Today, we have the insane pleasure of premiering alt-rock collective James World‘s latest visual gem for the title track off their upcoming album Funny Dreams. Beginning in a rural community walking down the street, you get a feeling that something is a-brewing if not only for the edgy vocals and guitar that lead in to the core of the track. Overlays of scenes enter the frame in black and white, creating a psychedelic space for the viewer, amidst flashing lights and a sense of confusion amidst the insanity. And yet, the adventure is somehow calming as the beautiful trees lead you out.
Check it out below and let us know what you think on Facebook!
In the lead up to the release of Ryan Thompson & The Delicate Hounds‘ new album Waiting On a Ghost, we have a fresh new treasure to delve into. Their latest song “Stop” premiered recently, and it is one for the books. Coupled with Ryan’s robust vocals, the song is a mid-tempo dream. Rife with waning guitars that give it almost a surfer vibe, the track is the perfect amount of scrumptious for a warm weather barbecue. (Not that you needed a reason for a party, but if you want one, this is it.)
Waiting On a Ghost is out May 24th. Keep up with the band here.
If you’re asking us, May has been a phenomenal month for music. Coming in from all angles are talented new acts, incredible new singles, and visuals for miles that will make you want to get out with your camera this spring too! We’ve started compiling our favorite new releases of the month, but will continue to add in as we see new things through our inbox. Check back for more all month! And let us know your favorites in the comments on Facebook!
On Tuesday, May 14th, Elle King gave an incredible and unforgettable performance at The Truman, in the Crossroads District of Kansas City. Barns Courtney opened the show with phenomenal energy, and they were absolutely chomping at the bit by the time this legendary vocalist took the stage. While her male cohorts on stage all matched, she wore a striking and unique suit outfit. But it was her vulnerability that she wore best on stage, as she tore through song after song to a crowd of what had to be some of her biggest fans. Peer into the scene below!
On Friday, May 10th, the legendary Neko Case made a fiery appearance at The Uptown Theater in Kansas City, MO. Taking the stage very casually, she wore pants with a skeleton frame on them and slowly introduced us to her set with “Pitch or Honey”. She then launched into “Bad Luck”, which had the majority of the lower level seated section on their feet for a good portion of the track. The lights glowed warmly behind Case, making it look as though she had a true halo around her head. Her on stage cohorts – all basked in a warm glow – seemed to be no less than thrilled to be performing with her, and we can’t say we’re surprised.
After experiencing Case for the first time at 2018’s Sasquatch Music Festival – I know, where have I been? -, I was concerned that the performance might not ignite the level of magic that seemed to seep up from the canyon at the venue in Washington last year. But Case has an aura about her that far exceeds the surrounding environment. And – in any case (no pun intended, truly) – The Uptown Theater provides an ambiance that feels unique to Case’s brand of performance style. It was a night made in heaven.
Our hearts melted the moment the first chords of seventh song of the evening – “Maybe Sparrow” – hit the air. That song and the accompanying level of shaken you feel after experiencing it live truly attest to Case’s magnetic nature. And, of course, nothing left the room more energized than when she pulled “Train From Kansas City” out of her back pocket as the second of three encore tracks. If nothing else, this city is known for its appreciation of the wealth of music and culture it inspires and is mentioned in. Forever, we will appreciate her for that nod to what was once a flyover city.
Case’s sound can only be categorized as the perfect blend of nature and otherworldly, enigmatic energy. To have the pleasure of enjoying it live will leave a mark on your soul, no matter the night of the week. Though it DOES help that it was a Friday night experience, as we had the remainder of the weekend to really digest it all.
With May 2019 comes the true beginning of busy season. More live shows to attend – Is anyone concerned that too many are cropping up absolutely everywhere? No? Just me? Cool. -, wedding season is officially upon us – Goodbye, weekends! -, and some of us are still trying to arrange some type of getaway at any point over the course of the rest of the year. It’s safe to say things are heating up, and so is the bevy of new music that’s cropping up this month! Below, find our favorite new releases of May 2019, with new tracks added throughout the month!
Birmingham-based rock musician Alabama Rose just released a song that was basically made for your next great adventure. “Come With Me” boasts ethereal reverb for days, and robust vocals that weave gracefully in and out of guitar-heavy instrumentals. We’re hearing hints of Zooey Deschanel and Joan Jett coming through, a sound that is enigmatic and timeless all its own. As Alabama Rose urges you to “Come With Me”, the urge to move energizes you. This song is perfect for road trip weather and lazy, beautiful days in the grass.
Indie-soul musician Oliver Kennan releases the music video for his single “The Tinkerer” today, and we’ve got the exclusive premiere. Slightly muted colors give a vintage tinge to the visual that allows it to match its soundscape a little more. A complicated relationship, lots of curls, and some quick choreography make for a stellar visual experience. Explains Oliver:
The music video for ‘The Tinkerer’ is a surreal comedy about a young girl and the chaos of growing up. It re-contextualizes the lyrics of the song which read like the wild inner dialogue of a troubled soul. Everyone knows that adolescence can be just as complicated as adulthood and the contrast of the image of a child and the thoughts of an adult lets us explore that idea and laugh about it at the same time.
Tour Dates
05/14/2019: Boston, MA @ Haymarket Lounge at City Winery
05/15/2019: Burlington, VT @ Nectar’s
05/16/2019: Syracuse, NY @ Funk N’ Waffles
05/19/2019: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
05/21/2019: Chicago, IL @ Schubas
05/24/2019: Louisville, KY @ Jimmy Can’t Dance
05/25/2019: Nashville, TN @ The Basement
Check out a live version of the song at SXSW 2019 here. Keep up with him here.
This month, epic rock band Shinedown released the piano version of their track “Get Up”. The original version of the song was featured on their 2019 album Attention Attention, and was quite remarkable already. The piano version, however, allows the audience the space to truly bask in the lyrics and their meaning. So often we layer intrinsically gorgeous lyrics with heavy instrumentals or a pop beat to mask the reality of the words. Luckily, Shinedown’s original version was done in such a truly beautiful way, that taking out some of the instrumental section hasn’t done any negative to the structure of the track.
If you were ever in doubt
Don’t sell yourself short, you might be bulletproof
Hard to move mountains when you’re paralyzed
But you gotta try
And I’m calling out
Get up, get up
Get a move on
Get up, get up
What’s taking so long
The piano version feels raw, and we’re all the way in.
