Latest Posts

MATTFOU – “Truth Be Told Again pt. 2”

August 10, 2025

Indie artist MATTFOU takes a break from his fuck ‘n rock outfit HÆDNUT to drop a study beats/conscious hip hop track that sounds right at home in your Nujabes playlist. Paced by piano and trumpets, “Truth Be Told” is a seamless entrant into these genres. MATTFOU’s lyrics focus on empowering the collective willpower while uplifting the next generation. On the hook, he raps “truth be told, we don’t break, even when the world tries to raise the stakes,” and closes out the song with more of this mindset: “I don’t rap to floss, I rap to breathe, to remind the next child what their soul can be.” My favorite conscious hip hop tracks are the ones that are focuses on the greater good – ones that non-hop hop heads can drop in on and see the quality of songwriting. That’s what MATTFOU’s done here, and he’s also done it on[...]

Amateur Hockey Club – “UPPERCASE!”

August 8, 2025

Stalwart Buffalo-based emo-punks Amateur Hockey Club are back with a brand new song, “UPPERCASE!,” found on the recently-released (August 1st, 2025) three-song-EP of the same name. The title-track is built around a jaunty lead guitar riff and razor-sharp vocals, playing around with pop-punk undertones, but mostly adhering to a Motion City Soundtrack meets Third Eye Blind kind of power pop… aka “IPA-rock,” as they’ve affectionately (and somehow accurately) deemed themselves. Even though the song’s about battling negative self talk, it’s a fun and engaging ride across its 2:41 run time, which includes a guitar solo, some tasty self-deprecation, and lots of energy.   Check out “UPPERCASE!” on Apple Music, Spotify, or the Soundcloud embed below.   Amateur Hockey Club · UPPERCASE!

Chammeili – “Call Me When”

August 6, 2025

Kaamya Sharma, the brains behind Chammeili, brings us their latest single “Call Me When.” Sad girl summer may give way to over-depressed fall, but good sad music knows no season. Driven by guitar that ebbs and flows with Sharma’s vocals, this is the perfect track to listen as the nights grow longer and/or your relationship slowly crumbles away and you’re looking for anything to grab onto (too specific?). You can feel the emotion in every note and what’s left unsaid. Speaking to the track, Sharma had this to say:   “It’s difficult to miss someone so much knowing there is no going back… Making it was cathartic. It’s a song people can sing along to in their cars in the last moments of heartbreak, right before they move the hell on.”   You can listen to “Call Me When” below on YouTube or over on Spotify. The band’s linktree has[...]

Geowulf – “Top Down”

August 6, 2025

“Top Down” is the latest from Australia based Star Kendrick, the brains behind Geowolf (I am uncertain if gee-oh-wolf or jay-oh-wolf, but lets rock with the former). Regardless of pronunciation, you’re treated to a synthy pop princess clearly in her prime. Rocking an 80’s vibes with a very fresh feel, synth and drums with a touch of bass lock in with Kendrick’s wispy yet strong vocals.   Sure sounds like sunshine and lollipops right? Not quite :(. Kendrick, speaking to the track:   “Written mostly about my struggle to recover from postnatal anxiety, its lyrics reflect an unraveling and a quiet cry for help. But then my producer and friend, Duncan Mills, breathed new life into it, turning it into this unexpected upbeat banger.”   You can hear “Top Down” embedded below from Soundcloud, or over on Spotify. Be sure to note the release countdown for her “Twinkly Depression” EP[...]

Tiberius – “Sag”

August 5, 2025

“Sag” is certainly an interesting name for a track and I’m willing to bet you’ll be into the latest from Tiberius. It’s a well-developed treatise on self reflection filled to the brim with brilliantly layered guitar that leans into a poppier so-called “farm emo” that adherents of the ole Midwest sound will appreciate. Speaking to the track songwriter Brendan Write had this to say:   “I wrote ‘Sag’ when I was really playing the ‘comparison game’ in my head and asking myself what role I wanted music to play in my life. It was the first in a batch about looking at yourself in relation to the others around you and trying to decipher who you are without that context.”   You can hear “Sag” below from the band’s Soundcloud. You can add it to your playlists on Bandcamp and Spotify. The new album, Troubadour will be available November 14.  [...]

Foot Ox – “Bleached Yellow”

August 5, 2025

Missing your dose of indie folk this week like my buddy Ronald? Look no further! Foot Ox brings us their latest track “Bleached Yellow” released in anticipation of their August 11 album A Lighthouse with Silver Dog Eyes.   Teague Cullen is the brains behind Foot Ox, but in the spirit of folk/country, there is a load of different musicians who step in makes for a very wholesome vibe. Written and inspired by/about Cullen’s travels through the American West, Foot Ox clearly plays with themes of nostalgia, playing around with multiple genres without ever pigeonholing themselves into one. The front loaded guitar will fill your soul proper while the nails from the drum and bass will keep things pinned solidly in place.   You can hear “Bleached Yellow” below from Bandcamp and of course on Spotify! You can find the new album, A Lighthouse with Silver Dog Eyes, in those[...]

Doter Sweetly – “sundown”

August 5, 2025

“sundown” is the latest single from Doter Sweetly, based out of Memphis. Writing under the name of Elijah Poston, to avoid any confusion with his non-human persona, Doter Sweetly/Poston have crafted a soothing jazzy infused lil number.   Somehow simultaneously slapping harder than most but not melting our eardrums with their awesomeness, the combination of perfectly picked guitar and offbeat drums really make you get into a *groove*. This is a perfect bath and cannabis track and I triple dog dare you to prove me wrong.   You can hear “sundown” below from Doter Sweetly’s YouTube as well as Apple Music and Spotify. I’m no meteorologist, but two singles after an almost ten year hiatus are hopefully a harbinger of things to come. Stayed tuned for more and all hail our new musical overlord Doter Sweetly.  

Men Without Hats – “I ❤️ the ’80s”

August 4, 2025

Men Without Hats – yes, that Men Without Hats – the electro-pop pioneers you might recognize from “The Safety Dance” or “Pop Goes The World,” are back with a brand new single. “I ❤️ the ’80s” takes us on a nostalgic journey, a self-aware homage to the deep love that folks have for the big-hair-era… And beyond the references to Terminator, “Just Like Heaven,” and The Fixx, Doroschuk & co. have written something genuinely catchy. The band never abandons their roots (there’s an actual vintage Prophet 5 synth on this particular recording) with more than a couple cheeky nods to their hits and an undeniable synth lead, but the modern day production helps keep this one rooted in our current zeitgeist. Queue this one up at your next family get together – we bet your mom’s going to love it too.   Check out the official music video for “I ❤️[...]

IAMJALEO – “Call Out”

August 4, 2025

Alternative hip hop artist IAMJALEO knows his worth. His latest release “Call Out” narrates the all-too-familiar sense of feeling undervalued. Through the lens of his less-than-satisfactory 9-5, IAMJALEO discusses how the time and energy suck away valuable time from creating art. Despite the temptation of calling out (as hinted in the song name and hook), paying rent and actually funding artistic passions keeps IAMJALEO and countless others clocking in when their heart and mind couldn’t be elsewhere. Their outlet becomes venting through art, which does benefit us listeners when it’s this well done and creative. “Call Out” boasts a backdrop of jazzy guitar runs and a chorus way more engaging than the job IAMJAELO likely crafted it during. If you’re digging, take a listen to more of his work on Spotify and check him out on our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist, updated every single week with dope new[...]

khi – “star ignite”

August 1, 2025

What I dig the most about Atlanta rapper khi is the attention to detail within his bars. His latest track, “star ignite” is jam packed with internal rhymes schemes and seamless transitions to new lines and thoughts. ITs smoothness feels like a stream of conscious but it’s way too technically sound for that. khi’s nonchalant delivery and expert use of assonance position “star ignite” as a track you could throw right into the queue alongside Earl Sweatshirt. Lyrically, khi uses this track to discuss the isolationism tactics that have fueled his skills and his rise. When there’s limited time in the day to pursue your dreams, sometimes answering the phone moves down the list of priorities.  Get a better idea of khi by taking a quick stop on YouTube to check out this track’s visual. Stay up to speed with khi on Spotify, and while you’re there check out our[...]

Statz – “SATURDAYS WITH JOE” ft. Dez Luciano

August 1, 2025

Harlem’s Statz builds on his family legacy with his latest effort, “SATURDAYS WITH JOE.” The grandson of a 1950s doo-wop singer, Statz has an ear for soulful melodies and certainly put them to use with the production on this cut. “JOE” is built off of lovely simple sunburst vintage loop, sounding like something Party Supplies or Harry Fraud would have dropped closer to the mid 2010s. Statz and featured artist Dez Luciano offer their philosophical advice on the way people should approach life. Take this one for a spin and pick up some streetwise musings while you cruise through an orange summer evening. IF you’re digging Statz, check out more from him on Spotify. While you’re there, take our Underground and Emerging Hip Hop playlist for a spin – it’s updated with new artist every single week.

iced – “oh, you mad?”

August 1, 2025

Canada rapper iced stays cool in the face of bombastic bass – creating a memorable new single up north with his recent release “oh, you mad?” Built on a meth-fueled xylophone synth line and heavily distorted bottom half, iced brings suitably unpredictable balance. His flows run from frenetic to nonchalant and playful to menacing. Take “oh, you mad” for a spin and add this to your car playlists to test out those speakers your parents got you for Christmas. If you’re interested in more from iced, take a look at his Spotify page, where you’ll find a few other 2025 highlights from the artist, including the singles “LIL BOY” and “EXPOSED.” While you’re there, take a listen to our New and Emerging Hip Hop playlist, where you’ll find more exciting new artists every single week.

SWOLL – “The Wind At Night”

July 30, 2025

Baltimore based Matthew Dowling is the brains behind SWOLL and “The Wind At Night” is their latest single… and WOW does it leave it all on the turntable. The heavy bass layered breakdowns give a prog rock vibe, but don’t let that scare you away, as this is a track that defies any attempt at pigeonholing. You can feel some electronica, shoegaze, and post-punk vibes throughout, as well as good ole fashioned rock ‘n roll. I personally enjoyed the the high falsetto/synth/whatever the HECK was going on in the choruses (you can hear around 1:45 mark). It reminded me of something I couldn’t quite put my finger on, but I liked it.   The music video (with lyrics) is available on YouTube embedded below or over on Spotify. Fans of bands like Death From Above 1979 would find a lot to enjoy here, especially with the layers and layers of[...]

Lynz – “just wanna be yours”

July 30, 2025

LA based act Lynz gets to leave Buffalo, but there’s a secret agreement where we have to mention if an artist originally hails from here (sorry if you’re trying to fly under the radar). Her latest single, “just wanna be yours” is her second (the first being “Fallin’), and it’s a nicely layered indie pop track (more cake than onion).   Lynz starts off with gentle acoustic guitar that gives way to a reaaaaally groovin’ bass beat that meshes with drums and other effects. If it doesn’t have you bobbing your head or swaying your hips, we’d encourage you to get checked out for something… Anything really. Once it gets to the proto-disco beat please please please turn up the volume and tell me you don’t feel something.   “just wanna be yours” is available in the usual gamut of of streaming: Soundcloud, Apple Music, and Spotify. You can hear[...]

Mookie – “Energy”

July 28, 2025

If you’ve been keeping your ears to the Allen St., then indie-pop act Mookie should already be on your radar. Since forming just over a year ago, the band has been consistently on the grind playing local line-ups and adding their jangly energy to the bills. Earlier this month, Mookie released a video for their first single “Energy,” which was filmed at popular queer bar, TwentySixAllen. The song “Energy” is all about the early stages of a romance and navigating the line of excitement and vulnerability.  Sound-wise, the track is accessible, fun, and catchy, much like lead guitarist / singer Russell Leone’s previous work in Sofa Kings, who buzzed around Buffalo in the later 2010s.  Mookie could be compared to San Cisco, Rilo Kiley, or Frankie Cosmos with their upbeat, bounce-y vibes. Check out the video below.