New Music

Softer – “Beachball”

March 1, 2025

Self-described “melancholic dreamo band from LA” Softer brings us several things: their latest single “Beachball” and questions I didn’t know I’d have to answer… What is “dreamo?” What is LA? Who am I? 1. It’s a dream pop/emo/shoegaze combo. 2. It’s Los Angeles or Louisiana (probably the former). 3. I don’t know.   Layers of guitar echo and sizzle with the upbeat tempo vocals, panting a dandy of a picture that could happen in either Los Angeles or Louisiana, as I’m pretty sure beachball happens in both places. I was initially confused because the 2025 single shares a name of a track off the band’s 2023 album Lo-Fi Bedroom Favorites. This sounds like a redux or reimaging? Similar but different. Check ’em both out and see which one you like more! After that, check out this previous writeup about a Softer song we dug from late last year.   You[...]

Karter AKA – “Waterclock Eyes”

March 1, 2025

I think we all have a huge chance to do something huge here. As per the blurb/intro on the Spotify page of Karter AKA:   “i am being held against my will in a secret chamber beneath the LA River and the only way to get me out is to listen to my songs thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands of times.”   “Waterclock Eyes” is the latest track released in furtherance of this goal.   With a background as a fish biologist, his two professions have some crossover. Title of the track? “Waterclock Eyes.” The upcoming album? PRETTY FOSSILS. Other track? “Friend of the River.” You get the idea. “Waterclock Eyes” is a scrumptiously-strummed folksy tinged track that worms its way into your ear and doesn’t go away. Kind of like a sandier Kurt Vile, I suppose? (I still have “Pretty Pimpin” stuck in my head from 2015).   Speaking[...]

TAL THE1 ft. Brother Ali, Freeway, Stalley & Dee-1 – “Criminal”

February 28, 2025

NYC rapper TAL THE1 recruits some of the finest rhymers of the century for his latest single, “Criminal.” “Criminal” breathes life into its title. Each artist spins stories of society’s ability to put labels on different races and demographics, and speaks to their own experiences. TAL’s vocals are heavenly, Ali’s poetic, Dee’s authentic, Freeway’s prophetic, and Stalley’s impassioned. It’s a great day to be a hip hop head hearing these dudes with their distinct styles and sounds come together with a vision in mind for the track. We’re at the part of the blog where I’d usually recommend similar artists, but you probably know them. Take a listen and check out their recent work to get caught up. Take a deep dive into TAL’s Spotify profile and while you’re there toss some Ali, Freeway, Stalley and Dee-1 into the queue.

Cadence Weapon + Dan Only – “Ungirthed” (Purity Ring Cover)

February 28, 2025

Electro-rap stalwart Cadence Weapon kicks off 2025 with another electrifying single, covering Purity Ring‘s “Ungirthed.” An internet fave since the mid 2000s, Cadence burst onto the scene with Breaking Kayfabe and has been making notable music since then – even turning out 2 LPs in 2024. “Ungirthed” showcases Cadence’s lyrical prowess and his ear for electronica, creating a single that feels equally at home with his early work of the late 2000s and in 2025. And probably in 2035. Joining Cadence on the track is noted Torontonian producer Dan Only. Only rebuilds “Ungirthed” with glitchiness and catchy blips, and will challenge your equilibrium with the panning in its bottom half. Fit this song into your rap and electronic playlists. Check out “Ungirthed” on Spotify and catch more from Cadence and Dan on their profiles.

Hate Mail – “when i’m home”

February 27, 2025

Describing themselves as “slutty music for sad girls” (move over Taylor Swift), Hate Mail brings us their latest track “when i’m home.” With such an introduction, whether or not you are a sad girl is irrelevant because when the music is this good – we’re all sad girls. Well-put-together guitar pairs nicely with lyricist Whitney War’s endearing vox. Nothing feels too out of place and the drums do a decent amount of heavy lifting as well. Speaking to the track, the band had this to say:   “when i’m home” is a representation of us; straightforward, honest, fucked up and relatable. it’s about escapism and relying on outside sources of dopamine/serotonin to feed our delusion rather than facing our issues head on.”   You can hear “when i’m home” below from YouTube. I heard what I thought was a little nod to Matchbox Twenty at the end of the track.[...]

Hidden Youth – “Vignette”

February 27, 2025

Leeds (that’s in England) based emo punk rock band Hidden Youth comes outta NOWHERE with this picture perfect track, “Vignette.” Vocals vacillate from in-your-face to reserved at the drop of a hat. Not necessarily in the mean way, but you can tell the vocalist means business. I got echoes of simpler times – think Taking Back Sunday (what with the responsorial vox) – filled with pop punk power chords that they refine in their own way to help create a fresh sound rooted in the early 2000’s.   The track clocks in at a healthy 3:49 and the entire thing is a journey that’s at times nostalgic, but quite obviously looking forward to what’s next.   You can hear “Vignette” below from Soundcloud as well as over on Spotify. Follow Be sure to pop a follow on your preferred music streaming as well as their (as of 2/26) recently minted[...]

Cerdarious – “Flooded”

February 24, 2025

Compton’s Cerdarious is a gifted rapper with a knack for storytelling. His latest effort, “Flooded” juxtaposes delicate acoustic guitars with the magnetic, pronounced vocal deliveries of the rapper. The track is a pledge of support to his loved ones, wishing them riches and success in every facet of their life – flooding them with it. Calling upon memories of his grandmother’s cooking, early days of writing raps, and returning home after success, Cerdarious breathes authenticity into each of his lines. Fans of Phonte and Blu will find comfort in Cerdarious’ penmanship – as will anyone who prioritizes old school lyricism. Listen to more from the SoCal emcee on Spotify, and check him and others out on our Underground Hip Hop playlist.

HuntersCrxssing – “Arrival”

February 23, 2025

Emerging cloud rap artist HuntersCrxssing has to have dabbled in some dark arts to be able to conjure up a single like “Arrival.” The latest effort from the rapper, and his first on Spotify, features otherworldy glitches, disembodies voices and Transylvanian organs. In spite of its creepier elements, “Arrival” also boasts an instantly repeatable hook (“Money all day, money money all day”), approachable lyrics, and an accessible bounce to it that allows you to headbob while imagining you’re slinking into a secret dungeon. Fans of Lil Ugly Mane,  Antwon and $uicideboy$ will find comfort in HunterCrxssing’s gothic vibe. Follow HuntersCrxssing on Spotify to get updates on his subsequent releases, and check out him and other rising artists on our underground hip hop playlist. 

Kalan – “Vibe with Me”

February 22, 2025

Up and coming Toronto rapper KALAN’s got an ear for Tyler, the Creator-style production and an eye for vaporwave. Originally a touring hip hop dancer, Kalan transitioned into the rap game and the 19-year-old is crushing it through accessible tracks with big instrumentals and vocals that can fit any beat or energy. “Vibe with Me” has the fuzziness of a Tyler or Pharrell beat, and Kalan rides with bouncy, sing-song delivery that creates a playful energy to match the song’s title. Throw it on your high energy playlists alongside guys like Tyler, Pharrell, Logic and more versatile artists. KALAN’S got a popping YouTube channel – check it out and get a flavor for his aesthetics. You can catch “Vibe with Me” and more releases from the Canadian artist on Spotify. Check out Kalan and more up and coming artists on our Underground Hip Hop playlist. 

Herbiarz – “Witam”

February 22, 2025

Get your pussy willows out and feel like a Polish gangster with the help latest effort from Poland’s Herbiarz.  A battle rap champion who transitioned into the recording game, Herbiarz creates cold, powerful hip hop tracks that fit in perfectly on your hype up playlists. “Witam” is a Polish-language banger that doesn’t need to be translated to get your blood pumping up. It’s a local hit on Polish radio stations and the hype’s getting over to the states. We’re only a few months out from Dyngus Day – Daj mi piwo and familiarize yourself with one of the homeland’s rising rappers. Check out more from the rising international artist ahead of his upcoming EP on Spotify. 

Jerry Big’s World Famous Band – “Birds Got Beaks”

February 21, 2025

Strap in, or at least grab a hold of something for “Birds Got Beaks,” the breakneck new single from Rochester newcomers Jerry Big’s World Famous Band. Hot off a sold-out release show, this record is a white-knuckle thrill ride that doesn’t let up from the moment it crashes in. Expect punk-fucking-rock in the vein of Minor Threat with boisterous vocals, bullying guitar riffs, and pounding kick/snare drums. These combustible sounds crowd-surf over each other before building to a detonation of melody and chaos.   With only a minute run time, “Birds Got Beaks” is a pure, raw power rush that will make you want to beat your head against a wall. Keep your eyes and ears on JBWFB and give this whiplash track a listen.   Jerry Big’s World Famous Band’s “Bird Got Beaks” is available now on bandcamp, Spotify and all major streaming platforms.   Birds Got Beaks by[...]

Love Spells – “Lovers Only”

February 20, 2025

In what is probably a blow to all haters, “Lovers Only” is the newest single from Love Spells and we’re happy to tell you all about it on the Blog. A few of their tracks (Come Over and Love Me, Love Costs, Love Lies Bleeding) follow a common theme and I’ll let you mull over what that is. Meanwhile, “Lovers Only” is a morose lo-fi guitar-forward track with singer Sir Taegen C’aion Harris getting down low and whispery. Speaking to the track, the band had this to say:   “‘Lovers Only’ is about the pain of a faltering love. Love is not meant to break us, but its struggles can pierce deeply, leaving wounds on the soul that never fully heal.”   You can hear the track below from the band’s Soundcloud, as well as Apple Music and Spotify. You’ll be able to hear “Lovers Only” on the band’s forthcoming[...]

Consumables – “Infinite Games”

February 20, 2025

“Infinite Games” is the newest (and first track) track from NYC punk act Consumables (no “the” which I respect and find very ballsy). Their album, also named Infinite Games, is coming March 7.   The track is heady and heavy – I got a lot of 90s vibes from my initial listens and it sounds like Weezer took a punk pill and turned down their pop aesthetic by like 34%. It has a sort of dazed feel that I associate with early (for me) MTV and I think you’ll enjoy it too; the smart stoner-pop genre is apparently alive and well.   You can hear “Infinite Games” below from Soundcloud, as well as over on Spotify. If you’ve enjoyed what you heard, keep your ears peeled for the debut album on 3/7/25. Keep us apprised of your musical needs and let us know if you’re looking for more like “the” Consumables.[...]

Slow Coast – “Perfect Lie”

February 20, 2025

“Perfect Lie” is Bay Area indie rock band Slow Coast’s new single. It is the *perfect* track to bring you out of the winter doldrums and, for that reason, we were super stoked to give it a listen. We previously covered a prior track from Slow Coast with their “Double Vision” single and feel the same as we do now a back in October of 2024.   While the guitar hooks are impossible to ignore, the bass provides some stellar licks that will assuredly be fighting for your attention. In all honesty, this track felt like if Coldplay or Jack Johnson was bitten by a radioactive indie rock spider, which is both an interesting proposition and a fun thought experiment… While still being a good encapsulation of Slow Coast (though, this is a broad overgeneralization).   You can hear “Perfect Lie” below via Soundcloud and over on Spotify.   Slow[...]

Bestfriend – “HEADSTART”

February 20, 2025

Holy shit, that synth! I seriously listened to the intro of “HEADSTART” like eight times – this is a new Miller record for willingly listening to the first 28 seconds of a track, so hats off to Stacy and Kaelan of Bestfriend, and their newest track.   We’ve covered the duo before here (thanks Nick!), and funnily enough, we both used the word “shit” in our first sentence. Shit in the traditional sense, this is not though! I’m one of those lucky people who experience frisson with music and it was honestly pretty much nonstop. This felt like my actual best friend decided to start a band but obsessed over a Postal Service record before doing so. You can feel the influence, but it’s not a knock off. Definitely my type of people though. Come play a show in Buffalo, we’d love to have you.   You can hear “HEADSTART”[...]