Entertainment
Mellow Metal Magic: Daniel Couts’ Debut EP Now Available
Press Release
Daniel Couts: A Brief Overview
Daniel Couts is a dynamic artist whose talents bridge the worlds of music, film, and beyond. Growing up in a musical family within London’s entertainment scene, Couts honed his skills in music, drama, and film and TV studies, quickly diving into directing, acting, and music after college. His recent work includes serving as Executive Producer on the newly released film Hounds of War, featuring Frank Grillo, Robert Patrick, and Rhona Mitra, and dropping his debut EP, Mellow Metal. With a slate of new projects on the horizon, Couts continues to push boundaries, keeping his career diverse and ever-evolving.
We had the privilege of sitting down with Daniel Couts to discuss his latest project, the debut EP ‘Mellow Metal’. In an intimate conversation, Daniel opened up about his creative process, the inspiration behind his music, and his vision for the future of film and music. With his passion and dedication shining through, Daniel shared his unique perspective on the intersection of art and innovation.
Your transition from acclaimed filmmaker to musical artist with “Mellow Metal” is fascinating. How does this genre-defying work reflect your philosophy of breaking boundaries in art?
Personally, I don’t think there should be any boundaries in art. Growing up in a musical family and attending a music school in Athens, Greece, music has always been the root of everything I’ve gone on to do in my life. Since 2019, I’ve been working hard and focusing on my company’s film production work that, sad to say, my music involvement become somewhat stagnant.
So, here we are in 2024, and I’ve decided not to shy away from any ounce of talent I might have. If I enjoy it, I need to do it. Plus, I’m the kind of person who always needs to create—It’s kind of a coping mechanism.
“Mellow Metal” has been described as a “cinematic journey for the ears.” Can you walk us through how you’ve translated your visual storytelling skills into this auditory experience?
That’s an excellent question. I’m not so sure who’s describing the EP as a cinematic journey for the ears, but it’s incredibly creative, and I’m definitely taking it as a compliment! So, thank you. I’d say my two biggest passions in the creative sector are visual storytelling (i.e. directing) and creating music, and I think I’ve developed a similar approach to both: there’s always something deeper than initially meets the eye… or ears.
I love movies that are deep and emotionally evocative, and musically, especially with Mellow Metal, I wanted to create something that blends various styles that I love and something that helps promote positivity, peace, and love. Not just a nice beat and melody, but something emotionally deeper.
You’ve worked with some of Hollywood’s elite. How have these collaborations influenced the creation of “Mellow Metal,” and are there any surprising industry figures who’ve contributed to this project?
I’d love to be able to say that I “produced this EP with so and so,” but unfortunately that’s not the case. I’ve had the privilege of working with and meeting some amazing people in the music and film industry in Greece, the US, and the UK. Every collaboration teaches me so much—both good and bad—and it’s enough to probably write an entire book about it. But regarding the creation of Mellow Metal, there are two people who played a huge role, one of them directly, and one of them indirectly.
The first person is my wife Nika Finch, who is a notable figure in the film and music sector. She actually introduced me to the world of metal music, and although I never thought it would happen, I fell in love with it. She introduced me to incredible bands like Nightwish and HIM; which leads to the second person who played a huge part in the creation of Mellow Metal without knowing it; Ville Valo— former singer from HIM and currently known as VV. After watching him perform live at London’s Royal Albert Hall, I felt so full of inspiration that I went home and just started writing. As a tribute to his great music, I even included my own version of his song Neon Noir on the EP.
Your Greek heritage is a significant part of your identity. How have you woven traditional Greek musical elements into the contemporary sound of “Mellow Metal”?
The answer to this is pretty simple, and one I may be disowned for, but… I didn’t. Not really. My father is a major songwriter and music producer in Greece and I grew up listening to Greek music non-stop and meeting the biggest Greek stars. This was awesome, but my biggest inspirations for Mellow Metal came from pre-existing styles of metal, mainly HIM’s own Love Metal. But, who knows, I may one day incorporate some Greek elements into future songs. In my book, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to art, especially music.
As the CEO of Opulence Pictures, you’re known for producing films that address social issues. How does “Mellow Metal” continue this mission in the realm of music?
Mellow Metal doesn’t directly touch on social issues, but I do aim to use this genre to promote peace and love, hence my MM logo on the cover that includes a dove with guitar necks for wings. That’s the symbol I use, as I think it captures the essence of my music pretty well.
You’ve mentioned synesthesia influencing your creative process. Can you explain how this neurological trait has shaped the soundscape of “Mellow Metal”?
Synesthesia is fascinating, and I actually experience it more when I produce music than I do when involved in film projects. Obviously, there are certain sounds I like when making music, but I tend to visualize the process. Especially with Mellow Metal, as it’s a genre I’ve never experimented with before, I approached each song by determining, not only what sounded right, but what felt right too, in terms of colors or textures. As crazy as it might sound, I would also describe Mellow Metal as a dark, soft velvet-like EP with subtle higher temperatures.
Growing up in a musical family in London must have been quite an experience. Can you share a cherished childhood memory that ignited your passion for both music and film?
There are so many. Growing up, the biggest driving force with regard to music was my parents. My father had a hard time growing up to pursue music as his parents didn’t want him to do so, and so he wanted to make up for that with me. He encouraged me to learn as much as I could and allow my talents to flourish, as did my mother. One of my fondest memories is when my parents surprised me with a drum kit and I spent all my free time playing it. Spoilt, I know, but I’m privileged to have such supporting parents.
Regarding video and film production, I came across that medium on my own and I was completely captivated by it. We had an old camcorder lying around and, after my father allowed me to use it, I became obsessed with it. I was filming anything and everything, and then going to my computer, offloading the footage from the Mini-DV tape, and then editing it all. I fell in love with the art of moving image, and continue to have a deep love and passion for it.
Your work often explores the intersection of different cultures. How has your Greek heritage influenced your artistic vision, and what personal experiences have shaped your unique perspective in the entertainment industry?
Aside from singing the occasional Greek song, I’d say that the biggest influence my Greek heritage has on my work is probably how I approach visual storytelling. I’m currently slated to direct two movies and my directorial style can be somewhat varied. I grew up watching tons of Hollywood movies but I did have my fair share of exposure to European movies as a child too, so my directorial style is probably a mix of both. I love the snappiness that American cinema generally has, but I like the depth of stories that many European movies have to offer.
With regard to personal experiences that have shaped my perspective, I can’t really point to any specific experience that I feel has completely set my unique perspective. We’re all unique, and our lives and experiences have shaped us all, and that’s what I love about music and cinema. Whether I’m listening to an artist or watching someone’s movie, their personalities and perspectives shine through. When it comes to my content, I create what I love. Some people might like it, some might not, but that’s just part of the game.
As someone who’s achieved success in multiple fields, what advice would you give to aspiring creatives who want to diversify their artistic portfolio like you have?
I would say the same thing I’ve been told by those who truly care about me: if you have a passion for something, do it. It’s as simple as that. There’s no need to drop one part of yourself to pursue another. I’ve been there, done that. All it does is waste time. Striking a balance between different projects can certainly be difficult, but once you figure it out, you’ll be fine. Also, take a look at other examples of people who have succeeded in multiple fields—they just do what they love and work hard at it. Don’t give up, and most importantly, don’t let opinions stand in the way. Morgan Freeman once said: “Don’t take criticism from people you would never go to for advice.” Remember that.
“Mellow Metal” seems to be just the beginning. Can you give us a teaser of your grand vision for merging film, music, and perhaps other media in future projects?
Mellow Metal is most certainly just the beginning for me. For starters, I’m already working on new music in the mellow metal genre, which I’d love to promote further. As far as movies go, I’m actively involved in several upcoming motion pictures, and as stated earlier, I’ll be directing two movies in the next couple of years. I think it’s inevitable that my journeys in music and film will overlap, and I look forward to projects that will allow me to do that. As for the immediate future, I’m focusing on live performances in addition to my film production work, and I look forward to seeing where that journey takes me.
As Daniel Couts continues to push boundaries in the music and film industries, he and his partner Roselyn Omaka are also dedicated to empowering fellow creatives through their joint venture, Bolanle Media. If you’re a filmmaker looking to elevate your project and reach new audiences, Bolanle Media offers innovative marketing solutions and collaborative opportunities to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re seeking promotional support, distribution guidance, or strategic partnerships, the Bolanle Media team is committed to helping you succeed. Reach out to them today to explore how they can help amplify your film’s impact and reach.
By Bolanle Media | July 2, 2026
Photo: Tyla at the 2026 Met Gala in custom Valentino — days before making the biggest business move of her career.
There are career moves, and then there are statements. Tyla just made a statement that will be studied in music business classrooms for years.
The South African superstar — born Tyla Laura Seethal, 24 years old, and already the proud owner of two Grammy Awards — has officially signed a multi-million dollar global deal with Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s powerhouse entertainment company, walking away from Epic Records to align herself with the most influential roster in the music business. The signing was confirmed across social media with a major digital announcement this week, and the reaction from industry insiders was immediate — shock, admiration, and the quiet acknowledgment that someone just changed the trajectory of African music forever.
From “Water” to a Global Phenomenon
Let’s not forget where this all started. In 2023, a 21-year-old from Johannesburg released a song called “Water” that nobody could quite categorize and everybody needed to hear. Within weeks, it had sparked one of the most viral TikTok dance challenges of the decade, charted simultaneously across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Africa, and earned Tyla a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance — the first year that category even existed.
That win wasn’t just personal. It was a signal. African music — Afrobeats, Amapiano, and now what Tyla herself calls A*Pop — was no longer knocking at the door of the global mainstream. It had walked through it. And Tyla had handed it the key.
What followed was a whirlwind two years of sold-out shows, magazine covers, red carpet domination, and a growing reputation as one of the most stylistically fearless artists on the planet. She attended the 2026 Met Gala — her third consecutive appearance — wearing a custom Valentino gown dripping in diamond chains with a sweeping teal skirt, styled by the legendary Law Roach, with beauty by Pat McGrath. The look was breathtaking. But it was also strategic. Every Met Gala appearance, every fashion moment, every carefully placed interview has been building toward exactly this: the infrastructure to match the vision.
What Roc Nation Actually Means
To understand why this deal matters, you have to understand what Roc Nation actually is — because it is not simply a record label.
Founded by Jay-Z in 2008, Roc Nation is a full-service entertainment company with divisions spanning artist management, touring, brand partnerships, film and television, sports management, and philanthropy. Its roster has included Rihanna, Alicia Keys, J. Cole, Big Sean, Lil Uzi Vert, and Megan Thee Stallion — artists who didn’t just sell records, but built multi-decade cultural empires that extended into fashion, film, business, and beyond. The through-line isn’t genre. It’s scale.
For Tyla specifically, the Roc Nation deal unlocks a completely different level of access. We’re talking about premium budgets for music videos and live production, top-tier brand partnership pipelines with luxury and lifestyle companies, film and television placement relationships that most artists spend a decade trying to build, and the kind of media weight that gets you on the cover of Vogue, Time, and Billboard in the same calendar year. Roc Nation doesn’t just manage artists — it engineers icons.
On the African music side, Tyla joins fellow Roc Nation signee Ayra Starr, the Nigerian pop star who inked her deal in 2025, deepening the label’s clear and deliberate strategic investment in African pop as the next dominant global genre. Jay-Z is not betting on a trend. He is betting on a generation.
The Album That Could Rewrite the Playbook
The timing of this signing is not accidental — it is surgical.
Tyla’s highly anticipated sophomore album, A*POP, is officially set to drop July 24, 2026, just three weeks away — a 14-track project that she has described as unapologetic, globally ambitious, and deeply rooted in her South African identity while simultaneously reaching for something universal. The lead single “She Did It Again” features Swedish pop titan Zara Larsson, a collaboration that announces in no uncertain terms that Tyla is not staying in any lane she didn’t build herself.
With Roc Nation’s full machine now behind the album rollout — promotional infrastructure, media relationships, tour routing, brand activations — A*POP arrives with a runway that Epic Records simply could not have provided at this scale. The industry is already paying attention. For music supervisors, film and TV executives, brand marketers, and entertainment investors reading this right now — put A*POP on your radar immediately. This is the kind of release that shapes culture, not just charts.
The Bigger Picture Nobody Is Talking About
Here is what gets lost in the excitement of a big announcement: the systemic significance of what Tyla just did.
The music industry’s historical relationship with African artists has been, at best, transactional — major labels slow to invest, quick to cash in on a viral moment, and consistently reluctant to build the kind of long-term infrastructure that turns an artist into a brand. Tyla has navigated that system with remarkable intelligence, refusing to be reduced to a trend, building her artistic identity on her own terms, and now — at 24 — arriving at the negotiating table with enough leverage to choose Roc Nation on her terms.
That matters. Not just for Tyla, but for every African artist watching this unfold from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Houston. It is proof that the path from regional phenomenon to global superstar is not only possible — it is being paved right now, in real time, by a young woman from Johannesburg who refused to shrink.
For media companies, content platforms, entertainment executives, and brand strategists operating in the African diaspora space — this is your data point. African pop is not a niche. It is not a trend. It is not a moment. It is a movement, and Tyla just secured the most powerful co-sign available in the global music business to lead it.
Watch this space. Very closely.
Follow @bolanlemedia on Instagram for real-time music, film, and entertainment industry news. Read more at bolanlemedia.com
AfriqueFest: Pan-African Musical Experience — World Cup Edition is set to take over Noto Houston on Sunday, June 28, bringing together East, South, and West African sounds in one immersive celebration of music, culture, and connection. Presented by Experience Noir and Bolanle Media, the event is designed as a cinematic night for the culture, blending global energy with Houston nightlife in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and deeply rooted in African creativity.
Spotlight on DJ Shinski
At the heart of this year’s experience is DJ Shinski. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and now based in Houston, DJ Shinski has built an international name off high-energy sets that move effortlessly across Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip‑hop, dancehall, reggae, and electronic sounds.
He has also become Africa’s most‑subscribed DJ on YouTube, crossing the 2‑million‑subscriber mark and turning his mixes into a global destination for music lovers.
DJ Shinski’s style is precise but unpredictable: one moment it’s classic Afrobeats, the next it’s East African anthems, then a run of throwback hip‑hop or R&B that still feels fresh. That ability to read a room and connect multiple worlds in a single set is exactly why AfriqueFest is building so much of the night’s energy around him.
At AfriqueFest, DJ Shinski helps drive the Safari Grooves segment, representing East and Central Africa from 4 PM to 6 PM. Expect a journey that moves from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Addis, and beyond, all filtered through his signature “vibes on vibes” approach behind the decks.
DJ Tunez and the rest of the night
Supporting that energy, DJ Tunez leads the Gold Coast Beats chapter from 8 PM to 10 PM, bringing his own Nigerian‑American Afrobeats pedigree to the stage. Together with the Diamond Rhythms segment (South) and a curated roster of DJs, the night stretches across the continent in three distinct musical chapters, all connected by a single dance floor.
Hosted by @chris_gone_crazy, @kingdrewwskyy, @roselynomaka, and @samsnewleaf, AfriqueFest is positioned as more than a party—it’s a celebration of sound, style, and Pan‑African identity in Houston, with DJ Shinski anchoring the experience from the moment doors open.
Brought to you by Bolanle Media & Experience Noir
Brought to you by Bolanle Media and Experience Noir, this World Cup edition of AfriqueFest is crafted as a night where global DJs, storytellers, and music lovers collide and create a shared cultural memory. With DJ Shinski front and center—and DJ Tunez helping close the night—guests can expect a show that reflects both the future of African nightlife and the power of the diaspora to create unforgettable live moments.
If you want to experience DJ Shinski live at AfriqueFest, now is the time to lock in your spot. Purchase your tickets now at AfriqueFest.com and get ready for a night of music, movement, and culture at Noto Houston.
Laughter Meets Inspiration: Our Ladies Show Lands on The Roku Channel
A bold new sketch comedy series for women premieres June 13 across the U.S., U.K., and Canada — arriving on the back of a festival-winning run that has critics and audiences already paying attention.
It isn’t every day a brand-new comedy arrives already wearing a row of trophies. Our Ladies Show does. The seven-episode inspirational sketch comedy series — created, written by, and starring Christin Jezak — begins streaming on The Roku Channel on Friday, June 13, 2026, available free to viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Produced in partnership with global media services leader Encompass Digital Media, the series sets out to do something rare in today’s streaming landscape: make women laugh out loud and leave them lifted. In a media moment crowded with noise and cynicism, Our Ladies Show is a deliberate counterweight — comedy with a conscience, built for women of every age and background.
A Show Built Around Real Life — and Real Laughs
Each of the seven episodes opens with a monologue from one of the cast members introducing the theme, then rolls into three or more sketches that hit the subject from every comedic angle. The series tackles the things women actually carry: holding grudges, comparison, beauty, patience, gift giving, the importance of community, and dealing with anxiety.
The comedy comes from a place of warmth rather than mockery — a “laugh at ourselves” spirit that runs through a gallery of unforgettable characters: a nosey neighbor, an overwhelmed mom, relentlessly optimistic flight attendants, beauty pageant winners past their prime, and a crew of unruly campers with a counselor who simply cannot hold it together.
Then the show does something most sketch series don’t. In the final segment of every episode, the cast gathers in a living-room setting and invites the audience in — sharing real inspiration drawn from the theme, the sketches, and their own personal stories. It’s the moment the laughter turns into something that stays with you.
The Women Behind the Show
Our Ladies Show brings together three performers with serious range:
- Christin Jezak — creator, writer, and star (Miracle at Manchester, Raising Hope, Jimmy Kimmel Live!)
- Hillary Hawkins — (Primal, Nick Jr.’s Play Along, Gullah Gullah Island)
- Sarah Hernandez — (Nefarious, Unplanned, House of Payne)
“In a world with so much division and depression, I hope women of all ages and backgrounds will watch this show, laugh, be reminded of how beautiful, unique, and loved they are, and remember how much we need each other.”— Christin Jezak, Creator & Star
Already a Festival Favorite
The series’ recurring long-form sketch, Neighborhood Watch, didn’t arrive quietly. Originally released as a web series and revamped for Our Ladies Show with new footage, sound, and music, it has been sweeping the festival circuit:
- 🏆 Best Webseries — 2026 New Media Film Festival (Los Angeles)
- 🏆 Best Web/TV Series — Paris Film Awards
- 🏆 Best Web Series — Dallas Movie Awards
- 🏅 Additional wins at the London Movie Awards, Florence Film Awards, and Hollywood Gold Awards
- 🎬 Official Selection — 2026 Harvard Divinity School Film Fest
- ⭐ Finalist — Houston Comedy Film Festival
- 📣 Three nominations — 2025 Content Christian Media Conference, including Best Actress in a TV and Web Series nods for both Christin Jezak and Sarah Hernandez
Where and When to Watch
Our Ladies Show premieres Friday, June 13, 2026, streaming on The Roku Channel — the home of premium and free entertainment — in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. All seven episodes deliver the series’ signature blend of sharp sketch comedy and genuine encouragement.
Watch the trailer now on your platform of choice:
For more information, visit www.ourladiesshow.com and follow @ourladiesshow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
About Christin Jezak
Christin Jezak has worked for over 15 years in the entertainment industry. She created and stars in Our Ladies Show and the award-winning web series Neighborhood Watch. She produced the EWTN TV program For the Sake of the Gospel and the all-women web series Ladies Keepin’ It Real, played Dr. Sam in Miracle at Manchester (starring Dean Cain, Daniel Roebuck, and Eddie McClintock), and voices Agnes in the podcast Confessions of a Catholic Single. She held a lead role in a short film for NTT Data directed by Academy Award–winning cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, has co-starred on Raising Hope, and appeared in Jimmy Kimmel sketches and a Grubhub Super Bowl commercial.
About The Roku Channel
Roku pioneered streaming on TV and is the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by hours streamed (Hypothesis Group, Dec. 2025). The Roku Channel is the home of premium and free entertainment, alongside Roku’s Howdy and Frndly TV services. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, California.
About Encompass Digital Media
Encompass Digital Media is a global managed services company — technology-driven, software-defined, and people-powered. Trusted by world-leading broadcasters, networks, sports rights-holders, and OTT platforms, it processes over 25,000 hours of content daily, serves 850 channels to 84 countries, distributes over 243,000 live events annually, and reaches 400 million radio listeners weekly worldwide. Learn more at www.encompass.tv.
Media & Interview Requests: To interview creator Christin Jezak or the cast, contact Christin at cjezak@p2ptheatre.com.
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