 1,000 married persons, where it has held steady through 2023. Among those 65 and older, the picture is more stark: that rate has more than quadrupled, climbing from 1.4 to 6.7 per 1,000, according to July 2025 data from the National Center for Family & Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University.
It’s the only age group in America where divorce is still rising.
Roughly 36% of all divorcing adults are now over 50 — a population large enough that its financial aftershocks ripple through retirement systems, safety-net programs, and family networks. A peer-reviewed study published in the Journals of Gerontology found that women’s standard of living plunges 45% after a gray divorce, compared to 21% for men. Both lose about half their total wealth. For women over 63 who’ve gone through gray divorce, 27% end up in poverty — nine times the rate of their married peers.
“Well over a third of people who are getting divorced are now over the age of 50,” said Susan L. Brown, Distinguished Professor of Sociology at Bowling Green State University. “We just can’t ignore that group anymore.”
The financial toll reaches beyond individual households. An Allianz Life Insurance survey published in July 2025 found that 56% of married Americans say divorce would derail their retirement strategy. Among those already divorced, 40% say it did exactly that.
The gender gap doesn’t close after the papers are signed. Only 22% of women repartner within a decade of gray divorce, compared to 37% of men, according to research published in Demography. That gap compounds the economic damage: women who divorce after 50 have fewer working years to recover, smaller Social Security benefits, and often struggle to navigate the opaque process of claiming their share of an ex-spouse’s pension.
“People who experience gray divorce, they experience economic decline, and they don’t really have a lot of work years to recuperate,” said I-Fen Lin, Professor of Sociology at Bowling Green State University.
Two-thirds of gray divorces are initiated by women, according to the most comprehensive survey on the subject — a 2004 AARP study that remains the only large-scale national survey of its kind. In that same survey, 26% of men said they never saw it coming.
The trend has drawn national attention in recent months. In October 2025, Oprah Winfrey devoted a full episode of The Oprah Podcast to gray divorce, featuring Dr. Brown. The same month, the New York Times solicited personal stories from gray divorcees for an upcoming investigation. Pew Research Center published new analysis confirming the trend’s persistence.
For family law attorneys, the pattern is unmistakable.
“The baby boom generation redefined marriage — they married later, divorced more freely, and prioritized personal fulfillment over permanence,” said Madana Hermiz, founding divorce attorney of Hermiz Law. “Gray divorce is that philosophy catching up with them in retirement. A generation that treated marriage as optional is now discovering that the financial safety net was built for people who stayed.”
The core tension is structural. Social Security’s spousal benefit formula, pension-division rules, and the absence of mandatory financial guidance at the point of divorce all reflect an era when marriages lasted a lifetime. The Women’s Retirement Protection Act, introduced in Congress in March 2025, represents one of the few legislative attempts to address the gap — but no comprehensive policy overhaul is on the horizon.
“No one wants to prepare for a divorce,” said Kelly LaVigne, VP of Consumer Insights at Allianz Life. “But divorce later in life — especially after retiring — is increasingly common. If you have been planning for retirement as a couple, then splitting up your assets to fund separate retirements can leave you short of achieving your retirement goals.”
A U.S. Government Accountability Office report found women’s household income fell 41% after divorcing past 50 — nearly double the 23% decline for men. The Brookings Institution has documented that divorced elderly women face a poverty rate of 15.8%, almost four times the 4.3% rate among married elderly women.
The question isn’t whether gray divorce will continue. The question is who pays for it.
About Hermiz Law Hermiz Law is a family law practice led by divorce attorney Madana Hermiz, representing clients in divorce, asset division, custody, and post-divorce financial planning. The firm specializes in complex divorce cases involving retirement assets, business valuations, and high-net-worth estates.
MusicWire / Feb. 11, 2026 — Moroccan-born, Canadian-raised cultural disruptor El Mehdi makes a bold entrance into the global pop conversation with “SALAM,” his landmark debut EP released January 30 via RENAISSANCE/AWAL, accompanied by “EL FILM,” a self-directed musical short film premiering today. The genre-defying project marks a historic debut for an openly queer Arab artist, expanding music into a cultural statement.
They say no one is a prophet in their own land. With “SALAM,” El Mehdi breaks the adage — and with it, silence, shame, and the glass ceiling.
The project unfolds with art-pop precision, bridging regional identity with global pop resonance. A leap of faith in a landscape that still polices who gets to exist freely, “SALAM” asserts presence without compromise. Ceremonial and defiant, El Mehdi’s sound fuses modern pop with North African and Middle Eastern influences, pairing rich vocals and cinematic strings with dance-driven energy, sensual urgency, and multilingual song writing in English, French, and Arabic. The result is an incandescent world that feels ancestral yet radically future-facing. El Mehdi doesn’t dilute identity to reach wider audiences — he expands pop itself to hold it.
This is pop that remembers where it comes from — but refuses to apologize for where it’s going.
Across five tracks, including the manifesto-like title track “SALAM” (meaning both “hello” and “peace” in Arabic) — El Mehdi transforms vulnerability into power. Written and creative directed by El Mehdi, and produced by El Mehdi and Sūn Jùn (LayLow, AntsLive, Dior), with mixing by Grammy-winner Wez Clarke (Zara Larsson, MARINA, Sam Smith) and string performances by Grammy-nominated Drew Jurecka (Dua Lipa), “SALAM” was created across continents — a global pop record born from emancipation, vision, and reclamation.
“I needed to create a space where we can exist without hiding. And beyond that, a place where we can celebrate ourselves” El Mehdi says. “SALAM is that place.”
Premiering today, “EL FILM” extends this declaration into cinema. Directed, choreographed, edited, and costumed by El Mehdi, the musical short film reflects his multidisciplinary approach, weaving music with dance, fashion, image, and storytelling. Set inside a Moroccan riad, the film unfolds as a passage from darkness into light, centered around a traditional mint tea ceremony. Beneath the anonymous male gaze, ritual chants and El Mehdi — an iconoclastic figure with an androgynous presence — fracture normative masculinity, allowing a fluid, liberated force to emerge. Traditionally associated with the sacred, these elements are reimagined — not as provocation, but as transformation.
“They wanted me in Hell. Baby, I went there. I came back. I only warmed up my tea.”
El Mehdi, “El Film” (Official Video):
https://ffm.link/elfilm.OPR
Disruptive to some and inspiring to others, “SALAM” opens a dialogue many were waiting for and others feared. More than a debut, “SALAM” is a cultural statement.
A new voice has arrived — and it’s coming in peace.
Moroccan-Canadian artist El Mehdi first emerged with his debut single “ELKASS HLOU,” which sparked rapid traction across platforms, amassing hundreds of thousands of streams and views and breaking into Anghami’s Top 50 across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) — the leading streaming platform of the Arab world.
He crafts a magnetic, genre-defying pop sound shaped by his North African heritage, shimmering across English, French, and Arabic. A former spokesperson for Amnesty International Canada, El Mehdi has established himself as a distinctive voice within the global MENA diaspora.
With his follow-up “ENCORE” and its self-directed music video created in partnership with the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Marrakech, El Mehdi affirmed a crystalline and uncompromising vision. He has been hailed as “a rising young phenomenon” (CBC) and “emblematic of a generation” (L’Orient Today), while ICON MENA described his work as “a quiet revolution, far from clichés.” Flaunt praised El Mehdi for challenging social and cultural expectations, The New Arab highlighted a stage presence that is both “elegant and subversive,” and Vogue Arabia noted his ability to move “with grace and intention.”
Previously artist-in-residence at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris, El Mehdi has presented his work at TIFF, the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica ShortFilm Festival, and Amsterdam Dance Event, and has performed to capacity crowds across Canada (Nuit Blanche, Canadian Music Week, Montreal Pride).
In 2025, he made his big-screen debut as a leading actor in “L’Héritier des secrets” (dir. Mohamed Nadif), which premiered at theMontreal Museum of Fine Arts as part of Cinémania. Set for theatrical release in 2026, the film is the first Moroccan feature to address trans identity and co-stars Nisrin Erradi, who also appears in “Everybody Loves Touda” (dir. Nabil Ayouch), Morocco’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
On stage and in the studio, El Mehdi challenges what it means to be an Arab man in the modern world, transforming pop into ritual. With his debut EP “SALAM,” he ushers in a new era — free, luminous, and indelible.
NASHVILLE, TN / MusicWire / Jan. 23, 2026 — Chris Williams and Kid Reverie release “Strawberry Moon,” a folk single shaped by memory, distance, and the soft gravity of moments that arrive and disappear almost at once. Featuring Kid Reverie (Steve Varney) on lead vocals, the song drifts through seasonal imagery and quiet reflection, carried by organic acoustic textures and a patient, open arrangement.
Rather than spell everything out, “Strawberry Moon” moves like a recollection: summers that fade, friendships that shift, and love that remains just out of reach. The refrain lands with a gentle ache—“I lost you in the glow of a strawberry moon”—and then hangs in the air like an afterimage.
The track continues a collaboration that began with an unlikely spark—banjo lessons that turned into long-distance writing sessions—eventually growing into a fully realized songwriting partnership. In recent sessions, the duo have leaned further into atmosphere and restraint, letting space and silence carry as much emotional weight as the words.
The momentum around Williams and Varney’s work has steadily built since their 2023 collaborative album, Something from Nothing. “They’ve blossomed into one of the most exciting partnerships in modern folk,” wrote Eric Alper (That Eric Alper).
Warm, unresolved, and quietly luminous, “Strawberry Moon” is a new chapter in the duo’s shared world of storytelling—music that trusts the listener, and leaves the door slightly open.
“Strawberry Moon” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Kid Reverie ranked within the top 200 “indie folk” artists worldwide (Chartmetric).
Chris Williams ranked within the top 10K “US singer/songwriter” artists worldwide (Chartmetric).
“Bees” reached #1 on IndieFolkVibe’s Spotify playlist “Indie Folk Haze”.
Kid Reverie saw a 481% spike in Spotify monthly listener growth on Dec 31, 2025.• Chris Williams saw a 163.5% spike in Spotify monthly listener growth on Jan 13, 2026.
Early radio tracking includes spins on KJAC 105.5 FM (Fort Collins area, CO) and WFPK 91.9 FM (Louisville, KY).
Chris Williams is a Wilmington, North Carolina–based Americana/folk songwriter and multi-instrumentalist—ranked within the top 10K “US singer/songwriter” artists worldwide, according to Chartmetric. Raised near Greensboro and rooted early in bluegrass, Williams built his foundation on the banjo before expanding his palette with jazz influence, rock energy, and melodic restraint. His solo releases The Farewell Tour and To Be Determined established his reflective voice and detail-forward arrangements, and in 2023 he deepened his collaborative work with Something From Nothing, a full-length album with Steve Varney (Kid Reverie).
Kid Reverie:
Kid Reverie is the Boulder, Colorado-based indie-folk project of songwriter/producer and guitarist/banjoist Steve Varney—ranked within the top 200 “indie folk” artists worldwide, according to Chartmetric. Varney is also known as a longtime touring member of Gregory Alan Isakov’s band and the former leader of Glowing House. Introduced in 2018 with a full-length rock record both tender and furious, Kid Reverie continues to evolve across styles with a constant emphasis on honest, songwriting-forward work. Recent radio pickups include spins on KJAC 105.5 FM (Fort Collins area, CO) and WFPK 91.9 FM (Louisville, KY).
LONDON, UK / MusicWire / Jan. 23, 2026 — Singer-songwriter Parson James, the genre-blending artist behind the multi-platinum global smash “Stole The Show,” returns with “Water Me”, a deeply personal soft-release single crafted for the fans who’ve supported him since day one and setting the stage for the bold comeback anthems arriving next.
Born in South Carolina and now based between Nashville and London, Parson’s work has always lived in contrast of struggle and resilience, gospel and EDM, soul and euphoria/ Water Me marks a moment where his internal landscapes finally catch up with his fullest creative intention.
Parson has spent nearly a decade honing not just his sound but his story. From releasing his debut EP and single almost 10 years ago, he admits he’s rewritten versions of his album many times over, always chasing a moment when his life-experiences, vulnerability and songcraft align. Only within the past few years has he felt that his growth, self-awareness and honesty would finally allow that alignment. With “Water Me”, Parson doesn’t just share a song, he shares an inner turning point.
In “Water Me”, Parson confronts a familiar but often avoided truth: that even the strongest among us can run utterly dry. A “withering flower in need of a little love”, he confesses he’s never been one to ask, always pushing forward regardless of his capacity. But after a tough patch in 2021, mistakes made, lessons learned, he realizes he can’t do it all alone. He’s tired. He’s depleted. Yet, he’s poised to grow if someone just offers light, water, safety, love.
That water becomes metaphor, plea and promise all in one. The track is as much an emotional reclamation as it is an invitation for anyone listening to feel seen: that asking isn’t weakness, that growth can come even at your lowest.
Musically, “Water Me” draws from Parson’s lifelong fascination with gospel’s heartfelt roots, the organic simplicity of soulful balladry and the emotional directness of country-twang. During its creation, Chris Stapleton and gospel music rotated heavily in Parson’s world, shaping a sonic atmosphere that is intimate, raw, yet expansive.
His writing process here, as always, feels like an internal conversation laid bare: therapy set to melody, harmonies rising out of honesty. Choir-like vocals whisper and soar. Vocal grit and quiet space intertwine. The production leans toward organic textures, letting the emotional core live uncluttered.
“Pour yourself a whiskey (or a non-alcoholic hot cider if that’s your preference), wrap up in your favorite blanket. If you can, find a fire (literal or figurative), sway with someone who holds you. By the bridge, you should be standing, belting, maybe crying, utterly lost in the comfort of the moment.”
Above all, hope. Parson wants listeners to recognize their own worth: that the parts of you that feel frayed, unappreciated, misunderstood. Those are not liabilities, they’re markers of what makes you uniquely you. He wants people to love themselves, celebrate their quirks and embrace honesty. Because, in his vision, those become foundations of strength.
This song itself emerges from collaboration with Parson’s trusted circle, friends and artists who bring voice, craft and co-vision. Longtime friend and Grammy-nominated artist Joanna “JoJo” Levesque lends background vocals, adding warmth and familiarity that reflect their real-life bond and shared musical history. Her presence in the studio brought an ease and emotional resonance that carries through the record.
Additional keys were played by Phil Lewis, who has since gone on to work extensively with Doja Cat, bringing a subtle modern touch to the song’s otherwise organic palette. His contributions help bridge the track’s soulful roots with a contemporary edge, underscoring Parson’s genre-blending instincts.
The visual world around “Water Me” will honor that same honesty: minimal, emotive, rooted in light and shadow, growth and fragility. Just like the song, it’ll invite you in rather than push you back.
Beyond music, Parson continues to stand for causes that deeply matter: queer youth, mental health, HIV/AIDS awareness. He works closely with organizations such as The Trevor Project, GLAAD, LoveLoud, and amfAR. His identity as queer biracial artist from the conservative South is not just an origin story, it’s a lens through which he lives, creates, and advocates.
Parson James
Market Drivers/Career Highlights
Over 1.2 billion streams globally
Stole The Show has gone multi-platinum, with awards and milestones in the USA, UK, France, and beyond
30× Platinum across the world; Diamond certified in France
More than 15 million Shazams
Honored as New Zealand’s honorary ambassador, key to the city of Opotiki
High-profile syncs including Grey’s Anatomy, Love Island, The Voice, Real Housewives, The Originals, American Idol (winning song)
Extensive live credentials: Coachella (three times), AMFAR Galas with Diana Ross and Christina Aguilera, appearances on Ellen, Fallon, Seth Meyers, plus iconic venues like MSG, Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theater, etc.
Parson James is a singer, songwriter and performer whose genre-blending sound and deeply emotional storytelling have positioned him as one of the most distinctive voices in modern pop and dance music. Best known for co-writing and performing on Kygo’s multi-platinum hit “Stole The Show,” which has surpassed 1 billion streams globally, Parson has spent the last decade captivating audiences across streaming platforms, global charts and stadium stages.
Born in South Carolina and now based between Nashville and London, Parson’s music is rooted in contrast, soul and euphoria, gospel and EDM, struggle and resilience. His perspective as a queer, biracial artist raised in the conservative South has shaped a narrative that is as emotionally powerful as it is culturally important.
Following his breakout with “Stole The Show,” Parson has toured the world alongside Kygo and collaborated with a range of top-tier artists including Sam Feldt, The Knocks, Vandelux, Said the Sky, Audien, CAZZETTE, Hook N Sling, Big Gigantic and others. His solo releases, including the Temple EP (RCA), “Only You,” “Little Fires,” and “Right Now,” reflect an evolving voice that pairs cinematic vocals with bold, genre-spanning production.
Produced by Grammy-winning Drew Correa (Lil Wayne, Jay-Z); out now on major streaming platforms.
BOCA RATON, FL / MusicWire / Feb. 12, 2026 — Sol Centric, an 18-year-old singer, rapper, and songwriter based in Boca Raton, Florida, debuts with his first single and official music video, “Remember Me.” Released Jan. 23, the 3:15 track (Explicit) was produced by Grammy-winning producer Drew Correa (Lil Wayne, Jay-Z).
A song about love and breaking up, “Remember Me” pairs a catchy, string-led chorus with melancholy lyrics, crisp beats, and a melodic guitar riff that drives the mid-tempo track.
“I wanted to express the heartbreak and pain many of us experience during and after a breakup,” said Sol Centric. “It’s really about reaching out and connecting with others so they know they’re not alone.”
“I started dating at a young age—as many do today—and ‘Remember Me’ was inspired by a breakup I went through that hit me hard,” Sol Centric added. “The good news is we learn to move on and things do get better. It’s been meaningful to see people already connecting with the song. This track marks the beginning of what I hope will be a long, successful career, and I’m excited to release a lot of music this year—and for many years to come.”
“Remember Me” is available now on all major streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and more.
Sol Centric, born Luke Ryan Solomon, is an 18-year-old singer, rapper, and songwriter based in Boca Raton, Florida by way of New York City. The self-described Gringo-Latino was exposed to a wide range of musical influences from an early age, including hip-hop, heavy metal, classic rock, R&B, pop, and Latin music.
From an early age, Sol Centric gravitated toward drama, music, and performance discovering an early passion for creative expression. During high school, he performed in drama classes, spent endless hours discovering music, gaming and streaming, all while training for semi-professional tennis, though a tennis injury and other factors ultimately ended his athletic pursuit.
During a challenging period with mental health, he began journaling and writing lyrics, which became a turning point in his artistic development. As his confidence and vision matured, so did his sound. In the post-COVID years, he attended hundreds of live performances and festivals, further shaping his artistic vision.
In early 2025, he began producing music from his bedroom. Later, while recording vocals in a professional studio, he met Grammy-winning producer Drew Correa, who also served as a resident engineer at Cash Money Records. The two connected instantly and began collaborating. From this partnership, Sol Centric was officially born.
Transform Your Home with Custom Kitchen Cabinets by Jimmy Ballard
Orlando, United States – February 14, 2026 /Cabinet Maker in Orlando/
Jimmy Ballard, a skilled carpenter with an impressive 35 years of experience, has gained recognition in the Orlando community for his outstanding work in crafting custom kitchen cabinets. His journey in woodworking began early in life, where he nurtured a passion for craftsmanship that has only intensified over the years. This unwavering dedication to his trade, coupled with his focus on personalized service, has distinguished him in the cabinet-making sector.
From the outset, Jimmy recognized that a kitchen serves as more than just a cooking space; it represents the heart of the home. It is where families come together, memories are created, and life unfolds. With this insight, he has devoted his career to designing and constructing custom kitchen cabinets that not only fulfill the practical needs of his clients but also embody their individual styles and personalities. Each project is approached with a fresh outlook, ensuring that every cabinet truly reflects the homeowner’s vision.
Jimmy’s hands-on involvement in every project is a defining characteristic of his work. He believes that the finest results stem from direct engagement in the process, from the initial consultation to the final installation. This personal approach enables him to forge strong relationships with his clients, ensuring that their needs and preferences guide every decision. By taking the time to listen and comprehend what each client desires, Jimmy can create custom kitchen cabinets that are not only visually appealing but also functional and practical.
The exceptional quality of craftsmanship that Jimmy brings to his work is evident in every detail. He selects only the highest quality materials, ensuring that each cabinet is built to endure. His extensive experience has equipped him with the expertise necessary to handle even the most intricate designs, and he takes pride in his ability to transform a client’s dream kitchen into reality. Whether it is a contemporary, sleek design or a more traditional aesthetic, Jimmy’s proficiency allows him to create custom kitchen cabinets that elevate the overall beauty of the home.
In addition to his technical abilities, Jimmy’s deep connections within the Orlando community have significantly contributed to his success. He has established a reputation for dependability and integrity, with many of his clients coming through referrals. This strong community bond has enabled him to grasp the specific needs and preferences of Orlando homeowners, allowing him to tailor his services accordingly. Jimmy is not merely a carpenter; he is a reliable partner in the home renovation journey.
As the demand for custom kitchen cabinets continues to rise, Jimmy remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of quality and service. He recognizes that each project presents an opportunity to showcase his craftsmanship and creativity. By staying abreast of industry trends and innovations, he can provide clients with the latest in design and functionality. This commitment to ongoing improvement ensures that his work remains relevant and attractive to a diverse clientele.
Jimmy’s enthusiasm for woodworking extends beyond merely creating custom kitchen cabinets. He is also committed to imparting his knowledge and skills to the next generation of carpenters. He frequently conducts workshops and training sessions for aspiring woodworkers, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Through mentoring young talent, Jimmy hopes to inspire others to follow their passion for woodworking and uphold the tradition of quality craftsmanship.
The influence of Jimmy’s work can be observed throughout the Orlando area, where his custom kitchen cabinets have transformed numerous homes. Each project tells a story, reflecting the distinct tastes and lifestyles of the families who inhabit them. From cozy family kitchens to modern culinary spaces, Jimmy’s creations have become an integral part of the homes they grace.
In a market dominated by mass-produced furniture and cabinetry, Jimmy Ballard emerges as a symbol of quality and craftsmanship. His commitment to designing custom kitchen cabinets tailored to the specific needs of his clients sets him apart from the competition. With an emphasis on personalized service and a hands-on approach, he guarantees that every project is a genuine collaboration between himself and the homeowner.
As he looks forward, Jimmy remains enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead. He is continually exploring new techniques and materials, always striving to push the limits of what is achievable in cabinet design. His passion for woodworking remains as strong as ever, and he is eager to continue creating beautiful, functional spaces for families in Orlando and beyond.
In summary, Jimmy Ballard’s commitment to craftsmanship, his deep roots in the Orlando community, and his hands-on approach to every project position him as a prominent figure in the realm of custom kitchen cabinets. With 35 years of experience to his credit, he has refined his skills to perfection, ensuring that each cabinet he produces is a work of art. As he continues to build on his legacy, Jimmy remains devoted to delivering exceptional service and quality craftsmanship to every client he serves.
Produced by Brian Collins and Will Turpin (Collective Soul), the live‑captured duet launches MAKIE’s forthcoming vinyl album, Constellations, out this fall.
ATLANTA, GA / MusicWire / Feb. 13, 2026 — Indie Country/Americana artist MAKIE releases her new single, “Will You Love Me When,” featuring Grammy‑nominated, #1 charting singer‑songwriter Shawn Mullins, available today on all major streaming platforms. The duet marks the first release from MAKIE’s forthcoming vinyl album, Constellations, scheduled for release this fall.
Recorded at Real to Reel Studios in Atlanta, “Will You Love Me When” is a live‑captured Americana duet exploring the long road of love — where humor, grace, and vulnerability become the true milestones. The song was produced by Brian Collins (CMA artist and singer‑songwriter) and Will Turpin of Collective Soul, through Atlanta‑based production team Real People Music.
“This song asks a question so many of us carry quietly,” says MAKIE. “Will you love me when life gets messy — when we’re not at our best? Recording it live felt like the only honest way to tell that story.”
Known for his enduring influence in modern Americana and pop songwriting, Mullins rose to international recognition with hits including “Lullaby” and “Shimmer.” His feature on “Will You
Release Information:
Artist: MAKIE feat. Shawn Mullins Single: “Will You Love Me When” Album: Constellations (forthcoming vinyl release) Release Date: February 13, 2026 Genre: Americana / Indie Country
Originally from a horse farm in Blue Earth, Minnesota, MAKIE made her way to the Deep South after performing across the U.S. — from New York City to Los Angeles — and internationally. Blending Americana, indie folk, and country, her sound draws comparisons to Lucinda Williams, Jewel, Jenny Lewis, and Kacey Musgraves.
MAKIE’s songwriting has earned notable placement in film. Her song “Magic,” co-written with composer Gene Micofsky (winner of Best Original Score for Heart of Texas at the Cannes Film Festival), was written for and placed in the feature film Sunny Daze, starring Jason Wiles and Lonnie Chavis. MAKIE and Micofsky also co-wrote “Believe Again,” written for and placed in the film Adventures of the Naked Umbrella, starring Jeremy Davies and Taryn Manning. MAKIE is also an Off-Broadway actress, singer, and dancer, and is a member of both the Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.
In December, MAKIE was personally invited by the Cathy family to debut her original song, “Good Old Fashioned Christmas,” at the Chick-fil-A Headquarters Christmas devotional. Faith and family remain central themes in MAKIE’s work and life, reflected throughout Constellations, an album dedicated to her late father, Rahn Greimann, founder and publisher of Performance Horse Digest, a national equine publication.
“Will You Love Me When” is available now worldwide. Additional singles from Constellations will be released throughout 2026 ahead of the full vinyl release this fall.
About Shawn Mullins:
After early indie releases and growing buzz in the Atlanta music scene, Shawn Mullins rose to international success with Soul’s Core (1998), featuring his Grammy‑nominated No. 1 hit “Lullaby.” He later earned the AAA/Americana No. 1 “Beautiful Wreck,” and his song “Shimmer” was used in promotion of the 2000 Summer Olympics and included on the Dawson’s Creek soundtrack. Mullins also co‑wrote Zac Brown Band’s No. 1 country hit “Toes,” formed the supergroup The Thorns with Matthew Sweet and Pete Droge, and revisited Soul’s Core with Soul’s Core Revival, featuring newly recorded versions with new arrangements.
Inspired by Filipino folktales and shaped by daily rhythm, the illustrated children’s story by Cleodia Martinez with art by Paola Santos will be released March 17, 2026.
SAN FRANCISCO & METRO MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 10, 2026 / PRZen / Inspired by Filipino mythological characters and landscapes, Diwa of Mount Luntian introduces young readers to the cultural figure of a diwata in a contemporary way that stays true to its roots while speaking to modern family life. In Philippine tradition, diwatas are nature spirits connected to the land, water, trees, and wind, reflecting a worldview in which the natural world is alive, relational, and deserving of care. Rather than relying on fear-based storytelling, the book centers on calm, emotional safety, sensory awareness, and connection to nature.
The story marks the debut of the Mount Luntian illustrated children’s series. Written by Cleodia Martinez with art by Paola Santos, Diwa of Mount Luntian is available for pre-order now and will be released March 17, 2026, through major online retailers and select bookstores.
Set in a nature-rooted world, the story follows Diwa, a young diwata whose inner glow shifts with her feelings. Told over the course of a single day, the narrative reflects the natural flow of early childhood—waking with the sun, engaging in meaningful activity, learning through relationship and observation, and settling into rest. Through simple, sensory moments, children are invited to slow down and notice their emotions with curiosity and care.
“Filipino folk characters have always carried wisdom,” says author Cleodia Martinez. “It feels deeply meaningful to share these stories with young children in a way that supports imagination, emotional awareness, and connection, while honoring the heart of these traditional archetypes.”
The book arrives at a time when many families are seeking screen-free ways to connect and stories that support emotional development without being instructional. Designed for shared reading during quiet moments of the day, the story offers a calm, reassuring experience for children and caregivers alike.
Illustrations by Paola Santos feature warm, luminous artwork that emphasizes softness, texture, and atmosphere, bringing the world of Mount Luntian to life.
Diwa of Mount Luntian is the first title in a planned series exploring folk-inspired characters and inner emotional landscapes through nature-centered storytelling.
A free companion activity kit for families is available at
Cris Fort Introduces New Website for Ulster County Audiences
Ulster County, United States – February 9, 2026 /Creative Now Therapy/
Ulster County, New York – January 2026 — Creative Now Therapy, a mental health practice founded by therapist Cris Fort, has officially launched a new website designed to improve access to therapy services for individuals and families across Ulster County. The new site offers a clearer, more supportive digital experience for those seeking mental health care, making it easier to understand services, explore therapeutic approaches, and take the first step toward support during a time when mental health needs continue to rise.
The Challenge / Problem
Many individuals in Ulster County face barriers when seeking mental health care, including difficulty finding providers who feel approachable, services that align with their needs, or clear information about how to begin therapy. Confusing websites, limited transparency, and overwhelming clinical language can discourage people from reaching out—especially those navigating anxiety, emotional burnout, or life transitions.
The launch of the Creative Now Therapy website addresses these challenges by offering a warm, accessible, and thoughtfully structured online space that reflects the practice’s client-centered approach. As a Somatic Therapist in Kingston, NY, serving Ulster County and surrounding areas, Creative Now Therapy uses the website to clearly outline available therapy services, areas of focus, and its therapeutic philosophy—helping prospective clients feel informed, supported, and empowered before initiating contact.
Capabilities, Features, or Expertise
Client-Centered Digital Experience The website was designed to mirror the therapeutic environment Creative Now Therapy provides—calm, welcoming, and easy to navigate. Visitors can quickly find information about therapy options, professional background, and what to expect when beginning the therapeutic process.
Clear Service Visibility and Educational Focus Each section of the site emphasizes clarity and transparency, offering straightforward explanations of therapeutic services and approaches. This helps reduce uncertainty and allows visitors to determine whether the practice aligns with their emotional and personal goals.
Local Mental Health Support with a Human Approach By centering the website around accessibility and connection, Creative Now Therapy reinforces its commitment to serving the Ulster County community with care that feels personal, respectful, and grounded in real human experience.
About the Company
Creative Now Therapy is a mental health practice serving individuals in Ulster County, New York. Founded by therapist Cris Fort, the practice focuses on providing thoughtful, compassionate therapy in a supportive and client-centered environment. Creative Now Therapy is committed to helping individuals navigate emotional challenges, personal growth, and life transitions with clarity and care.
