New Music

Monotronic – “Looking Away”

December 4, 2024

NY/LA’s Monotronic is a loose collective of musicians, blending elements of upbeat pop and indie rock to curate their own style which is unbelievable catchy. The band’s “frontman” Ramsey Elkholy started the project in 2016 as the lead songwriter, bringing in an array of talented members of the always impressive New York City music scene in tow. The band has released the much anticipated single “Looking Away” off their forthcoming album Waiting for You, out in early 2025. The band’s new single has an upbeat Phoenix and Killers comparisons, with some worldly elements, a remnant of Elkholy’s time spent in Indonesia.  Check out the single “Looking Away” below and keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming album in Q1 2025.

Cecilia – “Don’t Wanna Cry”

December 4, 2024

Emerging electro-pop newcomer, Cecilia, released. a fresh nu-disco track that’s got us buzzin’. “Don’t Wanna Cry” is the debut from Cecilia, a self-taught producer and singer  and if this track is any indication of her capabilities as a songwriter, her future is bright. The song is all about getting over a former fling, reminiscing on better times. With that, you’d think this is a sad song but Cecilia turns this track into an upbeat disco pop gem that’s perfect for midnight at a club with smoke machines and Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own” next in queue. Fans of MS MR, Tove Lo, or the heavy synths of The Knife would be into Cecilia’s debut. Check it out.

Delta of Venus – “Disengaged”

December 4, 2024

Delta of Venus has been around for a bit, emerging from a 1993 basement where four friends put their creative endeavors together to pursue a united sound. The band faded out in the late 90s but re-united in 2023 after founding member Ellery Twining found themself in a creative rut after releasing solo material.  The band picked up right where they left off in the 90s, with the addition of a new singer Issy jumping behind the microphone. Blending elements of indie pop and shoegaze, the band’s sound has emerged with the current indie scene, with comparisons to Alvvays, The Beths, or Melody’s Echo Chamber. “Disengaged” is a promising return for Delta of Venus, with a second single already released “Slipping” – available for a full listen here.  Disengaged by Delta of Venus

PB Mogul feat. 38 Spesh – “20 on the Stove”

December 2, 2024

Utica’s PB Mogul brought the trap with him on his hip hop journey. On his latest track, “20 on the Stove,” PB digs into the details on a modern trapping classic: “started with ‘cane on the griddle, now I rock stages and venues.” “20 on the Stove” features menacing, gritty and understated production that feels like you’re walking the same cold concrete blocks PB references in his tracks. Mogul is assisted on the track by WNY legend 38 Spesh, who’s quick to drop the quintessential coke bars that he and frequent collaborator Benny the Butcher are the best in the game at. Here’s another upstate NY rapper with an authenticity you can hear in every bar – Check out more from PB Mogul and 38 Spesh on Spotify.

Ha Keem – “Long Way to Go”

December 2, 2024

Multi-talented hip hop artist Ha Keem combines 90s alternative hip hop sounds with a melodic, modern R&B delivery on his latest single, “Long Way to Go.” The Central Coast rapper is quick to flex that he can “sing, dance, and rap too” but on this track he prefers to take it slow and enjoy the moment. “Long Way to Go” slides smoothly between rapped and sung verses, with tender backing vocals complimenting a catchy, chanty hook that’ll vibe well with fans of Anderson .Paak and the Roots. Production-wise, we get some delicate keys, a funky bass line, and more live instrumentation that brings a brightness to the track. “There’s no need to rush it” – Add this to your good vibes hip hop playlists and check out more from Ha Keem on Spotify.

They Owe Us – “Hobo Waltz”

December 2, 2024

Swedish based They Owe Us is the project of Kristoffer Ragnstam, known for working with Mumford & Sons as well as Maia Hirasawa. Reminiscent of Joshua Tillman’s big sound he brings as Father John Misty, you’ll definitely feel the vibes of the psychedelic pop meets dream pop that Ragnstam brings to the fold here. Guitars, drums, synth, and a surprising horn section will get you worked up and ready to take on the world. I felt some vibes of early Doors too; something my editor’s mother would certainly appreciate (she seriously loves Jim Morrison).   You can hear “Hobo Waltz” on YouTube or add it to your cool indie rock playlist that you share with your parents on Spotify. If you like what you’ve heard you won’t have too much to wait for their next full length; All on RED is due out on April 25 of next year.  

Brave The Storm x Diviners x Rave The Storm x Arnie Way – “Rivers”

December 1, 2024

“Rivers” is the latest single and a HUGE collab between LOTS of different people (including Brave the Storm, Diviners, and Arnie Way). The track itself is very melodic, with a surprisingly heartfelt sound that will most certainly reverberate through your skull. This is a great track for indie rock fans who maybe aren’t super into EDM to get more of a taste than the mainstream. With a very vocal-forward mouthfeel, “Rivers” feels accessible without sacrificing the pulsating beat that makes listening to EDM so great. Queue this up, feel the vibes, and you’ll most assuredly have a good time. You can watch the lyric video for “Rivers” below on YouTube as well as add to your EDM flavored playlists for a fun night (or after party) on Spotify.    

Housewife – “Divorce”

December 1, 2024

Housewife, the project of Brighid Fry (she/they), brings us their latest single with “Divorce.” We previously covered Housewife here and, much like then, we love what’s happening. Fry does a fantastic job of building up; playing off of the guitar and drums with her vocals and giving everything enough time to percolate/crescendo… and then falling back to leave us wanting for more. Divorce is seldom a fun or uplifting subject but Fry does a spectacular job of keeping the listener engaged and not dragging us down in the doldrums. You can hear “Divorce” (with lyrics, which is super helpful for me because I need the written word to understand anything) on YouTube or add it to your your Spotify playlist of badass indie dream pop. The rest of the EP is well worth the listen -specifically the aforementioned “Life of the Party” as well as “I Lied.”  

Kevin J.B. O’Connor – “Follow Me”

December 1, 2024

Transplanted Buffalonian Kevin J.B. O’Connor, currently in the warmer climes of Kentucky, is someone we’re quite familiar with here at the Blog. From his original moniker of KO (here, back in 2021, so long ago) or Buffalo band Coral Collapse, which he was also part of (here, slightly less longer ago). O’Connor has crafted here an incredibly mellow yet strong guitar forward track here. It takes a real musicians musician to throw down with just their vocals and an acoustic guitar and that’s exactly what happens here. You can hear “Follow Me” below at no extra charge on YouTube below. You can also add to your slightly mournful yet kind of uplifting Buffalo based playlist on Soundcloud or Spotify. If you like what you’ve heard with “Follow Me,” be sure to check out the other nine tracks on his 2023 album “Alternatives.” Once a Buffalonian, always a Buffalonian – sorry[...]

Tents – “Light Breaks in the Middle of the Night”

November 29, 2024

Portland-based act Tents delivers a delightful slice of indie-pop with their latest offering, “Light Breaks in the Middle of the Night.” Lush harmonies, bouncing bass rhythms, and washes of guitar power this one forward, providing a perfect backbone for the sweet and slightly somber lyrical presence. The best thing about Tents, particularly in this song, is the way they effortlessly combine upbeat energy with an underlying melancholy… Perfect for those pensive, music-listening moods where you don’t want to wallow.   Check out “Light Breaks” via the YouTube embed below, or, add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.  

Boy Jr. – I Love Getting Dumped

November 29, 2024

Boy Jr. is back in a big way with their new record I Love Getting Dumped. A collection of 13 breakup songs, frontperson Ariel Allen-Lubman (they/them) commands your attention as strongly as ever with their trademark genrefluid style. They speak to us on a heartfelt level, connecting with us in a nostalgic, at times comical way that speaks to anyone who has ever dealt with the death of a relationship.   The album opens with the haunting “Your Mom Is Disappointed In You.” The vocals are delivered so earnestly, you can feel the pain in their voice, expertly underscored with sparse electronics.  “I Hope You Feel Terrible” is truly a standout, easily drawing parallels with “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo, or contemporaries like Kim Petras or Billie Eilish. Allen-Lubman sets the scene with a fuzzy, bouncing riff that really lets the vocals shine. Slowly building the texture, by the[...]

Adam James – “Rock N Rolla”

November 27, 2024

We’ve been (healthily) following Adam James’ work since he came on our radar with his last single “Morose on Melrose,” a sad song about trying to pick yourself up after the world kneecaps you. Luckily, James has a new single that is a tad more “all occasions” rather than drowning oneself in the saddies. “Rock N Rolla” is a ride-along for James’ nationwide road trip from New York to Los Angeles. The sound is a bit of a 60s influence with more contemporary comparisons, think an amalgamation of The Beach Boys, Father John Misty, and Andy Shauf. Check out the track below and follow Adam James on Instagram, like we do.

Mirrorball – “Condo Pond”

November 27, 2024

West Coast haze-pop duo Mirrorball dropped a new track late last week that’s setting the tone right for a carefree four day vacation. “Condo Point” is a dreamy synth driven track reminiscent of a Blondie b-side, or more contemporarily Architecture in Helsinki’s fun, upbeat compositions. The song haze a feel of nostalgia, the vibe of spacing out at your favorite adolescent haunt or activity. Since 2019, the creative partnership consisting of Alexandra Johnstone and Scott Watson has been delighting fans with their consistent bops and garnering airplay from Spotify Fresh Finds and indie radio heavyweight KXLU. Check the track out Mirrorball‘s latest below and meander through your hometown’s abandon side streets where you used to play Jacks. mirrorball · Condo Pond

Delacey – “Losing A Whole Year (Third Eye Blind Cover)”

November 25, 2024

I’ve been noticing as of late that more and more musicians have been citing Third Eye Blind as a major musical influence to their current musical tastes or are an inspiration to their musical stylings. Back when you maybe received one CD for Christmas and had to listen to it the entire fourteen track album on the way to Grandma’s house on a SONY Discman, you really learned to appreciate the album.   Enter Delacey, a delicate singer/songwriter who unveiled their cover of “Losing a Whole Year” a few days ago via Three Sirens Music Group. The original Third Eye Blind track was the first song off the band’s self-titled 1997 breakout release. Delacey’s slowed down version is a part of the Every Way Possible compilation, a release aimed at gun violence prevention. Delacey truly makes this track her own with her re-imagination and reworking of this one. Check it[...]

Nico de Luz – “Midnight Drive”

November 25, 2024

Twinkly shoegaze act Nico de Luz has a new single, aptly titled “Midnight Drive.” This track’s lyrics are on-theme, with de Luz reminiscing on a late night drive with a romantic interest. The track is the perfect for soundtrack to hop in the car on a clear night, navigating down winding roads in the countryside and escaping the city life to reflect. With the inclusion of a slide guitar on this, “Midnight Drives” gives a floating, ethereal feel. Check out the track below and make sure to give Nico de Luz a follow over on Instagram to keep up with this up-and-coming musician.