The Clamor – “You Bring Out The Demon In Me” (Song Premiere)

The Clamor

Today is a great day to share the newest single from The Clamor called “You Bring Out The Demon In Me.” The second single from the band’s forthcoming EP to be released this summer, was co-written by Vic Godard and the Subway Sect. This punk-infused anthem is sure to make you feel something. The Clamor shared:

Vic Godard is a legend and one of the most fiercely original songwriters and lyricists out there.  I love his song, and I thought a cover would work well as a thematic anchor to strengthen the narrative coherence of the four singles being released this spring. The struggle between saint and sinner, the plea for rescue, and the resistance against drifting between extremes all resonated with both my personal experiences and the overall exploration of personal struggles, the fragility of relationships, and the constant search for authenticity in the four singles.

If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider supporting this artist here.

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Interview: Gulfer

A few months ago I had the pleasure of speaking with Gulfer’s Joe Therriault and David Mitchell about the band’s latest album for Topshelf Records, Third Wind. The Montreal quartet’s fourth album expands beyond their emo/math rock wizardry and dives into more textured and sometimes poppier styles (songs like “Clean,” “Cherry Seed,” and “Motive” stand out). But even still, Third Wind is a Gulfer album through and through, still exhibiting the band’s charm and songwriting prowess that’s been developed over the course of their career. Joe, David, and I talk about the origins of the record, making three music videos, the joys of making music with your friends, and more.

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Parris Mitchell – “Problem Child” (Song Premiere)

Parris Mitchell

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single from rising pop artist, Parris Mitchell, called “Problem Child.” Mitchell has a unique sound that transcends musical boundaries, and hits the right spots on this vibrant single. When speaking on his latest track, Mitchell shared, “This is a ‘neighbors calling in a noise complaint’ banger about self-reflection. My emo indie rock anthem, co-penned with Stalking Gia and Ryder Stuart, explores raw emotions and introspection with ripping guitars, angsty vocals and intense drums.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, keep an eye out for Parris Mitchell’s new LP, The Mixed Emotions Arcade, that releases on June 14th. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below.

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Old Neon – “Empty Frames” (Video Premiere)

Old Neon

Today I’m so excited to share with everyone Pittsburgh, PA’s dynamic pop-punk band, Old Neon, and their latest single/video for “Empty Frames.” When speaking on the track, band member Sean Michael shared, The song is about developing feelings for someone who is emotionally unavailable and how lonely it can feel. More lonely, however, when upon expressing those feelings, finding it was not one-sided; whilst not an unrequited feeling, one that will never be alive in the way you want. The band would be perfect for fans of Four Year Strong and The Wonder Years.

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Dad Hats – “Claustrophobia” (Video Premiere)

Dad Hats

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest video from Dad Hats called “Claustrophobia,” and share the news of their vinyl releases. After Dad Hats released Spill in February of 2023, the first pressing of the physical copies quickly sold out and – despite a run up that included several singles – there was one song that had been an obvious fan favorite that didn’t have a corresponding music video. To celebrate the second pressing of Spill on vinyl, the band announced a limited edition 7″ and a music video for their next single: “Claustrophobia.” “Claustrophobia” is a poppy little thing that hits close to home for anyone feeling suffocated by an endless cycle of work and obligations. Throughout the song, Dad Hats’ signature blend of overly honest introspection, woven guitars, and catchy melodies are on prominent display. It also serves as a must-listen for anyone who wants to have some friends over for a first world self-pity party. The seven inch features an acoustic B-side of “Brain In A Jar,” and this song is currently exclusive to only this limited edition vinyl pressing. You can purchase Spill here and the 7″ record here.

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Gileah Taylor – “Sweetness Surrounding” (Video Premiere)

Gileah Taylor

Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the latest video from ultra-talented songwriter Gileah Taylor, from her new album Slow Parade, called “Sweetness Surrounding.” It’s a song about putting on a happy face while feeling sad and lost, and fits well for fans of Big Thief or Boygenius. When speaking on her new single, Taylor mentioned, ““I felt lost and wanted to be by myself, to a scary point. I recognized where I was and decided to make a change. I took steps to feel better, like taking morning walks, choosing the good things around me, and listening to the birds.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider purchasing Slow Parade here. You can also check out some insight on the new single from Gileah Taylor below.

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Interview: Sarah and the Safe Word

Sarah and the Safe Word

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone an early listen to the new Sarah and the Safe Word single called “Pornstar Martini.” On this Motown-inspired track that sounds like a combination between early Panic! at the Disco paired with that classic Sarah and the Safe Word sound, the band continues their dramatic artistic development. Sarah Rose shared, “We wrote this song while we were on tour in the UK on an off day. I remember sitting in our AirBNB in Manchester and the chorus just kind of came out. Kienan and I knew pretty much right away that we were going to make a song out of it. It’s a love letter to our time in the UK as much as it is a love letter to some of our favorite vintage sounds. Feels like an interesting new chapter for the band. I’m excited to take folks along for this ride.” Additionally, lead guitarist Kienan Dietrich mentioned, “We’re trying to broaden the scope of our sound a tiny bit by taking the time machine back only a few decades instead of an entire century. The combination of references to works of dark academia, like Donna Tartt and Bret Easton Ellis, with a bright, Motown/Stax Records kind of music is such a fun thing to explore. The clash of squeaky clean, pop culture memories with the reality underpinning those memories. Classic juxtaposition stuff, and classic Safe Word. At the end of the day, who doesn’t want a penthouse view?” If you’re enjoying the early listen, you can stream it everywhere you get your music tomorrow. I was also able to catch up with the Kienan and Sarah for a brief interview below.

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Joseph Luca – “One Last Dance” (Video Premiere)

Joseph Luca

Today is a great day to share the new music video from Joseph Luca, featuring The Pocket Queen, called “One Last Dance.” On this heartfelt song about the pitfalls of putting too much into a one-sided relationship, Luca’s breathtaking vocals lend themselves well to the theme here. Luca shared, “‘One Last Dance’ acts as one last romantic gesture to breathe life back into a relationship teetering on the edge of ruin. At its core, the song dives into the profound inquiry of whether the perceived toxicity within the relationship is an authentic manifestation or merely a construct derived from a shared and distorted viewpoint.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider streaming his latest EP here. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below.

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Record Store Day Roundup: 2024 Edition

CD, Record Store

Another Record Store Day has come and gone. Did you snag that coveted pressing of that album you had your eye on? Hopefully your experience was as good as mine was, and you were able to grab at least something on your list either in-person or online afterwards. In this article, I’ll be recapping things I noticed about the most popular titles going first, providing feedback on the pressing numbers for this year’s collection, and ways to keep vinyl fans engaged with their local record stores throughout the year.

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Interview: Suck Brick Kid

Suck Brick Kid

Recently I was able to catch up with a talented pop-punk band called Suck Brick Kid to discuss everything that went into the writing of their new album, The End Is What I Want. Out on May 17 via Smartpunk Records, the new record will have you laughing, crying, and reflecting on all of those nostalgia-tinged memories we experience. With a slick pop-punk sound, Suck Brick Kid would be perfect for fans of Set Your Goals, Sum 41, Four Year Strong, and Blink-182.

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Interview: The Eyebrows

The Eyebrows

Recently I was able to catch up with Charlotte, North Carolina-based power pop band, The Eyebrows, to discuss their latest album called Double Take. The Eyebrows are singer-songwriter, producer, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist Jay Garrigan, bassist and vocalist Darrin Gray, and drummer and multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lynch. In this interview, I asked the band about what went into the writing/recording process for Double Take, how they approach building out their setlists for tours, and much more. Double Take released on April 19th, and there are still a few physical options of the record at the band’s store here.

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Interview: Letters Sent Home

Letters Sent Home

Recently I was able to catch up with a German quartet called Letters Sent Home to discuss their new LP, Forever Undone, that released today via SharpTone Records. The highly anticipated album features recently released singles, “Request Denied” and “Elements”, alongside nine ambitious and exciting new tracks. The band is comprised of singer Emily Paschke, bassist Lara Ripke, guitarist Robin Werner, and drummer Louis Schramm. In this interview, I asked the band about their excitement level with releasing their debut LP, their touring plans, and much more. Forever Undone can be purchased here.

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Record Store Day Countdown: The 1975 – Live At Gorilla

CD, Record Store

The first week of our Record Store Day countdown series wraps up today with a look into the live set from The 1975 called Live At Gorilla. This performance of the band’s debut LP, played in full from front to back for the first time since 2013, was recorded live in Manchester on February 1, 2023 and remains faithful to the original recording. The “RSD First” double LP is limited to 7,500 copies via Interscope Records and is pressed on white vinyl. The artwork for Live At Gorilla can be found below.

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Applied Communications – “Oxytocin Drunk” (Song Premiere)

Applied Communications

Today I’m excited to share with everyone the latest single from Applied Communications called “Oxytocin Drunk.” Applied Communications is the music alias of Max Wood, and he channels his love for slick production and powerful songwriting in a crowd-pleasing package. When speaking on the new single, Max shared that “Oxytocin Drunk” is “the first song I finished when I decided to make music again. It’s about the joy of being disappointed; realizing that means that you are capable of caring really deeply about the people, ideas, and experiences in your life. I tried to keep it relatively straightforward and poppy, though the yowling off-key chorus vocals and abrupt shifts will probably lose some folks.” If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider pre-ordering his upcoming EP here. I was also able to catch up with Max for a brief interview below.

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Elly Low – “I’m Afraid” (Video Premiere)

Elly Low

Today I’m thrilled to introduce everyone to a new artist named Elly Low, and share her debut music video for “I’m Afraid.” This song is a catchy jazz-pop track that explores the relatable vulnerability and uncertainty of falling in love. The song reminds me a bit of Amy Winehouse’s charisma paired with Lana Del Rey’s songwriting. Her label shared, “Elly sent me a few demos, and I was knocked out. I immediately offered her a development deal. She has a modern sound in an earthy, bluesy, Georgia kind of way. ‘I’m Afraid’ is the first of what’s going to be many songs coming from this uniquely talented singer/songwriter.” If you’re enjoying the debut single from Elly Low, keep an eye out for her debut EP that will be released later this year. I was also able to catch up with Elly for a brief interview below.

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