by Aubrey Hanson | Aug 21, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Are you looking for an up and coming indie pop band to listen to this year? If so, you’ll want to check out band Mini Mansions who will be officially releasing their new EP Works Every Time on September 28th. The title track is both a calm and smooth track with an upbeat tempo so catchy that it will leave you wanting to play it on repeat. You may realize that Mini Mansions have many similar characteristics when compared to alternative/pop band WALK THE MOON, between both vocals and genre. If you enjoy music such as this, then you will want to keep an eye out not only for their EP coming out early fall, but you will also want to be prepared for their new album coming sometime in 2019! Instead of just listening to their music online, it would be even better to see them live on tour this upcoming fall! You will be able to catch Mini Mansions on tour alongside fellow alternative/rock band Arctic Monkeys.
The new visual for “Works Every Time” is dark, theatrical, and endearing. Escape your workday for a few minutes below!
In the meantime, keep up on all of their new music here, and make sure to stay tuned for their EP release on September 28th!
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 16, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Everyone’s favorite indie pop duo Seasaw – expertly comprised of Meg Golz and Eve Wilczewski – is back with another new music video for the entrancing track “God(zilla)”. With insightful, relatable lyrics set to raw guitar, their gorgeous, far-ranging vocals make the song feel like absolute magic. And the music video is nothing less than magic as well, as an actual Godzilla outfit is utilized, and there may or may not be a tiny town to crush. But if we had a trainer teaching us how to be a giant, green, badass, we’d probably feel just as magical as this silly, fun video makes us feel.
Keep up with this fun duo here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 13, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Los Angeles- based indie pop duo Joyeur released “Fast As You Can” on August 9th, and we’re not sure we’ve taken it off loop since then. At this time of year, the fun tends to slow down and the work comes out. School is coming up, a lot of busy seasons at jobs are ramping up, it’s no longer vacation season. But Joyeur provides an escape from all of that. It seems to be a developing pattern that the duo’s hard, cutting attitude, and intricate lyrics stick with you, to say the least. If you keep your ears glued to all notifications of Joyeur’s releases, we have a feeling you won’t possibly regret it.
Keep up with Joyeur here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 1, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
On Friday, Richmond, VA-based indie pop/rock collective Spooky Cool – comprised of Zac Hryciak, Paula Lavalle, Lee Spratley, Sean Williams, and Zavi Harman – is set to release their debut EP Every Thing Ever. But right now, we have a taste of what’s to come in their single “Black Wine”. Hard hitting from the beginning, the mellifluous vocals don’t hit until about the 57 second mark, evening out the rough, electric feel from the beginning. The singer’s vocal range is enticing in its far-reaching capabilities, making us swoon with each new line of lyrics. The instrumental breakdowns are perfect for jam band fans and mellow listeners alike, and we’re inundated with the good feels. (Despite perhaps, at times, the lyrical content itself.)
Keep up with Spooky Cool here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 31, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
New York-based indie pop songstress Julietta is letting it all go with new track “Smooth Sailing”. The whistling certainly brings on the laid back vibes from the onset, though the hard-hitting bass is something of note from the very beginning. The way the instrumentals swell bring the song into a more freeing and interesting soundscape, and Julietta’s light as a feather vocals are expertly layered into the entire thing. It’s an impressive track, with easily relatable lyrics. As Julietta sings about “finding my way,” we just want to sing this track from the top of our lungs in a convertible as we drive down the highway.
After you check the track, you’ll concur. We guarantee it. So allow yourself to expand with a little “Smooth Sailing”.
Keep up with Julietta here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 24, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
New York-based indie pop songstress Rén with the Mane is ready to add a touch of beauty to your summertime with her new track “Changes”. As she sings about being ready for a transition away from a relationship, the conflict she is going through is painfully palpable. Her gorgeously soft, yet strong, vocals instill a sense of calm at the same time, making this song perfect to enjoy while relaxing at the beach.
The other fun part? She’s singing about being ready for the “Changes” in her life. It feels as though humankind as a collective has been adjusting in ways previously unheard of, really getting in touch with their more vulnerable sides. This song can help prepare you for that. So, if you’re getting ready to make a change – and we all are – this song is probably perfect for you.
Keep up with Rén with the Mane here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 13, 2018 | albums, review
Cincinnati-bred indie pop collective The Ophelias – comprised of Spencer Peppet (vox, guitar), Grace Weir (bass), Micaela Adams (drums), and Andrea Gutmann Fuentes (violin) – drops their latest masterpiece today, and we’re so jazzed about it, we almost can’t explain it in words. Delicate vocals, overlaid with (largely) light percussion and mellifluous strings make this album what it is, and largely describe the band’s soundscape. Not only is there a delicacy in the vocals, but there are quirks that make the effect much more striking than the word “delicate” would lead you to believe.
From the elegant beginning of first track “Fog”, through the equally leisurely pace of “General Electric”, into “Lover’s Creep”, you come to find the entire album feels ethereal and intense in a very unique way. “Night Signs” slows the pace down exponentially, the instrumentals slightly lower, and paints a darker-feeling audio feed. “O Command” is different, in that the vocals rise to a higher octave, the instrumentals maintaining a low, luscious feeling. “Lunar Rover” and “Bird” continue into an increasingly experimental place, picking the pace back up again with eighth track “House”.
While you can’t expect the pace to pick back up again over the last two tracks of Almost – “Zero” and “Moon Like Sour Candy” -, you can expect to nab deep, meaningful vocals that make for an introspective night on your back patio, music playing softly over the sound of the trees rustling above you.
Get started below.
Keep up with The Ophelias here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 13, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
In May, indie pop act The Ramona Flowers – comprised of Dave Betts (keys/guitar), Steve Bird (singer), Ed Gallimore (drummer), Sam James (guitar), and Wayne Jones (bass) – released their third full-length album, 11-track stunner Strangers. And, though we are impressed by each track and the way it tells a story as a whole, we are even more impressed by the new visual representation that goes along with single “Ghost”.
The video takes place in a large, modern home nestled amongst the trees. If you’ve ever seen the Twilight series on the big screen, then imagine the band performing in the dark, uninhabited halls of Edward’s family home. Voyeuristic frames of a woman, with more artistic, visceral shots thrown in as well to keep the entire 3:44 captivating.
Keep up with The Ramona Flowers here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 5, 2018 | 5 to 7
On July 12th, Austin-based indie pop act Carry Illinois – comprised of Lizzy Lehman (Lead Singer/ Rhythm Guitar), Andrew Pressman (Bass), Rudy Villarreal (Drums), Darwin Smith (Guitar), and Benjamin Rowe Violet (Keys) – will make a much anticipated appearance The Rino in Kansas City, MO. But before we head out to celebrate the summertime with this impressive quintet, we wanted to ask brainchild and front woman Lizzy Lehman some questions. Below, she delves into her inspiration and the development of the band.
What was your first musical memory? Do you think that memory has any bearing on how you create music now?
My first musical memories are of watching The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” and Maurice Sendak’s cartoon musical “Really Rosie” (with music sung by Carole King). Hearing the music from both artists absolutely inspired my love of singing and a deep desire to create truthful, emotional, and relatable music that reflects the journey of navigating the challenges and triumphs of life.
What unique flare do you think performing and creating in Austin, TX has given to your music?
Austin is a very accepting and supportive city where it is ok, and even encouraged, to be different and loud and proud about being yourself. Performing and creating here has made it possible for my music to fully represent my awkward, wonderful, painful, scary, and hopeful personal experience without fear of being judged.
Music lovers in Austin want to see artists expressing themselves in the most authentic way possible. My music has been embraced by people from all walks of life, even by those I would never expect to connect to it, and that is truly rewarding and validating.
What’s the story of how the musical project started and expanded? Was it a meet cute?
After the break up of a previous band, I knew I did not want to go back to playing solo. I had grown to love the power that comes with having a full band behind me. I set to work recruiting some of my favorite musicians- some old friends, and some new friends of friends. Darwin and Rudy have been with me from the beginning, through all the experiments, and the ups and downs. I am so grateful for their love and support. Following the painful loss of our bass player and dear friend John, we brought on Andrew, who has been a good friend and part of my chosen family for a long time. We lost our former keys player to the domestic life, but it made us think more about the sounds we want to hear, and we were very lucky to find Benjamin. He has added depth and sparkle to our sound in all the right places, with his array of synths and keys. We’ve made some changes to our sound over the years, with me “going electric” and accepting my love of pop and rock music. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive and creative group of guys. It wasn’t exactly a meet cute but the love is strong!
Your new EP Work in Progress is so vulnerable and honestly provides such a kaleidoscope soundscape. What was it like, making that EP?
Making the new EP was a highly creative, visceral, and fully collaborative experience. It was amazing to have several days to build up the instrumentation, allow my band members to flex their creative muscles by experimenting with different sounds, and then record my vocals with a fully realized and rich musical context already in place. I was able to engage my emotions in a much deeper and connected manner while recording this EP because I was singing my most revealing and brutally honest lyrics to date.
How do you feel your music has progressed since you started?
My music has become much more personal, honest, and revealing. It has also gone from having a very rootsy/folk feel to fully embracing my unabashed love for pop music. While the subject matter of the songs has become more earnest, the music itself has gained a more driving, catchy, and relatable feel. I have gone from making up songs about things I have never experienced, to confronting my most painful insecurities and challenging life experiences. I have become a truth-teller who is no longer afraid to tell my story.
What is your favorite part about live performance?
I love getting to belt my heart out, and in doing so I am able to share my true voice with the audience. Singing is my first instrument and my greatest musical passion. When I sing live I feel alive, and it is extremely fulfilling to see people engage in both the intimate and dramatic moments throughout our set.
What do you hope people take away from your music, and from seeing you live?
I want people to know that we are all connected by a need for love, support, and understanding. I want them to know that it is ok to feel their feelings and process their own pain. I hope that they feel comfortable enough to come up to me and let me know that they share a common experience, and that my music helps them to not feel alone in the struggle for self-acceptance.
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why?
I would be Wonder Woman because she is strong, powerful, confident, and can face any challenge that comes her way! I would love to be able to stand tall even when I am having a difficult time maintaining stamina to get through my toughest moments.
Anything else?
I’m looking forward to meeting you in Kansas City! Please come say hello!
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Keep up with Carry Illinois
here.
