New Music

nazire – “junebug”

November 13, 2025

Based out Istanbul, nazire brings us her latest single “junebug,” released in anticipation of her next album glitchfolk. With “junebug,” nazire has crafted a well tuned machine of shoegaze; phuzzed out guitars layered with drums that pull back to let nazire’s vocals breathe. If you listen to some of her earlier tracks you’ll find some electronica and lo-fi leanings that give a fuller picture of her musical journey. It’s always fun to connect the dots and seeing musicians grow their sound, which is easier now than ever with everything being online.   You can hear “junebug” below from YouTube or over on Spotify. Keep your ears out for her album glitchfolk and check out her back catalogue if you’ve enjoyed what you heard today! I usually drop a follow on an artist via their Spotify and/or their socials to keep abreast of their comings and goings.  

Jordan Burgett – “KILL SUM”

November 10, 2025

Cedar Rapids rapper Jordan Burgett bends genres with the best of ’em. His latest single, “KILL SUM” grabs elements of industrial, rap rock, and traditional hip hop to create a highly memorable new single for the up-and-comer. Burgett’s delivery has a snarl to it, and on this track he couples the hyena delivery with aggressive, in-your-face lyrics that capture the energy of the song’s title. Producer Residing Elsewhere, another Iowa tastemaker, plays a key role in the track’s aesthetic, introducing trash can drums and fuzzy skin-shaking bass lines for Jordan to attack. Listen to more from this duo on their latest collaborative EP RUBY PINES. If you’re feeling “KILL SUM,” check Jordan out on Spotify. While you’re there, give our New Rappers 2025 playlist a listen — you might find your next favorite artist on there.

Isaiah Shoticaury, SUDI and Fisaya – “close to me”

November 9, 2025

Our friends across the pond are dropping track after track of fresh and familiar hip hop in recent years, putting their own spin on sounds we’ve been rocking with. “close to me” is the latest track from a trio of artists —Isaiah Shoticaury, SUDI and Fisaya— and it’s another addition to this burgeoning scene that’s evolved far beyond drill. Each of these artists blends melodic OVO sounds with experimental interplay with the production. This track heavily features swirling female R+B samples, and they’re often used to close out lines, interject into verses, and create a swirling effect to how we hear the vocals. Though the beat remains smooth, the different vocals we hear in the sample and each artists’ input really makes this production feel unique. Give it a spin and let us know what you think! If you’re into “close to me”  check out each of these artists on[...]

VEEK – “MOVE.”

November 9, 2025

Sweden’s VEEK has only one mission when you listen to their new song, “MOVE.” See below:   “Stay in the moment.”   With hooks aplenty, gurgling bass drops, and perfect vocal samples, “MOVE.” sets out to do exactly that. This is tailor-made for dancefloor bliss – let the powerful EDM wash over you and take over. It’s minimal, but sounds lush. It’s raw and emotional, but sounds polished. That’s VEEK’s power as a producer, and it will certainly come through when you lose yourself to this one at the club.   “MOVE.” is on Apple Music and Spotify.   VEEK · MOVE.

Flapjaques, casey plays the keyboard, and Naithemosthigh – “side eye”

November 3, 2025

The Chicago-based trio of Flapjaques, casey plays the keyboard, and Naithemosthigh each bring a special element to their latest single, “side eye.” The production tone is set early, with the swirlings of beatmaker Flapjaques who found a way to make a fuzzy lo-fi beat also sound like it came from Outerspace. Naithemosthigh’s raspy vocal tone is a great compliment to the shimmering beat. He shifts smoothly between a catchy singing hook and bold rapping delivery on the verses. You’ll never guess what casey is up to on this track. In all seriousness though, his care with the keys elevates this track and adds a grounding jazzy element to this otherworldy track. If you’re digging more from this trio, check them out on Spotify. While you’re there, give our New and Emerging Rappers playlist a spin – we update it with exciting new artists every single week.

Big Dese and Mike Martinez – “Word to Mick”

October 30, 2025

Artist/producer Mike Martinez and his collaborator Big Dese have found some magic in their new single, “Word to Mick.” Poignant, hilarious bars and an unafraid beat create a listening experience perfect for your hip hop head playlists. Production here is grounded in the simplicity of the fluttering orchestral strings on a short loop that seems to give lyrics an extra oomph. Big Dese and Mike Martinez are one-liner experts, toeing a line with comedy with how funny and outlandish their lyrics and delivery are. I got into this production style when first discovering Action Bronson and his work with Party Supplies, and I’m a sucker for it to this day. “Word to Mick” appears on NO RESPECT 2, a new aptly titled and covered project that features more of Dese’s incisive, self-depricating lyricism and Mike’s charismatic vocals and artistic ear for production. If you want to hear more like “Word[...]

Ronnie Gotcha and Odeljones – “MIBG”

October 30, 2025

The latest single from Colorado Springs duo Ronnie Gotcha and Odeljones might have my ideal hip hop beat attached to it. “MIBG” (“Music is the Biggest Glock”) starts off with a bang – er, actually a cocked gun. But when the beat picks up, we get a simple boom bap drum beat, a prolonged synth chord, and my personal favorite – randomly appearing piano drops you’d hear from the underground hip hop scenes of Madib and DOOM. Ronnie and Odel are at home in this beat – one that seems both structured and schizo. Their lyrics tell tales of of a changed rap game. Street flexes don’t hit the same to these guys – they’re focused on tearing up their opponents on the microphone, as evidence by the name of the track. “MIBG” is the title track on the latest collaboration from these two: Music is the Biggest Glock pt.[...]

Violet UltraRay – “girl in a tree”

October 30, 2025

“I needed to come down from negative tree I was in so wrote this song instead to chill out.”   When Violet UltraRay needs to come down from a proverbial tree, she just writes a song about it. For her second (!) release – we’d say she did a pretty good job. “girl in a tree” is London shoegaze at its finest. Built around a catchy guitar riff, the verses of this song capture your attention instantly… But the payoff is truly in the insanely catchy chorus that explodes with shoegazy goodness. “She said take it easy” is about to be stuck in your head for the next few days.   Check it out via YouTube (below) or Spotify.    

Pagodas – “Blanket Ban”

October 30, 2025

Pagodas is a twee-sounding five-piece that might trip you up with “Blanket Ban.” At first, it’s all Shins-esque plucking – a fun rhythm and sunshine-y energy that pushes forth with a perfect amount of pep, but never truly explodes… That all changes at 1:58, when the band abruptly changes directions for an exceptional outro, pairing blasts of distorted guitar with catchy vocals and neurotic riffing. The result had us replay the song instantly to make sure we heard everything correctly – turns out we did, and that’s why we’re writing about it now.   “Blanket Ban” is out now on In A Box Records. Check it out via the bandcamp embed below, or, add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.   Blanket Ban by Pagodas

Dylan James – “Stylite”

October 30, 2025

Dylan James is just a regular guy (with a name that would further bolster that hypothesis), but there’s nothing ordinary about the blast of energy he just released called “Stylite.” After a 10 year absence from music writing (it happens!), Dylan found himself grieving life happenings by picking up his guitar again. Out poured “Stylite,” a start-stop explosion of indie rock energy full of riffing, rhythmic jauntiness, and Dylan’s passionate vocal delivery. This sounds huge, Dylan… Never put down your guitar again.   Get a good feel for “Stylite” via the bandcamp embed (below) – you can also find it on Spotify.   Stylite by Dylan James

Genoese Speed – “THIN ICE”

October 30, 2025

Genoese Speed wasn’t the plan – but when do the best-laid plans ever work out? Instead GS figurehead Shelby Jean stumbled upon this sound by accident – perhaps best embodied by latest single, “THIN ICE.” Largely guitar-driven, the denizen of Nashville conjures up an icy, indie rock sound – powered significantly by Shelby’s vocals, but making great use of driven guitar, bell-like leads, and lush layers of reverb. Put this on your play list next to Jay Som, Soccer Mommy, and/or Waxahatchee.   “THIN ICE” is available via Soundcloud (below), Spotify, and Apple Music.   Genoese Speed · THIN ICE

mel denisse – “going nowhere”

October 30, 2025

mel denisse gazes so hard at her shoes in new single “going nowhere,” she might burn a hole through the floor. Inspired by a fantasy novel (The Serpent & the Wings of Night to be specific), “going nowhere” dives into themes of survival; feeling invisible; and being an outsider. For those that may resonate with those themes, “going nowhere” is going to be a welcome addition to your melancholy playlist – with an instrumental that encapsulates the feeling of a rainy day, this song sounds like it was recorded underwater with rays of sun beaming down through the salty waves. Perfect on any playlist next to Slowdive, MBV, or anything with sad girl vibes.   “going nowhere” is available on both Spotify and Apple Music.   mel denisse · going nowhere

Drift City – Spectral Heart Mosaics

October 28, 2025

Kentucky-based musical effort, Drift City, plants a promising seed with their latest EP release, Spectral Heart Mosaics. From start to finish, the folk-and-jazz-and-blues-inspired band presents themselves very professionally – the sounds, accurate; the production (see: Kevin Ratterman), thick and palpable. There is a wide variety of instruments utilized throughout the EP, like lulling saxophones and zipping synthesizers. While the songs wrap the listener in a dampening mist of tangible relaxation, the overall feel of this music collection is hopeful, pushing toward self-growth, as well as somewhat spiritual.   The EP opener, “Leave Your Life,” listens like the soundtrack of a mood-lit lazy river. Immediately, one may take note of the vocal delivery, falling somewhere between Iggy Pop crossed with The National. After a brilliant saxophone solo, there is a pleasing shift in feel when the drummer strikes the ride with brushes more consistently, lending to a relaxing, jazzy feel. Song[...]

D.R. Da Rula – “NEW LIFE”

October 25, 2025

Detroit’s D.R. Da Rula brings innovation and authenticity to his rhymes, and his lates track “NEW LIFE” is no different. Da Rula’s rhyming meter gives “NEW LIFE” a freshness that you’re not gonna hear in a lot of new rap songs. Lines go long – the rhyme doesn’t resolve when you expect it to. Right when you start to think he’s ignoring the beat, it resolves and satisfyingly scratches an itch before hopping right into another. “NEW LIFE’s” production samples some retro throwbacks, and its softness juxtaposes well with the edges Rula carries with his rhymes. With a nonchalant, conversational tone he delivers lines equally menacing, introspective and descriptive. “Same day I had my son, i bought a new pipe.” We’re excited to hear more from him. Stream more of Da Rula’s work on Spotify, where he leads off our recently updated New and Rising Rappers playlist.

Doottak – “Glow”

October 25, 2025

Doottak is about to defeat you with the quiet crush of latest single, “Glow.” Sounding like some perfect amalgamation of Pinback and Electric President/Radical Face, “Glow” has those trademark plucky guitars and gentle vocals that you’d expect from a Rob Crow or Ben Cooper composition. This is one of those bedroom-pop songs that feels like it was accidentally and perfectly literally created in Doottak’s bedroom… Bonus: once you’ve let this one sink deep into your soul, give it a re-listen and take in that nimble bassline. *perfection*.   Let “Glow” wash over you by clicking on the incredibly convenient YouTube embed we’ve provided below.