New Music

Johnny Paglino- “Psalms on Contempt and Incarceration”

Seasoned Floridian recording artist Johnny Paglino holds no reservations about expletives, it seems. But considering his aim was to write a breakup album with America, tackling such subject matter as child trafficking and oppression, why would he? His time in jail and vigilance toward what he views, in so many words, as the declining state of the country inspired such an endeavor. The new single, “Psalms on Contempt and Incarceration,” due out in January on Paglino’s upcoming EP A Collection of Crows, features airy instrumentation throughout, with notable inclusion of a pipe flute solo toward its closing. With the mindset of a shattered relationship with America applied, Johnny Paglino asks his country, “why’d you let yourself go?” as he pins down the metaphor of growing out of one’s jean size. The track also consists of unorthodox lines that make the song stand out even more, like “the meme lives on[...]

Rose Tiger – “Submarine (Where Have You Been?)”

Rose Tiger delves into his personal brand of DIY new wave, set to the glitter and pastel of the video for his single “Submarine (Where Have You Been?)” Vetting a reverence for 1980’s British electropop, 90’s synthwave, and vintage anime soundscapes, Wendy Killmann as Rose Tiger explores the glory of electronica past, while embracing an independent, DIY ethos. The track could easily be at home on the soundtrack of an old Molly Ringwald classic, painting with color via cavernous synth lines, pointillistic guitar support, and bubbling electronic elements. The video itself blurs the distinction between realism and whimsy, taking full advantage of all of the creative opportunities provided by a green screen. Get the full immersive experience with “Submarine (Where Have You Been?)” below.

Madeleine McQueen – “Wildfire”

Rochester-born singer/songwriter Madeleine McQueen specializes in upbeat pop rock, notably evident in her latest single “Wildfire.” About the song, Madeline says, “I wrote “Wildfire” when I was drunk one night and being a bitch. It’s pretty upbeat and catchy with some deeper and darker lyrics to contrast that.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves – recommended to fans of Florence & The Machine, Feist, or Ingrid Michaelson. If you like what you hear, add “Wildfire” to your Spotify playlist.

Tesse – “I’ll Tell You In The Morning”

Tesse is the collaborative project of Sydney-based songwriter Tom Stephens… His songs are brooding alt-folk compositions, centered around acoustic guitar riffs and peppered with flavors of baritone guitar and piano. “I’ll Tell You In The Morning” is the first offering from his yet-to-be-released debut; it explores the complexities and monotony of an unstable relationship. Stay up to date with Tesse’s happenings via their Instagram.

Spirit Award – “Diving”

Seattle-based trio Spirit Award specialize in dark post-punk with a new wave flavor, especially evident on their newest offering, “Diving.” “Diving” has its roots in some dark happenings and is based around the omnipresent stresses of every day life… According to Spirit Award, “It’s comforting to me knowing that someone shares my same struggles, and we can share in that difficulty together and try and move past it.” Click play on the widget below and let the driving bass line and siren-esque guitars take you away. “Diving” is being offered up on Bandcamp.

A.D.K.O.B. – “Giraffe”

Sydney Australia is home to indie-pop ADKOB, who are hot from the release of their latest (and catchiest) song, “Giraffe.” Their music video is a montage of the band at work, classic, yet effective… But we were especially hooked in by its rolling drumbeat and synth-tinged indie-pop sentimentality which is reminiscent of Foals or Bastille. Not to mention the true earworm of “Fuck me up inside again.” We’ve conveniently embedded their music video below – smash that play button if you know what’s good for ya.

Lazy Bones – “Take It Back”

We’re pleased to share a brand new band from Ithaca with y’all – Lazy Bones is here with a sparkling new single in the form of “Take It Back.” Their brand of low-key indie rock falls somewhere between the slacker vibe of Mac Demarco and the chorus-laden dream pop of a band like Turnover… Give it a listen below. “Take It Back” is available via Bandcamp for a “name your price” option… You know what to do. Take It Back by Lazy Bones

FEVA – “Blind”

Newcastle indie rock four-piece FEVA are off to a fierce start with the release of their debut single, “Blind.” Despite their recent outset, the band has already generated a buzz around the UK with nods from Huw Stephens of BBC Radio 1 and notable festival placements. For fans of Young The Giant and Cold War Kids, “Blind” provides all of that rock-driven bite and then some by way of rapid bass lines, robust guitar parts, and lithe percussion to keep up with frontman Sam Reynolds’ fervid wails. With such great hype so early in their career, it’s safe to say FEVA is looking at a bright future ahead. Take “Blind” for a spin and see for yourself.

Marti West – “Feels Like Home”

Folk singer-songwriter Marti West binds together nature, emotion, and ethereal melodies in his latest track “Feels Like Home.” The English troubadour relaid his roots in Göteborg, Sweden, where his rustically layered ballads began to take shape. “Feels Like Home” conjures comparisons to the songs of Elliot Smith or Sufjan Stevens, as whispery vocal harmonies and nimble acoustic guitar lines stand at the forefront, while the aural ambience wraps the listener in. As the second of his recent gossamer singles, West provides the quintessential arrangement for a night in, snug and safe from the wintery cold. Keep warm with “Feels Like Home” below.

NightPulse – “Delirious”

NightPulse draws the femme fatale archetype into the modern nightlife scene in the video for her track “Delirious.” A sultry slice of electropop, Lena Zawaidah as NightPulse sheds her inhibitions on the dance floor, set to brassy synths and a sizzling beat. As her debut single, “Delirious” brings the heat while being nonchalant about it, like dancing her cares away has become routine at this point. For a brand new project, NightPulse seems up to the challenge of conquering the dancey pop hit, and “Delirious” is a big step in the right direction. Check out the track below and give in to the groove if you know what’s good for you.

Dutch Party – “Now And Later”

L.A. alt pop band Dutch Party blend a soft spot for analog with enduring, beachy melodies in their single “Now And Later.” Bubbly guitar lines and a running bass breathe life into the track, while frontman Ken Franklin’s gravelly vocals smooth over all edges. Citing inspiration from David Bowie and The Beatles, Dutch Party set their sights high with influences anywhere from Motown, to Brit-rock, to subtle notes of 80’s synthpop. Their zinging pop ambition, mixed with a love of lo-fi and true DIY spirit led to the coining of the band’s signature “high flying lo-fi” sound. “Now And Later” comes straight from the band’s upcoming sophomore EP, Combat Pop, to be released this fall. Check out the music video for the track below.

Kisnue – “Different”

Sweeping electropop duo Kisnue are currently riding the high of their recent EP release, with their track “Different” popping up at the forefront. Taking cues from vibing 80’s synthpop, the track funnels in airy vocal pairings, animating guitar lines, and dreamy layers of synths to form a peaceful yet electrifying dance track. At the crossroads of cutting edge dream pop and retrowave, Kisnue’s sound has a universal appeal. With burgeoning notoriety in their native Korea, the duo are now setting their sights overseas. Help them on their way by jamming to “Different” below, along with the rest of their debut EP Overpaint.

Exmag – “Going Down Slow”

East Coast-based three-piece Extraordinary Magnitude(Exmag) released their 9-track ‘Part I’ EP on November 3 via Majestic Casual Records. The single “Going Down Slow” mixes touches of hip-hop, funk, soul, electronica and RnB. The danceable elements of the song come from the disco and funk influences. The use of synths and effect-heavy guitar give the song a dreamy effect. The deep solo from the guitar really sets the stage at the beginning of the song. Check out “Going Down Slow” via SoundCloud.

Linn Koch-Emmery – “Bby Nevermind”

Linn Koch-Emmery released the single “Bby Nevermind”  off of her new EP Boys. Koch-Emmery originally self-released her first single “Come Back” before she got signed to Welfare. Singles from the EP have been reported on by The Line Of Best Fit, DIY Magazine, Nordic By Nature, Passport Approved and Ja Ja Ja Music. The single captures the sound of lo-fi indie pop with a Swedish twist. There is a sharpness to the guitar that adds another dimension to the track. the softness of the vocals bodes well for a balance with the rougher elements of the song. Check out “Bby Nevermind” below via SoundCloud.

Alex Riddle – “Snow White”

Bolstered by chiming guitar and a thrumming undercurrent of bass and drums, Alex Riddle’s “Snow White” is rooted in a message of desperate persistence and letdowns, evidenced by lines like “I want to be somebody new” and “she’s the life of a party that I’m not invited to.” At one point, the song sounds a bit like “The Way” by Fastball, but that’s neither here nor there, as “Snow White” maintains a unique approach to alternative rock. Little touches like a hard rock-type guitar solo and the parading of a falsetto—and a masterful falsetto at that—help in staking that claim. “Snow White” is due to be released on a two-sided, 7-inch single this December.