The Dawn Drapes are Michael Sanzo and Daniel Rice. This musical duo formed in Harrisonburg, VA in 2010, and has been cultivating their sound with notable influences of shoegaze and psych-wave over the years. Their newest release is an indie masterpiece complete with beautiful melodies and splendid strings. “You Are The One” is the latest single to further the anticipation for their full-length album expected sometime this year. This single was recorded at Headroom Studios in Philadelphia with producer Shane Woods and musicians Noah Skaroff and Keaton Thandi.
At first listen, you’ll probably start to unravel all the layers of this song, and perhaps want to listen on repeat to take it all in again and again. Whether it’s the songwriting, fresh melodies, smooth synths, or tappy high-hat percussion, this song will only do wonders for your indie ears. The vibe of this duo is something so familiar, yet so foreign at the same time – it’s apparent they didn’t follow a recipe to make this song, but instead tapped into their most creative selves and made some magic. If you’re looking to build some new playlists for this year, then be sure to add this song, and give Dawn Drapes a follow on Spotify.
Lonr. is changing the landscape of hip-hop and rap, with his latest music video for “WORLD” being the perfect example of his fresh take on musical expression. The California-born, North Carolina residing songwriter, and rapper creates music as a therapeutic release of his own thoughts and feelings, allowing listeners a chance to escape their own minds. With the impressive start and promising future, “WORLD” builds the anticipation of Lonr.’s second project, due out next year.
The cinematic video sets a dystopian desert background for Lonr.’s isolating, gut-wrenching performance. Strong strings wash over a glitchy beat as his voice echoes with unrestrained emotion. The pain inside of him is on full visual and audible blast as he tells his story lyrically with strong flow and immense body language. Verse two really captures his struggle with “Gut-wrenching feeling, I can’t kill it / Inner peace, never caught a glimpse / Always questioning what’s within.” This beautiful mix of raw emotion, all unrestrained details, and a modern rap beat really give Lonr. his own lane to change the wayartists evoke emotion through established genres such as rap and hip-hop.
Watch the music video today and see for yourself what Lonr. has to offer musically and emotionally.
Eugene, Oregon singer, songwriter and producer khai dreams debuts an acoustic version of their latest track, “Good Advice”. Half Vietnamese and 21 years of age, khai dreams has been releasing music since 2017. Their sound is an eclectic blend of influences ranging from contemporary hip-hop and R&B to modern indie, surf rock, and neo-soul. This dreamy brand of intimate pop has helped them amass more than 490 million career streams and a dedicated online following. With such an impressive background and fan base, there’s still something so humbling about “Good Advice”. With just vocals and strings, khai dreams sets a tone for the listener to just breathe. This acoustic version and accompanying video is such a comforting, feel good vibe that seems to give you a hug as you take it all in. Bittersweet and honest lyrics catch up to you quickly though with this verse,
“And you seem to think that we got time / But we never seem to get it right / Everyday I’m wishing there was more.”
Take our advice and listen to this song today, and listen to even more sweet melodies and indie masterpieces by khai dreams from their spotify.
Are you a 90’s baby nostalgic for some butterfly hair clips and group choreography music video scenes in a warehouse setting? Then go relish in the stunning 90s inspired official music video for “All In” from rising singer/songwriter Jenny March, the second single off Jenny’s forthcoming 2021 EP, about meeting someone and the type of chemistry that flows strong from the start.
Directed by Colton Tran, and inspired by Jenny’s own 90’s baby memories, the theme and visual aesthetic is a giant salute to the music, fashion, imagery and style of that dreamy decade. Written about that ride or die love of your life, “All In” encompasses that power couple type of romance that makes you feel like you can conquer the world together. No obstacle stands in the way of the love shared, as both parties are “all in” no matter what.
This Ohio-born, Los Angeles-based songstress is a self-proclaimed “open book” and writes lyrics like she’s texting. Her sound and vibe is pure pop, but her aim lyrically is to be honest and unafraid to allow fans, particularly her female fans, to not be afraid of living unapologetically and having just as much fun as anyone else.
Keep up to date with Jenny and her future pop bobs by following her Spotify and Instagram
New York-based singer/songwriter Nora Lei’s just released her new single “Together,” a dreamy dance track that explores honest feelings of a long term relationship with someone. It’s an ode to love really – but it focuses on the love that exists in a relationship that isn’t tested by a dramatic fate, but more by the time on a clock. Lyrically, her songwriting describes the difficulties a relationship may pose — “I can tell you’re tired/ It’s alright because I am too/ Been so much tension/ Could cut it with a knife” — while the chorus brings the listener to the underlying theme of love prevailing: “We know we’re supposed to be together.” Whether it’s a relatable song or just something you want to dance to, the electronic beat allows you to find release either way.
A self-described “old-soul, hopeless romantic, and heroine of her own life adventure,” Nora Lei is welcoming listeners into her noir-pop world, one song at a time. She began releasing music at the top of this year and has already amassed close to 300K streams and a growing following on her Instagram. Stream “Together” today and be on the lookout for her future EP.
If holiday cheer is something that seems a little hard to find lately, then check out Toddie Time, a unique collection of holiday classics from Michelle Malone and The Hot Toddies. On all six holiday songs, The Hot Toddies dive into nostalgic hits while reinterpreting your favorite Christmastide classics that range from toe-tappers that swing to sweet ballads that pull on your heartstrings. Their fun new arrangements all their own that display Malone’s vocal prowess and Doug Kees guitar skills. Malone and Kees are joined by Tommy Dean on upright bass, and occasionally Chris Burroughs on drums.
A particular stand out is “Blue Christmas”, as their version features an electric guitar solo with extra rifs all around. Malone’s vocal style and mood on this track is such a fresh and new take on this bittersweet classic. Their arrangement on “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” really showcases a great pairing of upright bass and electric guitar – making you feel like you’re back at your favorite neighborhood dive bar this holiday season, tapping your feet at some live music, and ordering a Hot Toddie. So go on, stream this holiday gift of songs today and be swept up in the cheer you’ve been looking for!
The indie pop world welcomes new talent Elise Eriksen with her debut single “Less” featuring Shoffy, a song already proving that new fans will only want more and more from this young and talented soul. Norway born, Manhattan raised and LA based; 17-year-old Elise Eriksen juggles her schoolwork with her passion for writing and recording songs. After devoting years to playing piano, refining her vocal skills, and honing her songwriting craft, the 17-year-old has mined inspiration from artists as eclectic as Stevie Nicks, Alicia Keys, and Don Toliver to form her own emotionally honest yet feel-good form of pop.
The bass-heavy grooves and subtle 80’s texturing on “Less” bittersweetly complement the verses Elise and Shoffy trade on feelings around growing apart in a relationship. Elise’s vocal presence is this bright, up-tempo force that stays with the listener throughout the entire song. The harmonious balance of the lyrics delivers the hope still within the relationship with this verse: “’Cause I want less space between us / Less room between our skin and the bed / Less ways to keep us / From drifting apart the way that we did.”
With more music to come, make sure to keep an eye on Elise as she gears up for an exciting 2021! Stream “Less” today and keep up to date with Elise Eriksen on her Instagram page.
While clubs and after hour parties are still unfortunately on hold this year, there are no restrictions on anyone still craving music that channels a good time. New York reigning electro/rap artist Heather Hills is definitely serving up a good time with her new song “Get Dun”. Just over the four minute mark, it’s an infectious dance track blended with Hill’s witty, confident rap verses and a humble beat sprinkled with an 80’s twist. Her verse on getting ready shows off her high intensity and independent charm, “Treat it like a first date / Throw on the paint, brush out the mink / The lashes to blink, lip nude kinda pink”.
Heather Hills is on the artist lineup of Trans Trenderz, a black trans owned organization aiming to help trans artists achieve mainstream success while feeling empowered and respected for who they are. On being signed to this label, Hills was elated at the chance to truly be herself and make the music she wanted to. “Life taught me that everything that I am will hinder my progress. If I wanted to move forward successfully, I would have to mold myself into an ever-changing idea,” she says of her time putting out music before this new endeavor. “This opportunity, to me, presents itself as an award for always refusing to conform. It represents the value in following your OWN path and showing the world that what makes you different, makes you powerful”.
Stream “Get Dun” today, and check out the new music video for a euphoric look into her mood and style.
As we all brace for impact on whatever else this year might throw at us, there’s one song that may soften the stress and solitude that still looms in the air. That song is Megan Diana’s new single “Cabin Fever” – a warm and ambient combination of Diana’s finessed French Horn playing, harmonious vocals, and lyrical journey that really showcases her songwriting talent. After going into lockdown along with the rest of the world, but even more so by heading into the seclusion of a cabin in the middle of woods in March 2020, Megan Diana came out with an entire album worth of work in just a few short weeks. While the forthcoming third album isn’t expected until early 2021, “Cabin Fever” is an incredible lens into what Megan Diana wants to explore through her craft. Just under the four minute mark, you’ll find yourself pressing replay on this song to transcend and find comfort in something that sounds familiar and brand new all at once.
In her own words about the single, Megan Diana explains:
This isn’t just a song for quarantine or lockdown times; it’s a song for all those moments we feel trapped or inherently stuck, unable to roam the world the way we’re used to doing. It’s a wintry indulgence full of heated emotion; a song of escape and experience that, in itself, offers a special kind of solace and refuge.
