jay som + justus proffit, “nothing’s changed”

jay som + justus proffit, “nothing’s changed”

The collaborative efforts of new musical duo Jay Som & Justus Proffit is a result of a casual jam session in Som’s home studio, which eventually turned into multiple sessions, thus leading to the creation of their collaborative EP. They both worked together on vocals and guitar; Proffit was in charge of lyrics and drums, and Som handled the editing and mixing, in addition to playing the bass and keyboard. Their first single is the charming  “Nothing’s Changed,” which is their upcoming EP’s title track. The overall vibe is a subtle country ballad with gentle vocals and guitar strums. The overall sound is soft and beautiful, but the lyrics are surprisingly somber:
I chew it up, spit it out, and give it up.
Still I climb to reach the top,
I feel the same,
Nothing’s new, nothing’s changed.
Proffit’s vocals seem to take the lead on this one, with Som’s gentle vocals contributing to the harmony throughout the track. Together, they sound like one strong unit. Their compatibility shines throughout he song, and that collaborative work ethic shows. The EP is entirely written, recorded, and produced by the two artists, showing their passion for this project. A lot of work and a lot of love was put into this, and it definitely shows.

Be sure to check out their EP, which will be released on September 28th. Keep up with Jay Som here, and Justus Proffit here.
annie goodchild, “ether”

annie goodchild, “ether”

Annie Goodchild has been enthralling us with her music for a hot second, hints of Annie Lennox and other incredible vocalists noticeable in her timbre. As the world seeks out fresh examples of strong, independent, and incredible women to add to their playlists, we think Goodchild fits the bill ten times over. And though we have to wait another month to hear this amazing songstress’ EP in its entirety – Meditative Mouthfuls is due out September 28th – we are pleased to share her latest single “Ether” with you now. Check it out below!

Keep up with Annie Goodchild here.

mini mansions, “works every time”

mini mansions, “works every time”

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!

my brothers and i, heartbeat

my brothers and i, heartbeat

You may have already heard of the talented quartet My Brothers And I from their many features on popular TV shows such as ‘Pretty Little Liars’ which featured one of their well known songs ‘Nowhere To Run’. Their music has also been featured on commercials here and there, which helped the band get to the successful place they are at now. This quartet is made up of very talented artists including: Jordan Roach, David Wurgler, Scott Wurgler, and Erik Wurgler. These four have recently released their new EP Heartbeat today, August 17th! One of the reasons this quartet is so successful, is because they include aspects of many different genres. In their new EP Heartbeat, you can hear the likes of pop music with a blend of indie and alternative styles. Primarily in the songs ‘When You’re Ready’ and ‘My Heart’, you will hear many vocal similarities between My Brothers And I and fellow pop artist Troye Sivan. When comparing all of their other songs, ‘Temporary Love’ is one of the more darker tracks on the EP that includes more of an upbeat alternative style. With this EP, it is impossible to pick just one favorite song. Each track is completely different, but equally as great as the next. Just from the first listen, I can already that this EP will be on repeat everywhere around the world! In celebration of their new EP release, My Brothers And I will be going on a small EP release tour which you will not want to miss!

Keep up with My Brothers and I here.

taylor janzen, interpersonal

taylor janzen, interpersonal

Canadian artist Taylor Janzen gets as real as she can get with her new EP. Interpersonal is thoughtful and smart, as if written by a seasoned professional; at only 19-years-old, she has an acute sense of empathy and self-awareness that makes this EP incredibly special. Her vocals are heartbreakingly beautiful, drawing strong comparisons to Paramore’s Hayley Williams. But that’s as far as the comparisons go – in every way, Janzen is entirely her own artist.

As you listen, each song bares a bit more of Janzen’s soul. Her honesty makes her relatable, which is the epitome of why we love sad songs. “Stations” delves into the reality of emotional abuse in a relationship. “The Waiting Room” is a standout track due to its raw and honest discussion of her struggles with mental health through the imagery of a waiting room. The lyrics show how, sometimes, the mental health system can be challenging and lonely. Janzen sings with pain in her voice, lamenting about her experience: “Spitting out my demons to someone I just met … the only one who listens is the person I pay.” “Colourblind” and “Better Now” round out the EP, leaving you with that feeling – not sadness, not anger, not happiness.  The best way to describe Janzen’s music is hopeful. She delves deep into heartbreak and depression, but her voice assures us that not all is lost. In fact, these are the kind of sad songs that you want to listen over and over again, even if it makes you want to sob into a glass of red wine.

Keep up with Taylor Janzen here.

thutmose x nombe, “run wild”

thutmose x nombe, “run wild”

With attention to minute detail given by its creators, enticing track “Run Wild” was the perfect lead-in to the brand new 6 track EP, Run Wild. Thutmose – a Nigerian-born, Brooklyn-based hip hop artist – and NoMBe – the German-born, Los Angeles-based musical project by Noah McBeth – had already proven they could create luscious soundscapes, paired with lyrics that are descriptive and feel-good in nature.

The rest of the EP is no different, as you can witness below. At times, the duo slows it down to a amore mellow pace – as with tracks “Young & Reckless”, “Soft Top”, and “Summer’s Gone” -, highlighting the soulful aspects of their musical talents. And though we tend to glean positive vibes from the majority of the release, songs like “Summer’s Gone” – despite its hopeful, beautiful message of love – leave a melancholic feeling deep in your bones, foreshadowing that end of warmer months in the northern hemisphere in the coming months.

If you’re ready to be enveloped in a sound that is a buttery smooth version of Drake-meets-Kid Cudi-meets Shop Boyz, Run Wild is calling for you to fall in mutual love.

Keep up with Thutmose here and NoMBe here.

tuxedo wildlife, myself together

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

von grey, in bloom

von grey, in bloom

Cinematic synth rock trio Von Grey – comprised of Atlanta-based sisters Kathryn (Cello, Moog bass pedals, Mandolin), Annika (Lead Vocals, Violin, Synth, Banjo), and Fiona (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Violin, Synth, Percussion) – has graced our ears with the release of their brand new EP In Bloom. We’re incredibly smitten – and how can you not be with this musicianship? – so we had to get these six tracks in your ears before we signed off for the weekend. Drench your environment in the ethereal, laid back vibes induced by first track “Plans”, through the acoustic beauty of “6AM”, all the way through the last chords of “Dawn”.

If you’re traditionally not into family bands, don’t let the fact that they’re (SUCH TALENTED!) sisters throw you off. Their style, grace, and musicianship truly precede them, and we’re going to keep In Bloom on repeat for a while.

Keep up with Von Grey here.

deer, “wild eyes self oscillator” (madzine remix)

deer, “wild eyes self oscillator” (madzine remix)

Mexican / Hong Kong based duo Deer is following up the success of their new EP Portraits by releasing a new Madzine remix of their song “Wild Eyes Self Oscillator”. This track is just a taste of what’s to come off of their upcoming remix release Portraits Remixed.The new remixed album is taken from the original EP Portraits but is spun around to give it a new electronic feel, while still containing many original aspects. The new ‘Wild Eyes’ remix gives the original song a fun, upbeat, and energetic dance style that makes you want to get up and start moving. For this being the first song off of the remixed album, Deer definitely leaves you wanting more, and waiting eagerly for their new album which is soon to be released on October 12th. While waiting for their new album to be released, make sure you listen to their first EP Portraits and their new remix of ‘Wild Eyes’ so you are fully prepared for the sensational album soon to come.

Keep up with Deer here.