New Music

Kalii – “UNIVERSAL”

February 26, 2026

Hip hop artist Kalii is growing a following off the strength of a sprouting spree of singles, most recently with his newest track “UNIVERSAL.” His experimental wall of smokey sound brings a maximalist energy that’s impressive for an artist at the onset of their output. Kalii’s vocals are layered with the signature modern trap autotune, but they’re paired with a hypnotic siren of a beat that make you want to turn this volume up to 11 and get lost in its sounds. If you’re into the housier remixes of modern rap tacks, this is one for you. Keep an eye out for more releases from Kalii on their Spotify account. While you’re there, check out our Best of 2026 Hip Hop list, featuring Kalii and other fresh new sounds in the scene.

Romcom Victims – “Alaska”

February 26, 2026

Are there any bugs in Alaska? Is that a dumb question? Because Romcom Victims are buzzing hard, and their latest single, “Alaska,” is indication why. The band’s been an unstoppable force in the last year or so, putting out jangly college rock vibes that make use of twinkly guitars, lilting vocals, and blistering paces. “Alaska” seems like a step forward for the group – excellent production values certainly help, but the song itself is a neurotic listen through jangle-pop bliss. The bass guitar is thumping, the guitars are plucky and spry (thanks Rickenbacker), and the tempo is fast enough to make this a must-hear on your next trip to Milkie’s or Nietzsche’s. The video itself is a good time too – music videos are notoriously tricky, but the live performance captured is all-smiles and on point, while a CRT tv provides just enough vintage charm to keep it cool and[...]

Chewbeats ft. Dylan Gray – “End of Times”

February 24, 2026

UK beatmaker Chewbeats cooked up an wasteland of desolate drones on his latest track “End of Times,” joined by the baron of barren in his countryman emcee Dylan Gray. Chewbeats‘ atmosphere is distinctly grey, cold, post-human. Dylan’s lyrical motifs lean into the steely drones, “thinking ’bout the end” as he contemplates antisocial behavior. The track comes in tightly under 2 minutes, and does damage in its time. The liminality Chew crafts with the layers of drones and beeps will suck you in, and the you can’t tell if the exit is nearby or if that’s the same corner you already took. Be sure to check back in with Chewbeats on March 17th, for the release of  Classe 90 out on 17.03.2026 via Rhinestone Cowboy. YouTube might not let you in – make sure to watch these visuals on YouTube and look for the song on streaming soon.

sad alex x Grayson Foster – “Eyes First”

February 21, 2026

sad alex and Grayson Foster teamed up for this super tasty indie-pop jam they’re calling “Eyes First.” An ode to falling in love with your eyes first (instead of your heart, which we can’t in good faith totally recommend), “Eyes First” is a perfect duet between alex/Foster that encapsulates that feeling of being overwhelmingly attracted to someone. I know our society questions love at first sight (and rightfully so), but if it did/does exist, the bubbling indie pop that these two crafted together is just about as close to what happens in your brain when you see your new beau.   “Eyes First” is available on YouTube (below) and Spotify.    

The Dahmers – “Underdog”

February 21, 2026

The Dahmers are no doubt inspired by horror films (and the DIY spirit, which I suppose could also be tied to their namesake in a sick way), but their latest song, “Underdog,” is a blast of sunshine-y power pop. Trading bloodied knives for infectious hooks and a wry smile, “Underdog” is a blast of refined Swedish energy, complete with chiming guitars, nimble basslines, and enough vocal hooks to keep it stuck in your head for a week.   You can find “Underdog” on bandcamp (below), or, on Spotify.   CREATURE FEATURE by The Dahmers

Tōth – “Thoughts Are Like Clouds”

February 20, 2026

Tōth is the brainchild of Alex Toth and holy fuck is “Thoughts Are Like Clouds” the weirdest/funniest trip I’ve had in a minute! It meanders with a sense of whimsy with smooth as fuck bass and guitar, with some surprise trumpet thrown in for good measure. Gave me some Andrew Bird vibes but only slightly; Tōth is on a whole ‘nother plain of existence. Speaking to the track, Toth said:   “I’m pretty sure I was in a recovery meeting and a friend of mine shared with the group in a thick New York accent ‘thoughts are like clouds in the sky of your brain or whatever’ and it tickled me deeply.”   You can see the music video below from YouTube as well as the usual suspects of Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp (but definitely check out the video). It cleverly turns into a sort of lyric video with[...]

Shirehead – “Zero degrees”

February 20, 2026

The name may sound like my buddy who embraces the Hobbitcore lifestyle, but Shirehead is a Montreal based-band and not affiliated with him. “Zero degrees” is their latest release, based on the lead singer’s time living in a van in Spain during the winter. It sounds appropriately stressful and… lonely? Difficult to capture that but Shirehead delivers in spades with the mood. The synth tone they use gives a goth post-punk feel and if you pay any sort of attention, we love that shit and are here for it.   You can hear “Zero degrees” below from Bandcamp or on Spotify. The band’s first album is due out soon, so follow on the band’s IG if you haven’t already!   Zero degrees by shirehead

Lesser Birds – “Buffalo”

February 20, 2026

“Buffalo” is an oddly specific name for a song, is someone trying to curry favor with us?! Evidently not, but Lesser Birds has roots here as two members are University at Buffalo alums. You can argue for or against Boston being an upgrade, but I won’t wade into that; ask me about my khakis or my car keys but not both.   Aficionados of post-punk will appreciate the various smatterings of sounds that pop up (including some brassy sounding instruments). The track warps and shifts around and adopts a prog-ish experimental vibe – although, where post-punk ends and prog rock begins, who can say? Speaking to the track the band had this to say:   “Buffalo is a meditation on change, loss, and the quiet pull of home. The song captures the tension between nostalgia and escape, the reluctance of chasing a new life while still haunted by where you[...]

Caleb L’Etoile – “Gun”

February 20, 2026

Caleb L’Etoile brings us his latest with the incredibly relevant “Gun.” I won’t get super political, but I’m sure you’ll be able to guess which way Caleb leans within five seconds of watching his music video below. It starts off feeling like a folksy/sea shanty track but shifts the vibe and turns things up to 11. Caleb suggests that the performance below is critical to the overall reception of the track – luckily, we’re fans of the whole package, and have embedded for your convenience.   “Gun” is available streaming via Spotify or below with his Tiny Desk Performance submission. If you want to know more, he did also throw up his musings on Substack. I’m sure my editor takes this out (editor’s note – he didn’t), but the shit happening in Minnesota and around the country isn’t normal and you should vote and support local artists. Release the *redacted*[...]

Feedback Freud – “Hypnosis”

February 20, 2026

Self-described Swedish psycho-pop-rockers Feedback Freud have dropped their latest with “Hypnosis.” It was honestly a treat to listen to and we’ve added it to my big ole mix of songs. It’s truly a raucous affair, with both drums and bass really pulling their weight. Equal parts funk, pop, punk, and psyched-out-whatever really combine into a truly fun track that rewards you for a close listen or ten. You wouldn’t think a band named after guy who thought his mom was hot would write something this catchy… Or maybe they’re the best examples? We’re here for it.   You can hear “Hypnosis” embedded below or on Spotify. No true music video I could find, but that’s level of awesome that we just aren’t ready for as human race because it would probably melt our collective faces.          

Bobby JaGGerJacK – “I Regret It”

February 16, 2026

Cleveland hip hop artist Bobby JaGGerJacK deals with loss through reflection on his latest track, “I Regret It.” Break-ups and personal tragedy inspired JaGGerJacK to get it all out through his pen. Sometimes there are regrets, but sometimes there aren’t. Either way, it’s important to take a step back and look at the rewind. A delicate guitar crawls its way underneath Bobby’s raps on this track, serving as an emotional anchor for Bobby’s lyrics. Add this one to your conscious hip hop tracks – Bobby’s delivery sounds like it’d pair well with some of the best emcees of the alternative 90s hip hop scene. If you’re feeling “I Regret It,” check out our Hip Hop 2026 playlist on Spotify, featuring JaGGerJacK and other exciting rising artists.

Sweets- “WEIRD MONEY”

February 16, 2026

Manchester-based alternative pop artist Sweets gets his ASHTRAY COWBOY project rollout kicked off with an off-the-wall cut appropriately named “WEIRD MONEY.” Blending pop and electronic elements with a punky bravado and rapping delivery, “Weird Money” shows off a wide range of taste for Sweets, and sets up excitement for the album’s release. Lyrically, Sweets breaks down the weird guy/good girl relationship dynamic. “Weird boys get weird money, weird boys get good girls, good girls try to turn into your whole world.” What wins out? Option A: the desire to live life as you please, push your boundaries as an artist and be able to live out of your pocket? Or Options B: the comfort that comes with the gravitational pull of a relationship – where your actions naturally find their way back to how they’d impact your partner? Sweets digs into this and more while being a tastemaker with production choices.[...]

Misty Coast – “Hallucinating”

February 13, 2026

Misty Coast is Linn Frøkedal and Richard Myklebust and their latest is “Hallucinating.” Just based on the album art, I knew I was gonna be a fan, and now, so will you! They shoved quite a bit of sound into this track; it’s chockfull of drums, Synth with a capital S, and possibly a ghost (seriously, right around the 2:20 mark, what is that?!). The psychedelic and dream pop portions of the track cohabitate very well together with Linn Frøkedal’s vocals driving things forward, without feeling rushed.   You can hear “Hallucinating” below, as well as their other single “Always Sun.” I’m not quite sure what the sun is but it sounds nice… New album is out soon, be sure to keep your eyes peeled (but for the album, not the sun!) You can find both (and more) via that Soundcloud embed below or on Spotify.   Misty Coast ·[...]

Shaky – “In a Heartbeat”

February 13, 2026

“In a Heartbeat” is the first single of the year for Shaky and it wastes no time establishing itself with a very un-shaky guitar intro (actually, two seconds and then guitar, but I digress). I felt some fun vibes between the notes – somehow being simultaneously reminded of the Strokes and Bruce Springsteen (check the 1:10 mark and tell me you disagree). Speaking to the track, Jake Hammill had this to say:   “‘In a Heartbeat’ is the feeling of nostalgia. For me, it’s a look back at my life in my early 20s, living in Philly… As I get older and the world gets stranger, I find comfort in my memories of the past – when times were simpler.”   As I was listening before writing I was thinking to myself, “Dang this feels like it would make for a cool music video.” Well fam, not only is there[...]

Pat Faking – “You’ll Find It”

February 12, 2026

I have no idea what Pat Faking alleges to be faking, but it sure as shit ain’t music. Their latest single “You’ll Find It” is a fantastic build up of sounds from the garage rock family of indie rock, with hints of shoegaze haze poking through. The brainchild of Patrick Fagan (I see where the name comes from now), you can tell he either plays bass or really knows how to make killer bass lines with some of the little licks that pop up in the middle and ending stanzas. Combo that with some rawkin’ guitar and his at times ethereal vocals, and you’re in for a (not) faking and very legitimate good time.   You’ll find “You’ll Find It” below from Soundcloud or on Spotify with their other two singles “Easy” and “Have You Had Enough.”   Pat Faking · You’ll Find It