speedy ortiz, “villain”

speedy ortiz, “villain”

Speedy Ortiz just released the latest track “Villain,” which opens with a heavy bass line and grunge rock feel. The lyrics remain quirky with lines like, “He talks like he knows me so I’m being polite,” and “I want to know if no means all right.” The track takes a stab at the topic of unwanted advances and the struggle of having to act “polite” in awkward situations.

Take a look at the vintage, candy-colored inspired video and you’ll agree that “Villain” is more than just a song, it’s an anthem for many.

Keep up with Speedy Ortiz here.

lo moon @ the riot room

lo moon @ the riot room

I had the pleasure of seeing Lo Moon for a second time on Sunday, January 8th at the Riot Room. Lo Moon was in Kansas City last year at Buzz Under the Stars 2017, as well as opening for Andrew McMahon in The Wilderness in Music Alley for a smaller show during the warm summer months. A second time around, Lo Moon shined in the intimate setting at The Riot Room. The trio’s energy was in full effect, bringing a soulful and wondrous vibe to the room that isn’t often found in this space.

The band has gained quite a following after their iconic first single “Loveless” was released in September 2016. This was a proven fact as The Riot Room was packed with loyal fans. Lead singer Matt Lowell also professed “We love Kansas City” to the audience, which had every measure of sincerity.

And honestly, how could you not love a city that breaks new music? Take a peek here.

Keep up with Lo Moon here.

jean dawson, “glacier gallery”

jean dawson, “glacier gallery”

Los Angeles’ Jean Dawson has just dropped his debut single, “Glacier Gallery”, in collaboration with producer/songwriter Lecx Stacy. Out via Kitsune, a French electronic label, Jean Dawson brings a moody, electronic edge to a hip-hop soundscape in “Glacial Gallery”. Crafting a mulit-genre sound, Dawson will drop his debut album this summer after several years of honing his sound with Lecx Stacy. The twenty-two year old artist has been making music since he was fourteen, and now, Dawson is ready to share his songs with the world. “Glacier Gallery” is just a first taste of what is to come – and it’s already very promising. As an experimental hip-hop artist, Dawson draws just the right amount from other genres to create the canvas on which “Glacier Gallery” is painted.

Says Dawson of his debut track, “I suppose in making ‘Glacier Gallery’ I was seeking a form of catharsis. When myself and Lecx sat down drafting up ideas for the most fitting amalgamation of deep house tones and sharp synths, I figured that I wanted the context of this record to fit my somewhat discontent disposition at the time. I always find myself talking about warmth in my records but for whatever reason I felt that warmth wasn’t good enough. I needed something strong and fragile like glaciers under the sun.”

If you’re looking for something entirely new in all the right ways, check out “Glacier Gallery” today.

Keep up with Jean Dawson:
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arthhur, come meet the opposite committee

arthhur, come meet the opposite committee

Deepening their roots in the Chicago, Illinois music scene, two piece rock outfit Arthhur has brought their a-game with their newest single release, “Come Meet the Opposite Committee,” off their album of the same name. Along with having every component that composes a successful song, the underlying meaning behind the lyrics brings an all new wave of depth and social importance. Combined with their stellar beats and rhythms, Arthhur speaks up for those who deal with obsessive compulsive disorder as well as anxiety through his many musical movements and detailed lyrical presence. Throughout the track, the music is often punctuated with sudden loud releases of talent and excitement.

In what they consider, “a labor of love,” Arthhur built the new ten track album from the ground up and have come out with a masterpiece that is bound to get some traction throughout the music community. Songs like “Sheffield & Armitage” and “Katalog” are comforting in their existence, while tracks like “Character Death” and “Oral Anxiety Exam” are intriguing simply because of their titles, and continue to captivate the listener throughout. Each track is beautifully written, with lyricism tactics to combat the rest. In the future, fans can expect more art from this group that is equally as powerful and meaningful as Come Meet the Opposite Committee.

Come Meet the Opposite Committee is available now.

**co-written by Meredith Schneider

the dtease, “anarchy on the playlist”

the dtease, “anarchy on the playlist”

We wanted to pick a theme that relates to the type of music we played, the music that influenced our sound, and the music that speaks to each of us personally.  A couple suggestions came out that had the words glitter, psychonautic and rock, but we eventually settled on Sonic Glitter Bomb. Once we each started picking songs, we realized that not all of the songs were very glittery… Someone said, okay this is like anarchy on the playlist and thats what we ended up with! It makes perfect sense for this playlist. What you get is anarchy on any given theme. We all come from different musical backgrounds and have different influences, whether its’s metal, punk, grunge, garage or americana…but all of us unite under the umbrella of rock and roll!

Keep up with The DTease here.

pale green things, “the islands”

pale green things, “the islands”

Discovering that he has a unique way of allowing his audience to escape through his music, up and coming musician Pale Green Things – the moniker for Jack Traynor – has released a new single entitled, “The islands” that was crafted to do just that. As fans and spectators around the globe have commented, Pale Green Things allows them to leave behind the stress and anxiety of this world and experience the dreamy lushness of beautiful sound. “The Islands” was inspired by São Miguel Island in the Azores region of Portugal. The soothing melody is layered with gorgeous soundscapes that speak of both relief and safety. However, like all inspired pieces, this track is full of movement and, as the song continues, fans can feel the reality creeping in on the corners of their existence as they are pulled back into their true circumstance through skilled, flickering guitar acoustics.

As this indie-folk artist tours around his home in the United Kingdom, he has his eyes set on the future and what he can accomplish with his unique skills and abilities. With more experience and stage time over the past year, he has gained an international fan base that is continuing to grow, as he progresses and brings his music to a more advanced level. Without a doubt, as more time passes, Pale Green Things will continue to surprise and impress–effectively etching his name in the music community.

Keep up with Pale Green Things here.

first ghost, “burnt out”

first ghost, “burnt out”

Seeking to bring their magical soundscapes to a new level, First Ghosts have released their newest single, “Burt Out,” which they believe can raise them into the spotlight that they so desperately desire. Not only do these artist have talent and bouncing, thriving beats running through their veins, but they also have a talented crew that have assisted them in creating killer visuals to accompany their perfected and refined sound.  With the help of many and with their talent in tow, First Ghosts are surely going to make their way to the top of their fan’s playlists. Their latest single is proof that they have the skills that every fan is looking for, but they also have a unique way of bringing new material to the table that both shocks and surprises all those who decide to tune into their world of killer jams.

Along with their skills that allow them to create new, innovative music, lyrically they are able to create movements within their singles that create a nostalgic atmosphere that welcomes people into the world First Ghosts have created with their words. In reference to this skill, Andrew Harris, their co-director has said,”The first time I heard First Ghost’s “Burnt Out,” I remember visualizing the lyrics as a story. I saw a kind, old man, reliving nostalgic memories in his senior years while considering what is worth letting go of, and what is worth holding on to.” With all of their skill and unique talent, there is no doubt that this group has succeeded in advancing their sound to a new, more professional level.

Keep up with First Ghost here.

parker matthews, “hit and run”

parker matthews, “hit and run”

“Hit and Run” is the latest single from Parker Matthews who also just released a video for the track.  Before I watched the pop newcomer’s video, I had to just listen to the song itself. “Hit and Run” is a bubblegum pop infused track with, of course, the perfect voice (Parker Matthews) to complete the song.

“Start it one-by-one, cuz’ this ain’t no hit and run,” Parker sings, proclaiming a love song for a special someone.  With Parker’s high voice, catchy tune, and upbeat chorus, I soon found myself swaying by the end of the song.  The second time I listened to the song I viewed the video for “Hit and Run.”  Set in city night life and donned in an all black outfit (shades included), we see Parker walking up to an apartment for a house party.  With a crowd dancing and Parker singing, he shows off his fierce dance moves and has no problems “feeling himself,” which adds to that “pop-party” vibe that the song encompasses.

Pop Dust, who premiered the video described “Hit and Run” as “decorated with sticky drum loops and fluorescent synth makeup, embodies classic dance music but dispatches a crucial, heart-pounding message.”  Pop music, in its essence, is something you can dance to—but also be in your feelings about and “Hit and Run” definitely hits the nail on the head.

Keep up with Parker Matthews here.

payson lewis, “when love was young”

payson lewis, “when love was young”

Payson Lewis just released the video for his latest single “When Love Was Young”.  The video opens up to beach with a beautiful sunset, then cuts to Payson singing and playing piano in the living room. We then see Payson walking on the beach with a girl holding hands.  “So you go go go back, when you love somebody— you let them get away, get away, but what’s done is never done,”  sings Payson on “the one that got away.”

The video is touching, with the scenes of the beach and a happy couple reunited.  The video for “When Love Was Young” is an acoustic version which gives us a glimpse at Payson Lewis’ talents which include his amazing and bone-chilling vocals and his ability to beautifully handle a piano.  The video to “When Love Was Young” had me tearing up and I hope you find it equally as sweet!

Keep up with Payson here.