New Music

Safe To Swim – “Struggling”

April 9, 2017

UK band Safe To Swim delivers a much needed dose of fuzzy alt-rock with their latest track “Struggling.” There’s a distinct edge to the song’s winning melodies, featuring lyrics that cut to the core. Frontman Jim Filippides reveals “’Struggling”’ is about a relationship I was in where we were constantly trying our hardest to keep up with each other and fit in with the crowd. We thought it was doing no harm at first but we eventually realised that our hard efforts were only bringing more misery and issues into our lives.” Undoubtedly a song that hits home. Safe To Swim has been keeping busy pouring the equivalent of blood, sweat, and tears into creating new material, set to make an appearance later this year. Hone in on some of their hard work below. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/310295873″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Cigarettes After Sex – “Apocalypse”

April 8, 2017

Brooklyn’s Cigarettes After Sex are back with their latest single “Apocalypse,” off their upcoming self-titled LP. The brooding, gentle stylings of the band, fronted by songwriter Greg Gonzalez, lend an ear to their dreamy imagery and soothing instrumentation. Influenced by the likes of Trinity Session, Red House Painters and Cocteau Twins, Cigarettes After Sex brand themselves as true romantics with a hint of moody indifference that leaves you craving more. Find more like “Apocalypse” on their bandcamp, and look for the new album out June 9th via Partisan Records. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/313439212″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Hills – “Desert Driver”

April 8, 2017

In a whirlwind of ambient instrumentation and ethereal vocal harmonies, Austin’s folk-rock solo project Hills sings the modern western blues in his single “Desert Driver.” Hills’ Aaron Zachary takes influence from a variety of sources, including country, rock, folk, and the occasional sludge metal. The song hones in on the sharp lyricism and emphasis on storytelling that is so often associated with folk, while spicing things up with subdued synths and a bone-rattling guitar solo. Affectionately referred to as “bootgaze” the music of Hills draws up a unique concoction of alternative and folk, resulting in some dreamy desert pop. Take the genre for a spin with “Desert Driver” below, and keep your eyes peeled for a debut album, out this May. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/312413960″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

moonweather – “Drying Out”

April 7, 2017

Fans of catchy indie pop will dig the latest from moonweather. Moonweather is a group of old friends who got together to pen the infectious “Drying Out.” They got together to combine crunchy guitars with whimsical bedroom pop vibes for a lighthearted and fun end result. This one should appeal to fans of electronica tinged indie-pop with upbeat vibes – think Electric President or Say Hi.

DANSU – “LOST IN THE CITY”

April 7, 2017

Bubbly indie electropop act DANSU bridges the global divide in the video for their single “LOST IN THE CITY.” The Amsterdam trio have an established influence in Japan, and are caravanning their vitalizing melodies from Western Europe across the Atlantic. Drawing ties to indie pop pros like Ra Ra Riot and Dresses, DANSU brings an electric energy similar to waking up to the sun. The video features a metropolitan love story of self discovery, while highlighting the hustle and bustle of city life in Tokyo. Take in the video below, and stay tuned for more from DANSU as they blaze their trail to North America.

Jay Pray – “I’d Go Anywhere (Do Anything)”

April 7, 2017

Following the March 3rd release of his debut full-length album, Jay Pray projects some colorful synthpop onto the small screen in his video for the track “I’d Go Anywhere (Do Anything.)” In an energetic exploration of the sensual and the mundane, Jay Pray takes everyday indie-pop and cranks it up three notches, swimming in all-encompassing synths, crooning vocals, and a commanding guitar solo. This is the kind of song that sucks you in, all too willingly. For more from Jay Pray, delve into his self titled album and experience the visual experience of “I’d Go Anywhere (Do Anything.)” below.

dreamcatchr – “Plans”

April 7, 2017

Seattle’s indie rock 5-piece dreamcatchr takes us on an intensifying and energetic adventure in their track “Plans.” The group, founded by guitarist Raven MacDaniels as an initial songwriting venture, has morphed into a full-fledged alt-rock band carving their name throughout the Pacific Northwest. “Plans” artistically plays with texture and tempo, revving up to speed with sunny guitar lines and expressively layered vocals, just to gently trail off into measured sense of finality. This song hovers at the forefront of the band’s recent sophomore EP Do Dog Ghosts Exist? released March 17th. Dive into dreamcatchr below for some exciting and strategic indie rock. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307970448″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bantug – “Just Like A Dream”

April 7, 2017

Indie-pop solo act Bantug delivers soaring melodies in a soft electronic setting via her latest single “Just Like A Dream.” Off of her recent March 31st EP release, Bantug brings a bright and enticing perspective to topics that stand the test of time. Having a background in psychology allows her to explore a variety of subject matter from anxiety to dreams, tying the whole package together with candy-coated vocals, driving guitar lines, and celestial synth work. Explore Bantug’s fresh pop perspective in “Just Like A Dream,” and be sure to check out her new EP Blue for more, catchy goodness. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/315339958″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

L.A.N.C.E. – “Eve”

April 6, 2017

Fontana, California’s L.A.N.C.E. is quick with imagery and tight rhymes with his music. Over the traditional, light beat of “Eve” he details the complexity of a relationship between himself and another dreamer. Through his verses he drops complex rhyme schemes, third eye references, and goes into philosophy with Plato and Aristotle references. The best part of the track is the simplicity of the chorus, “One time one time, we was chilling in the park after dark.” In that moment, that succinctness and depth puts the whole track over the top and focuses the picture. Give it a listen below and check out more from L.A.N.C.E. here. 

capital. – “Pillsbury Boy”

April 5, 2017

Here’s an interesting one from LA-based MC capital. (sic). “Pillsbury Boy” is a quirky mix between hip-hop and indie jazz… The real treat here is his music video shtick, where capital. combines his smooth flow with a trademark blend of humor that takes a hard look at our millennial hipster culture. This one reminds us of Jason Mraz, Andy Grammar, or Macklemore – check out the vid below. Check capital. out on Instagram too.

Dolly Spartans – “Hanging Out”

April 5, 2017

People really seem to be digging the Dolly Spartans, and we’re no exception. Their latest single is called “Hanging Out,” a one-two punch of spastic guitar strumming and forlorn indie-rock vocals. “Hanging Out” has already cracked the top 10 for CMJ adds – the fastest addition of any “unknown” band in college radio history – pretty dope. Fans of The Stills, The Strokes, or Cloud Nothings will be into these guys. Swing by their Bandcamp page if you’re feelin’ it. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/312209316″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mount Defiance – “Shapes”

April 5, 2017

Mount Defiance hit us up with their latest jam, “Shapes,” and we dig it a lot. These guys bring a Modern Baseball and Moose Blood vibe to the table – combining a mid-tempo beat with ambient instrumentals and a unique take on sprechgesang. “Shapes” is a song about friendships and relationships colliding on the dancefloor – so grab a friend, put on some Mount Defiance, and start moving. Mount Defiance is on Bandcamp too. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/307148320″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Jaded – “In The Morning”

April 5, 2017

Jaded has been making waves since last year, when they landed a song in the Top 10 UK Viral charts on Spotify. The trio is comprised of three talented immigrants who now call London home. They specialize in bombastic and irresistible pop songs – case in point “In The Morning.” This one has all the hallmarks of a great dance-able song – a catchy and simple lyrical hook, fun brass samples, and a driving beat. Be sure to add “In The Morning” to your Spotify playlist. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/311667279″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Chris Tall – “Lucy (Sun Goes Up) feat. Maydar”

April 5, 2017

Ooooh yeah, here’s a fun little song to get down to. We’re jiving with Chris Tall and his futuristic disco jam, “Lucy (Sun Goes Up).” Featuring a wonderful vocal delivery from songstress Maydar, this song is reminiscent of Bruno Mars or Michael Jackson-style pop music. This one’s sure to get your body movin’ and groovin’. Download “Lucy” here. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/313949333″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Malcolm – “Money Ain’t a Thing Freestyle”

April 4, 2017

Speaking with the confidence of the city that’s behind him, rapper Malcolm takes on the legendary beat behind “Money Ain’t a Thang,” the 1998 collaborative effort between Jay Z and Jermaine Dupri. The New Jersey native unleashes a calm fury in a tight two minutes of freestyle rapping, with standout bars like “Rush Hour at the trap, where the fuck is Jackie Chan?” Malcolm makes references to Hov by name and also with the delivery of his street-smart attitude. Check out his YouTube page for more freestyles over classic beats and stay tuned for an upcoming EP.