Bowie fans of the world, rejoice! Ziggy Stardust’s influences are evident on Micky James’ debut single, “Give It To Me Straight”, his first solo project after the dissolution of his previous touring band. NYC-bred Micky James pays homage to classic rock and rollers while creating his own sound suited for the 21st century, especially during the bridge. Micky offers a delightful throwback feel for those of us who are missing some good old rock and roll. With in-your-face vocals and percussion to match, Micky James provides a distinct sound with “Give It To Me Straight”. He’s got the sound down, and is always serving looks to match.
Alongside Dirty Canvas’s Shep Goodman and Aaron Accetta, Micky James lets the beat take him where it will on this single. We can’t help but think of the 70’s with lines like “I thought I had you when/We were wasted and wasting time.” Brash, unapologetic, and oozing with authenticity, we can’t wait to hear more vivaciosu songs like “Give It To Me Straight” from Micky James, carrying on the legacy of Major Tom.
Yep, thanks. did. Indie pop duo Steve Pagano and Mario Borgatta of thanks. are celebrating their signing to Highland Park Records by re-releasing their debut single, “Your World”. Psychedelic yet approachable is a succinct description of the song. If the vocals of Bad Suns and the upbeat vibes of Bakermat mashed with the psychedelic aspects of Glass Animals, it’d almost make thanks. Key word there is “almost.”
Thanks. is able to distinguish themselves from other indie artists by their flexibility within a single track. LA-based thanks. brings something new to the indie pop scene, with an accessible sound for the pop-loving people that is still alternative enough to be enjoyed by those who rebuke the mainstream. With fantastic lines like “Why sit down when you want to dance/Let’s change the way we look at the world,” Pagano and Borgatta are already impressing us, both lyrically and musically. “Your World” is the perfect windows-down, carefree tune to blast on your stereo.
Our eyes are on thanks. as they begin to bless our ears with amazing tracks like “Your World”, and all we can say is “thank you” to thanks.
You know those songs that make you pretend you’re in a music video and be super dramatic singing along, with accompanying interpretive dance moves? “Wolf” does just that, and more. Toronto-based singer DYLYN has just released her single “Wolf”, to be featured on her upcoming debut EP Sauvignon and a Kimono (out Feb 23rd). Teeming with angst and emotion, DYLYN packs all the frustration of a breakup with unique lyrics and strong beats in “Wolf”.
Anyone who is in need of a post-relationship anthem, look no further. Like a true punk-pop queen, DYLYN creates an atmosphere of slight insanity paired with deep feeling heartache and solid instrumentation (especially drums). “Wolf” is full of great lines like, “I eat boys like you for dinner” and “I cry wolf/I know I shouldn’t but I still do/I wanna see you run”. It’s the kind of song you didn’t know you needed to hear, but you definitely did. It’s also not post-breakup specific; anyone having a bit of a rebellious streak (or just pretending to) will vibe with this track.
Keep an eye out for DYLYN’s debut EP, Sauvignon and a Kimono, to be released February 23rd. Keep up with DYLYN here.
Kansas City, Missouri-based rock and roll indie band Listener is soon to release their full length album, Being Empty : Being Filled on February 2nd. Kansas City is home to a growing community of local indie/alternative artists, encouraged and supported by like-minded people, thanks in part to Kansas City being home to the largest revenue-making alternative radio station, 96.5 the Buzz. Thus, Listener couldn’t have a better place to call home and expand musically. However, they are by no means limited to the Midwest. Listener has been in the game for awhile, and has toured all over the world. A band of friends comprised of vocals and bass from Dan Smith, Kris Rochelle on drums, and guitar player Jon Terrey, Listener is a unique rock and roll band that pairs strong instruments with direct, bold lyrics.
From the first resonating notes of “Pent Up Genes”, you know that Listener is not a band that plays around. Already around for over a decade, the bandmates of Listener know their sound and own it unapologetically. Smith uses more spoken word than singing – what Listener calls “talk music” – in many of the tracks, which pairs well with the rock and roll tone of the band and allows for Rochelle and Terrey to sing through their instruments. While this idea of lack of singing in music may be something new for many, Listener makes it work. Focusing on the emotion and overall sound, at times, words are not even necessary, like in “Add Blue”. Aside from the clever title, already released single “Shock and Value” lives up to its name, filled with brash guitar and emotional vocals that at times surprise the listener (no pun intended). Place-themed tracks set right next to each other, “A Love Letter to Detroit” and “Manhattan Projects” encompass the feelings associated with those places. You can also view the video for “A Love Letter to Detroit” here. One of the most tender tracks on Being Empty : Being Filled is “Window to the World”, while maintaining Listener’s sound, with the simple yet touching repetition of “buddy, she was beautiful” and “the lights have to be bright to see anything at all”. Every track on Being Empty : Being Filled will leave with something to think about and hungry to hear more.
Listener is gearing up for a UK/Europe tour in March of 2018 with support from: Levi the Poet. Be sure to look for Being Empty : Being Filled, out February 2nd, 2018.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, newcomer pop/hip hop artist WNT-AL-N (pronounced “went all in”) is gearing up for the release of his upcoming single, “Way Out”, coming January 26. As a globally inspired musical artist and world traveller, WNT-AL-N brings a trip around the globe into one track that anyone can vibe with. Co-produced with The Art Teacher (of Dr. Dre fame), “Way Out” brings a variety of genres to the table with multicultural sounds mixed with hip-hop/rap and pop influences.
WNT-AL-N has travelled all over during his lifetime, and brings global and local sounds to his music as he introduces his style to the world. “Way Out” is one of those songs that transports you around the world within 3 minutes and 43 seconds. The variety of instrumentation alone keeps the ear of the listener interested with various beats highlighted by reggae/hip-hop vocals by WNT-AL-N.
He may be a new artist, but WNT-AL-N is one to watch. His vocals and precise instrumentation have something for everyone within the single, which is a sure bop that should be blaring on radios everywhere this summer.
Yellow seems to be a common theme in the world of London-based folk duo Ferris and Sylvester. Following their debut EP, The Yellow Line, Issy Ferris and Archie Sylvester have released the single “Better in Yellow”, off their upcoming EP, Made in Streatham.
Filmed in 80’s-esque 4:3, the video for “Better in Yellow” is full of visually appealing shots with a sunshine yellow theme and old-timey TV feel. The simplicity of the visuals allows for a spotlight on the lyrics and instrumentation of the track. A tribute to standing out instead of letting one’s originality be sucked up by the humdrum of the world, “Better in Yellow” is sure to flood your day with hope and happiness. There’s something so heart-warming about watching someone get an egg cracked on their head, covered in yellow paint, and rained upon with potato chips.
With a unique sound combining folky tunes with hints of blues, and even a touch of trumpet, “Better in Yellow” is not to be missed. Ferris and Sylvester know how to not only work together on a musical level, but also in matters of aesthetic, and the “Better in Yellow” video is tribute to this.
Queens-bred Jack Killen is following up his 2017 EP, Dangerous Lunch Crowd, with his upcoming EP, Black Sneakers On Concrete, out February 9. In the meantime, fans of Killen can get excited for the EP release with a taste of what’s to come. Killen has dropped his first single for Black Sneakers On Concrete, “Tired of Being Broke”.
With city vibes partnered with an approachable, relatable rock sound, “Tired of Being Broke” will have you feeling all the frustration of an angsty young adult trying to make their way in the world these days. However, “Tired of Being Broke” doesn’t limit itself to 2018 – it could easily find a place within any recent decade. Vocally, much of the appeal of the reverb-coated track is found in the tone Killen uses throughout the song.
From the classic rock sound to the relatable chorus, “I’m tired of being broke in the land of money”, Killen brings indie/alt appeal to a familiar soundscape with devil-may-care, unapologetic lyrics. “Tired of Being Broke” will have you rocking out til the rest of Black Sneakers On Concrete drops.
Keep an eye out for Killen’s upcoming EP and stream “Tired of Being Broke” today. Follow KILLEN:Facebook // Twitter // Spotify // Instagram
Frida Sundemo, Swedish born rising pop star, has recently released a three track remix EP of her album Flashbacks & Futures as Flashbacks & Futures (Pure Version) EP, featuring acoustic versions of previously released songs, “Gold”, “We Are Dreamers”, and “Flashbacks & Flashbacks”. Each song features the clear vocals of Frida accompanied by subtle yet soaring instrumentation. These stripped versions, appropriately called “pure,” display Frida’s crisp vocals perfectly.
The floating melodies on “We Are Dreamers” will have you in a trance. “Gold” paints a musical landscape if a song ever did. It will leave you saying, just as the song does, “this is gold”. She has also released a 360 degree video of “Gold”, accompanied by a string quartet, Migdal Strings. If that sounds awesome, it’s because it is.
Prepare to be blown away, not only by the interactive experience, but also by Frida’s musical talent . The title song, “Flashbacks & Flashbacks”, a track teeming in nostalgia and bittersweet melodies, can nearly induce tears from the listener with its beautiful . The whole album sonically depicts feelings of nature, love, childhood, and other human experiences. Flashbacks & Futures (Pure Version) EP is purely perfect.
Exploding out of Madrid, Spain, the indie rock girl group Hinds has released the official music video for “New For You”, a single from their upcoming album I Don’t Run, out April 6th. Comprised of vocals and guitar from Carlotta Cosials and Ana Perrote, Ade Martin on bass and backing vocals, and Amber Grimbergen on drums, Hinds has been around since 2011 and already has a devoted fan base.
The video is, thematically, based on Hinds (and friends) playing football (American soccer), and full of feel-good, “I don’t care” vibes. Tossing around feelings and fun sounds as well as a ball, the authentically youthful and carefree Hinds bring their unique sound to a fun-loving video, amping their followers up for the release of I Don’t Run. While definitely not as staged and structured as some of their previous videos like “Warts”, the video for “New For You” perfectly accompanies the song. Full of 90’s-esque vibes and a vibrant color scheme partnered with the bold vocals of the girl group, “New For You” will have you bopping along to it in now time.
