We all like so many different kinds of music, but this playlist is made up of songs that have influenced us as we grew up and became musicians so you will notice it’s from a general time period, the 90’s. We would’ve loved this playlist as kids, yet we still flip our wigs to every song on it now.
Keep up with Big Cheese here.
Rolling, bright and temperate: “Looking for Anyone” is the newest single from self-described “easy listening” group Common Hours, and it’s perfect for a back porch at twilight.
This track invites us in with warm shoegazey strums met by a texturizing, Southern-esque guitar leads from guitarist Dillon VanBuren. A steady kick drum and ride cymbal, via August George, effectively secure infectious head-nodding throughout. Backed by sugary harmonies from Ariel Roxanne Cook, lead vocalist Adam Black’s croons hazily illustrate the smooth, mono-mood of “Looking For Anyone”. Cook’s bass parts are pleasantly present in the mix, supplying a satisfying foundation for the floatiness that is a marker for this track; as lead guitar mimics the chorus melody, providing a predictability that is comforting but not cliché. The lyrics are distant enough to allow for objective interpretation, but personal enough to relay Black’s qualms about rushing into love to quickly, weighed down by lingering anxieties from previous relationships. “Looking For Anyone” is about anything but, as Black wonders aloud: “I’m not just looking for anyone. Can I get you to know that I need your love?”
This single is Common Hour’s newest release since a 2018 EP titled A Life Worth Living.
Keep up with Common Hours here.
Recently, we had the wonderful pleasure of sitting down with Lulise to chat for season 2 of our podcast. We have to wait until August to experience that gem, but for now we thought we’d bide some time and premiere her new single, if you’re into it. (Frankly, we don’t care what you think. But we’re pretty sure you’ll be keen on it too.) Get a dose of gorgeous vocals, a little bit of attitude, and a whole lot of relatability as Lulise croons about a love interest that she cannot pursue!
Keep up with Lulise here.
Alternative indie band Slenderbodies made up of Max and Benji have done it again with their new hit single, “Away From You”. This smooth and dreamy tune will have you texting the person you love in a matter of minutes due to silky vocals and crisp background beats. If you could imagine a Glass Animals and LANY song child, you’d be left with this Slenderbodies masterpiece. Having caught the attention of millions on youtube, as well as major corporate support from Billboard, Notion, and Complex, it’s only a matter of time before they’re one of the major names in the indie-pop world. Who knows, maybe “Away From You” will be the track to launch them into the hearts of everyone.
Be sure to listen for yourself and keep up with the band and what they’re doing here!
For those looking to escape the monotony of the corporate world and lose themselves in a universe of bouncing bubbly beats PETRA’s new single, “Into the Sun” is the perfect track. With honest vocals exclaiming the need to break free of corporate chains and pursue a life of creativity and freedom this song will have you nodding along to the beat in no time. A catchy tune with easily learned lyrics you’ll want to have this song on your playlist for the rest of summer. Plus, as the debut single from the upcoming album, Dancing Without You, listeners are able to get their first taste for what magic PETRA will bring in the future. Available for streaming on July 15, “Into the Sun” reminds us to take the leap of faith into our creative dreams and not let fear hold us back from doing what it is we love the most in the world.
For more on PETRA click here.
California based indie-pop duo Soft People give off massive retro vibes in their new single “Tender” being released on July 12. In this track, the traditional husband-husband combination of Caleb Nichols and John Metz is met with the impressive drumming of Pat Spurgeon from Rogue Waves creating a timeless song to be enjoyed by all. With a roller-disco type feel this song will have you nodding your head in appreciation of its upbeat yet twisted melody. The angsty lyrics remnant of 80’s powerhouse bands such as The Smiths and The Cure remind listeners how important it is to stay soft in a world where being tough seems to be the only option. “Tender” influences listeners to believe that it’s better to show love every day than to give in to the hard times we are all living in. With creative masterpieces like “Tender” coming onto the scene, it’s hard to be anything but excited for the future of Soft People.
Keep up with Soft People here.
Nashville-based alternative rock duo CITY SILOS have harnessed an effortlessly cool vibe in their latest single “Give It To Me Straight.” Also known as Chris and Kristen Butler, they work together as husband and wife to create a track that is as catchy as it is full of vulnerability and angst. Kristen’s voice is reminiscent of Paramore’s Hayley Williams with her powerful range and ability to bring a certain raw emotion to the song. What makes this song stand out is that it is something you can dance around your room to, but also relate to it’s revelations about being in a dead-end relationship. “Give It To Me Straight” is just a sliver of what’s to come — their debut full-length album Happy Thoughts is to be released on August 30th.
Keep up with City Silos here.
The first few bars of “Mystical” start out modestly, with only a curt, electrifying keyboard to signal for more. The track gains traction quickly, layering in a sharp clapping beat. HighJak’s smooth, inviting vocals echo across each other, soulful harmonies repeating key phrases, all aptly filling the space like reverb in a dance hall.
The Fuss, an indie alt band out of Des Moines, Iowa did not disappoint with their new single “Siamese Twin”. This four-man group composed of Matt Nelson, Ben Waldschmitt, Joey Lyons and Dave Palmer is quickly making a name for themselves with their eclectic and energetic sound. Be prepared to feel as if you’re an astronaut floating through outer space with “Siamese Twin”. The eastern tones featured underneath silky smooth lyrics provide for a relaxing, slow-head nodding melody. Good for a drive with friends, chilling on the couch, or blasted over a lake, “Siamese Twin” is a must-have tune for your summer playlist.
For more great music from The Fuss make sure to check them out here.
**photo by alyssa leicht