by Meredith Schneider | Jul 31, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
New York-based indie pop songstress Julietta is letting it all go with new track “Smooth Sailing”. The whistling certainly brings on the laid back vibes from the onset, though the hard-hitting bass is something of note from the very beginning. The way the instrumentals swell bring the song into a more freeing and interesting soundscape, and Julietta’s light as a feather vocals are expertly layered into the entire thing. It’s an impressive track, with easily relatable lyrics. As Julietta sings about “finding my way,” we just want to sing this track from the top of our lungs in a convertible as we drive down the highway.
After you check the track, you’ll concur. We guarantee it. So allow yourself to expand with a little “Smooth Sailing”.
Keep up with Julietta here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 31, 2018 | soundtrack, videos
Well, we’re over the hump of mid-year now, and most of us are probably sweating up a storm in our respective cities and homes. But we’ve been absolutely enamored by an outpouring of new music video material from some really incredible artists over the past month, so we thought we’d share some of our favorites. There’s really no reason or rhyme to it all. Some of these videos even make us yearn for colder weather and ice capped mountains. (But who are we to get ahead of ourselves here on this sweltering day?) So sit back, find a little something to try out, and enjoy!
Eric Hutchinson, “Hands”
Silent Revival, “Just One Voice”
King Princess, “Holy”
Jessie Reyez, “Apple Juice”
The Little Miss, “American Dream”
alt-j, “in cold blood” (ft. pusha t) by twin shadow
Bourgeois Mystics, “Jaan Pehechan Ho”
Dan Koshute, “All the Way Always”
Farao, “Lula Loves You”
Blood Orange, “Charcoal Baby”
Chantitown, “Mother of Sun”
Doe, “Heated”
Louis Cole, “Things”
Object as Subject, “Removal”
Tiny Eyes, “Just Saying”
Seasaw, “Big Dogs”
The Living End, “Don’t Lose It”
Miles Kane, “Cry On My Guitar”
Sofia Reyes, “1, 2, 3 (Official Solo Acoustic)”
Hannah Grace, “Oh River”
Kelsy Karter, “Sad Sad Summer”
Wild Rivers, “I Won’t Be Back”
Erik Deutsch, “Falling Flowers”
Billie Eilish, “You Should See Me in a Crown”
Ace of Wands, “10,000 Feet”
Whyte Horses, “Never Took the Time”
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 27, 2018 | premieres, videos
Though pop musician Nicholas Schneider has been creating art for quite a while under different personas – he gained a cult following after his work as Nicky Sparkles was released – and has been doing it well. Now he’s releasing music under his given name – Nick Schneider – and we’ve got the exclusive premiere of the new music video for his synth-fueled track “That’s My Girl”. With his light, high vocal range, and an instrumental sound all-too-reminiscent of the 80’s, you knew he had to bring the same flare to the music video. And he has, in great style, adding visual effects that were used in that timeframe. The song itself is catchy and light, making it – and its accompanying visual – perfect for our end of summer evenings.
(Don’t remind us summer is almost over.)
Keep up with Nick Schneider via Soundcloud.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 26, 2018 | perspective
When I was doing freelance work for a company in New York City from my home in Kansas City, we started doing more list and humorous pieces for their content department. AKA, I tried to get more people to go to their site. They were clearly news-based and I think my writing was some of the only comedy on the site, save for one podcast a week. It was really sad, and my ideas became almost desperate to bring them into this century.
Good news! They approved “Best Viral Videos of 2012.” Since I’m guessing none of you saw it, I’m going to post it here as my Throwback Thursday. It will make you laugh. And probably reminisce. So enjoy these videos and my little blurbs about them!
2012: A year of ups and downs. Intense elections (though, compared to now…), more comedy television to love, Amanda Bynes and Lindsay Lohan (how often can a young girl be arrested?). It’s a miracle that the viewing public had any time to get acquainted with their computers! But, as it is, we have compiled a list of the Best Viral Videos of 2012—otherwise known as the best things we saw while we were supposed to be working or paying attention in a lecture.
- Please Move the Deer Crossing
A woman with bad luck thinks that deer crossing signs are the culprit. We can’t tell if she’s for real or not. And we don’t care. This is hilarious.
- Arrested Drunk Guys Singing Bohemian Rhapsody
Posted to YouTube and then subsequently to College Humor in March, this video of a drunk guy singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” is like the grown-up version of “David After Dentist”. And we’re obsessed.
- Gay Men Will Marry Your Girlfriends
GLBT rights have been a hot topic for years, so people across America were tickled—and some were enraged—to see the video that several homosexual men posted to College Humor, telling straight men that if they didn’t want gay men to marry other gay men they would simply marry straight women. To which straight men responded, lesbians responded and then, finally, straight women responded.
- Kristen Bell’s Sloth Meltdown
Kristen Bell is stunningly gorgeous. Her hair is shiny and full, her voice is like wind chimes, and her face is so symmetrical she looks like a Barbie. And now we know her kryptonite: sloths.
- Olympic Athletes Do “Call Me Maybe”
“Call Me Maybe” had so many re-makes and cover videos made that it kind of made our heads explode. But we did very much enjoy this version. Maybe because it shows us that Olympic athletes are just like everyone else.
- The Cat Is Planning Something Evil
Isn’t it like a law now to include cats in everything? (But also, WHAT?! (Catcopter))
- “Call Your Girlfriend” SNL
Who knew Taran Killam would kill it with his dance moves? And we watched it over and over and over. We also kind of love his rendition of Brad Pitt’s Chanel No. 5 commercial.
- Caine’s Arcade
In April, “Caine’s Arcade” was uploaded to YouTube. The story of a boy with an imagination the size of Texas is already incredible, but the way the internet made his dreams come true is extraordinary. This can be our “feel good” video of the year.
- “Gangnam Style”
“Gangnam Style” has almost 1 billion views. We don’t think an explanation is necessary.
- News Blooper
And finally, this gem. Because apparently we all have dirty minds.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 24, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
New York-based indie pop songstress Rén with the Mane is ready to add a touch of beauty to your summertime with her new track “Changes”. As she sings about being ready for a transition away from a relationship, the conflict she is going through is painfully palpable. Her gorgeously soft, yet strong, vocals instill a sense of calm at the same time, making this song perfect to enjoy while relaxing at the beach.
The other fun part? She’s singing about being ready for the “Changes” in her life. It feels as though humankind as a collective has been adjusting in ways previously unheard of, really getting in touch with their more vulnerable sides. This song can help prepare you for that. So, if you’re getting ready to make a change – and we all are – this song is probably perfect for you.
Keep up with Rén with the Mane here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 23, 2018 | albums, premieres
Seattle-based indie rock/soul band Lanford Black is ready to take on the world with their new LP Electric Sweat. And, honestly, with the temperatures being what they are across the board, we’re ready to accept it into our lives as well. And though it won’t be available until July 27th, we happen to have the exclusive streaming premiere of the 10 track, self-released stunner in its entirety.
Touching on a variety of current issues, the band addresses life both previous to and after the election. Throwing in catchy, upbeat hooks, the messages are delivered in a way that is easily digestible, and super fun to jam out to. We might recommend all ten songs to be added to your end of summer bbq playlist, while you’re still in the mood to entertain and catch the sun’s rays. The soundscape lends itself nicely to a night in the backyard with friends, even in this sticky weather.
Tour Dates
June 14th // Seattle, WA // Barboza
June 29th // Spokane, WA // The Big Dipper
June 30th // Missoula, MT // TBA
July 1st // Bozeman, MT // TBA
July 2nd // Boise, ID // TBA
July 7th // Salem, OR // The Space
July 14th // Seattle, WA // Ballard Seafood Fest
July 27th // Seattle, WA // Sunset Tavern
Keep up with Lanford Black here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 23, 2018 | premieres, videos
Mondays are amazing… when there’s something new to premiere. Which is great, since the third single off of musical project The Black Watch‘s now has a stunning visual to accompany it, and we have your exclusive first look. The brainchild of John Andrew Fredrick, The Black Watch has utilized nostalgic footage to bring a laid back, summertime vibe to the leisurely and robust track. It’s something we’re all bound to want to feel every now and again.
Explains Fredrick of the track:
I was on a beach camping holiday with my English friends, a band called Damn Vandals, and Nev, their frontman, lent me his adorable son Stan. We guerilla’d our way into a Motel 6 and shot this video with me Charlie Chaplining to ‘When We First Met’. You should have seen Stan’s eyes when Nev told him he was to push me into the pool! Someone paying him in ice cream to nudge a fully-dressed grown-up into the deep end?! Ace! I was reading Shelley (I’m often re-reading Shelley) at the time so we used a copy of that for the switcharoo. I don’t love making videos by any stretch, but Stan’s overall glee and infectious laugh made it quite fun.
Keep up with The Black Watch here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 20, 2018 | premieres, wolf tracks
Who is seeking a synth-fueled, smooth like silk, otherworldly new alt-pop EP to enjoy? (Raises hands way up, and jumps up and down.) We’re SO ready for it, and San Diego based singer/songwriter JARA has a brand new 6 track stunner for us to treat our ears to. We’ve got the exclusive premiere, but we’re sure this one will make its rounds to impress the masses pretty soon, especially with its sun soaked disposition. Each track is loaded with its own personality, with a similar clip to the entire album that makes it feel like a complete journey all its own. Mid-tempo “Cutting Corners” sets the pace, while “Psycho Lovers” carries it on for us, perhaps a little more debauchery-ridden than its predecessor. And while “Something Else” stands alone as the perfect summertime carefree track, “Uninvited” brings the mood down a little bit, maintaining that same mid-tempo pace we’re too keen on to let go of. The slowest we get is with last track “Go Slow With Me”, which shines as the standout funk track and gives a little love to the entire collection before rounding it out.
Give this EP some love, you know you need some new weekend jams. 😉 Check out lead single “Something Else” below, and the entire EP under that!
Keep up with JARA here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 20, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Cinematic synth rock trio Von Grey – comprised of Atlanta-based sisters Kathryn (Cello, Moog bass pedals, Mandolin), Annika (Lead Vocals, Violin, Synth, Banjo), and Fiona (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Violin, Synth, Percussion) – has graced our ears with the release of their brand new EP In Bloom. We’re incredibly smitten – and how can you not be with this musicianship? – so we had to get these six tracks in your ears before we signed off for the weekend. Drench your environment in the ethereal, laid back vibes induced by first track “Plans”, through the acoustic beauty of “6AM”, all the way through the last chords of “Dawn”.
If you’re traditionally not into family bands, don’t let the fact that they’re (SUCH TALENTED!) sisters throw you off. Their style, grace, and musicianship truly precede them, and we’re going to keep In Bloom on repeat for a while.
Keep up with Von Grey here.
