


rue snider, “summer to city”
My new record releasing everywhere July 27 is called City Living. When I wrote it last April and all through the recording the working title was Summer Somewhere. After putting out a couple of records and a bunch of EPs that were really folky and ridiculously sad I wanted to create something fun and upbeat that felt like summer in New York City. The record turned out really awesome and it has the upbeat summertime party vibe I was chasing. Funny thing though, a lot of the lyrics are still pitch dark and brokenhearted, but you can dance to them! I’ve accepted that life has ups and downs and I like to write about emotions that skew to the bummer side of existence. I think there’s freedom in honesty and reflecting the world and life without trying to sand off the rough parts. I’m happy that the music on this record is more of a party and can draw listeners who aren’t necessarily showing up just for the lyrics. This playlist is a sample of the songs and records I was listening to for the six months leading up to recording City Living as well as the four singles I put out in advance of its release.
Keep up with Rue Snider here.

tuxedo wildlife, myself together
Nashville-based musician Collin Gundry, whom you may know as Tuxedo Wildlife, releases his new EP Myself Together this week, and we have the exclusive streaming premiere of this masterpiece in its entirety. Many of the songs on this EP are emotional, heartfelt songs while many of the songs also have a slower beat yet calming feel to them. Tracks “Isotopes” and “Myself Together” are a little faster compared to the rest, and the vocals are a bit reminiscent of Imagine Dragons. But his luscious, deep vocals create a unique kaleidoscope of a landscape that is established at the beginning of the EP, and doesn’t drop off until the very last lines of the sixth track.
Myself Together embodies his journey through uncertain love and emotions which I’m sure many people can relate to throughout life, which is just another one of the reasons why Tuxedo Wildlife is a perfect new artist to listen to. Not only can you check out his new music below, but you can also check out his new video for “Depths” on YouTube.
Keep up with Tuxedo Wildlife here!
**co-written by meredith schneider

the habits, “calling me up”
Los Angeles-based alt-indie trio The Habits – comprised of Wolf Bradley, Chance Famighetti, and Andrew Macatrao – has been attracting a pretty solid fanbase since just last year, when they released their debut single “Feeling It”. Their new track – “Calling Me Up” – is just as catchy and beautiful as its predecessors, and we have the exclusive premiere of its accompanying music video, which just so happens to be their first ever as well.
Clear, precise visuals. This video encapsulates the trio’s live performances tactics, while allowing them to partake in a short film-like storyline, singing to a romantic interest over the phone. Relatable, intense emotions are thrown into a bubbly soundscape, making the true hurt delivered in the song a little less painful. The guys make sure to throw in a little humor toward the end, and now we kind of want to get sushi with them.
Explains the band:
We wanted our first music video to be simple and reminiscent of the types of videos we grew up on. It was inevitable the video would end in heart break, but the back and forth was all improvised. I’ve never had so much fun singing into a phone hanging from the ceiling or getting rejected on camera. Honestly, at some point it’s a little much to keep calling and singing to the same person. Get the hint.
Keep up with The Habits here.

carry illinois talks new ep work in progress and wonder woman ahead of kansas city appearance
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.
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.

lydia, “red lights” ft. lauren ruth ward
Have you ever been through a breakup, riddled with fresh feelings and not wanting the relationship to end, necessarily? Ambient indie trio Lydia – comprised of Leighton Antelman, Matt Keller, and Shawn Strader – and rock ‘n’ roll musician Lauren Ruth Ward have teamed up to create a soundscape filled with both parties’ tumultuous thoughts from a last night together. Is it the right thing to do? Are the emotions raw enough to make you want to keep that person with you? Was it all bad?
Relationships are complicated, and Lydia and Lauren Ruth Ward address that fact in a seemingly upbeat, but equally tortured, single filled with hope and anticipation for the future. It will be available on Lydia’s upcoming album Liquor.
Liquor will be available July 13th. Keep up with Lydia here.

the little miss, “american dream”
Based in Los Angeles, singer Hayley Johnson also known as The Little Miss has recently released her new single “American Dream”. In “American Dream”, Johnson ties in folk music along with a traditional beat to give you that sweet summer feeling. The song can make you feel a number of emotions depending on how you yourself interpret what the “American Dream” is actually perceived as. It can be either you striving to be happy with your own dream, or just feeling free in a world of captivity. The song talks about the stereotypes of what the American culture is, or what it could be. The strong vocals in the song make you wonder what really is the “American Dream” while also giving you the urge to listen to this song over and over again due to the strong sense of emotions portrayed throughout the song. Admits Johnson:
I wrote “American Dream” at a time when the tension in our country felt palpable. This was five years ago. Now, seemingly more divided than ever, I questioned whether or not I should release a song that sounds so blindly idealistic. To be clear, “American Dream” is not an endorsement of this country as it stands now. I don’t think that it is unpatriotic to think that we can do better than this. The American Dream, as it has been fed to us – Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness – has not delivered on its promises for many (if not most of us). So, while the song yearns for this made-up, sepia-toned time that never existed, it notes exactly that: that it never existed. We’re enchanted by our own, but very limited folklore – the pioneers, the Wild West, the civil war, the nuclear family, the moon landing, etc. We have romantic notions about who we are and who we’ve been, and it is tempting, for all of us, to want to wear those rose-colored glasses. But in order to become better, and in order to progress, we need to take off the glasses and take a good look in the mirror. We all want the same thing: to feel proud of the country we call home – we just need to accept the fact that it might be healthier to learn from our history rather than glamorize it. The lives of so many depend on it.
If you are in the need of finding some good, emotional summer music, be sure to check out The Little Miss for substantially strong vocals and meaningful songs.

freedom baby, “i want to give”
If you want a 15-minute song that feels like two, then this one is for you. Toronto-based musical duo Freedom Baby brings its listeners more than just a single — it’s an experience. Brianna Bordihn and Eric Reid create something magical by allowing the song to transition from whimsical guitar strums and upbeat vocals to frantic drum beats and darker places. The nuanced nature makes it a perfect song for any occasion, whether it be dancing around with your friends or laying in bed as the sun rises. At times, “I Want To Give” is reminiscent of Vampire Weekend or Passion Pit; however, it is a roller coaster of emotions in a class of its own.
Keep up with Freedom Baby here.

lolaa release debut e.p. en español
Lolaa, consisting of Toronto-based sisters Lex Valentine & Nadia Valerie King will release a Spanish version of their debut EP on June 8th. The musical project allows the sisters to explore their Mexican heritage, taking inspiration from Latin American 80’s pop music. The EP is a soulful approach with Latin-inspired instrumentation. Similar to that of Gloria Estefan minus the pop American influence and hiding the cultural percussion in the background. Lolaa puts them in the forefront and the result is a feel good, twilight, dancing in the streets fiesta.
“Lola” – the song bearing the proper spelling of the band’s namesake, meaning “Lady of Sorrows” – sways slowly in a gentle breeze accompanied by impactful and heartfelt vocals. While the verses are sung solo and with minimal instrumentation the chorus is filled out by an overlay of vocals giving it a thicker, meatier, stronger delivery. “Cancion 6” has a passionate vibe and produces a lot of warmth. Taking some influence from a 70’s disco ballad with a swaggering groove, intense pre-chorus vocal melody that leads the way for a full-on Pop anthem chorus. I have no clue what they are saying, but I feel the need to sing along. Maybe I will make up my own words. Could be fun.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bepmx9t4-CA]
Thus far Lolaa is bringing the synth-pop and danceable rhythms even during the slower paced songs. Embracing all the emotions in life and creating a sound that despite the mood or event, you can dance. “Barricada” demonstrates an almost haunting calling. While the beat boasts a Casio powered hi-hat and a simplistic stock snare kick combination the vocals definitely take the bull by the horns. I think this track could easily be even more dramatic and impactful a cappella aside from the ending with the comforting sound of an old music box. While none of the tracks are high energy they maintain a joggers pace and are in the key of motivation and are cinematically dramatic, the key of each song designed to appeal directly to the heart of your emotions.
Lolaa has a unique sound as you can definitely and obviously pick up on the Latin influence, as these tracks are En Espanol, but the music itself has a fusion of American pop, latin and old-school instruments, Canadian imagination and an immense of amount of passion. Don’t let the language barrier stop you from checking them out. You don’t need words to express an exact message. Tone and delivery will impact you just the same. A video premiere for the single “Espiritu” has been released via Nylon Espanol to hold you over until the E.P. is released.
Tour Dates
July 12th Coney Island Baby at 8 pm New York, NY
August 4th Handlebar’s at 8 pm Toronto, ON
Keep up with Lolaa here.