Bahjat – “Aladdin” (Song Premiere)

Adam Grundy Aug 12, 2022

Today I’m excited to share the latest single from experimental pop artist, Bahjat, and his single called “Aladdin.” In this new lyric video for the single, Bahjat showcases what makes him one of the more interesting international artists to watch in the pop genre. Bahjat shared:

“Aladdin” is the second single from my upcoming EP, A-POP. The EP is a snapshot of my experience as an artist finding their own path in the music industry. As an Arab with global ambitions, I’ve always received pushback for being ‘too ambitious for my reality.’ If no one had ‘made it from Libya, why would I ever stand a chance? Why would a refugee with no connections succeed as an artist? Why ‘waste’ the time?”

To begin answering these questions and more, press play and get swallowed whole in the world this artist has created.

Adam Grundy Aug 12, 2022

Today is the perfect day to share the latest single from psych-rock solo artist, Karaboudjan, called “Scatter.” The track, which is the first single to be released from his forthcoming EP, focuses on the journey of self-discovery that comes with seeing all of the different parts of the world. The artist shared, “Like most artists, I tried to hunker down and write as much music as I could during the start of the pandemic. I’m already a bit of a homebody, so I embraced the beginning of lockdown with open arms. I wrote enough tracks to create a few different projects aside from Karaboudjan, which tends to be a recurring creative issue of mine. I even contemplated releasing a new project/EP instead of these singles, but I really felt that the concept of Karaboudjan wasn’t finished quite yet. It’s like I’m still figuring it out as I go.” If you’re ready to come along for the ride, this artist is accepting new passengers.

Adam Grundy Aug 11, 2022

Today I’m excited to share the new single from garage/punk rock band, Reckling, for their latest single called “Spitter.” The song will be the final track to be released as single from their four-track EP Human Nature, and showcases the great band chemistry these four musicians have together. Led by Kelsey Reckling, this band also includes drummer Max Keuhn (FIDLAR), guitarist Erik Jimenez (Together Pangea), and bassist Joey Mullen (Paramore/HalfNoise). Kelsey mentioned this about the final single:

Each song on the EP encompasses a different feeling that I think everyone can relate to or identify with…it’s human nature. ‘Spitter’ is literally about a girl spitting on me because she didn’t like me, but more generally, it’s about persevering through the difficult things in life. The song sorts through my own angry feelings that were brought on by somebody else’s misdirected emotions. The underlying themes in this EP move through feelings of indecision, guilt, and regret…but writing and playing the songs are a way of finding resolution, forgiveness, and surrender.

If you’re enjoying the direction the band took, you can purchase the EP and the accompanying vinyl here.

I was also able to catch up with the band for a quick interview about their EP and what comes next.

Adam Grundy Aug 11, 2022

Today is a great day to share the latest single called “The Art of Pulling Pork” from Jason Moules and his debut solo album. Moules is also a member of the band allusinlove/allusondrugs, although his solo work speaks directly to his core influences from The Mars Volta, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Lenny Kravitz. On the latest track, Moules shared, “This song came about after eating at an Italian burger restaurant on my birthday…the restaurant claimed to have crafted the ‘art of pulled pork.’ Made me laugh. It’s not specific. Funny title, not specific. Most of my songs are about imagery. Close you eyes and think about what ever you want…burgers or something else.” If you’re ready to take a bite of Jason Moules’ latest musical journey, look no further than this latest single. I also caught up with Moules for a quick chat about his music.

Adam Grundy Aug 10, 2022

Just like the famous quote from the character Michael Corleone in The Godfather: Part III of, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in,” can be directly re-applied to the case of Unwritten Law. The band seemed to have a tough time getting that “magic” back on the past few releases like Swan, and at-times Here’s to the Mourning, something appeared to be slightly out of sync in the band’s delivery. Enter the era of The Hum, and all appears to be heading back on the right course. The Hum is a cohesive and electric collection of songs that fit well from beginning to end, and feature several key songs that keep the listener coming back for repeat listens. While Unwritten Law doesn’t cover a ton of new ground here, getting the train back on the tracks is the most important thing that the band could’ve done here to re-establish their brand of music in the crowded pop-punk realm.

Adam Grundy Aug 10, 2022

Today I’m thrilled to share the latest single from indie punk band, Strategies, called “Outages.” The band includes Brian Moss (The Ghost/Hanalei/Great Apes), Paul Lask (The Ghost), and Neil Hennessey (Lawrence Arms/Joyce Manor), and their previous band experience pays off widely in this catchy, and driving punk rock song. Formed remotely in 2020, Strategies is a long-distance collaboration between old friends from the early 2000s Chicago punk and indie rock scenes. The band shared this about the latest single, “‘Outages’ is a narratively-structured song about feeling nostalgic. A guy walks into his backyard and remembers a night he fell in love many years earlier. He replays events from that night, wonders what she’s up to now, and tries coming to terms with the reality of his present life.” If you’re enjoying this song as much as I am, please consider pre-ordering Strategies’ self-titled EP here that hits the streets on August 26th.

Adam Grundy Aug 9, 2022

The third studio album from Momma is an endearing collection of songs that they have affectionately titled Household Name. Mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Emily Lazar, Household Name captures a great indie rock spirit while still remaining true to the band’s core authenticity that came shining through the speakers on their first two records. The new songs drift in the realm of indie rock bands similar to Momma like Soccer Mommy, Snail Mail, and Beabadoobee, yet some of the guitar tones breathe new life into this group of musicians with a sound similar to Smashing Pumpkins and early-Nirvana. On songs like “Speeding 72,” the lead single from the set, Momma are able to achieve a sound that transcends genre lines and conventional boundaries.

Adam Grundy Aug 9, 2022

A couple of weeks ago I connected with the lead vocalist of Broadside, Ollie Baxxter, to discuss the band’s latest single called ”One Last Time,” the lessons the band has learned from the previous records (including the great, and anthemic Into The Raging Sea), as well as some of Baxxter’s unique musical influences that he brings into Broadside. The band are currently signed to Sharptone Records and will continue to be releasing new music in the near future with the label.

Adam Grundy Aug 8, 2022

Recently I was able to catch up with the bassist from Greyed Out for an interview about the band’s new music, their recent live show appearances, as well as what the future holds for the band. Greyed Out is comprised of past members of This Time Next Year and recently released a great two-track single called ”Broken Like an Arrow” and “No Dice.” Greyed Out are planning to release a lot of new music in the next few months to come, and are signed to Negative Progression Records.

Adam Grundy Aug 5, 2022

This past week I was able to catch up with the ultra-busy leader of Goldfinger, John Feldmann, to discuss the band’s recent re-release of Never Look Back (Deluxe). In this in-depth interview, John and I discussed the legacy of Goldfinger, as well as what lessons he has learned over the years of being a veteran producer. Never Look Back (Deluxe) features great re-worked versions of Goldfinger classics like “Superman” ft. Simon Neil (Biffy Clyro) and “Here In Your Bedroom” ft. Avril Lavigne, among many other great tracks in the 19-song set. Never Look Back (Deluxe) is available everywhere music is sold/streamed today.

Adam Grundy Aug 5, 2022

One of the many fun things about revisiting albums, like this one, is learning out new things about the record that most may have missed when it first came out. For example, while researching the context surrounding Gin Blossoms and their second studio album called New Miserable Experience, I never knew there was an alternate cover that was released for this record. In fact, the first cover for the album depicts an Arizona desert, which would later be replaced with the current image after A&M Records decided to push the record hard at radio outlets. With singles like “Lost Horizons,” “Allison Road,” “Until I Fall Away,” and arguably their biggest breakthrough single called “Hey Jealousy,” Gin Blossoms had everything you’d like to see in a band trying to make a name for themselves. The set was co-produced by Gin Blossoms and John Hampton (The Raconteurs, The White Stripes), and this LP holds up surprisingly well after 30 long years. By the time the promotional cycle would wrap up on New Miserable Experience, Gin Blossoms would earn a 4x Platinum record on their sophomore effort.

Adam Grundy Aug 4, 2022

Today I’m thrilled to introduce everyone to Beverly Crusher, a new anthemic alternative rock band that tugs on your heartstrings of classic rock nostalgia. On the song, “Gimmie The Power,” the three musicians channel the best parts of the genre into a crowd-pleasing package. The band is comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist Cozell Wilson, bassist Max Stiles, and drummer Sam Stiles, and their sound strays somewhere between college rock and club-ready bands like The Struts and Incubus. On the latest single, Beverly Crusher shared, “‘Gimmie the Power’ is an anthem that takes many forms. Sometimes it’s a chant for revolution, sometimes it’s a call to the after world asking for for unworldy help, but always, it’s about Cozell’s irrational fear and obsession with Chucky (the doll from Child’s Play).” If you’re ready to drift into the murky waters of this new rock band, Beverly Crusher are happy to supply the soundtrack.

Adam Grundy Aug 3, 2022

Her talent is undeniable. Maggie Rogers seemed to be destined for this type of breakthrough success after catching an early break when her song “Alaska” caught the ears of Pharrell Williams in a class he taught at her school in 2016. This would allow the floodgates to open with opportunities of major labels wanting to sign Rogers on the spot. Heard It In A Past Life, Maggie Rogers’ debut, would continue this breakthrough success with marquee support tours with Mumford & Sons, Haim, and Kacey Musgraves before doing an extensive word-wide headlining tour to solidify her status as a name to watch, and she would even get nominated for a Grammy award for Best New Artist along this same timeline. Since the release of her debut album, Rogers decided to go to graduate school at Harvard Divinity School, where she would graduate with a Master of Religion and Public Life degree. This worthy path back to education still allowed Maggie Rogers some time to focus on her music and record what would become the Surrender sessions with producer Kid Harpoon. This set is co-produced by Rogers, and it’s a remarkable achievement in her musical journey. With an album filled with great vibes, soul-wrenching lyrics, unique beats, and the songwriting chops similar to a young Joni Mitchell, Maggie Rogers has created the record she may have only dreamed of making in her youth.

Adam Grundy Aug 3, 2022

Today is the perfect day to introduce everyone to Coma Girls, a shoegaze/indie folk artist that appear poised for your playlists. On their latest single, entitled “Keep All Of Your Happiness,” Coma Girls channel the best parts of synth-heavy rock with pleasing results. The track comes from Coma Girls’ album No Umbrella For Star Flower, which will be released on September 2nd via Baby Robot Records. The creative driver for Coma Girls, Chris Spino, shared this about the upcoming album, “This record was my one escape, the one thing that kept me from going off the rails. It’s a pandemic record, a relapse record, a break-up record, and a recovery record. This was the thing that was keeping me sane.” If you’re ready to join in the world of Coma Girls, look no further than this single.

Adam Grundy Aug 2, 2022

Andrew McMahon sounds like a man who’s been through some really tough situations. From a childhood filled with several moves to different parts of the country, to his dad’s battle with addiction, and his steadfast love for the music that got him through it all, McMahon crafts a tangled web of stories that he divides up into three book sections based on three pianos that have meant something to him at different points of his life and career. Three Pianos: A Memoir is a fairly quick reading experience, especially for those familiar with McMahon’s musical references in his bands of Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, and lastly Andrew McMahon In the Wilderness. This only speaks to his ability as an author to convey such rich, vivid memories from an emotional standpoint that led him to be the man that he is today. As McMahon puts it in his memoir, referencing the transition between Jack’s Mannequin and the start of a new adventure in The Wilderness Years, “Starting over at twenty is easy. At thirty it’s a test of your mettle.” Battling through a leukemia diagnosis, to navigating through several starts and stops in his musical journey, McMahon never lets his difficult story seem hopeless. Instead, he provides a beacon of hope for others to keep pressing on when we reach our own breaking point.

Bahjat – “Aladdin” (Song Premiere)

Karaboudjan – “Scatter” (Song Premiere)

Reckling – “Spitter” (Song Premiere)

Jason Moules – “The Art Of Pulling Pork” (Song Premiere)

Review: Unwritten Law – The Hum

Strategies – “Outages” (Song Premiere)

Review: Momma – Household Name

Interview: Ollie Baxxter of Broadside

Interview: Greyed Out

Interview: John Feldmann of Goldfinger

Review: Gin Blossoms – New Miserable Experience

Beverly Crusher – “Gimmie The Power” (Song Premiere)

Review: Maggie Rogers – Surrender

Coma Girls – “Keep All Of Your Happiness” (Song Premiere)

Review: Andrew McMahon – Three Pianos: A Memoir