New Music

Bryan Dubay – “Elizabeth Short”

September 4, 2020

Bryan Dubay is a Buffalo-based artist whose new single “Elizabeth Short” recently caught our attention. Elizabeth Short is probably better known as the Black Dahlia; inspired by a playthrough of LA Noire, Dubay set out to write a song in her honor. It’s an indie-electronica jam with a guitar-driven backbone… But Dubay’s music truly shines as all of the electronic flourishes that he paints into the background ebb and flow. Bryan just released an LP called Grand Eternal Season. If you like what you hear, you can support him on Bandcamp or stream his tunes on Spotify. Bryan Dubay · Elizabeth Short

Vern Matz – “Mall of America”

September 4, 2020

Somber but sweet, we’ve been jamming on this latest song from Vern Matz called “Mall of America.” Propelled by distinctly autumnal vibes, acoustic guitar strums, gentle vibes, and reverbed-out vocals, this one is reminiscent of The Shins, American Analog Set, or Fruit Bats. Folksy (but not too folksy) and ethereal, this is perfect chill-out music – slap this one on your Spotify playlist if you’re digging it.

Playfield 7 – “Free 21 Res”

September 3, 2020

Something about Playfield 7‘s bedroom-gaze is very captivating. Reminiscent of early Slowdive or a subdued My Bloody Valentine, “Free 21 Res” is a shiny, blissed-out gem full of droning guitars, far-off vocals, and a surprising amount of pop sentiment. A big vocal refrain of “my way – my way back home to you” is going to be drilled into your head for days. Playfield 7 has a healthy discography – check it all out on Bandcamp or Spotify. Playfield 7 · Free 21 Res

Thantophobe – “Tie Me Down”

September 3, 2020

Thantophobe just released a new music video for their latest jam, “Tie Me Down.” This one is a super chill indie rocker with hints of folk, shoegaze, and psychedelic elements. Propelled by an acoustic guitar backbone, “Tie Me Down” is also full of low-key vocals and squiggly, tape-aged guitar leads, all of which combine into a timeless sound. They’ve also given it an official music video treatment, full of exposed-film aesthetics and karaoke imagery. We think this one is an all-around winner – watch the vid below.  

CRi x Bernache – “From Me”

September 2, 2020

There’s something hypnotic about the vocal samples on “From Me,” the latest collab between producer CRi and Bernache (aka vocalist Emma Proulx of Men I Trust fame). Vaguely intelligible blasts of “I’m done I’m done I’m done I’m done / a-oo-a-oo-a-oo-a-ooo / KC KC KC KC” just add to the mysteriousness of this one – which, on the other hand, is a surprisingly catchy pop jam in its own right. We think you’re gonna get sucked right into this one too – check it out below or on Spotify. Anjunadeep · CRi feat. Bernache – From Me

Al Pride – “If You Go Down”

September 2, 2020

Here’s an impressive one from Swiss act Al Pride. This octet (!) pairs a horn section, tight percussion, and groovy basslines into a juicy, nu-disco tinged package. Beyond that, “Go Down” got the music video treatment – it’s full of retro imagery, stuffed owls, lava lamps, and other 1970s kitsch. No matter what way you spin it, Al Pride is an experience – check out the vid below… They have lots more to offer on YouTube as well.

Ek & Horn – “Galápagos”

September 2, 2020

Ek & Horn sure know how to close out the summer – their latest jam “Galápagos” is a super-subtle electropop song that serves many purposes. Could you dance to it? Yes. Can you chill poolside to it? Yes. Does it feel ever-so-slightly somber, like its reminiscent or yearning for more? Yes. We especially like the ultra smooth vocals here, which often seem barely over a whisper, giving it a ghostly feel. Check it out below and be sure to add it to your Spotify playlist.

TYNT – “PLUME”

September 2, 2020

Hong Kong-based TYNT is an eclectic indietronica act who specialize in emotional and melancholic tunes with tinges of shoegaze and industrial woven throughout. They caught our collective ears with the hypnotic pop energy of “PLUME.” TYNT have an uncanny ability to write distinctly pop-based songs with experimental facets tastefully splashed in. If you dig The Naked and Famous, The Depreciation Guild, or Slowdive – check this one out.

MIME – “NOT IN LOVE (feat. Jantine)”

September 2, 2020

We think you should check out this cool collab between MIME and Jantine called “NOT IN LOVE.” Between Jantine’s singer/songwriter prowess and MIME’s impeccable DJ skills (and intriguing im-person persona), this one was destined to be great. “NOT IN LOVE” is full of airy synths and atmospheric vocals – packed with a ton of pure-pop energy and hooks to keep you going for days and days. Our favorite part – this one would fit as comfortably next to CHVRCHES as it would next to Ariana Grande. Check it out below. MIME · NOT IN LOVE ft. Jantine

Moni Grace – “Jack + Rose”

August 27, 2020

Boston alt-pop singer musician Moni Grace recently shared her third studio effort, the conceptual HOW TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CONCEPT OF FORGETTING, earlier this month. The 3-track release focuses on the periods trauma, heartache and healing that follows from a failed love. The EP’s single and closing track “Jack + Rose,” a cheeky nod to Titanic‘s doomed lovers, specifically tackles PTSD related grieving process. Grace’s pop-punk influences shine on her raw take on the heartbroken singer/songwriter role. Fans of Julien Baker, Vanessa Carlton and even Saves the Day may want to give the track a shot. Give it a spin below. HOW TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CONCEPT OF FORGETTING by Moni Grace

Empress Carnelian – “The Only Human in the Room”

August 26, 2020

Just a year after dropping its debut album,  Swedish alt-pop artist Empress Carnelian has returned with the Lynch-ian new single “The Only Human in the Room.” With lavish production normally uncommon for a bedroom recording,  the transportive track is dripping in nostalgia with just a hint of eeriness floating in the distance. If Twin Peaks comes back for another season, don’t be surprised to see Empress Carnelian on the Roadhouse stage. Fans of Flock of Dimes and even Orville Peck should also give the spellbinding track a shot. Listen below. Empress Carnelian · The Only Human in the Room

che bark – “SNOOZY CRUSIN'”

August 26, 2020

Chicago multi-instrumentalist and producer Jay Park recently came out of his songwriting hiatus to unveil his EP August, the debut effort from his nimble and rebranded musical persona che bark. Shifting from upbeat, dance-floor ready jams to  cuts of old school soul, the intriguing 9-track release is highlighted by smooth single “SNOOZY CRUSIN’,” a track that fans of bass maestro Thundercat may immediately gravitate towards. Park’s entire August EP can be streamed here. You can also listen to “SNOOZY CRUSIN'” below. che bark · SNOOZY CRUISIN’

Bikini Trill – “Dead Friends”

August 26, 2020

Los Angeles surf-pop trio Bikini Trill has spent the better part of the year dropping single after single after having announced that 10 new tracks would be shared before the calendar turns. Whereas some of group’s new singles have been laced with electronics and dub beats, the three-piece goes for straight forward catchiness and layered harmonies on “Dead Friends,” the band’s sixth new track of the year. The sugary sweet tune would not sound out of place on a Springtime Carnivore album. Fans of the Dum Dum Girls, Santigold and Local Natives should all hear something they like in “Dead Friends.” Give it a spin below. Bikini Trill · Dead Friends

Orchid Mantis – “within and apart”

August 26, 2020

Experimental Atlanta act Orchid Mantis, the solo project of musician Thomas Howard, has followed up its ambient spring-released compositions on midi and tape with a slice of dream-pop that feels perfect for summer’s weary final weeks. Set to be included on a forthcoming release later this year, the fantastic “within and apart” is a languid track about breaking up and moving on. Dreamy undercurrents and jangly melodies add a sense of longing and nostalgia that fans of DIIV, Beach Fossils and Wild Nothing should eat right up. Keep an eye out for a proper LP by the year’s end, and in the mean time, stream “within and apart” below. orchid mantis · within and apart

Lawn – Summertime”

August 26, 2020

New Orleans art-punk act Lawn is reading the release of its sophomore outing Johnny, set to drop on September 4th. The 90’s influenced recordings, featuring splashes of post-punk and hook-heavy college rock, are headlined by the bouncy new single “Summertime.” The jagged and timely art-rocker details an unfortunate racist encounter Venezuelan-born singer Rui DeMagalhaes experienced as a service in NOLA. Fans of Ava Luna, Art Brut and the Feelies should. Watch the video for “Summertime” below.