English trio Muncie Girls are cooler than ever in their new video for “Picture of Health,” the lead single from their second album Fixed Ideals, which is set to come out on August 31. Lead vocalist/guitarist Lande Hekt, along with guitarist Dean McMullen and drummer Luke Ellis, create an anthem for friendship with a sound that is reminiscent of the early days of Paramore and 90s pop-punk. The video captures the song’s theme in a real and organic way, right down to the silver fidget spinner. This is a modern-day representation of what it’s like to maintain a friendship and how we tend to get in our own heads, worrying about problems that don’t even exist. “Picture of Health” is a song that everyone can relate to, with a poignant video that emphasizes the importance of platonic love that is very refreshing to see.
Keep up with the band here, and don’t forget to preorder their upcoming album.
Mallrat’s new EP, In the Sky, is electrifying and emotional in every way. She seems to take a piece of you and a piece of herself, giving the songs a personal yet nostalgic tone with sweet pop melodies. She also incorporates the beauty of nature in many ways, whether it be in the cover art, the accompanying videos on Spotify, or in the album title itself. It’s clear that she is inspired by everything around her, which is clearly shown in each song.
The EP opens with the cool simplicity of “Groceries.” It has a steady, bouncing beat and acoustic guitar that gives it an upbeat vibe. But the lyrics are surprisingly deep: “I just want to get groceries” shows emotional depth about what you want in a relationship. “Texas” starts off as a ballad with pretty harmonies, but as the song goes on, it becomes a track that makes you want to dance around your room. “Better” is an upbeat song with painfully honest lyrics. Her voice croons about young optimism: “Everyone’s alive so everything’s alright.” At the same time, she reminds us of how fleeting everything is when you’re young and growing up: “Maybe when the summer ends / I’ll drift away from all my friends.” This song was a personal favorite, and it really shows how personal her lyrics can be. UFO sounds like a summer Top 40 hit with its electro-pop vibe and a rap verse from fellow Australian artist Allday. The EP ends with “Make Time,” which is more subdued than the rest. it allows you to daydream and think about someone you miss.
Mallrat’s cool, unique sound is taking over the world. Not only does she sing and write her own songs, but she co-produced every song on this EP. At only 19 years old, she is a powerhouse of talent and passion.
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.
Nashville-based songwriter Ellen Starski delivers a beautiful folk-rock ode to the ups and downs of a relationship with her new video for “Missing You” from her debut solo album The Days When Peonies Prayed for the Ants. The combination of the black-and-white tone of the video with the title of the song sets up the expectation of heartbreak, but the video does more than that. It shows its viewers the stages of this couple’s relationship, allowing for a somber narrative that emphasizes the importance of emotion rather than what you see happening in front of you. Starski explains the ambiguity of the video, saying “there’s truly no message attached to the song, it’s there for an audience to take from it what they will.”
Starski’s thoughtful lyrics shine through the gloominess of the video, showing her ability to create something personal that truly expresses how she feels, and the viewer can feel that as well. It’s more than your typical sad music video, and Starski wanted to show “the rise and fall of [this] relationship that was more than just the traditional flashback scenes and performances that seem to be the trend.”As a result,“Missing You” is a sad yet powerful song with a video that depicts the reality of many people’s lives and relationships.
Check out the video here and keep up with Ellen Starski on her website.
After their fresh and nuanced first album, the indie-rock trio Bad Bad Hats are back with “Write It On Your Heart,” the lead single from their sophomore album Lightning Round, which is set to be released on August 3. Frontwoman Kerry Alexander delivers a sucker punch of a song. She pairs her pure vocals with defiant, edgy lyrics about the end of a relationship:
“Love was growing teeth You were spitting blood Write it on your heart, dear You were never mine.”
The lyrics hold a personal significance for Alexander. “I haven’t always stood up for myself in situations like this,” she shared. “So this song is an ode to the version of me that does.” The lyrics’ realistic grittiness paired with the song’s softer instrumental tones from Chris Hoge and Connor Davison embodies the band’s sound – a balance of hard and soft, of pop and rock, of simplicity and complexity. “Write It On Your Heart” is a single that showcases their sound as well as their personality in an honest way. This is surely something we will see in Lightning Round, resulting in a new album that is bound to inspire and surprise their listeners.
Be sure to check out on their website for updates, and catch them on their summer tour.
