fox and bones, “a changing of the guard”

fox and bones, “a changing of the guard”

Oregon-based folk-pop outfit Fox and Bones have curated the cutest collection of clips to create the music video for their single “A Changing of The Guard.” A song that is upbeat in nature and encouraging, the video directly reflects that.

“We wanted to find a way to bring together all of our friends, fans, and family in a way that would be fun and socially distanced. We put out the call to submit videos holding up lyrics or acting out what the lyrics meant to them. We were overwhelmed by the inflowing of videos and the level of creativity we saw from the submissions. We’ve always felt indebted to our fans for their love and support and this video felt like a great way to give back and showcase them, all without them having to leave their homes.” 

Get your daily dose of happiness below. (We all need it.)

animal years, this is part one of an album called animal years

Our favorite botanist Mike McFadden (vocals) and his incredible bandmates are releasing their full-length in three parts. Of the project, he admitted: “We had this patchwork of songs that had never quite fit on other projects and when we looked at them all together, we realized that the songs told a story.” This is Part One of An Album Called Animal Years is the first installment, and was just released.

Comprised of five tracks, it truly ignites magic in the air as it picks up pace, McFadden’s vocal control and manipulation something otherworldly from the very first notes, 7 seconds into the first track “What I’m Fighting For.” And relatable from that very moment as well, with the first line “I’ve been so lost in the world that I used to know” something that pretty much anyone can understand, especially post-pandemic life. This song has the energy of an anthem, and that feels right for now.

“Let You In” is definitely a low-key country ballad that teeters on theatrical in a captivating way, while “Talkin’ To You” is a more hard-hitting love song. There is a bit of an attitude to the instrumentation in the track, the true twine holding each piece together residing in the soulful vocals provided by three-part harmony and admirable vocal range. So much talent in one collection of music, it’s almost not fair.

“Haines St. Station” slows everything down to the most bluesy, beautiful pace we have heard in quite a while. A song that discusses boundaries, insecurities, and doubts in an open environment, it feels a bit cathartic to enjoy this track in particular. And then the trio brings it home with a very inspiring track, upbeat and quite sticky sweet “Nobody Can Stop Me.” We’re fans, and we’re going to keep that one in our back pocket for the strange moments when we stumble. The energy is invigorating.

anie delgado, “dancing while the world is on fire”

anie delgado, “dancing while the world is on fire”

Anie Delgado’s unique sound comes from a blend of pop influences and her Cuban roots growing up in Florida. Her new song “Dancing While The World Is On Fire” brings with it an energy all its own. Able to hold its own in a zen environment or while out dancing (or in your room dancing), the song acclimates to its surroundings, and sounds off on a topic we can all relate to after a year in a global pandemic. We are thrilled to premiere the music video for this track below, a visual that somehow speaks to our 80s, 90s, and oughts nostalgic hearts all at once while being a visual representation of hope.

Proceeds from merchandise released with “Dancing While The World Is On Fire” benefit Zero Hour, an organization bringing awareness to climate and environmental justice.

gaidaa ft. saba & jarreau vandal, “stranger”

gaidaa ft. saba & jarreau vandal, “stranger”

Have you ever been seeking out answers in a world that seems confusing and unreal? No? 2020 just happened to us? (We kid!) But, for real, soulful artist Gaidaa takes a pretty vulnerable look at life in the video for her latest single “Stranger,” which just debuted with The Fader. While the song’s lyrics highlight the fact that there is always an amount of uncertainty that comes with growth, the instrumentals provide a relaxing element to allow you to almost sink into the sound like a comfortable, plush, worn-in sofa. Gorgeous, vibrant colors light up an art studio/office setting, making the dim lighting almost a source of inspiration for the artist while the camera pans the room continuously.

We’re big fans of the song and its accompanying video. What do you think?

Director: Segraphy
Written: Segraphy & Gaidaa
AD: Johan Verhoeven
Production company: Pierette Goossens
Producer: Pierette Goossens
Production assistent: Luuk van de Ven
Edit/Grading: Johan Verhoeven
DOP: Johan Verhoeven
Gaffer: Quintijn Maas

adrian younge, “revolutionize”

adrian younge, “revolutionize”

Gorgeous, free-flowing, poetry. Beautiful, layered, scattered instrumentals. An audible form of art that feels both nostalgic and somehow modern and brand-new. The enigma that is soul artist Adrain Younge’s incredibly artful brain is on display in his latest track “Revolutionize.” This track will carry you into the coming months with a sense of purpose and pride.

Keep up with Adrian Younge here.

sir sly, “thx.”

sir sly, “thx.”

Sir Sly has started 2021 off with a bang, coming at us left and right with new material and the promise of a brand new album release this spring. And while we wait (not-so-patiently) for The Rise & Fall of Loverboy, we are falling in love quickly and poetically with each new single.

Sidenote: Is it possible to so completely love an entire collection of music without ever hearing it in its entirety yet?

While Landon asks introspective questions we can all relate to, there’s a vulnerability to it all that is so obviously palpable in the tender, soft vocals. At 1 minute, 54 seconds, this song packs a punch and is such a simple way to say “I love you” in a time when it can otherwise feel so difficult.

jack tracy, “prince”

jack tracy, “prince”

Insightful lyrics lead dance-pop artist – and actor, writer, dancer, director, producer, and filmmaker – Jack Tracy‘s new single “Prince.” Glittering synths dance along while he sings of developing despite distractions and drawbacks. The song itself serves as an anthem for Tracy, and the audience can find relatable moments throughout.

While we have your exclusive first listen to the new track here, Tracy’s new EP LOVE YAH will be out in April. So keep your eyes peeled!

eighty ninety, “forever”

eighty ninety, “forever”

Welp, indie (dream) pop duo Eighty Ninety just released such a gorgeous track heading into Valentine’s Day weekend. We apologize for not sharing before the holiday, but there’s only so much time in a day. BUT WOW.

You know those moments when you consider different outcomes to your life? Contemplating your puppy love, celebrating your forever love, reminiscing on old love. Well, “Forever” is one of those moments. “Forever is about reconciling the desire to be with the person you love with the understanding that they don’t feel the same way anymore,” admits the duo. “It’s like a daydream in a song — what if we were in love again?”

Vocals smooth like butter (as always), gorgeous lyrics, and a rhythm that is easy to move to make this song just like a sugary dream. What a beautiful dichotomy and a wonderful song to deep breathe to.

danger // chain, roses in a glass

danger // chain, roses in a glass

This weekend is the first one where we’ve felt awake and like we’re gaining momentum for the first time this year. Perhaps that’s because we’re lucky enough to host the exclusive premiere of Danger // Chain‘s 5-track Roses In A Glass EP, and it’s been playing on repeat since it landed in our inbox.

Eighties-inspired synth and inspired bass lines almost dance around the dark, eery vocals as we spin into what can only be explained as a Tim Burton-esque existence. Hauntingly beautiful, it’s actually served as the soundtrack we needed to get our asses in gear.

Says Heather:

I don’t think anyone has all the answers for how to make a better world, but certainly we should be able to imagine one through art. As an artist, it’s my job to reflect what’s going on around me. I believe it is the responsibility of artists to speak on matters of a political nature. Roses In A Glass is my interpretation of the world as it is today, told through a retro futuristic lens. We may not be able to escape the current times, but we can still listen to music. I believe very much that music heals.

Let the dark ambiance envelope you this weekend.