vern matz, “systematically gone”

vern matz, “systematically gone”

Indie rock trio Vern Matz – comprised of Danny Belgrad, Michael Lituchy, Noah Silvestry – may hail from New Haven, Connecticut, but their songwriting hits you at your core no matter where you spent your formative years. Explains the band of the track:

“Systematically Gone” was recorded in a small town in Connecticut, where we lived off of vegetarian chili for a few days. It was produced and mixed by Peter Katis, a longtime collaborator with The National and dedicated soup consumer. In “Systematically Gone”, our character has reached a breaking point, and it’s unclear what the next step forward is. It’s like being in an ice cream shop where all the flavors are sherbet and you hate sherbet and your relationship is falling apart.

If you’ve ever questioned a decision or two in life – and I know we all have – this song will be something you hold close. It’s meandering, mellifluous soundscape will keep you feeling safe and warm in the autumn months, as you seek to clear up whatever road blocks you may be experiencing. Check it here, first, below!

Keep up with Vern Matz here.

paul jacks, “laid to rest”

paul jacks, “laid to rest”

Indie pop musician Paul Jacks is ready to share his latest single “Laid to Rest” with the world, and we’ve got your first listen! With glittering vocals laid over  80s pop perfect synthesizers and a lighthearted disposition, “Laid to Rest” provides us that warmth that only a John Hughes movie could do adequately, as we melt into our own teen flick dreams.

Defractor is out November 30th.

zes, “set mind”

zes, “set mind”

It’s been a while since we last heard from ZES, so we’re stoked to have a new treat from him. The Dutch producer brings an electronic/future bass sound that pours out longing and conflict, both internal and external.

Between the driving drums and bassline and the shifting vocal chops, the production creates a strong parallel with the vocals and lyrics. Forward-moving and progressively steady while varied and unsure on the surface, “Set Mind” is totally raw and honest in its delivery.

Give this beauty a listen below!

nick talos, “home to you”

nick talos, “home to you”

Tracks like “Glass House” and “Hey Gorgeous” from Nick Talos have unsurprisingly gained him impressive numbers of both streams and fans. The Berlin based producer has now put out “Home To You,” which features his lilting vocals against an upbeat backdrop.

He is able to write both romantic and dance-ready singles, and this is another example of that. Folk-style flute and guitar patterns sound wonderful aside its dynamic beat, and Nick Talos has clearly drawn on personal experience to create this tune.

It’s available now to stream worldwide – give it a listen below.

shockpowder, “airy”

shockpowder, “airy”

Today, post-metal trio Shockpowder – expertly comprised of Joshua Scurfield (guitar/vocals), Alasdair Spence (bass), and Louie Watson (drums) – releases their latest track “Airy”. The track blends their normal grungier sound with a sound that is very much reflective of its title, opening with a lighter, more feel-good sound that then layers in some rougher, heavy-hitting instrumentals. It’s a dichotomy that translates gorgeously, and we’re big, big fans.

Keep up with Shockpowder here.

ian wayne, “revelation”

ian wayne, “revelation”

Brooklyn-based rock musician Ian Wayne‘s debut album might not be out quite yet – A Place Where Nothing Matters drops November 16th – but his clear creative abilities are showing up all over the place. For example, his new music video for single “Revelation”. Shot and edited by Ian himself – with additional footage by Winston Cook-Wilson – “Revelation” explores mundane activities with Ian in a suit, highlighting the beauty of the streets of Brooklyn in some scenes, and glimpsing other bits of nature in others. As Ian eats a pastry on a chair, a cat lounges lazily behind him. A cap adds some flair to his suit (see: above), but nothing caps the quirky esthetic of an animation that pops into the frame seemingly randomly near the end.

Trust us, it’s a pretty entertaining video. And the track is more than perfect for your next house hangs playlist. Take a gander below!

Keep up with Ian Wayne here.

ocnside, “bless your soul”

ocnside, “bless your soul”

Los Angeles-based rock duo OcnSide – comprised of Toeknee Aguiar and David Dennis – infuse a fitting soulful vibe into their new track “Bless Your Soul”. With a strong beat – including foot-stomping staccatos to make your head spin – the song has a freeing, fun vibe as they croon “bless your soul / be all that you want to be” repeatedly. Explains the duo of the track:

Bless Your Soul’ really tries to encompass the distress and heartache of life, but at the same time, it seeks to throw a positive spin and encourage uniqueness and individuality,” the band explains. “Also, picking yourself up despite everything and being able to look around and say to yourself ‘it’s going to be alright.’ Go after life and be anything, don’t be afraid.

Keep up with OcnSide here.

joe kaplow, “allison”

joe kaplow, “allison”

Santa Cruz-based indie folk artist Joe Kaplow has been digging into a musician’s life on the road. His latest single – “Allison” – which finds its premiere right here, right now, was actually inspired by a woman he met on his adventures in Baltimore. Their meeting sparked a whirlwind romance, detailed in this gorgeous, delicate new track. “Allison” is introspective, allowing its listener to go on this specific audible adventure with Kaplow, as well as really giving them a post-relationship evaluation to rival their own. Driven by acoustic guitar, the percussion layers in slowly and is intricate and beautiful in its existence.

Keep up with Joe Kaplow here.

spencer ludwig, “just wanna dance” (lefti remix)

spencer ludwig, “just wanna dance” (lefti remix)

Los Angeles based funk-infused soul-pop creator Spencer Ludwig has had quite the year with new music releases. Today, we’ve got the exclusive streaming premiere of the LEFTI remix of his track “Just Wanna Dance”. Though the original track is pure bliss, the updated version gives us all the good vibes, staccato instrumentals and all. Though the track is largely electronic, there is an ethereal feeling to it all, induced by Ludwig’s smooth as honey vocals. The best part about it? It came about due to a sense of community, which is everything and more for a dance track!

I feel a kindred spirit to my friend LEFTI since we both shared the experience of being in a popular indie-pop band (LEFTI was the bass player in Cobra Starship) around the same time and also for deciding to break off and do our own thing around the same time. We’re also neighbors in Brooklyn! The NY music scene is small and I’m a big fan of LEFTI and of collaborating with NY artists in general. This remix foreshadows a collaboration between LEFTI and me called “Every Time”, which comes out in early 2019. It’s really just to give you a taste of what’s to come!

Get yourself in the mood for a spectacular weekend below!

Keep up with Spencer Ludwig here.