Upon first listen, you’ll probably recognize the chorus of “Make My Day” from chill electronica act Say Brave. “Make My Day” is a straight-up remake of the unmistakable 1989 classic, “Pump Up The Jam” by Belgian act Technotronic… But Say Brave brings a contemporary, 2018 spin to the track – utilizing blippy drums and a pleasant, tropical vibe. There are lots of different ways to listen to “Make My Day” – check them all out here.
Last time we checked in with Charles Fauna, he was a featured artist on Glassio’s banger “Morning House.” This time around, we’re smitten with his latest offer, “Wait To Come Over.” Fauna pairs his ethereal delivery with ghostly synths and an infectious dance beat… Keep your eyes open for Eulogy, his debut EP, due out August 17th. Need a little Fauna in your life? Check out his Spotify.
Prolific Portland songwriter Teal Bluestone is at it again, this time with a new indie-rock act, Chain. “Colder” is a perfect debut… Reminiscent of Camp Cope, Cursive, or Pedro the Lion, “Colder” combines stark and clean indie-rock guitar work with Teal’s melancholy (yet soothing) vocal work. Teal’s vocal refrain of “You’re not my baby” is sure to haunt you throughout your day. Chain’s EP will be out later this year via Good Cheer Records – till then, check out all the good stuff on their Soundcloud.
Yellow Radio know what’s up… The latest single from the French duo, “Have Some Fun,” is a delightfully straightforward rock song about, well, having fun. Pairing an impressive bass riff with ooh-oohs and standard guitar riffage, this is the kind of easily-digestible rock song meant for happy summer afternoons. Yellow Radio has a bunch of content on YouTube too – check it out here.
Ladada is the new project from Virginia Beach-dweller Josiah Schlater (who you may recognize from his time in MAE, We Are Trees, and Jake Clemons). Schlater’s “Heaven On The Rocks” is a sunny, garage-pop jam full of wailing guitar leads and jangly rhythm tracks. Inspired by a relaxing tube trip down the James River (occasionally interrupted by a jab from an underwater rock), “Heaven on the Rocks” juxtaposes the idyllic with hints of pain – check it out below. “Heaven On The Rocks” is available now via Gold Robot Records.
Blippy and smooth; retro-esque but contemporary – “Get Out” is a brand new, ear-catching release from Australian synth-popper Mickey Kojak. Featuring 8-bit keyboard tones and a memorable chorus refrain, Kojak is nothing short of slaying it on this tune. Cherry-on-top? The retro synth solo in lieu of your typical guitar solo theatrics. Bravo Mickey, don’t sleep on this one – check it out via the widget below. “Get Out” is all over the interweb – check out the many listening/purchasing options here.
Swedish wunderkind Late Verlane (aka Viktor Persson) sent over his absolute banger of a debut song, “Roll Like A Dummy.” Paring hazy arpeggios with mid-tempo drums and synth flourishes, the song is an ode to “[the] angst and distress of always wanting to be accepted, but also the struggle of trying to break those chains and enjoy life on your own terms.” Best of all – Persson’s smooth vocal timbre, which ride perfectly on top of the solid mix. Add “Roll Like A Dummy” to your Spotify playlist.
Try to imagine a perfect blend of MGMT and early-Grimes… Add a splash of smart pop songwriting and touches of funk; now you’ve arrived at the sound of future-boogie trio Cannons. We’re recommending their latest, “Round and Round.” It’s a bouncy tune, lush with synthy bass and lots of reverb flourishes. Give it a listen and get lost in the washy goodness. Like what you hear? Buy it on iTunes.
Copenhagen-based artist Molina just released a mesmerizing music video for her gauzy new single “Hey Kids.” The video features strong ballerina imagery, and finds Molina collapsing into a nirvana-like state. Her strong synth-pop melodies bolster this heavenly imagery – the ever-so-slightly off-kilter synth arpeggios pair well with the washy video treatment. It’s best to see for yourself – check out the video below. “Hey Kids” is out now via Tambourhinocerous.
Growing up is hard to do, but there’s always a silver lining. Singer, songwriter and producer, Dagan Harding, reflects on this very idea with his band of indie rockers on their rowdy, new single, “I Learned How.” With an age-defying rock beat, Harding provides matter-of-fact lyrics about how life has changed since his humble musical beginnings. Don’t be fooled tough, this personal and mature look in the mirror is still one you can crank in your car and pump your fist too. Give it a listen below. This is the first single off Dagan Harding Band’s six song EP, I Learned How. Check it out via BandCamp here. I Learned How by Dagan Harding Band
Delivered all the way from Stockholm and fresh off their recently released EP, Happy Doomsday, comes Tella Viv’s quirky new single, “No, No, No, No.” This playful indie pop track features a melody that’s as catchy as it is bouncy complete with a surfer-rock twang and energizing vocals. Give this fun, carefree track a listen below and embrace the Scandinavian pop your life so desperately needs. For more Tella Viv, follow them Facebook here or check out their SoundCloud here.
Caelo, the alt-rock trio from Cape Town, South Africa, release their highly kinetic B-side, “How Does it Feel.” After being left off their debut EP, Visions, this electrifying track is thankfully now seeing the light of day and will send shivers down your spine. With a rocking cacophony of instruments colliding with each other like bumper cars, this is an awesomely raucous listen you don’t want to miss. Check it out below. For more Caelo, including Visions, check out them out on Spotify here.
Philly soul and R&B crooner, Vincent John, charms us with his new retro dance track, “Beverly Hills.” In tribute to the glamorous, yet vapid LA enclave, this dreamy new offering features a seductive, synth-driven beat rich with soul-whispering vocals that would make Prince raise a curious eyebrow. Lyrically however, John weaves a heartbreaking experience of the fleeting happiness of material grandeur while exposing deep cuts of loneliness and isolation. Treat yourself and max out your credit card and emotions to this alluringly somber listen below. Head over to SoundCloud here for more Vincent John tracks.
Pack your bags and embark on a whimsical indie rock journey with Nashville’s Willie Breeding on his new single, “Goodbye to All of That.” This is the second single off his debut solo album, Big Sky, that reflects bittersweetly on departing New York City to return to his Southern roots. Featuring a sprawling, melodic soundscape with peaks and valleys, Breeding’s campfire vocals tie it all together while managing to capture a sense of twinkling wonder. Get lost with this enchanting and endearing listen below. Be sure to check out Breeding’s official website here and SoundCloud here for more records.
Indiana indie rockers, Hales Corner, chills us out with the single, “Welcome,” off their upcoming self-titled album. Like rain on a Hawaiian vacation, this laidback, hammock-swinging track features an island breeze melody overcast with pessimistic, drunk-off-pina-coladas vocals. Give yourself a break from the grueling rat race and waste some time with this lazy listen below. Be sure to check out Hales Corner’s Bandcamp here for more tracks and to pre-order their self-titled album dropping June 15th.