Interview: Infant Island

Infant Island

On Friday, Infant Island will release one of the best records of 2024. “But Drew,” you say, “there’s only been 12 days of the year so far!” Trust me, I just know. Obsidian Wreath has been four years in the making from Fredericksburg, VA’s Infant Island. The quintet’s debut album on Touché Amoré’s Jeremy Bolm’s Secret Voice imprint (the band’s third full-length album overall), Obsidian Wreath captures the how desolate and dark our modern world is against a furious, scathing back drop of hardcore, screamo, and post-rock, as the album’s ten tracks paint a picture of survival, anxiety, and community. I was fortunate to speak with vocalist Daniel Kost, guitarist Alexander Rudenshiold, and bassist Kyle Guerra about the album’s themes, creation, and more.

Read More “Infant Island”

Interview: 2:00 AM Wake Up Call

2am Wake Up call

Recently I was able to schedule an interview with 2:00 AM Wake Up Call, the solo project from Micah Leith, to discuss the band’s latest single called ”No Nostalgia.” In this interview, I asked Micah about what went into the process for creating the visualizer video for the new track, how Micah does most of the songwriting for this project, and the opening of 2:00 AM Wake Up Call’s new merch store. If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider supporting this artist here.

Read More “2:00 AM Wake Up Call”

Interview: Barely Civil

Barely Civil

Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with one of my favorite up-and-coming emo bands in this scene, Barely Civil, who are gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated third LP. The record will be called I’d Say I’m Not Fine, and it was produced by Chris Tetti. In this interview, I asked the band members about the exciting new direction they took on this new LP, what they looked towards for inspiration, and much more. I’d Say I’m Not Fine will be available on March 22nd via Take This To Heart Records, and pre-orders are live.

Read More “Barely Civil”

Ashlynn Malia – “Dying To Miss Out” (Video Premiere)

Ashlynn Malia

Today is a great day to share the latest single and video from Ashlynn Malia called “Dying To Miss Out.” On this electric-charged new track that’s based on recent heartache, Malia channels her love for artists like Halsey and Lana Del Rey into her own eclectic mix of pop. Malia shared, “This song’s for those situations where I’d rather be literally anywhere than around the person I miss most, not because I don’t want to see them, but because of how badly I do want to see them despite how painful the interactions are.” The song comes from her highly anticipated debut LP, MALIA, that will be released on February 2nd via Jullian Records. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below.

Read More “Ashlynn Malia – “Dying To Miss Out” (Video Premiere)”

Susannah B – “Talkin’ To Myself” (Song Premiere)

Susannah B

Today I’m thrilled to introduce everyone to Susannah B, an ultra-talented songwriter who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming album, POV, with the lead single called “Talkin’ To Myself.” Susannah B shared:

I wrote it over 20 years ago during a time of profound change, when I was pregnant. What began as my own rallying cry against the creeping shadows of self-doubt has evolved, much like I have. The song has matured, with a bridge that’s been re-imagined and a chorus that’s deepened in its truthfulness, mirroring the way I now confront that persistent inner critic. This critical voice familiar to so many of us can bring me to a standstill even after all these years. Yet the song remains hopeful and honest about the reality that this struggle with self-doubt might be a lifelong companion for many.

Through its evolution, “Talkin’ to Myself” is for anyone who’s ever faced the paralyzing echoes of self-critique, reminding us that while the conversation with ourselves can be challenging, it’s a universal experience that binds us in our shared humanity.

Read More “Susannah B – “Talkin’ To Myself” (Song Premiere)”

Josephine – “Normal” (Song Premiere)

Josephine

Today I’m thrilled to introduce everyone to Indie-Americana songwriter, Josephine, who is releasing her latest single called “Normal.” The song comes from her forthcoming EP, Leaning, that will be released this March. Josephine shared, “I wrote ‘Normal’ a little over a month after a breakup. This is when the initial sadness faded but it was still present and I was exhausted from it. I was over being a mess physically, mentally, and emotionally. I did multiple layers of vocals to create a haunting and pulling feeling, and I wanted you to be able to hear the upset and exhaustion in the harmonies.” If you’re ready to discover your next favorite artist who checks all of the boxes for what you’d want in a songwriter, Josephine is here for you.

Read More “Josephine – “Normal” (Song Premiere)”

Charles Moothart – “One Wish” (Video Premiere)

Charles Moothart

Today is a great day to share the latest single and video from Charles Moothart, called “One Wish.” On this great-sounding new track, Moothart channels his love for psych rock in a crowd-pleasing package. The single comes from his new LP, Black Holes Don’t Choke, that will be released on March 8th via In The Red Records. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below.

Read More “Charles Moothart – “One Wish” (Video Premiere)”

Interview: Pat Kirch and Garrett Nickelsen of The Maine

The Maine

Recently, I was able to catch up with Pat (drums) and Garrett (bass), of The Maine, before they played a show at The Fillmore Silver Spring. In this interview, I asked the band about their range of emotions with putting together the Sweet 16th Anniversary Tour, how they’d rank their albums in their discography, the status of several key vinyl reissues, and some fun facts about each of the band members.

Read More “Pat Kirch and Garrett Nickelsen of The Maine”

Interview: Chris Dudley of Underoath

Chris Dudley

Recently I was able to catch up with composer/Underoath keyboardist, Chris Dudley, to discuss his recent scores for films like the Screambox exclusive, Night of the Missing, that is currently available for streaming. In this interview, I asked Chris about some of his favorite scores of all time, his process for making his scores for films he’s assigned to, how music can feel different when listening to it in different environments, and he also offered up some news about Underoath’s new album progress.

Read More “Chris Dudley of Underoath”

Trash Fiasco – “One Bird” (Song Premiere)

Trash Fiasco

Today is a great day to share the new single from Chicago-based garage punk band, Trash Fiasco, called “One Bird.” Displaying the group’s elastic vocals and rhythmic drive, “One Bird” is straightforward without being mundane, and embodies every bit of reckless, gritty energy that their name suggests, as the band blasts their way through the song’s 70-second run time. With a sound similar to energetic punk bands like The Cramps and Wine Lips, Trash Fiasco have truly arrived. I was also able to catch up with the band for a brief interview below.

Read More “Trash Fiasco – “One Bird” (Song Premiere)”

Sonic Blume – “Falling Behind” (Video)

Sonic Blume

Today is a great day to share the news that indie rock band, Sonic Blume, have released their latest single and video for “Falling Behind.” Sonic Blume is Max Connery on vocals/guitar/synth, Danny Murray on drums, Noah Sullivan on guitar/synth, and James Waltsak on bass, and this NJ-based band is onto great things on this track. The single comes from their latest LP, All Your Favorite Songs that is out everywhere you stream your music now. I was also able to catch up with this talented band for a brief interview below.

Read More “Sonic Blume – “Falling Behind” (Video)”

Chris Garneau – “First Man” (Song Premiere)

Chris Garneau

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single from Chris Garneau called “First Man.” On this vibrant single, it finds Garneau plumb the longing of a person’s first crush: the excitement, surprise, and, eventual heartbreak. The song comes from the forthcoming Out of Love release by Garneau. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below.

Read More “Chris Garneau – “First Man” (Song Premiere)”

Middle Part – “Nowhere” (Song Premiere)

Middle Part

Today is a great day to share the new single from alt-pop artist from NY, who goes by Middle Part, called “Nowhere.” On this new track, the gritty pop elements showcase an artist willing to take calculated risks to expand his sound. The artist shared, “‘Nowhere’ is a refrain from all the anger that populates a lot of the record. It’s a confession of wanting to choose self-acceptance over continuously worrying about what others may think. Appreciating the present moment rather than placing oneself at the center of the universe is the key theme.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider visiting Middle Part’s Bandcamp page here.

Read More “Middle Part – “Nowhere” (Song Premiere)”

Night Windows – “Something Simple” (Song Premiere)

Night Windows

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone an early listen to alternative rock band, Night Windows, new single called “Something Simple.” With a sound that fits well within the realm of indie rock bands like Death Cab for Cutie, plus the emotional attachment of lyrics like Bright Eyes, Night Windows are breaking through at just the right moment in time. Taken from their upcoming 2024 LP titled In Memories, “Something Simple” finds the beauty in all things. As band lead vocalist Ben Hughes explained:

A one-take recording (guitar/vocals) from my room with the windows open. ‘Something Simple’ is about loss and longing. It’s about reckoning with the idea of greener pastures. It’s about the desire to move away, and the desire to return home – only remembering the good parts of what was left there. All these wishes and fears about the future. Hopes and dreams. And at the end of the day, it’s about leaning on the little moments that occur each day to pull us through.

If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider pre-ordering In Memories here.

Read More “Night Windows – “Something Simple” (Song Premiere)”