birch, “spelling lessons”

birch, “spelling lessons”

We might have to wait until April 5th to hear feminist synth-pop artist Birch‘s femme.one in its entirety, but a piece of the puzzle has been unveiled with her latest track “Spelling Lessons”. A moderate tempo established, Michelle Birsky’s vocals hit the track in an almost angelic way. Because of this, the track envelopes us in the audible version of a warm embrace, despite its poignant lyrics highlighting the sad reality that is a woman’s fear of speaking out in today’s society. Sobering, yet light, this song presents a beautiful and enigmatic contrast that will sit with us for quite some time.

Keep up with Birch here.

phildel, “electric heights”

phildel, “electric heights”

London-based singer/songwriter Phildel possesses a voice that is absolutely magnetic, a trait especially noticeable in her new track “Electric Heights”, released today. Let her lightweight vocals set the tone for your day, creating an ambiance that is absolutely splendid, despite moments of melancholia. It’s absolutely entrancing, and definitely worth a few listens.

Keep up with Phildel here.

sjae | aquarian soul

sjae | aquarian soul

I’m an Aquarius. We are spontaneous, free thinking, innovative, sometimes aloof and obstinate (!) and we don’t like to follow the crowd. This playlist represents a period in time that was so inspiring for me as a musician and fledgling producer. I spent a lot of time between London, New York and Los Angeles, the hip hop and RnB of that time was everything. These were the artists that carved out their own paths, with respectful nods to jazz and classic soul, which, combined with taste maker producers like J Dilla, influenced a genre of music, that some considered ‘neo-soul’, but with a dash of spirituality and a heartbeat that made you screw your face up and nod your head hard, became my ‘good place.’

Keep up with SJae here!

emmeline, “superheroes”

emmeline, “superheroes”

Dallas-based songstress Emmeline sets the stage for her most recent single “Superheroes” with the sound of rolling thunder and rain, her vocals easing into the track in a very Jessica Rabbit way, if we do say so ourselves. Emmeline’s vocal range makes her perfect for the stage, the song itself incredibly theatric and layered in a fun and powerful way.

If it had been up to us, this would have been the anthem for the Women’s March, but who are we?

Keep up with Emmeline here.

ella vos, “temporary”

ella vos, “temporary”

Pop artist Ella Vos has created yet another earworm with new track “Temporary”. Coming from her new EP titled Watch & Wait, out January 25th, the song itself is like a shot of adrenaline in a quiet, meaningful, and ethereal way. Ella’s vocals alone could carry your energy for a few days off of one song, but her consistent reminder throughout that “Time is solely temporary” reminds us to take it all in stride as well. You’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket.

Keep up with Ella Vos here.

aria wunderland | socially conscious women

aria wunderland | socially conscious women

I think this is a really good moment for women in music and overall entertainment right now. The climate is really conscious, women are speaking up and advocating for themselves through various forms of art and media. I am so inspired by all of the female pop recording artists right now. They’re all strong, socially aware and convey a similar message of women’s empowerment. They all support each other and I too feel the desire to support fellow female artists. I made this playlist to listen to when I want to feel inspired and a sense of community in the music business. All of these different artists show strength in their lyrics and vocal performances even if it’s through moments of vulnerability, enjoy.

Website // Instagram // Spotify // SoundCloud

x. ari, “break point”

x. ari, “break point”

Toronto-based electro alt-pop songstress X. ARI has done it again with edgy new track “Break Point”. With her signature robust, strong vocals, she takes on emotions we can’t all express correctly. Everyone’s breaking point is different, and we’ve all been in similar scenarios. To have it vocalized for us – and in such a vulnerable and beautiful way – is another step closure to collective healing.

“Break Point is about PTSD and it describes the moments right before I broke down late 2016,” explains XARI. “Having a mental health breakdown doesn’t just happen overnight. There’s a build up and a splitting point where you crack and you’re not really yourself anymore. This song describes that process and experience.”

Thank you, X. ARI.

Keep up with X. ARI here.

strawberry mountain premiere “racer”, set out on winter west coast tour

strawberry mountain premiere “racer”, set out on winter west coast tour

Electro avant-pop act Strawberry Mountain might be based in New York City, but they are taking over the west coast starting this week! Join this effervescent band on an other-worldly journey at any of the dates listed below. But before you do, give their new track “Racer” a spin (or twelve!). With a blend of nostalgic space-y sounds and their matter-of-fact vocals, the track is definitely an earworm.

Upcoming Shows
January 23rd 2019 // Portland, OR // The Liquor Store
January 24th 2019 // Eugene, OR // Old Nicks Bar
January 25th 2019 // Salem, OR // The Space
January 27th 2019 // San Francisco, CA // Milk Bar
January 28th 2019 // Santa Cruz, CA // Bocci’s Cellar
January 30th 2019 // Los Angeles, CA // Harvard & Stone
January 31st 2019 // Long Beach, CA // Alex’s Bar
February 1st 2019 // San Diego, CA // Til Two Club
February 2nd 2019 // Phoenix, AZ // The Lunchbox
February 3rd 2019 // Las Vegas, NV // Bunkhouse
February 7th 2019 // El Paso, TX // Love Buzz
February 8th 2019 // Tucson, AZ // Cans Deli

Keep up with Strawberry Mountain here.

exasperation, “pyre”

exasperation, “pyre”

San Diego-based rock trio Exasperation – comprised of Garrett Prange, David Mead, and Steve Dale – recently released a compelling 10-track album titled Paradise. Nestled among this bed of genius is the particularly dance-worthy lead track titled “Pyre”. Starting with staccato emphasis – reminiscent of The Lumineers’ “Submarines” – we are taken on a sonic journey that brings feelings of elation, despite the name of the band. We’ve got garage rock on our brains throughout the duration of the song, imagining a scenario where we are surrounded by friends at a basement party, concrete and a feeling of edge all around. And we think you might agree. Check it out, then let us know!

Keep up with Exasperation here.