Recently I was able to connect with Raleigh, NC eclectic rock band, Thirsty Curses, to ask them about their great new single called “Breakfast Schemckfast.” In this brief interview, I asked them about their forthcoming LP called Music is a Scam, and what fans of their band can expect when they listen to the record front-to-back. Music is a Scam releases digitally on February 27th, and vinyl pre-orders are on-going here.
Read More “Thirsty Curses”
Welcome to the first newsletter of 2025.
This week’s supporter Q&A post can be found here.
If you’d like this newsletter delivered to your inbox each week (it’s free and available to everyone), you can sign up here.
Read More “Liner Notes (January 11th, 2025)”
Recently I was able to connect with NYC-based indie rock band, Occurrence, to discuss everything that went into their latest single called ”Feeding Time.” On top of the new single, the band is thrilled to announce their new LP called Real Friend that will be out wherever music is sold on February 28th. In this brief interview, I asked the band about how the new single helped shape the upcoming album, their improved writing process, and the themes present in Real Friend. The new LP is available for pre-order here.
Read More “Occurrence”
Another year in the books and we’re back again to recap our favorite albums of 2024. Below you’ll find the contributor best of 2024 list with blurbs written by the staff talking about why we loved these albums. Each album title links to a streaming page so you can check out anything you may have missed. There’s also a playlist featuring a song from every album on this list, and a few staff members have shared their individual lists and some commentary in their blogs.
As always, thanks for spending 2024 with us, and I hope you find something new to check out and love.
Read More “Chorus.fm’s Top 30 Albums of 2024”
8123 Fest, the music festival curated by Arizona rock band The Maine, is making its highly anticipated return in January 2025. For the first time ever, the festival will span two full days, packed with incredible performances, exclusive events, and more. Taking place at the Mesa Amphitheater on January 17–18 2025, the festival offers a celebration of music, nostalgia, and community that fans won’t want to miss.
To highlight everything that is taking place during this two-day festival, I thought it would be cool to connect with some of the bands who would be performing. In this article, I have interviews with members of The Maine, Real Friends, and Bad Suns. Each of the bands I interviewed shared what the 8123 Fest means to them, the new music they are working on, as well as what fans can look forward to from their bands in the new year. 8123 Fest tickets are on sale here.
Read More “8123 Fest Preview”
Recently I was able to connect with Taylor Acorn to discuss what went into the writing and recording process of her newly announced EP, Greener (Acoustic). The EP hits streaming services tomorrow, but we are thrilled to bring everyone the exclusive premiere of the two-track acoustic collection today. Featuring songs from Acorn’s thrilling debut, Survival In Motion, this EP gets to the core of what makes her such a talented songwriter. Taylor shared:
”Greener” has been one of those songs that has just gotten me through. I needed to write it, I needed to feel it, and I know there’s two versions already, but I am a sucker for an acoustic. There’s something that’s just so sweet and uplifting about the acoustic, and I’m really excited for everyone to hear it.
If you’re enjoying the early listen, you can also pre-save the EP here.
Read More “Taylor Acorn”
Recently I was able to connect with Aaron Louis, better known as the solo project called The Clamor, to discuss what went into the writing and recording process of the latest single, “Staircase Stomp.” The song navigates the recognition of a sense of emptiness and unmet desires in life, coupled with an internal rebellion and the quest for comfort and connection. The Clamor are onto something great here, and more music will be coming soon in the new year.
Read More “The Clamor”
This past week I was able to schedule a Zoom call with the lead vocalist of Silverstein, Shane Told, to discuss the band’s “25 Years of Noise” tour with Thursday, as well as what went into the writing and recording process of their recently announced two new albums, Antibloom and Pink Moon. Shane dove deep into how the two records were shaped while recording in Joshua Tree, and how the vibe of that place started to seep into the new material. I also asked Shane to walk me through the “personality” of Silverstein’s last five LPs, plus much more. Antibloom will be released on February 21st via UNFD and pre-orders are on-going here.
Read More “Shane Told of Silverstein”
A quick one this week, but I had a few things to share.
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Read More “Liner Notes (December 14th, 2024)”
Recently I was able to connect with the ultra-talented singer-songwriter, Stella Rose, to discuss her new single and music video for “Beautiful Twenty-Somethings.” Stella Rose has also released a new EP today called Hollybaby via KRO Records. In this interview, I asked Stella about her experiences in the fashion world, her passion for music, as well as some insight on the artistic direction of her music videos.
Read More “Stella Rose”
This week’s newsletter highlights a bunch of my favorite holiday music and the various pop-punk and alternative adjacent music that’s made it into my yearly listening playlists. ‘Tis the season. This week’s supporter Q&A post can be found here.
If you’d like this newsletter delivered to your inbox each week (it’s free and available to everyone), you can sign up here.
Read More “Liner Notes (December 8th, 2024)”
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, or if you’re not in the States, just a good Thursday and start to your weekend.
If you’d like this newsletter delivered to your inbox each week (it’s free and available to everyone), you can sign up here.
Read More “Liner Notes (November 30th, 2024)”
Recently I was able to connect with the “Singing Surgeon,” Dr. Elvis Francois, to discuss his new holiday-themed single called “Sound of Christmas.” With joyful melodies and festive lyrics and heartwarming moments under the mistletoe, the song captures the magical sounds of Christmas—from caroling voices to the laughter of family. The feel-good anthem arrives just in time for the holidays. I asked Dr. Elvis Francois about the inspiration behind the holiday single, plus what he likes best about this time of year. This artist will also have a new EP, called Alignment, releasing soon as well.
Read More “Dr. Elvis Francois”
Turkey day is happening this week, so that means that Record Store Day Black Friday is right around the corner. This year’s celebration of indie record stores occurs on Friday, November 29th, 2024, and features a fresh slate of new vinyl reissues, exciting exclusives, and in some cases, the first pressings of many key titles. The full list of RSD Black Friday releases can be found here, but be sure to check in with your local indie record store to see what they will be carrying this Friday. In this preview, I’ll be diving into some of the most sought after releases and offer some tips for newcomers to secure these titles.
Read More “Record Store Day Black Friday 2024 Preview”
I guess it’s been a little bit, huh? We may have a lot to talk about.
This week’s supporter Q&A post can be found here.
If you’d like this newsletter delivered to your inbox each week (it’s free and available to everyone), you can sign up here.
Read More “Liner Notes (November 23rd, 2024)”