New Music

Fright Years – “Do What You Wanna”

January 28, 2025

Edinburgh based Fright Years brings us their latest track with “Do What You Wanna.” The rare, bass-heavy track that celebrates the idea that we can find joy in expressing ourselves without fear or judgement. The intro reminded me of “I Am One” from Smashing Pumpkins first album, Gish, with the heavy emphasis on the bass and drums. The guitar comes in the help carry us through the rest of track just before a minute has elapsed, but, in all honesty, I could listen to this chunky bass riff allllll day long.   You can hear “Do You Wanna” below from YouTube or add it to your punky/psychedelic-adjacent playlist on Spotify. The single also includes “Aftersun” and “Stars” and are also worth your time, showing the true range of the band.  

georgia, georgia – “friends”

January 28, 2025

It’s been a minute since we last heard from Italy-based musician georgia, georgia. We last covered her here back in October and, much like then, we’re quite stoked to hear her latest offering “friends” (back then it was “things you do”).   Other than thumbing her nose at capitalizing, Giorgia Piva has crafted an impeccably catchy dream pop track where the guitar and synth play second fiddle to her vocals. She makes the entire affair sound effortless even with her wispy-yet-strong vocals. Fans of Phoebe Bridgers or Clairo would find a lot to enjoy here, as would anyone who enjoys a well crafted song from start to finish (… so, probably everyone).   You can hear “friends” below from bandcamp or add it to your Spotify playlist of perfect pop songs delivered in a whisper song voice.   friends by georgia, georgia

Label Mou – “Sparkling Lights”

January 28, 2025

Label Mou, Italy-born and based in Germany, brings us her latest track “Sparkling Lights.” Mou’s vocals deftly weave through the house beats that underpin the track. The song was released as a message of support to people impacted by the Los Angeles fires (of 2025). Lyrically, “Sparkling Lights” is “an imaginary story of a devastating natural disaster, inspired by the strength found in love and the transformative power of reconnection, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.” While at first glance this may seem a little on the nose, the track itself was written a few years ago and was purposefully and thoughtfully released.   You can hear “Sparkling Lights” below from YouTube and can throw it on your “chill house around the house” mix on Spotify. I found a few other tracks she was featured on, as well has her past project Might at Night, but this was the[...]

honeygaze – “Heartthrob”

January 28, 2025

“Heartthrob” is the latest single from Philadelphia hyperpop band honeygaze. A combination of EDM, pop, punk, and then some, that comes together better than the sum of its parts (and not some (or perhaps some(?)) Frankenstein mish mash). Encompassing anywhere between Charlie XCX or “scawy monstews and nice spwites :3″ from Fraxiom, it’s quite the gap!   The track itself reminded me a lot of one of my personal favorites: Silversun Pickups – in particular, the fuzzed out guitar which keeps this rooted in indie rock. The synth and voice modulation keep the track interesting but not to the point where the band loses the plot and you’re left wondering what you’re listening to. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! Sometimes you need something so out of pocket that it haunts your dreams. In this case, honeygaze reigns in the wildness of hyperpop to create something left-field, but melodically[...]

Spectaculous – “Tempo”

January 27, 2025

Whimsical compositions and biting lyricism prove to be the secret formula on the debut single from Madison, WI artists Spectaculous. Five years in the making, bandmates Dequadray White (vocals) Jason Kutz (keyboards), Ben Ferris (bass) and Mike Koszewski (drums/percussion) are executing a realized, distinctly unique project. The Spectaculous four recruit additional instrumentalists for “Tempo,” a piece with carefully composed classical music elements (including parts for flute, clarinet, oboe, etc.) in a hip hop package. The bubble gum, Fairly Oddparents palette and Dequadray’s sharp pen combine for a one of a kind listening (and viewing) experience. “Tempo” comes with a fully animated video from DaBolis House that you’ve gotta check out. You can follow the band’s future output, including plans for multiple EPs, on Spotify.  Check out our Underground Hip Hop playlist while you’re there.

Chrome Waves + A-F-R-O + Jeristotle – “My Mind is My Biggest Gun”

January 24, 2025

UK beatmaker Chrome Waves recruits rising artists A-F-R-O and Jeristotle on his latest boom bap single “My Mind is My Biggest Gun.” Chrome takes us back to his 90s roots on this track – spotlighting some tasteful DJ scratches and a simple, menacing sample flip for the rappers to take aim at. A-F-R-O sounds like GZA or a DOOM collaborator when he gets the mic, realizing the song title with internal rhyme schemes and vivid imagery. Jeristotle takes a visionary approach to the second verse, channeling lucid dreams, thought leadership, and other philosophical musings. Chops, scratches and other beat seasonings transition the song from verse to verse, giving listeners a hypnotizing head-nod along the way. Add this one to your playlists focused on masterful boom bap and lyricism. Check out more from Chrome Waves, A-F-R-O and Jeristotle on Spotify – you can find them and more on our Underground Hip[...]

Disco Nap – “Do It”

January 23, 2025

Chicago-based act Disco Nap know how to groove – evident on their latest offering, “Do It.” Glassy guitar tones, a bumping bassline, and an absolutely insane drum presence power this one forth, channeling contemporaries like Crumb with their jazzy blend of indie rock. More of a mood than a song, “Do It” challenges notions of contemporary songwriting with a deep-seeded feel that transcends tried-and-true verse-chorus-verse methods. It’s set off by an omni-pleasant vocal presence that never overpowers – laying a soothing melody over this neurotic but soothing jam.   You can find “Do It” on Spotify, but be sure to preview using the Soundcloud embed below.   Disco Nap · DO IT

Cold Camp + The Dirty Sample – “Excellence”

January 20, 2025

Our Rocky Mountain brethren have crafted a subzero lo-fi hip hop soundtrack for the Buffalo winters. Hailing from the mysterious northwest range is Cold Camp, a hip hop collective headed by veteran producer The Dirty Sample. Their latest effort, “Excellence” features crunchy boom bap drums, a cold piano sample, and a mischievous narrator ready for trouble in the high peaks. Things are a bit less interesting topographically here, but the icy aesthetic and frigid lyrical references Cold Camp bring down from the Rockies is the perfect accompaniment to a January walk in the city. An extended version of “Excellence” appears on the aptly named We Hate Summer project. Check it out for more lo-fi, icy hip hop production – and check out everything Cold Camp and The Dirty Sample on Spotify.

Rokeaux – “Heauxtel”

January 20, 2025

Virgin Islands rapper Rokeaux channels Damien Marley and Drake influences for his hypnotic new track “Heauxtel.” Anchored by Rokeaux’s anthemic hey/ohhs and killer reggae guitar lines, you can classify this track as Caribbean Hip Pop. “Heauxtel” (“hotel”) discusses a no-strings-attached relationship, leaving emotions at the door in pursuit of red-blooded desires. Lighthearted but thematic, “Heauxtul” works for late night playlists, tropical dance sessions, break-up mixes, and more. The track is the latest single in a string of new releases from Rokeaux – catch his full catalog on Spotify. Interested in more 2025 Underground Hip Hop? Check out our playlist on Spotify. 

Lala Salama – “Kuva Susta”

January 19, 2025

Helsinki-based trio Lala Salama embody the quiet/loud dynamic perfectly on their latest single, “Kuva Susta.” The Finnish band transition seamlessly between percolating verses and overblown choruses, channeling shoegaze greats while never losing sight of indie-pop melody and accessibility. The vocals here are ethereal and mysterious, and fit just as well in the massive, fuzzy chorus tones as they do in the beautiful, understated verses. Here’s a bit from singer Rosa Jules about where they’re coming from on “Kuva Susta:”   “‘Kuva Susta’ represents Lala Salama’s more sensitive side; it’s an emotional depiction of longing, memories of the past, and the difficulty of letting go.”   “Kuva susta” is available on all your favorite platforms. Be sure to click the bandcamp embed below, then add it to your Spotify jams.   Kuva susta by Lala Salama

Kylie Rothfield – “Old Man”

January 19, 2025

Kylie Rothfield lays it all out on the line for us on her latest ripper, “Old Man.” Written alongside queer indie alt-popper Mothé, “Old Man” is a biting attack on the sometimes nefarious motives behind dating with an age difference. Rothfield’s lyrics are ruthless but fair, and she bolsters them with plinking keyboard sounds and chunky guitar, cooking up a fantastic, simmering indie rock backbone. Rothfield herself is the shining star here – her vocals are soulful and filled with sincerity.   You can find “Old Man” on your favorite streaming service (we recommend Spotify). Preview using the YouTube embed below.  

Walkman – “Joint”

January 17, 2025

Pittsburgh’s Walkman got a voice for boombap, an ear for beats and a set of lungs ready to burn at all times. His latest effort “Joint” is an ode to smoking good and serves insightful peek into the day-to-day of this up and comer. “Joint’s” boombap give it a nostalgic edge that places you in the 90s as Walkman waxes weed-flavored poetic. A pitched down hook repeats “my eyes’ low for as long as I remember,” in between verses where Walkman laments on criticisms from outsiders (“call me unexceptional for smoking a joint,”) while also boasting refreshing self-awareness  (“I’m immature and a tall tale teller.”) Listen to more from Walkman on Spotify ahead of his upcoming summer album release – you can catch him and other freshly minted artists on our Underground Hip Hop playlist.

Krept & Konnan – “Low Vibrations”

January 16, 2025

South London rap duo Krept & Konnan are poised to expand their takeover beyond Great Britain with their latest track, “Low Vibrations.” “Vibrations” works for dance playlists, pregame vibes, and even when you’re looking for tracks with sharp wordplay and catchy one-lines – a testament to the rappers’ accessible, widely-appealing sound. Flexing their modern, polished grime sounds, Krept & Konnan’s latest effort leads off the album rollout for YOUNG KINGZ II, expected out in February. The single/album is the latest achievement for the artists who rose to fame for their accomplishments as unsigned artists in the UK – reaching the top 20 in the charts in 2013. Fans of Skepta, Stormzy and more legends of the genre should stay on the lookout. Check out the visuals for “Low Vibrations” on YouTube, and more from the duo on Spotify.  You’ll find them and more on our Emerging Hip Hop Playlist. 

Elias Tyro – “Dimensions”

January 13, 2025

Step into a different, deeper (house) world on the latest single from New Zealand rapper Elias Tyro, “Dimensions.” An artist across disciplines, Tyro plays with the listener’s experience on this track, incorporating heavy filters and distortions as he delivers abstract thoughts and the exploration of deeper self. “Dimensions” features lyrics that can get chewed on, but a relaxing groove that you can throw into your “Study Beats” playlists. Tyro’s flow is mellow and melodic, adding a smoothness to the beat’s churning rhythm. Discover more from Elias Tyro on Spotify, and check out he and other up and coming rappers on our new 2025 Underground Hip Hop playlist.

Wombino – “Granite”

January 13, 2025

Noted Florida man/rapper Wombino puts his introspective swimsuit on for his latest single, “Granite.” Building off of a sharp “moment for granted/Granite” couplet to kick off the track, Wombino’s lyricism is in top form sharing his motivations and driving forces: “Yeah I got some stories make your soul bleed / I ain’t got the time to get no cold feet.” With an accessible bounce to his vocals and heartfelt nods to his personal struggles, Bino’s “Granite” can be slotted in on your Mac Miller and Logic playlists when you’re looking for a polished, emotional hip hop track that spotlights ups and downs. “Granite’s” production is another highlight, composed of smooth, live bass and guitar sections. Listen to more from Wombino on Spotify, and other emerging hip hop artists on our new 2025 Spotify playlist.