New Music

Fortitude Valley – “Sunshine State”

May 28, 2025

The latest from Fortitude Valley is a chippy little tune called “Sunshine State.” Other than being really good at picking an awesome sounding band name, the foursome has managed to craft a hook laden punk pop gem.   The guitars aren’t just catchy as fuck, but power this track forward wire to wire. Inside of all this, vocalist Laura Kovic is super chill yet manages to perfectly match the frenetic energy of the instrumentals. If you can get through all three minutes and not crack a smile or bop your head, you need more help than this humble blog writer is equipped to give you.   You can hear “Sunshine State” below from the band’s Soundcloud or over on Spotify. If you’re more of a visual listener, the music video can be found on YouTube. This is their latest since their self titled 2021 album, and hopefully a harbinger of[...]

Jason Isaac and flapslaps – “Out of Sight”

May 25, 2025

Chicago artists Jason Isaac and flapslaps are two fresh faces in the local lo-fi scene. Jason’s floating vocal deliveries cut through flapslaps’ dreamscape production style to create hypnotic heady sounds with their latest display “Out of Sight.” The new single from the artists is equal parts starry and grounded – the yin and yang intentional when Isaac raps lines like “I’m a paradox, I care a lot and I don’t.” slaps’ twinkling production takes you to another realm, one guided by Isaac’s confident delivery. “Out of Sight” slots in amongst your favorite lo-fi tracks – transport to the clouds in which these two artists reside. Listen to both of their output on Spotify, and if you like this track, catch our Emerging Hip Hop playlist where we compile our favorite new tracks on a weekly basis.

MK Zulu and Harry Gray – “Passport Baby”

May 25, 2025

DMV area artists and frequent collaborators Harry Gray and MK Zulu bring forth a soulful, suave single just in time for the summer. Their latest track “Passport Baby” combines accessible, R+B influenced rapping styles with a bouncy house influenced beat – complete with live instrumentation. Zulu’s a Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, notable for his talent on the trumpet. Gray’s a genre-bender known for mixing sound potions in a winning formula for his audience. Their specialties are on display with “Passport Baby,” which boasts a big chorus, a driving groove and that horn breakdown that’s gonna have you fluttering your fingers when you drive oceanside. Or wherever your passport takes you – maybe it’s a sea or a lake. Check out more from Harry Gray or MK Zulu on Spotify and if you’re into this sound, then hit up our Emerging Hip Hop playlist for new music posted each week!

Slow Joy – “Te Amo”

May 23, 2025

Fresh off a hot gig in Buffalo last month, Slow Joy say “I love you” with latest single, “Te Amo.” With trademark grungy guitars and emotive vocals, “Te Amo” continues Slow Joy’s trend of emo-flavored singles that have melody, sincerity, and energy in spades. Fans of Citizen, Balance and Composure, and the like will love the heavy-hitting vibes found here.   Check out the video for “Te Amo” below, or, add it to your emo-adjacent Spotify playlists.  

MarMar – “Walking On Water (feat. SMOORIBA)”

May 23, 2025

MarMar brings us their latest spacy track, “Walking On Water” featuring SMOORIBA. It’s an absolute dreamscape of a trip that you’ll have to pack plenty of socks for. It feels like the calm before the storm if that calm came with a healthy dose of synth and effects. Unabashedly an EDMer’s bedroom-pop track, you’ll find this either a fun comedown or ramp up track, depending where you’re at in the night.   You can hear “Walking on Water” below from Soundcloud. There’s also a trippy vintage tinged music vid you can find over on YouTube. You can find it and a slew of other tracks on their full length The Other Side.   MarMar · MarMar – Walking On Water (feat. SMOORIBA)      

Heatwavers – “My Friends”

May 23, 2025

BFFs James Parker and Nigel Gamage of the UK and New Zealand respectively didn’t let distance prevent them from combing their pop chops to form Heatwavers. Their latest track, “My Friends” is a throwback to their camaraderie together during simpler times -think open door parties and being amongst friends.   A shared love of indie rock and vintage pop drives this duo forward, an interesting amalgamation that you can hear in all of their currently released tracks. “My Friends” has fun tempo changes coupled with a nasty beat that you can feel in your chest and I can picture listening to on the beach with my three or so friends who would ever go to the beach with me.   You can check out the music video for “My Friends” below on YouTube or hop over to Spotify and add it to your summer jams list. They have a couple[...]

Digital Crush – “What We Could’ve Been”

May 22, 2025

“What We Could’ve Been,” something everyone has thought about at least once in their lives, gets the dreampop treatment from resident sad girls Ashley Garcia and Dane Rivera of Digital Crush. Turning a phrase is kind of something I do, so I won’t bury the lede – their album is called Sad Girl Hour. Dripping with delectable synth and drum machines, Rivera and Garcia will draw you in with their pop power and you’ll definitely wanna “crush” the whole album. If you don’t, you should probably get your ears checked. Or don’t, your loss!   You can hear “What We Could’ve Been” as well as the rest of “Sad Girl Hour” on your favorite streaming service -we found it on Soundcloud and Spotify – the former of which you can stream below!   Digital Crush · What We Could’ve Been      

Tuxis Giant – “Last Laugh”

May 22, 2025

Tuxis Giant, the brainchild of Matt O’Connor, brings us their latest single with “Last Laugh.” Based out of Boston, O’Connor’s brand of indie rock tinged country tends lends a refreshing feel but still remains approachable and listenable; can’t deny that a sub-two-minute song is a big pop/punk green flag too. Dueling rhythm and lead guitars push this song forward while keeping a lowkey feel – though not wasting a single note.   Speaking to the track, specifically on the theme of self medication, O’Connor says: “There comes a point when you realize you could numb yourself forever.”   You can hear it on Soundcloud, YouTube, and Spotify. The album, You Won’t Remember This will be available August 15 – so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for that if you’re diggin’ the vibes of “Last Laugh.”   TLDR, FFO: Kurt Vile, grown up slacker rock with a country mouthfeel.[...]

Jayrad ft. Dalton Witt – “Type Shit”

May 21, 2025

Your head might knock off your body when the beat kicks in on this latest track from Arkansas rappers Dalton Witt and Jayrad. Their new single “Type Shit” features a vintage horn loop, knocking drums, and menacing flows that are perfectly timed for maximum damage. Dalton and Jayrad trade verses packed with threats, flexes, and one-liners that’ll quickly gain your allegiance. Close your eyes and you can picture yourself alongside these dudes drag-racing through the streets of Conway, AR on lines like “Skrt wanna race? Come and jump in the Hell Cat. New bitch is evil, she might got the hell cat.” The verses and beat go hard as hell and it’s a great song to crank the bass up on. Check out more from the guys on Spotify and listen to them another other up and comers in the scene on our Underground Hip Hop playlist. 

Don’t Worry – “Unbelievable”

May 18, 2025

Don’t Worry are about to jangle their way into your hearts with their new song, “Unbelievable.” It’s hard to believe we’re still talking about COVID-era songs in 2025, but that’s when it was conceived – after months of feeling uninspired, DW broke the spell with this lovely gem. It’s a guitar-forward indie rocker, certainly inspired by the ’90s greats like Oasis, Pavement, and the like, warm with both crunchy and acoustic guitar strumming.   “Unbelievable” is available to stream via Soundcloud (below). There’s always the trusty streaming services too – Apple Music and Spotify.   specialistsubject · Unbelievable

Romanie – “Uh Oh”

May 18, 2025

Romanie, aka Belgian-born Melbourne-based Romanie Assez, knows how to write a barnburner. We last checked in with her on 2023’s “Anthony,” and we’re happy to report she’s still putting out the emotionally-charged indie rock we liked upon our first listen. “I was going through a rough patch in life with some health scares and homesickness,” Romanie says, and that pain comes through in the gritty guitar work and driving drums. This one is grungy while still maintaining a certain beauty and we’re here for it.   “Uh Oh”  

Them Damn Dogs – “Weirdo”

May 18, 2025

Them Damn Dogs are back with a new single, their first in over four years. “Weirdo” is a triumphant return, a big blast of fun energy that falls somewhere on the spectrum between pop punk and whatever genre Weezer is these days. Fun guitar riffs are laden heavy with crunchy goodness, powering the wry, vocal-forward melodies. Oh, and stick around for the well-placed guitar solo.   You can find “Weirdo” on bandcamp (below), or, Spotify if that’s more your thing.   Weirdo by Them Damn Dogs

Phil Rick – “Losin’ My Mind”

May 17, 2025

German rapper Phil Rick’s already dropped an album in 2025, but his motivation has him onto the next. His new single, “Losin’ My Mind” boasts an earworm hook, dancey production and high energy verses that slotted this track immediately into my layup lines playlist. Phil effortless interplays with that high energy production – changing flows alongside the driving drums and synths. “Losin’ My Mind’s” chorus has a nostalgic essence that takes you back to the blog rap days. Catchy, poppy samples dominating the hooks while talented rappers like Phil take control on the verses. This track shares that mass appeal. You can find Phil on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist – check out more of his releases on Spotify. 

Loui$ Automatic – “Hypnotized”

May 17, 2025

Precision is the name of the game for Detroit’s Loui$ Automatic. The rising rapper is known for his live performances and nostalgic but forward-thinking sound. His latest effort, “Hypnotized” has crisp, accessible hip hop production and a smooth vocal performance that works for both hardcore and casual hip hop enthusiasts. The track details the mesmerizing effects of a dancer, who seems to draw the attention of everyone she comes in contact with. Radio-ready hook, top class production, and an easy-to-follow story – can’t ask for more from a single. Check out more from LOUI$ AUTOMATIC on Spotify – and take a look at the visuals for the track below. You can find LOUI$ on our Emerging Hip Hop playlist along other exciting new players in rap.

Charmer – “Night”

May 16, 2025

Kinda-Rochester-at-one-point-or-another-based act Charmer is gearing up for their first full-length in five years. They’ve shared their latest single with us, a tune called “Night,” which is certainly an evolution in the sound for the formerly triumphantly scrappy emo act. Channeling Alkaline Trio, Turnover, and The Cure with it’s dark and brooding vibes; swimmy guitars; and memorable choruses, you’ll be singing along with “cross my heart and hope to die” after your very first listen.   Downpour, Charmer’s upcoming release, will be out on Counter Intuitive Records on May 23rd, 2025. Get acquainted with it via YouTube or the bandcamp embed below.   Downpour by Charmer