This is a song that demands the listener's attention and won't let it go.

NEXT ROCK M.C.

The Hill 
Verse 1 
Oh, traveler heading to The Hill, Let me warn you, stay still. When you reach that winding stair, Don’t you speak, don’t you dare.
Chorus Lord, why’s my heart so torn? While others sleep safe and warm, One’s at peace in his own bed, I stand guard, my soul is bled.
Verse 2 
Oh, traveler, shame on you, Coming, going, what’s it to you? Chasing gold and riches fine, But leaving your kin behind.
Oh, traveler, what do you see? Tell me what’s become of me? The Hill’s now swords that cut so deep, My love’s become a ghost to keep.
Bridge Let me cry, let me grieve, For the Hill’s girl who had to leave. She left me with no goodbye, The Hill’s her secret, left me dry.
Verse 3 
By the river, winding low, Down through Ohio Hill it flows. My claim to you, oh sacred stream, Won’t pawn or sell, no shattered dream. Up between the mountains high, I saw leaves fall, heard a baby’s cry. Fadel’s still young, the tale’s unclear, But the girl’s enchantment lingers here.
Chorus Lord, why’s my heart so torn? While others sleep safe and warm, One’s at peace in his own bed, I stand guard, my soul is bled.
Verse 4 
My love came back, but what to give? Only carpets for him to live. Friends all circled, they stood so near, But I still fight the shadows here.
Oh, traveler heading to The Hill, Let me warn you, stay still. When you reach that winding stair, Don’t you speak, don’t you dare.
Outro Let me cry, let me grieve, For the Hill’s girl who had to leave. She left me with no goodbye, The Hill’s her secret, left me dry.


"The Hill" by The Bartenders is a hauntingly beautiful track that seamlessly blends dark country and blues rock. With Johnny D.'s rugged yet soulful vocals taking the spotlight, this song dives deep into themes of longing, betrayal, and resilience. The track’s layered production evokes echoes of '70s rock ballads, reminiscent of the poetic melancholy of The Doors and the dynamic intensity of The Who.

lyricist : Johnny D. / From the heritage of the "Aita," a text inspired by Moroccan folk arts.

The journey begins with sparse, mournful guitar riffs and a rhythm that builds like an approaching storm. As the song unfolds, the instrumentation evolves, incorporating swelling harmonicas, brooding bass lines, and subtle organ undertones. The result is a cinematic soundscape that feels both nostalgic and fresh, offering listeners a timeless exploration of heartbreak and hope.

This single marks a bold artistic statement from The Bartenders, showcasing their ability to merge storytelling with rich musical textures. “The Hill” stands as a testament to the band’s versatility, appealing to fans of both classic rock and modern country-blues fusion.

The Bartenders on Youtube : https://youtube.com/@thebartenders-q8t?si=7jfAXMFZhWudPavV
"The Hill" on Youtube : https://youtu.be/A-pppCW7-IM?si=6cDpBAFnFBguIwU4

The Hill (Short Version)

"When We Sit Upon the Veranda" is the latest release from The Bartenders and Emma Hope. This captivating track is an adaptation of the Persian poem "Man o To," seamlessly blending modern blues, soulful grooves, and rock elements with ethereal vocals and poetic depth. The song showcases the band's evolution and the enriching addition of Emma Hope, offering listeners a unique and transcendent musical experience.

The Bartenders and Emma Hope
Originally formed in Toronto, Canada, by Johnny D. and Stephaan Rayes, The Bartenders have been renowned for their modern blues infused with soulful grooves and a touch of rock. Their signature track, "Hey Bartender!", captivated audiences with its infectious energy and catchy riffs. Known for their captivating live performances, they transformed every stage into a vibrant mix of rhythms, blending classic influences with a refreshing modern twist.
The band's evolution took a significant turn with the integration of Canadian artist Emma Hope. Emma brings a graceful feminine touch to the ensemble, enriching their sound with her ethereal vocals and artistic depth. Her presence has added new dimensions to their music, leading to a harmonious blend of styles and a more dynamic stage presence.
Together, as "The Bartenders and Emma Hope," they continue to explore and innovate, creating music that resonates deeply with their audience. Their latest release, "When We Sit Upon the Veranda," is a testament to their collaborative synergy and artistic growth.

Lyrics: 
When We Sit Upon the Veranda

O sweet the hour when we shall rest, 
 upon the veranda, thee and I,
 Two figures drawn, two forms apart, 
 yet breathing in one soul, thee and I.
 Unburdened by the world’s cruel lore, 
 its whispered doubts, its wayward sigh,
 O free from fate’s entangled threads, 
 we shall be lost in rapture high.

O sweet the hour when we shall rest, 
 upon the veranda, thee and I,
 Two shadows cast upon the earth, 
 yet bound as one beneath the sky.
 No weary thought, no restless woe, 
 shall steal the hush of love’s embrace,
 For thee and I, yet not as two, 
 shall merge beyond both time and space.

Two figures drawn, two forms apart, 
 yet breathing in one soul, thee and I,
 Unburdened by the world’s cruel lore, 
 its whispered doubts, its wayward sigh.
 For thee and I, yet not as two, 
 shall merge beyond both time and space,
 O sweet the hour when we shall rest, 
 upon the veranda, thee and I.


When We Sit Upon the Veranda (Man o To)

Tom Rasheed reinvents The Hill with raw emotion and haunting depth, blending his rich Americana vocals with the soul of African-Amazigh traditions. His interpretation strips the song to its bare essence, exposing its lyrical weight while layering in ghostly harmonies and hypnotic rhythms.
This cover breathes new life into The Bartenders’ somber ballad, amplifying its storytelling through Rasheed’s evocative voice, which echoes both longing and resilience. The fusion of folk, blues, and ancestral melodies makes this version not just a tribute, but a transformation one that lingers long after the final note fades.

The Hill (The Bartenders Cover)

A pulsating opening. Metallic synths bleed into crushed drums, like a warning from a forgotten AI. This is the ignition: industrial, hypnotic, and burning like neon blood.


The Bartenders team up once more with the haunting voice of Emma Hope to deliver "Wicked Wind Called Aqisa", a dark country ballad rooted in Moroccan folklore. With gritty guitars, ghostly harmonies, and a steady Americana rhythm, the song tells the tale of Al-Saliha and the sorceress Aqisa a parable of envy, justice, and resilience. Emma’s ethereal vocals echo like wind through desert canyons, while The Bartenders ground the tale in their signature bluesy storytelling. A mythical journey through sound, where tradition meets twilight.

Wicked Wind Called Aqisa

The Bartenders – “He Took the Oath”
Rare are the moments when Stephaan Rayes puts pen to paper. But when he does, it cuts like thunder in a silent town. “He Took the Oath” is a haunting dark country ballad drawn from dust, guilt, and ghost trails, written and performed solo by Rayes himself. His voice oscillates between a breaking falsetto and a deep, worn-out baritone a man both weeping and warning.
This song marks a defining moment for The Bartenders. Carried by stripped-back arrangements and emotional weight, it’s a spiritual successor to the old American lament yet feels timeless. Part of their upcoming debut album, the track leaves the door wide open for more stories in this vein: raw, true, and unforgettable.
Zachary Tali now behind the drums for good.
The rhythm section just got a heartbeat upgrade. 🥁🔥

LYRICS:

He Took the Oath
[Chorus - Refrain fantomatique] Ride, ride... Ride down that gravel road, The preacher’s gone ahead. Ride, ride... The preacher’s gone ahead, And we’re followin’ him slow, Oh we’re followin’ him slow...

[Verse 1 – The Oath Was Taken] He took the oath from our hands, Swore it in the name of the Lord. He took the oath from our hands, Gave his word, gave his word. Then he slammed his door shut, Kept the world outside. Turned away every neighbor, Left no soul to confide.
(Ride, ride... the preacher’s gone ahead)

[Verse 2 – Brother Turned Stranger] He was one of our own, Brother of blood and bone. But silver caught his eye, And darkness claimed the throne. He felt no weight in his chest, Took what he could and fled. No remorse in that heart — Just green dreams in his head.
(Ride, ride... the preacher’s gone ahead)

He Took the Oath

“He Took the Oath (Reimagined)” by Maladonna and The Bartenders
When Maladonna met The Bartenders, something spellbinding happened. In this stunning reinterpretation of “He Took the Oath”, her haunting Arabic vocals intertwine with the dark Americana roots of the original. The result is a mystical hybrid where desert winds meet Appalachian twilight.

Backing her voice is none other than Zachary Tali, the band's drummer, whose deep, worn vocals echo alongside hers like an oath spoken in two tongues. The lyrics, penned once again by Stephaan Rayes, remain the soul of the piece solemn, cinematic, and timeless.
This is more than a cover. It's a cross-cultural ritual in sound. The Bartenders' debut album remains open and this version lights a new path.

LYRICS :

He Took the Oath
[Chorus] Ride, ride... Ride down that gravel road, The preacher’s gone ahead. Ride, ride... The preacher’s gone ahead, And we’re followin’ him slow, Oh we’re followin’ him slow...

[Verse 1] He took the oath from our hands, Swore it in the name of the Lord. He took the oath from our hands, Gave his word, gave his word. Then he slammed his door shut, Kept the world outside. Turned away every neighbor, Left no soul to confide.
(Ride, ride... the preacher’s gone ahead)

[Verse 2] He was one of our own, Brother of blood and bone. But silver caught his eye, And darkness claimed the throne. He felt no weight in his chest, Took what he could and fled. No remorse in that heart Just green dreams in his head.
(Ride, ride... the preacher’s gone ahead)

We all have dreams. Chase your dreams , chase those Rainbows have fun. Life is short. Do it now. Believe in yourself and anything is possible. Try it. The magic is inside of you. Let the Genie out of the bottle.  

Written , performed by : John Mc Farlane

Life's About Living

Life's about living

Rainbows & Dreams

Recorded at Amplified Studios, Carlsbad CA July 2025
Drums - Marc Polit
Lead solo: Tristan Brooks

LYRIC
It took me half my life 
To finally gain insight
I only saw myself as others did
And I mostly stayed hid

I spent half my life
Upset and uptight
I learned it’s stupid to walk on eggshells
Every egg eventually breaks
And if that takes you half your life
That’s what it takes

Can't say exactly when
I knew what I didn’t then
A dawning realization
An opening of the mind
It only took me half my life for me to find

Time isn’t playing
It’s counting the days
If you don’t know what I’m saying
(Well) you won’t be young always
You sure won’t!

As the years accrue
In the remaining few
I won’t let regret confine me
I’ll amble slowly toward the light
Let the past all fade to black
I can’t go back
I love this last half of my life
So that’s all right


Half My Life

Still Dreaming (Illusion Of Time) (Part 5)

Invisible Space

Visit Spotify for more songs -

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7xweLTlv8wGI9Foe05W4WQ?si=JQzzDeLzSvGNDeeo8Cd9AA

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Can You Try.mp3

Poison Lips

Midnight Reverie

INSPIREXPIRE

Restless, rebellious, and fiercely independent, aZzma Beh is not just a musician she’s a force of nature. Born in Turkey but raised in California, she has spent over three decades carving her own path in the music industry, refusing to conform to mainstream expectations. Raised by a mother who was both an artist and an activist, aZzma grew up surrounded by raw creativity and a deep sense of defiance against injustice.
She never knew her father, only carrying his name like a ghost of an untold story. But rather than seeking answers in the past, she poured everything into music writing, composing, and producing her own songs. Her journey has been one of relentless independence, navigating the underground and alternative music scenes while collaborating with artists across the U.S., Europe, and Africa.
Her music is a collision of pop, rock, indie, and alternative energy, often infused with electronic elements when working with DJs who seek a voice as haunting as it is powerful. Unlike industry-made artists, aZzma chooses her collaborations carefully, preferring projects that carry meaning, rebellion, and raw emotion.

A Lebanese-born singer with a voice that transcends borders, MALADONNA grew up immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of England, Morocco, Turkey, and the United States. Classically trained, she bridges the worlds of Western classical music and Arabic heritage, creating a sound that is as unique as her journey. Her artistry reflects a profound connection to her roots while embracing global influences, seamlessly blending classical elegance with Arabic melodies and touches of American acoustic traditions. A storyteller at heart, she captivates listeners with her delicate yet powerful voice, weaving narratives of love, loss, and beauty.

He Took the Oath

Maladonna

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