Latest Posts

Why a fox – “we hate it here”

November 18, 2017

One man band Why a fox is retiring from music, but not before he releases the last two songs he has left. “We hate it here” is the first of the two songs from the Austrailian artist. Originally from Brisbane, Why a fox has made his way around Japan, settling down in Fukushima and had played shows throughout Fukushima and Sendai. The single carries a mixture of elements from genres. The gently plucked guitar is reminiscent of most folk acoustics. The vocals were similar to The Front Bottoms lead singer Brian Sella because they were raw and told a story as the song went on. The song serves as a fitting end to Why a fox’s career, giving his fans a chance to get one last look at his music before he gives it up. Check out Why a fox’s entire collection Everything below. Everything by Why a fox

The Hubbards – “Easy Go”

November 17, 2017

Leeds-based four-piece The Hubbards released the second single “Easy Go.”  The Hubbards released Body Confident on September 27 through Scruff of the Neck Records. Gaining notice from supports slots for Foals and The 1975, the band has enjoyed a nice transition to the mainstream. With a punchy guitar and smooth transitional vocals, the band encompasses the spirit of punk and indie pop. Continuing the narrative from “Just Touch,” the single continues the story through its lyrical content. Listen to “Easy Go” below via SoundCloud.

Canshaker Pi – “Pressure From Above”

November 17, 2017

Amsterdam quartet Canshaker Pi bring out heavy Dutch rock influences in their new single “Pressure From Above.” The single will be released on November 3 via RIP Records.  Canshaker Pi has also announced a UK tour in December, including  supporting dates with The Cribs in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Leeds. The influences in production from Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus can be heard including the dead-pan vocals and heavy guitar play on the track. Canshaker Pi also incorporates Dutch rock into the mix with some heavy guitar riffs throughout the single. Listen to “Pressure From Above” via SoundCloud.

Exmag – “Going Down Slow”

November 12, 2017

East Coast-based three-piece Extraordinary Magnitude(Exmag) released their 9-track ‘Part I’ EP on November 3 via Majestic Casual Records. The single “Going Down Slow” mixes touches of hip-hop, funk, soul, electronica and RnB. The danceable elements of the song come from the disco and funk influences. The use of synths and effect-heavy guitar give the song a dreamy effect. The deep solo from the guitar really sets the stage at the beginning of the song. Check out “Going Down Slow” via SoundCloud.

Linn Koch-Emmery – “Bby Nevermind”

November 12, 2017

Linn Koch-Emmery released the single “Bby Nevermind”  off of her new EP Boys. Koch-Emmery originally self-released her first single “Come Back” before she got signed to Welfare. Singles from the EP have been reported on by The Line Of Best Fit, DIY Magazine, Nordic By Nature, Passport Approved and Ja Ja Ja Music. The single captures the sound of lo-fi indie pop with a Swedish twist. There is a sharpness to the guitar that adds another dimension to the track. the softness of the vocals bodes well for a balance with the rougher elements of the song. Check out “Bby Nevermind” below via SoundCloud.

JR JR – “Control”

November 10, 2017

Detroit-based indie pop group JR JR crafts bouncy infectious vibes on their new single “Control.” Coming off the release of their album JR JR in 2015, the band has released multiple singles in 2017. The song first came to band member Joshua Epstein while driving around in the group’s van in November. “Control was written on November 10th at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, MI,” said Epstein. “I woke up late and was driving in our van–which has no radio anymore. Suddenly the melody and the lyric was in my head, ‘careful of who you let control the people that you know oh-oh-oh’.” There is a sense of the care-free nature of the song. The use of analog elements gives the song a light floating effect. The vocals go from Dylan-esque with a faster-paced vocal to a smooth but powerful belt in the chorus. The twist between different pieces of[...]

Nicky William – “Hurricane”

November 10, 2017

Swedish artist Nicky William brings a small-town flair to his music with the release of his single “Hurricane.” The single is a part of his newest project Set Your Loved Ones Free We Have You Surrounded out on Hi-hat Music on November 17th. The single has a crisp sound through the mix of vocals and guitars. William’s baritone is soothing as it rolls along with the jingle of the guitar. The riff is simplistic, but pairs really well with the baritone singing from William. The song lies within the realm of folk, but production values link it to pop music as well. Check out “Hurricane” below via SoundCloud.

Tonight: The Tins

October 18, 2017

Local scene mainstays, The Tins, will be celebrating the release of their new EP City Lies at the Lockhouse Distillery & Bar this evening. Since the band’s inception the aughts, the trio’s sound has evolved and grown throughout the times, changing with the scene while maintaining the band’s knack for tremendous hooks and choruses. Expect nothing less with City Lies.   Arrive early as First Ward will be opening the night. With a featured specialty cocktail and some throwback tunes from The Tins’ 2012 repertoire, the event is sure to be a heavy hitter for the local music scene. Doors open at 8pm, with a $10 cover.

Champyons – “Living in the Movies”

October 6, 2017

The song, “Living in the Movies” serves as the latest single from the three-piece band and producer collective, Champyons. The single offers a glimpse into the band’s first full-length album, to be released early 2018 via Embassy of Music. Drifting toward the psychedelic side of music, the wobbly synths and bass kicks mesh with the off textures of the autotuned vocals.  Check out “Living in the Movies” below via YouTube.

courtship. – “Tell Me Tell Me”

October 5, 2017

Courtship. have released their single “Tell Me Tell Me” to close out the summer season with warm jams. The release of “Tell Me Tell Me” comes while the Los Angeles based pair embarks on their West Coast tour with Saint Mesa. With features on Sirius Alt Nation, Los Angeles’ ALT 98.7 and Minneapolis’ Go 96.3, courtship. has made waves within indie alt. The buoyant synths and positive lyrics about letting love out grasp for a happier feeling. The song wants the listener to let all of their feelings out about love.  Check out “Tell Me Tell Me” below via SoundCloud.

Weslee – “Bathwater”

October 1, 2017

United Kingdom based Weslee just dropped a new visual for their single “Bathwater.” The single reached number 4 on the Hype Machine Chart and currently has over 510,000 Spotify streams, with support from Mistajam and Annie Mac on Radio 1. Weslee’s music video first came about through photos taken by Weslee’s front woman Emma. The video portrays a woman in numerous situations with water while the video boomerangs back and forth with each take. Check out the video for “Bathwater” via YouTube.

Luces – “Soak”

October 1, 2017

House group Luces comes out strong with their first release “Soak.” Artists Plastic Plates and Amtrac came together to form Luces as a collaborative project. “Soak” released through Amtrac’s label OPENERS. The single brings a ton of different textures throughout the track. There is heavy synth use and a deep bass-filled sound to the track. Many of the lays of the track mesh together to form a danceable beat. Touches from both Plastic Plates and Amtrac come out in the track, so you get a sense of balance with each artist’s style. Listen to “Soak” below via SoundCloud.

George Hollow – “Nature”

September 26, 2017

George Hollow released a glitchy new video for his single “Nature.” The video deviates from the polished style of “Yippee Kai Yi Yay” and leans towards experimental elements and video techniques. Kasper brings a heavy beat that brings the essence of horror rap to the forefront. Hollow does his part by switching up to a faster flow that hits as hard as the deep bass on the beat.  Check out the video for “Nature” below via YouTube.

Bien – “Satellites”

September 26, 2017

Nashville-based trio Bien dropped their single “Satellites” to promote their second EP Electric Dream earlier this month.  Composed of songwriters Jessie Early, Angela Lauer and Tim Lauer, the group have driven their focus into the world of pop music. “Satellites” thrives on its mixture of organic and analog elements. The vocals are full-bodied and heartfelt, giving the song soul in the process. In addition, The slight sound of the strings mixed with the analog elements of the song creates a balance between old and new.  Check out “Satellites” below via SoundCloud.

GGOOLLDD – “Excelsior Springs”

September 20, 2017

Milwaukee-based GGOOLLDD gives powerful synthpop vibes on their newly released “Excelsior Springs.” The single comes off the band’s debut EP TEETH, which will be out in December via Roll Call Records. Coming off two sold-out shows at Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee, the band is currently in the midst of a North American tour. “Excelsior Springs” provides the basis for the roots of synthpop. There’s gentle synth work throughout the song, ranging from the catchy chorus to the solo towards the end of the single that drives at a peaceful tone. Listen to “Excelsior Springs” below via SoundCloud.