ROCKSTAR HALLOWEEN

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Rocky Leonard

Following the template of superstardom laid out by icons such as Beyoncé, Tina Turner, and Chaka Khan, Houston native Rocky Leonard has crafted a lane of her own. The result is a force to be reckoned with—a powerful, versatile artist who commands a room with her unapologetic eccentricity and a voice well beyond its years. Though perhaps what makes Leonard so captivating is not only the glamor or the confidence she exudes on stage, but also how in tune she is with her emotions.

Leonard is a rockstar with a divine feminine twist. The singer-songwriter's tagline, “Don't Be Afraid to Feel,” encapsulates everything Leonard stands for as an artist. With releases “ILY//TIME” (2021) and “Big Wave” (2022) in her discography, it's clear that Rocky writes for the hopeless romantics. Her lyrics cut deep while simultaneously uplifting a listener; they remind us to keep our hearts open, put our fists down, and let ourselves be loved the way we are.

From performing alongside Usher at ESSENCE Fest, to going on a mini tour in California, to releasing her debut EP TMI, it's a gradual yet promising rise to the stardom Leonard is destined for, and it's only just the beginning.

Noa Jamir

It’s difficult to find your footing after times ofgrieving – though condensing time like anaccordion, capturing both the past and present intoa full journey of cathartic healing feels so effortlessat the hands of Noa Jamir. Growing up in Lafayette, Jamir began to write music when she was a child, translating complex feelings into meanings that felt right even before she really understood their purpose. Along with being a staple within South Louisiana’s show circuit performing at Festival International, Essence Fest, French Quarter Fest, Bayou Boogaloo Fest, and more, Jamir has also recently toured the US with Leith Ross and Lyla George, taking inspiration in not just her songwriting, but how to expand herself as an artist entirely.

In 2024 Jamir released her critically acclaimed debut LP titled Cicada via Final Girl Records.Cicada allows breezy tunes to take the reins as these stories document her personal experience of healing and the importance of holding onto each and every step of the way. Before the album’s initial thought, Jamir fell into life’s scheming factions; substance abuse, grief, impulsion and uncertainty. What Cicada came to resemble though, was a steady ground. Cicada moves at its own accord. As a compositional album alone, the dynamic shifts, deliberate pacing and endearing hooks create a charming and enticing listen, but what remains are the dualities, those bits of grievances and growth that are often overlooked in times of struggle, but are shown a sliver of the sunlight.

Rather than finding definitive answers, Jamir revelsin why she is here in the first place – a breath, astutter, a release, her writing finds truth in thesolace and comfort in the company. It’s clear thatshe is a melancholy escapist, a rainy day purist – but rather than lean towards wallowing, Jamir redefines these feelings with a newfound hope – like discovering a hidden hole in your pocket but that all your belongings still stayed with you. Her music so tenderly articulates the humility and patience in which Jamir sees the world – through the lens of someone who knows first hand that summer will come again.

— Shea Roney