starbird & the phoenix, “sunbeam”

starbird & the phoenix, “sunbeam”

Folk-pop duo Starbird & the Phoenix – made up of Courtney Bassett and Andrew Swackhamer – are back with a groovy acoustic rendition of the hit song, “Sunbeam”. Producing a video full of summery feel-good vibes, the two are jamming out in a quaint space allowing the viewer to feel as if they’re right in the studio with the artists. Between Andrew shredding on the ukulele and Courtney hitting astronomically high notes, you can’t do anything but “groove along with me” as the lyrics suggest. Great for a pick me up, one watch through the video will have your soul feeding off the energy of the two in no time. Be sure to catch this wonderful remake of “Sunbeam” the week of August 12 and allow yourself to dive into the world of Starbird and the Phoenix.

Keep up with the band here.

lyn lapid releases dreamy cover of pixies song “where is my mind” 

lyn lapid releases dreamy cover of pixies song “where is my mind” 

Lyn Lapid, Filipino American singer & songwriter, released a cover of Pixies “Where is my mind” on Friday. You may have heard her hits such as “Producer man” and “In my mind”, as well as her 2023 EP to love in the 21st century. She recently released her debut album Buzzkill. Lapid performs a variety of genres, including pop and R&B, and is known both for her original songs and her viral covers on Tiktok. 

The Pixies’ original version of the song was released in 1998, alternative rock with bass and guitar.  Lyn Lapid provides a distinctly different version. Her version has a more dreamy production, with echoed vocals and strings. Lapid’s version definitely updates the song in a way that fits with the indie pop style of many artists now. 

I think this production style still fits the original song, and seems to touch on a fun, dreamy element that’s present in the Pixies version. While the original song is produced in an alt-rock style, “Where is my mind” is about Black Francis’s trip to the Caribbean and his experience with the small fish he saw while snorkeling. Lapid’s production fits this “story” of the song well in my opinion–the slower, more echoey sound is fitting for swimming underwater. 

The release of this cover comes while Lyn Lapid is on the North American leg of her Buzzkill tour. She still has shows in various North American cities until June 28th. 

UPCOMING BUZZKILL WORLD TOUR DATES:
June 13 // Charlotte, NC // Amos’ Southend
June 14 // Atlanta, GA // Center Stage – The Loft
June 16 // Orlando, FL // The Social
June 19 // Houston, TX // Warehouse Live – The Ballroom
June 21 // Austin, TX // Antone’s Nightclub
June 22 // Dallas, TX // Trees
June 25 // Phoenix, AZ // Crescent Ballroom
June 26 // San Diego, CA // The Observatory – North Park
June 28 // Los Angeles, CA // El Rey Theatre

cafuné confronts the reality of a digital world with new single and music video “e-asphyxiation” 

cafuné confronts the reality of a digital world with new single and music video “e-asphyxiation” 

The American alt-pop duo Cafuné, made up of musicians Noah Yoo and Sedona Schat, have released the single “e-Asphyxiation” off their upcoming album, Bite Reality. If you’re unaware of Cafuné, you may recognize their 3x Platinum song “Tek it” which went viral on Tiktok and was sampled in Lil Uzi Vert’s song “Red Moon.” With this online success, it’s unsurprising that Bite Reality finds the band questioning our current cultural moment where AI and social media encompass our lives. 

“e-Asphyxiation” is an expression of how exhausting social media can be, especially once fame is factored in. The lyrics describe the frustrations of our modern generation, where you have to display a certain persona online all the time. It’s definitely relatable for anyone who’s spent a little too long hovering over the post button on Instagram. You can see this in the chorus of the song:

I’m tied down too tight, by all these
Phone screen obligations, e-Asphyxiation
I can’t close my eyes with all these
Phone screen obligations, e-Asphyxiation

The music video’s focus is split, choosing to focus on both Noah Yoo and Sedona Schat performing the song simply, and hazier outlines of the musicians. The camera flashes back and forth between this more authentic performance and a foggy, distorted reality of Yoo and Schat. Cafuné’s music video is a reflection of this split persona that social media demands. And as the video comes to an end, we’ve lost the two musicians to that hazy reality. 

If “e-Asphyxiation” is anything to go by, Bite Reality might signal a different sound for Cafuné. While the song still fits the band’s alt-pop genre, there’s something more raw from the production side. More drums, more guitar, more straight vocals. We’ll have to wait for the rest of the album to see if it follows this pattern, but based on the lead single alone, this grit might be here to stay. 

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO HERE.

Bite Reality releases via Soundon on September 12. If you want to see more of Cafuné, the band recently announced upcoming dates for their North American Tour Alive Online. 

UPCOMING TOUR DATES
September 19 – Washington, DC – The Atlantis*
September 20 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore – The Foundry*
September 22 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall*
September 23 – Montréal, QC – Bar Le Ritz PDB*
September 24 – Toronto, ON – The Great Hall*
September 26 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall*
September 27 – Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon*
September 30 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall*
October 2 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge*
October 5 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios*
October 6 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile – Madame Lou’s*
October 8 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365 Club*
October 10 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom*
October 12 – Phoenix, AZ – The Rebel Lounge*
October 14 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues Dallas – Cambridge Room*
October 15 – Austin, TX – The Parish*
October 17 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade – Hell*
October 18 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle – Backroom*
October 22 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg*
*with support from crushed
All tour dates here

if you can believe it, kesha is “boy crazy” on new single

if you can believe it, kesha is “boy crazy” on new single

In what seems to be a continued, conscious effort for all the musician babes to bring ultra-poppy tracks to the masses for a summer of community and fun, Kesha has launched her new single “Boy Crazy” into the universe. Yes, the monotonous drawl of her vocals is very AI, very chic, and very modern. But Kesha’s cute shrieks and the quick pace make it feel like the next natural step in the progression of pop-synth tracks like “I’m A Barbie Girl.” Her vocals are concerted yet delicate, she is on a concerted hunt and we are along for the ride.

Coming off exhilarating and incredible performances at both Coachella and Stagecoach, Kesha is ready for the new trio of tracks to catch fire in direct anticipation of her highly-anticipated upcoming album . (PERIOD). 2024 brought her back into rotation with Kesha’s “Joyride” and on Charli XCX’s “Spring Breakers,” and helped Kesha bring more of her quintessential “I couldn’t care less” attitude back to the forefront of pop culture.

July 4th is about to pop off (for all the right reasons) with the release of . (PERIOD). Get your first listen to “Boy Crazy” below.

KESHA LIVE 2025
MAY
29 – Glasgow, UK – House of Kesha @ O2 Academy 1 (SOLD OUT)
30 – Manchester, UK – House of Kesha @ Albert Hall (SOLD OUT)

JUNE
1 – London, UK – Mighty Hoopla †
† Festival Performance

KESHA & SCISSOR SISTERS: THE TITS OUT TOURNORTH AMERICA 2025
JULY
1 – West Valley City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre ^
3 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre ^
5 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum ^
6 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre ^
8 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion * ^
10 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion ^
12 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre ^
13 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre ^
15 – Nashville, TN – Riverfront Park – Ascend Amphitheater ^
16 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center ^
18 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center ^
19 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre #
21 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage #
23 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden *
24 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center #
26 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake #
28 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center #
29 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann #
31 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater #

AUGUST
2 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater #
3 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek #
5 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion #
7 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre #
9 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre #
10 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre #

^ w/ Slayyyter
# w/ Rose Gray
* w/ Vengaboys

frankie and the witch fingers engage in anything but “dead silence” on new track

frankie and the witch fingers engage in anything but “dead silence” on new track

Psych/punk rock is experiencing a renaissance, and Los Angeles-based Frankie and The Witch Fingers are riding the wave. Ahead of their album’s June 6th release date, they have dazzled us with a particular head-bobber, a track called “Dead Silence” that is anything but. The track actually feels a little more surf rock in places, with obvious 70s flare.

The track is relatable, addressing anxiety, existential dread, and reminds us of the unrelenting amount of information and pure insanity that envelopes us all. The anxious energy of the lyrics is reflected in the composition, something you can blast from your car on a sunny day.

The band’s anecdote about this particular song is enthralling:

This one’s got a nice little origin story. We played a festival in Boise with Spacemoth, Maryam Qudus’ brainchild, and met her for the first time there. Cut to a year later, and she’s deep in the guts of this record – producing, engineering, twisting knobs, and arranging sounds with us.

On the flight home from that Boise show, Josh threw on the Spacemoth album for the first time and got his brain microwaved. He also recorded the plane taking off, just on a whim. That roar ended up in the bridge of DEAD SILENCE. It’s a nice crusty texture, but it also weirdly bookmarks the start of it all.

Maryam’s all over this record. She sings, plays, distorts, haunts – leaving smudges on everything in the best way. She rules, and we were happy to accidentally mark the occasion sonically with a little jet-engine weirdness.

Get your first listen to the track with its official music video, which is an actual trip. Pre-order the album here.

FRANKIE AND THE WITCH FINGERS ON TOUR 2025
5/16 – Nijmegen, NL – Sonic Whip Festival
5/17 – Diksmuide, BE – 4AD
5/20 – Lyon, FR – Épicerie Moderne
5/21 – Biarritz, FR – Atabal
5/22 – Rouen, FR – Le 106
5/23 – London, UK – Wide Awake Festival
5/25 – Berlin, DE – Desertfest
5/27 – Cherbourg, FR – Le Circuit
5/28 – Brighton, UK – Daltons
5/30 – London, UK – Shacklewell Arms ^
5/31 – Bristol, UK – Strange Brew
6/01 – Birmingham, UK – Hare & Hounds
6/05 – Berlin – New York, NY ^
6/07 – Permanent Records Roadhouse – Los Angeles, CA ^
7/15 – Felton Music Hall – Felton, CA °
7/16 – The Chapel – San Francisco, CA °
7/19 – The Den – Portland, OR °
7/20 – The Pearl – Vancouver, BC °
7/23 – Shrine Social Club – Boise, ID °
7/24 – Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT °
7/25 – Mesa Theater – Grand Junction, CO °
7/26 – Underground Music Showcase – Denver, CO
7/27 – Sister Bar – Albuquerque, NM °
7/29 – Hotel Congress – Tucson, AZ
7/30 – Rebel Lounge – Phoenix, AZ °
7/31 – Swan Diver – Las Vegas, NV °
8/01 – Belly Up – Solana Beach, CA °
8/02 – Teragram Ballroom – Los Angeles, CA °
8/31 – Bumbershoot Music Festival – Seattle, WA
9/19 – Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY *
9/20 – First Unitarian Church – Philadelphia, PA *
9/21 – Songbyrd – Washington, DC *
9/23 – Grey Eagle – Asheville, NC *
9/24 – Terminal West – Atlanta, GA *
9/26 – Chelsea’s Live – Baton Rouge, LA *
9/27 – Dan Electros – Houston, TX *
9/28 – To Be Announced – Austin, TX
9/29 – Tulips – Fort Worth, TX *
10/1 – Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL *
10/2 – Turf Club – Minneapolis, MN *
10/3 – X-Ray Arcade – Cudahy, WI *
10/4 – Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH *
10/5 – Third Man Records – Detroit, MI *
10/7 – Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON *
10/8 – Foufounes Électriques – Montréal, QC *
10/9 – Oxbow Brewing – Portland, ME *
10/10 – Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA *
10/11 – Lark Hall – Albany, NY *
^ – intimate album release show
° with Iguana Death Cult
* with Population II

maddie zahm releases “sheets,” announces sad & sexy tour

maddie zahm releases “sheets,” announces sad & sexy tour

Maddie Zahm’s latest single “Sheets” was performed on tour last year, and was a huge highlight of the performance. It was a long wait to have a studio cut version, but finally, it’s arrived. “Sheets” is also part of an exciting, yet-to-be announced project.

An anthemic breakup song, “Sheets” is a massive fuck-you to a woman Zahm dated that quickly moved on from their relationship—a bit too quickly. The scenario is all-too relatable for many. Zahm explains: 

And like every dramatic, you know, young gay in Los Angeles, I got updates from my friends that my ex was kissing blondes at a party. It crossed the line for me. So I went home and I wrote “Sheets” and pretty much I just was like, ‘did she even change her sheets before she’s making out with other people?’ That’s insane.

Her can’t-miss Sad & Sexy tour begins next month, and we’re betting she’s coming to a city near you. Grab tickets for your date, below:

3/21 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater
3/22 – Dallas, TX – The Kessler
3/24 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
3/25 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
3/26 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre 
3/28 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
3/29 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia
3/30 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
4/1 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club 
4/3 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues Cleveland 
4/4 – Columbus, OH – The Athenaeum Theatre
4/5 – Toronto, ON – The Opera House
4/7 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall 
4/8 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI Annex
4/10 – Chicago, IL – Metro
4/11 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
4/12 – Lawrence, KS – The Granada
4/14 – Denver, CO – Gothic
4/16 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
4/18 – Seattle, WA – Neptune 
4/19 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
4/21 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall 
4/23 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren 
4/24 – San Diego, CA – Music Box
4/26 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre

Listen to the new track here.

facing the flames and finding strength in letting go with the greeting committee’s “cyclical”

facing the flames and finding strength in letting go with the greeting committee’s “cyclical”

“Is it just me or is it everybody sitting outside with their house on fire?” The Greeting Committee asks in their latest single “Cyclical,” released just days before their new album “Everyone’s Gone and I Know I’m The Cause”. The song doesn’t just dip its toes into difficult waters – it dives in headfirst, delivering a poignant and introspective look at the complexities of family dynamics and personal healing. 

Frontwoman Addie Sartino’s ethereal vocals float over a deceptively gentle musical landscape, creating stark contrast with the song’s weighty themes and mirroring the often quiet, internal struggle of dealing with family issues, often kept hidden, simmering beneath a calm surface. 

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of helplessness in the face of familial destruction, capturing the universal feeling of watching a loved one spiral while feeling powerless to help. Sartino herself describes the song as being about “being stuck in a horrible cycle.” She adds: “It’s me seeing a pattern and doing the brave and hard thing by cutting certain habits or people out of my life. It might suck, but that’s what growing up and healing is.” This candid explanation offers a glimpse into the personal nature of “Cyclical,” but also highlights its universality. Who hasn’t faced the gut-wrenching decision to step back from a loved one for their own well-being?

“Cyclical” showcases The Greeting Committee’s evolution as artists. They continue to move beyond the realms of typical indie rock fare to tackle complex, emotional territories with grace and unflinching honesty.

For listeners who have walked similar paths, “Cyclical” may serve as a cathartic experience – a validation of difficult decisions and complex emotions. For others, it offers a window into the often-overlooked perspective of those who must prioritize their own healing, even at the cost of watching others struggle.

In the end, “Cyclical” is a testimony to the strength it takes to break harmful patterns and the bravery required to choose oneself first. The Greeting Committee has created not just a piece of music, but a companion for those on the difficult journey of healing from family trauma.

Tour Dates:
July 9            Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade Hall
July 10          Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
July 12          Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
July 13          New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
July 16          Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live
July 17          Boston, MA @ Sinclair
July 19          Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground
July 20          Lakewood, OH @ Mahall’s
July 21          Columbus, OH @ A&R Music Bar
July 23          Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
July 24          Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
July 26          OKC, OK @ Resonant Head
July 27          Fort Worth, TX @ Tulips FTW
July 28          Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
July 30          Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent
July 31          San Diego, CA @ Voodoo Room House of Blues
Aug 2            Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room
Aug 3            Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom
Aug 4            San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
Aug 6            Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theater
Aug 7            Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore
Aug 8            Seattle, WA @ Neumos
Aug 10          Salt Lake City, UT @ Soundwell
Aug 11          Denver, CO @ Bluebird

“on this hill” – the latest from t-pain – is a thought-provoking, emotional ride

“on this hill” – the latest from t-pain – is a thought-provoking, emotional ride

It is basically a prerequisite that you must love T-Pain if you work with imperfect Fifth. Whether you enjoy his vocal stylings – autotuned or his incredible natural vocal range -, his entrepreneurial brain, or his giggle, there is something about him that is so delightful. Just consider it: have you ever met someone who had beef with T-Pain?

If you’re looking for a wholesome, emotional departure (about an emotional departure) from T-Pain’s quintessential party anthem vibe, “On This Hill” is it. But, more than intensely different from prior singles, this one really envelops the listener in its captivating melody. Thought-provoking lyrics evoke bold thoughts, exploring boundaries, and a sense of acceptance in pain.

“On This Hill” truly captures what it is like to have competing values or opinions – interests that clash and red flags that no one can ignore. While there is a sense of loss and heartache in the song, there is also hope for new beginnings that you can actually feel through his empowering option to hold to his own values.

His drive to hold true to who he is and the song’s dedication to self-love brings “On This Hill” to us during Mental Health Awareness Month. In honor of this, T-Pain has teamed up with Talkspace to provide free therapy to his fans for up to a year.

The video is tastefully and purposefully intimate. A soulful live performance in a cozy setting with vocal accompaniment that feels as though its acoustic resonance could move mountains. Take a peek below, and be sure to see your favorite performer on tour this summer. (T-Pain will be EVERYWHERE!)

MANSION IN WISCANSIN PARTY TOUR DATES:
May 29 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall *
May 30 –Dallas, TX  – South Side Ballroom *
June 4 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall * SOLD OUT
June 6 – Windsor, ON – Caesars Windsor  The Colosseum *
June 8 – Milwaukee, WI – WISCANSIN FEST @ The Rave/Eagles Club ^ SOLD OUT
June 11 – Columbus, OH – Kemba Live! * SOLD OUT
June 12 – Pittsburg, PA – Stage AE * SOLD OUT
June 13 – Doswell, VA – Meadow Event Park *
June 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Juneteenth Celebration @ The Hollywood Bowl
June 21 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony SummerStage * SOLD OUT
June 23 – New York, NY – Central Park SummerStage *
June 25 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion *
June 26 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre *
June 27 – North Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery Lawn *
June 29 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre *
June 30 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company * SOLD OUT
July 2 – Jacksonville, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre * SOLD OUT
July 3 – Miami, FL – The Fillmore Miami Beach *

* with LARussell, NandoSTL & Young Ca$h
^ with Akon, Dillon Francis, Pink Sweat$, Soulja Boy, LARussell, Ying Yang Twins, Yelawolf, Waka Flocka Flame, Flyana Boss, Myaap, Young Ca$hChayo Nash, NandoSTL & Djay Mando

T-PAIN FESTIVAL & VEGAS RESIDENCY DATES:
May 25 – Napa, CA – BottleRock Napa Valley
May 26 – Las Vegas, NV – Ayu Dayclub (residency date)
June 1 – Kansas City, MO – Tacos and Tequila Fest
June 14 – Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
July 11 – Las Vegas, NV – Zouk Nightclub (residency date)
September 1 – Las Vegas, NV – Ayu Dayclub (residency date)

PARTY AFTER DARK TOUR DATES:
Wed Aug 21 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Fri Aug 23 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Sat Aug 24 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
Sun Aug 25 – Queens, NY – Forest Hills Stadium
Thu Aug 29 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Fri Aug 30 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 31 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Sun Sep 01 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Wed Sep 04 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Fri Sep 06 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
Sat Sep 07 – Syracuse, NY – Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview
Sun Sep 08 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
Thu Sep 12 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health At Jones Beach Theater
Fri Sep 13 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre
Sat Sep 14 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
Sun Sep 15 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Wed Sep 18 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Thu Sep 19 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Sat Sep 21 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Sun Sep 22 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Wed Sep 25 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Fri Sep 27 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater*
Sat Sep 28 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Thu Oct 03 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre*
Fri Oct 04 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Sat Oct 05 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

* with Special Guest Lil Jon