Animal Sun – “Chasing Shadows” (Song Premiere)

Adam Grundy Mar 16, 2022

Today, I’m excited to bring you the latest single from LA’s Alternative/Pop band, Animal Sun, for their song “Chasing Shadows.” The track comes from their sophomore album called Generation Waiting, that will be released this Summer. The song was produced by Kenny Carkeet and Aaron “Zeus” Zepeda, and it has a nice groove to it. The band reminds me of a mix between Waterparks, Set It Off, and One OK Rock with some great anthemic moments thrown into the mix. Lead vocalist, Steven Blake, shared this about “Chasing Shadows,” “‘Chasing Shadows’ is all about living in the moment. We want to remind our listeners to stop chasing a perfect existence at the cost of missing what’s right in front of them.” If you enjoy what you heard from Animal Sun, the single will be hitting streaming services this Friday.

Jason Tate Mar 12, 2022

This week’s newsletter has thoughts on new music out this week (Set It Off, Drug Church) as well as some thoughts and behind-the-scenes tidbits about the Midtown reunion. There’s also commentary on some of the other music I consumed this week, the recent Apple event, and more. Plus, as always, a playlist of ten songs I loved the past week and 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.

Adam Grundy Mar 10, 2022

Today I’m excited to share the lead single from Chicago-based band The Dead Licks for their song “With A Bottle of Whatever You’re Having,” taken from their debut LP In Disguise that hits the streets on May 20th. The band reminds me of the magic found on early Coldplay albums with a steady heartbeat of a familiar-sounding vibe that is comforting to the ears. The Dead Licks shared this about the new single:

Written during the pandemic, and one of the first songs written around a beat made on the drum machine. We sent Jimmy the drum machine/main riff and he came up with the high energy ending to the song. The song structure came about eventually, after we wrote/jammed the song for months.

If you’re enjoying what you hear, the song hits all streaming services tomorrow.

Jason Tate Mar 9, 2022

A couple of weeks ago I jumped on a Zoom call with Midtown to talk about the band’s upcoming tour dates with My Chemical Romance, their plans for the future, looking back at their career with the benefit of hindsight, and what it was like for all of us to grow up in this music scene. Our conversation can be found below.

Jason Tate Mar 6, 2022

This week’s newsletter has early thoughts on some new music (Hot Water Music, Glacier Veins) and some longer thoughts on old favorites (The Ataris). There are also a few quick hits on entertainment I consumed last week and a playlist of ten songs I liked. 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.

Adam Grundy Mar 3, 2022

Recently I was able to catch up with GOON before the release of their new EP Paint by Numbers to provide a cool track-by-track about their new record, that came out today. The LA-based band effortlessly sways from shoegaze pop to a more straightforward rock/grunge approach on this EP that is filled with several great moments. GOON’s Kenny Becker provided these answers based on each song on Paint by Numbers.

Adam Grundy Mar 1, 2022

When I last checked in with PHNTMS, the pop-rock band had just released their single called “Paper Flowers” and was preparing for a few upcoming shows. I’m pleased to announce that the band is back with another great single called “Body Language.” The song rallies around a great riff from lead guitarist Adam Jessamine that builds to an anthemic chorus courtesy of vocalist Alyssa Gambino, who channels her soul influences to make for an excellent-sounding hook. The single’s lyrical material is largely based on the complexities of relationships and the longer we’ve been with a person, the easier it can be to tell when something is wrong. Bassist Mikal Smith keeps the song grooving along with veteran ease, and the tail end of the track features a well thought out guitar solo from Jessamine.

After hearing this great new song, I knew I needed to connect with lead guitarist Adam Jessamine to hear about the background between this songwriting session that led to this single. In the interview below, I asked Jessamine about how he directed the music videos for the band, how the band has been doing the majority of their songwriting during the pandemic, as well as what the band is most looking forward to with getting back on a regular touring schedule. Jessamine also shared the reasons behind scrapping a full-length record that was ready to be released, as well as other interesting details about what keeps the band inspired.

Adam Grundy Mar 1, 2022

Today I’m excited to bring everyone an early listen at indie-pop musician, Chayse Porter, new album called Chay’s Palace. The record gives off major Mac DeMarco vibes with a little bit of a psychedelic twist from bands like Pink Floyd. Chayse shared this about his new album:

For the new album, I wanted to create a world apart from my own but relatable in many ways – one that is raw, uninhibited, and painted with whimsical humor. It’s a tale of self exploration, self discovery, and self love. In this world, I’ve smashed the flattering mirrors within the palace and hung funhouse mirrors in their place. Should you find yourself passing through, I hope your stay is most comfortable

If you enjoy what you hear, please consider pre-ordering here.

Adam Grundy Feb 28, 2022

Your next music obsession has arrived, thanks to Cal Stamp. The singer/songwriter has been around the music scene for quite awhile with his previous projects called Spirit Animal and most recently, Record Heat. The latest version of Cal’s unique brand of breezy, 80’s guitar-driven pop rock might just be his best work yet. The song, called “Hey Amy,” builds casually over an 1975-esque type of guitar-toned rock and Cal Stamp’s vocals are smooth as silk as he makes a song worthy of any playlist. What Stamp does best on this song is making the listener feel connected to his vocals, while the guitars bring the track into the upper echelon of pop bliss. The song comes from the first of a trilogy of EPs, starting with Nylon, that hits the streets on May 6th.

I also caught up with Cal Stamp to discuss the new EPs as well as provide an in-depth peek at what went into this great new single.

Jason Tate Feb 26, 2022

This week’s newsletter has me revisiting Coheed and Cambria’s discography, sharing some thoughts on music out this week (Gang of Youths, Avril, Mom Jeans) and exploring some of the other media I consumed. As always, there’s a playlist of ten songs I enjoyed, and 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.

Adam Grundy Feb 25, 2022

This past week I was able to connect via a Zoom call with Nick Comanici of a band called Sadurday. We discussed his new single, “Out of Touch,” that features vocalist Mae Sexton (of WREX), and drummer Tucker Rule (of Thursday), and was produced by Jon Markson (Drug Church, Soul Blind). Also in this feature, I asked Nick about his plans for touring on the new material, other artists he’s influenced by, and how Sadurday’s sound continues to evolve over time. “Out of Touch” is available at all of your favorite streaming services now.

Adam Grundy Feb 24, 2022

Today I’m thrilled to share the great new single from Buffalo, New York’s own Lost Like Lions, called “Back to Life.” The band is set to release their next EP called Fear of Letting Go this Spring, and the band shared this about the new single:

Our new single ‘Back To Life’ is a quick reintroduction to our band, and it’s a song about feeling re-energized. ‘Back To Life’ definitely takes on new meaning as the winter winds down, and we head into the Spring, and hopefully back to some sense of normalcy in our lives after two years of the pandemic.

This band would be a perfect fit for fans of The Dangerous Summer, Relient K, and The Starting Line.

Jason Tate Feb 19, 2022

Well, well, well, we meet again.

This week’s newsletter details the music and entertainment I consumed over the past week and has some other random things scattered throughout. And, as always, there’s a playlist of ten songs I think you should check out.

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.

Adam Grundy Feb 17, 2022

Today I’m excited to share the next premiere from the indie folk-pop band, Morningsiders, for their great new single “Waterfall.” The band is comprised of Magnus Ferguson (vocals/guitar), Reid Jenkins (fiddle/vocals), and Robert Frech (piano), and their eclectic brand of indie rock has garnered worldwide attention. The band shared this about the new single:

We developed ‘Waterfall’ out of an earlier song that we wrote and played a bit in college, but that never fully clicked. The melody has been stuck in our heads all these years, and every now and then we’d try to re-imagine words for it. A few phrases kept coming up like ‘easy does it,’ and it slowly started to take on a reassuring, if slightly sad mood. I started thinking about conversations I’ve had with my younger sister trying to help her navigate her early 20’s, and also about what I wish I could have told myself when I was that age. It ended up being a song about that oceanic feeling of being a small part of a big world. That zoomed-out vantage point can feel melancholy, but almost in a satisfying way, like a good cry.

If you’re in the mood for a song that makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself, look no further than Morningsiders’ “Waterfall.”

Jason Tate Feb 14, 2022

Last month we shared our favorite albums of 2021, and as we’re ramping into 2022 it’s a good time to look at what we’re anticipating throughout the year. What records do we think we’re going to fall in love with over the next few months? What albums can we just not wait to hear? A bunch of contributors have written up blurbs about the albums and artists we’re most excited about, and we’d love to hear what’s on your most anticipated list as well.

Animal Sun – “Chasing Shadows” (Song Premiere)

Liner Notes (March 12th, 2022)

The Dead Licks – “With A Bottle Of Whatever You’re Having” (Song Premiere)

Interview: Midtown

Liner Notes (March 6th, 2022)

GOON – Paint By Numbers (Track-by-Track)

Interview: Adam Jessamine of PHNTMS

Chayse Porter – ‘Chay’s Palace’ (Album Premiere)

Interview: Cal Stamp – “Hey Amy”

Liner Notes (February 26th, 2022)

Interview: Nick Comanici of Sadurday

Lost Like Lions – “Back To Life” (Song Premiere)

Liner Notes (February 19th, 2022)

Morningsiders – “Waterfall” (Video Premiere)

Most Anticipated of 2022