Sha-La Music has announced the upcoming release of “Maybe Love’s A Crime,” the new single from US roots rocker DownTown Mystic. The single will be available worldwide on all streaming services via The Orchard/Sony Music on October 9, and will hit US College Radio on October 13 with promotion by Brandon Day/Tinderbox Music.
“Maybe Love’s A Crime” features two songs, including a TV Mix, and boasts a lineup of seasoned musicians. Keyboardist Jeff Levine, known for his work with Joe Cocker and Hall & Oates, delivers what is described as a sensational piano performance that is an instant classic. The rhythm section comprises drummer Steve Holley (Paul McCartney, Elton John) and bassist Paul Page (Ian Hunter, Dion), who recorded their parts in one take. It was Page who suggested a shuffle-like groove, drawing on his experience with rock legend Dion, to solve a dilemma for DownTown Mystic’s writer/producer Robert Allen. “When Paul said Dion, I knew exactly what he meant since I’ve always been a big Dion fan,” Allen recalls. “It was perfect for the track and worked like a charm.”
The single follows two highly acclaimed EP releases in 2026: “Mystic Highway Road Trip” and “On E Street Remix,” the latter featuring Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famers Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent from The E Street Band. Critics have been unanimous in their praise, establishing DownTown Mystic as a bright light in modern rock’n’roll. College Radio Charts notes, “These days so much rock either imitates the past or abandons it altogether, and DownTown Mystic manages to find the sweet spot in between.” Dulaxi adds, “Robert Allen has continued proving that classic rock remains vibrant and relevant when supported by thoughtful songwriting and authentic performances.” York Calling observes, “The adage is that they don’t write them like they used to, but Allen has proved it wrong,” while Coyote Music states, “DownTown Mystic continues to embrace the fundamentals that have made rock endure for generations: memorable songwriting, muscular performances, and production that enhances rather than overwhelms the songs.”
Fans can listen to “Maybe Love’s A Crime” at https://tinyurl.com/y5fupn7e and stream DownTown Mystic on Spotify at https://tinyurl.com/y7ntbt88. More information about the artist is available at https://downtownmystic.net.
Looking ahead, Sha-La Music will release “On E Street Remix – The Album” for the holidays on Black Friday, November 27, featuring six new tracks. The label, formed in 1987, is an independent publishing and production company with a record label that includes worldwide digital distribution from The Orchard/Sony Music. Sha-La has achieved sync success with top music licensing companies in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Chicago. For more on Sha-La Music, visit https://sha-lamusic.com/.
