Interview: Emo Orchestra and Hawthorne Heights

Adam Grundy Oct 6, 2023

Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom interview with the leader of Emo Orchestra, Ben Mench-Thurlow, as well as the bassist from Hawthorne Heights, Matt Ridenour, to discuss the on-going tour. I asked both of them about what challenges this unique concert experience brings to the table, how the setlist came together, as well as what they each love about Emo music. This tour of Emo Orchestra wraps up on November 12th in Anaheim, California.

Adam Grundy Oct 6, 2023

Today is a great day to share the latest single from indie singer-songwriter, Matt Costa, called “The Golden Ghost.” On this textured, western folk song, Costa channels rich musical landscapes similar to Bon Iver and The Decemberists. Speaking on the track, Costa said, “Golden Ghost is a song that I wrote after meeting a long lost relative. I started writing it in the morning, took an eight hour drive through the mojave desert, and came home late that same night to complete the song. I felt strange that an Imagined reality can be more powerful than an actual one. I recorded it in the golden state of California.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider supporting this artist here. I was also able to catch up with Matt for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Oct 5, 2023

Today I’m ecstatic to share with everyone the news that Great Good Fine Ok has returned with an electric-charged new single, “Will We Make It?” The band has recently signed to the label Nettwerk and will be releasing their next EP in early-2024. “Will We Make It?” showcases a revitalized soundscape of Great Good Fine Ok, blending warbling vocals with bass-y synths that are sure to entice listeners. The track features hypnotic high register gliding over a bridge that sets the stage for lead singer Jon Sandler’s emotionally charged plea, ”I really need to know right now, will we make it?” This lyrical exclamation delves into the uncertainty that often accompanies today’s complex world of relationships and connections with a relatable perspective. In 2022, the guys traded Brooklyn for Los Angeles. Adding more live instrumentation and pulling inspirations from “seventies jazz-rock” and R&B, they are channeling Steely Dan, Prince, and other influences. The band also shared:

A couples therapist once told my partner and me that if ‘you’re confused to halt action’ We became paralyzed by uncertainty obeying this advice. You can get so far into a downward spiral that you forget how you even got there – wish you could rewind and ‘analyze the video.’ You can yell ‘I really need to know right now, will we make it,’ but there’s no one who can really answer that question, and you can never know for sure anyway. One thing is certain though: life is just a string of days and if you’re unhappy for a lot of them, you might want to make a change.

If you’re enjoying the early listen to the new single, you can pre-save it here.

Adam Grundy Oct 5, 2023

Today I’m so excited to share with everyone the latest single and video from Nashville-based artist, Helena Hallberg, called “From The Outside.” The song comes from the newly announced LP, EPITHET, that will be out next spring, and showcases this talented artist’s growth as a songwriter. While Hallberg takes inspiration from Joni Mitchell and ABBA, she displays a folk prowess to her music that exudes confidence and has a contemporary feel to it much like Maggie Rogers is doing. Hallberg shared:

The song came to me as a sort of anthem to my own journey; Moving to the US and taking a chance on building something better, while also acknowledging that journeys often don’t have happy ends– and that’s ok. Because while your life may not play out exactly the way you had envisioned, you can always be proud of taking that step out, you’ll be a better person for it.

The video captures the heart of the song, and marks Hallberg as a key artist to watch as this year unfolds.

Adam Grundy Oct 4, 2023

Today I’m excited to introduce everyone to experimental indie band, Salamander, and their latest single called “The Label.” Their debut LP, [Container], will be released later on this month and this third single from the set showcases an artist willing to take calculated risks on a distorted shoegaze track that expands upon the possibilities of the band. Band member Leo Frampton shared:

I woke up one morning with the melody to the label in my head, and immediately made a guitar demo on my computer. PJ’s ableton beat on this really gives me chills. I have a verse about loneliness and alienation, PJ later sings about surviving the apocalypse, and in an emotional ending, we bring it all together. ‘the label’ is what people see from the outside, it is what they choose to look at or away from.

I was also able to catch up with this band for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Oct 4, 2023

Today I’m excited to bring everyone the latest single from three-piece rock band, Population II, called “Pourquoi qu’on dort pas.” On this electric new track, the band delivers a heavy, psychedelic rock-infused sound with feverish funk rhythms, a hint of jazz philosophy, a burst of early punk energy, and a love of minor scales that harkens back to the roots of heavy metal. I was able to catch up with the band for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Oct 3, 2023

The latest single from indie-rock band Blue Vervain, called “Mexico,” features breathy vocals over lush musical arrangements to bring those perfect end-of-summer vibes into your headspace. From the mind of Jon Khan, Blue Vervain captures something magical on songs like this take from the newly released full-length record of The Garden. As Khan sings the refrain of, ““I want to see you, right now,” it’s easy to visualize that one person that you want to spend all of your days with.

Blue Vervain showcases his depth as key solo artist to watch as we get closer to turning the page on 2023. On this reflective new single, that fits well within the wheelhouse of bands like Ash and Dashboard Confessional, Blue Vervain have truly arrived. The Garden is an album that continues to go down the rabbit hole of the possibilities Khan can take his music, and if “Mexico” is any indication of the music to get accustomed to, you’ll want to stay tuned.

Review: Koyo – Would You Miss It?

Adam Grundy Sep 29, 2023

”Greetings from this island life” is how lead vocalist Joseph Chiaramonte of Koyo sets the stage on “51st State,” the opening song from the band’s stellar debut LP Would You Miss It? Formed in Long Island, New York by five childhood friends who grew up together—Chiaramonte, guitarists Harold Griffin and TJ Rotolico, bassist Stephen Spanos, and drummer Salvatore Argento showcase their growth as a band that has released several marquee EPs that led them to this moment in time to finally deliver their most dramatic artistic statement to date on their first full-length record. The set was produced by Jon Markson (Drug Church, Regulate, One Step Closer) and it features some collaborations with Glassjaw, The Movielife, and Vein.fm to keep things remarkably interesting. Koyo have been road warriors as of late, having shared stages with I Am The Avalanche, Bayside, and No Pressure, and this live experience pays off widely on a set of songs that blast off of the speakers with vibrant energy. With such great momentum going in this band’s favor, Koyo could very well be this year’s breakthrough artist in the genre, much like how Turnstile knocked everyone on their collective asses with 2021’s Glow On. Would You Miss It? is filled with slick hardcore hooks, and showcases a band coming into their own at just the right moment in time.

Adam Grundy Sep 29, 2023

Today I’m thrilled to share with everyone the latest single and video from Miss Velvet called “Zumirez.” Channeling the legends of classic rock with powerhouse vocals, impeccable leather style, and an elusive sense of danger that takes you by surprise, Miss Velvet has taken the rock n roll world by storm. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for an interview below.

Adam Grundy Sep 29, 2023

Today I’m so excited to share with everyone an exclusive track-by-track feature by Welsh pop-punk band,Honeytalks, regarding their new EP titled There’s Hope in the Hopeless. Despite less than two years in existence, Welsh wunderkinds Honeytalks have already landed acclaim from BBC Introducing, as well as Kerrang Radio (finishing 2^nd in the Marshall Records competition) and Bowling for Soup front-man Jaret Reddick. Upcoming sophomore EP, There’s Hope in Hopeless marries the best of the Drive-Thru Records era with a punchy and contemporary pop-punk grit. The record embodies struggle, positivity and triumph for those who feel marginalized and misunderstood. Mental health is at the thematic core of the new collection, but the overarching message is one of strength and hope, inspired by Honeytalks’ uplifting brand of melodic punk. This track-by-track was put together by Adam Scott, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Honeytalks, and the EP is available on all streaming services starting today.

Adam Grundy Sep 28, 2023

Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom interview with the lead vocalist of Silverstein, Shane Told, to discuss the band’s tour preparations for their anniversary tour of their sixth record, This Is How The Wind Shifts. In this interview, I asked Shane about what went into the writing process for they current album (Misery Made Me), the band’s thinking behind doing the REDUX album re-recordings, and some advice he has for young bands navigating the changing music business. Silverstein will be embarking on their This Is How The Wind Shifts tour starting November 23rd in Toronto, and tickets can be purchased here.

Adam Grundy Sep 28, 2023

Today I’m excited to share with everyone the latest single and video from rock band, Super City, called “Hang Up.” On this electric-charged new track, that is sure to make you think as much as it makes you want to dance, Super City channel their love for guitar-based dance grooves paired with slick hooks. The band shared:

The song is sung from the perspective of someone who doesn’t feel strong enough to leave a relationship that they shouldn’t have entered in the first place. The main character explains how they were promised love, but instead only receives criticism and gets berated on the phone. The little voice in their head tells them to hang up, but they’re too weak. At the climax of the song, the main character makes a last ditch effort to impress their sharp-tongued partner with an insane guitar riff. This is to no avail and the song ends with the highest notes that we could sing.

If you’re enjoying the early listen to the single, please consider pre-ordering their new LP In The Midnight Room.

Adam Grundy Sep 28, 2023

The latest single from NJ pop-punk band All Systems Go called “The Lowdown” revisits the glory days of the genre and makes for a memorable statement. Imagine the Drive-Thru Records-era bands being put into a blender with their various styles and voices, and you’d likely end up with something similar to All Systems Go. Produced by Gary Cioni (Hot Mulligan, Crime in Stereo) and mastered by Mike Kalajian (New Found Glory, Senses Fail), this professional-sounding track is sure to be the perfect addition to that end-of-summer playlist you’ve been crafting.

The song opens with some somber vocals that quickly accelerate over the great guitar riffs, before exploding into an anthemic chorus. It reminds me a bit of early-New Found Glory paired with the crunchy, start/stop riffing of Fenix TX. The chorus of, “And I just hate how I get it now / It doesn’t matter if we talk it out / You make me wary of everything / That might just seem like the right move / To bringing me down / And I get it now / And I’m still wishing that you’ll come around / And now there’s nothing left that I can do / You just have to get through to you,” is well-constructed and thought out fully, as it tackles the theme of navigating a troublesome relationship. All Systems Go are showing a lot of promise on songs like this one.

Review: STMNTS – Tendencies

Adam Grundy Sep 27, 2023

The music business is a very unforgiving place. The window of opportunity to make a mark in the music world appears to be getting slimmer by the day, so it’s of the utmost importance to deliver your best material as consistently as possible. Easier said than done, right? The new Baltimore punk band, STMNTS, are well up to the task of delivering the goods on their vibrant new EP called Tendencies. The slick five-song record is filled with anthemic moments, crisp guitar tones, and well-timed vocals/harmonies to make the EP remain memorable. With a sound that fits well within the realm of the crunchy guitar riffing of Four Year Strong, to the sensitive side of The Wonder Years, paired with the great emo production of Bayside, STMNTS are taking full advantage of their time. This band makes emo/punk music look effortless, and it’s quite a fun listening experience.

Adam Grundy Sep 27, 2023

Today is a great day to share the new video from Rustbelt called “You Got Nowhere to Go But You’re Going There Tonight.” Previously going by the moniker of Juiceboxxx, the newly named Rustbelt (the solo project of John Chiaverina) has also announced his next EP, You Got Nowhere to Go But You’re Going There Tonight, out everywhere music is sold on January 19th via Dangerbird Records. He shared, “With Rustbelt, I’m trying to give myself room to move outside of my narrative a tiny bit. These songs are like alternate timelines for myself.” With a sound that’s fully entrenched in American-styled pop music, Rustbelt is an artist to watch as this year unfolds. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below.

Interview: Emo Orchestra and Hawthorne Heights

Matt Costa – “The Golden Ghost” (Song Premiere)

Great Good Fine Ok – “Will We Make It?” (Song Premiere)

Helena Hallberg – “From The Outside” (Video Premiere)

Salamander – “The Label” (Song Premiere)

Population II – “Pourquoi qu’on dort pas” (Song Premiere)

Review: Blue Vervain – “Mexico”

Review: Koyo – Would You Miss It?

Miss Velvet – “Zumirez” (Video Premiere)

Honeytalks – “There’s Hope in the Hopeless” (Track-by-Track)

Interview: Shane Told of Silverstein

Super City – “Hang Up” (Video Premiere)

Review: All Systems Go – “The Lowdown”

Review: STMNTS – Tendencies

Rustbelt – “You Got Nowhere To Go But You’re Going There Tonight” (Video Premiere)