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)”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)”July Crowd – “Happy Ever (Afterthought)” (Song Premiere)
Today I’m so excited to bring everyone an early listen to British Columbia pop-punk band, July Crowd, and their newest single called “Happy Ever (Afterthought).” July Crowd is Dom Walters (Vocals & Guitar), Niko Stivanakis (Bass), and Nic Faller (Drums), and their melodic pop-punk sound is perfect for fans of New Found Glory and The Story So Far. When asked about the latest track, Dom Walters shared, “”We wanted to write a song with bounce, with feel, with relatability. Musically, it’s somewhere between Lit’s 1999 A Place In The Sun and 2001 Smash Mouth. I think this song came together much more naturally than anything we’ve worked on before. It’s right in that pocket for us, that sweet spot between genres.” If you’re enjoying the early listen to July Crowd’s new single, please consider pre-saving the track here.
Read More “July Crowd – “Happy Ever (Afterthought)” (Song Premiere)”Virginity – “Bad Jazz” (Album Stream)
Today I’m so excited to share with everyone an early listen to indie/power-punk band, Virginity, and their new album called Bad Jazz. The songs on Bad Jazz come from a place of musical tangents, digressions, and what-ifs. A place of realizing that sometimes your best ideas are the ones that started out as jokes. Bad Jazz is about going with your gut, taking the mistakes and running with them, and letting curiosity take the lead. It’s not necessarily an album about fun, but it sure sounds fun—and it sounds like it was fun to make. If you’re enjoying the early listen, please consider purchasing the new album here that will be released tomorrow via Smartpunk Records.
Read More “Virginity – “Bad Jazz” (Album Stream)”Amarionette ft. AJ Perdomo – “Impossible” (Song Premiere)
Today I’m thrilled to share with everyone the latest single from Alternative band, Amarionette, called “Impossible.” The song features AJ Perdomo of The Dangerous Summer and the cool back-and-forth styles between the two vocalists really pays off here. Lead vocalist of Amarionette Issy Berry shared, “AJ Perdomo has always been high on our list of collaborations. We’d sent him a few ideas, but it was the original music of ‘Impossible’ that he ended up loving and things progressed from there.” If you’re enjoying the latest single from Amarionette, please consider supporting this talented band here.
Read More “Amarionette ft. AJ Perdomo – “Impossible” (Song Premiere)”The Disappearing Act – “Gun Barrel City” (Video Premiere)
Today is a great day to get re-acquainted with The Disappearing Act, who are releasing their first taste of new music in nearly nine years with “Gun Barrel City.” The band is John Dufilho, Salim Nourallah, and Bob Blumenfeld, and on this great-sounding single they quickly show why they were meant to play music together. The new single comes from The Disappearing Act’s new LP, An Illusion, that will be released everywhere music is sold on September 27th. Nourallah shared about the new track, “‘Gun Barrel City’ is actually a real place in Texas. Unlike two other songs I have with Texas towns in the titles, ‘Terlingua’ and ‘See You in Marfa,’ I’ve never been to Gun Barrel City. I don’t even have any idea where in Texas it’s located. One morning, I asked a friend how he was doing, and he proclaimed he was, ‘Fed up and moving to Gun Barrel City!’ It struck me as being pretty hilarious, because I imagined Gun Barrel City being the opposite of a city. Later, I incorporated it into this song about leaving behind an unsatisfying life.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider supporting this artist here. I was also able to catch up with Salim Nourallah for a brief interview below.
Read More “The Disappearing Act – “Gun Barrel City” (Video Premiere)”Lo Fi Ho Hum – “Never Been In Love” (Video Premiere)
Today I’m thrilled to introduce everyone to Lo Fi Ho Hum, who are releasing their debut single called “Never Been In Love.” On this heartfelt track, that brings to mind nostalgic riffs of Weezer and Fountains of Wayne, was written following years of romantic struggles from frontman Jacob Godbey. The band is rounded out by Adam Daugherty (Lead Guitar), Shiloh Daricek (Bass), and Maddi (Drums), and they quickly cement themselves as a key band to watch as this year unfolds. Keep an eye out for the band’s full debut album, Garage Pop, that will be released on August 2nd. If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider supporting this talented band here.
Read More “Lo Fi Ho Hum – “Never Been In Love” (Video Premiere)”Ghostkeeper – “Lipstick” (Video Premiere)
Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single and video from psych rockers, Ghostkeeper, called “Lipstick.” “Lipstick” opens with a strangely inviting, other-wordly noise, a chirping, digitized cicada perhaps, before settling into a sultry drumbeat. The beat – as well as various other aspects of the production – betray an interest in sounds and rhythms from trap music, and the futuristic-sounding sonic architecture of contemporary R&B acts like FKA Twigs and Rosalía, but the song is grounded by the two singers, who each take a verse, their voices filtered through a pleasingly psychedelic lens. Ghostkeeper shared, “This song was conceived out of a sweet moment of romantic nostalgia: shared cigarettes outside of Broken City after a show, shooting our own Super 8 music videos, and a photo booth picture that remains in the breast pocket of my jean jacket that Sarah sent to me while away at art school in Halifax after our very first summer of love. Lipstick is dedicated to all you lovers out there.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider supporting this artist here. I was also able to catch up with the band for a brief interview below.
Read More “Ghostkeeper – “Lipstick” (Video Premiere)”Gooseberry – “Dying To Meet You” (Video Premiere)
Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single and video from Alt Rock band, Gooseberry, called “Dying To Meet You.” The song comes from the band’s debut LP, All My Friends Are Cattle, out everywhere music is sold on September 6th. Band member Asa Daniels shared about the track, “For the breakdowns in this song, our producer (Colin Bryson) brought a tiny handheld distortion mic into the studio for me to scream into. And I screamed my head off. That was cathartic. Hopefully this song brings our fans catharsis. Or a sore throat.” If you’re enjoying the latest single/video from Gooseberry, please consider supporting this talented band here. I was also able to catch up with the band for a brief interview below.
Read More “Gooseberry – “Dying To Meet You” (Video Premiere)”