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Get Your 90's Rock On With Lyghthouse
The latest release from Lyghthouse dubbed "Gold" is an absolute rock romp with the right attitude and driving energy to get you up and moving.
The song hits hard with guitar hooks reminiscent of 90's alt rock crossed with an almost punk style of songwriting.
"Gold" boasts a massive chorus and classic rock bridge that builds back into its chorus giving it a radio rock feel and a damn fun lead guitar solo to boot.
This track brings to mind bands like Dramarama. If you think you don't know them, you do.
Thing is, you don't hear enough musical hooks in rock anymore. Guitar hooks or even guitar solos for that matter. A solid chorus is what it's all about of course but we want cool guitar hooks, and Lyghthouse is the first band in a while that gave us one.
These guys write songs on their own terms and that's part of why "Gold" is so good.
It feels familiar even when it's the first time you've heard it.
"Gold" is a follow up to their previous single released earlier this year called "Thrill" which has a different feel but still holds that 90's rock sound down to it's bones.
Lyghthouse is a band to look out for in 2021.
The Lush and Beautiful Edge Of Rachael Frankruyter
Rachael Frankruyter just released a self titled EP and it's a beautifully textured and cinematic record driven with tasteful vocals and Americana guitars riddled across its soundscape.
The songs come through honestly and you can tell Rachael put her all into this record holding nothing back.
Laced with beautiful instrumentation and passionate vocal performances, there are anthemic powerhouse tracks that really have a pop oriented and radio friendly style.
Rachael is without a doubt a storyteller and this release is a showcase for her silky vocal approach and youthful emotionally driven songwriting.
"Never" is a stripped down singer songwriter neo-folk song with ethereal synth pads swirling around in pure ambience while songs like "Reckless" feel like listening to an old western film play out but with freshness and brutal truths.
An outlandishly perfect debut EP that will certainly be a tough act to follow, Rachael Frankruyter is a must hear as you're sure to be as blown away as we were.
Rachael Frankruyter Website
Rachael Frankruyter Instagram
The Satchel Kid Single Premier
The Satchel Kid just released a brand new single called "Bobbie Gentry's Lil' Sister" and its got all the makings of a neo-indie folk track brooding with honesty.
Strings build as the song plays on giving off a cinematic feel and descriptive lyrics paint a picture you can easily see.
This is a real love song. A love song that says things we want to say but just can't.
Harmony vocals swell in the vein of Simon & Garfunkel and lead acoustic guitars lay on a smooth jazz feel while you get washed away.
A beautifully performed and addictive song, you certainly feel the realness behind the track.
Melody laden and performed with a certain emotional drive, "Bobbie Gentry's Lil' Sister" is one for the playlists.
Any fans of acoustic, singer songwriter, and indie pop will fall in love with this song staright away.
Yachtclub 101 Releases The Most Fun Song You've Heard Maybe Ever
Yachtclub 101 just dropped their new single "Nothing They Say" and it's outrageously fun.
This is the epitome of what pop is right now so follow close.
This single is unstoppable and danceable. Sitting in a chair you'll dance. Sitting in your car you'll dance. Eventually you'll get up and dance around the living room or the office.
A raw energy that can;t be beat along with a super indie-pop vibe combined with a heavy groove and elements of 80's alt-pop flow free during the course of this sing along romp of a pop song.
Hook after hook the hits keep coming. It'd be a shock if you didn't hit repeat as soon as it ended.
Along with such a catchy and endlessly fun tune is the video.
A VHS inspired colorful fiesta that keeps up with the track and is just as much of a good time to watch.
This is a killer pop song you'd be crazy not to add to your playlists.
Occult Stereo Brews Something Different
The new album coming from Occult Stereo is a masterfully woven display of audio visualizations and textures.
Plasma is a 6 song EP built on an array of sound bending cinematic landscapes.
The record feels like the place you get to as you wake up. Still in a fog and clinging to an alternate reality.
Utilizing synths, vocals, and stringed instruments along with live and digital percussion stirred and brewed to a strange perfection.
Fusing in rock and grunge with these elements creates something out of this world.
We had to sit down with Occult Stereo to find out more about this release.
Check out our interview with Occult Stereo HERE
Slow Walk Has Some Fun With A New Single
Slow Walk releases "Sherlock Holmes Would Know" and it's insanely fun and addicting.
The track brings a gritty punk and garage rock sound together with a danceable indie rock feel and peppers on plenty of keys synths to make things even more colorful.
This is a humorous romp that doesn't let up. As much as the song pushes boundaries in terms of crunching genres together and just having a damn good time, the video is a near perfect counterpart.
You can see Slow Walk had a blast putting this whole thing together.
Created in lock down, he took his time to make a video that would both be paculiar and amusing enough to not look away once. Using his home projector, he took to the streets so to speak, and had himself some fun.
It's not easy to put your finger on exactly what this song is but it's rock, it's pop, you can get up and dance to it, you can jump up and down to it, or you can bop your head and soak in his unique lyrical phrasing.
There are a lot of moving parts during the course of this track but it all fits together so perfectly you just can't help but sing the "Sherlock Holmes Would Know" long after it's ended.
New And Notable Releases
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Hoodooleen Takes You To Church
Hoodooleen just dropped a new single and video called " I Will Wear My Suit Tonight".
The deep toned and cinematic track is ever building and slowly crawls under your skin and into your soul as it grows more and more intense.
Before you know it, you feel uplifted and paralyzed at the same time. The soulfully performed single feels like church. Like some sort of powerful entity even in the moments it hints at classic rock idles like Billy Joel just beneath its surface.
Hoodooleen lets it rip and sets your ears aflame with passion and heart.
This is the type of song that feels like it came from someplace absolutely real. The track is lyrically relatable and hits with such an impactful punch, that when it's over you have to shake it off.
Hoodooleen is one tough act to follow.
Chay.wav just released a new single called "Stay The Same" and immediately sends you into a place between wake and dream.
This vintage 80's feeling alternative pop piece brings an array of sounds together and keeps you hovering just above the ground as you drift into another world.
You can hear and feel the emotional platform this track was built from as the song chants "Nothing changes" while digital bells whisper.
A great combination of natural and digital instrumentation, indie-pop beats and a gloom that's tough to shake off, this one will get under your skin and stick with you.
A perfect grey cloud that speaks out from frustration and appeals to us all in a way.
"Stay The Same" is a well thought out track that you never expected.
The Radio Rock Of Man & Boy
Man & Boy just released a double single "Adelaide" and "1996" and both songs absolutely let their 90's rock flag fly high.
The songs are pop-rock and come through catchy and with a great energy.
"Adelaide" sounds like it could be in a film and has some excellent guitar work reminiscent of classic rock influence. The song builds and doesn't let up at all.
You can hear bits of bands like Queens Of The Stone Age amongst others throughout it's radio rock choruses.
"1996" follows suit but has taken on a life of it's own as ambient synth pads sway in the background giving it a cinematic tone.
It's hard to tell which is more addicting but they both hold true to the band's staple style.
Sprinkles of fuzztone garage rock linger along the edges of these and although they are mature, they feel like youth.
An outstanding release from Man & Boy.
New And Notable Releases
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The Massive Sounds Of Mike Kiddoo
The latest upcoming release from Mike Kiddoo dubbed 'Drive Me Mad" is total rock fun and stylish attitude from beginning to end.
The track has a soulful vocal approach in the vein of Prince or Lenny Kravitz while piano keeps the verses going until it's massive chorus hits.
This track has gusto and power behind it. You can hear alternative rock influence and the song keeps to a pop songwriting arrangement as it rocks on.
An absolute good time through and through, "Drive Me Mad" is the type of song you crank up the volume for.
You can tell this was a fun project for Kiddoo and music is like second nature to the artist.
This song has all the makings of a radio single and only gets bigger and bigger until it's end. Incredibly satisfying to listen to, Mike Kiddoo has done it again.
Though this song isn;t out just yet, it's coming. But in the meantime check out his SPOTIFY for all the other singles released this year.
Olivia Castriota I Need A Minute Album Premier
The brand new release from Olivia Castriota dubbed I Need A Minute is completely loaded with colorful pop songs with soulful and passionate R&B vocal stylings and endless hooks.
A polished combination of radio ready choruses and powerhouse tracks showcase the artists knack for songwriting and natural ability for performance.
Castriota ushers along some killer attitude and brings that edginess to shimmering pop songs and it all totally works.
Songs like "Leaving You" hits the way a country song does with a slight roughness and twang that sticks while others like "Damaged" is more of a building indie-pop ballad that gets her unique and alluring vocal touch.
That's the thing with this record. The songs are amazingly well produced but it's her vocals that keep you coming back. Incredibly feverish and intense at times, and sultry others. Sometimes both at once.
This is a genuine pop album that contends with those in the big leagues. Olivia Castriano has certainly put herself on the playing field with I Need A Minute.
Check out our full interview with Olivia Castriota HERE.
Indulge In The Post-Punk Bliss Of Mallsex
Prepare to indulge in all of the post-punk bliss of Mallsex.
The latest single release called "Take", grabs those darker elements of darkwave and brings them together with 90's alt-rock guitars and just the right amount of gloom to make your day.
Inventive and fun, the song's layered guitars and droned vocals bring a great atmosphere and attitude creating something that drips with that stylings of Manson, Joy Division, and peppers on some Kills to hone it all in.
You can absolutely hear how much fun these guys had making this song.
"Take" gives me the warm feeling I had growing up in NY driving along the streets of Brooklyn, listening to bands at 2am on the way back to my friends apartment. It kinda feels like home. And that is one feeling that doesn't come a long through new music these days. But Mallsex pulls it right off.
The song holds true to all the right aesthetics of what Post-Punk is all about and it's nearly perfectly done.
Watch the video for "Take" HERE
We also strongly suggest checking out their 2018 album Discreet Services.
Vibrant Vaporwave Pop With Josh King
Josh King's new single release "Cuts" hits that indie-pop vintage alt-pop crossover sweet spot.
Classic synths and fervent vocals fused with a current radio pop feel takes on an R&B exoskeleton and breaks through bright and colorful.
The song has a whisper of vaporwave below it's shiny surface and sounds like something familiar but still fresh.
It's purple neon shimmer is vibrant and a bit mysterious but also touched with tastefully seasoned vocals.
"Cuts" is like standing atop a huge hill at night and looking down at the city's lights and life.
The latest in a series of singles released from King this year, "Cuts" keeps the Josh King catalog going stronger.
Meeking Releases Rock With Passion And Purpose
Meeking just killed it with the release of the Hello Mind EP.
The four song alt-rock record skims the surface of radio indie rock with purpose.
"Make You Scream" touches on frustration and an edge that we can all feel while belting vocals come through heartfelt and with a youthful gusto.
"Hello Mind", the record's title track has a much more blues rock feel complete with bendy surf guitars and another real deal performance.
The EP goes on to serve up surprising and catchy songs that take some of the best parts of some varying rock styles and puts them together for a damn good record. It all has a passion behind it. There is much more than what's on the surface with these songs and perhaps with Meeking.
Anyone, and we mean anyone that loves rock should really get into this record hands down.
Feel The Soul-Pop Warmth With Gefahrgeist
In a new single release from Gefahrgeist, the line between jazz, soul, and ethereal pop blurr and out comes an amazing creation dubbed "Graceless".
The song is actually quite graceful and joyus with vocals that are silk to the eardrums. Loads of backing vocals sway just in the distance as keys wash away any negativity from your mind.
The song steps into something powerful and almost magical even.
A choir of voices seep through and get stronger as the song plays on becoming essential to its energy while the song's warmth grows.
A wonderful and uplifting treat for almost any music lover out there, "Graceless" feels like a timeless track that any age and race can listen to and feel something from.
An outstanding release from Gefahrgeist.
The Creative Vision Of Alan Dreezer
The latest from Alan Dreezer is not only a musical and visual feast for the eyes, but a statement to collaborate and work with each other. Using the ideal to push the importance of adapting to new ways to do this is his new video for "Anyway I Can".
Now, the song itself is ear candy from the start. Snaps, and claps fill the air with delightful percussion while the keys build and the song becomes something bigger.
Vocals sung with soul and a polished indie-pop production, "Anyway I Can" hits the warm spot between pop and R&B and boasts fun and passionate performances from all the moving parts of this track.
The video is hard to look away from with some creative shots and a great final chapter hitting that massive last chorus.
The whole project is a great time to be had and it's so easy to get into it. It's actually kind of sad when it ends and you want to hear and watch more.
Dreezer and his team did an excellent job with this piece of work from every angle and we cannot wait for more.
New And Notable Releases
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An Introduction to Beau Dega
It's time to introduce you to Beau Dega, and the best way to do it is with "I Don't Like Rich People".
In his new single he gives some solid grooves and attitude and has a strangely smooth edginess.
The singing sounds something like Prince (or the artist formerly known as Prince) and takes that approach to a jazzy indie pop track with alternative linings.
"I Don't Like Rich People" has a samba style beat and tremolo guitars and just a cool tone to it.
If you go to the artists Spotify you'll find a number of these lo-fi indie pop songs and quickly find out it was a good move to dig deeper.
Beau is an artist that is most comfortable recording music. Being in his bubble and way from the world, doing his thing. And it's a good thing for everyone else because now we have some great music to listen to.
The Heart Of Test Card Girl
"Holds Me Down" features live drums, vintage synths, and layers of hooks combined with some gorgeous and full vocal harmonies.
The song has your attention straight away and has the aura of a near perfect commercial pop song.
The track breathes and feels alive.
Test Card Girl puts so much heart into her songs and has such a good time doing it that it's infectious.
"Holds Me Down" is paired with a song called "If You're Feeling Down" that literally sounds like a female version of Simon & Garfunkel.
Pulling influence and holding nothing back with her songwriting, Test Card Girl seriously prevails and it's guaranteed after one song you will become a fan.
Step Into The World Of Stefano Pesapane
Stefano Pesapane has been releasing music on Spotify at unprecedented rates.
His catalog of EP's and singles keep growing and the songs are all a very high level of musicianship. Just ask his almost 10k Spotify followers.
In his latest single release "Never Say Goodbye" the seasoned artist provides sentimental feeling and cinematic piece that works on many levels.
Smooth jazz overtones and some eclectic instrumentation creates a great world to step into. And that's what Pesapane does. He creates scenes you can almost visually see as the song plays through. Like a book it lets you use your own imagination but certainly gives a colorful canvas to work with.
Other singles like "Neon Bends" and Powered By The Sun" are also incredibly worth a listen.
An excellent release from a professional artist.
The Genuine Classic Rock Sound Of Oberon Rose
Oberon Rose gets ready to release their 4th album Holographic Blues and with that, they gave us a taste of what's to come with the "American Avenue" video.
One thing this songwriting duo does well is create a sound that borders on genuine 70's classic rock and infuse that with some tasty indie rock guitars and keys while staying true to their musical roots.
I mean look, this is a pop song. A seriously catchy pop song that is an absolute pleasure to listen to and all the while gives the feeling you get when you think something is lurking right around the corner.
Brandished with plenty of vocal harmonies and guitar hooks, it really sounds like something Weezer wishes they could write. I know, that's saying a lot but man, this track has all the elements that make you think "hey didn't I hear this song when I was a kid driving in the car with my dad that one time"
Definitely influenced by some classic rock greats, little hints of psychedelia, and a flurry catching hooks everywhere, "American Avenue" hits all the sweet spots.
We can only hope for more of this with their full Holographic Blues album release coming this January.
Evan Troop Brings On The Pain With "Gone"
Evan Troop brings on the brutal honesty with his new single "Gone".
The song builds and breathes as it plays on into it's chorus and as it does, you get hooked in more and more. Once the drums kick in you're fully invested.
Empassioned vocals accompanied by a weeping guitar that really pulls on your heartstrings.
Troop has that natural born singer vibe and "Gone" crosses a newer country feel with a gigantic arena rock sound that makes the song radio worthy to say the least.
Songs like this one; songs that are built from emotional platforms and true to life experiences are the most affecting ones.
Evan Troop is a pronounced performer and songwriter that knows how to use his pain as a musical outlet and "Gone" proves it.
A Powerhouse Of Americana With Sicily Jordan
In the latest release from Sicily Jordan, the artist tells a story that pulls you in and keeps you there.
"Gloriana" is a blend of Americana, pop, and folk complete with charming vocals performed with passion and massively heightened choruses that stick with you even later in the day.
Painting pictures with her words, Sicily displays a wonderful showcase of ambient whirling vocals that feel like the wind blowing around you effortlessly.
There is something about he song that feels like it was a song written by ancestors and evolved to what it is now over the years. It also has a bit of magic and cinematic undertone that makes it even more addicting.
"Gloriana" is a great follow up to her previous single "Lonely Lover" which also has many of the staples that make Sicily Jordan so special.
A great effort and an amazing release from a powerful artist that we can only hope to hear more from soon.
New And Notable Releases
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Stay Dreaming With Jon McLeod
With his brand new EP release Dream... You're Awake Jon McLeod brings neo-folk and alternative rock together and creates a set of alluring songs.
The record feels like being afloat in a dream looking down at the streets of the town where you grew up. Watching the houses and alleyways pass by, knowing you're in a dream, and not wanting to wake up.
Acoustic guitar, vocals, and cello or (upright bass) are a trifecta that really sways the listener and Jon knows exactly how to woo you into his personal space with each track.
Percussion, effected electric guitars and piano come in here and there in the records atmosphere just giving more of a dreamesque feeling.
The soundscape of this record is easy to succumb to and it's pleasureful to indulge.
There is something incredibly special about this EP and about how Jon McLeod writes his songs.
Jon McLeod Spotify
An Awe Inspiring Creation From Blue Brown
The latest from Blue Brown is an outstanding display of musicianship and pure love for the craft.
"Kingdom Go" is an almost mystically beautiful song with an ever building arrangement and the entire thing is pure bliss.
Straight from the get go you are pulled right into the world of Blue Brown. You've stepped outside your comfort zone and are watching and hearing something quite amazing.
Utilizing effects and his stringed instruments even as percussion, the song swirls into something different while vocals keep mellow and relaxed.
The best thing about this track is watching the video as he literally breaks down the song and shows how he creates such a masterful piece of work.
This is a song Queens Of The Stone Age would be jealous of. Yeah, I just said that. It's that good. And if you watch the video (above) you'll see exactly what I mean.
This is watching someone in his most natural of habitats. A very wondrous and awe inspiring creation from Blue Brown, "Kingdom Go" is an outlandishly good time.
The Latest From Kill 'Em Charlie Kills It Indeed
The new EP from Kill 'Em Charlie is called I Hope This Works For You (Cause It Does For Me) is as fun as the title suggests.
These guys are a cross between the Strokes, Vampire Weekend, The Killers, and Duran Duran all rolled into one tasty treat.
The first track "Dark Manoeuvers" hits the ground running with a contagious riff and stomping kick drum. The whole attitude of the song sets the stage for the rest of this killer EP.
Insane energy, borderline garage punk and endless fun fun fun, the record rocks on with catchy an raw tunes that get under your skin in the best way possible.
These are so edgy but also so radio friendly its nuts.
This is the kind of EP that makes you want to hear more and more from this band.
Check out Kell 'Em Charlie now.
New And Notable Releases
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The Ever Alluring Music Of Xanthia Skye
In a new single released by Xanthia Skye, the artist visits memories and touches on a 80's pop sound.
"Ain't It Strange" is soothing and swooning as it plays on and paints a picture with each verse and becomes more and more relatable.
The song has an amazing synth-wave undertone combined with passionate vocals and a building arrangement while it grows more intense. It's the type of song you can see in a movie scene; emotional and with a melodic pop undertone that keeps the linings of the song bright and vibrant.
This is an alluring song that actually makes you feel compassion and leaves you a bit bewildered once it ends.
Xanthia uses her pipes (and damn does she have a set of pipes), gracefully and with a certain soothing and silky tone that flows but does so with a vigor that comes through.
A striking single from a marvelous songwriter and performer, "Ain't It Strange" is one of three singles released this year. Everyone is well worth a listen.
The Wonderfully Alt-Pop Sounds of Jen Ella
Glasgow native Jen Ella is gearing up to release her latest single "Lipstick Queen".
The single is a cinematic singer songwriter track with airy and ambient vocals touching on artits like Mazzy Star while bringing an edginess much like PJ Harvey or Cat Power.
An outstanding combination with a tasteful hint of a sweet darkness hits the palet perfectly as her vocal style keeps you afloat.
"Lipstick Queen" feels emotional and has a certain powerfulness behind it. The song isn't just what's on the surface but what lurks just below.
You quickly become addicted to Ella's voice and will soon find yourself searching for more. And there is more.
"Lipstick Queen" (set to release Nov. 7th) is part of a string of singles released throughout the past few years.
Songs like "Spoken Words" give off a late 90's alternative-pop feel and does it incredibly well while "Flawless" has a classic rock tone with a little southern flare.
You can hear those on her Spotify now along with others.
Keep a good look out for "Lipstick Queen" because it certainly won't let you down.
Jordan Fox Is Over It In His New Single "Fake Friends"
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Jordan Fox is over it in his new single "Fake Friends".
Letting out a little aggression, Fox took his emotion and worked it into an edgy radio pop song with touches of R&B with plenty of addictive hooks along the way.
Jordan Fox is a top notch example of what young artists can do on their own with today's musical advances in recording.
The song displays an impressive level of natural songwriting ability. A perfect follow up to his previous single "Enough"; a smooth pop track utilizing a reggae undertone and weaving it into a neon lit pop song.
"Fake Friends" also shows the artists progressive song writing style. Fox writes singles that are ready to hit airwaves.
Completely unfiltered and up front, it's refreshing to hear such a catchy song with such a raw lyrical content.
We need more from an artist like this.
"Fake Friends" is set to be released on Nov. 6th on all major outlets but until then, you can hear his other works at any of the links below.
Get Washed Away With J.Moriarty
Songwriter J. Moriarty releases a soothing single called "Ride Side".
Giving off a feeling that crosses Elliot Smith and Nick Drake, "Ride Side" takes honest and upfront lyrics and creative and full vocal work and belnds them into a youthful but familiar sound.
Woderful layers of harmonies and swells fill the air while Moriarty talks about things most of us think about.
Taking this neo-folk style and pouring some indie-pop over it is exactly what this song encompasses.
This track is great for fans of old and new genres of singer songwriter, pop, and folk.
"Ride Side" has the ability to wash over you until you're floating around in your own mind and when it ends, you get snapped out of it, but want to start it all again.
A beautifully portrayed combination of styles old and new, check out "Ride Side".
The Delightfully Invasive Sounds Of Moth Traps
Moth Traps just dropped a double single called Hooligan. Consisting of a crazy variety of synths and vocoders, and distorted vocals, the fist track "Hooligan" transforms into a whirlwind of a future glitch pop piece creating a whole different world to get sucked into with each change.
There is something theatrical about it or even like someone on a street corner in NYC in the late 90's preaching through a megaphone to the people walking by.
It's a delightfully invasive and augmented track with big swells and sways and it's insanely fun to keep up with.
The second of the two tracks is called "The Hologram of The Boy" which continues on this tripped out musical journey and gives off a Ween on acid feel.
There are sets of great progressions and a strange cultish atmosphere.
Remember the boat scene in Willy Wonka? Well, "The Hologram Of The Boy" is kind of like watching that scene. Strange at first but you can't look away.
A very different brand of electro-pop from Moth Trap.
A Samba-Pop Blitzkreig With HMS Morris
HMS Morris is getting ready to drop a brand new banger called "Partypooper" and believe us, it's no Party Pooper at all.
This is an absolute flurry of samba-pop fun thrown at you at light speeds.
An array of wild sounds and instrumentation hits hard and the energy is completely unstoppable. Horns, guitars, synths, piano and orchestral breakdowns that give off a Beatles feel before busting back into it's high octane pop blitzkrieg.
It's rare you'll hear a track that is pure pop and as heavy sounding as "Partypooper".
When it's ended you feel like you've got pop whiplash. Is that a thing? It is now thanks to HMS Morris.
100% addicting this track will have you hitting the replay button at least a few times.
Set for release everywhere Nov. 6th keep a lookout for "Partypooper" but until then, you won't be let down by checking out their catalog of works.
Feel Good With Mi Luz and "Better Days"
Looking for some feel good pop rock? Look no further than Mi Luz.
The new release dubbed "Better Days" is absolutely bright and full of color. With vintage 80's pop synths flowing throughout the track it gives a warm feeling of a summer love.
This track is made up of at least 4 different hooks that all work together incredibly well and vocally the song is flowing and sounds like shining neon lights in the distance.
Top down, night driving, hands in the air and onto some kind of adventure that awaits you just around the next corner "Better Days" will have you reminiscing about the golden days and wanting to get out there and make new memories.
Tasteful production and loads of heart, "Better Days" is a great song to pick things up at the start of your day.
A perfect follow up to the self titled Mi Luz EP released earlier this year, "Better Days" should be on all your pop playlists.
A great release from a great songwriter.
A Gorgeous Record From Barbara Cassidy Band
Barbara Cassidy Band just released a perfect record for the season.
A Winter Frame of Mind is a beautifully woven album made up of gorgeous folk songs all with celtic undertone and an array of instrumentation.
Flutes, fiddles, banjo, and acoustic guitar create an ethereal and almost rustic sound that really has the ability to take you to a different place.
Pitch perfect and heartfelt vocals put you at ease while you close your eyes and drift off into what feels like green pastures. The songs sound like they've been passed down from generation to generation and the aesthetic really paints a picture each time.
Emotionally driven and touching tracks all give off that Winter Frame of Mind indeed.
This is a record to put on while you sit in front of the fire on a cold night and feel the warmth from the music as you do the fire itself.
A graceful record from all angles.
Barabara Cassidy Band Facebook
Ghostlawns Drops A Synth-Rock Opus
In a gorgeous set of cinematic soundscapes, Ghostlawns releases their Motorik album.
A brilliant combination of synths, electro, rock, and dream-pop all intertwined throughout a 9 track opus of a record, Motorik breathes new life into the indie music scene showing others that following your own path with songwriting is how you end up with something special.
Songs like "Akademie" sends you off into an indie rock spaceship and keeps you afloat just outside the earth's atmosphere. Sleek and cool, the track has a way of growing on you quickly.
All this while others like "Guppy" is a much more electronic focused utilizing mostly synths and keys but with live drums. And this drummer is incredibly in the pocket on every single song.
Motorik is an album you can drive to, dance to, and just kick back and absorb.
Each performer in Ghostlawns is essential as they all bring mass amounts of talent to the table.
This record is an outstanding and oceanic piece of work and should be heard in full to really get it.
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The Brutal Honesty Of OnlyChrisAng
OnlyChrisAng is a passionate display of absolute brutal honesty and serves as a testament to how music is used to express inner demons and help turn things around.
For the sake of letting others know they aren't alone in times of distress, depression, and struggle, OnlyChrisAng comes through like no other might dare.
Keeper, his latest EP release keeps you paying close attention by very real performances and fiery songs about things that aren't easy for a person to talk about.
OnlyChrisAng let's it all out and comes through with a unique and raw EP that really works on more levels than you might think.
Check out Keeper HERE.
Check Out out interview with OnlyChrisAng
The Wonderously Cinematic Anthems of Ben Gertner
Songwriter Ben Gertner just released a fresh new EP called "Cry Like This" and right from the get go, it's got a great indie -pop feel to it as he brings styles old and new together perfectly.
The songs are bright and descriptive tales of his life and most are done from a strong emotional standpoint.
Songs like "3am" sound like they belong in the scene of a film. You can see the guys running to the girl at the wee hours of the morning, emotions raw and whirling, while the chorus plays on "It's 3am I should take you home".
The EP in its entirety is full of these driving and powerful tracks that make you feel. And that's not an easy thing to do. To tell a story and make you feel something through song can at times, be a rarity. But this is exactly what Ben Gertner specializes in.
Distant and surrounding guitars fill the air while heartfelt vocals combined with synths straight out of an 80's record really find a home with Ben. The songs have the ability to lift your spirits in a strange way.
A strong effort from Ben Gertner and well worth more than a few listens.
New And Notable Releases
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The Hotel Wilderness by J.P. Riggall
The latest from J.P. Riggall is an alternative trip into a rock dream state. The Hotel Wilderness album is a spacey rock epic of sorts.
Songs swell and create cinematic atmospheres all while hooking you with catchy melodies and progressions combined with distant and passionate vocals.
Giving the record a full spin creates the feel of what seems like a concept album and it plays out anthemic and with a growing intensity at times.
The album isn't without its indie-pop aspects especially with songs like "Moosejaw" which belts out musically and vocally enough for you to take a swim through the song itself.
Great use of guitar effects and a creatie energy and performance that is much less bound than normal, Hotel Wilderness is a deepening and beautifully strung together album.
The record will be available on CD and Vinyl Nov. 20th.
Ian Matthew Davis Pulls On Your Heart Strings With Amigo
In the latest release from Ian Matthew Davis, the songwriter delves into some wonderfully honest folk songs with some rock undertone.
The songs are stories and Ian is quite the storyteller. Getting into emotionally descriptive notions and sutiations, Davis touches on all kinds of awe with beauty and love.
Amigo is a touching and personal EP that gets to you quickly as he wears his heart on his sleeve throughout its entirety.
One of the most meaningful and real tracks on the EP called "Beautiful Girl" which is a more stripped down acoustic and vocal style which gives way to let you really pay attention to what he's saying.
There are some strong varying genres that appear on Amigo but his songwriting in general is the most prominent aspect of the record. These all feel like songs that just needed to be let out from somewhere within.
Some excellent progressions and guitar work that it certainly sounds like had fun with while recording .
Taking notes from folk artists old and new, Ian Matthew Davis lets it all out with Amigo.
New And Notable Releases
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Dig in deep with The David Koster Band
Sometimes you go looking for something that hits that classic rock sweet spot. Some tasteful guitar harmonies, some soulful backing vocals, some real vintage sound.
Well, we do anyway. That's when we found the authentic classic rock of The David Koster Band.
Songs that lift you up with a southern root planted deep in their bones. Bringing that CCR, Crosby Stills & Nash sound back into your life and it all feels just right.
Yes, the guitar work is up there with some of the greats of the genre and the songs are written and performed with loads of heart.
"We Could Lay" brings things into a more current indie rock feel while still holding true to that old school Stones sound. Endless fun.
"Sweet Vinyls" is a call out for when your dating someone for a bit and you go to their apartment for the first time. The songs calls out all the things you may think in your head and its both humurous and perfectly on point.
The album is called Woodhaven Road and it deserves aspin. Of ourse, we all wish it were on vinyl cause that would be perfection.
The rustic and existential sounds of Nathaniel Bellows
The latest from Nathaniel Bellows displays is particular style of deep gritty vocals over soft, clean acoustic folk with jazz overtones almost in the vein of Tom Waits.
"In The Wool" has the ability to swoop in and grab your attention quickly and gives you the feeling of walking through the forest on a quiet day.
There is something rustic and natural about the song as it unravels and, at times swells in its intensity. You picture fields and nature, birth and life. This is a song that touches on the joys and greys of life but it's done in such a way that it musically fits they lyrcis perfectly.
You can hear the changes from his previous works like 2018's Swan And Wolf album which is also some amazing work.
Bellows' entire catalog is very listen worthy and should be heard especially for fans of folk music in general.
Easy to fall into and wonderous to stay, nathaniel Bellows can take you on his existential journey with "In The Wool"
Check out the video on our FRESH VIDEOS page.
Paul Jacks "Lunacy's Back" Gets Retro
Dance-Pop songwriter Paul Jacks just releaseda synthwave trackthat hits that vintage 80's pop sound head on.
Utilizing some classic synth sounds and creating another world, Jacks drives the Miami night club vibe straight through neon lit highways and gorgeous soundscapes.
A sweet and sultry comination of old and new, blending in some almost dream-pop vocals, distant and catchy while using keys for an array of musical hooks.
The single dubbed "Lunacy's Back" feels big and boasts plenty of textured and layered sounds to create a dancable song from begginging to end.
The track follows suit with his other singles released earlier this year "Shy Boy" and "I Fell Right Back Into Your Hands".
Paul Jacks knows how to pinpoint the sound he wants and it's not hard to hear with each track, he has a great evolution as he grows as a songwriter.
The Beautiful Agression Of Everyone Is Dirty
Oakland CA natives Everyone Is Dirty is an absolute great time through and through. Gritty, sexy, edgy, fun, and completely addicting songs are spewed from their brains on a regular basis and their latest is no outcast.
"Killing of The Firstborn Son" is laced with some outlandish attitude and vivacious style.
Explaining the song in words doesn't quite do it. You really need to hear this track. But for fans of Julie Christmas (Made Out Of Babies), or Metric, or undergrond bands like Red Knife Lottery, this band is 100% for you.
"Killing of The Firstborn Son" is like laying in bed peacfully, content and calm. Your eyes geting heavy as you start to drift through a beautiful, then suddenly bursting into a destructive nightmare, getting the shit scared out of you, waking up again and repeating a few times.
You haven't heard such beautiful aggression in a long time and it feels amazing to hear.
So drift off peacefully into destruction with Everyone Is Dirty.
Darren Jessee tells all with Remover
Darren Jessee just released a beautifully cinematic and bright album dubbed "Remover".
A set of gorgeous tracks filled to the brim with classic rock and folk influences all with his own character peppered over each.
Songs about life and love that remind you at times of Dylan, Oasis, and even Elliot Smith.
Laden with swelling string sections and seemless acoustic guitar performances all while Jessee tells his stories of personal and emotional falls and heights.
"I'm Your baby" along with others come through like a lullaby that grows into a dream and finally into a reality viewed through enlightened eyes.
"Dead Weight" is a set of memories and heartfelt sentiment and almost disbelief .
It's hard not ot fall in love with this record and it's slightly sullen, but positively anthemic style.
Darren Jessee's Remover is not one to be left behind.
Watch the lyric video for "Dead Weight" on our FRESH VIDEOS page.
Main Primate "Portobello" Single Premier
UK based alternative pop group Main Primate just released a vivicious and daring single dubbed "Portobello".
The track is loaded with an intriguing array of instrumentation including acoustic guitars, synths, tamberines, and beatles-eque strings. "Portobello" is an ever building song with beautifully layered keys, rolling snare, and a 90's alt pop vibe.
The song showcases this bands ability to create something that feels like there's a lot going on while staying radio friendly. Combining elements of natural and digital instruments together so smoothly is no easy task, and Main Prmate nails it on the head with what feels like great ease.
"Portobello" has a way of feeling like it exists on its own plain, in its own world, and that my friends, is what some pop music should really be about.
Main Primate creates songs without boundaries and that makes for some great art in general.
"Portobello" is a sneak peak at whats to come as these guys will be dropping a full length album later this year. We should all keep a lookout for this one.
Meet Gospel Performer & Songwriter Allan Strickland
Songwriter Allan Strickland has been singing since the age of only 10 years old, and it shows in his current catalog of songs.
Crossing genres from acoustic folk to classic rock, Strickland bursts out with soulful vocals and heartfelt songs.
A Pastor for the First baptist Church in Weston TX, Stickland has been releasing deep cuts with that southern twang like "The Day The Old Man Died".
Songs full of spirit, honesty and love, every one feels genuine and passionate.
"Deeper" is a single that leans toward a classic rock style with growing progressions and vocal harmonies along with tasteful bending lead guitar work and a want to "grow stronger, see clearer, and be closer" to Jesus.
The songs are Christian rock and Strickland has made quite a life for himself built off of his original songs and, upon a listen to his music, it's not hard to see why people attach themselves to it.
If you're looking for some great folk, classic rock, and Christian song, look no further. Allan Strickland has you covered.
New And Notable Releases
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Michael Golden digs in deep with "Mr.Ecstasy"
“Mr. Ecstasy" is the latest single released from songwriter Michael Golden and listening to it gives you the feeling you're listening to it in the scene of a play.
The theatrical style of this encompassing track at times comes from its powerful vocals. Other instances is its building arrangement complete with string sections, gorgeous piano progressions, and distant synth pads floating along the song’s ether
The song is just a glimpse into his upcoming full-length Some Kind Of Holiday album, set to be released this November.
"Mr.Ecstasy" is a tastefully woven song created with heart and the video gives plenty of eye candy while you listen.
Check out our full interview with Michael Golden HERE.
Album Review - Sixteen Thirty Two by The So Called Natives
The So Called Natives dropped an album called Sixteen Thirty Two and it's totally packed with a perfectly constructed swaray of late 90's alternative underground rock with plenty of pop embedded in each and every song. Bands like Hum, Pavement, and even Weezer come to mind upon digging into this record.
A bright and epic set of tracks that swim through memories and add a glimmer to each one.
Massive guitar sounds and sonically fuzz toned, Sixteen Thirty Two has that warm feeling you get from playing records you listened to while cruising to your friends place to hang out for the night.
Drums smash through huge waves of open chords and catchy vocals, and honestly, you don't want it to end.
One of the greatest things about this record is that it even has a Christmas song on it. Something you don't see too often "Alone On Christmas" is an outstanding and radio friendly radio rock Christmas classic. There's even an acoustic version at the end of the record.
Again this is surely depicting a memory and as songwriter Nick Cunningham tends to do all over this album, it paints a pitcure so well, it melds with your own memories and connects with a part of you that's not easy to get to.
A near perfect releasefrom The So Called Natives
Featured EP- Bubblegum Radio by Rich Kid Express
New And Notable Releases
Chase Tremaine
Chase Tremaine Searches For Himself - Chase Tremaine leads on with his heartfelt rock single "Search For Myself". A bold and radio friendly track that features some outside the box guitar work and songwriting. Just a single song from his Unfall album out now! You can listen to Chase Remaine.
Sugar Lunch
Sugar Lunch Launches New Album - The New album entitled Like Gel from Washington DC artist Sugar Lunch pushes the envelope with dream rock sounds touching on a little gloom and keeping true to his love of indie-pop. Check out Sugar Lunch.
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Featured EP- Bubblegum Radio by Rich Kid Express
Bubblegum Radio, the latest release from Rich Kid Express drives hard in a real Motley Crue sort of way.A mix of our favorite rock bands from the days of glam compiled into one powerful, punchy EP.
Killer changes and absolutely good time songs through and through, any fan of pure Rock n' Roll will love this.
Songs about chicks and music can;t lose. The title track "Bubblegum Radio" is likea lost anthem of decades passed. With just the right amount of southern twang in thos guitars it becones songs like "Smokin' In The Boys Room" (back to Miotley Crue again).
Loads of excelltn guitar work with some edginess and a solid put yuor top town down and cruise the sunset strip on a warm summer night vibe.
Rich Kid Express nails the whole experience the way you'd want to feel it. You can get down to most of these tracks like "Steamroller" rocking lines like "sweet hot mama with a hand grenade".
Bubblegum Radio is an instant win for classic real deal rockers out there. Check these guys out!
Nice Try KID
"Gray" by Nice Try kid brings out the alt-rock in all of us and keeps that pure pop punk energy and sticks to this damn well working formula throughout the ATTICS EP.
DON'T CALL ME SHIRLEY
"Fly Away" by Don't Call me Shirley brings emo and ambience together along with true to self lyrcis and and mystical rock style.
FEATURED REVIEW: EX OH
The self titled album release from New York natives Ex Oh approaches fast and we can't wait for it. Why you ask?Great quetion. For one, you can hear the first single titled "Love and War" on Bandcamp right now and it's sure to sooth your indie pop needs. You can hear the youthful brightness spewing from every vocal melody. A virtual party of well placed synths and some straight forward lyrics. Most addicting though, is its ever growing chorus. The song is a perfect taste to get you to want the whole damn thing right now.
Featured Review: CLOUDSTOMPER
Looking for that semi-vintage slightly dark synth pop sound you haven't heard in a bit? Enter Cloudstomper. Night and Fog is an album release that delves through ambient distant sonic vibes and touches on an 80's synthwave era that's becoming more and more popular again these days. Playing out as a soundtrack to film inspired by classic slashers, the record goes through a combination of guitars and synths layered into melodies and memorable hooks built on emotion. You can actually hear how these would end up in a film. Night and Fog is a love letter to film score and soundtrack from various time periods and is well worth a good listen for any horror film fan.
The Very
"A Well Armed Man" by The Very twists 70's classic rock with an indie rock style that works for any beach party.
JACOBER
"Mirror Trade" by Jacober takes you on a trip through psychedelic driven alternative pop with a fun style and attitude.
New And Notable Releases
CENTRE
New single released from CENTRE called "Heartbeat" delves into a touch of classic alternative -pop rock and some unstoppable melodies all with a solid bright polish. CENTRE is one to look out for.
Me Me Me
Me Me Me has a single fresh to the pop world and it's more than worth a listen. Anyone who loves indie pop will want to grab this song and start adding it to their playlists as it's got that style you crave. "Poetry" is worthy.
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FEATURED REVIEW: SUNDOTS
Play by Sundots is a perfect showcase of indie songwriting and recording with no boundaries. Flowing through Indie pop, rock, and more, the EP gives off a loose feel. "In The Backyard" is an endlessly catchy tune with a lo-fi but solid production that lasts all of one minute but has you hitting repeat multiple times. There is something that is quickly additive about it. Sure you'll wish it were longer but if you play it on repeat enough it feels longer. Some songs feel like something you'd hear in an indie film somewhere and will certainly having you digging through the Sundots cataloge straight away.
PLANET LOSER
"I'm Yours (In Bloom)" by Planet Loser is a gorgeous and flowing electric guitar and female vocal song padded in reverb and depth.
KARMA
"One Day Soon" by Karma shows us a glimpse back to 90's alternative pop withtouches of adult contemporary.
FEATURED REVIEW: MELOTIKA
Joy Ride by Melotika transfixes quickly with a darker almost gritty form of radio synth pop combining styles old and new together to make a familiar but slithgly grungy form of pop. Bendy guitars the dooma nd gloom of bands like Garbage work well with the keys and synths ued in the single. A heavy backbone and a hard hitting feel makes the original a bit better than the remixed versions on the EP. Any fan of that darker pop feel should love Joy Ride.
Olympia Trout Patrol
"Superlative Oceans" by Olympia Trout Patrol is an absolute awe inspiring party of sound flavors rolled into one amazing track.
GARDEN OF IAN
"Static Snow" by Garden Of Ian is an indepth singer songwriter track with some alternative rock influence peaking through.
FEATURED REVIEW: THE BOLEYS
Austin TX based garage rock pop band The Boleys rock their way through the new El Toro album release. "Sick of The Man" is our top track from this bulky trash fuzz record. Lots of crew vocals, bendy swirvy almost drunk lead guitars doubled up and souding awesome. There are acoustic based (but still garage) tracks like "Fat Check". Completely addictive and an air of bands like The Pixies. A great record with a lot to say.
A dream-esque synth art pop project called The Paper Flowers takes on radio pop and comes in swinging. Loads of catchy vocal melodies and a massive soundscape of airy pads and keys keep you floating throughout the album. The record has its heavier moments but hold true to its overall pop attitude. The release dubbed Once Is Enough is a strong one.
FEATURED REVIEW: SWEET GAV
Time to feel the indie dreampop tunes of Sweet Gav. The Just Playin' album isa twist up of hiphop, airy spaced out guitars scattered about, and a ton of coolness vocally. The songs bounce around and often take digital beats and acoustic instrumentation and bring them together. Funk, jazz, rock, pop, and so much more onthis record. It's a lot to take in but so sweet it is. Musically massive and enough soul to share with the world.
FRESH VIDEO: THE ORDINARY THINGS
Marcelyn & Bad Sleeper
"Empty Room" by Marcelyn & Bad Sleeper is a two part single release thats eerie groove indie rock.
Denosoar
"What'll Go First?" by Denosoar is by far the closest thing you'll hear to Daniel Johnston without question.
FEATURED REVIEW: GOLDEN PLATES
Oxytocin by Golden Plates is the type of song you dive into and start swimming in ultra sonic guitars. The song is massivley ambient yet breathes heavy. With its dirty undertone, it feels like Nick Cave would dig into this single with a shit eating grin the entire time. As it plays out it gets more and more agressive as the song exclaims, "We're all just chemicals, until you take us away". A little something to think about. All in all this song has a crazy energy with a mature level of musicianship. Check this out as soon as you can, we bet you go searching for more from Golden Plates straight after.
BLANKS
Dear Tom
"Rapid World" by Dear Tom lets that 80's synthwave loose and it's something you can shake your booty too.
FEATURED REVIEW: ENGLISH MINOR
Elementary Ego by English Minor is a 13 track album with an array of piano and guitar pop stylings intertwined within its walls. These songs are spurts of creative songwriting energy that sometimes last only a minute and a half and still have the ability to leave you satisfied completely. Thre is a quirkiness to the writing and performance on this album. There is also a level of seriousness to certain songs that bleed through onto others at times. All in all, this is a great example of at home songwriting and recording with very little held back. Great sounds here!
The self titled 5 song EP release from Positive Negative Man clearly touches on Nick Cave while keeping a new age utlra fuzz overtone. This EP is loaded with elements of radio rock from decades passed melded in with a pop feel for today. The record sounds very genuine and is vocally on fire as is the bands enrgy overall. Be ready to get down and have some fun with Positive Negative Man.
THE FAIRVIEW
"Black Cat, Broken Mirror, and two Dead Birds" by The Fairview is the epitome of pop punk alt-rock cross over.
JACK BINKERD
"Hindsight" by Jack Binkerd is a love song with some personal depth and lots of additcing math guitar work.
FEATURED REVIEW: MONDAY MISTRESS
The best way to describe Monday Mistress and thier self titled album release is too try and imagine Black Sabbath and L7 had a baby and believe me, you'll be thankful for it. Shattering guitar riffs, deep rock breakdowns, and a fierce front woman all make for a great combination. Plenty of riot rock elements in the mix and a gritty sound will be sure to destroy your ear holes....in a very good way. So come get destroyed with Monday Mistress.
FRESH VIDEO: NICE TRY KID
FEATURED REVIEW: SOME DAD
With an ever deepening ambience comes the neo-western Cast Iron Drove album by Some Dad. Seeping with bells and fuzzy guitar hooks, distanced vocals the record does play out almost like listening to a post modern old western film. Melty harmonizing vocals and plucky bass lines along with bells and keys filling the atmosphere, this one has a lot to take in. It's perfect especially for something like a long drive. Beautiful backing vocal melodies spun throughout its course and most of the time its hard not to feel like you are actually in a film of some type. Very cool record with very little boundaries. Well done.
Hoodooleen Takes You To Church
Hoodooleen just dropped a new single and video called " I Will Wear My Suit Tonight".
The deep toned and cinematic track is ever building and slowly crawls under your skin and into your soul as it grows more and more intense.
Before you know it, you feel uplifted and paralyzed at the same time. The soulfully performed single feels like church. Like some sort of powerful entity even in the moments it hints at classic rock idles like Billy Joel just beneath its surface.
Hoodooleen lets it rip and sets your ears aflame with passion and heart.
This is the type of song that feels like it came from someplace absolutely real. The track is lyrically relatable and hits with such an impactful punch, that when it's over you have to shake it off.
Hoodooleen is one tough act to follow.
FRESH VIDEO: MATTHEW CHASTNEY
FEATURED SINGLE
Little Waters
"Rodent" by Little Waters is a journey into future pop of todays youth and it brings a multitude of pop genres together.
An Interview With Elizabeth Lyons
In her latest release, Elizabeth Lyons hits the pop-rock arena with "Prove It".
A bright, high energy banger that really shows her flawless pop queen character shining through.
"Prove It" has all the qualitites you want from a radio pop song and this song certainly proves it!
We sat down with Elizabeth to talk shop.
TSWS: You have a new single on the way! WHEN and HOW do we get ahold of it?
Elizabeth: My single “Prove It” is available on 10/16 on all music platforms. The “Prove It“ Lyric Video which I made from my couch is out on YouTube on October 23 and the Music Video comes out very soon!
TSWS: Tell us a bit about your recording process!
Elizabeth: This time it was a little different as I cut an outside song and I usually only record my own songs! But when I heard “Prove It” I knew I had to record it. I loved the energy and thought the vibe was so fun and upbeat! I felt like it would be so great in my live show and it has definitely proven to be a fan favorite! At the time ole Nashville's Emily Mueller and John Ozier who pitched me the song written by Jesse Lee (Brett Young's “Like I Loved You”, Kelsea Ballerini's “Peter Pan” Keith Urban's “That Could Still Be Us”, Derrick Sutherland (Grammy winner Carrie Underwood's “Storyteller”, Kane Brown's viral Hot 100 hit “Like A Rodeo”, and Ingrid Andress' No. 1 single “More Hearts Than Mine”) and Jake Mitchell (Florida Georgia Line's "Can't Say I Ain't Country”, Luke Bryan's "Born Here Live Here Die Here", and Devin Dawson's "Dark Horse").
I went into the studio with Nashville producers Brad Hill (Maren Morris, Brett Young) and Robert Williams, mixed by Jim Cooley (Sam Hunt, Dustin Lynch, Jordan Davis, Luke Combs) and mastered by Jonathan Deans. The demo that was sent was really well produced and a great starting point so we decided to take that and then just make it even bigger! Brad and Robert hired the musicians to play on the track and I went into the studio with Katie Talbot who helped coach me vocally!
TSWS: Any rituals as a songwriter that helps keep the creativity flowing?
Elizabeth: I used to try and write songs every day but now I try to just go with the flow of what I’m feeling and go with that gut instinct. My best ideas come to me at the most random times, usually when I’m driving, on walks, or in the shower (not the most convenient) haha but luckily having voice memos helps! I then write down and record the ideas and typically bring them to the songwriter I think is going to be the best teammate to help me make it the best it can be. I typically write songs about what's going on in my life or a feeling I remember having in the past.
Every Friday I try to listen to new music that comes out so I’m staying up to date on things. But sometimes I just am not in the mood to listen to music and just want to focus on re-listening to the songs I’ve written.
I love watching movies and tv shows for inspiration as well! Recently trying to get more into podcasts and books! Tiktok has randomly been a good inspiration for me as well!
TSWS: Where are you currently located and where have you toured?
Elizabeth: I’m currently located in New Orleans and Nashville! I go between the two cities, which is so lucky as they’re both filled with great music, people and culture.
Over the years I’ve worked hard to book my band and I at shows all over the US! I started in my hometown and have expanded to the Midwest and now all over! My goal is to perform abroad someday soon! Festivals and venues: Summerfest (6 yrs in a row), Country Stampede (3 yrs in a row), Country Fest (2 yrs in a row), Country Jam Colorado (2 yrs) & Wisconsin, Country on the River, Taste of Country Music Festival, Country Thunder, Windy City Smokeout, Tree Town Festival, Jam in the Valley (2 yrs in a row), Buckeye Country Superfest, Headwaters Country Jam, Lakes Jam Festival, Mardi Gras (2 yrs in a row), Iowa State Fair (2 yrs in a row), Joe’s on Weed St (5x), Joe’s Live, The Bluebird Café (2x), Surf Ballroom, The Bitter End, Printers Alley-NYC, Brickstreet, Loret- tas, Opry City Stage, and Rock the Sox at US Cellular Field, National Anthem at Soldier Field, Lambeau Field, Wrigley Field, Bridgestone Arena, Fenway Park, Miller Park and more.Opened for or shared the stage with Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Florida-Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Jake Owen, Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Alabama, Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, Hunter Hayes, Cole Swindell, Chase Rice, Cheap Trick, Randy Houser, Old Dominion, Phil Vassar, Craig Campbell, Eric Paslay, Parmalee, Grainger Smith, Kip Moore, Brett Young and more.
TSWS: Tell us your favorite fan story!
Elizabeth: This is a great story that relates to “Prove It”! I met Robert Brower at CMA Fest fan fair at my booth. Over the years he turned from a fan to a good friend. He helped support my music album by buying an acoustic show for his dance studio, called Storytellers Dance Academy. I got to perform at the studio and see how amazingly talented he is as a choreographer. I recruited Robert to choreograph the dance in my “Prove It” music video coming out soon! It’s so fun and I can’t wait for you to see it!
TSWS: Any favorite tracks off the new album?
Elizabeth: “Prove It” is my favorite song of this chapter of inspirational singles I’ve released about empowerment!
Epiphany was to believe in yourself and ignore all the voices in your head...
24 was the journey it takes to get there...
Brave Enough was a cry to not give up and an appreciation for everyone who’s helped you get there....
Now with PROVE IT is you’re doing it and proving it!
TSWS: Where do our readers stay in touch with you?
Elizabeth: Social Media! Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tiktok you name it...! Instagram is my favorite! I’m learning Tiktok it’s so addicting! Also, through following on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora... however you listen to music... my songs are about what I’m feeling and going through so connecting with me through my music is key to what’s going on inside of me!
Check out Elizabeth Lyons HERE
Press inquires: bsquaredmgmt@gmail.
An Interview With Kristi Flagg
Bursting out with soulful vocals and an Americana rock sound, Kristi Flagg hits the ground running with her brand new album release Brave New View.
One thing is for sure, upon listening to this record you get the understanding that Flagg holds nothing back. There is a lot of love on this album and it's laden with radio friendly feel good songs that range in style without losing it's folk rock vibe.
Songs like "Heart Skips A Beat" sounds like something written in the 1950's with a doo-wop cross over feeland those passionate vocals.
One of the best on the album is a track dubbed "This Love"; a powerful and slightly 90's radio pop song that really feels inspirational.
With such a gorgeous album, we had to sit down with Kristi to talk about the record and more. Here's what happened.
TSWS: So Kristi, "This Love" is an incredibly uplifting song and is beautifullyladen with vocals. Where did this song come from?
Kristi: This Love was inspired by three things: coming back “home” to music after a long time away, celebrating a love affair I was newly wrapped up in and exalting the ever presence of Love. I had felt somewhat isolated for a long while, and as I moved back into writing and music I felt reunited with an ecstatic aspect of life: like falling in love with life’s possibilities. The musical expression and uplifting aspect of the arrangement is intended to be celebratory: shouting out loud the joyful aspects of life. The bridge lyric and shift in melody and feeling is when I am reminding myself about the trials of life’s ups and downs. All ofthese life events are part of the larger journey. In every apparent struggle is the opportunity for increased awareness. Awareness in turn offers peace of mind.
The mantra “Om Namah Shivaya" in the chorus is one of the mostfamiliar of Hindu mantras and means "O salutations to the auspiciousone!” In addition, when broken down into syllables, Na sound represents earth, Ma sound represents water, Śi sound represents fire, Vā sound represents Pranic air, Ya sound represents sky or ether,so it also refers to the five elements that make up all of life. Its total meaning is that "universal consciousness is one”. I was inspired by Jai Uttal’s writing on his album Thunder Love where he skillfully fuses aspects of the sacred and profane into divine love songs. Having Jai’s voice complete the song’s ending was a beautiful gift. The vocals I created were my version of a The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s
horn section but I decided to create the horn parts with vocals instead. As I sang them, I was picturing animated horn players bopping around
the studio!
TSWS: "This Love " is just one song from your Brave New View album. What was the inspiration behind this album's creation?
Kristi: I returned to writing music after many years away from it. I began going to a weekly open mic where playing new songs felt safe. After getting my feet wet initially playing cover tunes, my hand reached for the pen and paper one day. I was messing around with the guitar and liked the progression I had stumbled upon. This started happening a lot. At times the words and melodies seemed more like downloads as the writing happened quite readily. In a years time I had penned 40 songs. This was not normal for me, by any stretch of the imagination. As I shared the songs at the open mic (sometimes the tunes were only hours old) the lyric content and melodies landed with people quite readily. I was inspired by my fellow songwriters and listeners alike and came to realize that the way I was musically digesting the last few decades of my life had a particular resonance: sharing my ups and downs through song was offering support to others. That truly was my inspiration to go to the next step, which was recording.
TSWS: Listening through the record in full, it almost feels like a concept album of sorts. Would You say that's true?
Kristi: I really appreciate that comment. Yes. I would agree. Brave New View’s collection of material is about shifting the moments where I had
felt blind sided by life. I looked at the lessons and the bumps without a filter. In doing so I was able to finally and truly process some of the pain I had experienced (Our Story) and also, on the flip side, some of the new unbridled joy I was becoming more familiar with (Shelter Me). This helped me to look at my life’s journey with a new lens, affording me a Brave New View with which to move forward. I also had a ring side seat to a few friends who were also going through big life changes. As I watched them get caught up in fear of the unknown it was like watching salmon trying to swim upstream to get home to a heart fully in love with life. Songs like “If You Return to Me” and “Lost in the Thought of You” contemplate what happens to the individual when they finally sense a union with unconditional love, be it with a partner or with a more divine sense of love, which comes in many shapes and sizes and spiritual flavors. The songs on Brave New View are about letting go, diving in, experiencing unbridled joy, and realizing
that it’s our birth right to find happiness. If there is one over riding theme it would be: do not shy away from change. It gets harder as we move into adult responsibilities to sometimes accept that we have made a “not so healthy” choice. To recognize that and change course is very brave. I ended a 20 year marriage, a choice that has afforded me an incredible new chapter in my life.
TSWS: I'm hearing lots of combined styles both musically and vocally. What bands or artists really influenced you? Who changed you?
Kristi: I grew up listening to my siblings LP’s so I was weaned on Carole King, James Taylor, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil
Young, CSN, The Hollies, The Turtles. The list goes on. As I headed through grade school and high school and college that singer songwriter / folk rock vibe continued to influence me. Add in Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, Rickie Lee Jones, George Harrison, Bruce Cockburn, Jane Siberry, Fred Astaire, U2, Dean Martin, Bonnie Raitt, Valerie Carter. I would say the most influential singers to me over the years were Bonnie Raitt, Valerie Carter, Jane Siberry, David Crosby and Linda Ronstadt. The most influential musically were Jane Siberry, Joni Mitchell, Tom Petty, James Taylor, Shawn Colvin & John Leventhal, CSN, Brain Wilson, Neil Young, George Harrison, Lucinda Williams, Jai Uttal and Jeffrey Foucault.
TSWS: How did all of this begin for you?
Kristi: I guess I answered this question a bit before when I spoke of the open mic... But if you mean begin with a capital B I would say right in the
craddle. My Dad would sing to me, and I apparently responded to major and minor key changes. My Dad would test out his theory, and when he would shift from major to minor I would start to cry...Nice experiment, right? LOL. From early grade school and church choirs I landed leads and featured roles in musicals. In high school and college I studied classical voice. My interest eventually moved from musical theater to the singer songwriter scene in Boston when I was living there. I had recently bought my first guitar and was playing out at coffee houses doing opening acts for folks like Jonathon Edwards and Odetta.
TSWS: You are doing a series of live performances via YouTube which I think is a great idea. Do you think in the times we are in now, that focusing
on creating content is important for an artist?
Kristi: Definitely. It’s an odd time to “return” to this industry. When last I was truly active, I was driving a Honda civic up and down the coast playing
in coffee houses and bars and private house parties. My hope is the festival circuit will return next year, but in the meantime I will put on mini home concerts, and stay as engaged as possible through FaceBook and Instagram. I love performing live, and it’s an entirely different experience when folks are not in the room with you. Another avenue I plan to focus on is TV/Film. That’s a sure way to share with many listeners at one time and often an effective way to get people to really listen to song content, because they have a visual to connect it to. We opted to do 5 music videos to help promote this record for the same reason. Some folks connect more readily to a story when its presented through film. We often put music on in the background, but we are less inclined to put a film on and not engage by watching it. I think the videos help get the messages across.
TSWS: What advice would you have for other aspiring artists and songwriters out there trying to get heard?
Kristi: I’ll let you know in 6 months...LOL But one thing I will say, it’s never too late to return to music to express yourself. The boat only sails away if you let it. Often times it is docked, patiently waiting for us to step back on.
TSWS: It sounds like a lot of passion and love went into this record. Are you proud of this release?
Kristi: I so appreciate that. Yes. In a word, I am. Sometimes after a vocal take I would turn to Tracy at the mix console and nod my head: “That
felt true...” and we’d leave it at that. Overall my goal with both guitar and vocal takes was not to over do anything. Oftentimes it was the first take we would use for the record’s performance. It was important to me to work with a full take; performing the song top to bottom. Tracy said I was very “old school” that way. For me it’s about telling the story, and the best way for me to do that is to get inside of it and sing it to the listener. I wanted to offer an intimate connection so the listener could experience the lyric as personally as possible. I feel good that I held strong to that throughout the recording process.
TSWS: Before we go, what would you like to express or say to fans of your music out there?
Kristi: Thank you for listening, first of all. And for reading this interview! I guess I would like to remind folks if they dig what they hear, that it truly
takes a village to get music heard. Sometimes it’s who knows who knows who and then magic happens. I would like to thank folks for sharing via posts, and shares, and likes and forwards...In this era when we can’t grab concert tickets it’s even more important to ask for that support. So in advance I say: thank you. I’d love to hear what you think of the music. Please sign on to my mailing list and/or email me any thoughts you’d like to share. Deep bow of gratitude to you all for taking the time. And thank you for these groovy interview questions. Appreciate your time and efforts to help spread the news about the record...thank you.
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