DIY indie rockers The Water Cycle released their debut EP, other boys, last month. An endearing, organic record, infused with catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, other boys is a surprisingly refreshing entrance for the Boston trio. A strong indie base, with hints of surf and folk make us eager to hear more from this emerging artist. –Brian Varneke
Nashville
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The Inscape Crafts Downhome Psychedelia
The Inscape, who just released their debut LP, We’re All Wrong could now be justifiably labeled seasoned Nashville psychedelic rockers. Having released their debut material six years ago, they’ve been creating and playing music here for what seems like a lifetime in the city’s constantly shifting scene. Rather than outgrowing their longtime home, however, it seems they’ve grown into it. Their latest release marks a departure from the heavier rock and psychedelic influences that their songs soaked in before. Instead, We’re All Wrong is something of a psychedelic, alternative country dreamscape, creating an image of the place the group lives and works. The songs are frilled with subtle and beautifully crafted guitar, synth, organ, and pedal steel work atop structural beds of acoustic instrumentation remiscent of indie rock classics like Fruit Bats. If you’re new to Nashville’s independent music scene, The Inscape is a must listen for fans interested in guitar-heavy rock, psych, americana, and country. They’re one of the few bands here still molding the characteristics of "the Nashville sound".
-Andrew Strader
New England
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Gymshorts Hits SXSW at Hotel Vegas at Volstead 3/18
Rhode Island garage punkers, Gymshorts, are preparing for a showcase at this year’s SXSW festival, bringing their loud, aggressive rock halfway across the country. Familiar faces in Austin, the band’s signature rasp has been heard by festival goers since 2015. Raw and unfiltered, you can check out Gymshorts’ organic, primordial punk rock at Hotel Vegas at Volstead on 3/18. Hit the link below to hear their latest EP, Wet Willy. –Brian Varneke
NYC
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Miles Francis releases “You’re A Star”, plays Union Pool on 3/16
Avant-pop artist Miles Francis has released his debut single "You’re A Star", along with a fresh music video for the track. To mark the release, Francis will perform at Union Pool on Thursday, March 16th with The Jack Moves and Kendra Morris. Francis not only wrote and produced the song himself, but performed all of the instruments on it as well, while recording in his basement studio. The track touches on balancing the search for popularity with happiness, which Francis experienced himself while touring with acts such as Will Butler of Arcade Fire. His video, directed by filmmaker Charles Billot, shows Francis in a white-clad suit as dancers in colorful costumes symbolize hunger for validation. The video features cameos by Katherine and Lizzie Lieberson of TEEN, both of whom will perform with Francis at Union Pool as members of his live band. Watch the video for "You’re A Star" below. – Will Sisskind
Philadelphia
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SXSW Bound: Tall Friend
We’re in the middle of SXSW, and as more and more bands continue to ascend on Austin, it gives us a chance to check out some Philly acts, making the trek, that we are less familiar with. Earlier this year, the trio of Tall Friend re-released its debut EP Tawl Friend on vinyl via Exploding Sound Records. Singer-songwriter Char (a.k.a. Charlie Pfaff) recorded the introspective collection of tracks with bandmates Cale Cuellar and Jesse Paller during the spring of 2015 at Kokomo. Pfaff was only seventeen years old at the time, which is obviously surprising given the stark, honest beauty of her initial effort. Tall Friend will be performing this evening at the Funeral Sounds/Topshelf Records Unofficial SXSW Showcase at Eden House Co-Op, with fellow Philadelphians Kississippi, as well the Official Exploding In Sound Records Showcase on Thursday, March 16 at The Velveeta Room. (Photo by Lora Mathis)
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Feline” – Vita and the Woolf
Vita and the Woolf explore a shadowy, minimalist-pop approach on their latest single, "Feline". It’s seductive, building on every breath before Jennifer Pague’s powerful voice bellows into the wind like a banshee. It’s a truly captivating track that you’ll be able to find on the group’s forthcoming LP Tunnel, scheduled for release in April via Believe Digital. Vita and the Woolf are currently on tour with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and they’ll be performing next in Philly on Friday, April 21 at Ortlieb’s, alongside fellow Deli Philly Best Emerging Artist Poll Top Performer, Deadfellow.
NYC
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Cero Rio offers fresh and exciting “future funk”
It’s never been quite clear if future funk is supposed to be an ironic criticism of capitalism in the 21st century, or serious straight ahead funk made in someone’s bedroom. Certainly, future funk legends like Saint Pepsi originally intended their music to build upon the social and economic criticisms so central to vaporwave music. However, there has always been an element of unironic enjoyment in the music, something which the most recent crop of future funkers seem to be focusing on.
Perhaps to highlight exactly what the appeal of future funk is, future funk artist Cero Rio, published through the Baltimore future funk collective Sunrise Collective, has titled their latest release "Towards the Future". The sparkling clean songs on this album embrace the sound of artificiality as the sound of the future, something exciting and fresh. That takes care of the future, but what about the funk? Groovy basslines and snippy horn melodies make sure to fully deliver on the promise of "future funk".
My recommendation, if you want to hear something new, give it a listen.
-Written by Michael Dranove
Philadelphia
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New Moon Bounce LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
After releasing a multitude of EPs and singles, Corey Regensberg, a.k.a. Moon Bounce, has finally dropped his first full-length album, titled Clean House. Available digitally and on 12" vinyl via Grind Select, the LP finds a balance between sultry soul/R&B and glitched-out electropop. The groovetastic, off-kiltered production and surprisingly smooth falsetto vocals certainly helps to separate Regensberg from what is currently coming up from the local underground music scene. Moon Bounce is heading out on tour at the end of this month with New Jersey’s Ehiorobo in support of Clean House, and they’ll be closing things out in Philly on Friday, April 14 at the recently resuscitated Ulana’s.
Toronto
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BILLY MOON – “I WANNA KNOW” VIDEO
Sloppy-garage rock outfit Billy Moon out of Hamilton are makin’ a nice buzz are Southwestern Ontario these days thanks in part to this new video for "I Wanna Know". Produced by Young Rival’s Aron D’alesio you can bet that it’s hangin’ in there with the perfect amount of reverb. The tune feels tighter and more concise than some Billy Moon I have listened to in the past. The transitions in and out of the chorus are lots of fun and the chorus itself is a real head banger. It’s a jangly ripper from Billy Moon. They will be doing a residency at the Horseshoe Tavern on Wednesday’s from March 22nd – April 5th. They will be supported by different acts at each show. I personally recommend the April 5th show where they will be joined by Aron D’alesio, Dan Edmonds and Future Peers. – Kris Gies
Toronto
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DANIEL ROMANO – “ROYA” BRAND NEW TRACK!
It’s been less than a year since the last release by muchos prolific songwriter Daniel Romano. He also snuck in a punk rock record last October under the band name Ancient Shapes. Here he is again with the first single from his upcoming record. "Roya" sounds like it picks up where the "Mosey" record left off….somewhere in the 70’s. "Mosey" expanded on Romano’s classic country sound by adding different layers of instruments and giving it a unique soundscape. To me it was an action movie record and this new tune "Roya" is more chilled out and leaning in the folk rock direction. Romano’s new record "Modern Pressure" will be out May 19th and he will be performing in Toronto on April 22nd at the Longboat Hall (Great Hall). – Kris Gies
San Francisco
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Bay Area SXSW Showcase to Watch: Riot Act Media + Father/Daughter Records Present: PURR MOODS
The yearly tech, film and music conference, South By Southwest begins its music conference tomorrow! We’ll be sharing some Bay Area labels and artists to watch while you’re running around in Austin this week! We totally think you should make it to the Riot Act Media + Father/Daughter Records Official Showcase as the Bay Area based record label, Father/Daughter Records has been signing some really great bands and becoming influential in the national independent music community.
Riot Act Media + Father/Daughter Records Present:
PURR MOODS
An Official SXSW Showcase
Tuesday, March 14th — 7pm-2am
The Sidewinder (715 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701)
Free entry with badge / $12 tickets at the door
ALL AGES
The showcase will feature two San Francisco based bands among a line up of national acts:
PLUSH and Never Young
NYC
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James AM Downes releases new EP 3/17, play Berlin on 03.25
With Spring on the horizon, singer/songwriter James A.M. Downes’ new EP, ‘Prison Font’ is perfect for thawing those winter-frozen hearts. Due out 3/17, the project consist in rich folk pop songs where Downes convey a wide variety of emotions. Tracks like “Bait My Soul” are full of sweet melodies, charming twang and upbeat cheerfulness, whereas “Feel My Love,” is a stripped down folk ballad where the songwriters’ powerful vocals take center stage. With ‘Prison Font,’ James has boldly displayed his talent as a songwriter, and solidified himself as someone to watch. You can check him out live at Berlin on 3/25. — Henry Solotaroff-Webber