Kelly Graham - The Pier

Mouse Powell isn’t your typical rapper. He emerged from the Arizona desert and now weaves thoughtful lyrics into a laid-back sound that blends indie hip-hop, alt-pop, and reggae-adjacent vibes. His … Read More

New Releases

HIRIE Returns On a Higher Vibe with New Single “Elevation”

April 23, 2025April 24, 2025 - by Kelly Graham

If you’ve been riding the modern reggae wave, chances are HIRIE’s name is already on your radar—and if it’s not, it’s time to catch up. The Phillipines -born, Hawai'i-based songstress … Read More

Special Features

Artikal Sound System Refines and Reflects on ‘Are You Smiling Yet?’

April 14, 2025April 14, 2025 - by Kelly Graham

On their sophomore album, Are You Smiling Yet?, Artikal Sound System delivers a laid-back yet vibrant mix of reggae, alt-rock, and soulful grooves that highlights their evolving sound. With smooth … Read More

Special Features

Closer to the Sun Artist Debut Series: Eli-Mac Shares Her Take on CTTS’ Tropical Vibes and Magical Music

January 22, 2025April 20, 2025 - by Kelly Graham

There’s something magical about the combination of sun, sand, and soulful music that makes Closer to the Sun truly one of a kind. For rising artist, Eli-Mac, this year marked … Read More

Special Features

Closer to the Sun Artist Debut Series: How Brandon Hardesty of Bumpin Uglies Stole the Show at CTTS

January 16, 2025January 20, 2025 - by Kelly Graham

The Closer to the Sun Artist Debut Series wouldn’t be the same without festival M.V.P. and Bumpin Uglies frontman, Brandon Hardesty! Talk about kicking things off in style! Originally set … Read More

Special Features

Closer to the Sun Artist Debut Series: Matthew Roads Reflects on Tropidelic’s Debut at CTTS

January 9, 2025January 20, 2025 - by Kelly Graham

Back from an epic musical getaway at Slightly Stoopid’s Closer to the Sun Festival in Riviera Maya, we’re riding that post-festival wave hard. The Pier crew is feeling the blues, … Read More

Reviews & Recaps

A Decade of Magic: Celebrating 10 Years of CTTS with the Top Ten Moments of 2024

December 17, 2024March 5, 2025 - by Kelly Graham

Ten years! A full decade of Closer to the Sun in Riviera Maya, Mexico—what an incredible milestone for a destination festival. Huge congratulations to the Slightly Stoopid crew for keeping … Read More

News / Special Features

Mike Pinto and Kyle Smith Sold Out 118 North Last Night

May 30, 2024January 9, 2025 - by Kelly Graham

On a rainy Wednesday night in the outskirts of Philadelphia, independent artists Kyle Smith and Mike Pinto wowed a full house at 118 North in Wayne, Pennsylvania. The weather, nor … Read More

Author: Kelly Graham

Mouse Powell and Logan Rex Find Their Groove in “Home”

HIRIE Returns On a Higher Vibe with New Single “Elevation”

Artikal Sound System Refines and Reflects on ‘Are You Smiling Yet?’

Closer to the Sun Artist Debut Series: Eli-Mac Shares Her Take on CTTS’ Tropical Vibes and Magical Music

Closer to the Sun Artist Debut Series: How Brandon Hardesty of Bumpin Uglies Stole the Show at CTTS

Closer to the Sun Artist Debut Series: Matthew Roads Reflects on Tropidelic’s Debut at CTTS

A Decade of Magic: Celebrating 10 Years of CTTS with the Top Ten Moments of 2024

Mike Pinto and Kyle Smith Sold Out 118 North Last Night