Tokyo Rose – “Philadelphia In the Springtime” (Song Premiere)

Tokyo Rose

Today I’m so excited to share the new bonus track/visualizer video from 00’s emo band, Tokyo Rose, that comes from their breakthrough record of called New American Saint, with “Philadelphia in the Springtime.” The band is also excited to announce their signing to the label of Manic Kat Records, and the deluxe version of New American Saint releases this Friday. Lead vocalist Ryan Dominguez shared:

I never imagined anything I did 20 years ago would ever be remembered, let alone be regarded fondly enough by anyone, other than the very small handful of people who were involved with it at the time, to be remastered and re-released 2 decades after the fact. But somehow Peter and the team at Manic Kat pulled a vinyl rabbit out of their magic hat, called “New American Saint: 20th Anniversary Deluxe Re-Mastered Edition

If you’re enjoying the newly released single, please consider staying tuned to Tokyo Rose’s Manic Kat Records page here.

Read More “Tokyo Rose – “Philadelphia In the Springtime” (Song Premiere)”

Blonde Otter – “Your Number” (Song Premiere)

Blonde Otter

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the new single from Brooklyn-based rock band, Blonde Otter, called “Your Number.” In this cool-looking lyric video for the single, Blonde Otter tackles staying connected in an AI-driven world, while still staying human in this environment. The band shared:

”Your Number” delves into the complexities of modern digital communication, exploring the superficiality of online interactions and the yearning for genuine human connection amidst the pervasive influence of data and AI. Our forthcoming album, from which ‘Your Number’ is the first single, marks a significant evolution for us, moving into broader political and societal themes that reflect our struggle to create amidst contemporary pressures. We are simply just part of the New York experience.

If you’re enjoying the early listen, please consider staying connected with the band here.

Read More “Blonde Otter – “Your Number” (Song Premiere)”

Interview: Trestles

Trestles

Recently I was able to connect with Santa Cruz, California beach rock band, Trestles, to discuss their slick new single/video that recently released, called ”Bones.” Trestles are gearing up for the release of their sophomore full-length record called SALT, that will be released on September 26th. If you’re enjoying the interview, please consider streaming the band’s music here, or catch a show on their tour.

Read More “Trestles”

Interview: The Strike

The Strike

Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with indie pop band, The Strike, to discuss their new album called A Dream Through Open Eyes. In this interview, the band discussed their big opportunity of opening for The Fray, provided some insight into their songwriting process, as well as previewed their single called “The Getaway” featuring Mitchell Tenpenny out today.

Read More “The Strike”

Chinese Junk – “Shut Up About the USA”

Chinese Junk

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the hook-laden new single from UK punk rock band, Chinese Junk, that has a blistering take on the current political landscape called “Shut Up About The USA.” These punk rockers are coming in hot with some slick guitar-driven garage punk rock with meaning. Whether you’re tossing beers in your basement or screaming down a dirt road at 100 mph, this split (called Talk Trash w/ Gino & The Goons and Chinese Junk) that releases this Friday, will deliver the anxiety ridden chaos your soul craves. The sound of sweat filled shows and sweat soaked rebellion – get it while it’s still dripping on Big Neck Records. Band member Ben Nuthink shared:

I’ve got a few friends that are lucky enough to be able to afford to go to the USA on holiday pretty regularly. I can’t afford to, so it’s probably partly written as a case of sour grapes but also me having a bit of fun with it. I figured I’d write a song referring to all the stereotypes of the USA that I could think of to fill two verses. I mention cops in donut shops which funnily enough, I also mention in a song on our first album. The references are mostly good things. Americans do everything bigger than the rest of the world so it’s pointing that out too. The ‘Shut Up…’ lyric in the chorus is me saying to stop rubbing in that you’ve been there AGAIN and I haven’t for years!

If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider picking up the split record via Big Neck Records, here.

Read More “Chinese Junk – “Shut Up About the USA””

Interview: Arts Fishing Club – “Gary Busey”

Arts Fishing Club

Indie rock band, Arts Fishing Club, has returned with a new single called “Gary Busey.” The band plans to support the single with a key support slot with The 502s. In this brief interview, I asked the band about the significance behind the name of the single, Arts Fishing Club’s core influences, their favorite “storytellers in music, and their plans for the rest of 2025. If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider staying in the loop about the band here.

Read More “Arts Fishing Club – “Gary Busey””

Royal Blush – “Go” (Video Premiere)

Today I’m thrilled to introduce everyone to Royal Blush, the Alt Rock band from New Jersey, who have released their debut EP called A Ways Away in May, who now have put the finishing touches on the video for the lead single of ”Go.”  Formed by guitarist Andrew Merclean, and later joined by vocalist Allison Heckart and guitarist/producer Patryk Sikorski, this trio is already making waves. Heckart’s vocal range is somewhere in the same realm as Hayley Williams and Pinkshift’s Ashrita Kuma, while she truly has a unique style of her own. If you’re enjoying “Go,” please consider supporting the band here.

Read More “Royal Blush – “Go” (Video Premiere)”

Interview: Idobi Radio Summer School Tour Preview

Summer School

Recently, I was able to schedule some Zoom calls with Idobi Radio Summer School Tour artists Taylor Acorn, Charlotte Sands, and Arrows In Action to ask them about what they’re most looking forward to once the trek kicks off today (July 11th). In these full interviews with each artist, I asked each of them about their own “summer school” experiences as kids, the music they have been working on, and what to look forward to from each of them once the tour wraps up. Idobi Radio’s Summer School starts now, and there are still a few tickets available here.

Read More “Idobi Radio Summer School Tour Preview”

Interview: Bert Martínez-Cowles of Split Chain

Split Chain

This past week I was able to schedule a Zoom call with lead vocalist Bert Martínez-Cowles, of the UK rock band known as Split Chain. The band is gearing up for the release of their debut LP, motionblur, via Epitaph this Friday, July 11th. In this interview, I asked Bert about how the band got their name, the meaning behind the title of the record, and some music discourse on how Split Chain realized they were on the right track. Split Chain’s debut can be pre-ordered here.

Read More “Bert Martínez-Cowles of Split Chain”

Native Sun – “No” (Video Premiere)

Native Sun

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single and video from NYC-based rock band, Native Sun, called “No.” On this picturesque video, Native Sun evoke the right emotions through their unique brand of music that has previously earned praise from Rolling Stone, FLOOD, and more. The band shared, “‘No’ captures the tension of trying to hold onto yourself while the world is pulling you in different directions. It’s feeling of swinging between overload and emptiness, between faith and disillusionment. You’re searching for a foothold while the ground keeps shifting beneath you.” If you’re enjoying the single, you can stay on top of the latest Native Sun news here.

Read More “Native Sun – “No” (Video Premiere)”

Neutral Snap – “Waltz”

Neutral Snap

Today is a great day to share the latest single and video from pop-punk band, Neutral Snap, called “Waltz.” On this slick-sounding pop-punk/emo jam, New Orleans’ Neutral Snap quickly solidify themselves as a key band to watch in 2025. Collaborating with Fred Mascherino (Say Anything, The Color Fred, Taking Back Sunday) and Rob Freeman (Hidden in Plain View), “Waltz” features melodic hooks culminating into a chorus exploding with unfiltered emotion and a frenetic energy that is uniquely theirs. Bassist, Dan shared:

’Waltz’ is our favorite song we’ve ever written! We pushed the boundaries of normal pop punk and came up with something catchy that keeps you on your toes! The song is about coming to terms with an ending situation-ship. It shows you the two sides to the breakup. The first verse is very somber, while the second verse is a little more tongue in cheek! We filmed the video in multiple locations around New Orleans, and the video itself was locally done.

If you’re enjoying the early watch, please consider supporting Neutral Snap by attending an upcoming concert.

Read More “Neutral Snap – “Waltz””

The Best Albums of 2025 (So Far)

Best of 2025 (So Far)

I am starting to feel like these “time to rank things” lists pop back up on me quicker and quicker each year. We are once again halfway through the year, and that means it’s time to reflect on the best albums of the year (so far). Below, you will find both our combined staff top 30, as well as individual lists from our contributors and moderators. We hope you’ll find something new to love.

Note: You can share your own list in our music forum.

Read More “The Best Albums of 2025 (So Far)”

Interview: NAMAZU

NAMAZU

Recently I was able to connect with the band called NAMAZU to discuss their latest music. Their new single, called “ICE 800” is a slick mix of big rock hooks paired with tight musicianship. In this interview, I asked the band about where they got their name from, the bands they’ve shared billings with, and what is coming next for NAMAZU. If you’re enjoying the new music video, please consider supporting the band here.

Read More “NAMAZU”