g flip, “i am not afraid”

g flip, “i am not afraid”

Though we’re used to more upbeat tracks from the incredible G Flip (Georgia Flipo), her latest release “I Am Not Afraid” is slightly more sullen sonically. This is an artist who has always been one to partially distract listeners from heart-wrenching lyrics with a solid beat and a fun demeanor. Not at all surprising, since she emerged on the scene with such finesse, serving up her insane vocal abilities alongside her production and percussion chops. Her wildly relatable lyrics set a tone that makes you really want to dig in to the track, and the accompanying visuals are sad, yet somehow uplifting and full of potential. (Don’t ask us what we mean by this. Just watch the video and you’ll get it.)

This is truly an anthem that will make you believe in yourself, even when you feel you may be at your weakest. Give it a spin, and let us know your thoughts!

Keep up with G Flip here.

lo lytes, “take the whole bottle”

lo lytes, “take the whole bottle”

Today, Portland-based pop musician Lo Lytes (Jameson Morris) premieres his latest track, a vibrant stunner titled “Take the Whole Bottle”. Dramatic percussion, twinkling synths, and Morris’ penchant for gorgeous melodies with soulful vocals make for one standout single that will more than likely take your spring by storm. Introduce it to your latest playlist, then introduce it at all your parties. The world will thank you.

Keep up with Lo Lytes here.

nick murphy, “dangerous”

nick murphy, “dangerous”

Australian artist Nick Murphy is reminiscing on lost love in “Dangerous.” His latest single is from the upcoming album Run Fast Sleep Naked. “Dangerous” is a poignant song with deeply cutting lyrics about the pain of breaking up and the what-if’s that come with it. The chorus questions that inner turmoil, partnered with a groovy, syncopated beat:

Now what do I do,
maybe I’m dangerous.
According to you,
it could’ve been love with us,
was it all a lie?

Murphy’s voice is quite soulful, and paired with his lyrics, “Dangerous” is a lovely little track to behold – one that has you singing along after a while, as well as thinking back to all the past loves of your own life. 

Be sure to check out Run Fast Sleep Naked, due out April 26th. Keep up with Mick Murphy here.

tallsaint, “hard love”

tallsaint, “hard love”

Electro-pop artist Tallsaint has released the magnificent, upbeat new piece of the puzzle in the lead up to her upcoming EP due out in June. “Hard Love” hits you with all it’s got pretty much from the beginning, Tallsaint’s gorgeous vocals taking center stage, ushering in a relaxed feeling perfect for dancing, while her vocal range stops listeners in their tracks.

Tallsaint admits this song was built on “those wavering moments you go through when you’re over thinking about how to behave around this person that’s keeping you at arm’s length,” And if that isn’t highly relatable, we aren’t sure what is.

Keep up with Tallsaint here.

meernaa, “better part”

meernaa, “better part”

Oakland-based R&B newcomers Meernaa – comprised of Carly Bond, Rob Shelton, Andrew Maguire, and Doug Stuart – might be revving up for the release of their debut album Heart Hunger, but we’ve got their latest music video on deck for you.

Kaleidoscope effects and gorgeously layered art in colors of striking contrast make up the bulk of the visual, and the moment the moon phases hit is paired so beautifully with Carly’s vocals that it is hard not to get goosebumps. You’ll see what we mean below.

Keep up with Meernaa here.

april tomfoolery | a soundtrack

april tomfoolery | a soundtrack

To many, April is truly what the first weeks of Spring are made of. New beginnings, fresh flowers, allergies abound. But for myself – and a good amount of our contributors – it symbolizes new beginnings because it is also birth month. (Shout out to all of my Aries comrades!) Though the fire of nw beginnings burns bright in other aspects of my life, never before have I witnessed such a jam packed month of new music releases.So, here are a host of our favorites released over the month of April. With new tracks from Uppermost, Ramonda Hammer, Calexico, daste, MARBL, Simon XO, Don Cherel, and more, this is a soundtrack you won’t want to miss out on.  Check back for more over the course of the month, and be your friend group’s most influential music suggester!

nix, “playing with fire”

nix, “playing with fire”

Electro-pop artist Nix is coming at all of our emotions with new track “Playing With Fire”, which premieres right here with iF. From the first stream of lyrics, her incredible and vibrant vocals draw you in, the instrumentals only holding up her vocal range as she croons about a toxic relationship. Incredibly relatable and full of soul, this is the type of song you’re going to want to belt when you’re ready to establish your own boundaries. Now is the time.

Keep up with Nix here.

mrs. greenbird, dark waters

mrs. greenbird, dark waters

The musical duo Mrs. Greenbird have created a deeply soulful sound with lyrics to match in their latest album Dark Waters. The folksy harmonies of Steffen Brückner paired with Sarah Nücken’s unique voice are what makes this a truly beautiful record. It’s reminiscent of another duo’s sound — Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová of The Swell Season and Once fame. While Mrs. Greenbird has a similar aesthetic, they manage to create something that is entirely their own. Their voices, along with the gentle guitar and melancholic lyrics, result in the kind of music that is brutally honest as well as poetic.

The album is quite well-rounded in terms of theme. The darker, more cynical sides of life and love are highlighted in songs such as “Careless Heart,” “1965,” and title track “Dark Waters,” while others like “One Day in June” and “Learn How To Love You” are more idealistic and romantic. One of the stand out songs is called “The Simple Things.” While every song is hauntingly beautiful, something about this particular one struck a chord in me. It’s about experiencing loss and trying to find yourself afterwards, how we tend to forget the pleasure of simple things in life.

Dark Waters is a feat of folk indie pop with a hint of country and a splash of blues, yet it works to form a great record. It’s perfect for almost any mood — a scenic walk, a long drive, a rainy day, a time to let out a much-needed cry.  

Be sure to check out their latest album on April 12th, and keep up with the latest on Mrs. Greenbird here.

gold light + snakemusk, “one thing after another”

gold light + snakemusk, “one thing after another”

In anticipation of the May 10th release of Shadows in The Shallows, Gold Light + Snakemusk have just released an easygoing new track titled “One Thing After Another”. Beautiful twangy vocals agains the backdrop of slow, practiced instrumentals paired with immense amounts of reverb, this song is just the southern gem we’ve been craving. Check it out below!

SPRING DATES
04.12•New Belgium Brewery (Asheville, NC)
05.10•Harvest Records – 3:00 PM Duo In-Store (Asheville, NC)
05.10•Static Age Records – 10:00 PM Full Band (Asheville, NC)
05.11•8th State Brewery (Greenville, SC)
05.14•Go Bar (Athens, GA)
05.15•El Rocko (Savannah, GA)
05.17•Pablo (Clemson, SC)
05.18•White Mule (Columbia, SC)
05.19•The Royal American (Charleston, SC)
06.13•The Pour House Music Hall (Raleigh, NC)
06.15•Little Amps (Harrisburg, PA)
06.16•O’Brien’s (Boston, MA)

Keep up with Gold Light here.