Be inspired to rise from the ashes with emotional track titled “You Are The Light” by The Radiance

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Sometimes love is simply what helps people get through the darkest of times, and this is the message in the new track “You Are The Light” by The Radiance, which is inspired by tragically losing a spouse to COVID, but having a beautiful daughter to push through.

Singer/Songwriter Adam Kwartowitz lost his wife, Shoshana Davis, to COVID-19 in March 2020, making the 35-year-old one of the first to die of the disease in the U.S. He and his daughter, Sienna, also were infected, and despite being horribly sick, they survived. This was one of the most trying times Kwartowitz could ever imagine, but he said his little three-year-old daughter was a light to get him through.

“I started writing letters and books so that if I didn’t make it, my daughter would know who her parents were, and that she was loved,” Kwartowitz said. “One of the things that kept coming to mind was that it was so freaking dark right now, but she’s the light.”

He wrote a series of songs and sat on the notebook, saying that as he and Sienna got better and time went on, it didn’t feel like he wanted to uncover that again. A couple months back he was going through some songs of his, and that is when he rediscovered “You Are The Light.”

Kwartowitz went back and reworked the ending, saying that originally the song was in the past tense the whole way through saying, with the chorus saying “you were the light.”

“Now it also says ‘you are the light’ to recognize that she was what kept me alive even in a spiritual sense,” he said. “She is the reason why I am here telling you this story. There is a feeling where I am here for her, and when I follow her and do what I can for her, life tends to work itself out.”

Kwartowitz wrote the song and played all the instruments on the demo, but then hired acclaimed David Kershenbaum of Tracy Chapman fame to be his producer. Kwartowitz does play guitar on the track, but Kershenbaum brought in a collection of world class musicians to bring his song to life under the band name The Radiance.

It has an uplifting feel, and some sweet guitar solos that exude a vibe of positivity and joy. The sound touches on Gospel, but has an over-encompassing sense of good old fashioned rock.

While the song is personal, it is a message and theme that will touch anyone to the core. The feeling of radiant energy blasts into the airwaves through an anthemic display of emotion. The Radiance is able to harness that feeling of love, sadness, resilience and rising up all into one track.

“It transcends my story, and is uplifting for anyone who is suffering or even challenged to find direction in life,” Kwartowitz said. “Everybody has that light. It doesn’t have to be my daughter, it can whatever it is for somebody else.”

Kwartowitz said that for many years he was a session guitar player, but he put it down to go to school and have a family. Music had always been the “North Star” for him, serving as a source of therapy. This helped immensely over the past four years since his wife passed, and as time has gone on he has invested more into in his music.

“We have a great session band, and they’re great people that I never thought I’d get a chance to work with who have really helped to make my visions come true,” Kwartowitz said. “In a lot of ways, the strength of my ability to write and generate music, and get it heard, is a big part of my journey, too.”

Kwartowitz wants listeners to hear this song and feel encouraged that no matter how bad things can get in life, there’s always something to guide them out.

“The story we went through, while tragic and sad, should be inspirational,” Kwartowitz said. “I was out of shape and I lost almost 100 pounds to take care of my daughter. I ran the New York City Marathon this year. Through this process I really turned myself around, and it is emblematic of what you can do in these situations.”

Kwartowitz has a goal of sharing hope during a time where some may not feel like there is any. He hopes the world will listen to his music and be inspired by his journey of overcoming loss, and striving toward resilience.

The Radiance is releasing “You Are The Light” on November 22 and it will be available on all platforms.

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Atlanta-Based Artist Will Preston Releases New Single, “Merry Go Round”

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Singer-songwriter Will Preston unveils his latest single, “Merry Go Round,” a soulful pop ballad that lays bare the uncomfortable truths of love’s darker edges. With smooth, addictive rhythms and Preston’s effortlessly polished vocals, the track immerses listeners in the raw emotional turbulence of a relationship that clings long past its expiration date.

Centered on the magnetic but often destructive pull between two people with undeniable chemistry, “Merry Go Round” captures the cyclical agony of trying—and failing—to let go. It’s a haunting meditation on the other side of romance, the one we’d rather not confront but often can’t escape.

“I’ve been on this thing lately with my writing - wanting to deal with the unpleasant side of love,” shared Preston. “When I wrote my single last year “Of Course I Lied,” it was the desire to explore another element of love, [in this case], cheating. I wanted to paint the entire picture and not only talk about what feels good. I wanted people to know they weren’t alone in those feelings.”

Preston’s “Merry Go Round” delivers an unforgettable narrative of emotional entanglement, weaving raw vulnerability into a track that stays with listeners long after the final note. The single captures the relentless push-and-pull of a love that’s nearly impossible to quit, its unspoken toxicity threading through every lyric.

Lines like, “I don’t know what keeps me running to you and you running to me too, it’s like a merry-go-round,” perfectly encapsulate the inescapable cycle of longing and heartbreak. The refrain intensifies the emotional weight, pleading, “What do I have to do so I’ll get over you and get off of this merry-go-round?” Preston’s poignant storytelling and soulful delivery ensure “Merry Go Round” resonates as deeply personal and universally relatable.

“For this particular song, I worked with the same producer, Al Fraser, who worked on [a previous single of mine], “Candy Coated Raindrops” - a lot of people still know me from that song. I really enjoy working with him. He gets me and where I’m coming from. He gets my voice - anytime I work with him, I get a good vocal out of it,” enthused Preston.

While Fraser handled the production of “Merry Go Round,” Preston took the reins on the vocal production, crafting every layer in his studio. For mixing and mastering, Preston turned to trusted collaborator Mike Cushion, a highly regarded engineer based in New York. “Mike is phenomenal,” Preston noted, highlighting the seamless synergy between his team of longtime partners. Though some of Preston’s recent projects have leaned into an adult contemporary style, “Merry Go Round” highlights a shift back to R&B.

“I loved every element of this track. It’s a haunting track - something that kind of sticks with you,” said Preston.

Released on November 22, “Merry Go Round” offers a glimpse into a larger project slated for 2025. While an official date hasn’t been set, fans can anticipate a release around late March or early April. The upcoming year also marks a major milestone for Preston: the 20th anniversary of his debut album, “It’s My Will.” Back in 2005, Preston collaborated with Connecticut-based producer Funkee Boy to craft his freshman album, a project that earned global recognition and set the stage for an impressive career.

Over the years, Preston has continued to captivate audiences with a steady stream of singles and three additional albums: “Caught in the Act” (2007), “#Reacquainted” (2013), and “Where Do I Begin” (2020). As Preston promotes “Merry Go Round” and prepares for the release of his next album, he’s also eyeing a potential tour to celebrate two decades of music-making—an achievement that cements his place as a dynamic force in the industry.

“The inspiration [with my music] is connected to what I heard growing up, listening to my grandmother’s record collection, which was a lot of R&B artists like Smokey Robinson, Al Green, The Pointer Sisters, Aretha Franklin, and more. I used to imagine myself on the album covers,” continued Preston. “And I gravitated to all the powerful singers - the ones who could just get on a stage and command attention.”

Music has always been woven into the fabric of Preston’s life, from his early days singing in the youth choir alongside his siblings to performing heartfelt duets with a neighborhood friend. “We were like a young Bebe and Cece,” Preston joked, reflecting on those formative years.

By the time he reached college, Preston’s journey toward a professional music career began almost by chance. While flipping through his college newspaper, an ad for a recording studio caught his eye, sparking a curiosity that would eventually shape his path. That serendipitous discovery launched him into a full-fledged career.

“I had written melodies and lyrics but never considered it professionally, but I said, ‘I’m going to give it a try,’ and gave them a call. I went over there one day, gave them my melody, we started building a track, and before you knew it, I had my first song, ‘There’s Still Time.’” 

Now a multifaceted artist, Preston is expanding his creative horizons with the launch of his clothing line, My Best Interest Apparel, which debuted on Black Friday. The brand’s collections—The Weekender and After Hours—offer distinct styles to suit different moods and occasions. The Weekender features relaxed, oversized hoodies perfect for lounging, while After Hours delivers a more tailored fit, versatile enough to pair with slacks or jeans for a polished look. Though the brand currently focuses on hoodies, Preston plans to broaden the product line.

Whether through his chart-topping music or his latest venture as the founder of My Best Interest Apparel, Will Preston continues to solidify his status as a creative force. With a string of successful releases and an evolving catalog, Preston has cultivated a loyal and growing fan base across the globe. His artistry has also earned him multiple award nominations, including his most recent nod for SoulTracks Male Vocalist of the Year.

Preston’s latest single, “Merry Go Round,” highlights his knack for crafting soulful ballads that delve into the emotional turbulence of love’s highs and lows. The track is available now on all major streaming platforms, and fans can follow Preston on social media for updates on his forthcoming album, upcoming performances, and appearances.

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