Sunday, March 22, 2026

Mainstream Launches Solo Debut Album “While I’m Here” and Kicks Off 2026 Live Experience

The Toledo City Paper depends on readers like you! Become a friend today. See membership options

Mainstream, the creative alter ego of Brian David Bell—lead singer, lyricist and front man of Boogie Matrix Mechanism—has officially stepped into a bold new chapter with the release of his solo debut album, “While I’m Here.” Released in late 2025, the album marks a defining artistic statement and the beginning of an immersive live experience now unfolding into 2026.

After spending the past year crafting the project alongside co-writer and co-producer “Ross Rage” Thompson, an alum of the Toledo School for the Arts, Mainstream has delivered an album that is as musically diverse as it is thematically powerful. Blending funk, reggae, hip hop, rock and R&B that is layered with psychedelic undertones,“While I’m Here” offers a vibrant and expansive sonic journey.

“The idea behind the album is creating music to be performed live in an environment where people can come together of all different walks of life, all different creeds, colors, religions and experience diversity of art and music and community,” Brian explained.

But this album is more than a collection of songs—it’s a movement.

At its core, “While I’m Here” carries a message of unity, resilience and purpose. The songs explore the challenge of navigating negativity in today’s world while choosing to remain grounded in positivity and compassion.

“It shares positive messages as well as lessons about trying to navigate the negative and stay positive in today’s reality.”

The project reflects Bell’s vision of connection through shared human experience.

Bell says, “A chance to be one together and share in the beauty as humans that we are all blessed to experience… and also learn to be there for one another through the ups and down with music and art as the common denominator.”


RELATED: Oblivea: A Band with a Big Year On the Horizon and A Frontman Ready to Meet It


Ultimately, the album is a call to action:

“This album is for everyone who wants to make a difference, create, share and love while they are here on this planet,” said Brian.

Now available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and all major streaming platforms, “While I’m Here” is already setting the stage for a powerful live rollout in 2026.

2026 Live Tour Dates

Mainstream will hit the stage with a dynamic eight-piece band composed of Toledo all-star musicians, bringing the album’s full sonic spectrum to life.

  • March 6 – The Hidden Gem – Dayton
  • April 10 – The Switchboard – Toledo
  • May 30 – Wesley’s – Toledo (Koncert4Klassic)
  • July 11 – Night Market – Toledo
  • September 26 – The Hidden Gem – Dayton
  • November 14 – The Switchboard – Toledo

Audiences can expect an energetic, genre-blending performance designed to inspire connection and collective celebration.

This is more than a show—it’s an experience. Come be part of it.

Follow on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

The Toledo City Paper depends on readers like you! Become a friend today. See membership options

Mainstream, the creative alter ego of Brian David Bell—lead singer, lyricist and front man of Boogie Matrix Mechanism—has officially stepped into a bold new chapter with the release of his solo debut album, “While I’m Here.” Released in late 2025, the album marks a defining artistic statement and the beginning of an immersive live experience now unfolding into 2026.

After spending the past year crafting the project alongside co-writer and co-producer “Ross Rage” Thompson, an alum of the Toledo School for the Arts, Mainstream has delivered an album that is as musically diverse as it is thematically powerful. Blending funk, reggae, hip hop, rock and R&B that is layered with psychedelic undertones,“While I’m Here” offers a vibrant and expansive sonic journey.

“The idea behind the album is creating music to be performed live in an environment where people can come together of all different walks of life, all different creeds, colors, religions and experience diversity of art and music and community,” Brian explained.

But this album is more than a collection of songs—it’s a movement.

At its core, “While I’m Here” carries a message of unity, resilience and purpose. The songs explore the challenge of navigating negativity in today’s world while choosing to remain grounded in positivity and compassion.

- Advertisement -

“It shares positive messages as well as lessons about trying to navigate the negative and stay positive in today’s reality.”

The project reflects Bell’s vision of connection through shared human experience.

Bell says, “A chance to be one together and share in the beauty as humans that we are all blessed to experience… and also learn to be there for one another through the ups and down with music and art as the common denominator.”


RELATED: Oblivea: A Band with a Big Year On the Horizon and A Frontman Ready to Meet It


Ultimately, the album is a call to action:

“This album is for everyone who wants to make a difference, create, share and love while they are here on this planet,” said Brian.

Now available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and all major streaming platforms, “While I’m Here” is already setting the stage for a powerful live rollout in 2026.

2026 Live Tour Dates

Mainstream will hit the stage with a dynamic eight-piece band composed of Toledo all-star musicians, bringing the album’s full sonic spectrum to life.

  • March 6 – The Hidden Gem – Dayton
  • April 10 – The Switchboard – Toledo
  • May 30 – Wesley’s – Toledo (Koncert4Klassic)
  • July 11 – Night Market – Toledo
  • September 26 – The Hidden Gem – Dayton
  • November 14 – The Switchboard – Toledo

Audiences can expect an energetic, genre-blending performance designed to inspire connection and collective celebration.

This is more than a show—it’s an experience. Come be part of it.

Follow on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Recent Articles

Our Latest Digital Issue

Toledo City Paper
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.