ok sweetheart, “far away”

ok sweetheart, “far away”

OK Sweetheart – the absolutely gorgeous musical project by multitalented musician Erin Austin – has seen its fair share of studios, stages, and massive work ethic. Having lived in New York and Oklahoma, and bringing work on the project toSeattle, New York, Denton, San Francisco, Tulsa, Clinton, Oriskany, has allowed it to grow and flourish, its influences expanding along the way. Now, the latest single from OK Sweetheart – a soft, inspiring track called “Far Away” – is ready for the world, and we’ve got it right here.

“Far Away” begs the question: What would you do if you got the chance to start over? in not so many words. As Austin’s delicate, transformative vocals almost float over the instrumentals, she sings of leaving what she knows. At some point, we all feel that way. And this season – the season of spring, which breeds new graduates, warmer weather, travel time – is the perfect time to debut such a relevant and blissful track.

Keep up with OK Sweetheart here.

vicktor taiwò, “blue mountain ridge”

vicktor taiwò, “blue mountain ridge”

Directly following the announcement of his upcoming debut album, East London-based artist Vicktor Taiwò has blessed the world with new track “Blue Mountain Ridge”. With roots in 90s R&B and a beautiful, robust, layered sound to the instrumentation and production, Taiwò’s vocals enhance the track infinitely with their raspy allure and emotional honesty. The track’s mix of soul and intriguing tempo changes make for an interesting and pleasing listening experience. Check out “Blue Mountain Ridge” below!

Keep up with Vicktor Taiwò here.

refs, “roots”

refs, “roots”

With production value that rivals well established artists and vocals smooth like agave nectar (“honey” was overused), New York-based electro pop duo REFS have a new track that will set the tone for an amazingly relaxing week. “Roots” combines our love of catchy and unique percussion and a warm bed of incredibly styled lyricism to make us believe in artistry again, if we’re being completely honest.

If you haven’t quite peeped the track, now is the time. We anticipate an insanely fruitful career for these two is just on the horizon.

Keep up with Refs here.

lionman shows strength in “don’t you dare”

lionman shows strength in “don’t you dare”

Swedish singer/songwriter Olle Hammar found himself through his stage name “Lionman”, which is more than just a name, it is a symbol of strength. It’s endearing, and the music that comes from this moniker is enviable. “Don’t You Dare” is a perfect example of how Hammar exemplifies his inner strength through music. The track is in a lane of its own through its soulful sound, and sends a powerful message that it is okay to be yourself in a society that is often judgmental. The video was shot in a school with moody, beautiful lighting and a variety of individuals to help support the message of the song itself. It’s an absolute piece of art, and we kind of can’t stop watching.

Keep up with Lionman here.

**co-written by meredith schneider

hoodlem, “last night”

hoodlem, “last night”

Australia-born, Toronto-based musician Hoodlem is on the rise, especially with her new single “Last Night”, which is a mixture of pop with an abundance of soul within its sound. The track is about love and what it is like to be in love, and Hoodlem’s breathy vocals make for smooth and vibe-inducing listening.

“Last Night” sounds like a daydream of moments you wish you could get back with the person that you once loved. The feeling is overwhelming and makes you feel as if you cannot get that person out of your head. Which is fitting, as the song is based off of replaying the events that happened last night.

Be on the lookout for Hoodlem’s EP Teenager, set to release this summer. Keep up with her here.

**co-written by Meredith Schneider

le days, “inside me”

le days, “inside me”

Le Days – the folk music project by Sweden’s Daniel Hedin – releases the next installment of creation with the premiere of his new music video for “Inside Me”. The video – shot highlighting jewel tones in a beautiful and seductive light – follows a girl’s life of internal conflict, as she clearly despises her mother’s behavior. Emotional abuse is obvious, physical abuse is clearly displayed. It’s alarming, but insanely gratifying to see artists addressing very real and very difficult problems.

Says the artist: “When you dream and silence finds you, everything you ever felt hits you like a flood. Images, voices flashes through your head like an unstoppable force of nature. You are everything that’s been and it is what makes you breathe and all that keeps you breathing is to keep dreaming.”

See the only video that could do this song any justice below.

Keep up with Le Days here.

the color forty nine, “i will”

the color forty nine, “i will”

Today, San Diego’s the color forty nine – a music group comprised of Phil Beaumont (Vocals & Tiny Guitar), Jason Hooper (Bass and Vocals), John Meeks (Drums and Vocals), and Matt Resovich (Violin, Tenor Guitar, Keyboards and Vocals) – releases a reverb-filled, lush new track titled “I Will”, and we happen to have the exclusive premiere. With the depth in range of Beaumont’s vocals, this track feels as though it has rougher, old country western vibes, sprinkled amidst a subtle modern alternative sound. Its pace and tone feel dark, though it’s certainly in a more robust and beautiful way than is often found with similar soundscapes. “I Will” is void of any coldness we might otherwise feel tempted toward without this particular collection of talent to deliver.

the color forty nine is doing some amazing things with their music, and we can’t wait to see what happens next in the lead up to their new full-length.

Join the band TONIGHT at The Casbah in San Diego with Acid Mothers Temple. It’s going to be absolute insanity. And their upcoming album is due out June 15th, via Darla. Keep your eyes peeled for all of that and more with the color forty nine here.

tatiana demaria, “what it is about you”

tatiana demaria, “what it is about you”

Tatiana DeMaria of London based rock band TAT is flying solo with the release of her new single “What It Is About You”. DeMaria rose to fame with TAT in 2003 in the UK, but takes time to set herself apart from the group in her new single. Her melodic voice is sweet like honey in parts, raspy and robust in others, making this release endearing as all hell. The power and emotion in her lyrics make the song relatable, and we’re all for this feeling. “What It Is About You” shows off DeMaria’s creativity as an artist.

Keep up with DeMaria here.

**co-written by Meredith Schneider

plaza, “in the know”

plaza, “in the know”

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