raffaella, “bruce willis”

raffaella, “bruce willis”

Rising artist Raffaella is NYC born and bred, and that city girl vibe is encapsulated into a little bubble of clever pop that is her second single, “Bruce Willis.” While the badass action star is the title of the track, he is only mentioned once, giving way to Raffaella’s commentary of the “cool rich kid” mentality. Her songwriting is sharp – the chorus is made up of brutally honest lyrics that show the significance of the teen image, especially when it comes to physical wealth and appearance:

Broke into Gucci pretend that I’m bougie to fool ya,
All that AC feeds American dreams to the cool kids,
My straight jacket’s form keeps me cozy and warm till the morning,
All that AC feeds American dreams to the cool kids.

Her music runs deep. Not only is her voice beautiful, but she provides a social commentary on issues that are relevant in today’s society, which, in this case, is the upper class and the damaging image that comes with it. This makes her the farthest thing from your typical pop star. She’s smart, savvy, and here to stay.

Listen to Raffaella’s first single “Sororicide,” and keep up with her here.

miranda glory, “hypochondriac”

miranda glory, “hypochondriac”

L.A. artist Miranda Glory is a skilled singer and songwriter with years spent at the most prestigious music schools in the world under her belt, and this new track is the latest result of her raw talent. “Hypochondriac” was inspired by Glory’s obsession with WebMD. With the help of her clever lyrics, her inspiration became a track that highlights the pain of not being able to trust someone in a relationship. Glory’s lyrics capture the anxiety we feel when we start doubting ourselves:

Think you’re always up to something or someone else,
Try to tell myself it’s nothing,
But a bruise becomes a blot clot.

By allowing herself to be vulnerable, she creates a connection with people who can relate to what she’s feeling. Her music shows the maturity of a veteran pop icon, yet she is just getting started. “Hypochondriac” is more than your typical Top 40 track. Its sharp lyrics, syncopated beats, and smooth vocals create something magical, and Glory is on her way to the top.

Be sure to check out Miranda Glory’s EP, which is set to be released later this year, and keep up with her here.

rén with the mane, “changes”

rén with the mane, “changes”

New York-based indie pop songstress Rén with the Mane is ready to add a touch of beauty to your summertime with her new track “Changes”. As she sings about being ready for a transition away from a relationship, the conflict she is going through is painfully palpable. Her gorgeously soft, yet strong, vocals instill a sense of calm at the same time, making this song perfect to enjoy while relaxing at the beach.

The other fun part? She’s singing about being ready for the “Changes” in her life. It feels as though humankind as a collective has been adjusting in ways previously unheard of, really getting in touch with their more vulnerable sides. This song can help prepare you for that. So, if you’re getting ready to make a change – and we all are – this song is probably perfect for you.

Keep up with Rén with the Mane here.

jara, disturbia

jara, disturbia

Who is seeking a synth-fueled, smooth like silk, otherworldly new alt-pop EP to enjoy? (Raises hands way up, and jumps up and down.) We’re SO ready for it, and San Diego based singer/songwriter JARA has a brand new 6 track stunner for us to treat our ears to. We’ve got the exclusive premiere, but we’re sure this one will make its rounds to impress the masses pretty soon, especially with its sun soaked disposition. Each track is loaded with its own personality, with a similar clip to the entire album that makes it feel like a complete journey all its own. Mid-tempo “Cutting Corners” sets the pace, while “Psycho Lovers” carries it on for us, perhaps a little more debauchery-ridden than its predecessor. And while “Something Else” stands alone as the perfect summertime carefree track, “Uninvited” brings the mood down a little bit, maintaining that same mid-tempo pace we’re too keen on to let go of. The slowest we get is with last track “Go Slow With Me”, which shines as the standout funk track and gives a little love to the entire collection before rounding it out.

Give this EP some love, you know you need some new weekend jams. 😉 Check out lead single “Something Else” below, and the entire EP under that!

Keep up with JARA here.

von grey, in bloom

von grey, in bloom

Cinematic synth rock trio Von Grey – comprised of Atlanta-based sisters Kathryn (Cello, Moog bass pedals, Mandolin), Annika (Lead Vocals, Violin, Synth, Banjo), and Fiona (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Violin, Synth, Percussion) – has graced our ears with the release of their brand new EP In Bloom. We’re incredibly smitten – and how can you not be with this musicianship? – so we had to get these six tracks in your ears before we signed off for the weekend. Drench your environment in the ethereal, laid back vibes induced by first track “Plans”, through the acoustic beauty of “6AM”, all the way through the last chords of “Dawn”.

If you’re traditionally not into family bands, don’t let the fact that they’re (SUCH TALENTED!) sisters throw you off. Their style, grace, and musicianship truly precede them, and we’re going to keep In Bloom on repeat for a while.

Keep up with Von Grey here.

deer, “wild eyes self oscillator” (madzine remix)

deer, “wild eyes self oscillator” (madzine remix)

Mexican / Hong Kong based duo Deer is following up the success of their new EP Portraits by releasing a new Madzine remix of their song “Wild Eyes Self Oscillator”. This track is just a taste of what’s to come off of their upcoming remix release Portraits Remixed.The new remixed album is taken from the original EP Portraits but is spun around to give it a new electronic feel, while still containing many original aspects. The new ‘Wild Eyes’ remix gives the original song a fun, upbeat, and energetic dance style that makes you want to get up and start moving. For this being the first song off of the remixed album, Deer definitely leaves you wanting more, and waiting eagerly for their new album which is soon to be released on October 12th. While waiting for their new album to be released, make sure you listen to their first EP Portraits and their new remix of ‘Wild Eyes’ so you are fully prepared for the sensational album soon to come.

Keep up with Deer here.

anna mae, “single-minded”

anna mae, “single-minded”

The Minnesota hailing artist Anna Mae has just released her new pop delight “Single-Minded” via Snafu Records. Having already gained quite the following, the rising artist has produced the perfect instantly infectious single to take her one step further.

This bouncy summer song finds Anna Mae sharing her thoughts on living the perfect single life, singing “I’m only thinking about me when I shop, party for one is the way that I like and I can’t stop’.

She says of its theme: Being single is often underrated so I wanted to write a song from my viewpoint about why it can be so amazing. Sometimes the best memories in life are nights spent going out with your friends or just hanging at home alone in your underwear, so why not enjoy them?!”

“Single-Minded” is out now – give it a listen below.

transviolet, “bad intentions”

transviolet, “bad intentions”

L.A.-based group Transviolet is high off the critical acclaim of their debut EP Kaleidoscopes and national tour with their latest video for “Bad Intentions.” At first glance, the electro-pop track seems to be accompanied by the visuals of a carefree party. But as we follow frontwoman Sarah McTaggart around, we see the darker side of your typical house party music video. It’s magnetic and colorful, yet there’s a deeper meaning behind the imagery. In light of a major cultural shift, the video highlights the power of women and what they can achieve when they stand together. In this case, it’s the women versus those ever-present jerks at a party. But the message is universal – stand up for what you truly believe in and watch what happens. Despite their major success, Transviolet remains fearless in their music and their mindset, and we need that now more than ever.

Check out their EP, and keep up with the band here.

billy moon, “white shoes” + “dingus”

billy moon, “white shoes” + “dingus”

Growing up in a small town in Ontario, Billy Moon, a punk-rock/alternative artist recently released two new songs from his upcoming LP Punk Songs, which is expected to be released very soon on September 14th! His two new songs, “White Shoes” and “Dingus”, combine elements of rock along with alternative, sounding similar to the likes of classic yet modern rock band The Strokes. If these two songs are just a teaser of what’s to come off of his new LP, then you can expect that the final project will surely be a phenomenon. Not only can you expect a new LP coming soon this fall, but you can also catch Billy Moon live in concert, when he sets out on his U.S. tour where you can hear his new music live!

Keep up with Billy Moon here.