Los Angeles-based musician Jordan Vincent released an alluring, intense beauty of a track in latest single “Sister Jill”, which seems to be his version of a soulful rock ballad. Vincent displays his gorgeous, multi-faceted vocals while crooning, a hint of 50’s sock hop sauntering in while the guitars whir with bravado. Soft, endearing, without ever losing its rock roots.
We’re impressed, and you will be too.
Keep up with Jordan Vincent here.
Grand Rapids-based rock quartet The Legal Immigrants – comprised of Boots, Ben Taber, Kevin Kitsch, and Marcus James – has created a pretty substantial fanbase since 2015’s Drugs to Roses, and rightfully so. Latest track “Hang On” tells the story of a band that has only gained momentum and broadened in talent since then, as the toe-tapping beat and whirring guitars get you moving. After yesterday’s election especially, this track should be on everyone’s soundtrack, as it is a call for unshakable perseverance.
Put it on, play it loud, and amp up your day!
Keep up with The Legal Immigrants here.
Los Angeles-based pop/soul songstress Jenna Lotti hits the week full force with her latest track “Better In The Morning”, which was released on Friday. The song itself captures feelings of doubt and fear in life-changing situations, echoing Lotti’s thoughts while making a cross country move with her husband last year. Gorgeously composed, the track edges on ethereal with strong, confident vocals that still somehow feel delicate and wonderful. It’s exactly what we need on this bright, wonderful day to keep us leaping into situations with confidence. {{GO VOTE!}}
Keep up with Jenna Lotti here.
Just in time for Election Day (GO VOTE!), Santa Monica-based singer/songwriter Mason Summit has released his tantalizing new track “Thoughts & Prayers”. A bit tongue in cheek as it were, the percussion is standout as it leads you into a song that will make your hips sway. His smoky, gorgeous vocals dance over a soundscape that plays with tempo in an alluring way. The instrumentals themselves set the tone for a picture perfect autumn evening, though the lyrics will definitely make you swoon even more if you’re a little perturbed at our current political situation.
Check it out below, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Keep up with Mason Summit here.
New York-based indie pop trio VHS Collection – expertly comprised of long-time friends James Bohannon, Conor Cook, and Nils Vanderlip – released their new 12-track stunner, Retrofuturism, on Friday. With vocals reminiscent of The Kooks, first track “One” explodes into an interesting cacophony of sound effects and percussion that will get your head spinning, yet better prepared for what’s to come. “I Can’t Stand It” deconstructs the album a bit, keeping a good dance pace loaded with a little more attitude, while “Take My Money” makes you feel like you should be donning clothing of yesteryear, putting on your favorite pair of shades in slow motion.
“Sign” modernizes the sound even more, though keeping it glittering and 80s-inspired, magnetic in its disposition. “Blame It On A Dream” bounces into a layered version of what you might hear in a hip hotel lobby, “American Cynic” bounces back into intense, late 80s MTV vibes, though “The Otherside” slows it all down for us, the instrumentals harnessing energy from late 90s love songs as we head into the intense, hard-hitting sounds of “Animal”. While ninth track “What Does It Mean” takes on an “80s slow dance at prom” vibe, tenth track “Break” is a track music supervisors should keep their ears on for any upcoming coming-of-age projects, if we’re being completely honest.
“Feel It Boy” is energetic, fun, and something we can get on board with lyrically and sonically. “Fade Out” takes on a more contemporary pop sound that slightly overshadows the 80s vibes, with quirky percussion and beautiful, entrancing lyrics. It rounds the album out quite nicely, and gets us in the mood for a dance party like no other.
Keep up with VHS Collection here.
Just in time for tomorrow (Can anyone say “Election Day”?), New York sweetheart Gianni Paci comes at us with the offering of a new single and its artfully crafted music video. The song itself rocks the boat, allowing Paci to voice his opinions on our current political issues. But the song is so much more than that, as is the video. Shot in black and white for the first half and bursting into technicolor later on, the video does an amazing job of layering in artistic footage and illustrations, a touch of honest beauty to each. It’s a music video packed with a bang, as you’ll soon find out!
Keep up with Gianni Paci here.
Galway-based folk artist Ultan Conlon released his latest album Last Days of The Night Owl to incredible amounts of praise, landing itself at #1 on RTE. A 12-track masterpiece, Last Days of The Night Owl takes the listener on a lighthearted journey full of easy-listening that reeks of perfection no matter the season. We’re still impressed, so it’s on tap now just as often as it was at its release.
Beginning with “As the Light Gets Low”, Conlon establishes a sense of positivity as he croons, “somethings not right / but i can’t be all of the time.” The album slows only slightly with “The Town Square”, the percussion and tempo picking up again with “Hall of Mirrors”. By this time, we’re hearing direct influence from Roy Orbison, James Taylor, and the likes. “Fond Memories” exists at a gait reminiscent of a 1950s sock hop, though the discontent is obvious in the lyrics.
While “Sorrow Ease” comes in with more clear country influence, “Ojai” feels grand and gorgeous, perhaps just as much so as his expectations of the town before his arrival changes his mind. Memories aren’t always reality, and this song reminds us of that. “Hurt Inside” simplifies the trajectory, while “Time to Mourn” is the most outright melancholic track in every aspect. “The Measure” lightens things up a bit sonically, a toe-tapper if there ever was one, and that vibe continues through “Twice a Child”.
Everything comes to a slow crawl with “A Weak Heart Like Mine”, as Conlon evaluates the difference – or perhaps striking familiarity – between positive and negative feelings in romance. He rounds it all out with “The Fine Art of Happiness”, once again establishing a sense of positivity and looking forward in life. And that’s the note the album was destined to end on, giving us hope for light at the end of our sorrows.
Keep up with Ultan Conlon here.
Today, Berlin-based alternative indie pop quartet The Flavians – comprised of Liam Blomqvist, Anna Vaverková, Tom Wills, and Joakim Jägerhult – releases their latest single “Non Stop Fun (All I Wanted)” along with an entertaining throwback of a music video. The song itself has vocal parts reminiscent of 60’s folk/pop stars, the tongue-in-cheek video comprised of scenes of a man’s life that one might find particularly dull – traveling on public transit, getting yelled at at the office, getting a drink in a dark bar – that, when etched together, tell a story most anyone can relate to.
See what happens below!
Keep up with The Flavians here.
Looking for a new, irresistible pop track to swoon over for a bit? STF takes smooth dance track to another level with his new track “Lookalike”. The best part? Its disposition completely hides the fact that it is a song that details heartbreak, but the fact that it is so relatable perhaps adds some more zest to the flavor. It’s a pretty fun track, try it on for size!
Keep up with STF here.