D’Arcy – “Ecstasy” (Song Premiere)

Adam Grundy Jun 20, 2022

Today I’m excited to share the latest single from electronic pop artist D’Arcy for her new song entitled “Ecstasy.” The artist recently released her debut EP Hard To Kill last year, and has since earned over 1 million streams on Spotify. Her unique brand of bedroom pop paired with frenetic beats showcases the breadth of her abilities to convey wide ranges of emotions through her music. On this latest song, D’Arcy shared, “Ecstasy’ is about the fine line between pleasure and pain; the concept for the song derived from the feeling of being at a party and wondering what everyone else there is trying to escape from, if anything at all.” If you’re enjoying the direction she took on this track, you can pre-save it here.

Adam Grundy Jun 16, 2022

Today is the perfect day to share the latest single from Santa Barbara indie rock/folk band Plastic Harpoons, a great Americana-styled song reminiscent of Bob Dylan paired with the modern sheen of accomplished songwriters like Brian Fallon and Brandon Flowers. Lead vocalist Taylor Casey shared this about the new single:

”Diamond Wings” is a story about a modern day Icarus – a man obsessed with climbing higher, disillusioned by the life that he leads. He separates himself from the masses, via drugs, material possessions, and shows of wealth. Eventually, he loses perspective, ignoring the advice of his own father along the way, leading to dire consequences. I think unintentionally the song is also a metaphor for my thoughts on the current state of modern man. The song, originally just played on acoustic is filled out with snappy slide guitar, jangling piano, a grounding and pocketed baseline, and no-nonsense drums, paired with a rambling Dylan-esque vocal.

If you’re enjoying the new and exciting direction Plastic Harpoons took on this track, their full-length record will be out on October 21st via Lolipop Records.

Adam Grundy Jun 15, 2022

Today I couldn’t be happier to share the latest single from the synth-rock band from Philadelphia, named Crozet, for their great new song called “My Racing Heart.” The track comes from their upcoming full-length record, Suburbia, which will be self-released on July 1st. This band reminds me of the dripping nighttime synths of M83 paired with the pop sensibilities and quirkiness of Toro y Moi, but really they’re well on their way to having a unique sound that is simply Crozet. The band shared this about “My Racing Heart:”

During the height of the pandemic I dealt with the worst anxiety I’ve ever experienced in my life. I never expected to be living in the city again with nowhere to go, nothing to do, and no one to see. I know I wasn’t alone in feeling that way. I was in fact fortunate enough to have the creative outlet of Crozet to allow me and Sean to continue collaborating on music remotely. During that time period I was listening to a lot of music produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in an attempt to keep my spirits up. Producing a track in this style was definitely a new experience for Sean and I. We tried to keep the sounds of the synths, guitars, bass and drums true to the style of a Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis track. Lyrically this was one of those songs that kind of wrote itself once I started getting into it. I hope people can relate to the feelings the lyrics speak of.

If you’re enjoying the direction that Crozet went with here, please consider pre-ordering Suburbia here.

Adam Grundy Jun 14, 2022

Today I’m excited to share the latest single from Philadelphia’s own Pine Barons, called “In The Air.” The song is a cover of The Fishmans’, a Japanese pop group that stormed their scene in the 80’s and 90’s. The song reminds me of lush dream pop meshed with psychedelic rock. Imagine if Beach House and Phish ever collaborated on a song; it might sound a lot like this. Lead vocalist Keith Abrams had this to say about the cover:

”In The Air” has such a haunting quality to it, both in the lyrics and the way it moves, and I get such a strong emotional response when I listen to it, like I can feel my heart breaking. The first version I had heard was the live performance off Otokotachi no Wakare. From this sort of cosmic meditative intro, like leaving the earth behind as you enter the upper atmosphere, and out comes this creeping hypnotic pulse with the bass and drums. The progression, as simplistic as it is, feels somehow ahead of its time, and it blew me away. As the last Fishmans single to be released in 1998, it was an important one to include on this album. I wanted to marry the essence of the live version with the studio version, with a slight deviation from the structure. When it feels like it might come to an end, it sort of blasts off into this other realm where you might forget you’re listening to the same song.

By putting a new spin on a classic, Pine Barons are off and running towards being your next key musical discovery.

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Jude Flannery – “Quiet By Your Side” (Video Premiere)

Adam Grundy Jun 13, 2022

Today I’m happy to share the latest music video from Jude Flannery for his song “Quiet By Your Side.” Flannery enlisted Matt Barrick (The Walkmen), Robbie Bennett (The War on Drugs), Quentin Stoltzfus (Light Heat) to both play on and produce the new record, and form a supergroup of sorts. Flannery shared this about the new single:

I wanted to write a song about what it means to be comfortable. For me, that is the ability to quiet my mind. The more I thought about this song, it also feels like my relationship with music – it’s always nearby, it moves me and lulls me into a state of listening calm. It’s funny but I think that ended up happening when we recorded the song as well – we immediately felt what the song needed and just played it. I started with the acoustic guitar and vocals and Quentin laid down the bass line from the control room as I was recording it. Matt added drums on top of that in what seemed like a single take and Robbie’s keys filled in the rest quickly.

If you’re enjoying the new song/video as much as I think you will, his full-length record will drop this September.

Adam Grundy Jun 9, 2022

Today is a great day to share the latest single from pop-punk band Scotchka, who hail from Albany, NY, and are gearing up for the release of their full-length record this August. The new single is called “Corinthians” and reminds me a lot of Say Anything paired with Motion City Soundtrack. The band shared this about the latest track:

We’ve made a habit on this coming record to hyperinflate the ordinary and this song is one of the better examples. Corinthians is a culmination of life events, put into the most dramatic light possible. Trying to explore every facet of a relationship, processing a friend telling us they are considering suicide, always trying to find out where something went wrong and building from there.

If you’re enjoying the vibe of the latest single, be on the lookout for a pre-order notification on the band’s Bandcamp page here.

Adam Grundy Jun 9, 2022

Today I’m excited to share the latest single from singer-songwriter Chris Garneau called “Ballard.” The track is the first song to be released from his upcoming EP, that will be released this Fall, and reminds me of a bit of the style of Rostam paired with the flamboyance of Adam Lambert. Garneau had this to say about the inspiration behind the new song:

I wrote this song after a vivid dream I had last summer where I met and fell in love with a vampire. We agreed he could drink the blood from my neck, turning me, but two days later he disappeared. I never saw him again, not in my dreams not in real life. Even though it all happened while I was sleeping it stuck with me for a while, I couldn’t stop thinking about it for months until I finally wrote the song to get it out. I felt like I was hallucinating sometimes, like that it really happened. It was bizarre. Sort of hot, kinda fun, but also felt fucked up. Ultimately I was relieved to let go of the feeling.

If you’re enjoying the direction that Garneau took on the first single from his upcoming EP, you can purchase the song starting tomorrow here.

Adam Grundy Jun 8, 2022

Today I’m thrilled to share the album stream of power pop/rock band Aunt Kelly called Remember. The band is comprised of vocalist/guitarist/pianist Kelly Hannemann, bassist Dan Gianaris and drummer Sarah Weddle, and their great musical chemistry is felt over the seven-song effort. With a sound that strays somewhere between Beach Bunny and The Aces, Aunt Kelly have crafted a great debut record that should dominate your summer rotation. Hannemann shared this about the new record:

Remember is made up of songs written over several years through periods of despair, euphoria, depression, and mania. The title-track is about the fear of losing memories. There is something really comforting to me about being able to live in the past whether it’s through good or bad memories. I thought it was fitting for that song to be the title-track since all these songs hold a very specific feeling and will always make me think of that moment in time.

By looking back on key memories and staying true to who they are as people and musicians, Aunt Kelly will make you remember their name. If you’re enjoying the early album stream, please consider pre-ordering Remember here.

Adam Grundy Jun 3, 2022

Today is the perfect day to share Berlin-based Alternative Rock band, TWINS, and their latest B-side single, a jazz-infused song called “Something About Alice Coltrane.” The song comes from the mind of TWINS band leader, Miro Denck, and Miro shared, “This recording is my humble tribute to one of my greatest sources of artistic and spiritual inspiration, the sublime music of the great jazz mystic Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda. It would be presumptuous to think there’s even a way to get anywhere near the powerful talent unified on the original recording, ‘Something About John Coltrane’ of her 1971 album, Journey in Satchidananda, which includes Pharoah Sanders, Cecil McBee and Rashied Ali, let alone as a single musician. Rather than that, to me this is a very personal meditation on life, loss and the endless comfort I find in her music.”

If you’re enjoying this latest slab of experimental rock music from TWINS, their full-length record called The Human Jazz will be hitting music streaming services on June 29th via Earth Libraries. Additionally, I was able to catch up with Miro Denck for a brief interview about this new single.

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Bonsai Trees – “Not Better” (Song Premiere)

Adam Grundy Jun 2, 2022

Today I’m thrilled to share the latest single from Bonsai Trees, led by the charismatic lead vocalist James MacPherson, “Not Better” is a song about finding ways to improve your outlook on healing. MacPherson shared:

”Not Better” is about healing at your own pace, healing from trauma is a non-linear rollercoaster of a process that requires support, love and understanding from the people around you. When the people in your life want to control you and create the idea of you that they want to see, they’ll lead you down the wrong path, tell you what’s good for you, when only YOU know what you need to heal. For me this song is about taking back my independence and becoming a more true version of myself in the face of a lot of adversity. Overcoming the control others think they have on you is crucial to your authenticity.

By preparing for healing while still maintaining their artistic credibility, Bonsai Trees may very well be on the cusp of self-discovery. If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider pre-ordering the band’s new EP called Mine here.

Adam Grundy Jun 1, 2022

Today I’m excited to share the latest music video from indie rock band State of the Secretary, for their single “Astray.” The band comes from the brain-trust of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Isaac Anderson, and he uses his fondness for music by The Cure and The Smiths to create songs that linger somewhere between the modern flair of The Killers and The National. Anderson shared this about the latest track from his upcoming full-length record:

“Astray” was a bit of a departure from my typical songwriting. It was written, recorded, and mixed in my bedroom, over the course of a few hours. I knew it had a feel that I loved, and it is one of my favorites on the album. The video is also very special to me. I collaborated with director Griffin Davis to create something that captured the song’s message/feel. I’m so excited for it to be out in the world!”

With his sets sight on creating music that makes the audience feel something, State of the Secretary are one of those bands to keep a keen eye as the year unfolds.

Adam Grundy May 26, 2022

Today is an excellent day to share electronic pop star Bahjat’s new single and music video for his comeback single, “I’m Here.” Bahjat had this to say about the new song that’s a blend between a K-Pop sound paired with a modern flair seen in the most popular music today:

I wrote ‘I’m Here’ during quarantine in 2020. Not only was it such an uncertain time in our lives in general, but I was also getting a lot of pushback from people in the industry who were questioning my vision and my decision to mix Arabic & English lyrics. It’s kind of my ‘comeback’ song in a way, because it captures the moment I got fed up with all the criticism and decided to carve my path on my own terms. Sonically, I wanted to pay tribute to the K-Pop community and the sound of the artists’ debut songs, because I feel like I’m debuting all over again with my new take on global Arabic music, which I’ve been calling ‘A-pop.’

With his sets sight purely on global domination, don’t blame me if you find yourself dancing through to the weekend, courtesy of Bahjat.

Adam Grundy May 26, 2022

Today I’m thrilled to share the latest slice of music from Brooklyn’s own synth-pop powerhouse band, Endearments, for their single “Too Late.” The song feels like a blend of 80’s new wave paired with the sonic brilliance of modern rock bands like Foster the People and Car Seat Headrest. Self-produced by band leader Kevin Marksson at his home studio, he shared this about the new song, “I think breakups have these turning points where you realize things can no longer be fixed. ‘Too Late’ is about those moments—recognizing when you’re being taken for granted, and saying enough is enough.” Endearments have found the right balance between being at their breaking point while still remaining true to who they are as artists.

Adam Grundy May 25, 2022

Today I’m thrilled to share the latest single and music video from Brooklyn, NY’s own Living Room for the song “Flood.” The track is the third single to be released from their upcoming record New Years that will be released everywhere music is sold on June 10th via Fear Icon Records. Living Room reminds me of the emo spirit of Thursday, paired with the great hooks of LA Dispute, and they wear their influences so fervently on their sleeves while adding something new to the scene. Guitarist/vocalist John Nicholls had this to say about “Flood:”

In March of 2020 my ex-girlfriend and I were still living together, riding out the lease. I had turned our office/music room into my new dwelling where I spent almost all of my time. Covid had just hit and I was ‘sheltering in place’ and unemployed. When I wasn’t sleeping, drinking, or doing other things to distract myself from the strange and unpleasant reality I was in, I was left to actually think about it. ‘Flood’ is about this time in my life. It’s about the ways we can deceive ourselves when we try to escape or hide from our reality. It’s about the things I’d done and not done that led me to that situation. And it’s about how I was still spending a lot of energy to uphold a fiction that I would wake up in the life I wanted if I kept going this way.

If you’re enjoying this latest taste of music from Living Room, there is still time to pre-order New Years here.

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TheWorst – “This House Didn’t Build Itself” (Song Premiere)

Adam Grundy May 24, 2022

Today I’m pumped to share the latest single from indie punk trio, TheWorst, for their song “This House Didn’t Build Itself.” The track comes from the band’s upcoming sophomore record, Yes Regrets, that will be released in full on June 3rd. For those unfamiliar with the band, they sound like a combination of the best parts of the early 00’s New Jersey emo scene, paired with the punk rock spirit of Joan Jett. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Brooke Binion, had this to share about the latest single and the overall direction of Yes Regrets, “It’s exhausting living this way where you’re constantly punishing yourself. I’ve been through a lot, and most of it was self-inflicted, but this record is just about that pain you can cause yourself and those regrets that wear you down.”

If you’re enjoying this song as much as I think most of you will, please consider pre-ordering the new album here.

D’Arcy – “Ecstasy” (Song Premiere)

Plastic Harpoons – “Diamond Wings” (Video Premiere)

Crozet – “My Racing Heart” (Song Premiere)

Pine Barons – “In The Air” (Song Premiere)

Jude Flannery – “Quiet By Your Side” (Video Premiere)

Scotchka – “Corinthians” (Song Premiere)

Chris Garneau – “Ballard” (Song Premiere)

Aunt Kelly – ‘Remember’ (Album Premiere)

TWINS – “Something About Alice Coltrane” (Song Premiere)

Bonsai Trees – “Not Better” (Song Premiere)

State of the Secretary – “Astray” (Video Premiere)

Bahjat – “I’m Here” (Video Premiere)

Endearments – “Too Late” (Song Premiere)

Living Room – “Flood” (Video Premiere)

TheWorst – “This House Didn’t Build Itself” (Song Premiere)