Matthew Lowry – “Coming For You” (Video Premiere)

Adam Grundy Aug 17, 2023

Today I’m thrilled to introduce everyone to Matthew Lowry, a talented singer-songwriter who is bringing a lot of Florida sunshine everyone’s way on the shimmering new single, “Coming For You.” The song has a nod to the Foo Fighters’ style of humor, paired with the picturesque music storytelling of Ben Folds and the pop sheen of Elton John. Lowry shared:

I knew right away when I wrote the riff for this song that I needed to follow through on it. It was so much fun from the start because, for a long time, my songwriting had been missing the hard rock that I grew up loving. The stuff that made me want to put a guitar on. A little Southern flare mixed with the rock anthems I blasted throughout my entire childhood. No better way to be honest with yourself and move forward than to let out the real stuff you have inside. And since this album is about that journey to embrace yourself and move forward in life, it was perfect. Once this was tracked in the studio, that feeling I had from the start was confirmed. I wanted this to be the final single before the album came out. Lyrically, it’s pretty straightforward: I’m over trying to be anything for anyone. No more fear, no more paranoia. I’m bringing my shit front and center. This is me, this is my music, this is who I am. Then to be really me, we knew that we wanted to make the video as ridiculous and goofy as we could. Since I started planning the album, I had this idea for the “Flamingo County Games” as a Jackass style backwoods Florida Olympics. A bit of a nod to the Foo Fighters in their golden era of amazing music videos with those huge rock anthems. In the end, it all came together, and I honestly could not be happier.

Matthew Lowry’s latest track comes from his new LP, Flamingo County, due out on September 15th.

Adam Grundy Aug 16, 2023

Today is a great day to share the latest single from Coma Girls, called “Candles.” Coma Girls is the moniker of songwriter Chris Spino, and he tackles the themes of addiction, recovery, and wanting to be a better person with grace and poise. On this journey of self-reflection that is drenched in great guitar sounds and soothing vocals, Coma Girls showcase his staying power in the music scene. When speaking on his latest single, Spino shared:

’Candles’ was one of the first songs I recorded for the album. It was also the only one that we ended up re-recording when the album was close to being finished. The original version was very upbeat. We ended up slowing it down. We made the drums more fat and in the pocket, right from the jump of it. The lead guitar part is very inspired by picky guitar players, such as Kurt Vile, that use their fingers rather than a pick. The backing vocals are stacked harmonies that are meant to sound choral, haunting, and continuous throughout the song. The lyrics are very bittersweet. It’s talking about loving someone and always having their back, even though you know that you shouldn’t. It eventually shakes out in the end, which causes a lot of emotional inner conflict.The song takes a sharp left turn towards the end. The distorted guitars come in abruptly. The drums break out, very loudly, into a wall of sound. The chanting mantra, “leave your candles lit, my pain keeps burning on and on and on,” is grief expressed through the death of an ideal, and the struggle that comes along with that afterward. It’s very unsettling to resolve these feelings within myself without the confirmation or acknowledgment of those who disappointed me. It takes a lot of self-work to cope with. Ultimately, a part of me had to die in order to detach myself from whatever toxic environments I was once clinging to. In doing that, I have a new life as a result. As scary as it was at first, it turned out to be very exciting and was the cause of a lot of growth and motivation. I’d been messed up. I participated in so much nonsense in my life. Once I decided to do things differently, there was a real struggle that took place. I think that’s what this song speaks to.

If you’re enjoying the direction of Coma Girls latest track, you can check out more music from this talented artist when his new LP, Crystal Pistol, drops on October 13th.

Adam Grundy Aug 10, 2023

The Richmond-based trio, Broadside, has returned with a great new single called “Bang” via SharpTone Records. The song features a great guest vocal appearance by Josh Roberts, and continues the sonic exploration of the sound that Broadside tinkered with on their last single (“Cruel”). The track opens with an eerie guitar riff paired with the vulnerable lyrics of, “Hang my head out the window / Watching the cars go / Hoping that one of them / Would change my life / They say it’s all that ego keeping your feet cold / I should listen to my daddy’s advice / I bite my tongue until the blood is running down my chest,” before exploding into a crowd-pleasing chorus. The electric new single was produced, mixed and mastered by Andrew Wade, and he gets a powerful performance out of the talented band.

Adam Grundy Aug 10, 2023

Today I’m so excited to share with everyone the latest single from ultra-talented songwriter, RYTERBAND, called “Camouflage.” The song comes from his forthcoming EP, Echoes, that will be released everywhere music is sold on November 3rd. With a sound that fits within the same realm as Bon Iver and James Blake, RYTERBAND has all the makings of a star. When speaking on his new single, he shared:

As a kid, I was afraid to take risks. Only by focusing on the pain of missed opportunities was I able to escape my own numbness and justify being myself. These days, I cherish authenticity and boldness. I wrote ‘Camouflage’ as a cautionary tale and a reminder to us all. It’s too easy to let life slip by half-lived. I hope this song inspires people to be themselves.

As a composer, music editor, and songwriter, RYTERBAND’s work also graces over 50 TV shows and films, including hits like Euphoria, Brooklyn 99, and The Umbrella Academy.

Adam Grundy Aug 9, 2023

Today is a great day to share the latest single/video from indie-pop artist, Caicos, called “Subsequent Footprint.” The track features a great collaboration from Philly rapper, Lojii, and makes an immediate impact on the music scene. The single comes from the forthcoming LP Ascension Intention, that will be released everywhere music is sold on September 15th. I was also able to catch up with Caicos for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Aug 8, 2023

On the third studio album from M.A.G.S., called Destroyer, Elliott Douglas has destruction clearly on his mind. The majority of the record tackles the themes of self-destruction and personal growth, while also allowing room for some social commentary. Douglas shared his perspective on Destroyer by explaining, “I want my listeners to be immersed in the desolation and chaos of this world, I want them to come face to face with the ugly truth…the dark underbelly of their subconscious…all the internalized trauma and destruction. And I want them to be smiling as they face it, because they can see they are not being swallowed by their darkness but that they are, in fact, holding it in the palm of their hand.” From the artwork depicting an “end of days” scenario of tornadoes touching down on a field of flowers, everything clicks directly into place on this fully-realized record that is filled with experimentation and creativity. While his last album, Say Things That Matter, was a breezy, pop-oriented LP that found Douglas growing more comfortable in his singing voice, Destroyer embraces the chaos in the most thrilling way possible.

Adam Grundy Aug 7, 2023

Recently I was able to schedule an interview with Los Angeles-based duo, John Sinclair and Fil Thorpe, who go by the name of World’s First Cinema. In this interview, I asked them about the style of their music, how they do most of their songwriting, and their plans for touring. World’s First Cinema fit well in the realm of the theatrics of Panic! at the Disco, paired with the hooks of Motion City Soundtrack, but they really have a style that needs to be heard to get the full experience.

Adam Grundy Aug 3, 2023

Today is a great day to introduce everyone to Oh He Dead, a DC-based indie soul band who are preparing to release their sophomore LP Pretty on September 15th. Their latest single, “Lightning Drunk” captures the feeling of falling head-first in love without thinking about any of the negative consequences. It has a sound that infuses the neo-soul of Earth, Wind & Fire, paired with the picturesque dreamy vibes of Fleetwood Mac, all with a modern twist of Amy Winehouse-stylized vibes. Band member Andy Valenti shared:

I can’t remember who said it first, but someone uttered the phrase “Lightning Drunk,” and it just fit so well. I loved the idea of falling in love with lightning. Getting addicted to something so intense, bright, exciting, and dangerous. It felt like a great iteration of the “electric love” lyric that is perhaps a bit cliche. CJ really spearheaded the verse vocals on this one, but I remember working on them with her in my basement apartment, just visualizing all of the different ways that getting struck by lightning feels like a dangerously exciting romance.

If you’re ready to fall head over heels in love with your next favorite band, Oh He Dead is here for you.

Adam Grundy Aug 3, 2023

Today I’m thrilled to share with everyone the latest single and music video from Aussie pop star, Ben Hazlewood, called “Chemical Roulette.” On this atmospheric track, Hazlewood proves he’s one of the key artists to watch as this year unfolds. Ben shared,

I could argue it was all a highly scientific experiment to create new neurological pathways; to bend and mould my mind into a new way of thinking. Or, call it what it was; a bender of epic degree, one in which I was crushed, then rebuilt, shattered and swept up. I hit the basement floor of pain and the highest heights of happiness. Whatever way I justify this time in my life…Chemical roulette is a game just as dangerous as it’s Russian counterpart but far more fun, and with this celebratory song of survival as memento of the best parts.

I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for an interview below.

Adam Grundy Aug 1, 2023

The ninth studio album by The Maine is a self-titled effor that was produced by Colby Wedgeworth (the same producer who oversaw four other The Maine albums), and it’s easy to see why the band considers him a “sixth band member.” Having produced landmark records like Lovely Little Lonely and XOXO: From Love and Anxiety In Real Time, this self-titled album seems like the logical sequel to Lovely Little Lonely, so it’s only fitting for Wedgeworth to be at the helm. The new album also bears extra significance with the “8.1.23” street date, and showcases the band’s continued growth as songwriters. The first taste of The Maine came with the lead single, “Blame,” that even got the attention and adoration of The Jonas Brothers on Instagram. The pacing on the new record is electric and frenetic, while still allowing a few songs to brood in the darkness to fit the overall mood and aesthetic of the black & white album artwork. Having released two other singles leading up to today’s release date, “How To Exit A Room” and “Dose No. 2,” The Maine have a bulletproof record on their hands that is filled with a plethora of single-worthy songs that only prove the point of the band being on the top of their game, and quite possibly the world.

Adam Grundy Jul 31, 2023

Today is a great day to introduce everyone to indie folk/pop artist, Ava Earl. On the second single from her new LP, Too Much (due out everywhere music is sold on September 15th), “Ears Bleed” tackles her personal topic of coming to terms with being deaf in her right ear. Earl shared, ““After going deaf in my right ear, I was left with emotions that took months to unravel, sort, and explain. Six months in, I thought I had come to a semblance of peace when this song tumbled out of me, surprising me with a pain that was still so palpable.” Ava Earl has found early success in her career by opening up for Maggie Rogers while she was still in high school, and has released four albums before she turned 18. With a sound that fits well within the realm of Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and Phoebe Bridgers, Ava Earl might just be the next most important indie artist to arrive on the music scene. If you’re enjoying the early listen to “Ears Bleed,” you can pre-save it here.

Adam Grundy Jul 28, 2023

Today I’m excited to share with everyone the latest single and music video from rock band, OSEES, called “Stunner.” John Dwyer shared, “Matt Yoka came up with the idea of filming us playing the song in our rehearsal space with as many people as we could fit, and as many formats as he could stomach. Hi-vis on all the kids. Constricted & claustrophobic just as contemporary routines can be. Noise, obstacle and pointless spectacle. There is no escape!” If you’re enjoying this latest slab of rock, their forthcoming LP, Intercepted Message, will be released everywhere music is sold on August 18th via In The Red Records.

Adam Grundy Jul 27, 2023

Emo-infused alternative rock band, I Am The Pilot, are back with their first taste of new music in 16 years. On their latest single, called “Did You Feel It Too?”, the band channels their love of slick hooks paired with great-sounding guitars for a complete wall-of-sound approach to their music. The band is comprised of Todd Ross and Chad Gannon, and if you’re needing a reminder of their music style, it fits somewhere within the same vein as Bayside and Matchbook Romance. Lead vocalist Chad Gannon shared:

’Did You Feel It Too?’ is the first single and part of our upcoming, as-of-yet untitled release, set to drop later this year on Manic Kat Records. It’s also the first single we have released officially since 2007, and we could not be more excited to share it with everyone. Our hope is that when you listen to this track, you feel the emotions, energy, and passion that went into making it. Ironically, ‘Did You Feel It Too?’ is about the changes that have happened to the scene over the last 20 years. This song is our battle cry announcement that we are back! We hope you enjoy listening to this track as much as we enjoyed creating it together.

If you’re enjoying the early listen to the latest single, it will be available on all streaming services tomorrow.

Adam Grundy Jul 21, 2023

Much like seeing an old friend that you thought you’d never run into again, reunions bring back a flood of memories that make you realize just how important these people are in your life. When Yellowcard announced that they would be playing a show at Chicago’s Riot Fest in 2022, the band realized that there was still a lot of positive energy that happens when they get together. When I last chatted with lead vocalist, Ryan Key, he mentioned that there was a feeling within the Yellowcard camp that their last two albums, Lift a Sail and their self-titled, were made “more for them” in the band and that this latest EP, Childhood Eyes, would have the potential of getting longtime fans of the band excited in the direction they’re taking. Key mentioned in a different interview, “We knew we were writing an EP which meant we only got five songs, so we had to really make them special. And I think there was an immediate sense of bringing it back to Paper Walls—the idea that we need to make something that we’re proud of, but also something that gets Yellowcard fans excited about what we’re doing. So at that point, we picked up the guitars and started demoing and, honestly, I think these five songs could have just been on that record in 2007. And I love that.” By getting that familiar, yet glorious feeling of reinvigorating their passion for playing music together again, Yellowcard have made a dramatic collection of songs that not only lives up to the legacy they built, but hints at the possibility of more music in the future.

Adam Grundy Jul 21, 2023

Recently, I was able to schedule a Zoom interview with the band, Letter Kills, to discuss what made them want to start making music again. I asked the band about the memories they had from recording their well-balanced debut The Bridge, why they felt that the record didn’t get as much traction as they had hoped, as well as what went into the writing/recording process of their triumphant new single, “Right Where We Belong.” Letter Kills will also be playing a headlining show at The Observatory in LA with Dead American and Bullets & Octane on July 28th.

Matthew Lowry – “Coming For You” (Video Premiere)

Coma Girls – “Candles” (Song Premiere)

Review: Broadside – “Bang”

RYTERBAND – “Camouflage”

Caicos + Lojii – “Subsequent Footprint” (Video Premiere)

Review: M.A.G.S. – Destroyer

Interview: World’s First Cinema

Oh He Dead – “Lightning Drunk” (Song Premiere)

Ben Hazlewood – “Chemical Roulette” (Video Premiere)

Review: The Maine – The Maine

Ava Earl – “Ears Bleed” (Song Premiere)

OSEES – “Stunner” (Video Premiere)

I Am The Pilot – “Did You Feel It Too?” (Song Premiere)

Review: Yellowcard – Childhood Eyes

Interview: Letter Kills