Latest Posts

Kuni – “A Feeling”

Rome based singer/songwriter Eleonora Danese (aka Kuni) hit us up with her latest guitar-pop single, “A Feeling,” and we’ve been bobbing our heads along ever since. With sugary-sweet melodies and just a hint of the Japanese culture Kuni’s so enamored with, “Feeling” sounds like a bright, sunny day (even if we’re stuck in the dead of winter here in Buffalo). We’re lucky enough to get a thorough explanation from Kuni themselves – here’s what she had to say about “A Feeling:” “‘A Feeling’ is the song I musically feel the most kindred to. As a child, I grew up listening to a lot of punk and rock music and I always dreamt of being on the stage wrecking a guitar (preferably a black and white Gibson Les Paul Jr, if you get the reference to my childhood absolute idol). I believe I currently am exploring my musical identity and all[...]

Sylvia – “Wires”

Melbourne’s Sylvia sounds like four people getting together to play music in a room and that’s exactly what we love about them. Like previous single “Fold Imaginary” (see below), “Wires” was recorded in the storage container the band practices in. Full of wall-of-sound guitar tones, a frantic drum presence, and a shy-but-endearing vocal presence, this quartet certainly embodies their self-imposed genre of “shy-gaze…” They even keep it at a brisk 1:53, as not to overstay their welcome. ICYMI – here’s our write up of a previous Sylvia single, “Fold Imaginary.” Check out “Wires” via YouTube below – you can also find the song on Spotify and Apple Music.

Ali Dellas – “Heart Eyes”

Writing love songs is HARD… But the latest single from Ali Dellas sounds like it flew right out of her effortlessly. “Heart Eyes” is breezy and simple, and could almost pass for an adult contemporary number from Colbie Caillat or Jason Mraz – but there’s just enough irresistible indie-pop glitter on this that has our eyes sparkling right alongside hers. Simple details like “brushing teeth” and “cleaning your room” become full-blown moments of romance for Ali and her loved one. If only all relationships were this easy! Be sure to check out Ali’s Spotify too – you can find “Heart Eyes” there as well.

Laura Lang – “Love Letter”

17-year-old wunderkind Laura Lang sure knows how to write a banger – her latest offering, “Love Letter,” caught our ears with it’s understated indie rock smolder. The Memphis-based singer/songwriter has a lovely vocal presence, far more sophisticated than her age belies. She pairs it well, utilizing crunchy guitars, simmering drums, and plenty of ethereal ambiance that all capture her coming-of-age angst perfectly. Be sure to add “Love Letter” to your Spotify playlist. Laura Lang · Love Letter

Steve Luxembourg – “Weeping Weeds”

There’s something wonderfully understated about the new single from Germany’s Steve Luxembourg – “Weeping Weeds” pairs his glassy-eyed baritone with a twinkling synth arpeggio and a shuffling drum beat. All the while, gentle guitar strums sigh in the background, giving the song a somber mood without ever stepping too far into melancholy. Fans of The National, Bright Eyes, or Iron and Wine will find something to love here for sure. You can also find “Weeping Weeds” on Spotify and Apple Music

Krooked Kings x Day Wave – “Carbon Monoxide”

Utah’s Krooked Kings teamed up with Day Wave for this spicy amalgamation of both acts’ strengths. “Carbon Monoxide” is a perfect hybrid of KK’s fuzzed-out garage-y sound and Day Wave’s penchant for woozy and surfy compositions. Expect a laid back bass-and-drum groove upon which aloof vocals and jangly guitars lay. “Carbon Monoxide” is out now on Nobody Gets It Records. You can also find it on Spotify.

Virtual Perfection Cowboy – “Stoned Ape”

“There’s really no point to any of this, so please enjoy.” Wise words from recent Rochester native Virtual Perfection Cowboy – they caught our ears with the unique synthwave textures found on their latest single, “Stoned Ape.” Reminiscent of a late 90s video game soundtrack, “Ape” is both soothing and invigorating; it’s full of futuristic synth swoops; ethereal swells; and a neurotic drum beat. With its unique influences, it’s best to hear from VPC themselves – here’s a little bit about the song in their words: “A liquid drum n bass track inspired by the soundtrack of Ape Escape by Soichi Terada and Terrence McKenna’s Stoned Ape Theory. The soft, ethereal sounds and cute animated music video will make you nostalgic for the old PS1 games of the 90’s, while also bringing you into the modern day of psychedelic experimentation. We are an ape with a symbiotic relationship to a[...]

Eugene Palmer – “2014”

Buffalo’s Eugene Palmer is prepping for their debut record, Rut, and they’ve shared first single with us, a song they are calling “2014.” Showcasing their wide range of influences from 60s baroque pop, to psychedelic rock, to 90s slowcore, “2014” is a guitar-soaked barnburner full of heavy riffing; soaring falsetto; rollicking drum solos; and an angsty 90s vibe. About the song, singer Matt Distasio explains that he penned the song on a long drive from Buffalo to Montana back in the winter of 2014 – take us back! You can also find “2014” on Spotify.

Ailbhe Reddy – “Shitshow”

Ailbhe Reddy sure knows how to party! Whether that’s a good thing is up to you (and her) to decide. “Shitshow” is tellingly named on all fronts except musical – it’s actually quite the banger. Crunchy guitar stabs and Reddy’s forlorn vocals soundtrack this tale of overindulgence, regret, and bad habits. “Shitshow” even has the perfect visual accompaniment; a hard-partying group brings Reddy’s words to life – check it out below.. You can also find “Shitshow” on Apple Music and Spotify.

Hazlett – “Tell Me What You Dream About”

Indie-folkster Hazlett hit our inboxes with his latest single, “Tell Me What you Dream About,” and we’ve been hooked ever since. Walking the line between smart bedroom pop and nostalgic folk, “Dream” is a deceivingly low-key song that packs a big punch. When the infectious chorus comes around, it’s a sharp but fitting break from the comforting indie-folk of the intro. About the song, Hazlett explains: “I think you need to step out of your own self to see things clearly sometimes. Life becomes pretty heavy when you can’t brush by a little inconvenience or the fear of failing… So, I tried to picture what my future self would be telling me if we were friends. Waiting for me, cheering me on and reminding me of everything I’ve done so far. I think we forget that we need to encourage ourselves from time to time.” You can find “Dream” on[...]

Numcha – “in my white dress”

Coming all the way from Thailand, Numcha caught our ears with the airy dream-pop of her latest single, “in my white dress.” With an ever-so-slight tinge of vintage 80s energy, “dress” sparkles and shimmers with a fun and lighthearted indie pop aura. This one reminds us of Jay Som with a little extra happiness sprinkled into the mix. You can also find “in my white dress” on Spotify and Apple Music. Numcha · in my white dress

Phoebe Willo – “Yesterdays Mistake”

Phoebe Willo flexes her indie-pop muscles on her latest single, “Yesterdays Mistake.” The songs starts out with a forlorn guitar/vocal passage before launching into what you’d expect from an indie pop gem – punchy drums, bass bumping down low, and twinkly textures that highlight the gentleness of Phoebe’s delivery. About the song, Phoebe further explains: “This song is about dwelling on mistakes, wanting to move on, I sing: ‘I’m stuck with my thoughts, there is no room to think.’ I’ve had my own battles, loving things that aren’t good for you and worrying about what people will think. However, I wanted this to be an upbeat song conveying optimism and hope too.” Check out “Mistake” on Spotify and Apple Music as well. Phoebe Willo · Yesterdays Mistake (new mix)

Bea Kadri – “Poison”

Our Lebanese friend Bea Kadri hit us up with this infectious pop song she’s calling “Poison.” Reminiscent of genre luminaries like H.E.R. or SZA, “Poison” bubbles and lurches with strong pop energy, delivering big hooks and an even bigger meaning. “Poison’s” narrative is focused on around a previous long distance relationship with an ex-partner in which the duo alternated between victim and villain. Relationships can be toxic, sure… But at least we (and Bea!) get this alt-pop gem out of her suffering. You can also find “Poison” on Spotify and Apple Music. BEA KADRI · Poison

Orchid Mantis – “I Could Live In Sleep”

Orchid Mantis is back with another dreamy bedroom-pop soundscape – we’d say they’ve accomplished their mission statement of combining pop songwriting with ambient field recording on this latest offering, “I Could Live In Sleep.” With a tight, neurotic beat propelling the song forward, “Sleep” pairs plucky guitars and introspective vocals with an intangible etherealness. It’s ghostly and sincere – two adjectives we can always stand behind. You can also read up on our previous features of Orchid Mantis here and here. “I Could Live In Sleep” is out now via Spirit Goth Records. You can also find it on Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music. orchid mantis · I Could Live In Sleep

Small Town Sci-Fi – “Couldn’t Talk Right”

There’s something delightfully quirky about the latest jam from Small Town Sci-Fi – “Couldn’t Talk Right” is a mile-a-minute exclamation of mental health issues, pain, and an eclectic sincerity that can only come from a song this personal. It’s done up in a warm, lo-fi recording, a true bedroom-pop (with a hint of psychedelic rock) exploration of one’s self. ICYMI, here’s our writeup of a previous SMSF single, “Methadone.” You can also find “Couldn’t Talk Right” on Spotify and Soundcloud. Make it Over by Small Town Sci-Fi