spooky cool, “black wine”

spooky cool, “black wine”

On Friday, Richmond, VA-based indie pop/rock collective Spooky Cool – comprised of Zac Hryciak, Paula Lavalle, Lee Spratley, Sean Williams, and Zavi Harman – is set to release their debut EP Every Thing Ever. But right now, we have a taste of what’s to come in their single “Black Wine”. Hard hitting from the beginning, the mellifluous vocals don’t hit until about the 57 second mark, evening out the rough, electric feel from the beginning. The singer’s vocal range is enticing in its far-reaching capabilities, making us swoon with each new line of lyrics. The instrumental breakdowns are perfect for jam band fans and mellow listeners alike, and we’re inundated with the good feels. (Despite perhaps, at times, the lyrical content itself.)

Keep up with Spooky Cool here.

kate kelly, “honey”

kate kelly, “honey”

Today not only marks our success in cresting that mid-week hump (We see you, hump day!), but it also marks the release of Nashville-based singer/songwriter Kate Kelly‘s new track “Honey” and we’ve got the exclusive premiere. From her delicate yet sultry vocals – which are smoother than the song’s namesake, in our opinion – to the jazzy instrumentals, this song is a “sweet like candy” soundscape perfect for the (impending) cooling weather. And if you listen to the lyrics, there’s another layer to it all that most will find intriguing and relatable.

Says Kate of the track:

Writing “Honey” was so much more than writing a new song— it was writing a new feeling into my life experience. When “Honey” appeared within me, I found a version of myself I didn’t know existed. The song brought with it a new-found sense of self that was sassy, independent, and empowered in her truth. I still use “Honey” to remind myself to embrace my authenticity and independence, which is my biggest hope for listeners as well.

Keep up with Kate Kelly here.

julietta, “smooth sailing”

julietta, “smooth sailing”

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.

26 favorite music videos of july 2018

26 favorite music videos of july 2018

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”

nick schneider, “that’s my girl”

nick schneider, “that’s my girl”

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.

tuxedo wildlife, myself together

tuxedo wildlife, myself together

Nashville-based musician Collin Gundry, whom you may know as Tuxedo Wildlife, releases his new EP Myself Together this week, and we have the exclusive streaming premiere of this masterpiece in its entirety. Many of the songs on this EP are emotional, heartfelt songs while many of the songs also have a slower beat yet calming feel to them. Tracks “Isotopes” and “Myself Together” are a little faster compared to the rest, and the vocals are a bit reminiscent of Imagine Dragons. But his luscious, deep vocals create a unique kaleidoscope of a landscape that is established at the beginning of the EP, and doesn’t drop off until the very last lines of the sixth track.

Myself Together embodies his journey through uncertain love and emotions which I’m sure many people can relate to throughout life, which is just another one of the reasons why Tuxedo Wildlife is a perfect new artist to listen to. Not only can you check out his new music below, but you can also check out his new video for “Depths” on YouTube.

Keep up with Tuxedo Wildlife here!

**co-written by meredith schneider

lanford black, electric sweat

lanford black, electric sweat

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.

the black watch, “when we first met”

the black watch, “when we first met”

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.

jara, disturbia

jara, disturbia

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.