The lead single, “Darkness Falls,” focuses on the problem of trying to get someone we love to stop indulging because it’s destroying them, and part of us along with them. Utopia is a concept album that tells the story of two young people struggling through their respective miseries. The man has his own problems, but his inability to help the woman he loves overcome her addiction worsens his turmoil.

“We know it can be hard to reach people,” says guitarist and songwriter Randy Ellefson, who lost a co-worker to suicide in 2023. “Maybe a song won’t do it, but it does happen, and it has for me when lyrics resonated with me. I’d rather take the approach of encouraging people to find another way to deal with the darkness inside them, because drugs and alcohol are likely to only make it darker.”

“Darkness Falls” is now available on all major streaming platforms and YouTube. Visit https://linktr.ee/blackhalometal for access to these and Black Halo’s social media, merch, and website hub.

For more information, send to blackhalo@randyellefson.com.

“Beautifully rendered and emotionally uplifting.”
— Jim Hynes, Making a Scene

Grammy®-nominated pianist and composer Donald Vega will release his new single, Let’s Pray, on Friday, September 19, 2025. Recorded at Samurai Hotel Recording Studio during the 2023 sessions for Vega’s Grammy®-nominated album As I Travel, the track features an all-star lineup: John Patitucci on bass, Lewis Nash on drums, and Luisito Quintero on percussion.

Reflecting on the composition, Vega shares:
“Music is my way of praying. I happened to write Let’s Pray during the pandemic. But the composition is just as timely today as ever.”

Vega, a classically trained pianist from Nicaragua, immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 14, where he was introduced to jazz through mentorship from drummer Billy Higgins and bassist John Clayton. He later honed his craft at USC, Manhattan School of Music, and The Juilliard School, studying under the legendary Kenny Barron. Today, Vega tours internationally as the pianist for the esteemed Ron Carter and is recognized as a composer, collaborator, and bandleader.

“Vega’s story is that of an immigrant child escaping brutal political violence, and it’s a poignant one to hear — especially after the second inauguration of Donald Trump…” – Morgan Enos, JazzTimes

In addition to his performance career, Vega is a dedicated educator and professor at The Juilliard School. His contributions to jazz composition were honored with a 2023 Guggenheim Fellowship. He also serves on the board of BackCountry Jazz, an organization committed to providing music education for underprivileged youth.

As I Travel (Imagery Records, 2023) earned Vega a Grammy® nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album, solidifying his standing as one of the leading voices in contemporary jazz. With Let’s Pray, Vega offers listeners not only an evocative composition but also a message of peace, unity, and community through the universal language of music.

Let’s Pray will be available on all major streaming platforms beginning September 19, 2025.

For more information and to explore Vega’s discography, visit www.donaldvega.com.
Click here to listen to Let’s Pray.