Latest Posts

D-NiAL and TrippyThaKid – “Pac-Man!”

June 18, 2026

The soundtrack to PAC-MAN! is a lot more experimental than I remember. This collaborative effort from rappers D-NiAL (Canada) and TrippyThaKid (New Jersey) is built off sugary electronic synth line and bumbling bass that feels like PAC-MAN! might have been hitting up the carnival for a plug. D-NiAL’s crafted an earworm of a hook, expertly airbrushed with some autotune to hack its way into your ear drums. Trippy has some awesome subversive lines, parlaying the neverending war coverage on the news with a hankering to play some Call of Duty. It’s a bit of a ridiculous sounding track, and it’s expertly delivered by two rising artists in the genre. If you’re feeling the dark arcade vibes of D-NiAL and TrippyThaKid, check them out on Spotify. While you’re there, give our Best Underground of 2026 Playlist a spin. Tons of dope new artists to discover on there and we update it every[...]

Kimi – “Make Up”

June 18, 2026

Dutch rapper Kimi proves that modern drill isn’t limited to the UK on his latest effort, “Make Up.” The track’s title is essentially the only English in the track, and it’s additive to its charm. Kimi hits all the marks of a hit drill track – an infectious loop that drives the entire beat, snappy drums and a relentless on the microphone. The rim hits on this percussion also set the track apart from others in the genre. KIMI finds his groove alongside it, adding a relentless that pairs well with the production. Give this a listen and add it to your gym playlist – drill knows no boundaries! Check out Kimi on Spotify – he’s on a run of great new tracks. While you’re there, peep our Best Underground Hip Hop playlist, updated for the best new tracks of 2026.

Jerré – “Bread”

June 15, 2026

If you’re ready for a kick in the ass, but in like a chill way, this new one from NYC rapper Jerré is worth checking out. Jerré’s lyrics serve to separate the dreamers from the doers. No time for scrolling — rent’s gotta get paid, and there’s work to be done if you’re going to get what you want in this life. The beat is punctuated by hand drum sounds, a walking standup bass line and zappy guitar that slithers in and out of the instrumental.His message is incisive, but his flow remains mellow and synchronized with the steady grooves offered by production. “Bread” is the latest single from the upcoming project Working HeadsCheck out more from the NYC artist on Spotify. You’ll also find “Bread” on our Best Hip Hop of 2026 playlist, updated every single week.

Ava Trepeck – “Wolves”

June 15, 2026

Ava Trepeck is here to soothe you with her potent brand of indie folk. “Wolves” is as relaxing as it comes – new age drums, gauzy synths, and twinkling string instruments paint an ethereal picture for Ava to paint with her stunning vocals. This is one of those songs that reminds you there’s more to life than just a heady hook (although I think this is pretty catchy, ngl) – instead, “Wolves” is more of a meditation… A chance to take a step back and appreciate a little slice of beauty. Put this one on and bliss out – you deserve it.   You can find “Wolves” on YouTube (embedded below), or, on Spotify.    

Irish Hip Hop Shy MAscot

Shy Mascot – “Prince Lotor Flow”

June 10, 2026

Irish Hip Hop continues to have a moment. Though sonically it’s more Roots than Kneecap, “Prince Lotor Flow” from Shy Mascot is another reminder of the rapping prowess steadily present on the the Emerald Isle. The latest single from the jazzy hip hop group is built on a bedrock of gaudy bass. Its smooth line saunters up and down the track while the emcee brings a grounding presence with his gruff, assured flow. The group leans into their jazzy roots with backing vocals as well, as he’s met with a female counterpart on the hook to elevate the evocative lyrics. They also drop some great NBA references (Celtics of course), which will always get a pop out of me. If you’re feeling Shy Mascot, give them a listen on Spotify. While you’re there, scope out our Best of Underground Rap 2026 playlist – we update it every week.

Supermilk – “Muscle Top”

June 10, 2026

We’ve been keeping an eye on Supermilk ever since they dropped the banger “Pelican Pete” way back in 2021. Just in time for Pride Month, the four piece led by Jake Popyura put out “Muscle Top,” an ode to secretly exploring sexuality during a time when it’s forbidden. June might actually be the time when it is most acceptable to broaden your horizons, but regardless, the band manages to tackle a not-so-sexy topic with their typical indie punk fervor. It’s raw in all the right ways, and regular readers should know by now we can’t resist a guitar-driven hookfest like this.   “Muscle Top” can be found on Soundcloud (below) and also on Spotify.   specialistsubject · Muscle Top

Vansire – “Rinkside”

June 10, 2026

“Rinkside” or “Poolside” could be used interchangeably when referring to the latest single from Vansire. We’re not quite in the dog days of summer yet, but it’s certainly warming up (yes, even here in Buffalo), and Vansire are capitalizing on the upcoming lounging weather. Expect stabs of watery piano, smooth af vocals, and a Saturday-at-the-pool vibe that’s simply unignorable. We expect you to put this on your next beach party/pool party and if you don’t… Well, that’s on you.   “Rinkside” can be found on both Spotify and Apple Music.    

Leah Callahan – “Our Lady of the Sad Adventure”

June 6, 2026

Leah Callahan nailed it on her latest release, “Our Lady of the Sad Adventure” – from the driving bass of the opening few seconds, it becomes pretty obvious why this is the title-track of her latest release. Callahan’s vocals lay overtop of a funky, indie-pop jam that’s layered thick with jittery, jangly guitars; swirling synths; and even an impactful piano slam. This is an all-encompassing experience from a seasoned songwriter, and even though the song has a near six-minute runtime, it still flies by… Begging for repeat listens. If only we could time travel back to the early 2010s to hear this one in the club between LCD Soundsystem and Two Door Cinema Club… Even though this is slapping just as hard in 2026.   Check out “Our Lady of the Sad Adventure” on YouTube (below), or, on Spotify.    

Kevin J.B. O’Connor – “Spin”

June 6, 2026

Kevin J.B. O’Connor might sound familiar to you – probably because we’ve been featuring his music for the better part of 10 years. Whether it was the delightfully lo-fi jangle of his Buffalo-based band Coral Collapse or his more recent solo output, we’ve been following the now Lexington-based songwriter for as long as we can remember. We’re featuring his newest single, “Spin,” for obvious reasons… His bedroom-produced, folk-tinged songwriting is very pleasant on the ears and feels strikingly sincere in an era of increasingly-insincere offerings.   You can find “Spin” via the Soundcloud embed below, or, on Spotify.   Kevin J.B. O’Connor · Spin

talker – “Truck”

June 3, 2026

talker tugs on some heartstrings with the urgency of her latest single, “Truck.” Wistful is the name of the game here – this song details the feeling of being stuck in the same feedback loop with different variables. We all repeat our patterns sometimes, healthy or unhealthy, and talker puts that maddening knowledge into words on “Truck.” Chuggy electric guitar powers this one forward, with of course, a spotlight on talker’s heartfelt vocal delivery. Lyrically, “Truck” cuts right to the bone – and here’s a bit more from talker about where this song came from emotionally:   “This song is about the patterns that we sometimes unknowingly fall into, the ones that you don’t notice until you’re right back in the same place – just maybe with someone else, or in a different season… It takes place in a truck, but it could have been anywhere else that I’ve already[...]

Wedding – “All you young ppl are so old”

June 3, 2026

Sometimes you hear a weird little electronic ditty and think “how the hell did they manage to make those noises?” Wedding has that energy in spades, and if you need proof, look no further than their intriguing new single, “All you young ppl are so old.” Bonkers keyboard sounds and ear-tickling percussion are all over the place on this one-of-a-kind banger. We had to know more, but when asked to comment, Wedding simply said:   “idk man it’s just kinda a bop”   Agreed.   “All you young ppl are so old” is available on your favorite streaming services (and YouTube, below) – here are the Apple Music and Spotify hyperlinks.    

atmos bloom – “Everything”

June 3, 2026

atmos bloom are a duo in both music and life – that chemistry comes through on the plucky brilliance of new single, “Everything.” Chorus laden guitars and driven bass give this song a vintage, 80s vibe while nodding to the still-thriving post-punk/indie rock scenes of today. Lilting vocals give this a haunting feel while never sacrificing the juicy hooks we’re so thirsty for these days. You can certainly hear the Sonic Youth and Pavement influences coming through on this, although, we like to think this one goes down a bit more smooth than their influence’s more raucous output.   “Everything” will be featured on atmos bloom’s upcoming album, Everythingness, due out July 24th via Spirit Goth records. Until then, “Everything” is available on YouTube (below) or Spotify.    

Georgie – “Contamination” & “The Propaganda And The Pesticides (ft. Shola)”

June 2, 2026

Georgie stands for a lot of things – a short list includes: anarcho-feminism; environmental concerns; eternal love; and… killing your landlord and feeling bad about it? More than one thing can be true at once, of course, and if anything, Georgie is all about living multiple truths. The band often exists as a collective of sorts, but is regularly performing as a six-piece, usually with a fiddle/trombone/cello accompanying the typical indie rock band guitar/bass/drums.   We’ve featured Georgie before, but we’re excited to share that they’ve just released two new singles, “Contamination” & “The Propaganda And The Pesticides (ft. Shola).” Georgie is really unlike anything else – on “Propaganda,” a chamber pop backbone sways hypnotically, fleshed out with strings, lilting vocals, and an omnipresent school bell. It’s punctuated thoroughly by a staccato, spoken-word rap – a complete blurring of genres that denies all categorization. “Contamination” starts with the same off-kilter[...]

Kabusa Oriental Choir – “Folded”

June 1, 2026

There are three things you should know off the rip about the Kabusa Oriental Choir: They’re a choir from the capital region of Nigeria that covers popular songs in addition to creating enchanting original songs. Their sound is even more interesting than #1 would hint at. They just took on “Folded” by Kehlani and you should definitely listen to it right now. Warmth engrosses you from every angle as the voices of the choir hum, belt, rap, sing and delivery “Folded” in a way you’d never think would exist. Take a deep dive into their Spotify catalog to really experience the distinct sound they offer. “Soso” is their most popular for a reason, but there is magic up and down the profile. It’s a great tempo change for the summer, and affirming example of the sense of awe that world music can offer. Give it a listen below:

BlueBerry – “Maybach”

June 1, 2026

Today I am euphoric, for I have heard the opening soul vocal from French rapper BlueBerry’s latest single, “Maybach.” Though that steady, soaring sample cuts directly to the core of your brain, “Maybach” isn’t done with the sonic cerebral scratches. BlueBerry’s smooth gruff of a delivery lulls you in for the verses (all in French) before levity, whimsey and sound effects snap you back into reality on “Maybach’s” chorus. Most notably is the growl of a handcrafted twin-turbocharged V12 powerplant engine (I Googled this), notably found in the luxury ride that serves as the track’s namesake. It rolls up into an expertly produced and performed track that you’re going to want to experience again from the top once you wrap it up. Give “Maybach” a listen on Spotify, add it to your playlist, and check out our Best Underground Rap of 2026 playlist on Spotify. It sounds even better in[...]