Latest Posts

Autoignition – “Plummet / Picking Daisies”

January 27, 2025

Buffalo based pop-punk quartet Autoignition just released “Plummet / Picking Daisies,” a two-track ripper that’s already found its way into our regular rotation. With anthemic choruses and their heart on their sleeve, these songs hit like a freight train. “Plummet” sees the band come out swinging, with blistering drums setting the stage. The earnest vocals have a sense of pleading, underscored with a slow-moving guitar countermelody. The energy captured on this track is very raw, that is undoubtedly reflective in band’s live performance.   “Picking Daisies” opens with a little more space, but no less energy. With a hooky guitar line, and driving drums, the track churns under the vocals. With echoes of early Blink-182, this is the perfect foil to ‘Plummet.”  High-impact release from a band that is getting a lot of well-deserved buzz. All in all, these tracks are a snippet into the project’s promising future in the[...]

Chrome Waves + A-F-R-O + Jeristotle – “My Mind is My Biggest Gun”

January 24, 2025

UK beatmaker Chrome Waves recruits rising artists A-F-R-O and Jeristotle on his latest boom bap single “My Mind is My Biggest Gun.” Chrome takes us back to his 90s roots on this track – spotlighting some tasteful DJ scratches and a simple, menacing sample flip for the rappers to take aim at. A-F-R-O sounds like GZA or a DOOM collaborator when he gets the mic, realizing the song title with internal rhyme schemes and vivid imagery. Jeristotle takes a visionary approach to the second verse, channeling lucid dreams, thought leadership, and other philosophical musings. Chops, scratches and other beat seasonings transition the song from verse to verse, giving listeners a hypnotizing head-nod along the way. Add this one to your playlists focused on masterful boom bap and lyricism. Check out more from Chrome Waves, A-F-R-O and Jeristotle on Spotify – you can find them and more on our Underground Hip[...]

Disco Nap – “Do It”

January 23, 2025

Chicago-based act Disco Nap know how to groove – evident on their latest offering, “Do It.” Glassy guitar tones, a bumping bassline, and an absolutely insane drum presence power this one forth, channeling contemporaries like Crumb with their jazzy blend of indie rock. More of a mood than a song, “Do It” challenges notions of contemporary songwriting with a deep-seeded feel that transcends tried-and-true verse-chorus-verse methods. It’s set off by an omni-pleasant vocal presence that never overpowers – laying a soothing melody over this neurotic but soothing jam.   You can find “Do It” on Spotify, but be sure to preview using the Soundcloud embed below.   Disco Nap · DO IT

Cold Camp + The Dirty Sample – “Excellence”

January 20, 2025

Our Rocky Mountain brethren have crafted a subzero lo-fi hip hop soundtrack for the Buffalo winters. Hailing from the mysterious northwest range is Cold Camp, a hip hop collective headed by veteran producer The Dirty Sample. Their latest effort, “Excellence” features crunchy boom bap drums, a cold piano sample, and a mischievous narrator ready for trouble in the high peaks. Things are a bit less interesting topographically here, but the icy aesthetic and frigid lyrical references Cold Camp bring down from the Rockies is the perfect accompaniment to a January walk in the city. An extended version of “Excellence” appears on the aptly named We Hate Summer project. Check it out for more lo-fi, icy hip hop production – and check out everything Cold Camp and The Dirty Sample on Spotify.

Rokeaux – “Heauxtel”

January 20, 2025

Virgin Islands rapper Rokeaux channels Damien Marley and Drake influences for his hypnotic new track “Heauxtel.” Anchored by Rokeaux’s anthemic hey/ohhs and killer reggae guitar lines, you can classify this track as Caribbean Hip Pop. “Heauxtel” (“hotel”) discusses a no-strings-attached relationship, leaving emotions at the door in pursuit of red-blooded desires. Lighthearted but thematic, “Heauxtul” works for late night playlists, tropical dance sessions, break-up mixes, and more. The track is the latest single in a string of new releases from Rokeaux – catch his full catalog on Spotify. Interested in more 2025 Underground Hip Hop? Check out our playlist on Spotify. 

Lala Salama – “Kuva Susta”

January 19, 2025

Helsinki-based trio Lala Salama embody the quiet/loud dynamic perfectly on their latest single, “Kuva Susta.” The Finnish band transition seamlessly between percolating verses and overblown choruses, channeling shoegaze greats while never losing sight of indie-pop melody and accessibility. The vocals here are ethereal and mysterious, and fit just as well in the massive, fuzzy chorus tones as they do in the beautiful, understated verses. Here’s a bit from singer Rosa Jules about where they’re coming from on “Kuva Susta:”   “‘Kuva Susta’ represents Lala Salama’s more sensitive side; it’s an emotional depiction of longing, memories of the past, and the difficulty of letting go.”   “Kuva susta” is available on all your favorite platforms. Be sure to click the bandcamp embed below, then add it to your Spotify jams.   Kuva susta by Lala Salama

Kylie Rothfield – “Old Man”

January 19, 2025

Kylie Rothfield lays it all out on the line for us on her latest ripper, “Old Man.” Written alongside queer indie alt-popper Mothé, “Old Man” is a biting attack on the sometimes nefarious motives behind dating with an age difference. Rothfield’s lyrics are ruthless but fair, and she bolsters them with plinking keyboard sounds and chunky guitar, cooking up a fantastic, simmering indie rock backbone. Rothfield herself is the shining star here – her vocals are soulful and filled with sincerity.   You can find “Old Man” on your favorite streaming service (we recommend Spotify). Preview using the YouTube embed below.  

Walkman – “Joint”

January 17, 2025

Pittsburgh’s Walkman got a voice for boombap, an ear for beats and a set of lungs ready to burn at all times. His latest effort “Joint” is an ode to smoking good and serves insightful peek into the day-to-day of this up and comer. “Joint’s” boombap give it a nostalgic edge that places you in the 90s as Walkman waxes weed-flavored poetic. A pitched down hook repeats “my eyes’ low for as long as I remember,” in between verses where Walkman laments on criticisms from outsiders (“call me unexceptional for smoking a joint,”) while also boasting refreshing self-awareness  (“I’m immature and a tall tale teller.”) Listen to more from Walkman on Spotify ahead of his upcoming summer album release – you can catch him and other freshly minted artists on our Underground Hip Hop playlist.

Krept & Konnan – “Low Vibrations”

January 16, 2025

South London rap duo Krept & Konnan are poised to expand their takeover beyond Great Britain with their latest track, “Low Vibrations.” “Vibrations” works for dance playlists, pregame vibes, and even when you’re looking for tracks with sharp wordplay and catchy one-lines – a testament to the rappers’ accessible, widely-appealing sound. Flexing their modern, polished grime sounds, Krept & Konnan’s latest effort leads off the album rollout for YOUNG KINGZ II, expected out in February. The single/album is the latest achievement for the artists who rose to fame for their accomplishments as unsigned artists in the UK – reaching the top 20 in the charts in 2013. Fans of Skepta, Stormzy and more legends of the genre should stay on the lookout. Check out the visuals for “Low Vibrations” on YouTube, and more from the duo on Spotify.  You’ll find them and more on our Emerging Hip Hop Playlist. 

Elias Tyro – “Dimensions”

January 13, 2025

Step into a different, deeper (house) world on the latest single from New Zealand rapper Elias Tyro, “Dimensions.” An artist across disciplines, Tyro plays with the listener’s experience on this track, incorporating heavy filters and distortions as he delivers abstract thoughts and the exploration of deeper self. “Dimensions” features lyrics that can get chewed on, but a relaxing groove that you can throw into your “Study Beats” playlists. Tyro’s flow is mellow and melodic, adding a smoothness to the beat’s churning rhythm. Discover more from Elias Tyro on Spotify, and check out he and other up and coming rappers on our new 2025 Underground Hip Hop playlist.

Wombino – “Granite”

January 13, 2025

Noted Florida man/rapper Wombino puts his introspective swimsuit on for his latest single, “Granite.” Building off of a sharp “moment for granted/Granite” couplet to kick off the track, Wombino’s lyricism is in top form sharing his motivations and driving forces: “Yeah I got some stories make your soul bleed / I ain’t got the time to get no cold feet.” With an accessible bounce to his vocals and heartfelt nods to his personal struggles, Bino’s “Granite” can be slotted in on your Mac Miller and Logic playlists when you’re looking for a polished, emotional hip hop track that spotlights ups and downs. “Granite’s” production is another highlight, composed of smooth, live bass and guitar sections. Listen to more from Wombino on Spotify, and other emerging hip hop artists on our new 2025 Spotify playlist. 

Herbert Walker – “I’m Not Sorry”

January 12, 2025

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from Phoenix-based act Herbert Walker (pronounced “Herbert Walker” as per their official bio, also, see here), but this “blue collar chamber pop” act is at it again with their latest single, “I’m Not Sorry.” The band deploys lots of their trademark jank and jaunt on this latest song – syncopated guitar/bass riffs, a haunting organ, and baritone-esque vocals that specialize in eloquent and lightly quirky lyrics. My favorite aspect of Herbert Walker’s songs is that they’re full of really cool musicianship that feels like its about to explode, but always keeps that about-to-boil-over intensity, leaving you perpetually excited to hear what’s next.   “I’m Not Sorry” is out now – check it out via the YouTube embed below, or, add it to your favorite Spotify playlist.  

Deleo – “Suppose”

January 12, 2025

Get ready for Deleo to warp your mind with the wavery indie-pop of their latest offering, “Suppose.” Tape aged mellotron is the star of the show here, pairing otherworldly string sounds with thumping bass, clashy drums, and heartbroken male/female vocal harmonies. Fans of Arcade Fire will find lots to sink their teeth into here – this could fit comfortably amid any track on Neon Bible, even though at a fleeting 1:51, it’s over before you know it.   “Suppose” is available on all the familar streaming services – or, follow the YouTube link below to check out their  

Club 8 – “ooo”

January 12, 2025

Club 8 was one of our favorite finds in 2024, including two of our favorite features of the year (see here and here). Happy to report they’re still putting out excellent indie pop tunes at an astonishing rate, and their latest single, “ooo,” may just be their finest yet. Expect the neurotic drumbeats and airy melodies you’ve come to know and love with a hint of extra urgency this time around. An ever-descending chord progression sets the scene for icy guitars leads to shine through too.   You can find “ooo” as well as Club 8’s illustrious catalog on most streaming services, including bandcamp (below), Spotify, and Apple Music.   ooo by Club 8

VIDA – “Jump In Whole”

January 11, 2025

VIDA is an explosive band from Ontario whose latest single, “Jump In Whole” had us reeling from the get go. Opening with discordant jabs of stinging guitar anger, “Jump In Whole” feels like an amalgamation of all your favorite heavy bands – think Drive Like Jehu meets Pile meets Converge. You might be surprised to hear, but “Jump in Whole” is actually a love song… Through the sour chords and throat-shredding screams, VIDA denounces the pressures of Western society on relationships – you might actually hear a message of hope:   “We’re stronger together.”   Peep “Jump In Whole” via the bandcamp embed below. VIDA is also on Spotify, if you want to check out their catalog thus far.     The Nature Of How We Live by VIDA