Los Angeles-based alt-pop duo Rainne – comprised of Annie Dingwall and
Justin Klunk – recently released their dark and brooding new track “Psycho Killer”, which will make anyone feel like they have an edge. Not only are the instrumentals heavy – a tinny sound layered in to make it all the more eery – but the practiced vocals add a feeling of insanity to it all. One thing is for sure: Annie’s vocal range is off the charts.
Explains Annie of the track, “‘Psycho Killer’ is based on our passion for psychological thrillers and true crime. The song’s story is set during a passionate moment between two lovers, when one realizes that the desire that’s taking over may be too intense to handle.”
Alt-pop artist Ships Have Sailed have a new single “Escape”, and it will make you feel what the title suggests. The LA based duo has been diligently working since their debut EP in 2013, releasing a slew of projects over the years. Indie rock, pop, and alternative sounds ring out in all of their works, and those genres are put on full display in their new single “Escape”.
“Escape” kicks off a series of singles coming from Ships Have sailed that “promise to express a deeper level of sentiment than ever before”. The single is accompanied by a video that is all about escaping ones problems, doubts, and struggles. Sometimes all you can do is scream out and try to escape your reality through other activities, and even this new single from Ships Have Sailed can help one do this.
You can keep up with Ships Have Sailed through their socials listed below. Don’t be surprised when this alt-pop collective has a massive 2019.
Alt-pop rock artist Haas comes at us today with a visual to complement her beautiful debut single “Behind Those Eyes”. With a tearful intro, the video gives us a glimpse into the live performance tactics we will surely come to expect from Haas, as she introduces her act to the world. The song itself is catchy and incredibly fulfilling, and the listener can tell that a lot of emotion was used to create this masterful piece.
The Moth & The Flame have returned to the forefront of alt-pop with the release of their new album Ruthless. The Provo, Utah natives have channeled immense depression and anxiety into their new release, and it comes through in waves of pop synths and harrowing vocals. Brandon Robbins (vocals, guitar), Mark Garbett (keyboards/vocals), and Andrew Tolman (drums) have been together since 2011, pushing their sound further and further with each release. With the release of Young & Afraid in 2016, which defined the trio by NPR Music as “channeling a pop sound, the group shows its resilience” while maintaining “a wonderful moodiness to the music that always lands right in the sweet spot”, the fans clamored for more from the musicians from Utah.
After a successful kidney transplant in 2016 between Robbins and Corey Fox (founder of Provo’s all-ages music venue, Velour) the band felt at the top of their game and began to release single after to single. All these releases led to the culmination of Ruthless, which embodies the fighting spirit of the group. The ebbs and flows of the album are intriguing to say the least. The opening track, “The New Great Depression”, has a lot more poppy feel than the title would suggest, but the lyrics behind said pop sound suggest otherwise. It is rare these days to listen to music that constantly forces you into contemplation and in-depth thought, and Ruthless is chock full of this thought provoking music. The use of voice distortion is used perfectly on the track “What Do I Do”, catching you off guard about half-way into the song, but it is a pleasant surprise. “Lullaby IV”, the closing track, is reminiscent of punk, but with a dash of voice distortion and a soft-pop outro.
Robbins had this to say about how the album came together through so much strife: “What we wanted to show people was the journey through anxiety and depression,” he says, “not just the lows but the highs as well.”
Ruthless is out now! You can also get more information about The Moth & The Flame here.
We almost didn’t think it could get any better for Kat Saul after she released her poetically titled track “Nick Miller”, but she’s increased the WOW factor with brand new track “Middle Name”, out today. The Nashville-based alt-pop artist captivates with her robust, raspy vocals, as the song peels out into a party track, mellifluous and fun in its disposition. As she implores her love interest to “get on a middle name basis,” we’re rooting for her. This song will be perfect for all of your future flirtatious evenings, and equally belongs on your “getting ready to go out” and “new party” soundtracks.
Toronto-based electro alt-pop songstress X. ARI has done it again with edgy new track “Break Point”. With her signature robust, strong vocals, she takes on emotions we can’t all express correctly. Everyone’s breaking point is different, and we’ve all been in similar scenarios. To have it vocalized for us – and in such a vulnerable and beautiful way – is another step closure to collective healing.
“Break Point is about PTSD and it describes the moments right before I broke down late 2016,” explains X. ARI. “Having a mental health breakdown doesn’t just happen overnight. There’s a build up and a splitting point where you crack and you’re not really yourself anymore. This song describes that process and experience.”
Los Angeles-based alt-pop artist HighSchool Jacob is bringing his brand of layered, 80’s tinged sound to us with his new single “As Long As You Want Me”. Chock full of lush, vibrant soundscapes, “As Long As You Want Me” boasts the artist’s earnest vocals and sets forth a freeing, gorgeous attitude that will put you in the right frame of mind for the week to come!
Last week, London-based alt-pop songstress Sharky released her new single “Bold As Brass” with its accompanying psychedelic visual. Accompanying her high ranging vocals is a soulful vibe that carries the track through, as your soul melts along with the jazzy soundscape. It’s perfect for easy listening, and might just make this summer-to-fall transition a little easier for us all. Check out the video below!
Starting September 10th, Los Angeles-based indie duo Swimsuit Issue – beautifully executed by model Miles Garber and David Gagliardi – is hitting the road with alt-pop musician Julietta for a couple of enthralling dates on the east coast. Seeing as their work has been touted by some quintessential names in music – their first show was playing to over 1,200 Catpower fans when Chan fell in love with their first single – Catch them in Brooklyn at Elsewhere (Zone One) on the 10th, and in Philadelphia at Kung Fu Necktie on the 17th. We’re thrilled to see their live performance magic captivate more audiences and expand the fanbase. Start your research below before heading out to one of the shows in a few days!
Keep up with Swimsuit Issue’s new work here, and keep tabs on Julietta and her upcoming music here.
