New Music

Blonde Maze – “Thunder”

Following last year’s debut single release, artist/producer Blonde Maze is back in the game with her new single “Thunder.” Under her pseudonym, Amanda Steckler channels wispy vocals, ethereal marimba tracks, ambient synths, and pulsing beats into her brand of indie electropop, drawing comparisons to stirring songstresses Låpsley, Maggie Rogers, and The Japanese House. “Thunder” speaks on how time plays a part in the change and evolution of an emotional connection within a relationship. As Steckler puts it, “Sometimes, with a relationship’s maturity, you lose your patience more, you let your guard down, and you get hurt, but the beauty of this maturity is that there becomes no one else in the world you are as comfortable growing with.” Get a feel for the track below, and stay tuned for a flurry of new singles, as well as an EP release for Blonde Maze in the next year.

Nydge – “Not You (feat. Effee)”

We think you should give this dank collab from Detroit producer Nydge (aka Nigel Van Hemmye) a spin. His new dark-pop anthem “Not You” has been brought to life via Columbus recording artist Effee’s sultry vocal stylings. About the song, “Not You” tackles one of the most common fears – getting close to someone new. All we’re saying is, we love how simple and unapologetic this song is. Get into it.

WYO – “Falling”

Wilson, Wyoming’s cinematic indie rock upshot WYO heralds in the release of their debut album with their single “Falling.” The duo took shape after frontman Andy Sorge met multi-instrumentalist Scott McKay Gibson while in New York City attending film school. From there, WYO dug their roots into scoring short films, documentaries, and commercials, and the rest is history. Their keen eye for orchestrating shines through in “Falling,” compiling radiant guitar strains and running bass lines with backing synths and rolling piano chords. The result is a freeing and expansive soundscape that conveys as much feeling as a soul-bearing confessional. While the lyricism is inherently anecdotal, the stirring instrumentals tie in perfectly to hammer home a universal emotion that resonates all too well. Be on the lookout for WYO’s upcoming album Untamed, and in the meantime check out the band’s other singles here.

Sheph – “Simple”

Notoriously secretive rapper Sheph sent us over his latest jam “Simple” and we find it very intriguing… Intriguing enough to post. We can’t find any information about this dude (save his hometown of Arlington, Texas), but every now and then, a song like this comes around that is good enough to speak for itself. Give “Simple” a spin below and you’ll see what we mean. You can check out the rest of his discog via Soundcloud.

David Harks – “Avalon”

Berlin-based, British artist David Harks has us reeling from the easy-going electronica of his latest single, “Avalon.” “Avalon came to me in a dream,” Harks claims; a dream where he left behind his earthly possessions and traveled off to space to leave materialism behind. If only, David! Fans of Passion Pit, Capital Cities, or Foster The People will surely enjoy this one. “Avalon” is available via a variety of platforms, all of which can be accessed here.

Beach Kicks – “Obsession”

“Obsession” is an attempt to embody pure ecstasy, that is, according to mastermind Cezar of Beach Kicks. We can’t help but agree; “Obsession” is a smooth, almost hypnotic combination of electronica, r&b, and indie rock sentiment. Featuring unique vocal samples, swirling synth pads, and delay-laden guitars, we think Cezar does a pretty good job of spreading the love. Dig it? Add it to your Spotify playlist.

Harlan – “Sunny”

Memphis, TN act Harlan is a fresh new indie act with a bright debut single in “Sunny.” Lead singer Harlan Hutton’s voice conjures images of fellow indie-rock queens like Lauren Mayberry (CHVRCHES) or Molly Rankin (Alvvays). The rest of the band is a perfect compliment, running the gamut between peppy indie-pop and swimmy psych-tinged guitar rock. Their debut is due out in early 2018 – till then, get your fill of “Sunny” below.

Davis Absolute – “Flood”

Phoenix, Arizona native Davis Absolute supplies us with some invigorating hip hop to head up our weekend with his single “Flood.” The track combines powerful vocal delivery with ambient soundscapes, tiptoeing the line between the calm and the storm. All bases are covered instrumentally, tying in hauntingly sustained synths and bubbling electronica with sizzling cymbal work and syncopated bass beats – setting the tone as languid and electrifying at the same time. “Flood” comes off Davis Absolute’s recently released 7-track EP, Eden.

Juke Ross – “Colour Me (Autograf Remix)”

Every now and then, a dank remix hits our inbox and we know we have to share… The latest is from Chicago act Autograf with their heady EDM remix of Juke Ross’ “Colour Me.” Between the exquisite,  bouncy bass lines and Ross’ sultry voice, this particular remix is sure to get you feeling froggy. If you’re into it, add it to your Spotify playlist.

YØUTH – “Alright, Kid”

Nashville solo-artist YØUTH (aka Julian Denté) hit us up with the warm indie rock of his latest single, “Alright, Kid.” About the song, Julian explains that it is slightly tongue-in-cheek, about two star-crossed lovers clinging to a connection no matter how dysfunctional the relationship. Either way, his longing vocals and guitar-based crunch is reminiscent of bands like Manchester Orchestra, Phantom Planet, or Kings of Leon. If you’re feeling “Alright, Kid,” add it to your Spotify playlist.

Silk Cinema – “Disappear”

Self-identified as “Sade in space,” London’s Silk Cinema meld together dream pop and soul in their latest track, “Disappear.” Set to a backdrop of pulsing synths, bass, and the ever-irresistible snap track, the duo experiment with vocal interplay and harmonization, blending a distinct nostalgia for late 90’s R&B with the extra oomph of astral electronic sparkle. Our takeaway? “Disappear” is a smoldering hit that’s more than easy to get lost in, and we’ve got our fingers crossed for a swift follow-up.

Dr. Doctor – “Seventeen (Say The Words)”

L.A quintet Dr. Doctor follow up their praised debut single with another breezy hit, “Seventeen (Say The Words.)” The track provides a fresh take on laid back indie pop, channeling a bit of frontman Ralph Torrefranca’s soft spot for 80’s teen pop soundtracks to give the song a floaty, whimsical feel. Beachy guitar lines and radiant synths pave the way for lulling vocals with lilting falsetto, all wrapped up in a cozy blanket of reverb. This is as dreamy is it gets. Prepare to get swept away with “Seventeen (Say The Words)” below.

EI8HT – “Hardwood”

If you’re searching for some red-hot hip hop to get you through the week, look no further than EI8HT’s track “Hardwood.” The New Jersey rap aficionado sprinkles in looping marimba, crisp drum tracks, and rippling electronic elements, effectively setting the vibe while leaving room to keep his vocals in the forefront. Citing inspiration from Logic, Childish Gambino, and J. Cole, EI8HT’s strength is in his unrelenting flow and creative lyricism. Head over to his soundcloud for more tracks in the vein of “Hardwood.”

The French Amor Fati – “My Superhero”

It’s here, it’s French, it’s The French Amor Fati with their superior new pop jam “My Superhero.” Reminiscent of great pop songwriting of the 1990s with flavors of disco and contemporary electronica, “My Superhero” is a true pop banger from this French duo. Slam that play button below. There’s a music video for “My Superhero” as well – check it out here.

TRACE – “You Don’t Know Me”

Falling somewhere on the spectrum between moody west coast pop like Lana Del Rey and the introspective R&B flavor of James Blake, LA solo-act TRACE has us feeling some type of way after hearing “You Don’t Know Me.” Her earworm chorus of, “You don’t know me, I fall in love with everyone” is both hooky and relatable and is bound to bounce around your head all day. “You Don’t Know Me” would make a perfect addition to your Spotify playlist.