mtrss | dreams shattered but not broken

mtrss | dreams shattered but not broken

Dreams are very meaningful machines and most of the time they are so much more than we think they are. Dreams tell you what you really know about something, what you really feel and point you toward what you need for growth. So if you want  to know your soul and navigate your life, you can’t do much better than turning to your dreams.

elsie and mayhem, “cherry bomb”

elsie and mayhem, “cherry bomb”

If you’re looking for a track with an energy unlike any other you’ve experienced recently, Elsie and Mayhem’s new track “Cherry Bomb” is equal parts theatrical, rock, and psychedelic sidekick. They’ve created a monster of a track with the new single, and we’re thrilled to premiere it.

The Portland, Oregon-based alt duo also happens to be a couple, but their backstory isn’t what you’d imagine. In January 2020, they were struggling with their marriage and headed for divorce. Says singer/songwriter Elsie Black (Emily Alexander):

We’ve been together for almost 20 years, and we were at a place where most couples would have said f-it. But we found we were willing to work on songs together and that meant we were willing to work on us. What we couldn’t talk about overtly, we communicated to each other with lyrics.

Creating this work probably saved them, and the emotion involved in that process is evident in “Cherry Bomb.” Get your ears on it below!

arrowleaf, “hdyk”

arrowleaf, “hdyk”

A rush of sound, gentle vocals, a building composition that both blends together seamlessly and allows you to feel the impact of each layer singularly. Missoula-based indie rock group Arrowleaf carries their particular brand of gorgeous sound with Sarah Marker at the helm as the lead singer and songwriter. Their new track “HDYK” is out today, and we’ve got your official premiere.

Here’s the deal. Take away all of the band details, technical terminology, and extra fluff. Look at the photo of this band. This music is clearly inspired by their ecosystem, and the incredible landscape that surrounds them. It’s like they have found a way to close your eyes and FEEL Montana. Honestly? That perfect balance of grace and lightness with the endearingly rough guitar, captivating audio pivots, crashing cymbals, and bravado of a rock band suits that location immensely, with the beauty of the greenery framed by the grandness of the rock formations.

Try it on for size. (We’re right.)

olivia morreale, “no answer”

olivia morreale, “no answer”

Throbbing synths, outer-space vibes and the overwhelming sense of satisfaction that comes with bedroom pop — what more could you ask for? Shouting out her name from the entranced hills and transcendent sunshine of Los Angeles, the multi-talented Olivia Morreale presents her new track, “NO ANSWER”. Arriving as the first piece off her upcoming EP, SPACE DREAMS, the track drips traces of the emerging artist’s persona with each pulse. 

Having roots in New York City and a background in jazz, Morreale’s unification with the glittery-ness of Southern California has resulted in evident depth as a writer and producer. Sensual vocals with ethereal lyrics results in a listener’s experience of both confusion and contentment. With Morrelae, strangeness is welcomed– even encouraged. As the song progresses, constellation vibrations take the listener far away; all while remaining grounded by the singer’s dream-like voice. 


Along with co-writer and co-producer Eli Koskoff, the two have created a track that fits the mentality of a city like Los Angeles. No one really knows exactly where they’re headed, and life often seems too good to be true. Nonetheless, the only option is to keep floating ahead– enjoying what surprises you might discover along the way.

mtrss | dreams are for real

mtrss | dreams are for real

Dreams are very meaningful machines and most of the time they are so much more than we think they are. Dreams tell you what you really know about something, what you really feel and point you toward what you need for growth. So if you want  to know your soul and navigate your life, you can’t do much better than turning to your dreams.

ohtis ft. stef chura, “schatze”

ohtis ft. stef chura, “schatze”

Since its inception in 1993, independent record label — Saddle Creek Records — has consistently earned itself a place on the shelf as being home to America’s favorite indie artists. From Bright Eyes, to Spoon and Big Thief; the Nebraska based college-project-turned-business’s roster draws fans from across the globe. Continuing Saddle Creek’s trajectory of success is rock band Ohtis, who just made their appearance on the label’s most recent project: the Document Series.

With roots dating back to 2004, the Ohtis trio is made up of Sam Swimson, Adam Pressley and Nate Hahn. Now presenting their single, “Schatze”, the three are joined by a feature from Saddle Creek’s very own, Stef Chura. The new track and accompanying music video foster a tech-savvy backstory that is irresistible for our current media-plagued generation. The song’s spacey beginning, strong rock anthem and head-bobbing bass line will undoubtedly land the group on top tier, alternative-loving playlists far and wide. Beyond that, Stef Chura provides authenticity– supplying us with realistic responses to someone who, quite simply, is bothering the shit out of you. 

The Document Series serves as an effort, on Saddle Creek’s behalf, to allow bands not already a part of their label family to express their own musical communities, creations and desires. According to Ohtis themselves, “Schatze” lays out a character study of the “Selfish Antisocial Male”, primarily told through the lens of Sam’s longtime girlfriend.