Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single from hard rock band, Alffa, called “Breathe Free.” Hailing from the rural village of Llanrug in North Wales, Alffa are the dynamic duo of guitarist/vocalist Dion Wyn Jones and drummer Sion Eifion Land. The band shared about the new track, “This song invites you on a journey of self-discovery, reminding us all that embracing and celebrating our true selves is the key to true freedom. ‘Breathe Free’ is not just a song for us; it’s a call to break free from internal struggles and celebrate the power within.” Alffa plans to release their sophomore album this November. If you’re enjoying the latest single, you can check out the streaming options here.
Read More “Alffa – “Breathe Free” (Song Premiere)”Interview: RobbieTheUsed
This past month I was able to catch up with RobbieTheUsed to discuss everything that went into his upcoming solo album. I also asked him about The Used’s latest B-sides record called Medz, The Used’s plans for celebrating their 25th anniversary as a band next year, what led him to explore this solo project, and what he likes best about pop music. Tomorrow, RobbieTheUsed will be releasing his second single from his solo album, called “The Feels”, and you can pre-save the track here.
Read More “RobbieTheUsed”Kylie V – “Lucky Streak” (Video Premiere)
Today is a great day to share the new music video from indie folk artist, Kylie V, called “Lucky Streak.” On this heartfelt single, Kylie V blends an operatic voice with the songwriting chops of Halsey and Phoebe Bridgers to make their mark on the music scene. Kylie V shared:
I wrote ‘Lucky Streak’ during the excruciatingly complex process of getting over someone, while everything else in my life seemed to be speeding up and getting better at a surreal pace. When I started this song in my notes, I was one one hand feeling lost and empty, and on the other hand it felt like all my dreams were beginning to come true–later in the month I wrote this song I played my biggest venue to date, and then flew across the country for another show. ‘Lucky Streak’ started as a folky breakup ballad, but as I worked on it with Josh (Eastman, my producer and friend), it began to blossom into what I think is one of my most fun songs, and took on an entirely different significance to me in the process.
If you’re enjoying this talented artist’s new single and video, please consider supporting Kylie V here. I was also able to catch up with Kylie V for a brief interview below.
Read More “Kylie V – “Lucky Streak” (Video Premiere)”Massive Nightmares – “Back To The Beach” (Song Premiere)
Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the new single from indie punk band, Massive Nightmares, called “Back to the Beach.” Formed in the fall of 2023, indie-punk band Massive Nightmares is composed of members of bands Great Lakes USA, No Trigger, Save Ends, and David New Joy. After a brief stint as three-piece, friend (and being in as many bands as possible, addict) Tom Ciesluk joined on bass, rounding out the four-piece with Myke Doyle on drums, Alex Heinz on lead guitar and Pat Lavalle moving over to rhythm guitar, helping to achieve a riff-heavy mix of hooks and harmonies. Massive Nightmares blends influences from melodic 2000’s punk with 80’s indie and alternative reminiscent of The Lemonheads meets the Bronx. Alex Heinz shared, “‘Back To The Beach’ is the first song I wrote post Great Lakes USA going on a hiatus, after years of chaotic riffing and screaming I wanted to change course in both my songwriting and vocal performance to something that felt more in touch with who I am now. Keeping the structure of the song very simple and focusing heavily on layering melody and harmonies (and with a massive assist from our producer Trevor Reilly) we found ourselves with breezy summer jam ready for radio. Lyrically the song is about how rad it is to go to the beach.” If you’re enjoying the early listen, please consider pre-ordering the band’s self-titled EP that releases on September 6th here.
Read More “Massive Nightmares – “Back To The Beach” (Song Premiere)”Frank Viele – “Necessary Evil” (Video Premiere)
Today is a great day to share the latest single and lyric video from Frank Viele called “Necessary Evil.” Viele takes us behind the scenes to describe the meaning behind his new single saying:
’Necessary Evil’ is a song that came from a special place in my own journey and became a story of self doubt through the main character’s eventual embrace of empathy. Human existence brings both monumental joy and crushing heartache…Love becomes real, nature speaks differently, music can bring tears to your eyes, an embrace from the one you cherish can truly make your knees tremble. Honest empathetic connection with other living beings is the greatest thing this planet has to offer but it comes with a lot of sadness and heaviness sometimes. One might say that it’s a heavy heart to carry but a necessary evil
If you’re enjoying the latest single from Frank Viele, please consider pre-ordering his new LP called The Trouble With Desire here. I was also able to catch up with this talented songwriter for a brief interview below.
Read More “Frank Viele – “Necessary Evil” (Video Premiere)”Burr Oak – “No Time To Dream” (Video Premiere)
Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the new single and video from indie rock band, Burr Oak, called “No Time To Dream.” This is the second single off the band’s EP, Annabelle, that will be released on September 20th via Easy Does It Records. Burr Oak explains, “This track outlines and emphasis how Annabelle spirals down into a deep, dark depression after she gives birth to her baby. Otherwise known as a serious postpartum depression. As the lyrics go, She has ‘no time to read, no time to sleep, and no time to dream.’ All of her time is taken up by taking care of her newborn without any help. She feels lost and hopeless. She contemplates what life would be like if she ended things. The only thing keeping her going is the will to survive for her baby.” If you’re enjoying the new video from Burr Oak, please consider supporting this artist here. I was also able to catch up with the band for a brief interview below.
Read More “Burr Oak – “No Time To Dream” (Video Premiere)”Vicious Dreams – “Too Tough” (Song Premiere)
Today is a great day to share the new single from punk band, Vicious Dreams, called “Too Tough.” Vicious Dreams are a power-pop influenced punk trio from Orlando, FL. Heavily influenced by the likes of the Buzzcocks, Nasty Facts, and other fun 70s/80s rock n’ roll. They tune into the middle-ground between harmonic vocal melodies and hard-hitting, slightly melancholic, chord progressions and lyrics. Their newest full-length record (Turn Off My Brain aka T.O.M.B.) explores the daily struggles of dealing with ADHD and anxiety while trying to keep your head on straight in a world that often feels majorly bizarre. The songs aren’t searching for any answers, only trying to make light, with a little three-chord rock, of how weird it is to be here. Guitarist/vocalist Amanda Little shared, “‘Too Tough’ is about macho guys who think being rude and shitty make them cool. They try too hard, and their pseudo-toughness ends up making them look foolish. The antagonist of the song reminded us a lot of Johnny Bravo, which is why we picked that name for the character.” If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider pre-ordering Turn Off My Brain here.
Read More “Vicious Dreams – “Too Tough” (Song Premiere)”José Lobo – “Pajarita” (Video Premiere)
Today is a great day to share the latest music video from José Lobo called “Pajarita.” The track comes from Lobo’s debut album, In All Good Hope, that released this past May. “‘Pajarita’ is about a long distance relationship,” Lobo explains. “The lyrics are about the reality I imagined my partner at the time was living, how her mornings were, her walk to work everyday, a time during which I was asleep.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider purchasing In All Good Hope here.
Read More “José Lobo – “Pajarita” (Video Premiere)”Interview: Johnny Stevens of Highly Suspect
Recently I was able to catch up with lead vocalist/guitarist of Highly Suspect, Johnny Stevens, to discuss the band’s great new album that released today, called As Above, So Below. In this interview, I asked Johnny about where the album title originated from, the lyrical inspiration behind key tracks, and the songs he feels will translate best to the live setting. Today, Highly Suspect has released a music video for “Plastic Boxes,” and the band will be on tour starting this September with tickets on sale here.
Read More “Johnny Stevens of Highly Suspect”Marlin’s Dreaming – “Lucky Star” (Video Premiere)
Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest music video from indie pop band, Marlin’s Dreaming, called ”Lucky Star.” On this great-sounding and upbeat new single, the band channels their love for big hooks and power pop into a crowd-pleasing package. Lead vocalist Semis Maiai shared, “The album needed an upbeat, fast-paced track, and this one hit the mark. It might be the last song we wrote and tracked before wrapping up the album. But really, it’s just a love song about my partner and me, and the feeling that sometimes I can’t quite provide exactly what they want and need. Yet, somehow, we’ve been together for ages, and it’s worked. So, I guess I’m questioning it, accepting it, and reflecting on it all at once.” If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider pre-ordering their new EP, HIRL, that releases on August 16th here. I was also able to catch up with the band for a brief interview below.
Read More “Marlin’s Dreaming – “Lucky Star” (Video Premiere)”Shehehe – “Elton John” (Song Premiere)
Today, we’re thrilled to premiere “Elton John,” the brand new single from Georgia-based power-pop/punk hybrid Shehehe and their upcoming album, Namedroppers. Shehehe have mastered the art of delivering infectious, singalong choruses next to boisterous guitar riffs, and “Elton John” is no exception. Together, the band manages to bring the sensibilities of classic acts such as Cheap Trick and Bikini Kill into the present. You can also stream/download the song on Shehehe’s Bandcamp page.
’“Elton John” is the result of driving in your car and hearing that one of your musical heroes has just died, then finding out moments later they are not dead yet, just ill and recovering,” says the band. “Whew! A declaration that the almighty song is immortal and will eternally empower and inspire.” Fans of the single, brought to life by Nicole Bechill (bass and vocals), Jason Fusco (drums and vocals), and Noelle Shuck (guitar and vocals), will want to keep an eye out for the band’s brand new album, to be released on August 23rd, 2024. You can also check out the band’s remaining U.S. tour dates on their website.
Chained Saint – “Animosity” (Video Premiere)
Today I’m thrilled to introduce everyone to Chained Saint, a metal band from South Florida who channels their love for big riffs, 80’s thrash metal, and a modern flair to their sound not usually found in a band this young. Chained Saint is Ethan Kahn (guitar), Sebastian De Avila (bass), Cameron Cottrell (drums), and Sean Sterling (vocals), and their debut LP Blindside was produced by William DuVall of Alice In Chains. “Animosity” is the lead single from the record, and the music video showcases the band’s great chemistry and overall energy towards their music. If you’re enjoying “Animosity,” be on the lookout for Blindside that will be released in late August via Patriark Records.
Read More “Chained Saint – “Animosity” (Video Premiere)”Alex Henry Foster – “Alchemical Connection” (Song Premiere)
Today I’m thrilled to share with everyone the latest single from Alex Henry Foster called “Alchemical Connection.” The newest song from this talented artist comes from the newly announced LP A Measure of Shapes and Sounds that will be released everywhere music is sold on September 20th. Alex Henry Foster shared, “‘Alchemical Connection’ is the contemplative portrait of a blooming dawn I had the mesmerizing privilege of witnessing in the dead cold of winter, through the Virginian mountain horizon where I live. I was fascinated by the slow awakening of colors growing into one another, evolving into a stream, and redefining impermanent beauties. It reminded me of the bright shining lights dancing over the ocean of crystal pieces covering the awakening morning in the middle of the desert, where silence murmurs about inner peace and where wind carries the nature of what it feels like to be truly alive. This song evokes those profound sensations.” If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider pre-ordering the new LP here. I was also able to catch up with this songwriter for a brief interview below.
Read More “Alex Henry Foster – “Alchemical Connection” (Song Premiere)”Interview: Ali Tabatabaee of Zebrahead
Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with Ali Tabatabaee of Zebrahead to discuss the band’s new single, “I Have Mixed Drinks About Feelings,” and the final record in their trilogy of EPs called I. In this interview I asked Ali about the band’s touring plans, how he organizes the band’s setlists, as well as a chance to reflect on Zebrahead’s near 30 year existence. I will be released on November 13th.
Read More “Ali Tabatabaee of Zebrahead”Highly Suspect – “The 8th Of October (To August 17th)” (Song Premiere)
Today is a great day to share the new single from Highly Suspect called “The 8th Of October (To August 17th).” The track comes from the band’s forthcoming LP As Above, So Below that will be released on July 19th. The band is about to embark on a sold out U.S. tour this summer, and is looking forward to testing out their new material. If you’re enjoying the early listen to the new single, please consider pre-saving As Above, So Below here. I was also able to catch up with Highly Suspect’s front-man, Johnny Stevens, for a brief interview below.
Read More “Highly Suspect – “The 8th Of October (To August 17th)” (Song Premiere)”