Latest Posts

nazire – “junebug”

Based out Istanbul, nazire brings us her latest single “junebug,” released in anticipation of her next album glitchfolk. With “junebug,” nazire has crafted a well tuned machine of shoegaze; phuzzed out guitars layered with drums that pull back to let nazire’s vocals breathe. If you listen to some of her earlier tracks you’ll find some electronica and lo-fi leanings that give a fuller picture of her musical journey. It’s always fun to connect the dots and seeing musicians grow their sound, which is easier now than ever with everything being online.   You can hear “junebug” below from YouTube or over on Spotify. Keep your ears out for her album glitchfolk and check out her back catalogue if you’ve enjoyed what you heard today! I usually drop a follow on an artist via their Spotify and/or their socials to keep abreast of their comings and goings.  

Jordan Burgett – “KILL SUM”

Cedar Rapids rapper Jordan Burgett bends genres with the best of ’em. His latest single, “KILL SUM” grabs elements of industrial, rap rock, and traditional hip hop to create a highly memorable new single for the up-and-comer. Burgett’s delivery has a snarl to it, and on this track he couples the hyena delivery with aggressive, in-your-face lyrics that capture the energy of the song’s title. Producer Residing Elsewhere, another Iowa tastemaker, plays a key role in the track’s aesthetic, introducing trash can drums and fuzzy skin-shaking bass lines for Jordan to attack. Listen to more from this duo on their latest collaborative EP RUBY PINES. If you’re feeling “KILL SUM,” check Jordan out on Spotify. While you’re there, give our New Rappers 2025 playlist a listen — you might find your next favorite artist on there.

Mark Arabia – HOW WE GOT HERE

Mark Arabia‘s debut album has an all-too-common backstory – it was inspired by a breakup… But let’s be real, the best albums always come from pain. There’s no surprises here – Arabia’s latest, the 11-song HOW WE GOT HERE is full of the stuff you would have gone crazy to back in high school (at least if you were in high school when I was). If you’re a high schooler now, I have no idea how to relate to you, but we’re pretty sure you’re gonna like this too. Mark’s stuff is a throwback to the storytelling greats of ’00s pop punk – and whether you decide to hear Blink-182, All Time Low, Owl City, or Machine Gun Kelly in Mark’s sharp and polished songwriting, he’s still entering the pop-punk oeuvre with a strong narrative of his own.   The album kicks off with title track “HOW WE GOT HERE,” and[...]

Isaiah Shoticaury, SUDI and Fisaya – “close to me”

Our friends across the pond are dropping track after track of fresh and familiar hip hop in recent years, putting their own spin on sounds we’ve been rocking with. “close to me” is the latest track from a trio of artists —Isaiah Shoticaury, SUDI and Fisaya— and it’s another addition to this burgeoning scene that’s evolved far beyond drill. Each of these artists blends melodic OVO sounds with experimental interplay with the production. This track heavily features swirling female R+B samples, and they’re often used to close out lines, interject into verses, and create a swirling effect to how we hear the vocals. Though the beat remains smooth, the different vocals we hear in the sample and each artists’ input really makes this production feel unique. Give it a spin and let us know what you think! If you’re into “close to me”  check out each of these artists on[...]

VEEK – “MOVE.”

Sweden’s VEEK has only one mission when you listen to their new song, “MOVE.” See below:   “Stay in the moment.”   With hooks aplenty, gurgling bass drops, and perfect vocal samples, “MOVE.” sets out to do exactly that. This is tailor-made for dancefloor bliss – let the powerful EDM wash over you and take over. It’s minimal, but sounds lush. It’s raw and emotional, but sounds polished. That’s VEEK’s power as a producer, and it will certainly come through when you lose yourself to this one at the club.   “MOVE.” is on Apple Music and Spotify.   VEEK · MOVE.

Astronaut Head – “Talk To Frank”

Once again returning to buffaBLOG, Astronaut Head, the solo project of Buffalo’s Jessica Stoddard, treats us to an epic, movie soundtrack-esque piece of lo-fi, indie trip hop called “Talk To Frank.” Stoddard has worked on projects that are at least part-Scottish, such as The Deep Red Sky and The Little Birds. Not too long ago, Astronaut Head also released the 5-song EP Meek Moon, a musical grouping reviewed by buffaBLOG’s Ronald Walczyk. The EP departs from Stoddard’s past creative endeavors, and presents with an alienesque echo. “Talk To Frank” is a similar, yet continued evolution of Stoddard’s journey – it is drenched in reverb with titillating synthesizers and massive electronic drum queues. The song provokes, all at once, intense introspection and dream-like entrancement. It feels natural despite its intensity at times.   Stoddard is very mindful, exact, and practiced in her approach to songwriting and musical production. One can definitely[...]

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

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”

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”

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”

“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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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