New Music

Ciao Lucifer – “So Good It Hurts”

July 11, 2022

Netherlands-based duo Ciao Lucifer are at it again with new single “So Good It Hurts.” Propelled by powerful falsetto crooning, spindly guitar leads, and an infectious 3/4 beat, “Hurts” would fit comfortably on a playlist next to your favorite Vampire Weekend or Phoenix songs. Lyrically, the song tackles the complication relationship between loving something so much that you’re jealous of it – “When something’s so good, it hurts.” You can also enjoy the song on Spotify. Ciao Lucifer · So Good It Hurts

Katie Toupin – “Adam’s Song”

July 5, 2022

Blink-182 needs no introduction… But Katie Toupin‘s heart wrenching take on “Adam’s Song” certainly deserves one. Toupin’s unique drawl and indie-folk approach add a surprisingly fitting twang to the Blink classic. It’s even Mark Hoppus approved – he reposted it during his battle with Leukemia, which ignited a fan-funded covers EP for Katie; all proceeds from streams of “Adam’s Song” are going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – so stream the hell out of it. Listen to “Adam’s Song” on Spotify and Apple Music.

Strawberry Blonde – “Stay”

July 5, 2022

Strawberry Blonde stray from their usual indie-emo path (but not TOO far) on latest single, “Stay.” The quintet explores unique synth textures overtop of their emotionally-laden music which is reminiscent of contemporaries like Foxing or American Football (note the brass accompaniment around 3:30). Having formed at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music back in 2015, SB has lots of offer in terms of musicianship – sit back and enjoy the nuanced instrumentation wrapped up in the context of an indie-pop song. You can find Strawberry Blonde’s entire discography on Spotify. Strawberry Blonde · Stay

Kelp – “WannabeNobody”

July 5, 2022

“WannabeNobody” is a new direction for Irish act Kelp, who has refined their usual “cutting-edge Vaporwave elevator-jingles” into something poppy and catchy. “Nobody” is full of quirky bleeps and bloops, indicative of Vaporwave, but is also ruthlessly catchy and surprisingly refined – a vibe that continues throughout the entire song. About “Nobody,” Kelp says: “… it made me think of the idea of impulsiveness, but coupled with anxiety. So, it’s knowing your actions have consequences, but going through with it just to, maybe feel alright for even a little bit, at possibly a great cost.” Check out all the different ways to listen to “WannabeNobody” here.

Khi’leb – “Where The Food At”

July 5, 2022

Coming in like a mortar, Khi’leb went absolutely ballistic on “Where The Food At.” The instrumental also has a dynamic switch from battle mode to blissful, so quickly, yet seamless. “Where The Food At ” has an impeccable beat, including 808s that will shake windows, perfectly timed percussion, and it’s tied all together with some graceful piano; bells; and what sounds like a choir from the future. The vocals are also both delivered and engineered to perfection courtesy of Wy’es Wayo who handled all production on the action packed, two-and-a-half minute track: “Where The Food At.” Stream “Where the Food At” on Spotify and YouTube

Shoebox Benny – “Straight”

July 5, 2022

Before there was Car Bombs, there was “Straight.” Shoebox Benny decided to grace his fans with some visuals to the first single of his sophomore album, and let’s just say they generously compliment the track. Shot in the Chicago MC’s favorite places on the West Side, the warm orange colors combined with the cut-out letter font make the song come off a lot more casual in a great way. It also helps that Shoebox Benny is floating every second he speaks. You won’t be surprised what $50,000 off dope money would make you do, but you probably will when you find out what your girl does with Shoebox Benny behind your back. Watch the “Straight” music video on YouTube

Rokeaux – “Charmin’ Tha Snakes”

July 5, 2022

With a voice that deserves a trademark, it’s no surprise that the LA-based phenomenon known as Rokeaux took his latest single to the next level. “Charmin’ Tha Snakes” is one of those songs that will enhance whatever it is you’re feeling ten-fold, but with a garnish of triumphant beauty. The entire track is an extended metaphor comparing close ones to snakes and Rokeaux executes it to perfection, from the words he said, to the very way he sang them. “Charmin’ Tha Snakes” was released on June 25th of 2022 and is intended to be played at very high volumes in the summertime. Stream it now on Spotify and Apple Music Rokeaux · ROKEAUX – CHARMIN’ THA SNAKES

TRY X Earthgang – “Clarity”

July 3, 2022

What happens when you combine one of the most authentically versatile groups in the rap game with an indie-electronic duo? Something like smoking and swimming for the first time thinking it’s no big deal until you’re literally floating. The duo known as Try is composed of Sam i and Shmuck the Loyal who banded together with the legendary Earthgang to bring us their latest single, “Clarity.” The track sounds like it was baptized in an ocean of fire and the video looks like it was directed in Hollywood, but it was directed by no other than the first half of Try, AKA Sam i. “Clarity” was the first single off of their debut project “Chapter One” – it’s out now on all streaming platforms. Watch the music video for “Clarity” on YouTube below. Stream it on Spotify too

Digging for Kanky – “Still Digging”

July 3, 2022

This track was marked for death as soon as you pressed play and those church bells rang… The executioner is none other than trip-hop duo Digging for Kanky on their latest track “Still Digging.” With a delivery of death itself carried across the track by hauntingly hellish bells through explicitly innovative lyrics, “Still Digging” is some of Digging For Kanky’s best work to date. They somehow captured the eeriness of a silent horror film and implemented those same thrilling sensations on a record. The single was released just days ago on June 24th of 2022 but it’s never too early to get ready for Halloween! (I’m so serious). Stream it on Apple Music & Spotify Digging For Kanky · Still Digging

Foster – “Wish You Were Here”

July 3, 2022

The up & coming youngin’ by the name of Foster caught quite a bit of buzz with his new single, “Wish You Were Here.” Just another day in the life for the singer/songwriter with over one million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. Foster houses his hardships in these indestructible, head-tilting harmonics that make you feel vulnerable yet safe. “Last night I knew just what to say but you weren’t here to hear it; my self destructive tendencies are always interfering” is something each & anyone of us has felt somewhere along the lines of this crazy thing we call life. Stream it on Spotify and Apple Music

Howdy, Cherry – “Youth”

June 25, 2022

Howdy, Cherry (aka Brooklyn native Caroline Lazar) has been buzzing – she’s about ready to take over the internet with her debut EP, Youth. We’ve been hooked on the title track – a forlorn, guitar-based slice of bedroom-pop-meets-indie-folk that will surely appeal to fans of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Soccer Mommy. About the song, Howdy, Cherry says: “‘Youth’ is about being utterly lonely and stupid in love and being young when the world feels like it’s over.” We’ve all been there, Caroline! She just happened to frame it perfectly in the context of an indie-pop song. You can also find “Youth” on Spotify. Howdy, Cherry · Youth

The Real (feat. Jay Zels & Levigotit) – Yell Ell

June 25, 2022

“Dear Lord, let the real reign supreme” is too fitting to be Yell Ell’s first line back since his 2021 LP, Larry Legend. The Delaware MC wanted to remind everyone not that “The Real” was back, but that it had never left in the first place. Ell brought some friends by the names of Jay Zels and LeviGotIt along for the PSA to help him convey the message and they came loud and clear. You can hear the hunger and sincerity within the vocals of each artist on “The Real.” It’s a thrill to witness multiple artists come together and sound so connected yet authentic to themselves and that’s exactly the type of ride “The Real” will take you on. Stream it on Spotify and Apple Music

FANG – “Pr0 Pa!n”

June 25, 2022

What was done on “Pr0 Pa!n” by FANG is something you have never experienced before and is something you will likely never forget. The tone of production is apocalyptic in a beautiful and infectious way. FANG brings a wide range of delivery in the short span of two and a half minutes and leaves you craving more by doing so. Picture a Travis Scott song but FANG somehow manages to increase the rage factor; that’s about what you can expect while bumping his latest drop: “Pr0 Pa!n.” Stream “Pr0 Pa!n” on Spotify and SoundCloud FANG · Pr0 Pa!n (feat. Sebastian Rex)

4KPHIL – “Pay Per View (Intro)”

June 25, 2022

From the kick back flows to the abrupt beat switches, “Pay Per View Intro” is one of the most captivating pilots of a project I’ve ever heard. The production was handled by none other than Soupy2k and 4KPHIL himself. If you believe “hip-hop doesn’t hit like they used to” &/or “It’s not music you can really feel,” then get yourself a full dose of “Pay Per View (Intro).” As it’s essentially compiled of two tracks hollowed out by a type of nostalgia you forgot even existed; I’m talking Trix Yogurt Swirls and Cinnabon Cereal days. Take a both sonic and scenic trip with 4KPHIL on this intro of his. Stream it on Spotify and Apple Music too 4KPHIL. · PPV (Pay-Per-View) [FULL ALBUM]

Pastel Blank – “Fences”

June 24, 2022

Somewhere between the slacker rock of Pavement, the tightly-wound compositions of Talking Heads, and the angular freak-outs of Parquet Courts lies Pastel Blank‘s new single, “Fences.” The band fills the song with buzzing guitar riffs, choppy rhythms, and just enough sauce on the vocals to keep things interesting. About the lyrical content of the song, songwriter Angus Watt says: “‘Fences’ is a strawman song. I wanted to write about proud fence-sitters who mask indecision as an intellectual and moral virtue. I pulled a few examples from various conversations, but to be honest, this song is also quite self-critical. I wanted to poke fun at this type of person, and parts of myself. Though ultimately, I think the song is more ‘fun’ than ‘poke’” You can also find “Fences” on Spotify.