Hallie Spoor – “Diamond Ring” (Song Premiere)

Adam Grundy Jul 17, 2023

Today is a great day to share the latest single from indie-folk singer/songwriter, Hallie Spoor, called “Diamond Ring.” With a sound that fits somewhere between the easy-going attitude of Sheryl Crow, paired with the powerful and memorable vocals of Amy Winehouse, Spoor checks all the boxes for what you’d want in a talented songwriter. Not to be outdone by her dynamic new single, Spoor also announces that her new EP Heart Like Thunder will be releasing on October 17th. If you’re enjoying “Diamond Ring,” be sure to check out Hallie Spoor’s Bandcamp page here.

Adam Grundy Jul 14, 2023

When Queen first took a break in the early part of 1983, Brian May decided to use this extra time in his hands to get some of his closest rock band friends for what would become the Star Fleet Project. This mini-album features Edward Van Halen (guitar), Alan Gratzer (drums), Phil Chen (bass) and Fred Mandel (keyboards), with May taking the reins of lead vocals and guitar for a crowd-pleasing set of three songs that have been reissued on a remastered vinyl collection released today. In addition to the vinyl single, the box set includes a thrilling 23-track CD filled with previously unreleased material. Brian May shared, “It’s all here. ALL of it. Every note we played on those two days is right here, on show for the first time. I will take you behind the scenes into that studio with us for two unforgettably exhilarating days.” This dedication to the project that took place on April 21-22, 1983 is remastered in pain-staking detail and care, and pulls back the curtain on one of the most beloved classic rock recordings of all time.

The record launches off with “Star Fleet,” that has a sound somewhere between the classic rock sheen of Boston, paired with the memorable guitar riffing from May. Brian May’s vocals sound as brilliant as they’ve ever been on this remastered mix and it really makes the music shine out of the gate. The other song on the A-side, called “Let Me Out,” is a bluesy rock song that is sure to make even the most skeptical music fan a believer in the chemistry May had with these legendary musicians. Not to be outdone by their early work, the back half features a gargantuan, 13-minute blues rock song on the aptly titled “Blues Breaker,” that further highlights the impressive back and forth wailing between Van Halen and May. Even without any vocals on the instrumental closing song, it remains a captivating listening experience that was meant to be played on a turntable in all its glory. The Star Fleet Sessions is getting another worthy moment in the sun, and I think we’re all better off because of this.

FORAGER – “Hello To The Kiddies” (Song Premiere)

Adam Grundy Jul 14, 2023

Today I’m excited to introduce everyone to indie pop band, FORAGER, who are back with their second single off of their recently announced LP, Pipedream Firewood, called ”Hello To The Kiddies.” “Hello to the Kiddies” is an earworm that’s warped by the band’s characteristic off-kilter production choices, propulsive bass lines, and dreamy vocal styling. The chorus only hits once, but that’s all you’ll need to remember the hook. Pipedream Firewood hits music streaming services on August 18th, and I was also able to catch up with the band for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Jul 14, 2023

Right off the coattails of a success single, called “Seattle,” the rock band known as The American Hotel System have returned with a more vulnerable side of themselves on “Tripping.” The Grand Rapids, Michigan band has opened for marquee acts like Bon Jovi, earned the Grand Champions of Music Prize in 2022, and it’s easy to see why they’re making such a big name for themselves early on in their career. Lead singer Jacob Betts shared, “I believe we all experience pushes and pulls in life—events from our past that propel us forward and aspirations for the future that draw us toward tomorrow. As I progress in therapy, the pain from my past has become a source of joy, pushing me forward even during the darkest moments when I feel like I’m falling…that is at the heart of ‘Tripping.'” With a sound that fits well within the realm of Switchfoot, The Fray, and Goo Goo Dolls, The American Hotel System may just be the next great rock band to take the music scene by storm.

Adam Grundy Jul 13, 2023

Today I’m thrilled to share with everyone the latest animated music video from The Cosmic Neighborhood called “Sunlight.” Fronted by the brother-sister duo of Mateus Teo (pronounced Tay-oh) and Happy Silva, with backing band members Josh Grandbouche, Adam Perkowski, and Sam Kunesh, the band are currently playing shows and writing their second album. The band mashes up indie rock, emo, bossa nova/samba, lo-fi hip hop beats, and pop into a brazilian-inspired indie-pop fusion, but they really have an unique style of their own. Lead singer Mateus shared:

My sister and I come from Brazil and with this band unbridled creativity is the goal. Having lived in both Brazil and the US, we’ve always been exposed to a vast array of sights and sounds. We’re always trying to combine those ideas from across cultural backgrounds into new sounds. With Sunlight, the band tried pushing our influences to the extreme, resulting in one of our most melancholy yet explosive tracks. It’s about getting stuck – emotionally, mentally, physically, & creatively – and trying to live with it. Our words only express so much; we’re focused on the vibe and the best way we know how to communicate is through our music.

If you’re enjoying this early listen to The Cosmic Neighborhood’s latest single, please consider purchasing something from their Bandcamp page here.

Adam Grundy Jul 13, 2023

Today is a great day to announce the latest single from Alternative-indie singer/songwriter, BabyJake, called “Brown,” as well as the official announcement of his brand new LP, Aren’t We Ever Gonna Be More Than Friends?, that will be everywhere music is sold on July 28th. BabyJake shared:

Really, what happened with this song is that I wrote the bass line 2 years ago. I always loved it and felt this James Brown-esque funk to it (a bit slower, but still). We recorded the whole band at Jon’s house and we had the instrumental done for 2 months or so and I kept putting off the lyrics, putting off the lyrics, putting off the lyrics over and over…I’d make an excuse or this or that or whatever. But finally, we got to it and it was like, ‘well, Jake this is the last song on the project and you still haven’t written the lyrics,’ so I said ‘well, shit mate, ya got me in a chokehold here don’t ya?’ That day, in 30 minutes, I wrote the song in the studio. I always had the first line ‘Strung Along’ and from that, you could go any direction, it could really mean so many things.

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

Adam Grundy Jul 12, 2023

”No I’ll never be all right, but maybe I’ll get close…” Charlotte Sands sings vulnerably on the single “Alright,” as she now has a true home for the great song on the Good Now EP. Sands stormed onto the music scene by being at the tip of the tongue of bands, like The Maine and Sleeping With Sirens, with key collaborations on singles such as “Loved You A Little,” and she continues her trajectory in the right direction with this latest collection of songs found here. The EP finds Charlotte Sands exploring the realm of possibilities that she can take her music next, and makes all the right moves on arguably her most dramatic and immediate record to date.

Adam Grundy Jul 12, 2023

Today I’m so excited to share with everyone the latest single from DJ/Producer Kris Baha, who under the solo moniker of Ghosts In The Machine, has released “Flesh & Code.” It is the second single from the forthcoming LP that will be released later on this year. Metaphorically, the track represents the desire to break free from societal constructs, experiencing alienation, doubts and glitches that plague one’s existence. With a sound that strays somewhere between the heavy synths of Blaqk Audio paired with a techno-punk sound, Kris Baha has found the right groove with Ghosts In The Machine.

Adam Grundy Jul 11, 2023

Today is a great day to share the new video documentary from emo band, Savings, that features an in-depth look at their new album, Get Well Soon. Deploying a smart and immersive blend of pop-punk stylings, Savings nods to the 00s purveyors of the genre and nu-punk, while shading the sound with elements of Midwest emo. New collection Get Well Soon is an emotionally charged, hook-laden affair with vulnerable lyricism and soaring choruses. The upcoming collection nods to the likes of Hot Mulligan, Free Throw and Movements. The band have recently featured on Fresh Finds Rock & Emo Right Now on Spotify.

Adam Grundy Jul 10, 2023

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone a blazing new summer pop anthem from Rookie of the Year called “Fast Car.” The song features a great cameo from Relient K’s Matthew Thiessen, and the track comes from the album, What A Beautiful Mess, due out at the end of the year. The band shared, “We recorded this song in Nashville with Dave Elkins of the band Mae. Super excited how it came out! We will be playing it this month when we hit the road with Spitalfield and Valencia.” If you’re enjoying the new song, you can pre-save it here.

Adam Grundy Jul 7, 2023

Flash back to the year 2003. Emo and punk bands are gaining traction in the mainstream in a way that had never been seen before, and hair metal bands seemed to be all but forgotten. So what was a band like The Darkness to believe in when record labels seemed largely disinterested in signing a band that was such an unashamed throwback to the 80’s hair metal era? The Darkness stormed onto the music scene in the fall of 2003 with a single that made major traction called “I Believe In A Thing Called Love.” The music video was hilariously ridiculous, but the music that accompanied it was a blast of guitar-driven rock & roll that sounded different than anything else on the radio. The single did so well in the United States that the band was able to book a headlining tour of major clubs that largely sold out across the country. The beauty of The Darkness’s debut, Permission To Land, was that the band never took themselves too seriously, and was willing to go all out in their love for the hair metal genre, and re-capture the spirit of the 80’s in an entirely different decade.

Adam Grundy Jul 5, 2023

The fourth full-length record from alternative rock band, Mercy Music, shows a lot of growth in the band’s musicianship, and is filled with slick hooks, rip-roaring guitar solos, and accessible vocals that make you want to join in on the fun. What You Stand To Lose finds the Las Vegas-based band tinkering with their punk rock roots and they have made an album worthy of your time. The set of songs was produced by Bill Stevenson (Black Flag, Descendents) and mixed by Jason Livermore (NOFX, Hot Water Music), and it tackles relatable themes like heartbreak, trusting yourself, and refusing to conform to the status quo. Lead singer/guitarist Brendan Scholz shared, “”What You Stand To Lose is about coming face to face with one of your worst fears, learning from the experience, and hoping you come out the other side a better person.” With a sound that strays somewhere between The Explosion, The Ataris, and The Bouncing Souls, Mercy Music may have just made your next favorite album to add to your collection.

Adam Grundy Jun 30, 2023

It’s a great feeling when a band you’ve followed from the beginning of their early days makes a record that seems so fully realized and impactful to their legacy. Anberlin had just released a stellar EP last year, called Silverline, that found them returning to releasing new music for the first time in eight years, and now we’re all treated to some new tunes from the rockers with Convinced. With a sound that reminds listeners of why they became so enamored with the band in the first place, Anberlin still moves the needle of creativity further down the right path. The EP was self-produced by the band, alongside help from their friends Tim McTague (of Underoath), Chad Carouthers, and JJ Revell. At this stage of their career, Anberlin could have become content with releasing “safe” music that satisfies their fans, but there’s something different in the musical DNA of this band that is evolving at an alarming rate. Instead, Anberlin may have just convinced themselves into exploring just how far down the rabbit hole they’d like to navigate.

Adam Grundy Jun 30, 2023

Today is a great day to share the latest single and video from LA psych-pop band, SWIMM, called “Used To Saying Yes.” On this electric-charged single that provides absurdist commentary on social obligation, the band continue to evolve in the most creative ways imaginable. The track comes from their forthcoming LP, Best Comedown Ever, that releases everywhere music is sold on August 10th. I was also able to catch up with SWIMM for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Jun 29, 2023

Today is a great day to share the lead single from the newly announced LP by Boston noise rock band, Eldridge Rodriguez, called “A Feeling That Won’t Go Away.” The song comes from the band’s fifth album, Atrophy, that will be released via Midriff Records on September 15th. On this latest single, the band channels their love for a “wall of sound” approach to their songwriting while still leaving room for the listener to make their own interpretations of the music. If you’re enjoying the direction the band took on this latest track, please consider purchasing music from their Bandcamp page. I was also able to catch up with this talented band for a brief interview below.

Hallie Spoor – “Diamond Ring” (Song Premiere)

Review: Brian May + Friends – Star Fleet Project

FORAGER – “Hello To The Kiddies” (Song Premiere)

Review: The American Hotel System – “Tripping”

The Cosmic Neighborhood – “Sunlight” (Video Premiere)

BabyJake – “Brown” (Song Premiere)

Review: Charlotte Sands – Good Now EP

Kris Baha and Ghosts In The Machine – “Flesh and Code” (Song Premiere)

Savings – “Get Well Soon” (Documentary Video Premiere)

Rookie of The Year (featuring Relient K) – “Fast Car” (Song Premiere)

Review: The Darkness – Permission To Land

Review: Mercy Music – What You Stand To Lose

Review: Anberlin – Convinced

SWIMM – “Used To Saying Yes” (Video Premiere)

Eldridge Rodriguez – “A Feeling That Won’t Go Away” (Song Premiere)