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Flapjaques, casey plays the keyboard, and Naithemosthigh – “side eye”

November 3, 2025

The Chicago-based trio of Flapjaques, casey plays the keyboard, and Naithemosthigh each bring a special element to their latest single, “side eye.” The production tone is set early, with the swirlings of beatmaker Flapjaques who found a way to make a fuzzy lo-fi beat also sound like it came from Outerspace. Naithemosthigh’s raspy vocal tone is a great compliment to the shimmering beat. He shifts smoothly between a catchy singing hook and bold rapping delivery on the verses. You’ll never guess what casey is up to on this track. In all seriousness though, his care with the keys elevates this track and adds a grounding jazzy element to this otherworldy track. If you’re digging more from this trio, check them out on Spotify. While you’re there, give our New and Emerging Rappers playlist a spin – we update it with exciting new artists every single week.

Big Dese and Mike Martinez – “Word to Mick”

October 30, 2025

Artist/producer Mike Martinez and his collaborator Big Dese have found some magic in their new single, “Word to Mick.” Poignant, hilarious bars and an unafraid beat create a listening experience perfect for your hip hop head playlists. Production here is grounded in the simplicity of the fluttering orchestral strings on a short loop that seems to give lyrics an extra oomph. Big Dese and Mike Martinez are one-liner experts, toeing a line with comedy with how funny and outlandish their lyrics and delivery are. I got into this production style when first discovering Action Bronson and his work with Party Supplies, and I’m a sucker for it to this day. “Word to Mick” appears on NO RESPECT 2, a new aptly titled and covered project that features more of Dese’s incisive, self-depricating lyricism and Mike’s charismatic vocals and artistic ear for production. If you want to hear more like “Word[...]

Ronnie Gotcha and Odeljones – “MIBG”

October 30, 2025

The latest single from Colorado Springs duo Ronnie Gotcha and Odeljones might have my ideal hip hop beat attached to it. “MIBG” (“Music is the Biggest Glock”) starts off with a bang – er, actually a cocked gun. But when the beat picks up, we get a simple boom bap drum beat, a prolonged synth chord, and my personal favorite – randomly appearing piano drops you’d hear from the underground hip hop scenes of Madib and DOOM. Ronnie and Odel are at home in this beat – one that seems both structured and schizo. Their lyrics tell tales of of a changed rap game. Street flexes don’t hit the same to these guys – they’re focused on tearing up their opponents on the microphone, as evidence by the name of the track. “MIBG” is the title track on the latest collaboration from these two: Music is the Biggest Glock pt.[...]

Violet UltraRay – “girl in a tree”

October 30, 2025

“I needed to come down from negative tree I was in so wrote this song instead to chill out.”   When Violet UltraRay needs to come down from a proverbial tree, she just writes a song about it. For her second (!) release – we’d say she did a pretty good job. “girl in a tree” is London shoegaze at its finest. Built around a catchy guitar riff, the verses of this song capture your attention instantly… But the payoff is truly in the insanely catchy chorus that explodes with shoegazy goodness. “She said take it easy” is about to be stuck in your head for the next few days.   Check it out via YouTube (below) or Spotify.    

Pagodas – “Blanket Ban”

October 30, 2025

Pagodas is a twee-sounding five-piece that might trip you up with “Blanket Ban.” At first, it’s all Shins-esque plucking – a fun rhythm and sunshine-y energy that pushes forth with a perfect amount of pep, but never truly explodes… That all changes at 1:58, when the band abruptly changes directions for an exceptional outro, pairing blasts of distorted guitar with catchy vocals and neurotic riffing. The result had us replay the song instantly to make sure we heard everything correctly – turns out we did, and that’s why we’re writing about it now.   “Blanket Ban” is out now on In A Box Records. Check it out via the bandcamp embed below, or, add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.   Blanket Ban by Pagodas

Dylan James – “Stylite”

October 30, 2025

Dylan James is just a regular guy (with a name that would further bolster that hypothesis), but there’s nothing ordinary about the blast of energy he just released called “Stylite.” After a 10 year absence from music writing (it happens!), Dylan found himself grieving life happenings by picking up his guitar again. Out poured “Stylite,” a start-stop explosion of indie rock energy full of riffing, rhythmic jauntiness, and Dylan’s passionate vocal delivery. This sounds huge, Dylan… Never put down your guitar again.   Get a good feel for “Stylite” via the bandcamp embed (below) – you can also find it on Spotify.   Stylite by Dylan James

Genoese Speed – “THIN ICE”

October 30, 2025

Genoese Speed wasn’t the plan – but when do the best-laid plans ever work out? Instead GS figurehead Shelby Jean stumbled upon this sound by accident – perhaps best embodied by latest single, “THIN ICE.” Largely guitar-driven, the denizen of Nashville conjures up an icy, indie rock sound – powered significantly by Shelby’s vocals, but making great use of driven guitar, bell-like leads, and lush layers of reverb. Put this on your play list next to Jay Som, Soccer Mommy, and/or Waxahatchee.   “THIN ICE” is available via Soundcloud (below), Spotify, and Apple Music.   Genoese Speed · THIN ICE

zahra – “bloom”

October 30, 2025

What is there to say about an acoustic backbone of a song – like “bloom” by zahra? It’s one of those breathless songs that sucks all the air out of the room (in a good way) – utilizing hush-hush, layered singing (a la Elliott Smith); minimal percussion; and gently-plucked acoustic guitars to great effect. Raised in Rochester, NY (our neighbor!), zahra aims to use unique songwriting tricks to convey emotion with without becoming monotonous – the warm and fuzzy tape-esque production value here certainly adds to that ambiance.   “bloom” is available now on bandcamp (below), Spotify, and Apple Music.   bloom by zahra

mel denisse – “going nowhere”

October 30, 2025

mel denisse gazes so hard at her shoes in new single “going nowhere,” she might burn a hole through the floor. Inspired by a fantasy novel (The Serpent & the Wings of Night to be specific), “going nowhere” dives into themes of survival; feeling invisible; and being an outsider. For those that may resonate with those themes, “going nowhere” is going to be a welcome addition to your melancholy playlist – with an instrumental that encapsulates the feeling of a rainy day, this song sounds like it was recorded underwater with rays of sun beaming down through the salty waves. Perfect on any playlist next to Slowdive, MBV, or anything with sad girl vibes.   “going nowhere” is available on both Spotify and Apple Music.   mel denisse · going nowhere

Drift City – Spectral Heart Mosaics

October 28, 2025

Kentucky-based musical effort, Drift City, plants a promising seed with their latest EP release, Spectral Heart Mosaics. From start to finish, the folk-and-jazz-and-blues-inspired band presents themselves very professionally – the sounds, accurate; the production (see: Kevin Ratterman), thick and palpable. There is a wide variety of instruments utilized throughout the EP, like lulling saxophones and zipping synthesizers. While the songs wrap the listener in a dampening mist of tangible relaxation, the overall feel of this music collection is hopeful, pushing toward self-growth, as well as somewhat spiritual.   The EP opener, “Leave Your Life,” listens like the soundtrack of a mood-lit lazy river. Immediately, one may take note of the vocal delivery, falling somewhere between Iggy Pop crossed with The National. After a brilliant saxophone solo, there is a pleasing shift in feel when the drummer strikes the ride with brushes more consistently, lending to a relaxing, jazzy feel. Song[...]

D.R. Da Rula – “NEW LIFE”

October 25, 2025

Detroit’s D.R. Da Rula brings innovation and authenticity to his rhymes, and his lates track “NEW LIFE” is no different. Da Rula’s rhyming meter gives “NEW LIFE” a freshness that you’re not gonna hear in a lot of new rap songs. Lines go long – the rhyme doesn’t resolve when you expect it to. Right when you start to think he’s ignoring the beat, it resolves and satisfyingly scratches an itch before hopping right into another. “NEW LIFE’s” production samples some retro throwbacks, and its softness juxtaposes well with the edges Rula carries with his rhymes. With a nonchalant, conversational tone he delivers lines equally menacing, introspective and descriptive. “Same day I had my son, i bought a new pipe.” We’re excited to hear more from him. Stream more of Da Rula’s work on Spotify, where he leads off our recently updated New and Rising Rappers playlist.

Doottak – “Glow”

October 25, 2025

Doottak is about to defeat you with the quiet crush of latest single, “Glow.” Sounding like some perfect amalgamation of Pinback and Electric President/Radical Face, “Glow” has those trademark plucky guitars and gentle vocals that you’d expect from a Rob Crow or Ben Cooper composition. This is one of those bedroom-pop songs that feels like it was accidentally and perfectly literally created in Doottak’s bedroom… Bonus: once you’ve let this one sink deep into your soul, give it a re-listen and take in that nimble bassline. *perfection*.   Let “Glow” wash over you by clicking on the incredibly convenient YouTube embed we’ve provided below.  

Blond:ish x Notre Dame x Black Circle – “Higher (Notre Dame Remix)”

October 25, 2025

Blond:ish, Notre Dame, & Black Circle teamed up for a slice of progressive house they’re collectively calling “Higher.” If this isn’t already a dancefloor anthem, it’s only a matter of time. With it’s accessible repetitiveness, jittery synth play, and overall hypnotic pulse, “Higher” is a song meant to be danced to. Let the drop wash over you, take in the earworm refrain, and remember 2012 when you were still able to drink your ass off until 4am at the club. Good times.   “Higher” is embedded below (YouTube), but you can also find it on Spotify and Apple Music.  

Kaia Müller – “The best of me”

October 25, 2025

Sometimes it’s all about the bassline – ask Oregon-based Kaia Müller on her latest single, “The best of me.” “The best of me is yet to come / if it ever does” Kaia muses existentially, with a sassy, sprechgesang – echoing a sentiment we all have at times… Are we ever going to be the best version of ourselves? Who knows. But Kaia’s gotta be close… I repeat – that bassline.   “The best of me” is embedded below – enjoy.  

Fool Nelson – “Forget It”

October 25, 2025

Perth’s Fool Nelson have been filling a The Get Up Kids-sized hole in our hearts – one listen to “Forget It” might help you understand why. They’re already popping off in Australia, and we’re betting they’re gonna connect with audiences worldwide with their ready-made hooks, crunchy guitar, and accessible emo punk vibes. The trio of brothers/best friend have an undeniable chemistry, writing songs that reflect their upbringing in 90s/00s surf/skate culture down under… If you know us, that’s right up our alley. Check it out – you’re gonna love it.   Check out “Forget It” via the forbidden YouTube embed below, or, click this link to get to their Spotify.