Entertainment
New Interview with Rising Artist NORD
We caught up with artist NORD, to get the scoop on his latest project and success in the music industry.
- First and foremost, I’m glad to have you here with us today. Could you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started?
My name is Carter Davis, artist name NORD, and I am an 18 year-old Hip-Hop and R&B focused musical artist. I was born and raised in the Portland, Oregon (U.S.) metro area and first began creating music in my self-built bedroom studio in late 2021. I released my first single “INDUSTRY” in August of 2021, and since then it has caught the attention of hundreds of thousands of listeners globally. My music, including my latest single “SORRY”, is available to purchase and stream on all major platforms.
- Do you compose your own music and make your own beats? Is it typically a collaborative effort?
My music is typically created collaboratively, with the instrumental/beat production being put in the hands of a select few producers that I originally met online and have fortunately been given the opportunity to work with consistently since starting my music career. As far as lyric writing and ideas for songs, I typically brainstorm themes and write all of my lyrics independently based on a culmination of my current and past emotions, experiences, and inspirations. My philosophy has always been the idea of collaboration and working with others being a key part in composing music of any kind, so any music you hear from me has most definitely been contributed to in some way by somebody else, or even multiple people that I trust musically.
- Who were your initial musical influences? Who had the greatest overall influence on you?
My initial musical influences were the artists that I listened to the most at the time of beginning my music endeavors, and still listen to frequently to this day. These artists consist of Xavier Weeks, DIRTYXAN, and Kevin Powers. The music and style of these artists have always had a dramatic impact on my musical aspirations and decisions. However, apart from stylistic influence, I consider myself to be my biggest influence in my career.
- What do you believe are the essential stylistic qualities that help your music resonate with listeners?
The essential stylistic qualities that can be observed in my music that resonate with listeners the most would have to be the smooth, melodic instrumentals that still pack a booming kick paired with the punchy Hip-Hop influenced vocals that ride on topics which almost everyone can relate to in their own relationship experiences.
- What has been the most difficult event in your profession or life thus far, and how have you overcome it?
A recurring event that has been somewhat difficult to navigate so far in my career as an artist is commonly referred to as “writer’s block”. Consistently writing meaningful and catchy lyrics that are required to make new songs can be especially challenging at times especially when you’re not motivated and or are lacking inspiration, and working to overcome the fact that constantly writing new meaningful music isn’t a realistic expectation in my workflow has been a journey that I’ve been working on as a new songwriter and musician in the field. Going from having no prior musical experience to just starting composition and publishing of music within the past year has subjected me to a lot of lessons, both short-term and also ones that I’ll be continuously learning for the remainder of my career as an artist.
- On the other hand, what would you consider a high point in your career thus far?
A high point in my career thus far would have to be a very specific achievement; surpassing the milestone of 500,000 unique streams on Spotify. This had been a goal of mine ever since releasing my first single in August, and being able to achieve such a large number of listens in just under 5 months after the fact cumulatively between only the two of my released songs really proved to me that my potential as a musician and artist is not being tapped in anywhere close to its full potential.
- Could you tell us about your latest project, and what fans might expect to hear?
My next big project as an artist will be my debut album, which has yet to be announced, and will be releasing on all streaming platforms nearing the end of 2022. For updates, listeners should follow my Instagram and all of my artist streaming profiles. The songs featured on this project will be the next stepping-stone in establishing my sound as a musician and further expanding my already rapidly growing community of supporters.
There’s a certain kind of artist you don’t just hear — you feel
The kind that doesn’t need to exaggerate pain, because it’s already written into their voice. The kind that doesn’t chase moments, because they’ve lived enough of them to create their own. That’s where CertifiedStunna exists — somewhere between scars and ambition, between silence and melody.
Before the name, before the sound, there was Austin Scott.
And before the music, there was Utica.
WHERE IT STARTED
Utica isn’t the type of place that waits for you to figure life out slowly. It introduces you to reality early. Pressure, struggle, emotion — all of it comes fast, and it sticks. For Austin, growing up there wasn’t just a phase — it was a foundation.
You learn how to read people. You learn how to move smart. And most importantly, you learn how to feel everything deeply, even when you don’t say it out loud.
That silence eventually needed somewhere to go.
WHEN MUSIC STOPPED BEING JUST MUSIC
At first, it wasn’t about a career. It wasn’t about streams, placements, or attention.
It was survival.
Music became a place to unload everything that couldn’t be explained in conversation. The thoughts you keep to yourself. The weight you carry when nobody’s watching. The nights that feel longer than they should.
That’s when Austin realized something real:
This wasn’t just something he liked.
This was something he needed.
And that’s when CertifiedStunna was born — not as an alias, but as a version of himself that could speak freely.
“Certified” because nothing is fabricated.
“Stunna” because even through it all, there’s elevation — a presence you can’t ignore.
THE SOUND: PAIN WITH PURPOSE
If you listen close, you’ll hear it immediately.
The influence is there — the emotional vulnerability of artists like Juice WRLD, the melodic confidence of Tory Lanez, the relatable storytelling of A Boogie wit da Hoodie — but none of it feels copied.
Because it isn’t.
CertifiedStunna’s sound sits in that space where melody meets truth. It’s introspective, sometimes dark, but never empty. Every record feels like a page torn from real life — not polished for perfection, but left raw on purpose.
His process reflects that.
It starts with a beat…
Then a feeling…
Then a moment.
No overthinking. No forcing it. Just honesty in real time.
LEAVING, BUT NOT FORGETTING
Now based in North Carolina, there’s distance from where it all started — but not detachment.
That shift brought balance.
A clearer mind. A bigger perspective. A chance to move smarter, not just harder.
But Utica is still in the music. Still in the tone. Still in the way certain words hit heavier than others.
You don’t outgrow where you came from — you carry it differently.
THE FIGHT NOBODY SEES
There’s a version of the artist journey people don’t talk about.
No co-signs.
No instant spotlight.
No major hub backing you.
Just you… and belief.
Consistency becomes a battle. Doubt creeps in quietly. Progress feels slow when nobody’s watching.
But that’s where CertifiedStunna built his foundation — in the unseen work.
Staying locked in when it’s quiet.
Trusting the process when it’s unclear.
Creating anyway.
That’s the part that makes it real.
THE TURNING POINT
The biggest moment wasn’t a show.
Wasn’t a placement.
Wasn’t a viral clip.
It was internal.
The realization that music was actually helping him — mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
That changed everything.
It gave the journey purpose.
Because now it wasn’t just about making songs…
It was about making something that could reach someone else the same way.
MORE THAN MUSIC
CertifiedStunna isn’t selling an image.
He’s building connection.
Every record is rooted in something real — pain, growth, reflection, survival. And that honesty creates something a lot of artists spend years chasing:
Trust.
Listeners don’t just hear the music — they relate-to it.
And in a world full of noise, that kind of connection stands out.
WHAT’S NEXT
Right now, it’s about building.
Catalog.
Consistency.
Presence.
New music. Visuals. Expanding reach.
No shortcuts — just stacking moments the right way.
Because this isn’t about a quick run.
It’s about longevity.
THE MESSAGE
At the core of everything, the goal is simple:
Make people feel understood.
If someone hears a song and realizes they’re not alone in what they’re going through — that’s bigger than numbers.
That’s impact.
FINAL WORD
CertifiedStunna is still in the early chapters.
But the foundation is already there — authenticity, discipline, and a story that doesn’t need to be exaggerated to be powerful.
From Utica to North Carolina…
From silence to sound…
From survival to expression…
This isn’t just music.
This is real life — translated into something you can feel.
And this is only the beginning.
Entertainment
“Wake Up” Feat. Bizarre & “Tough Love” Feat. Merkules — Dual Diagnosis Delivers Raw Emotion and Powerful Visual Storytelling
Lost Soul Productions LLC announces the release of two gripping new singles from Dual Diagnosis: “Wake Up” featuring Bizarre (April 17, 2026) and “Tough Love” featuring Merkules (April 24, 2026). Together, these records highlight an artist committed to raw storytelling, striking visuals, and unfiltered expression.
Dual Diagnosis is quickly building a reputation for delivering music that cuts deeper than surface-level themes. His sound blends heavy emotion, dark undertones, and reflective lyricism, creating records that resonate with listeners facing real-life struggles. Rather than following mainstream formulas, he leans into authenticity—turning personal conflict and growth into compelling art.
To amplify that vision, Dual Diagnosis connects with two powerful voices in hip-hop. Bizarre brings his legendary shock value and fearless approach, while Merkules adds a grounded, emotional intensity that has made him a standout in modern rap. These collaborations help shape two tracks that feel both distinct and connected.
“Wake Up” Feat. Bizarre — April 17, 2026
“Wake Up” delivers a hard-hitting message centered on realization and urgency. The track challenges listeners to confront truth, break illusions, and become aware of what’s really happening around them. With sharp lyricism and a dark atmosphere, the record sets an intense tone from start to finish.
The artwork reinforces this concept with a disturbing yet symbolic image: a warped clock fused with a human eye, bleeding and surrounded by chaos. It represents time slipping away and the moment when awareness can no longer be avoided. The visual and the music work hand-in-hand, pulling the audience into a tense and thought-provoking experience.
“Tough Love” Feat. Merkules — April 24, 2026
Following that awakening, “Tough Love” shifts into the reality of endurance. This track explores pain, lessons learned, and the strength it takes to keep going. Dual Diagnosis and Merkules deliver emotionally driven verses that speak to resilience and survival.
The cover art features a rugged, mechanical heart glowing beneath a worn exterior. Set against an industrial backdrop, it symbolizes damage, pressure, and the ability to keep moving forward despite it all. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for the track’s core message—growth often comes through struggle.
A Unified Message
While each release stands strong on its own, together they tell a larger story:
- “Wake Up” captures the moment of awareness
- “Tough Love” represents the aftermath—learning to live with that truth
This dual rollout showcases Dual Diagnosis not just as a recording artist, but as a creator with a clear vision—blending music and imagery into a cohesive narrative.
Release Dates
- April 17, 2026 — “Wake Up” Feat. Bizarre
- April 24, 2026 — “Tough Love” Feat. Merkules
Both singles will be available at:
https://
Media Contact:
Lost Soul Productions LLC
Website: https://
(LOE Always) Love On Earth Always
Founded in 2019 and officially established as an LLC in 2020, Love On Earth Always (LOE Always) was created with a powerful vision: to bridge the gaps between communities and uplift individuals navigating life’s most challenging transitions. More than just a clothing brand, LOE Always stands as a movement, one rooted in mental health awareness, healing from grief, and overcoming everyday struggles.
Led by founder and CEO, Ceo Roc, what began as a vision has grown into a purpose-driven legacy. After the heartbreaking loss of his son, Colin, in 2022, the brand took on even deeper meaning. In 2023, Ceo Roc expanded into manufacturing, transforming LOE Always into a fully realized enterprise. Today, Colin’s spirit lives through the brand, his presence felt in every design, every message, and every person who wears it.
LOE Always has actively collaborated with impactful movements and organizations, including TTSP, SCRILLA GUERILLAZ WEST, the MONSTA YO Movement, and Put The Guns Down, alongside leaders like Terry C. Carney and a period after Terry C. Carney Sr. Each partnership reflects a shared mission: to unite communities through love, purpose, and collective growth. The foundation is simple yet powerful, we strive, we build, we protect, and above all, we love.
Through dynamic community events such as Thursday Night Vibes and high-energy weekend showcases, LOE Always has created platforms that bring people together. Featuring appearances from artists like Pookie F.N. Rude and Nocturnal, these events celebrate culture, talent, and unity.
Ceo Roc continues to make a lasting impact by not only elevating himself but also empowering others who are already excelling in their fields. LOE Always is committed to creating opportunities for individuals with passion, authenticity, and talent.
Now, in collaboration with MONSTA YO and WeOverMe242, LOE Always proudly introduces its newest initiative: The Blue Flame Treatment, featuring the one and only DW Flame. This groundbreaking event is designed to bridge generational divides, bringing together elders and youth in a shared space of healing, expression, and cultural connection.
The Blue Flame Treatment represents more than an event, it is a release. A release from stress, from pain, from depression. It is not defined by color, but by compassion, for every aching heart seeking peace. Above all, it stands as a living tribute to Colin, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire and uplift.
#LongLiveColinA
CERTIFIEDSTUNNA: The Sound of Survival, The Feeling of Healing
“Wake Up” Feat. Bizarre & “Tough Love” Feat. Merkules — Dual Diagnosis Delivers Raw Emotion and Powerful Visual Storytelling
Long Live Colin: The Heart and Mission Behind LOE Always
NALA, 23-YEAR-OLD MILLIONAIRE WHO LIVES BY PASSION
NOMADS are changing the landscape of the music business
