New Music

Julia Michaels – “Lie Like This”

October 28, 2020

If you think you haven’t heard of Julia Michaels yet… You’re wrong. She’s written a menagerie of hits for other artists (Britney Spears, Maroon 5, Gwen Stefani… Just to name a few), 14 of which have charted on the top 100. Michaels is taking a swing at the big-time herself with a phat new song, “Lie Like This.” It’s a fun, flirty single about giving into a fun new love prospect and it’s hard to argue with it’s big pop hooks. Watch the video below and hear for yourself. “Lie Like This” is available pretty much everywhere – take your pick here.

Kacey Johansing – “No Better Time”

October 27, 2020

Singer/songwriter Kacey Johansing is gearing up for a big LP release – and we’re excited to share the stunning title track, “No Better Time.”  “Time” is a timeless, folk-tinged indie pop song, highlighting Kacey’s sweet vocal delivery with tasteful, folksy instrumentals (think vibraphone and slide guitar) and a surprisingly driving pace. Fans of Alvvays, Cat Power, or The Head and the Heart will love this. Kacey’s new album, also named No Better Time, will be out November 20. Until then, enjoy the dulcet tones of “No Better Time” (the song) below, or via your preferred method of listening here. Kacey Johansing · No Better Time

COOL HEAT – “Letting It Go”

October 27, 2020

Here’s a unique post-rock jam from Chicago act COOL HEAT, aka Eden Sierotnik. “Letting It Go” is haunting, but driven… Tucking Sierotnik’s vocals deep into the gauzy mix of synths and plucky percussion beats. We loved the way this one devolved into a quasi-industrial jam at the end, concluding the song with a feel closer to New Order compared to the beginning’s more ethereal composition. Check it out below – COOL HEAT’s new self-titled EP is on Spotify now, too. COOL HEAT · Letting It Go

filous & Nina Chuba – “Trying Not To Think About You”

October 27, 2020

Amazing hooks on this fun indie pop collab between legendary producer filous and vocalist Nina Chuba. “Trying Not To Think About You” pairs a squiggly organ with Chuba’s quasi-raspy vocal delivery for some simmering, late-night-wind-down vibes… The result is a jam that wiggles its way into your brain, especially the exasperated, half-whispered “fuck” that Chuba wryly slips into the chorus hooks. This one is a certified banger – check it out below or on Spotify. filous · filous & Nina Chuba – Trying Not To Think About You

Ava Maybee – “Lay Low”

October 27, 2020

19-year-old Ava Maybee (yep, that’s her real name) isn’t messing around – “Lay Low” is a deeply groovy pop jam that shows off the young singer’s powerful vocal ability. Beyond her distinct croon, “Low” is powered by an absolutely monstrous bassline and an unavoidable chorus hook of “Saturday night, Saturday night.” Did we mention she’s the daughter of Chad Smith from RHCP? Ava’s full of surprises – check it out below or give it a listen via Spotify. Ava Maybee · Lay Low

Outsourced Feelings – “Train Tracks (feat. Bad Choices)”

October 27, 2020

Outsourced Feelings is a project started by Arianna O’Dell that features a bunch of talented musicians fromaround the world. “Train Tracks” recently caught our attention – with a vocal track from Bad Choices, “Tracks” sounds like the perfect slacker jam. With moaning guitars, canned drums, and an oh-so-pleasant bedroom mix, this one is simple but upbeat and shines on that level. Check it out below via Soundcloud. Outsourced Feelings · Train Tracks (ft. Bad Choices)

Tayo Sound – “Someone New”

October 27, 2020

18-year old Tayo Oyekan (a.k.a. Tayo Sound) spend last year busking 10 hours a day in his hometown of Reading, England. Now, he’s an accomplished singer/songwriter who evidently knows how to write a real banger… Look no further than “Someone New,” an ultra smooth bedroom-pop jam with an absolutely monster chorus that speaks for itself. “Someone New” got the music video treatment which you can watch below – it’s a fun, bubble-filled meander through fields and trees… But if Spotify is more your speed, we’ve got that link for you too – here.

Duncan Fellows – “Feeling Down”

October 27, 2020

Duncan Fellows is an Austin, TX-based act – the brainchild of Colin Harman and Cullen Trevino to be specific. Now a fully fleshed-out quintet, they’ve released “Feeling Down,” a retro-tinged, indie rock spit fire. The song is warbly, but fuzzy with guitars that range from swimmy to blown-out speakers. Somehow, they manage to keep everything sounding cohesive and tight. This one is definitely a barnburner – check it out. duncan fellows · Feeling Down

The Day – “We Killed Our Hearts”

October 26, 2020

Dutch duo The Day are here with a stunning indie rocker titled “We Killed Our Hearts.” Laura Loeters and Gregor Sonnenberg are no strangers to buffaBLOG – we really enjoyed their previous offering, a cover of the Lemonheads’ “Tenderfoot.” Fans of Mazzy Star, Men I Trust, or Slowdive will quickly find solace in The Day’s driving, but ethereal take on indie rock. Check out the gorgeously-shot music video below or enjoy via Spotify.

Monmoi – “Eyebrows”

October 26, 2020

Monmoi (previously as Lauder) is the moniker for London-based bedroom-popper George David. We’ve been digging on their latest single, “Eyebrows.” This one is about Monmoi’s girlfriend, who doesn’t always think she’s as amazing as he does. About both his girlfriend and “Eyebrows,” he says: “She’s amazing, but sometimes doesn’t think so. This is a song about women not thinking they are good enough. They are, they need to know that!” Beyond that, this one is super chill – a low-key island feel with super smooth synth plunks. Give it a listen below and if you like it, add it to your Spotify playlist. monmoi · eyebrows

Soft Kill – “Pretty Face”

October 20, 2020

Portland quintet Soft Kill are celebrating their upcoming release with a new video for “Pretty Face.” This five-piece takes a more unique approach to post-punk; keeping the doom-and-gloom vibes they are known for, but pairing it with lots of energy through a driving bassline and aquatic guitar flourishes. What’s most powerful here is the lyrical content, addressing the crushing weight of addiction with poignant imagery through powerful words. Fans of Interpol, Turnover, or Joy Division will like this one. If you dig “Pretty Face,” keep your eyes open for their next release in November 2020, titled Dead Kids, R.I.P. City. 

Freak Slug & niquo – “Care”

October 20, 2020

Here’s a swimmy bedroom-pop collab between Freak Slug (UK) and niquo (Denmark). “Care” sees the latter contributing a woozy, chorus-laden jam to the table while the former’s smooth vocal stylings take this one to the next level. Dreamy, atmospheric, and most importantly, cool, this one is sure to appeal to fans of Mac Demarco, Slowdive, or even Alvvays. Check it out below – if you dig it, these two can also be found on Spotify. Nice Guys · Freak Slug & niquo – Care

EMÆL – “3/4 In”

October 20, 2020

EMÆL are tough to categorize, so we’ll settle with just calling them “great.” Their latest jam, “3/4 In” is synthy without diving into 80s camp, but doesn’t need a guitar backbone to achieve that organic, indie-rock feel. Their left-of center categorization will appeal to fans of Yeasayer, M83, or Radiohead – check out the video below or swing by their Spotify for extra goodness.

F.N. – “IHYN”

October 19, 2020

F.N. is wearing his heart on his sleeve on his latest jam, “IHYN.” Short for “I hate you now,” this one examines how profound it is to go from loving someone to totally despising them. It’s all performed over a super smooth indie-pop jam, full of somber guitar chords and nimble basslines. This one goes out to all the recently-broken-up with – check out the lyric video below or swing by Spotify to add it to your playlist.

Milly – “Star Thistle Blossom”

October 19, 2020

Here’s a slice of grungy greatness from the wunderkinds in Milly. “Star Thistle Blossom” brings to mind grunge greats like Smashing Pumpkins or Hum with a more contemporary twist a la Superheaven or Citizen. “Star Thistle Blossom” is exactly what you’d expect from this ever-evolving crew – forlorn vocals croon overtop fuzzed-out grunge guitars and huge drums. Check it out below, or peep the YouTube video here. Dangerbird Records · Milly – Star Thistle Blossom