Latest Posts

Katie Toupin – “Adam’s Song”

July 5, 2022

Blink-182 needs no introduction… But Katie Toupin‘s heart wrenching take on “Adam’s Song” certainly deserves one. Toupin’s unique drawl and indie-folk approach add a surprisingly fitting twang to the Blink classic. It’s even Mark Hoppus approved – he reposted it during his battle with Leukemia, which ignited a fan-funded covers EP for Katie; all proceeds from streams of “Adam’s Song” are going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – so stream the hell out of it. Listen to “Adam’s Song” on Spotify and Apple Music.

Strawberry Blonde – “Stay”

July 5, 2022

Strawberry Blonde stray from their usual indie-emo path (but not TOO far) on latest single, “Stay.” The quintet explores unique synth textures overtop of their emotionally-laden music which is reminiscent of contemporaries like Foxing or American Football (note the brass accompaniment around 3:30). Having formed at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music back in 2015, SB has lots of offer in terms of musicianship – sit back and enjoy the nuanced instrumentation wrapped up in the context of an indie-pop song. You can find Strawberry Blonde’s entire discography on Spotify. Strawberry Blonde · Stay

Kelp – “WannabeNobody”

July 5, 2022

“WannabeNobody” is a new direction for Irish act Kelp, who has refined their usual “cutting-edge Vaporwave elevator-jingles” into something poppy and catchy. “Nobody” is full of quirky bleeps and bloops, indicative of Vaporwave, but is also ruthlessly catchy and surprisingly refined – a vibe that continues throughout the entire song. About “Nobody,” Kelp says: “… it made me think of the idea of impulsiveness, but coupled with anxiety. So, it’s knowing your actions have consequences, but going through with it just to, maybe feel alright for even a little bit, at possibly a great cost.” Check out all the different ways to listen to “WannabeNobody” here.

Howdy, Cherry – “Youth”

June 25, 2022

Howdy, Cherry (aka Brooklyn native Caroline Lazar) has been buzzing – she’s about ready to take over the internet with her debut EP, Youth. We’ve been hooked on the title track – a forlorn, guitar-based slice of bedroom-pop-meets-indie-folk that will surely appeal to fans of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Soccer Mommy. About the song, Howdy, Cherry says: “‘Youth’ is about being utterly lonely and stupid in love and being young when the world feels like it’s over.” We’ve all been there, Caroline! She just happened to frame it perfectly in the context of an indie-pop song. You can also find “Youth” on Spotify. Howdy, Cherry · Youth

Pastel Blank – “Fences”

June 24, 2022

Somewhere between the slacker rock of Pavement, the tightly-wound compositions of Talking Heads, and the angular freak-outs of Parquet Courts lies Pastel Blank‘s new single, “Fences.” The band fills the song with buzzing guitar riffs, choppy rhythms, and just enough sauce on the vocals to keep things interesting. About the lyrical content of the song, songwriter Angus Watt says: “‘Fences’ is a strawman song. I wanted to write about proud fence-sitters who mask indecision as an intellectual and moral virtue. I pulled a few examples from various conversations, but to be honest, this song is also quite self-critical. I wanted to poke fun at this type of person, and parts of myself. Though ultimately, I think the song is more ‘fun’ than ‘poke’” You can also find “Fences” on Spotify.

Layzi – “Shop Around”

June 22, 2022

Layzi caught our ears with the heavenly slacker vibes on her latest offering, “Shop Around.” Relationship anxiety is no joke, especially when you’re worried about a partner looking around for a potential extracurricular romp in the hay. Layzi channels her nervousness into a surprisingly laid-back bedroom-pop jam, pairing lo-fi study beatz energy with heavenly vocals and a monster chorus hook. “Shop Around” is out now via Spirit Goth Records – check it out via YouTube below or stream it on Spotify.

Caregiver – “Reason”

June 22, 2022

Sacramento’s Caregiver (aka Lindsey Bitson) vents about the tough stuff – heartache, substance abuse, and self-discovery – on her latest offering, “Reason.” Her one-of-a-kind vocal delivery coupled with the urgent but not-yet-bubbling-over indie rock instrumentals help to give this one a dark, but relatable feel. About the song, Bitson says: “I sabotaged a relationship to avoid being hurt. Such an ironic characteristic, self-sabotage. It creates the exact thing I fear. When we reconnected, it was as if he could see right through me. There was nothing left for us. If I hadn’t been so distant and destructive, maybe things could have worked out differently. We swung outside on hammocks on opposing sides of his porch and it felt like goodbye. That week I wrote ‘Reason.'” You can find “Reason” on Spotify – it’s out now via Park The Van.

JOYLESS – “Cool?”

June 22, 2022

Norway’s JOYLESS are here to punch you in the face (figuratively) with the onslaught of their new single, “Cool?” The band critique social media-based perfection on the song – they skewer the double life that lots of people live with a super-upbeat instrumental paired with a scathing lyrical critique. It’s done with enough bratty punkiness and super-smart melodies (how about that chorus?!) that bring to mind bands like The Hives, PUP, and FIDLAR. “Cool?” is out now via Vestkyst Records. You can also find “Cool?” on Apple Music and Spotify. Joyless · Cool?

Heather Cook – “Dark Water”

June 22, 2022

“Dark Water” is one of those songs that sounds like it’s namesake – between Heather Cook‘s deathly-whisper vocals and the somber-but-serene instrumentals, “Water” feels like it’s sonically embodied. Heather explores themes of existentialism, PTSD, homesickness, and nostalgia on “Water,” her latest single from her debut LP, Quick! No One’s Looking. Fans of Lucy Dacus, Alex G, and Big Thief are going to find lots to love here. “Dark Water” is out now on Weird Sister Records. You can also find it on Spotify.

Loveseat Pete – “Sawyer”

June 22, 2022

Loveseat Pete are on a bit of a winning streak – they’ve been getting airplay next to artists like Mitski and Hippocampus… And with one listen to “Sawyer,” their latest single, it’s not hard to see why. The band’s smart hooks and super tight indie rock sound bring to mind acts like The Strokes and Wavves, with nods to more retro harmony-laden acts like The Beach Boys. We think you’re going to like this offering from this Asbury Park-based quartet – it’s our bet it won’t be the last you’re hearing from them either. You can also find “Sawyer” on Spotify and Apple Music.

small town sci-fi – “Methadone”

June 22, 2022

Salinas-based act small town sci-fi (stsf) created a crushing slice of indie-folk with his latest single, “Methadone.” Sometimes a song’s lyrics just speak for themselves – with a somehow catchy refrain of: “I’m on Methadone in the summertime/ cocaine and pills in the wintertime,” stsf captures the pain of relying on substances to feel some sense of normalcy. It’s done via a super-endearing lo-fi skeleton which rides the line between heartfelt bedroom composition and Elliott Smith level genius. You can find “Methadone” on Spotify too. Salt and Lye · Methadone

Girl Time – “Yours”

June 22, 2022

Brother/sister duo Girl Time capture the DIY spirit of the 90s on their latest offering, “Yours.” Initially conceived on an acoustic guitar, the brother-half of the duo added the meandering, vintage-tuned electronics that really brought the song’s backbone to life. Equal parts Phoebe Bridgers and Mazzy Star, “Yours” is a perfect tune to play around the summer campfire or when you’re winding down after a long day in the sun. You can also find “Yours” on Spotify and YouTube. Girl Time · Yours

Tunnel – “Lemonhead”

June 22, 2022

Tunnel doesn’t give a shit, and they want you to know. No, not like, anarchy, doesn’t give a shit – more like, they do what they want, unapologetically. That mindset is clearly evident in their latest offering, “Lemonhead” – full of unique instrumentation (think horns), lots of welcome noise, and singer Natasha Janfaza’s perfectly-suited voice, “Lemonhead” feels like a composition rather than a simple indie-pop tune. If you follow us at all, you know we’re a sucker for heart-on-your-sleeve sincerity – this one checks all the boxes (and then some). Check out the video for “Lemonhead” below – you can also find it on Spotify.

Kleo – “Miss You”

June 22, 2022

Kleo is bound to capture your heart with the upbeat indie-pop of her latest offering, “Miss You.” Sure, the song is ultimately about haunting memories that replay like a film in your mind, but ultimately, “Miss You” is one of those songs that urges you to look at the bright side and bring a little light back into your life. Equal parts indietronica (Lykki Li, Ellie Goulding) and adult contemporary (Colbie Caillat), “Miss You” is uplifting and memorable enough to slot onto any playlist for any occasion. “Miss You” is available now on Tambourhinoceros – you can also find it on Apple Music and Spotify.

Nadia Kamrath – “Feel This Once”

June 22, 2022

Soft indie-popper Nadia Kamrath captured our typically black hearts with the lighthearted sparkly vibes on her latest single, “Feel This Once.” Bringing to mind fellow janglers like Snail Mail, Beabadoobee, and Clairo, Nadia combines her breathy vocals with gently strummed guitars for a feel-good wave of serotonin to your brain. The song is about a fateful bridge jump into the Atlantic Ocean with a friend, metaphorical of the relationship they were entering at the same time – a storybook love story spun with perfect emotion. Check out the video for “Feel This Once” on the blog now – you can also find it on Spotify.