Sha-La Music has announced the release of the new single "Maybe Love's A Crime" by US Roots Rocker DownTown Mystic. The single will be released worldwide to all streaming services by The Orchard/Sony Music on October 9. "Maybe Love's A Crime" drops at US College Radio on October 13, with promotion by Brandon Day/Tinderbox Music. The single contains two songs, including a TV Mix, featuring keyboardist Jeff Levine (Joe Cocker, Hall & Oates) with a piano performance that is being called an instant classic.
The elite rhythm section of drummer Steve Holley (Paul McCartney, Elton John) and bassist Paul Page (Ian Hunter, Dion) play a classic shuffle that they recorded in one take. In fact, it was Paul Page who helped solve a dilemma for DownTown Mystic writer/producer Robert Allen, who was trying to decide which way to go rhythm-wise with the track. Page had worked with RnR legend Dion and suggested a shuffle-like groove. Robert remembers, "when Paul said Dion, I knew exactly what he meant since I've always been a big Dion fan. It was perfect for the track and worked like a charm."
DownTown Mystic is coming off the success of two highly acclaimed EP releases in 2026—Mystic Highway Road Trip and On E Street Remix, which features Rock'n'Roll Hall of Famers Max Weinberg & Garry Tallent from The E Street Band. The reviewers were unanimous in their critical praise for both releases, establishing DownTown Mystic as one of the bright lights in modern day rock'n'roll. Sha-La Music will be releasing On E Street Remix – The Album for the Holidays, scheduled for release on Black Friday November 27 with 6 new tracks.
The new single is already generating buzz, with early praise from College Radio Charts: "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 noted, "Robert Allen has continued proving that classic rock remains vibrant and relevant when supported by thoughtful songwriting and authentic performances." York Calling added, "The adage is that they don't write them like they used to, but Allen has proved it wrong." Coyote Music observed, "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 is available at https://downtownmystic.net and https://sha-lamusic.com/.
The release of "Maybe Love's A Crime" and the upcoming holiday album underscore DownTown Mystic's continued momentum in the roots rock genre. With support from Sony Music's The Orchard and a proven team of session musicians, the single is poised to impact college radio and streaming platforms, reinforcing the enduring appeal of classic rock. Sha-La Music, formed in 1987, is an independent publishing and production company with a record label and worldwide digital distribution. The company has scored sync success with top music licensing companies in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Chicago.
