By Ryan Bazinet

Is it better to have loved and lost, or better to never have loved at all? That’s the question asked by “‘Till The Break of Day,” the new single by Colorado band Voltaire’s Ghost. 

The track opens with distorted guitar and piano arpeggios circling two chords in dreamy perpetual motion. Upbeat drums drive the song along, like the forces of life that pull apart the two lovers at the center of the story.

It’s a bittersweet tale. Two lovers going in separate directions, like the wailing guitar solos which pan from left to right. Ruby Juhl’s echo-soaked vocals are alternately delicate and angry as she sings,

The only thing worse than not having met you

Was having met you, baby

The only thing worse than not having loved you

Was having loved you, baby

In the end, all she can do is sigh, over and over, “Hold me ‘till the break of day.”

The love story behind “‘Till The Break of Day” shows a softer side for the band. Previous songs, like “Death Becomes You” and “Spirit Animal,” help explain why their music has been described with terms like Dark Pop and Cosmic Goth. But fans will note that the brooding remains.

Voltaire’s Ghost was created in Grand Junction, Colorado by songwriter and guitarist Magnus, who released a series of singles in the summer of 2023. Those songs caught the attention of Nashville producer Dean Miller (son of Roger Miller, “King of the Road”), who reached out with an offer to record in the “Music City.” 

Realizing he needed a band, Magnus soon connected with drummer Joshua Eggstaff, who was teaching drums at a local music shop and brought a 90s alternative-inspired edge to the band’s rhythms. Next came Ruby Juhl, a singer with a background in musical theater (and a student at the local university). 

Magnus asked Ruby and Josh if they wanted to fly to Nashville to make a record. The result was the five-song EP, NEMESIS, released in 2024. 

Now, Voltaire’s Ghost is ready to release a new full-length record, Black Petals Fallen. Produced by Magnus, Black Petals Fallen was recorded locally in Colorado. The band then sent the tracks off to Grammy-nominated engineer Joe Ayoub of LA’s Cherokee Studios for mixing. Drew Levine mastered the album.

Black Petals Fallen is available now on vinyl via the band’s official website. Four singles including “‘Till The Break of Day” are available on streaming platforms. The full album will be released for streaming soon.

In the arc of the band, “‘Till The Break of Day” is a full circle moment. The song was originally released as a guitar-and-voice demo back in 2023, before Magnus had assembled the full band. With the latest single, Voltaire’s Ghost has brought the vision to fruition.

Magnus says, “With the new recording, the song just came to life. The demo I released was a sketch. The new version is like a beautiful painting with really vibrant and emotional colors.”

Upcoming visuals include a music video for “‘Till The Break of Day” directed by Luke Ostermiller (who recently directed the super spooky video for “Black Petals Fallen.”) The band is also planning a short film for upcoming single, “The Ballad of Colleen Gray.”

“‘Till The Break of Day” is out now with promotional support from Starlight PR. Follow Voltaire’s Ghost at the links below.

Official Website

Spotify

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

Apple Music

Written in partnership with Tom White

Zaruflo is an independent multi-genre music producer. Zaruflo Productions blends hip-hop, R&B, and electronic elements into his unique music. Working on music and his future career as a professional pilot keeps him balanced, driven, and focused. 

Zaruflo, also known as Imar Forbes, is an independent, self-made music producer. Zaruflo grew up in the Bronx in New York City. A natural creative, he developed his unique sound through experimentation and learning from other artists. Inspired by Beastboi and HOL!, he explores neo-dubstep, dubstep, hip-hop, R&B, and trap. 

“I started making my own music after spending time listening to my favorite artists and thinking, ‘What if I could make my own?’” says Zaruflo.

Music as a Source of Joy 

For Zaruflo, making music provides a way to be creative and continue to improve his craft. He’s not interested in music fame or fortune, but makes music for the joy of it. “Growing up in a strict household, I changed my trauma into a superpower instead of sadness and worked to become the best version of myself,” explains Zaruflo. Zaruflo believes that difficult experiences in life can build personal strength and be used as motivation to create and grow. 

Creating music provides both a challenge and a way to focus on fun throughout life’s ups and downs. Zaruflo continues to work on building his audience and expanding his listener base. Growth isn’t easy. Zaruflo currently works multiple jobs to support his music and his aviation education. 

When independent artists like Zaruflo create, it expresses their unique experiences, struggles, and triumphs. In essence, through music, one can create connections in the world and share experiences in a positive manner. 

Dual Goals in Zaruflo’s Journey

Zaruflo is not only a musician but also has a career goal to become a professional pilot. Once a pilot, Zaruflo plans to relax and expand his music through continued creation. Although music will play second fiddle to his Aviation pilot career, Zaruflo plans to continue working to gain more plays on streaming platforms and get noticed by celebrities and influencers. “My pilot career is going to be the biggest accomplishment I’ll ever achieve,” says Zaruflo. “Of course, if I ever become successful off music itself, that would be awesome!”  

Future Aspirations and Direction 

Zaruflo plans to dedicate himself to completing his aviation education and becoming a professional pilot. Music becomes an important, life-building hobby that brings joy and continual creative challenge. He wants to continue producing music and getting plays on multiple platforms. Achieving over 10,000 plays on a single track remains a secondary goal. The most important goal in music is continuing to learn from other artists and producing music that attracts listeners. 

Zaruflo wants the world to hear his music. Knowing that listeners enjoy his creations makes him happy. It’s good to be popular, but for Zaruflo it’s mostly about having fun and enjoying life. Zaruflo’s audience enjoys listening to original music inspired by his Bronx upbringing and experience with a wide variety of genres. He is up for the challenge of attracting new listeners and continues to work on getting his music out to the public. Reaching listeners in a massively competitive market isn’t easy, but it’s possible. If you’re looking for a unique mix of sounds, check out Zaruflo’s music. 

Written in partnership with Tom White

Colby Kline is an independent music artist who recently released a new album, AVALANCHE. Described as “dark, groovy, and hypnotic,” the album is a new direction for Kline, who pairs her siren-esque voice with seductive, moody synth-infused sounds. 

Kline, who lives in West Hollywood, is an LA singer-songwriter who draws on her collaborative writing experience, vocal training, and love of a wide range of musical genres to create a lush, dark pop sound. The new release is a refinement of her artistic style and a step forward in her musical career. 

An Early Introduction to Performance

Kline grew up in the hills above Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles, the daughter of comedian and actor Richard Kline. Her father’s famous role on Three’s Company was an early introduction to the entertainment industry, and Kline describes this time as an “immersive introduction to show business.” The insight she gained from witnessing her father’s career helped her shape her future ventures in the creative world. 

The multi-talented Kline soon followed in her father’s footsteps and, at a young age, began acting, singing, and modeling in commercials, film, and television. Her impressive vocal talents led to her being featured as a vocalist with the Pasadena Pops Orchestra before the age of 14. 

As a young actress, Kline also enjoyed roles in the films Just Go with It (2011), Problem Child (1990), and The Last Boy Scout (1991). 

Formal Training and Musical Education

Though Kline had early success in her acting career, she chose to focus on her musical talents while attending Northwestern University. She studied musical theater and vocal performance, which would become the foundation for her future indie music career. Kline’s education was essential to developing her range, her nearly perfect pitch, and her vocal style. 

Though she had enjoyed early success in her acting career, Kline decided to pivot after graduating and pursue a music career. 

The Transition to Songwriting and Composing

In 2009, Kline began recording professionally and collaborated with a member of Tears for Fears. It was during this time that she realized being in the recording studio and songwriting was more “creatively fulfilling” than her previous acting work. This revelation pushed Kline to explore more musical opportunities, which eventually led her to take full control of her career by creating her own imprint.

Later, she would move to Brooklyn, where she found what she calls a “grittier, more intimate creative world.” While living there, Kline was approached to co-score a feature film, Ovum. It was her experience composing for the screen that solidified her love for “dramatic, cinematic musical soundscapes” that would later influence AVALANCHE. 

West Hollywood Musician

With the AVALANCHE single, Kline is pushing further into the independent music scene in Los Angeles. She has a strong commitment to maintaining creative control over her musical endeavors and the direction of her career. 

Skin on Skin is one of Kline’s most-streamed tracks, and AVALANCHE confirms her relevance in the indie music scene. Her love of dramatic, atmospheric, mood-driven music pours out of her latest creation.

Kline has cultivated a distinctive sound with her cinematic indie pop and plans to continue infusing her solo work with influences from a wide range of genres. She also aspires to score for film and television.

AVALANCHE is a bold departure from Kline’s previous work and showcases her intense dedication to crafting hypnotic music that enchants listeners. As her Instagram bio says, Kline is “not your eye candy but your soul food.”

Written in partnership with Tom White