Today I’m so excited to introduce everyone to ELI, a really cool artist who is seamlessly merging a haunting sound with her ultra-intense visuals, as showcased on the video for “Another Day.” If you’re enjoying the early watch/listen, please consider supporting ELI here.
Read More “ELI – “Another Day” (Video Premiere)”Neutral Snap – “Waltz”
Today is a great day to share the latest single and video from pop-punk band, Neutral Snap, called “Waltz.” On this slick-sounding pop-punk/emo jam, New Orleans’ Neutral Snap quickly solidify themselves as a key band to watch in 2025. Collaborating with Fred Mascherino (Say Anything, The Color Fred, Taking Back Sunday) and Rob Freeman (Hidden in Plain View), “Waltz” features melodic hooks culminating into a chorus exploding with unfiltered emotion and a frenetic energy that is uniquely theirs. Bassist, Dan shared:
’Waltz’ is our favorite song we’ve ever written! We pushed the boundaries of normal pop punk and came up with something catchy that keeps you on your toes! The song is about coming to terms with an ending situation-ship. It shows you the two sides to the breakup. The first verse is very somber, while the second verse is a little more tongue in cheek! We filmed the video in multiple locations around New Orleans, and the video itself was locally done.
If you’re enjoying the early watch, please consider supporting Neutral Snap by attending an upcoming concert.
Read More “Neutral Snap – “Waltz””Review: Ben Folds – Live With The National Symphony Orchestra
There’s a certain magic behind Ben Folds and his unique brand of quirky, piano-based pop rock. It’s hard to put your finger on why it’s so impactful and meaningful when you listen to his music, but it’s undeniably there. This “magic” is on full display in the surprise-release of Live With The National Symphony Orchestra, that was recorded at Washington, DC’s Kennedy Center before the current administration took over the day-to-day operations and artistic direction. I’m so glad this recording exists, since Ben Folds has always had a knack for writing insightful music directly from the heart. The vinyl version of the recording features ten songs, while the digital version includes an additional four bonus tracks. For eight years, Folds served as National Symphony Orchestra’s first-ever Artistic Advisor at the Kennedy Center before he resigned, and yet this album does an incredible job of playing homage to this wonderful legacy Ben Folds and The National Symphony Orchestra have each established at our Nation’s capital’s most historic venues for the arts.
Read More “Ben Folds – Live With The National Symphony Orchestra”Interview: The Spins
Recently I was able to catch up with New Jersey-based indie rock band, The Spins, to discuss everything that went into their latest single and music video for “One More.” In this interview, I asked the band about their style of music, their upcoming touring plans and more. If you’re enjoying the interview and music video, you can pre-save their forthcoming album, Left Behind, that releases on July 25th, here.
Read More “The Spins”Review: West Friends – Junk Drawer
There’s something great that happens to your brain when you wrap your ears around a fun, summer pop-punk album. Is it that feeling of endless possibilities as you cruise in your car with the AC on full blast to the beach? Maybe. Is it the burst of nostalgia that reminds of the early Vans Warped Tour routing that we all looked forward to. Could be that too. West Friends have offered a nice reminder of these feelings on their debut album called Junk Drawer. West Friends are the duo of vocalists/songwriters Jordan Renshaw and Isaiah Dominguez, while Jordan shared, “Junk Drawer represents the accumulation of life experiences, eras, and memories that shape who I am today. It’s also how I can best visualize and process growth and maturity—by carrying all these experiences with me, I’m able to integrate them into my current self while also making room for new ones to be added along the way.” By putting out the shimmering vibes as we all begin planning out our vacations, Junk Drawer offers to be the soundtrack to your summer.
Read More “West Friends – Junk Drawer”Interview: NAMAZU
Recently I was able to connect with the band called NAMAZU to discuss their latest music. Their new single, called “ICE 800” is a slick mix of big rock hooks paired with tight musicianship. In this interview, I asked the band about where they got their name from, the bands they’ve shared billings with, and what is coming next for NAMAZU. If you’re enjoying the new music video, please consider supporting the band here.
Read More “NAMAZU”Interview: Melissa Locker
Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with author Melissa Locker to discuss everything that went into her newly released book, And After AIl: A Fan History of Oasis. In this interview, I asked Melissa about the number of Oasis fan interviews she conducted for research for the book, the coolest Oasis memorabilia she came across in fans’ collections, and a bit of a discussion on fan/”stan” culture today. The book is out today via Gallery Books at all major retailers here.
Read More “Melissa Locker”Oruã – “Deus-Dara” (Video Premiere)
Today is a great day to share the new single from Oruã called “Deus-Dara.” On this electric-charged new single from the four-piece band, “Deus-Dara” provides a cool mix of Latin music paired with crisp musicianship. The single is from the band’s recently announced LP, Slacker, that will be out everywhere music is sold via K Records on October 24th. If you’re enjoying the new video, please consider supporting this band here.
Read More “Oruã – “Deus-Dara” (Video Premiere)”The EXOHs – “Soarin'” (Song Premiere)
Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the new single from The EXOHs called “Soarin’.” The band, who is the duo of Chris Canberg and Michael Perdichizzi, shared, “This is our first summer release since our band debuted and it marks the beginning of a new era for the band. it’s a song that deserves an ocean view drive with the windows down. maybe we’re biased, but we feel it’s our best song yet.” If you’re enjoying the early listen, please consider pre-saving the song here.
Read More “The EXOHs – “Soarin’” (Song Premiere)”Interview: Summerbruise
Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with emo/punk band, Summerbruise, to discuss their slick new single that recently released, called “Never Bothered” and their touring plans. Summerbuise is vocalist/guitarist Mike Newman (he/him), drummer Stanli Fryman (she/her), bassist John Parkison (them/he), and guitarists Mitch Gulish (he/him) and Cora Kunda (she/her). If you’re enjoying this interview, please consider supporting this band here, or check out a show.
Read More “Summerbruise”Interview: Will Pugh of Cartel
Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with Will Pugh, the lead vocalist of Cartel, to discuss his range of emotions ahead of Chroma’s 20th anniversary, and the band’s re-recorded version of that album that recently sold out its first pressing on vinyl. Cartel will be on the road supporting the re-recorded version of Chroma with support from Hunny, Landon Conrath and Macseal. Cartel has since announced a Field Day Records pressing of their 2011 EP, In Stereo, that went on sale today. I asked Will about the vinyl pressings, his Vans Warped Tour 2025 experience, and much more. Tickets for the Chroma 20th Anniversary Tour are on sale here.
Read More “Will Pugh of Cartel”Review: Deadlands – Seven
The music world can always use another metalcore band, right? Deadlands are from Long Island, New York and are comprised of Kasey Karlsen (vocals) and CJ Arey (guitarist/producer). Their sound is a blend of rock bands like From Ashes To New and Poison the Well, paired with Karlsen’s vocal range similar to Courtney LaPlante of Spiritbox, all put on blend with a style that feels fresh and exciting. Seven is their latest EP/effort via Spinefarm Records and it’s a hard-hitting collection of seven songs that are filled with great production, slick guitar work, and visceral vocals that have enough melody throughout for others to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Kasey Karlsen shared, “Our goal is to really bring listeners out of the present world. With all of the crazy crap going on in our everyday lives, we try to take you to different realms. Subconsciously, the music might help you reflect on yourself.” By taking the listener on quite the thrilling ride, Seven marks a new standout moment for not only metalcore, but Deadlands as well.
Read More “Deadlands – Seven”Interview: Cody Parks and the Dirty South
Recently I was able to connect with rock band Cody Parks and the Dirty South that is self-described as “Country Metal.” The band has toured extensively, and is ready for their moment in the spotlight. In this interview with lead vocalist Cody Parks, I asked him about where the band draws their influence from, five records he couldn’t live without, and the best parts of playing in a band. If you’re curious about this band, please consider checking out their merch store here.
Read More “Cody Parks and the Dirty South”Horizon Point – “Bend The Truth” (Song Premiere)
Fresh off the ink drying on their new recording contract with Manic Kat Records, Horizon Point are back with a great-sounding new single called “Bend The Truth.” The band shared:
We are so excited to sign with Manic Kat Records! Our first EP with MKR is already in the works, and should be out later this year. A big part of Horizon Point’s message is about mental health, and this song has an extra special meaning for us. It’s a story about a relationship between two people who have experienced trauma in their lives. They’re both trying to improve themselves and break the cycle of the past to be better partners. The hook, ‘I’m so scared, but I want to get better’, can be applied to so many moments in life where you’re on the cusp of change but still afraid to take the first step. It’s a song about encouragement and hope for something new.
If you’re enjoying this slick song that has all of the vibes of a great ska/punk band figuring things out in record time, please consider staying in touch with the band here.
Read More “Horizon Point – “Bend The Truth” (Song Premiere)”Heavy Seas – “If Only I” (Video Premiere)
Today is a great day to share the new single and music video from Chicago punk/emo band, Heavy Seas, called “If Only I.” The band is J. Robbins (Jawbox), Ronnie Dicola and Jeff Dean, and their great band chemistry is quickly shown on this key track from their forthcoming LP, By Degrees. Jeff Dean shared that this single is “about loss and change, and struggling with being lost within it. The feelings of not being able to let go and move forward.” If you’re enjoying the early watch, please consider pre-saving By Degrees here.
Read More “Heavy Seas – “If Only I” (Video Premiere)”