by Karina Marquez | Aug 8, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Night Shop is the latest project of former touring drummer-turned-songwriter Justin Sullivan, and he has released a new single from his upcoming debut album In the Break, which is set to be released on September 14. “The Ship Has Sailed” is a folksy ballad with a very contemplative nature. The pairing of dreamy vocals and the constant strumming of a gentle guitar reminds me of Paul Simon. The melody is slow and his voice is soothing, but his lyrics are heartbreakingly honest:
Two days, four months, three years and still no spring,
I’m just counting down until there is nothing.
Your heart breaks as well, oh well, tell the tale.
Despite the somber recount of a lost love, it isn’t an entirely sad song, and that is because of its emotional honesty. The song is parallel to the feeling of driving on an empty highway just before dawn – it’s dark and lonely, but it’s also hopeful, and you’ll eventually get to wherever you’re going.
Be sure to listen to Night Shop’s debut album due out next month (plus a nationwide tour), and keep up with him here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 8, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
New York-based musician Charlie Phllps is ready to enchant your Wednesday with his soulful new track “Little Red Light”. From the first lines, his vocals take center stage, the instrumentals largely joining in later on in the track. At moments, the song is reminiscent of a modern spin on the late Michael Jackson. The percussion in “Little Red Light” is notable, utilized in a way that makes it almost impossible not to dance in some way to this song. And though the overarching theme is a bit more melancholy than the energy of the song would indicate, we feel like we have a special power — that we might even be a little stronger — listening to this song.
Keep up with Charlie Phllps here.
by Gemma Harewood | Aug 7, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Making their debut release on quickly establishing label Paradise Circus is Berlin-based duo WUSA, who have dropped an undeniable banger in the form of “Ghost.” While there’s a touch of modern R&B to “Ghost,” the general feel is a stellar electronic vibe. IIVES’ languorous yet assertive vocals take the lead on this slice of weekend bliss, a song which should stay on the playlist of beach parties, impromptu park drinking sessions and rooftop gatherings throughout the summer.
It’s a glorious new release that deserves your attention – hit play below to soak it up.
Keep up with WUSA here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 3, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Brooklyn-based body positive feminist rapper Miss Eaves is back with another upbeat music video for her latest track “Kiss Kiss I’m Fabulous”. Vibrant and fun, the video makes its watchers just want to get up and dance from the very first lines. As she strolls the streets of New York, Miss Eaves is joined by friends of all colors, ages, and sexual orientations, dancing and celebrating life and their own unique selves. This video is everything we’ve been craving this week, and we’re all about self care right now. Let “Kiss Kiss I’m Fabulous” prepare you to put yourself first all weekend.
Keep up with Miss Eaves here.
by Karina Marquez | Aug 1, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Portland band The Stubborn Lovers are here for a good time with their latest single “Drivin’ 22.” Their country-rock vibe shines in this track with an authenticity that only that kind of music can bring. The electric guitar riffs and upbeat vocals make for an extremely catchy tune. The lyrics relate to the child in all of us. They are bursting with nostalgia, with vivid opening imagery of a family making their way down Route 22:
Daddy’s at the wheel of a Ford Country Squire,
Mama’s putting makeup on down to the wire,
Sister’s in the back spilling Goldfish on the floor,
Shepherd’s in the way back scratching at the door.
The track is reminiscent of a simpler time by embodying the ambiance of an American summer. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to go back to the land of family road trips, fast food stops, and even the backseat fights with your siblings.
Be sure to check out their upcoming album Mother Road, out August 17. Keep up with the band here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 1, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
On Friday, Richmond, VA-based indie pop/rock collective Spooky Cool – comprised of Zac Hryciak, Paula Lavalle, Lee Spratley, Sean Williams, and Zavi Harman – is set to release their debut EP Every Thing Ever. But right now, we have a taste of what’s to come in their single “Black Wine”. Hard hitting from the beginning, the mellifluous vocals don’t hit until about the 57 second mark, evening out the rough, electric feel from the beginning. The singer’s vocal range is enticing in its far-reaching capabilities, making us swoon with each new line of lyrics. The instrumental breakdowns are perfect for jam band fans and mellow listeners alike, and we’re inundated with the good feels. (Despite perhaps, at times, the lyrical content itself.)
Keep up with Spooky Cool here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 1, 2018 | premieres, singles, wolf tracks
Today not only marks our success in cresting that mid-week hump (We see you, hump day!), but it also marks the release of Nashville-based singer/songwriter Kate Kelly‘s new track “Honey” and we’ve got the exclusive premiere. From her delicate yet sultry vocals – which are smoother than the song’s namesake, in our opinion – to the jazzy instrumentals, this song is a “sweet like candy” soundscape perfect for the (impending) cooling weather. And if you listen to the lyrics, there’s another layer to it all that most will find intriguing and relatable.
Says Kate of the track:
Writing “Honey” was so much more than writing a new song— it was writing a new feeling into my life experience. When “Honey” appeared within me, I found a version of myself I didn’t know existed. The song brought with it a new-found sense of self that was sassy, independent, and empowered in her truth. I still use “Honey” to remind myself to embrace my authenticity and independence, which is my biggest hope for listeners as well.
Keep up with Kate Kelly here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 31, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
New York-based indie pop songstress Julietta is letting it all go with new track “Smooth Sailing”. The whistling certainly brings on the laid back vibes from the onset, though the hard-hitting bass is something of note from the very beginning. The way the instrumentals swell bring the song into a more freeing and interesting soundscape, and Julietta’s light as a feather vocals are expertly layered into the entire thing. It’s an impressive track, with easily relatable lyrics. As Julietta sings about “finding my way,” we just want to sing this track from the top of our lungs in a convertible as we drive down the highway.
After you check the track, you’ll concur. We guarantee it. So allow yourself to expand with a little “Smooth Sailing”.
Keep up with Julietta here.
by ImperfectFifth | Jul 26, 2018 | soundtrack
I wanted to share a few of the artist and more specifically the songs that shaped my writing style from a very young age. These artists all had something to say with the lyrics of their soulful songs, and by my teens I was singing back these lyrics before I truly knew what they meant. These freedom fighting songs paved the way to speak truths to the masses…and realize the concept of “if one person isn’t free, none of us are free.” Artists are needed at this time to respect the roots of activist music, in all it’s form, and to keep the soul in resistance.
Keep up with Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics here.
