by Madison Blom | May 2, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Breaking out one of the greatest singles that is promised to get listeners dancing throughout the world is pop artist and producer WNT-AL-N (pronounced Went All In) who has just dropped his latest single, “Leave it on the Floor.” After being influenced by several cultures as a child, this up coming artist has found a way to mesh the sounds of his multi-faceted home experiences into one cohesive sound that is both infections and incredibly innovative. “Leave it on the Floor” is a melting pot that combines elements of Caribbean pop, funk, reggae, hip hop, and even a hint of jazz into a single that is promised to please across the globe. Throughout the single, listeners can enjoy the funky guitar twangs as well as vocals that are as clean as they are enjoyable to listen to. When speaking of his latest release, WNT-AL-N said,
“We all need an outlet from the stresses that society, family, finances, work etc. put on us. Picture a carefree childhood where you’re enjoying life to the fullest and you’re all about being in the moment. Growing up, music was my escape to a place where I could go all in. I think all we need is the ability to tap back into that as an adult. I always want my songs to have substance and tell my story even if it’s a turn-up record.”
Not only does this artist give something for fans to talk about on stage, but his off-stage life is just as impressive. While WNT-AL-N is not creating and producing more music, he often travels between Atlanta and Singapore in order to aid the homeless and victims of human trafficking and abuse through his work with Hanoi-based non-profit organization Blue Dragon. Without a doubt, his future music has promise considering the quality and impressive skill demonstrated in, “Leave it on the Floor,” making him one of the key players in the developing music community.
Keep up with WNT-AL-N here.
by Madison Blom | May 1, 2018 | premieres, singles, wolf tracks
LA-based indie-pop band, Little Monarch is hitting the music scene with their very first single of the new year, “Tangerine.” This exciting new release is a wonderful display of everything that fans have come to know and adore about this young, thriving group. In many ways, Little Monarch is the life blood of the young music scene and they will continue to be so as they follow up this hit single with an EP loaded with the same fun, energetic vibes that they so beautifully highlighted in, “Tangerine.”
Speaking of their latest single they said:
We are so excited to release new music and start tour! ‘Tangerine’ is the first single off our upcoming EP. The song started with the guitar riff, and we found ourselves building on this feeling of escaping to a magical island off an emerald bay à la Wes Andersons ‘Moonrise Kingdom’. Leaving your old ways behind in search of the next great adventure.
Although this is a relatively young band, they have talent and musical skill that leaves very little to be desired. Jam packed with lyrical genius and spunky soundscapes, there is a overwhelming sense of organic joy that is relayed through every aspect of their composition. As every beat is coupled with vocal artistry, there is no doubt that this team has the potential to reach all new heights with this exciting new release.
Keep up with Little Monarch here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | May 1, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Ruel is a young Australian artist on the rise, and he is back with anew track titled “Dazed & Confused”. The track is a soulful song that makes you want to get up and move. The song is powerful, and really leaves a mark on its listener. “Dazed & Confused” is from Ruel’s forthcoming EP Ready, which is set to be released June 1st via RCA Records. The track is the first song to be released from the EP, giving a glimpse of what Ruel has in store for his fans. It is clear that he has found his sound in music, and he is definitely an artist on the rise that you need to be on the lookout for this year.
Keep up with Ruel here.
by Abby Trapp | May 1, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
UK-based indie quartet Plaza just released their latest single “In The Know”, which is pleasing with its rhythmic, steady beats and chill vibes from the very beginning of the track. Exactly at the minute mark, “In The Know” drastically shifts into a fast paced beat. Plaza talks about being at the precipice in their single, singing: “It’s like I’m stuck in the know, just when I needed the most.” “In The Know” is an inspirational track that will surprise you, as it is a testament to the middle that we all fight to push out of everyday. The track reminds listeners that, yes, it will all be okay in the end.
Keep up with Plaza here.
**co-written by Meredith Schneider
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | May 1, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Musician Adam French is back after the release of his recent EP Weightless. The musician is back with a new single “You From The Rest”, which is a step toward French’s musical growth as an artist. The song is a creative track that is not only creative but mature at the same time. The track is a step up in a musical sense.
“You From The Rest” is a song about the benefits of removing someone toxic from your life. The song shows an appreciation of the people in your life that bring positivity to your life and fulfillment. The song is deep in an emotional sense and truly defines Adam French music.
Keep up with Adam French here.
by Veronica DeFeo | May 1, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Ever wanted to watch someone in an animal mask play electric guitar with a saw? Look no further! Indie-rock band Stardust Creatures has just released a new video for their single, “Spaced Out”. Stardust Creatures is made up of lead vocalist/guitarist Colin Coogan, George Sarpola on drums, Colin O’Rourke on bass, Kristen Mita providing backing vocals, synths, bells, and Adam Marks bringing keys and vocals to the mix. The Brooklyn-based five-piece’s new video brings quirky and honest visuals to the viewer. Balancing ethereal and realistic scenes, “Spaced Out” is one-of-a-kind.
Says Colin Coogan of the new song: “I’m a distracted, fidgety person. I zone in and out, I have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time, and I lose things pretty often. As people like me grow older, we quickly discover the need to work out survival strategies- you can’t make excuses forever. You get better as you work at it, but sometimes it feels like you’re just treading water, and you end up learning a lot of lessons the hard way. There’s always a tension between the desire to be unapologetically yourself and the need to make compromises to get by. I still haven’t fully figured it out. Writing music is part of how I process things, so a lot of those frustrations ended up inspiring this song.”
Stay connected with Stardust Creatures:
Website // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // SoundCloud
by Veronica DeFeo | May 1, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Collaborating with producer Justin Faust, Brooklyn-based Violet Sands has just put out their brand new single, “What Do You Feel”. Violet Sands is comprised of vocals by Deidre Muro, guitar by Derek Muro, and production by David Perlick-Molinari. The trio debuted Hotel, their first album, in 2017, which followed 2016’s Strange Attractor EP. With the release of “What Do You Feel”, the trio shows how much they have not only honed their sound, but also grown as a band. Oozing with aesthetically-pleasing sound, “What Do You Feel” is easy on the ears, yet keeps the listener on their toes. Well-composed and slightly futuristic, the track is sure to delight both new and old fans.
Guitarist Derek Muro says of the making of the new song, “We met Justin while he was in New York visiting from Germany, introduced by Robert Perlick-Molinari (of our label and French Horn Rebellion) who suggested that we collaborate. In an afternoon, we began experimenting with the vintage synth collection at our studio – notably the Wurli, Roland and Oberheim instruments – embracing the early-aughts electronica influence, which came out even more once Deidre wrote the lyrics and added her vocals. After only a few hours, we had the shape of the song nearly complete and decided to meet for another session that week where the song really came together.”
Stay connected with Violet Sands:
Website // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Soundcloud // Spotify
by Abby Trapp | May 1, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Australian native and Nashville based Quinn Lewis just released his latest “Weekend Luv.” The indie-pop artist is following up on his recent releases “Slipping” and “In Between.” “Weekend Luv” is one man’s search for seven day of the week kind of love. “Five days is more than a foreplay,” Quinn comes in with his clever lyrics. “Weekend Luv” discusses the struggles of dating in an adult world. “I’ve been working too much lately- you’ve been waiting for the weekend…to see me, hold me, love me right,” Quinn says on his busy schedule but his desire to have a seven day romance stating “Don’t give me that weekend luv.” Along with Quinn Lewis’ clever lyrics, he incorporates several sounds that back his voice perfectly, and even throws in an electronic vibe with bass drops during the chorus. “Weekend Luv” is infectious and an instant summer jam.
Keep up with Quinn here.
by ImperfectFifth | May 1, 2018 | soundtrack
Brooklyn-based indie funk/rock act Cosmonaut Radio – consisting of Austin Deyo (drums, back up vocals), Russell Castiglione (lead guitar, back up vocals), and Freddy Millan Jr (lead vocals) –
Austin:
Peg-Steely Dan – Could’ve chosen any of their songs honestly. And although we don’t sound like them (I don’t think anyone ever will), the way they wrote music, and found success with strange vocal melodies and crazy jazz chords is inspiring.
The Chicken-Jaco Pastorius – Arguably the best ever, this song paved the way for fusion music and bands like Snarky Puppy. It’s so catchy and the band is so top notch.
Thing of Gold-Snarky Puppy – Some of the best music I’ve ever heard, and the Moog solo will change your life.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings-100 Days, 100 Nights – Brooklyn based, funk revival, powerful vocals, groovy horns. It’s the best of like 5 different kind of musical genres combined. They’re one of the biggest reasons that funk and funk based music is popular again.
And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going-Jennifer Holliday – Jennifer hudson’s version is also impressive. This song is so epic. Musically, it’s interesting, and complex, vocally, it’s out of this world.
Love On The Rocks-Sara Bareilles – I love everything Sara Bareilles does.
Miss You-The Rolling Stones – This is one of my favorite songs, and we used to cover it. I put it on this list because it also symbolizes the end of “The Cosmonauts” and the beginning of Cosmonaut Radio. Although rock, and more specifically, blues, will always influence our music, this new record is an evolution and graduation to the next level for us. And I know you can’t graduate from the stones, but this song specifically signifies the next chapter for me and and for the band.
Another Kind of Green-John Mayer Trio – Steve Jordan, Pino Palladino, and John Mayer. Come on. The pocket is as solid as solid gets. And everything else about this song is fantastic.
Freddy:
1. “Daylight” by Failure
“Daylight” is a weird but great song to jam out to while pondering life and the universe, and it serves as the final song (and bookend) to my favorite album of all time.
2. “Dance, Dance” by Fall Out Boy
The song that originally made me want to join a rock band, the appeal of “Dance, Dance” is right there in the title, with an energy and style that always makes me want to get up and move.
3. “Ogre Battle” by Queen
One of the best songs by one of the best bands of all time, “Ogre Battle” is a microcosm of everything that made Queen great: experimental yet catchy songwriting, intensity and energy bred from tight and layered musicianship, and the inimitable vocal stylings of Freddie Mercury.
4. “Emotions” by Mariah Carey
What else can be said about Mariah Carey? Her insane range and riffing abilities were big inspirations to me as a vocalist growing up, and this song is a showcase of those talents at their peak.
5. “Greedy” by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande is one of very few A-list pop artists right now who I think is bringing anything interesting to the table, and this song combines her pop, R&B, and theater sensibilities, powerhouse voice, and knack for insanely catchy hooks and key changes into something that’s arguably better than any radio single she’s ever released.
6. “Run Away With Me” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen is what I wish more radio-friendly pop sounded like, and “Run Away With Me” perfectly tinges her overt sentimentality with slightly more melancholic tones to produce a song that’s somehow both romantically fleeting and timelessly grounded.
7. “Dorothy Dandridge Eyes” by Janelle Monae
As far as I’m concerned, Janelle Monae is almost single-handedly carrying on the musical legacies of Prince and David Bowie in the mainstream, and she’s doing justice to both of them. I debated between a lot of songs to put here, but few songs demonstrate Monae’s effortless cool and subtle sensuality as well as this one.
8. “Starship Trooper” by Yes
Yes is one of my favorite bands to put on and just chill out to, and “Starship Trooper” puts their unusually long song runtimes to good use by constantly changing while remaining consistently catchy and engaging from start to finish.
9. “Glory Box” by Portishead
I love Portishead because they are a seemingly very sad band with certain songs that speak to an inner torment that I never knew I had, but I decided to go with the vaguely more upbeat closer to their stellar first album.
10. “Fortress” by Queens of the Stone Age
I’ve always liked Queens of the Stone Age, but I was not expecting to love their newest album as much as I did, and this song about vulnerability and getting back up when life knocks you down is definitely one of its many highlights.
Russell:
1. People Get Up and Drive Your Funky Soul – James Brown
This song has definitely influenced me as a funk guitar player. It was one of the first James Brown songs that I fell in love with instantly.
2. What A Fool Believes – Doobie Brothers
I love this song because Michael McDonald has a hauntingly amazing voice, the harmonies are killer, the key change into the chorus is a lovely change, and the song itself is so happy! I could have the worst day, listen to this song, and instantly feel better.
3. Reckoner – Radiohead
This is my favorite song from Radiohead at the moment (it changes). Thom Yorke is a huge inspiration for me because of his high falsetto range and the melodies he chooses over the band’s interesting chord progressions.
4. Skate U – Snarky Puppy
This song has an incredible build up with great breakdowns and solos, one of the best by this band in my opinion.
5. No Quarter – Led Zeppelin
This is my favorite band of all time so I had to include this. This song in particular captures the expertise of each member so well and is just really a beautiful/powerful song.
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Keep up with the band here.
