New Music January Stories: Eyes Like Lanterns

Alright, Santa Cruz—it’s time to turn up the volume! New Music January is here, and it’s all about celebrating the incredible talent we have right here in our own backyard. This one-of-a-kind event, put together by Event Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Vibes, and the Arts Council Santa Cruz County, gives local musicians the stage (and the screen) to debut their latest work.

We’re talking 25+ brand-new, never-before-seen music videos from some of the most exciting bands and artists in the area. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter of the Santa Cruz music scene or just looking to discover your next favorite local act, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Santa Cruz has always been a place where creativity and community go hand in hand, and the Arts Council Santa Cruz County is keeping that spirit alive by supporting events like New Music January. By giving local musicians the chance to showcase their art, this event isn’t just about putting on a show—it’s about strengthening the music culture that makes our town so special.

Artist Spotlight#4:

EYES LIKE LANTERNS

Eyes Like Lanterns is an indie-Americana band from Chico, California, led by Joshua Cremer. Cremer grew up in the Sacramento area, where he was surrounded by indie and hardcore music. Over time, he moved toward folk and Americana sounds, blending them with his indie-rock influences. The result is a unique sound that feels both fresh and familiar, mixing modern indie with classic storytelling.

Cremer’s journey as a musician started in a world of fast and intense music, but as he studied at Chico State, he began to shape a new style that brings together raw emotion and acoustic guitar. His voice, combined with thoughtful lyrics and a solid rhythm section, creates a sound that feels both personal and powerful. Whether he’s singing about love, loss, or personal growth, his songs feel real and relatable.

Eyes Like Lanterns is more than just an idea—it’s a band that has played over 500 shows across the country. From small coffee shops to big festivals, the band has shared its music in a variety of places. Their songs have even been featured by the North State Symphony, and they’ve performed at many venues across California, including wineries, resorts, and private events. Their music is especially popular in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Bay Area, where people love hearing their catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics.

One of the band’s recent highlights was the debut of their music video for the song “Sugar” during Santa Cruz’s New Music January event. The video brought a fresh visual element to their sound, giving fans a deeper look into the band’s creative world. “Sugar” is a perfect example of the band’s ability to mix catchy, indie-rock melodies with heartfelt, Americana-style storytelling. The release of the video helped push Eyes Like Lanterns further into the spotlight, showing that they’re not only masters of music but also skilled at bringing their art to life through visuals.

What makes Eyes Like Lanterns stand out is how they blend different musical styles. They take the storytelling of folk music and add the energy of indie rock, creating songs that are both easy to listen to and deep in meaning. Their lyrics are often personal, but they connect with people of all ages. You might find yourself humming along to the catchy tunes while also reflecting on the deeper emotions behind the words.

Since they started, Eyes Like Lanterns has been building a loyal fanbase. Their music has something for everyone—whether you’re a fan of folk, indie, or even rock. The way they mix these genres makes them different from other bands in the same scene. You never quite know what to expect next, but you always know it will be something real and heartfelt.

Eyes Like Lanterns is still growing and gaining new fans every day. Their music speaks to anyone looking for something authentic and honest, and they continue to shine a light in the indie-Americana world. With their unique sound, endless energy, and recent exciting release, Eyes Like Lanterns is a band to watch as they continue to make their mark on the music world.

————————

Artist Spotlight#3:

TRIANNA FERUZA

Trianna Feruza Drops New Video “Startin’ Something” for Santa Cruz New Music January

Trianna Feruza is starting 2025 with a bang! The Bay Area singer-songwriter is releasing her brand-new music video for “Startin’ Something” as part of the Santa Cruz New Music January event. Known for her powerful voice and unique mix of musical styles, Trianna is making waves, and this new project is one you won’t want to miss.

If you’re a local music fan, you probably already know Trianna. She comes from a family with a rich musical history—her grandfather, Solomon Feldthouse, was in the psychedelic rock band Kaleidoscope and worked with famous artists like Leonard Cohen. Growing up surrounded by all kinds of music, from jazz to hip-hop to flamenco, Trianna’s sound is a blend of everything that’s influenced her.

“Startin’ Something” is all about new beginnings and taking chances. The video shows the excitement and struggle that comes with starting something new, whether it’s a project, a goal, or just a new chapter in life. Directed by Trianna herself, the video is full of energy and emotion, bringing her song to life in a powerful way.

This new video is just the beginning. It’s part of Trianna’s first full-length album, which has been over a year in the making. The album will touch on important topics like the effects of gentrification in the Bay Area, the struggles of local artists, and the fentanyl crisis. Trianna wants to create music that speaks to the real-world issues facing her community, and “Startin’ Something” is just a taste of what’s to come.

For Trianna, music has always been a way to connect with others. “It’s my way of sharing what I’m going through and bringing people together,” she says. She’s worked hard to build strong relationships with other musicians and artists, and this album reflects that spirit of collaboration. “I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone—I crowd-funded for the first time, and I even got my first artist sponsorship. It’s been a big step, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

Locally, Trianna is known for her unforgettable live performances. She brings so much energy and passion to the stage, and her connection with the audience is something special. Fellow musicians say she’s not just a talented singer, but someone who truly knows how to captivate a crowd.

The Santa Cruz New Music January event is a great chance for local artists to showcase their work, and Trianna’s music video is one of the highlights. As Santa Cruz continues to grow as a hub for creativity, events like this help local artists connect with the community and share their stories.

For Trianna, this project is more than just about music—it’s about sharing the struggles and victories that shape her. With her new video and upcoming album, she hopes to spark conversations about the challenges we face while also celebrating the hope and strength that keeps us going. This album is a love letter to the community that has supported her, and a message of unity for anyone who’s ever taken the leap to start something new.

In 2025, Trianna is set to make even bigger waves in the music world. Watch the “Startin’ Something” video now, and stay tuned—big things are coming!

Artist Spotlight#2:

Alex Lucero Band

The Alex Lucero Band Brings Santa Cruz Soul to “New Music January” with the Premiere of “Long As You Like”

In a town where creativity thrives and the coast inspires, Santa Cruz’s own Alex Lucero Band has carved out a space as one of the area’s most beloved musical acts. This January, the band takes their talents to the national stage as participants in “New Music January,” an annual celebration of emerging and established talent. As part of this exciting event, they’ll premiere the highly anticipated music video for their soulful new track, “Long As You Like.”

For those who’ve followed the local music scene, The Alex Lucero Band needs no introduction. Their unmistakable blend of soul, Americana, and sheer authenticity has been a cornerstone of Santa Cruz’s vibrant cultural landscape. Whether playing a packed house downtown or touring the world, the band delivers an experience that’s as heartfelt as it is unforgettable.

The past year has been a whirlwind for the band. They secured a top-three spot in the Whale Rock Music Festival’s Battle of the Bands, earned a feature on the iconic Jam in the Van mobile recording studio, and completed tours across Europe and the East Coast. Along the way, they’ve played legendary venues like The Bitter End in New York and Stephen Talkhouse in the Hamptons while headlining Americana festivals abroad.

Frontman Alex Lucero, with his soulful voice and undeniable stage presence, is at the heart of it all. Over the years, he’s released six full-length albums—five with the band (formerly Live Again) and a solo record, “Shine,” produced by Adam Patterson of The Expendables. Whether leading the band or performing solo, Lucero’s raw talent and songwriting skills shine through.

Their most recent album, “Same Moon,” recorded at Nashville’s renowned The Studio, home to The Wood Brothers and Avett Brothers, further showcases their ability to craft deeply resonant music. The record even features contributions from Jano Rix of The Wood Brothers. Looking ahead, the band is hard at work on an “Anthology” project, slated for release in mid-2024.

But what makes The Alex Lucero Band a treasure isn’t just their accolades or ambitious touring schedule—it’s their connection to the community. They average an impressive 300 shows a year, performing regularly throughout Santa Cruz County and the Bay Area. They’ve gone from opening for icons like Michael McDonald and Chaka Khan to headlining stages in their own right, proving that their sound resonates across generations and genres.

Now, with their participation in “New Music January,” The Alex Lucero Band is poised to bring a little bit of Santa Cruz to music lovers far and wide. The video premiere of “Long As You Like” promises to capture the soulful, foot-stomping energy that locals know and love, while showcasing the band’s evolution on a broader stage.

For those who have yet to experience the magic of The Alex Lucero Band, there’s no better time to tune in. And for those who already know the joy of their music, this is yet another reason to cheer on one of Santa Cruz’s finest.

Check the video out right here!

WATCH ALL THE VIDEOS : NEW MUSIC JANUARY

————————————-

Artist Spotlight#1:

Silvandgold

One artist to keep on your radar? Silvandgold. Originally from LA, she made waves in 2019 with her debut EP, Catch the Kite, and kept the momentum going just three months later with her full-length album, Gaby Guerrero LP.

Her 2021 album, Avant-Garde (When the Time Comes), took things to the next level, leading to a self-funded tour that hit Brooklyn, Las Vegas, and Chicago. She’s shared the stage at Unidos Crecemos Cultural Festival in Florida and THOP Fest in California, proving she’s not just another underground act—she’s the real deal.

Now, in 2023, she’s keeping the momentum going with her latest release, Gold Rush, blending boom-bap, soul, and lo-fi hip-hop in a fresh and timeless way. She’s not about the “old school” label—she calls it “classic”, honoring hip-hop’s roots while carving out her own sound.

Like a lot of artists, Silvandgold’s love for music started young, shaped by the R&B and hip-hop tracks her older siblings had on repeat. From high school choir to church worship teams, she built her voice in different spaces before stepping fully into the hip-hop world.

Her music is raw, poetic, and deeply personal, touching on themes of faith, love, womanism in hip-hop, and spirituality. Every lyric reflects her journey, her struggles, and her truth, making her music something you really feel, not just hear.

Silvandgold knows how to put words together, seamlessly switching between Spanish and English over intricate beats. Her first EP, Catch the Kite, was a full collab with producer Twlv, but it was Gaby Guerrero LP that really got her noticed. Featuring artists like Destruct, the album caught attention from music outlets like Underground Hip Hop Blog, DailyChela, and GirlUnderground.

From there, she hit the road, performing in six different cities and landing spots at major festivals, sharing the stage with Evidence, Chino XL, and Che Noir. She’s also worked with One Be Lo (Binary Star), Scarub (Living Legends), Krum (Ill Harmonics), and Moka Only—and rumor has it she’s got some new projects brewing with Supastition.

What’s Next for Silvandgold?

If one thing’s clear, it’s that Silvandgold isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She’s got more music in the works, more stages to rock, and more ways to keep pushing hip-hop forward.

So if you haven’t checked out her music yet, now’s the time. Check out her New Music January submission “Save Myself”

Let’s Celebrate Santa Cruz’s Sound at New Music January!

New Music January isn’t just another event—it’s a celebration of the Santa Cruz sound. It’s about local artists, fresh music, and the community that makes it all possible.

So grab your friends, find your favorite spot, and get ready to experience some of the best new music Santa Cruz has to offer!

WATCH ALL THE VIDEOS : NEW MUSIC JANUARY