Dutch indie-pop trio DANSU recently released their debut single via Japanese label Thistime Records. “Do Do Do” is our recommendation – we dig the gentle electronica feels, the trio’s attention to writing strong pop melodies, and the song’s easily digestible structure. We’ve also embedded the trippy video for the song for your enjoyment, featuring some pretty strange but interesting visuals. Add “Do Do Do” to your Spotify playlist.
Country Priest is the songwriting project for P.D. Young, who recently got together with some buds to record his latest offering, To See and Be Seen. “The End” caught our attention for it’s downtrodden vibes, sounding like a catchy indie rock dirge. Young utilizes rotary speakers, epic drum sounds, and background textures which gives the song a vintage vibe. Fans of Thrice, Pedro The Lion, or Cursive might dig his stuff. Head over to Bandcamp if you dig Country Priest. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293028163″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]
Do you ever feel like someone in your life is draining your energies with nothing in return? NY-based grunge-popper Skyler Cocco does – that’s what her latest single, “Parasite,” is about. Skyler has a distinctly 90s-influenced sound, combining grunge fuzz guitars with sticky-sweet vocal melodies. We think fans of Bully, Liz Phair, or Pity Sex would be down with this one. Be sure to add Skyler to your Spotify playlist. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/290401784″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
KARMIC is an upbeat LA-based act comprised of two female vocalists, an electric guitarist, and a DJ. The unique quartet recently put out the equally unique single, “Higher Self.” The band mixes pop vibes with a unique delivery – fans of Tegan & Sara, The Ting Tings, or Matt & Kim would dig this jam. You can purchase “Higher Self” from a variety of sources – see them all here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292126390″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Ivey is a young quartet specializing in swimmy alternative rock. The Gold Coast, Australia act caught our attention with their upbeat number, “Last Week.” We dig that they combine a baritone male vocal with a complimentary female counterpart… Not to mention their pleasant, chorus-laden indie pop. Check out Ivey on Tumblr. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/287772163″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Brooklyn synth pop act BRAIN TAN is back with his latest jam, “Moth.” Last time we checked in with them, they were riding high on their popular cover of Taylor Swift’s “Style,” and their lush single, “New Light.” “Moth” picks up where we left off, utilizing contemporary synthpop vibes and breathy vocals… Perfect for fans of Neon Indian, M83, and Ghost Beach. “Moth” can be purchased on Bandcamp. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/293310815″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
The Maras are an alternative bass & drum lounge punk act from Ontario. “J.O.Y.” is their latest offering – it has also recently received the music video treatment. “J.O.Y.” might be the kind of rolling surf jam you’d expect to hear in a demented bowling alley. That’s exactly the imagery these dudes went with. You can also snag “J.O.Y.” on Bandcamp if you’re feeling froggy.
Synth pop solo artist Von Sell hit us up with the twinkly synth-bomb of “Ivan (Revisited)” – we dig it, so now we’re sharing it with you. Von Sell originally posted this song as a demo but has “revisited” it to make it into the synthy delight it is now. We think Von Sell sounds like Passion Pit or Caribou – sparkly synth arpeggios and blasts of synthesizer pepper the track throughout. Check “Ivan” out on YouTube too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292959267″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Perth act Sly Withers hit us up with the delightful indie pop of “Nike Shoe” and we knew we had to share it with y’all. The band mixes peppy guitars with a nerdy grunge vibe and tops it all off with a distinct Australian delivery. Truly good vibes all around! Recommended to fans of Say Anything, Speedy Ortiz, or Modern Baseball. Check out the music video too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/285695588″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Last time we checked in with Swedish new wave punks, Delagoon, it was for their dream pop ode “Somehow.” They hit us up again and we are happy to report that they are back with their same brand of 80s post-punk fervor. “Visions” is an urgent and nostalgic offering that could sit comfortably on the shelf next to your Joy Division and DIIV vinyls. These Nordic teens are surely destined for great things. “Visions” is out now via Swedish label Hybris. Check Delagoon out on the ‘Gram. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292077831″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Blonde Maze‘s signature vocal sampling and glittery electronica caught our ears today – we recommend you check out her latest, “Antarctica.” The song pairs icy synths with glassy marimbas, creating an almost wintery ambiance. Fans of Ellie Goulding, Little Boots, or Imogen Heap would dig this track. Find out more about Blonde Maze here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/292112110″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Seattle’s very own Nick Weaver reminds you to look at yourself on his single “What You Doin’ These Days?” The track is a mirror that anyone can explore, and reaffirm who they are and where they’re at in their life goals. Weaver reflects on his own sacrifices, financial and personal ones he made in order to chase success in the industry. He raps about an empty bank account and his whip status, saying “250,000 on my Civic and I might go and get it new rims.” Wholesome horns lay the framework for Weaver’s lyricism, accompanied by rattling snares and soft woodwind. Weaver goes acapella for a powerful outro, referencing quasi-racism, Colin Kaepernick, the president-elect and more. Give it a listen below.
Pittsburgh’s George Hollow works off of his roots in the psychedelic and country to pump out uniquely twanged hip hop. Single “New Boy George” comes from Hollow’s Dreams of an Insomniac project, and is a showcase of dope flows, clever words and smooth sounds. The beat combines a little bit of chipmunk sampling with some dazzling piano and delicate guitar plucks. It’s lush but has the boom bap that lets Hollow handle it with the tenacity of a traditional emcee. The track is autobiographical, as Hollow discusses his past and present, his hopes and dreams, and his ideas and vices. Give Dreams of an Insomniac a listen and check out “New Boy George” below.
Manu Crook$ and Miracle double-team a silky guitar instrumental, and the result is the subdued hype that is “Blowin’ Up.” Manu’s ruggedness trades with the smooth voice of Miracle, and it’s as natural of a collaboration as there can be. Manu and DOPAMINE collabed on the instrumental, which shines just as bright as the vocal contributions. It’s sparse when needed, but full enough to make the track bang. Sunset and sunrise are encapsulated in the track’s vibes, with a sense of mysticism. Crook$ and Miracle know what their night will feel like, even if they couldn’t tell you what it’ll look like. Press play below.
Connecticut’s FC is a boom bap understudy with a sound in the wave of contemporary NYC rap. His single “This Way” is a pledge to imperfection, evident with the opening line “Most my life lessons I regret cause I’m quite reckless.” FC shakes off his youthful demeanor with a polished sound that captures your ears as you nod along with a head-bobbing beat. “This Way” features a sharply rapped hook, and sounds extra crisp with the baritone voice of FC. His lyricism focuses on overcoming self-doubt and progressing, while still holding true to himself. Give it a listen below.