garçons, “froggin'”

garçons, “froggin'”

Its power lying in consistency, the unstoppable groove pulsating from Garçons’ “Froggin” is immediately infectious.  The track expertly weaves influences of Afrobeat, R&B, and hip-hop to churn out a jam that resonates deep.

This track bares a party-ready confidence, marked by incisive marimba, dangling cowbell, and a beat like the fuzz of a blown out speaker. Vocalist Deelo Avery’s vocals strategically shift in and out of the forefront of the mix, blending a satisfying crescendo, as the vibrating bass is met by the contrast of tight claps. Garçons have meshed these elements to pump out an instant head-nodder that remains breezily versatile – “Froggin” is equally effective in capturing a solitary focus or entrancing a crowded dance floor.

While “Froggin” finds freshness in an emphasis on dance beats, this track comfortably parallels the R&B leaning of Garçons’ previous work. The last release from the Ottawa duo, comprised of vocalist Deelo Avery and producer Julian Strangelove, was 2018’s Body Language. If the next work they put out is anything like “Froggin”, we’re totally on board.

Follow Garçons on social media here:
https://twitter.com/realgarcons
https://soundcloud.com/realgarcons
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi-LyhMsvpYq_rqZrBr1nkw/videos
https://www.instagram.com/realgarcons/

the revivalists, “oh no (made in muscle shoals)”

the revivalists, “oh no (made in muscle shoals)”

New Orleans-based rock collective The Revivalists – comprised of David Shaw, Zack Feinberg, Andrew Campanelli, Ed Williams, George Gekas, Rob Ingraham, Michael Girardot, and PJ Howard – have injected such soul and intensity into this track, that’s hard not to feel it in your bones. The song details a “wide eyed wonder” who seems to be causing trouble left and right, and the song is a way of coping with such a wild personality, which we can all truly relate to on some level. The layers of the instrumentals make for a sound your ears will perk up to, while the vocals make you want to lose control. The video has been shot quite remarkably, giving the viewer a peek into what life in the studio might look like for a band with this type of magnetic energy and talent. Check it all out below, and let us know what you think on our Facebook page!

Keep up with The Revivalists here.

swimming with bears, “don’t think about it”

swimming with bears, “don’t think about it”

Pop rock outfit Swimming With Bears – comprised of Joe Perry (Lead Vocals / Bass), Alec Conte (Lead Guitar), Jonny Boy Kerr (Rhythm Guitar), and Ryan Hannasch (Drums) – recently released their upbeat single “Don’t Think About It”, and we’re all in with the energy on this one. The accompanying video, however, is on a whole other level. Take four guys and throw them into an enclosed area with instruments and see what unfolds! We love this video because of its simplicity, and we love the guys even more for the personality that they pour into their performance. We’re guessing this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to their live performance chops, and we’re thrilled. Check out both the song and its video below, and let us know what you think on Facebook!

Keep up with Swimming With Bears here.

kazyak, “contravertical”

kazyak, “contravertical”

Alt folk collective Kazyak – comprised of Peter Frey (guitar), Andy Wolfe (guitar), Pat Hayes (synth, piano), Lana Bolin (bass), and Nick Grewe (drums) –  is coming at us hard this Tuesday with a single premiere for their new track “Contravertical”. A swirling, psychedelic sound brings us gradually into a beautiful, soothing soundscape. Eventually, reverb-filled vocals are added in, giving it a slight otherworldly sound. When one takes into account the lyrics, it truly is stunning how well they go with that sound, as the song is about exploring the unknown and the universe around us. Enjoy the track below, and let us know what you think on Facebook!

Keep up with Kazyak here!

kensington moore, “slow”

kensington moore, “slow”

With an easy instrumental opening and a soft voice, the new song “Slow” by Kensington Moore will be released today, just in time for those summer-is-ending emotions, we’ll all soon be experiencing.

Originally hailing from Nashville, TN, Kensington Moore moved out to Los Angeles two years ago to pursue her career creating soulful and lyrically honest music. Dedicated to her career, she has been able to produce tracks providing evidence that her wisdom far surpasses her 21 years on this Earth, and her new track “Slow” is no exception to this rule. A pleasingly mellow guitar riff will lead you right into her smooth voice allowing the listener to fully experience the weight of the lyrics themselves. This song will validate your feelings, remind you of a first love, and make you think of the one that got away, all at the same time. A track like this allows the listener to feel normal and safe within the space of a song, something I believe Kensington was shooting for with “Slow”. Finally, with her choice to end the song on the biggest gut-punch of a line, “But you’ll forever be a piece of me regardless” this song will have your attention all the way through.

It appears Kensington will have a bright future in the music world so be sure to give her a follow on Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.

common hours, “looking for anyone”

common hours, “looking for anyone”

Rolling, bright and temperate: “Looking for Anyone” is the newest single from self-described “easy listening” group Common Hours, and it’s perfect for a back porch at twilight.

This track invites us in with warm shoegazey strums met by a texturizing, Southern-esque guitar leads from guitarist Dillon VanBuren. A steady kick drum and ride cymbal, via August George, effectively secure infectious head-nodding throughout. Backed by sugary harmonies from Ariel Roxanne Cook, lead vocalist Adam Black’s croons hazily illustrate the smooth, mono-mood of “Looking For Anyone”. Cook’s bass parts are pleasantly present in the mix, supplying a satisfying foundation for the floatiness that is a marker for this track; as lead guitar mimics the chorus melody, providing a predictability that is comforting but not cliché. The lyrics are distant enough to allow for objective interpretation, but personal enough to relay Black’s qualms about rushing into love to quickly, weighed down by lingering anxieties from previous relationships. “Looking For Anyone” is about anything but, as Black wonders aloud: “I’m not just looking for anyone. Can I get you to know that I need your love?”

This single is Common Hour’s newest release since a 2018 EP titled A Life Worth Living.

Keep up with Common Hours here.

petra, “into the sun”

petra, “into the sun”

For those looking to escape the monotony of the corporate world and lose themselves in a universe of bouncing bubbly beats PETRA’s new single, “Into the Sun” is the perfect track. With honest vocals exclaiming the need to break free of corporate chains and pursue a life of creativity and freedom this song will have you nodding along to the beat in no time. A catchy tune with easily learned lyrics you’ll want to have this song on your playlist for the rest of summer. Plus, as the debut single from the upcoming album, Dancing Without You, listeners are able to get their first taste for what magic PETRA will bring in the future. Available for streaming on July 15, “Into the Sun” reminds us to take the leap of faith into our creative dreams and not let fear hold us back from doing what it is we love the most in the world.

For more on PETRA click here.

soft people, “tender”

soft people, “tender”

California based indie-pop duo Soft People give off massive retro vibes in their new single “Tender” being released on July 12. In this track, the traditional husband-husband combination of Caleb Nichols and John Metz is met with the impressive drumming of Pat Spurgeon from Rogue Waves creating a timeless song to be enjoyed by all. With a roller-disco type feel this song will have you nodding your head in appreciation of its upbeat yet twisted melody. The angsty lyrics remnant of 80’s powerhouse bands such as The Smiths and The Cure remind listeners how important it is to stay soft in a world where being tough seems to be the only option. “Tender” influences listeners to believe that it’s better to show love every day than to give in to the hard times we are all living in. With creative masterpieces like “Tender” coming onto the scene, it’s hard to be anything but excited for the future of Soft People.

Keep up with Soft People here.

grand canyon, “yesterday’s news”

grand canyon, “yesterday’s news”

Grand Canyon has just released their newest body of work, an EP titled Yesterday’s News. The five-track collection covers enormous ground with explosive back road Americana, dreamy psychedelic storytelling, hard-hitting social commentary, and the sour wounds of heartache. The band’s spirited, defiant, D-I-Y attitude is captured in the music video for their single “Yesterday’s News”, as lead singer and guitarist Casey Shea struts solo through the bustling streets of London.

Filmed on an iPhone by guitarist-turned-cinematographer Joe Guese, the video is a prime example of an impromptu good time caught on tape: the members had a day off in London between shows and asked themselves if there was any way they could quickly engineer a much-needed video for “Yesterday’s News”. Creative energies aligned, and the grainy video, bubbling over with Shea’s individuality, was finished in the snap of a finger. Said Shea to Billboard, “There’s just a good vibe about the video. It has attitude. I love seeing the double decker buses everywhere. It seems like it was just meant to be.”

We can’t help but agree.

                             P.S.: Fate strikes the video at 1:17, when a truck drives by bearing the slogan, “Carrying you through the 21st century!”, a serendipitous nod to track four on the EP, “21st Century American Man”.


Keep up with Grand Canyon here.