In a quiet but impactful entry into the music scene, People I’ve Met—the New York-based alt-rock trio formed by Moses Martin, Orlando Wiltshire, and Andrew Suster—has released their debut single, “Promise,” marking the start of what many are calling a promising new chapter in alternative rock.

The band, which recently signed with the powerhouse label Interscope Records, has quickly garnered attention not just for its members’ pedigree but for its moody, melody-forward sound that carves out a distinct identity.

The Sound of “Promise”

“Promise” serves as a potent introduction. The track is described as a moody but melody-forward exploration of a painful breakup, blending raw intensity with poetic elegance. It opens with an otherworldly synth line that complements lead vocalist Moses Martin’s “hypnotically airy vocals”. The song builds dynamically, oscillating between quiet rumination and unbridled energy driven by visceral live drums, before culminating in a gorgeously stark piano-led outro.

Martin has described a unique, synesthetic connection to the song: “Sometimes I associate songs with colors, and to me this one felt like a sort of rainbow, so I wanted to capture that — the full spectrum of color and life”. This vision is reflected in the single’s music video, which begins in grainy black-and-white before erupting into a riot of color, following the trio through New York City’s streets and subways.

From High School Garage to Major Label

The origins of People I’ve Met are grounded in long-term friendship and a shared musical journey. Drummer Orlando Wiltshire and bassist Andrew Suster have been playing together since their middle school jazz band days. They began making music more seriously in Wiltshire’s garage during high school before eventually bringing guitarist and vocalist Moses Martin into the fold.

“We got to a point toward the end of high school where we all felt like there was something special and started taking it more seriously,” Suster recalls, “especially when we got to college and started playing our first serious shows”. This period of growth also included a previous identity; the band was formerly known under the moniker DANCER.

Despite their youth—all three members are only 19—the band has already developed a compelling live presence. Early reviews of their intimate New York shows highlight the potent chemistry between the members. Reviewers note that Wiltshire’s drumming “does not ground a song but rather shapes it,” while Suster’s bass hooks form a “perfect courtship” with the rhythm section. Martin’s vocals have been described as “comforting,” like “fumbling with soft sea glass in your palm”.

Carving a Distinct Path

While Martin’s lineage as the son of Coldplay’s Chris Martin and actor Gwyneth Paltrow brings a certain spotlight, People I’ve Met is intent on establishing its own sonic territory. Critics and fans note their sound diverges from Coldplay’s anthemic pop, drawing comparisons instead to a mix of iconic alternative acts like Phoenix, The 1975, Keane, and a hint of Frank Ocean. Some have even detected echoes of the intimate, beautiful atmosphere of Coldplay’s early album Parachutes in their live performances.

The band has already built momentum through a series of well-received shows, including opening for Royel Otis on select U.S. tour dates and completing a recent residency at the revered Brooklyn venue Baby’s All Right.

Connect with People I’ve Met

To listen to their debut single “Promise” and stay updated on new music and future shows, you can follow the band through their official channels:

• Official Website: https://peopleivemet.band/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peopleivemet/

With a major label debut under their belt and a sound that blends nostalgic alternative influences with fresh, emotional songwriting, People I’ve Met is a new name to watch closely in 2026.

Oscar winner Nicolas Cage is heading to a small-town diner for his next project. He stars alongside Justin Long and Shelley Hennig in the action-thriller Best Pancakes In The County, which has quietly begun filming in Arkansas, according to an exclusive report.

The film, written and directed by Ken Sanzel (Kill Chain), promises a claustrophobic and explosive night of conflict.

A Deadly Night at the Diner

The plot centers on a single, tense night at a seemingly ordinary diner, famous for its title-winning pancakes. The location quickly transforms into the “epicenter of a deadly standoff” involving rogue federal agents, a fast-talking con man with a dangerous past (Cage), and a waitress (Hennig) hiding her own secrets.

As the situation escalates, the line between allies and enemies blurs. The official logline states that survival will depend entirely on who can “outthink – and outgun – everyone else.”

Behind the Scenes

The project reunites Cage with director Ken Sanzel, who previously directed the actor in the 2019 action film Kill Chain. The producing team expressed enthusiasm for the reunion, calling Sanzel a “visionary” and stating the “action-packed, fast-paced adventure with wit and intensity is set to captivate audiences worldwide.”

Best Pancakes In The County is financed by Beno Films and Caliwood Pictures. Worldwide sales are being handled by Fortitude International, which will introduce the film to buyers at the upcoming European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin.

Cage remains a prolific figure in Hollywood. His recent 2024 horror hit Longlegs was a major success, earning $130 million worldwide. He has several other projects in various stages of production, including Madden, Lords Of War, and Fortitude, along with upcoming Spider-Man-related content.

Justin Long, known for roles in Barbarian and the Die Hard series, and Shelley Hennig, of Unfriended and Teen Wolf fame, round out the core cast of the diner-based thriller.

Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has sent a heartfelt message to her husband and fellow music star, Adekunle Gold, as they celebrate seven years of marriage.

In an emotional message shared on social media, Simi described Adekunle Gold as her perfect match, saying, “You’re still the one. I’m grateful for the joy and peace you bring to my life.” She recalled how a friend once asked her why she chose him, and her simple reply was, “We just fit. We still fit.”

Simi praised her husband for his love, care and understanding, noting that he sees and values her without her having to struggle for attention. She also thanked him for being a good man and a supportive partner, adding that she loves him deeply and called him “the husband of my youth.”

The message comes shortly after Adekunle Gold announced that the couple have welcomed twin babies. The singer shared the good news on his Snapchat story, writing, “Asked God for another child and He blessed me double.” The couple have not yet revealed the gender of the twins.

In December, Simi had earlier hinted at the pregnancy when she shared a video clip on Instagram with the caption, “From my baby, for my babies.” The clip was taken from Adekunle Gold’s music video titled My Love is the Same, where she appeared with a baby bump.

Adekunle Gold and Simi got married in 2019 after years of friendship and musical collaboration. Both artists were formerly signed to X3M Music and have grown into one of Nigeria’s most admired music power couples.

They welcomed their first child, Adejare Kosoko, fondly called Deja, in May 2020.