Rockin’ and rollin’, Language is back at it with a brand new single titled “Game Piece”. Language is made up of guitarist/vocalist Omar Afzaal, bassist/vocalist Charles Sloan and drummer Wes Black. The Brooklyn-based trio has self-released two EPs, and will drop their first EP Plymouth on May 18th via Good Eye Records. Their new single “Game Piece” will appear on Plymouth, and offers a first glance into the upcoming EP. Thoroughly fun and unapologetic, “Game Piece” includes a killer guitar solo and great vocals. It is evident through the instrumentation of the track that Language knows how to make every aspect of a song work together. Bassist Charles Sloan says:
I started with of a couple ideas: a middle school project where I had to decide what I would take with me on a spaceship to a new world, and the story of Aeneas, one of the mythical founders of Rome, who took his father, statues of his gods, and his son and lead them out of a burning Troy. It’s all reduced to a few shouted phrases, which is where the desperation and irrationality enter.
“Game Piece” is a must-listen, so check it out today!
Breaking out one of the greatest singles that is promised to get listeners dancing throughout the world is pop artist and producer WNT-AL-N (pronounced Went All In) who has just dropped his latest single, “Leave it on the Floor.” After being influenced by several cultures as a child, this up coming artist has found a way to mesh the sounds of his multi-faceted home experiences into one cohesive sound that is both infections and incredibly innovative. “Leave it on the Floor” is a melting pot that combines elements of Caribbean pop, funk, reggae, hip hop, and even a hint of jazz into a single that is promised to please across the globe. Throughout the single, listeners can enjoy the funky guitar twangs as well as vocals that are as clean as they are enjoyable to listen to. When speaking of his latest release, WNT-AL-N said,
“We all need an outlet from the stresses that society, family, finances, work etc. put on us. Picture a carefree childhood where you’re enjoying life to the fullest and you’re all about being in the moment. Growing up, music was my escape to a place where I could go all in. I think all we need is the ability to tap back into that as an adult. I always want my songs to have substance and tell my story even if it’s a turn-up record.”
Not only does this artist give something for fans to talk about on stage, but his off-stage life is just as impressive. While WNT-AL-N is not creating and producing more music, he often travels between Atlanta and Singapore in order to aid the homeless and victims of human trafficking and abuse through his work with Hanoi-based non-profit organization Blue Dragon. Without a doubt, his future music has promise considering the quality and impressive skill demonstrated in, “Leave it on the Floor,” making him one of the key players in the developing music community.
In the beginning, there was one person and one instrument. A man named Chris Carrabba wielded an acoustic guitar and managed to permeate the punk and emo scenes with his raw, lyrical candor. There were EPs, there were LPs. The second of those, The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most, scored Carrabba an MTV hit with the track “Screaming Infidelities.” And from there, his career exploded into full-fledged fame.
Dashboard Confessional later expanded. On Carrabba’s third LP, A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar, a full band was added, each instrument joining together to fill out his signature sound. The unparalleled strength of his voice was further heightened with this new musical intensity. Carrabba sings with such remarkable power and abandon, a hybrid of passion and fury that’s unmatched in his peers. He manages to hold notes for astonishingly long moments and can sing about love in hushed, delicate tones in the same breath as he can betrayal, unleashing the full force of his voice into an evocative wail. Simply put, Carrabba makes you feel, and he does so with a seeming effortlessness that enthusiastically resonates with his listeners. As Dashboard Confessional hasn’t stopped releasing records since their inception, Carrabba’s begun a veritable collection of fans, hoarding more and more of them with each successive release. His audience has now become intergenerational, and with Dashboard’s latest release, Crooked Shadows, it’s sure to speak to a new crop of teenagers while still delighting the fans who have been there since the beginning.
Embarking on a tour of comparatively smaller venues to promote Crooked Shadows, those who were lucky enough to score tickets to the sold-out show in New York piled into a packed Brooklyn Steel on March 29th. Fans rushed into the venue in swarms, making a fervent beeline to the floor in order to be as close to the stage as possible.
Carrabba walked out in his truest form, alone with his acoustic guitar. He asked if he could “play a deep cut,” to which everyone cheered as he launched into “This Bitter Pill,” the last track on the aforementioned The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most. When that ended, the rest of the band came out as they amped it up for “Don’t Wait,” off Dusk and Summer. The night was a family reunion. Carrabba vividly expressed his gratitude over and over again, not only thankful to be able to play music for a living, but to his fans, who allow him to do so. They responded wildly, their reaction signifying that the feeling was mutual.
Carrabba curated a setlist made up of songs off Crooked Shadows combined with some of his greatest hits from years past. Saving the best for last, Carrabba ended with three fan favorites: “Screaming Infidelities,” “Stolen,” and “Vindicated.” “Hands Down,” of course, made up the encore, leaving the crowd on the highest, most ecstatic note possible.
The future continues to shine on Dashboard Confessional.
LA-based indie-pop band, Little Monarch is hitting the music scene with their very first single of the new year, “Tangerine.” This exciting new release is a wonderful display of everything that fans have come to know and adore about this young, thriving group. In many ways, Little Monarch is the life blood of the young music scene and they will continue to be so as they follow up this hit single with an EP loaded with the same fun, energetic vibes that they so beautifully highlighted in, “Tangerine.”
Speaking of their latest single they said:
We are so excited to release new music and start tour! ‘Tangerine’ is the first single off our upcoming EP. The song started with the guitar riff, and we found ourselves building on this feeling of escaping to a magical island off an emerald bay à la Wes Andersons ‘Moonrise Kingdom’. Leaving your old ways behind in search of the next great adventure.
Although this is a relatively young band, they have talent and musical skill that leaves very little to be desired. Jam packed with lyrical genius and spunky soundscapes, there is a overwhelming sense of organic joy that is relayed through every aspect of their composition. As every beat is coupled with vocal artistry, there is no doubt that this team has the potential to reach all new heights with this exciting new release.
Ever wanted to watch someone in an animal mask play electric guitar with a saw? Look no further! Indie-rock band Stardust Creatures has just released a new video for their single, “Spaced Out”. Stardust Creatures is made up of lead vocalist/guitarist Colin Coogan, George Sarpola on drums, Colin O’Rourke on bass, Kristen Mita providing backing vocals, synths, bells, and Adam Marks bringing keys and vocals to the mix. The Brooklyn-based five-piece’s new video brings quirky and honest visuals to the viewer. Balancing ethereal and realistic scenes, “Spaced Out” is one-of-a-kind.
Says Colin Coogan of the new song: “I’m a distracted, fidgety person. I zone in and out, I have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time, and I lose things pretty often. As people like me grow older, we quickly discover the need to work out survival strategies- you can’t make excuses forever. You get better as you work at it, but sometimes it feels like you’re just treading water, and you end up learning a lot of lessons the hard way. There’s always a tension between the desire to be unapologetically yourself and the need to make compromises to get by. I still haven’t fully figured it out. Writing music is part of how I process things, so a lot of those frustrations ended up inspiring this song.”
Collaborating with producer Justin Faust, Brooklyn-based Violet Sands has just put out their brand new single, “What Do You Feel”. Violet Sands is comprised of vocals by Deidre Muro, guitar by Derek Muro, and production by David Perlick-Molinari. The trio debuted Hotel, their first album, in 2017, which followed 2016’s Strange Attractor EP. With the release of “What Do You Feel”, the trio shows how much they have not only honed their sound, but also grown as a band. Oozing with aesthetically-pleasing sound, “What Do You Feel” is easy on the ears, yet keeps the listener on their toes. Well-composed and slightly futuristic, the track is sure to delight both new and old fans.
Guitarist Derek Muro says of the making of the new song, “We met Justin while he was in New York visiting from Germany, introduced by Robert Perlick-Molinari (of our label and French Horn Rebellion) who suggested that we collaborate. In an afternoon, we began experimenting with the vintage synth collection at our studio – notably the Wurli, Roland and Oberheim instruments – embracing the early-aughts electronica influence, which came out even more once Deidre wrote the lyrics and added her vocals. After only a few hours, we had the shape of the song nearly complete and decided to meet for another session that week where the song really came together.”
Brooklyn-based indie funk/rock act Cosmonaut Radio – consisting of Austin Deyo (drums, back up vocals), Russell Castiglione (lead guitar, back up vocals), and Freddy Millan Jr (lead vocals) –
Austin:
Peg-Steely Dan – Could’ve chosen any of their songs honestly. And although we don’t sound like them (I don’t think anyone ever will), the way they wrote music, and found success with strange vocal melodies and crazy jazz chords is inspiring.
The Chicken-Jaco Pastorius – Arguably the best ever, this song paved the way for fusion music and bands like Snarky Puppy. It’s so catchy and the band is so top notch.
Thing of Gold-Snarky Puppy – Some of the best music I’ve ever heard, and the Moog solo will change your life.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings-100 Days, 100 Nights – Brooklyn based, funk revival, powerful vocals, groovy horns. It’s the best of like 5 different kind of musical genres combined. They’re one of the biggest reasons that funk and funk based music is popular again.
And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going-Jennifer Holliday – Jennifer hudson’s version is also impressive. This song is so epic. Musically, it’s interesting, and complex, vocally, it’s out of this world.
Love On The Rocks-Sara Bareilles – I love everything Sara Bareilles does.
Miss You-The Rolling Stones – This is one of my favorite songs, and we used to cover it. I put it on this list because it also symbolizes the end of “The Cosmonauts” and the beginning of Cosmonaut Radio. Although rock, and more specifically, blues, will always influence our music, this new record is an evolution and graduation to the next level for us. And I know you can’t graduate from the stones, but this song specifically signifies the next chapter for me and and for the band.
Another Kind of Green-John Mayer Trio – Steve Jordan, Pino Palladino, and John Mayer. Come on. The pocket is as solid as solid gets. And everything else about this song is fantastic.
Freddy:
1. “Daylight” by Failure
“Daylight” is a weird but great song to jam out to while pondering life and the universe, and it serves as the final song (and bookend) to my favorite album of all time.
2. “Dance, Dance” by Fall Out Boy
The song that originally made me want to join a rock band, the appeal of “Dance, Dance” is right there in the title, with an energy and style that always makes me want to get up and move.
3. “Ogre Battle” by Queen
One of the best songs by one of the best bands of all time, “Ogre Battle” is a microcosm of everything that made Queen great: experimental yet catchy songwriting, intensity and energy bred from tight and layered musicianship, and the inimitable vocal stylings of Freddie Mercury.
4. “Emotions” by Mariah Carey
What else can be said about Mariah Carey? Her insane range and riffing abilities were big inspirations to me as a vocalist growing up, and this song is a showcase of those talents at their peak.
5. “Greedy” by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande is one of very few A-list pop artists right now who I think is bringing anything interesting to the table, and this song combines her pop, R&B, and theater sensibilities, powerhouse voice, and knack for insanely catchy hooks and key changes into something that’s arguably better than any radio single she’s ever released.
6. “Run Away With Me” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen is what I wish more radio-friendly pop sounded like, and “Run Away With Me” perfectly tinges her overt sentimentality with slightly more melancholic tones to produce a song that’s somehow both romantically fleeting and timelessly grounded.
7. “Dorothy Dandridge Eyes” by Janelle Monae
As far as I’m concerned, Janelle Monae is almost single-handedly carrying on the musical legacies of Prince and David Bowie in the mainstream, and she’s doing justice to both of them. I debated between a lot of songs to put here, but few songs demonstrate Monae’s effortless cool and subtle sensuality as well as this one.
8. “Starship Trooper” by Yes
Yes is one of my favorite bands to put on and just chill out to, and “Starship Trooper” puts their unusually long song runtimes to good use by constantly changing while remaining consistently catchy and engaging from start to finish.
9. “Glory Box” by Portishead
I love Portishead because they are a seemingly very sad band with certain songs that speak to an inner torment that I never knew I had, but I decided to go with the vaguely more upbeat closer to their stellar first album.
10. “Fortress” by Queens of the Stone Age
I’ve always liked Queens of the Stone Age, but I was not expecting to love their newest album as much as I did, and this song about vulnerability and getting back up when life knocks you down is definitely one of its many highlights.
Russell:
1. People Get Up and Drive Your Funky Soul – James Brown
This song has definitely influenced me as a funk guitar player. It was one of the first James Brown songs that I fell in love with instantly.
2. What A Fool Believes – Doobie Brothers
I love this song because Michael McDonald has a hauntingly amazing voice, the harmonies are killer, the key change into the chorus is a lovely change, and the song itself is so happy! I could have the worst day, listen to this song, and instantly feel better.
3. Reckoner – Radiohead
This is my favorite song from Radiohead at the moment (it changes). Thom Yorke is a huge inspiration for me because of his high falsetto range and the melodies he chooses over the band’s interesting chord progressions.
4. Skate U – Snarky Puppy
This song has an incredible build up with great breakdowns and solos, one of the best by this band in my opinion.
5. No Quarter – Led Zeppelin
This is my favorite band of all time so I had to include this. This song in particular captures the expertise of each member so well and is just really a beautiful/powerful song.
Coming off of one of their most successful tracks to date with their latest LP, Parallel Person is Chicago based, garage-pop band, Varsity. Not only is this group composed of some of the most complex, yet beautiful soundscapes in the industry today, but fans are picking up on their unique talents and can’t seem to get enough of their psychedelic rhythms and beats. Before the release of Parallel Person, their last single, “So Sad, So Sad,” racked up a killer 14 million views and is continuing to grow in popularity as word of them spreads throughout the country at a rapid pace. However, more than just garage-pop fans are catching on to their success. Their past work has also awarded them praise from acclaimed critics and was named one of the, “Best Songs of 2016” by TIME. Looking forward to the release of Parallel Person, there are high expectations, but this rising band is sure to deliver.
Along with the bubbly, jangly feel of their music, Varsity brings a lighthearted feel into each of the tracks on their newest LP. Lately, it has been difficult to find a collection of songs that brings such an overall feeling of carefree release that is as infectious and catchy as Varsity’s latest release. One of the aspects of this release that really makes all the difference is the stellar twangy guitar skills that are overlaid with dreamy vocals. As listeners take in the meaning of each song, they will be transported back to the days of the easy 80’s and be enveloped in the artistic anthems that Varsity has put together. No doubt, fans and critics a like will soon be raving over this next release with great enthusiasm.
RF Shannon just released their latest single “Tooth Ache”, which is off of their latest album, Trickster Blues, due out May 5th. “Tooth Ache” pays tribute to all things alternative-indie, but also throws in a western vibe. The intro gives us that western sound with an acoustic guitar, slow drums, and sounds of a classic piano. “I take it slow right in the back road,” hums the band.
Aside from the amazing instrumentals, the vocals are haunting and will capture you. My favorite thing about “Tooth Ache,” is its ability to put a new twist on a classic rock sound. Shane Renfro, of the band says, “I tend to feel like all is right in the world when I’m slowly driving down old country roads with the windows down, so this song is kind of an ode to that vibe. I wanted to write a good backroad song.” A vibe we have all felt, RF Shannon encompasses the feeling on “Tooth Ache.”
