by Sadie Battle | Nov 18, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
As we all brace for impact on whatever else this year might throw at us, there’s one song that may soften the stress and solitude that still looms in the air. That song is Megan Diana’s new single “Cabin Fever” – a warm and ambient combination of Diana’s finessed French Horn playing, harmonious vocals, and lyrical journey that really showcases her songwriting talent. After going into lockdown along with the rest of the world, but even more so by heading into the seclusion of a cabin in the middle of woods in March 2020, Megan Diana came out with an entire album worth of work in just a few short weeks. While the forthcoming third album isn’t expected until early 2021, “Cabin Fever” is an incredible lens into what Megan Diana wants to explore through her craft. Just under the four minute mark, you’ll find yourself pressing replay on this song to transcend and find comfort in something that sounds familiar and brand new all at once.
In her own words about the single, Megan Diana explains:
This isn’t just a song for quarantine or lockdown times; it’s a song for all those moments we feel trapped or inherently stuck, unable to roam the world the way we’re used to doing. It’s a wintry indulgence full of heated emotion; a song of escape and experience that, in itself, offers a special kind of solace and refuge.
by Tiffany Czech | Nov 17, 2020 | premieres, singles
When Georgia-based indie artist Josephine Johnson realized that her love for music took precedent over her love of a person, she took that feeling to the studio and created “Built to Last”. This is where Johnson is able to build upon the idea that what we need may not always be what we want. The peaceful essence of the tune creates a powerful feeling of security in the sometimes uncomfortable realization that what we need for ourselves may be just a step outside of our comfort zone.
With the help of Johnson and “Built to Last”, we are reminded that while there may be a great deal of comfort in what we want, there just may be a greater payoff for going for what we need. At the end of the day, you just might see yourself blossom.
Johnson explains of what inspired the track: “I loved someone very much, but ultimately knew that the path I’m on—doing music professionally, touring–would be done without him, though in my heart it always felt that I was the one he needed. Funny, I know now that I don’t need him!”
by Meredith Schneider | Nov 16, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Looking for a sprawling, enigmatic track to really set your week on fire? How about this new bop from Hot Summer – the brainchild of Jon Sortland (The Shins) and Brian Belier (EV Kain). Self-proclaimed “byproduct of shut-in pandemic isolation and a desperation to generate sparks to light the gloom from solitude and gold coast fire haze,” the duo does just that with an otherworldly atmosphere as the backdrop in their first single, “Fire and Ice.”
This song is a testament to what you can do in isolation, miles and miles away from your best friends. (These two idols were 470 miles away from each other when they created this masterpiece, by the way.) So turn it on, turn it up, and create something magical yourself!
by ImperfectFifth | Nov 13, 2020 | soundtrack, videos
Ahh, November. Now that we are past that shit storm of an election – I know, BUT ARE WE? – it’s time to truly bask in the glow of new music videos. Now we don’t have to distract ourselves, we just get to revel in the talent. Let yourself go to mush with these amazing new music videos from November 2020, ya dig?
by Tiffany Czech | Nov 11, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Head to the most peaceful place you can think of and press play on Austin Plaine’s new release, “Fangs”. The track is Plaine trying to bring light to somebody who has been through many gray days. While the first verse focuses on describing the pain and the steps it takes to get to such a dark place, the second verse offers a more optimistic outlook. The chorus depicts the need to just sometimes scream at the universe and beg for answers. By the end, you are hopefully left with some hope about how to carry on in spite of the dark clouds that tend to loom.
“Fangs” creates a special musical moment that feels personal. The lyrics alone are enough to create a personal connection between artist and listener. With a simple guitar, a bit of piano, and just the right amount of percussion, Plaine gives the green light to be fully immersed. Just don’t forget to let out a yell to the universe, asking what it all means. Of the writing process, Plaine admits:
I had ‘You’ve been showing off your fangs, God save the Queen’ as the opening line and it immediately created this visual of a troubled girl questioning suicide and the mental state she can’t escape from. I’ve had some dark moments and it is painful to watch someone else go through depression when you yourself know how heavy it can weigh.
by Sabrina Thurber | Nov 11, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Today we can allow ourselves to be comforted by the soothing sound of an emerging indie-folk artist. After all the stress that comes with any election week, it is now time to decompress – and singer-songwriter Apollo Flowerchild has presented us with the means to do just that. With gentle, rustic verses that transform into a powerful chorus, this song will instantly upgrade your Autumn Acoustic playlist.
Released by the label Trans Trenderz, “Bloody Hands” surfaced on November 6. While the track is Flowerchild’s second release of the year, it is the first to be featured in a new collaborative series titled The Ghostly Beats Project. To make this series come to life, Trans Trenderz joined forces with the famously acclaimed Studio G Brooklyn. The multi-room recording facility is loved by New Yorkers and international musicians alike, and is co-owned by seven-time Grammy-nominated producer, Joel Hamilton. Together, Studio G Brooklyn and Trans Trenderz created The Ghostly Beats Project to provide a space for Black Trans artists. As a historically underrepresented group of individuals within the industry, members of the Black Trans community now have an opportunity to have their voices heard.
Apollo Flowerchild is a NYC based multi-instrumentalist who has spent the last five years developing a sound to call their own. Flowerchild’s “Bloody Hands” gushes with blossoming lyrics, and the accompanying music video uses visual representation to match the imagery behind Flowerchild’s words. It’s safe to say that the scene of the music video — showcasing rushing streams, looming trees and aesthetically pleasing clothing — is the quintessential Indie Folk lover’s dream.
by Tiffany Czech | Nov 10, 2020 | albums, review
Alt-pop artist Kat Saul’s newest EP, Made in the 90s, has been released, and is the perfect way to celebrate being human. “Alright”, a track about how hard it is to get somebody off your mind when you’re into them, starts off the celebration with an intro that sounds like it comes from a basement rock concert. “X2” is a catchy hit-worthy bop about moving on, or actually being tired of trying to move on. In all honesty, this should be in regular rotation at all Top 40 stations. Saul slows it down a bit with “Monsters”, where the celebrations are toned down in a search for inner peace and serenity. Not to worry, “I Love To Hate You” speeds everything back up with a sobering story of mutual frustration at the end of a relationship. Appropriately, the last song celebrates that person that is always by your side at the end of the day. This is the feeling of floating on “Cloud 9”.
Made in the 90s may have actually been made in 2020 or shortly before, but the music lives up to the name. A perfect blend of 90s rock and modern pop, Saul proves that you don’t have to escape older sounds to create new ones. She explains of the EP: “It’s me reflecting on who I am and what I’ve been through as I transition into adult life so that I can process how the past has made me who I am…because that’s what art is right?”
by Tiffany Czech | Nov 10, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Foo Fighters have given us a first glance into their upcoming album, Medicine at Midnight, with “Shame Shame”, a foggy tune that brilliantly addresses the feelings of emptiness and the racing mind. The thought-provoking lyrics provide you with some level of ambiguity while staying in line with some general theme.
The track features all of the best that modern rock music has to offer. Equipped with a fiery guitar riff and hard percussion, it is no wonder the band are put on a pedestal of current rockers. The slow, gentle progression of the verses work as the perfect introduction to the song and the new era that fans are entering. That being said, the most defining moment comes during the pre-chorus. With just a simple recitation of the title, Foo Fighters prove that simplicity can go a long way.
The best thing about the band is that they don’t actually need to live in a past generation of rock n’ roll to be great. While the melody of the chorus is reminiscent of some timeless rock hits, sonically and lyrically, they are fully taking advantage of what modern music has to offer to perfect their craft.
by Tiffany Czech | Nov 6, 2020 | albums, review
From Kansas City comes pop-punk outfit The Way Way Back, and from them comes their album, Baggage or You’re Never Going to Leave it All Behind. This is a monumental expression of pain and bravery packed into seven tracks. “Baggage” may come without lyrics, but acts as a brilliant introduction to the saga. Opening with a shuffling of people in a crowded place before venturing into just the right punk melody at just the right time, the track welcomes you to the beautiful chaos. This transitions directly into the second track, “I Am Not Afraid to Walk This World Alone”, a heavy rocker dedicated to a former flame, perhaps from a place of discontent or even anger. The more stripped back “Kintsugi” has the acoustic guitar to thank for the perfect runaway song, which happens to be the subject of this ballad. The band keeps it relatively slow for “Bad Star”, the story of someone who is down in their luck and unable to get out of a dark place. The final track is “Waste Away”, which one could consider the optimistic song of the album. This is where we are asked what we’ll do with ourselves as life moves so fast. Perhaps, we don’t have an answer.
The Way Way Back may have included many elements of pain with this release, but what stands out more is the overwhelming elements of wonder and hope that are buried within each song.
