Our world is so fast-paced and upbeat nowadays, that it can feel impossible to escape the craziness. Let yourself do that with San Diego-born Jean Dawson‘s new track “Bull Fighter”. Beginning at a leisurely pace, Dawson will first make you fall in love with his raspy vocals, before breaking out into a more abrasive set of lyrics. But it’s the raw truth that he brings to light that makes the song that much more appealing, causing blood to pump through your veins faster with every line despite its slower pace.
Perhaps his truth will set you free, perhaps not. But either way this 22-year-old is one to watch.
Keep your eyes peeled for his 9-track release Bad Sports, due out this summer. More info can be found here.
Today, San Diego’s the color forty nine – a music group comprised of Phil Beaumont (Vocals & Tiny Guitar), Jason Hooper (Bass and Vocals), John Meeks (Drums and Vocals), and Matt Resovich (Violin, Tenor Guitar, Keyboards and Vocals) – releases a reverb-filled, lush new track titled “I Will”, and we happen to have the exclusive premiere. With the depth in range of Beaumont’s vocals, this track feels as though it has rougher, old country western vibes, sprinkled amidst a subtle modern alternative sound. Its pace and tone feel dark, though it’s certainly in a more robust and beautiful way than is often found with similar soundscapes. “I Will” is void of any coldness we might otherwise feel tempted toward without this particular collection of talent to deliver.
the color forty nine is doing some amazing things with their music, and we can’t wait to see what happens next in the lead up to their new full-length.
Join the band TONIGHT at The Casbah in San Diego with Acid Mothers Temple. It’s going to be absolute insanity. And their upcoming album is due out June 15th, via Darla. Keep your eyes peeled for all of that and more with the color forty nine here.
San Diego/L.A. based two-piece Inspired & the Sleep has just dropped a brand new track called “First Time”. Inspired & the Sleep is made up of Max Greenhalgh (producer/singer-songwriter) and musician Bryce Outcault, accompanied by additional artists at times. Having just released a new song, Inspired & the Sleep looks to propel themselves into their musical future with a refined sound.
The band says of their new track:
“First Time” is a song I wrote at the start of a relationship. The song is about the very first time a couple catches themselves opening up to each other. I feel like when you’re alone for an extended period you tend to naturally become guarded just as a way of protecting yourself, but it takes even more strength to get to a point where you can let yourself love again. There are certain events that I recall in my life that have led me to where I am in life. “First Time” recollects an event where my ex got a DUI while I was in the car with her. Even though it was tragic event, it did end up bringing us closer together at the time.
The new track moves the listener across a floating soundscape anchored in a solid beat and highlighted by Greenhalgh’s vocals. Both vulnerable and strong, the track clearly displays the band’s ability to show a gentle side that is also confident. “First Time” is not a track to miss, so check it out today.
After their last single “Look Now”, Swimsuit Issue returns with tour dates and a new single titled “EP3”. Swimsuit Issue is co-headlining a tour that begins in San Diego on May 13th and finishes in San Francisco, California May 22nd.
Swimsuit Issue is a seven person American rock founded by Miles Garber and David Gagliardi. The American rock band came together after bonding over 90s British rock and has since then grown into something bigger.
“EP3”starts with a guitar and drum sound that captivates the track. The singer voice then pops on the track showing a hint of sorrow and regret while getting their point across. “EP3”is a song that shows that Swimsuit Issue has officially found their sound. The song is a great follow up to their previous single.
A true femme fatale, Jesse Jo Stark, has just dropped a brand new single, “Fire of Love”. Oozing with devil-may-care attitude and old-fashioned appeal, Jesse Jo creates a truly modern take with her music.
The southern California songstress has garnered attention from the likes of Teen Vogue, V Magazine, ElleAmerican Songwriter, Vice, and more. “Fire of Love” will make new listeners realize why she has been so successful. The track is filled with nods to legends of the past while making a unique and authentic sound all Jesse Jo’s own.
Says Jesse Jo of her new music : “It tells the story of lost, but it’s empowering & fearless. The woman knows just what she wants from it. It’s a continuous love story, each one a different feeling, a movement of our hearts. Some are sweeter, and some a bit more grim.” The release of “Fire of Love” follows half a year of writing and production of new music, and it is evident that her hard work has paid off.
We can’t wait to see what is to come, including her upcoming untitled EP, out this summer.
TOUR DATES w/ Sunflower Bean:
6/8 Houston, TX White Oak Music Hall Upstairs
6/10 Dallas, TX Club Dada
6/12 Phoenix, AZ Valley Bar
6/13 San Diego, CA Che Café
6/14 Santa Ana, CA Constellation Room
6/15 Los Angeles, CA Teragram Ballroom
Keep an eye out for her upcoming EP, out June 1, 2018. Stay connected with Jesse Jo Stark: Instagram – Twitter– Soundlcoud.
Cutting their teeth in Chula Vista, California is doom metal band Of Ennui. Band members Christian Cate (guitar), Brian Strauss (vocals and guitar), Angus Garcia (bass and back vox), and Indigo Machado (drummer) have formed together to create music that fans and followers like have come to love. Their artistry truly lies in their ability to emote an amazing amount of feeling in what some have called, “poignant narrative lyricism.” Their latest EP, Tone Poems, is no different from all of the other music that they have put out since forming together in 2015. Not only does Tone Poems embody everything that their fans love about this group, but it also features new, insightful imaginative artistry that projects feelings experienced by the band members themselves. Not only does the music express difficult topics, but also addresses intense issues that make their work relateable to many of their fans.
Tone Poems was recorded in San Diego and mixed by award winning Jerik Centeno. This release has a tone that separates itself from their prior work, but still acts as nice addition to their collection of music that they have produced this far. Those who follow them are excited about this new release and, as always, are avidly awaiting the release of more work in the future as well as attending their live performances.
Tone Poems is out February 23rd. Keep up with the band here.
Performing under the name Tishmal (“hummingbird” in Luiseno), San Diego native Rachel Brockbank’s is gearing up to release her debut solo EP, Tishmal, on January 24.
The tracks on the EP masterfully juxtapose electronic pop beats with Brockbank’s natural vocal talent. Beyond the instrumentals, the lyrics are perhaps the most riveting part of the album, lending at times unexpected depth to the tracks. Tishmal wastes no time hiding behind a first release, and carries the whole album with refreshing self confidence.
Tishmal revs up with the already released single, “Underneath”, a tantalizing track that provides a delicious contrast of lyrics dealing with unsureness and questions with confident vocals. There is also a phenomenal music video for “Underneath”, which you can see above. It provides riveting visuals alongside Tishmal’s hauntingly beautiful track. “Underneath” is available now and can be streamed on Soundcloud and Spotify.
While “Underneath” offers a wonderful taste of Tishmal’s music, it is far from all she’s capable of. Up next, “Concrete” provides a great blend of conflict and resolution in love. If you’re needing a song to listen to when you’re torn, look no further. It has just the right amount of ‘standing up for myself’ feels alongside “I have no idea what to do.” Fans of Halsey or Tove Lo could easily find themselves vibing to this track.
Tracks like “Connections” and “River” offer a different sound, while still adhering to the thematic landscape of the EP. “River” provides a mellower sound, perfectly placed after “Concrete”. The track itself sounds like it is cloaked in mist, and provides great natural imagery for the song. “Connections” reminds to keep a bond with one’s past, and childhood in particular. Closing the album, it repeats the question, “are you making connections?”
Be on the lookout for Tishmal, coming January 24. You won’t want to miss it. Keep up with Tishmal here.
UK-based musician Ian Parton has developed a new and invigorating sound in this second iteration of The Go! Team, live players Simone Odaranile (drums) and Angela ‘Maki’ Won-Yin Mak (vocals), as well as two original members, guitarist Sam Dook and rapper Ninja. With the help of a few more friends, the project releases its brand new album Semicircle on Friday. Just ahead of its release, we got a little listen to what’s to come and, boy, were we blown away!
From the very first notes of “Mayday” to the very end of twelfth song “Get Back Up”, you’ll be mesmerized by their energy and affinity for creating a fun and uplifting soundscape for us. Though the vocals in “Chain Link Fence” feel slightly like turn of the century bubble gum pop-meets-Jackson 5, we’re certainly not knocking it. In fact, it’s what drives the song and keeps our ears glued to what’s next. It isn’t until third track “Semicircle” that we notice how intense the musicianship is in the album. (Trust us, you’ll understand when you listen.)
Fourth track “Hey!” exists, for us, behind the montage scene of a chick flick, most likely when a shopping spree is taking place. But, boy, does it bring a vitality to the album that makes us want to play it everywhere! “The Answer’s No – Now What’s The Question?” – though one of the more hilarious titles we’ve seen in a while – demonstrates the band’s ability to create depth with an often addicting, sweet-as-candy sound to it. “Chico’s Radical Decade” takes us right back in time, no vocals to be heard to distinguish it as more modern. Close your eyes and picture the brown carpet, the fun hats, people probably saying “Groovy” whether it’s culturally relevant or not…
“All The Way Live” is as sticky sweet as its predecessors, which makes us realize we’re not getting out of this one without dancing. (And we thought we could fool our coworkers into thinking we were being productive!) But doesn’t the island vibe in “If There’s One Thing You Should Know ‘If There’s One Thing You Should Know'” make you wish that it was time for some warm weather around North America at the moment? (That’s OK… this album will still be ripe for the pickin’ once spring rolls around, we guarantee it.)
Though they certainly named a few of our faves in “Tangerine / Satsuma / Clementine”, it has a little more of a mellow tempo to it, bringing our heartbeat down just slightly and adding a head bob into our awkward back and forth dance movement. And with the sentiment of the title alone of “She’s Got Guns”, we’re groovin’ around the room. While we’re on board with both the title and the percussion in “Plans Are Like A Dream U Organise”, “Getting Back Up” is so inspirational in title, instrumentals, and chorus music, that we’d be surprised if a one of you didn’t end the album with a smile on your damn face.
Says Parton of the project:
It’s about reminding yourself of the good things in life. We don’t want to be dumbly optimistic and say, ‘Hey, isn’t everything great!’ but there’s something to be said for just getting on with it, for getting organized and not letting the fuckers get you down. Party for your right to fight!
Be sure to catch The Go! Team on tour soon if you’re in the UK!
Instore dates:
01/18 – Kingston, UK @ Banquet Records
01/19 – London, UK @ Rough Trade East
01/22 – Bristol, UK @ Rough Trade Bristol
01/23 – Nottingham, UK @Rough Trade Nottingham
Headlining/Festival dates:
* with GURR
# with Neon Saints Brass
+ with The Daniel Wakeford Experience
02/09 – Glasgow, UK @ QMU *
02/10 – Leeds, UK @ The Wardrobe *
02/11 – Brighton, UK @ The Haunt *#
02/15 – London, UK @ Electric Ballroom *+
02/16 – Newcastle, UK @ Riverside *
02/17 – Manchester, UK @ Gorilla * SOLD OUT
02/22 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
02/23 – Dunkirque @ Les 4 Ecluses
02/24 – St Malo @ Route Du Rock Festival
03/02 – Cologne, DE @ Gebäude 9
03/03 – Hamburg, DE @ Nochtspeicher
03/04 – Berlin, DE @ Bi Nuu
03/24 – Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom
03/25 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah
03/27 – San Francisco, CA @ Independent
03/29 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir
03/30 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
03/31 – Vancouver, BC @ Fox
04/03 – St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
04/04 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
04/05 – Detroit, MI @ El Club
04/06 – Toronto, ON @ Great Hall
04/08 – Boston, MA @ The Sinclair
04/09 – New York, NY@ Le Poisson Rouge
San Diego’s metal/underground/hip hop collective Gus McArthur – not a single man’s name, but the name of a creature of legend that the duo of brothers Honan (“The Destroyer”) and Gordon (“The Hater”) McArthur adapted as their band name – is gearing up to release the Chapter 2: Fanatics EP on December 8th, but until then we’ve got the first single off that work, a song titled “End of Eternity”, to nibble on for a while. And the band waits no time on the track to make you realize they’re up to their usual dark, guitar-heavy antics that sustained them in first EP Chapter 1: Hysterics. Although it takes a moment to understand, perhaps, what the lyrics are amidst the crashing instrumentals, you quickly realize the lyrical content is a critical social commentary. Lines like “What have we done to the government?” make you realize that Gus McArthur is struggling with the same issues we have all been placated with. Although Gus chooses to thinly veil it in upbeat, edgy, fast instrumentals replete with a raspy, hard tone to the vocals while paying homage to some of their greatest influences.
(The guitar solo near 2:35 is absolutely insane, so be sure not to miss it.)
Chapter 2: Fanatics is out December 8th. Keep up with Gus McArthur here.
