South Carolina-based rockers Seven Year Witch have released their version of Blue Oyster Cult’s 1981 hit “Burnin’ For You.” Check it out below!
rock music
Female-Fronted Friday: Little Evil
When: Founded January 2023
Where: Iowa
Genre: Hard rock
FFO: The Pretenders, No Doubt, Garbage

Little Evil consists of vocalist Nico Merschman, bassist Alexxx Bentzinger, guitarist Bryer Meierotto, and drummer Tim Wardlow. This dynamic quartet classifies themselves as “hard rock” or “river rock,” but they do not limit themselves to those labels. Listening to them, you will find yourself moved by a ballad, pumped by a punk-tinged anthem, swaying to a bluesy track with a haunting atmosphere, or headbanging to a raw rock song!
You can listen to their latest single, “Graveyard Kisses,” along with a few other releases, down below. Make sure you check out their socials for upcoming live shows, music news, and much more!
“Graveyard Kisses”
“Little Devil”
“Riverview”
“Fortify”
Female-Fronted Friday: Hooked Like Helen
When: Formed in 2016, writing music for TV and movies. Began focusing on touring in 2023.
Where: Northeast Ohio
Genre: Alt-rock/Sad glam
FFO: Evanescence, Tori Amos, Jewel, Lacuna Coil

At its core, Hooked Like Helen is made up of husband-and-wife Nikki and Jon Stipp. The band explores topics such as mental health, unresolved trauma, and addiction recovery in their music, fostering a safe space for healing for both themselves and their fan base. They have provided music for films and TV, and they have opened for such artists as Scott Stapp, Jewel, and Hinder.

Hooked Like Helen’s latest single, “I Don’t Mind,” deals with the subject of unrecognized and therefore unprocessed trauma. Check it out below, along with a few of my other favorite HLH tracks! And be sure to follow/subscribe to their various socials for tour dates, new music announcements, and much more!
“I Don’t Mind”
“Promise Me You’ll Run”
“Fraud”
“Sleepwalker”
Song of the Day – Lovely Machine: “Drown”
Female-Fronted Friday: Solar
When: Formed in 2003
Where: Rockford, IL
Genre: Hard rock/Metal
FFO: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Warlock, Judas Priest, Megadeth

Solar is a four-piece rock band that consists of lead vocalist Stephanie, guitarist/vocalist Brad, bassist Larry, and Donovan the drummer. They have graced stages all across the U.S. with their seamless blend of heavy and melodic, and have released four full-length records: First Light (2006), Radiance (2021), Oracle (2022), and Frantically Calm (2025).
You can check out a few of my favorite Solar tracks below. Make sure you follow their socials for the latest music, news, and live show announcements.
“Rise”
“Frantically Calm”
“Glow”
“Mr. Stitches”
“I Don’t Owe You Anything”