After a five-year hiatus from new releases, Rainbow Kitten Surprise has officially returned with their latest single, “Dang”. A smooth, woozy track that just begs to be played with the windows down on a humid summer night.
The North Carolina-born band, originally formed in Boone in 2013, has always lived at the crossroads of contradiction. Their sound? A rich stew of indie rock, hip-hop, folk, and soul. Think Frank Ocean meets Modest Mouse by way of the Appalachian mountains. Core members Ela Melo (vocals), Bozzy Keller (guitar), Ethan Goodpaster (guitar), and Jess Haney (drums) bring something unexpected to the table every time. And with “Dang”, that streak continues.
“Dang” is the latest taste after they dropped another single earlier this year. The track hints at the raw honesty and genre-defying boldness. Maybe, we can expect a full project with this single from the website RKS released along with the song? This song has lyrics that feel both personal and performative, like a love letter written on the edge of a napkin in the back of a dive bar.
Sonically, the song skates somewhere between late-night confession and daydreamy dance floor anthem. Melo’s vocals float over a laid-back groove as she sings, “I’ve been working on a project / it’s called you / and I do or die / and I’m grieving love.” There’s a tenderness here, gritty yet graceful, that sets RKS apart in the alt-pop landscape. The chorus swells with the kind of melancholic joy that makes you nostalgic for something that hasn’t happened yet.
True to form, the band still plays with unexpected lyrical references: Mother Mary, barked warnings, and shoutouts to Cage the Elephant weave in and out of the track like coded messages. It’s clever without being inaccessible. Like an inside joke, you’re just beginning to understand.
With over 2 billion streams under their belt and a fanbase as devoted as it is diverse, Rainbow Kitten Surprise is a band that continues to defy convention. This is a group that has taken the messiness of mental health, identity, and love and turned it into something melodic, magnetic, and unforgettable.
It’s hard not to picture “Dang” playing in the background of an indie short film. One with a little too much filter, sure, but also with a lot of heart. “Dang” is available now on all streaming platforms. And if you get the chance to catch RKS live, don’t miss it. You might just find yourself howling along.
With an unmistakable ache in his voice and piano keys that sound like whispered memories, Anson Seabra returns with his second single of the year, “Haunt Me”. A raw, introspective track that perfectly captures the emotional aftermath of a relationship that once burned bright and now refuses to die quietly.
Anson Seabra, a Kansas City native, has carved out a unique space in the indie-pop and singer-songwriter landscape. Blending confessional lyrics with gentle piano melodies, his music has long served as a balm for listeners navigating heartbreak, mental health struggles, and growing pains. His breakout moment came with the viral success of “Welcome to Wonderland” in 2018. A whimsical yet melancholic exploration of escapism that quickly established Seabra as a go-to artist for emotionally resonant bedroom pop.
But his journey into music wasn’t straightforward. Seabra began playing piano at just six years old and spent his younger years juggling music and academics. After earning a computer science degree and working as a software engineer, he eventually decided to pursue music full-time. Since then, he’s become known for turning late-night feelings into beautifully produced songs that sound like they were written just for you. Especially if you’ve ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m. with earbuds in and the weight of the world on your chest.
“Haunt Me” fits perfectly into that lineage. The track tells the story of a love that’s ended, but not emotionally over. In the lyrics, Seabra returns again and again to the image of a ghost. A kind that stays behind after the final goodbye: “You haunt me every night / Haunt me every time / I think I am fine / Then you’re right there, it’s a nightmare.”
The production feels slightly more upbeat than some of his previous releases, but the content remains as heartbreaking as ever. There’s a subtle juxtaposition between the song’s pacing and its subject matter; a sonic push-and-pull that mirrors the emotional whiplash of trying to move on while still being emotionally tethered to someone.
What makes the song even more compelling is Seabra’s ability to take accountability within the narrative. In the pre-chorus, he sings: “’Cause I was a boy playing a grown-up / And you were a girl hopelessly in love / And I was afraid of letting you see me / So I ran away ’cause running is easy.” It’s a quiet, devastating confession that gives the song an added emotional depth. This isn’t just about loss; it’s about regret, self-awareness, and the weight of knowing you were the one who walked away.
Fans of Lauv, Jeremy Zucker, and even early Ed Sheeran will likely find themselves drawn to this track. But “Haunt Me” is unmistakably Seabra: honest, aching, and melodic in a way that feels timeless. It’s not just a song you listen to once. It’s a song that finds a place in your memory, echoing back when you least expect it.
Personally, as someone who’s had Seabra’s music in my earbuds during some of my lowest points, this release feels like a gift. He has a way of making you feel seen in your sadness, like he’s writing directly to the quietest part of your heart. “Haunt Me” may describe a love that lingers painfully, but it also feels like a familiar companion. One that holds space for your grief without judgment.
Whether you’re discovering Anson Seabra for the first time or you’ve been following him since Songs I Wrote in My Bedroom, this new single reminds us exactly why his music resonates so deeply. “Haunt Me” isn’t just about being haunted by someone else… It’s about the ghosts we carry inside ourselves, the ones we try to outrun, and the ones that keep showing up when the world goes quiet.
If you’re not ready to move on, or even if you are, this song might follow you for a while. And honestly? That’s what makes it beautiful.
New artist TAZ (Brandon Niederauer) just released his debut single “Say Something” on July 18th. TAZ is a New York native and a recent Yale graduate, gaining his nickname from his impressive guitar playing skills. He started playing the guitar at eight after watching the movie School of Rock, and four years later he starred in the Broadway production of School of Rock the Musical. TAZ has appeared in “Saturday Night,” Jesus Christ Superstar Live, and the Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It and has played festivals and venues such as Coachella, The Met Gala, and Madison Square Garden.
The single is primarily a mix of pop, R&B, and rock. There are moments of filtered vocals and electronic sounds that add a little complexity to the pop sound of the song. The influence of rock here is mainly present with the addition of drums. The drums are most prominent at the bridge, and both the guitar and drums build in intensity during this bridge. From this bridge, we go back into the chorus again and end with the lingering guitar sound as the song tapers off. It’s an upbeat, catchy song that can be listened to over and over again.
Despite this, the lyrics still express complex emotions and indicate that there’s something deeper. The song is about an argument that’s bothering the singer. It’s clearly a repeated experience as TAZ sings “I don’t know what you want this time.” The overall takeaway from the single is what the chorus repeats: “Something is better than nothing.”
For this being a debut single and TAZ only being 22 years old, “Say Something” is impressively polished and already stuck in my head. TAZ is certainly talented on his own as the singer/songwriter for the single, but the addition of Grammy-winning Theron “Neff-U” as producer adds a level of musical experience that’s clear when listening to the song. If you want to see more of TAZ, a celebration of “Say Something” will be held on August 14th at NYC’s Mercury Lounge and then he will be going on a U.S. tour with Jon Batiste.
Garbagebarbie’s new single “kiss” is a lighthearted bubblegum garage pop ear-worm that toys with the idea of catching feelings. Garbagebarbie is a staple band in the Los Angeles DIY scene, and routinely make an effort to host free shows for their fans, which they call “garbageparties”. Their sound can be described as an amalgamation of pop punk, indie, garage rock, and Britpop.
“kiss” starts off strong with distorted bass tones and whispery lead vocals that profess apathy towards going out. The track’s instrumental qualities blend excellently to create a shiny and textured song. The jangly electric guitars coupled with the absolutely infectious melody have certified “kiss” as the song of the summer.
Fletcher Milloy’s whispery vocals in the verses aid the song in building tension as he eventually leads into chant singing the melody, “I didn’t know you could kiss like this.” The melody discusses realizing feelings for someone that you initially thought would be a fling.
The song’s subject matter is extremely reminiscent of summer flings and romances as it discusses playing around with the idea of falling for someone and actually catching feelings in the process. When Milloy sings, “I didn’t know you could love me like this,” he captures the hidden ways that love and romance can seek up on you when you least expect it. It’s a light and playful track, but the message behind it is indicative of the current dating scene and many people’s eagerness as well as avoidance to develop feelings.
If you would like, plan, or already have fallen in love with someone this summer, Garbagebarbie’s “kiss,” is the perfect soundtrack to capture that journey. This track’s infectious melody, playfully vulnerable lyrics and excellent production, cement “kiss” as a summer classic. Check out the music video for “kiss” below.
Beloved artist Rachael Sage is back with a brand-new single that’s here to add a spark of joy to your summer playlist. “Live It Up”, out Friday, July 25, is a spirited piano-pop track that embraces optimism in the face of uncertainty. It encourages listeners to let go, shake it off, and move forward with unapologetic flair.
Written as a response to the chaotic times we’re all living through, “Live It Up” channels a bright, almost theatrical energy that will feel familiar to fans of vibrant, narrative-driven pop. It’s the kind of track you can imagine scoring a spontaneous musical number. Full of pep, charm, and that distinct Rachael Sage warmth. Backed by her longtime band The Sequins, the song lifts with buoyant piano melodies and cheerful harmonies.
Sage calls for radical joy, self-acceptance, and living authentically. A thread that runs through her recent work, including the singles “Canopy” and “Just Enough”. The track is set to feature on her upcoming album Canopy, due October 2025, and a special performance video will accompany its release. If this latest single is any indication, Canopy promises to be a colorful collection of resilience anthems rooted in inclusion and inner strength.
Currently on her Joy = Resistance Tour, Sage is bringing her music and message to major cities across North America this summer.
Over the years, Sage has built a celebrated career not just as a prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, but as a creative. A six-time Independent Music Award winner and founder of MPress Records, she has shared stages with artists like Ani DiFranco, Judy Collins, and Shawn Colvin. Her art spans multiple mediums, as well. From her visual artwork to her poetic music project, Poetica, and always leans into sincerity and storytelling.
With “Live It Up”, Rachael Sage once again offers listeners a dose of unfiltered positivity.
2025 TOUR DATES: August 6 – Ayurprana Listening Room – Asheville, NC++ August 7 – The 5 Spot – Nashville, TN++ August 8 – Redbud Venue – Chattanooga, TN August 10 – Smith’s Olde Bar – Atlanta, GA August 13 – Awendaw Green – Charleston, SC^ August 15 – The Sentient Bean – Savannah, GA+ August 16 – The Purple Onion – Saluda, NC September 26 – Rendezvous Jewel Box Theater – Seattle, WA September 27 – Al’s Den – Portland, OR October 5 – Hotel Café – Los Angeles, CA^^ October 8 – The Lost Church – San Francisco, CA^^ October 11 – Fanwood Performance Series – Fanwood, NJ* October 16 – 04 Center – Austin, RX** October 17 – Mucky Duck – Houston, TX**
with Sean Kelly ++ with Christie Lenée ^ with Danielle Howle ^^ with Tom Goss
There’s a certain kind of quiet bravery in getting back up when the world is watching. After two years of silence, Lewis Capaldi does just that, standing not in defiance of his struggle, but beside it. His new single, “Survive”, is out now via Capitol Records.
Capaldi, the Scottish singer-songwriter best known for his vocal gut-punches and brutally honest ballads, first captured the world with “Someone You Loved”, a track that’s now certified Diamond in the U.S. and the most-streamed song of all time in the UK. But Survive isn’t about charts. It’s about persistence.
“Most nights I fear that I’m not enough,” Capaldi admits at the start of the track, and that vulnerability doesn’t let up. The song aches. It’s raw. But it’s also hopeful. Lifting itself from the wreckage of self-doubt with a chorus that feels like a breathless, desperate promise: “I swear to God I’ll survive, if it kills me to.”
Co-written with longtime collaborator RØMANS (yes, the same duo behind “Someone You Loved”), “Survive” pairs Capaldi’s scorched cannon of a voice with the kind of swelling, cinematic instrumentation that practically begs for a stadium singalong or a solo cry-drive through your hometown.
It’s no accident this release comes after his powerful but emotionally difficult set at Glastonbury 2023. “Survive” marks a turning point. Not a comeback. A continuation. A choice.
And if the track itself weren’t enough, the accompanying music video, directed by Hector Dockrill, elevates the experience even further. It’s not just a song. It’s a testimony.
Capaldi’s journey has been real. Jagged, aching, and ironically deeply inspired. With over 30 billion global streams, 8 UK Top 10 singles, and a Netflix documentary (How I’m Feeling Now) that laid bare the emotional cost of fame, Capaldi has always sung like survival was the only option. Now, he’s finally saying it out loud.
“Survive” is streaming now on all major platforms. Listen to it with your whole chest.
Alecander Seiler (he/they) is a Creative Writing major with a double minor in Theatre & Studio Arts at the University of Redlands. Passionate about pushing boundaries and amplifying marginalized voices, Alec seeks to create stories that resonate, challenge, and inspire.
On its surface, KRAMON’s latest single “Morning Vapors” is a trance-like ode to early, easy smokes. It opens with an invitation to take a ride, offered via a sweet serenade from Meredith Adelaide over a gentle yet addicting guitar riff. From there, it takes the listener’s on a journey through an atmospheric headspace. The tune feels like a long, slow drive on Highway 70, with very few bumps in the road.
The second single of Josh Kramon’s newest project, simply titled KRAMON, follows in the footsteps of its predecessor “Crush.” It’s a dreamy, joyful rock tune, reminiscent of the psychedelic hippie hymns of the ‘70s.
Like “Crush”, “Morning Vapors” is spurred forward by Meredith Adelaide’s laid-back vocals. The multi-medium artist sounds like an old friend on the track. She overextends herself, rather choosing to float over the crisp instrumental.
It’s the instrumental that holds this piece together. It holds hands with both the lyrics and the vocals, guiding them along the journey the song promises.
The song gains its weight in its final minute and half. A slower, heavier harmonized bridge cues the audience to this shift in musical character. The ending chorus, a steady repetition of the song’s title, fulfills the promise of a new mood with the introduction of a tambourine and an increase in tempo. These last few minutes take the track where it’s been longing to go.
The direction of “Morning Vapors” paints a promising picture for Kramon’s newest project. And that direction is one full of potential for the composer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.
In what might be his better known work, Kramon has composed for various Television series, such as Veronica Mars. However, in his personal work, Kramon has explored his struggles with addiction and his complex relationship with his Jewish heritage.
Kramon is holding onto his vow to make music that speaks to him, rather than “chasing the latest musical trend.” So far, this latest project seems to break away from the themes of his previous work. Instead, “Morning Vapors” promises a future with less tears and more relaxation. Kramon is taking a ride, away from the heaviness of the past, in a vehicle that feels most authentic to himself – and he wants us to come along for the journey.
BBNO$ is back and he’s not knocking, he’s kicking the door in.Released May 1, “boom” is the latest single from Canadian rapper-slash-Internet-chaos icon BBNO$ (pronounced baby no money), and it’s exactly the kind of high-energy, genre-defying madness we’ve come to expect. Clocking in at just under two minutes, the track explodes with self-aware swagger that somehow feels both effortless and entirely unhinged. Produced by longtime collaborator Y2K alongside BBNO$ himself, the song launches into a minimalist, bass-heavy beat layered with trap snaps, distorted synth stabs, and a forward momentum that makes it feel like you’re being chased through a cartoon car chase.
Lyrically, “boom” doesn’t slow down. The verses hit with rapid-fire confidence, weaving flexes, absurd metaphors, and tongue-in-cheek callbacks into a tightly packed sonic cannonball. As BBNO$ puts it, “On my mama, I ain’t gonna stop until I’m rich” it’s a flex and a punchline rolled into one. The hook? Instantly catchy. The ad-libs? Chaotic in the best way. The vibe? Like someone took a meme, threw it in a blender with a designer tracksuit, and hit go.
If you’re not already familiar with BBNO$, you’ve definitely heard him. With viral hits like “Lalala”, “Edamame”, and his chaotic collabs with Yung Gravy under the duo name Baby Gravy, he’s become something of a digital cult hero. Known for everything from fever dream–style music videos to cosplaying random characters in his social media content, BBNO$ has built a persona that’s part performance art, part pop culture sponge, and 100% entertaining. He doesn’t just make music. He creates moments.
But behind the jokes and flashy outfits is a surprisingly grounded artist. He’s been outspoken about issues like AI’s role in the creative industry, advocating for real human artistry in an increasingly automated world. He’s also spoken out as a proud trans ally, steadily earning a devoted and diverse fanbase that spans from hypebeasts to queer teens to producers who see the method in the mayhem.
“boom” is the first taste of a new album currently in development, and if the rest of the project leans into this same manic energy and finely tuned absurdity, we’re in for one hell of a ride. This track doesn’t just slap. It struts in, steals your drink, and leaves with your friends, all while making you laugh on its way out.
Stream “boom” now on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you soundtrack your most chaotic main character moments.
If Madilyn Mei’s music has always felt like a handwritten diary entry passed across a high school lunch table, her latest single, “What’s Going On?!”, might be the doodle-covered cover. Released May 16, this track finds Mei deepening her indie-folk bedroom pop roots while leaning into more experimental territory, complete with alien metaphors and a healthy dose of existential dread.
Produced and mixed by Scrawny and mastered by Joe Hutchinson, “What’s Going On?!” captures the disorienting experience of trying to “fit in” when you feel like you were dropped onto Earth from another planet. The track opens with an eerie, circus-like intro and transitions into a whimsical, layered soundscape that blends plucky acoustic strings with jittery synth textures. Mei’s voice, delicate yet resolute, delivers lines packed with metaphor, self-deprecating humor, and quietly devastating insight. Lyrically, the track dances on the edge of absurdity and melancholy, a balancing act Mei pulls off with signature flair. It’s the kind of track that makes you laugh, cry, and spiral into a late-night identity crisis, all within three minutes. It’s a story of trying to belong when you feel unrecognizable to yourself and others, a meditation on loneliness that’s somehow comforting in its honesty.
The music video, streaming now on YouTube, takes the song’s surreal undertones to new heights. In it, Mei appears as a claymation alien, amplifying the song’s themes of disconnection with a dose of off-kilter whimsy, with some circus aesthetics lurking not far behind. Her current website and Instagram bio, complete with a circus tent emoji, only add to the intrigue. Could this be the first clue of a larger, thematically cohesive project on the horizon? If so, we’re buckling in.
If you’re new to Madilyn Mei, you might recognize her from viral tracks like “The Milk Carton”, “Partner in Crime”, or “Blue Haired Boy”, all beloved for their vivid storytelling and genre-defying charm. The Arizona-based 22-year-old singer-songwriter has been quietly redefining what bedroom pop can be. Known for her poetic wordplay, genre-blending arrangements, and storytelling flair, Mei has released a debut album, three EPs, and a steady stream of singles, all written and recorded from her bedroom. Her work is intimate yet imaginative, weaving together deeply personal themes with a touch of magic that feels just left of reality.
And now, she’s taking that world on the road. Mei is slated to open for AJR and others on tour this July. It’s a major step forward that speaks to her growing influence and genre-crossing appeal.
TOUR DATES: 7/20 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre 7/22 Salt Lake City, UT Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre 7/24 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre 7/26 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre 7/27 Tinley Park, IL Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre 7/29 Clarkston, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre 7/31 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center 8/6 Camden, NJ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion 8/8 Wantagh, NY Jones Beach Amphitheatre 8/9 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center 10/4 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl
“What’s Going On?!” isn’t just a catchy new track. It’s a question, a cry, and a cosmic shrug all in one. It’s for the alienated and the awkward, the overthinkers and the dreamers, and anyone who’s ever left a party wondering if they said too much or not enough. Stream “What’s Going On?!” now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, Pandora, and wherever else you soundtrack your identity crises. If this is just the opening act of her circus-themed era, we’re bracing ourselves for a wild, wondrous ride.
