"A Place In Time"

Long Island, NY — Progressive rock quartet Dhärä return today with their expansive new single “A PLACE IN TIME, (the entities, divided)”, offering the next glimpse into their forthcoming full-length album Elemental Four, arriving January 11, 2026.

Known for their immersive instrumental storytelling and dynamic compositions, Dhärä continue to push beyond strict genre boundaries on “A PLACE IN TIME, (the entities, divided).” The track unfolds with patience and atmosphere before erupting into driving rhythms, soaring guitar interplay, and a powerful sense of momentum—highlighting the band’s signature balance between precision, emotion, and scale.

The band shares: "This is the opening of our concept album Elemental Four. "A PLACE IN TIME, (the entities, divided)" introduces many themes that are heard throughout the album. This album is also a concert movie that features five ballerinas who perform modern lyrical dance to the music. Elemental Four is a journey of four entities whose world is shaken by a meteor which threatens their existence. They are separated by a great earthquake, and the only path to saving the planet and themselves is to unify and summon The Conduit, whose power can hopefully vanquish the threat."

Stream the new single here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dhr1/dhr-2 

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/bgegZtzrjJM?si=jRY9wnZdPoorjL5m

Pre-save the album here:  https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dhr1/elemental-four

Since forming in 2015, Dhärä have been steadily carving out a distinct voice within progressive and instrumental rock. Based in Long Island, New York, the band has released an EP, standalone singles, eclectic music videos, and even a coordinated custom light show—embracing a fully DIY ethos from recording and production to visuals and live presentation. This new single marks another step forward in what the band describes as only the beginning.

Critics have consistently praised Dhärä for their virtuosity, atmosphere, and cinematic approach:

“The way the song is sort of divided into two parts is really interesting, with a skyrocketing shift in dynamic and tempo about halfway through… There’s also a little bit more prog in Dhärä’s DNA, which might make people think more of projects like Skyharbor or The Helix Nebula.”
— Michael Whiteside, Deputy Editor, Fecking Bahamas

“The guitars in this track create an absolutely captivating atmosphere and an inspiring arrangement… irresistible riffs and melodies unfold, combined with intense drive and concentrated energy.”
— Indie Tapes Blog/Playlist

“Playful and versatile… incredible virtuosity… epic and exciting instrumental progressive rock without needing any vocals.”
— Zona Emergente

“Let the melody of this song sweep you away… a dreamlike opening that gradually envelops us in a tinkling, atmospheric soundscape.”
— End Sessions MX

“Awesome guitar work and spirit that captures a bit of a cinematic and melancholic atmosphere.”
— We All Want Someone To Shout For

Dhärä is comprised of four distinct creative voices whose differences fuel their sound: Chris Rodriguez (drums), Austin Sandick (guitar), Kay Tyagi (guitar), and Ryan DiPietrantonio (bass). Together, they focus on building immersive atmospheres while always serving the song—embracing instrumental music as a limitless medium for exploration and expression.

“A PLACE IN TIME, (the entities, divided)” is available now on all major platforms. Elemental Four arrives January 11, 2026. 

Listen & Follow Dhärä:
Main Website: https://www.dharamusic.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/dharamusic
Bandcamp: https://dhara.bandcamp.com/album/dh-r
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dharamusicny
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dharamusicny/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dharamusicny

Matin Luther King Jr.

In Honor & Remembrance...

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

Martin Luther King Jr on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr.  

Walking in LA...

Photo:
Michael Shinafelt

Hit Rough Trade in the Sunset Junction (one of my favorite hoods in Los Angeles) section of Silverlake, CA the other day and while walking around the area I came up this slogan splashed a few times in various places throughout:

DON'T BE DUMB

IMO this statement has arrived somewhat on the tardy side. "Yes" it's late. However perhaps there is hope that collective consciousness will gain enough wisdom to perhaps salvage something from the wreckage.

IYKYK.

So keep on keeping and have a Sunday Funday!

Yeah, that's the ticket...

Visit Sunset Junction on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Junction

Current Mood

The Only Erika That Matters, Erika Jayne

While scrolling through Social Media I happened upon this, I assume, candid image of Erika Jayne of The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills.

Upon seeing it I had all the feels of my Current Mood. "Yes" this is how I am feeling at present and this is actually the kindest way I can express it. Trust me if you wanted me to share my actual thoughts you would bear witness to a way harsher form of self expression, indeed.

Kudos to whoever captured this image of Erika and a feel good shout out to the diva for giving zero f#cks about it.

Hope your Current Mood is more stellar than mine, don't forget to brush your teeth...

Toothbrush Drop!

Erika on IG -

https://www.instagram.com/theprettymess/?hl=en 

Guess What? I Love You

At forty-one, musician MIKE MAIMONE never imagined he would become a widower. In GUESS WHAT? I LOVE YOU (Fox & Quill; February 10, 2026), Maimone chronicles the profound love story he shared with his late husband, legendary publicist Howard Bragman, whose groundbreaking career empowered countless public figures and everyday people to live more openly and authentically.

Written with candor, warmth, and emotional precision, GUESS WHAT? I LOVE YOU weaves together humor, heartbreak, spirituality, and healing. The memoir offers an intimate portrait of a relationship sparked by unexpected magic on a hookup app, deepened through a months-long phone courtship, and culminating in a life-changing first weekend walking hand-in-hand through New York City. Maimone captures not only Bragman’s larger-than-life public persona, but also the tenderness, vulnerability, and emotional generosity known only to those closest to him.

“Revisiting the hospital experience was the hardest part,” Maimone reflects. “I cried a lot while putting those moments on the page.” At times, the process was so excruciating that he admits he questioned why he put himself through writing the book at all.

A recurring thread throughout GUESS WHAT? I LOVE YOU is Maimone’s transformative “Year of Yes,” a period marked by openness, surrender, and the courage to release control over both life and career. Guided by Bragman’s mentorship and hard-earned wisdom, Maimone discovers balance, renewed creative clarity, and a healthier relationship with success; insights that resonate far beyond the entertainment industry.

Music remains central to Maimone’s storytelling. A lifelong album artist, he approaches the memoir with the same emotional intentionality that defines his songwriting, carefully shaping tone and narrative across each chapter. The accompanying album, also titled Guess What? I Love You, serves as a true companion piece, deepening the book’s emotional impact. Songs such as “Paranoid in Paradise,” “So Hard to Let Go,” and “Big Kiss” echo moments on the page, while the stories behind the music add rich new layers to the listening experience.

Throughout his journey, Maimone invites readers—especially those navigating grief—to embrace connection, remain open to unexpected possibilities, and allow themselves to experience the full spectrum of human emotion.

Visually, the book’s cover reflects the spirit of the story itself. Featuring illustrated cake pops (a symbol of joy discovered amid loss), the artwork honors a love story that didn’t unfold as planned, but was deeply meaningful, fully lived, and profoundly transformative. 

Michael's Musings

Shiny Happy People
Michael Shinafelt

"Everyone around, love them, love them

Put it in your hands, take it, take it
There's no time to cry, happy, happy
Put it in your heart where tomorrow shines
Gold and silver shine

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing" - R.E.M. "Shiny Happy People"

To think we survived a pandemic for this, that's all

Saw David Lynch's Mulholland Drive again on Tubi. The older I get the more linear the film becomes. IYKYK!

Thought of the Day: Am I polarizing enough?

Speaking of others is easy, facing the battles they have won is another story. Indeed...

I've gotten a tattoo for every decade of my life since my twenties. Currently deciding on what I should get for my 60th. Any suggestions?

FYI I'm done adulting, let's be dragons, the more you know

This is not a safe space for your hatred. You can choke on it. Disrespectfully.

Smile, Laugh, Talk, Drink, Dance, Eat A$$, carry on.

Woman Crush of the Week - Hunter Schafer in the role she was born to play Jules Vaughn. Can't wait for Season 3 of Euphoria to drop April 12th! 

Rewatched some episodes of The Comeback with Lisa Kudrow on HBO yesterday. What a brilliant show!

When a Ford worker is held to a higher standard than the President of the Unites States, discuss.

"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are" - Carl Jung

My toxic trait is knowing the truth before I ask because I wanna see how good you lie. What's yours???

I'm feeling quite ______ the blank is yours to fill in

Let's fill it in together here -

https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en

https://bsky.app/profile/michaelshinafelt.bsky.social

https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelshinafelt   

Hump Day & Chill

Look! It's A Zuni Fetish Doll!

There's a little more "Chill" in today's Hump Day & Chill than per usual. Here to give it to us is the Zuni Fetish Doll from Trilogy Of Terror.

You know the one that terrorized Karen Black in her apartment? Yeah, that's the fetish!

This sexy beast appears in the third and final story titled Amelia here's the synopsis for the uninitiated: 

Story 3: Amelia

"Amelia lives alone in a high-rise apartment building. When Amelia tells her overbearing mother she is cancelling their evening plans in order to see her anthropologist boyfriend on his birthday, and that she bought him a wooden fetish doll in the form of a misshapen aboriginal warrior with pointed teeth and a spear, her mother hangs up. A scroll with the doll claims that the gold chain adorning the doll keeps the spirit of a Zuni hunter named "He Who Kills" trapped within. As Amelia leaves the room, the gold chain falls off."

Hump Day & Chill and remember to treat your Zuni Fetish Doll well!

Trilogy Of Terror on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trilogy_of_Terror