“and february was so long that it lasted into march” | february 2021’s best new music

“and february was so long that it lasted into march” | february 2021’s best new music

Today, Punxsutawny Phil told us we have 6 more weeks of winter. So, we had to put him at the helm of the piece. Because, you know, his shadow determines how cold we are. Right, east coast? (Who is in the ALWAYS COLD CLUB aside from me?) The Joan Baez lyrics that were chosen for the title of this piece kind of tell it like it is. We don’t mind, though. we’re just going to keep spinning brand new music and be as thrilled as possible with it.

Check out new songs throughout the month at the playlist below. Everything is new, everything is awesome. (Holy hell PLEASE listen to the playlist now, so that the last sentence isn’t stuck in your head all day like it is in mine?)

driving backroads in indiana | russell jamie johnson

driving backroads in indiana | russell jamie johnson

I remember driving old back roads in Indiana listening to these songs. I used to steal all these mixes from my older brothers friends, and I listened to them so much I remember where the skips used to be. These are songs that made up my youth. I hope they give you that old feeling I had of being invisible and lost in the best way.

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.

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.

i’m a psycho | brandon smith

i’m a psycho | brandon smith

These are all the songs I listened to while writing most of the album. Typically I’ll listen to one of the songs I’m most intrigued by and will try to vary up drum patterns and add my own flare with the guitars. Once I have the general mood of the song, that’s when the lyrics start to become apparent on what the idea is about.

cloves, “sicko”

cloves, “sicko”

London-based singer-songwriter, CLOVES, does not wait to ask for permission in her newest track and accompanying music video, “Sicko”. Every aspect of the artist’s persona demands attention. With vibrant pink hair, disjointed dance movements and an occasionally-pained facial expression; the twenty-four year old makes it hard to look away during the duration of her three-minute-long production. 

In her music video, the Australian-born singer peels back the layers of what it means to be an outsider. We are first introduced to her character via the television: an immediate suggestion to cast judgment onto the girl we see through the screen. We are then brought in for a closer look at the haunting side of isolation and loneliness, and the frailty of it all. Most interesting of all: despite the sadness behind CLOVES’ words, we are led to a chorus that resembles the melody of a lullaby, and there is somehow a sense of acceptance of the singer’s depressed state.

Like a really good horror movie you can’t stop yourself from watching, CLOVES’ “Sicko” touches on the scarier subjects in life– but you can’t help but be obsessed nonetheless.

phantom wave, “billows”

phantom wave, “billows”

Captivating alt duo Phantom Wave released the new music video for their single “Billows” today, and we’ve got the exclusive premiere for your eyes only. Drenched in vivid colors and drastic, psychedelic movement, this visual is a trippy testament to the impact of the audible art that is flooding our consciousness. There is something magical about the way the lyrics dance along the gorgeous, building instrumental composition that – coupled with the abstract visuals – makes this experience feel very personal, and yet somehow universal.

colin & caroline, “you and i both”

colin & caroline, “you and i both”

Rare is it to find a musical duo that totally creates an ambiance all their own with the way their voices blend mellifluously into instrumentals. But let me tell you… duo Colin & Caroline can make a cover song all their own in a way I have never experienced. Luckily enough, these two have a history – they’ve known each other since high school and are now happily married – that informs their melodies, taking you on new, genre-bending adventures with each release.

Today, as part of the gradual release of a slew of incredible cover tracks over the winter months, we have the exclusive premiere of the duo’s new cover. Originally made famous by Jason Mraz, you’ll find yourself enveloped in clouds with this rendition. Try it on for size below!

Previously released Covers include:

“Wrecking Ball” – Greya 
“Don’t Dream It’s Over” – Kristen Schaeffer
“When the Party’s Over” – Carl Anderson
“Holly Jolly Christmas” – Carl Anderson
“Cardigan” – Sophia Angelie