Opening the 2017 Governor’s Ball Music Festival was 25 year-old NYC DJ/ producer Jenaux, whose self-produced and self-released dance record, "Get It On," has gone viral on Spotify since its 2016 release. Having previously produced music for the Chainsmokers, Cher Lloyd, and the Grizfolk, Jenaux is now finding his place both on festival rosters (he also recently played the Lightning in a Bottle Arts & Music Festival in California) and the international dance scene. Charismatic and gracious behind the booth, at Governor’s Ball Jenaux created a vibrant and positive atmosphere. The quirkiness in his tunes, combined with funk influences, creates an instantly fun and refreshing atmosphere that separates his tunes from darker-toned EDM. – Simone Gabrielli

Born and raised on the South Shore of Massachusetts, folksy songwriter Terence Ryan strives to capture the beauty in the melancholy of his daily life in his lyrics and his videos. His job at an industrial warehouse is a sharp contrast to his drive home along the ethereal beachy coastline where he grew up, informing his songwriting in a way that may resonate to many of those who experienced life in small town. While his older videos (“Stranger than Fiction”) strive to showcase the latter, his newest creation "Mean it" (which Ryan wrote, recorded, produced, and directed) is set in his workplace. In the video, streaming below, he marries his creativity with his position in working class America using his soulful voice and a production that blends rock and R’n’B. 

"I can’t be everything you need / but maybe I could be a piece / if you just try with me," sings Katie Buchanan on her newest single "Stand with Me." The singer-songwriter is confident in her words and in her self-produced indie-pop arrangement. A reflective, yet upholding piano line accompanies the track and the percussive elements, dark bass and synths create a gorgeous, soothing alternative reality where the losing and the fighting and the picking-yourself-up is accepted and encouraged. "It’s the record’s thesis statement," says Buchanan, "and, in some ways, it’s mine." Buchanan’s new record Who We Are When We’re Standing is out June 9th, with a release show at Mercury Lounge on June 11th. – Geena Kloeppel

Austin’s garage-rock four-piece Leather Girls has dropped single "Arabian Daze," ahead of the June 2nd release of its self-titled album on on Yippee Ki Yay Records. "Arabian Daze" is awash in the influence of ’60s and ’70s rock ‘n roll. Hints of The Kinks and The Goo Goo Dolls emanate from its uptempo standard blues structure, reverb-drenched harmonies and a wah-wah-driven guitar solo. Leather Girls will embark on a U.S. tour June 2nd through the 17th. See poster for details/dates, and check out the new single below! – Ethan Ames

New York based artist and drummer Jon Epcar has crafted a memorable project in his record Morning Drone, which was released this January as his solo debut. The album exemplifes Epcar’s wide variety of drumming styles and the melodic and atmospheric compositions of his band, as heard in the jazz-driven track, “Northern Exposure”. Including guest appearences by other prominent local artists such as fellow Broadway guitarist Zane Carney, and jazz pianist Isamu McGregor, the instrumental album also marks his first production effort. With his vast history of drumming with artists like Justin Timberlake, John Legend, and numerous shows on Broadway, Epcar emerges in this record as a multi-faceted talent. – Tafari Lemma

In their newest LP, ‘Bethel, ME,’ Connecticut-based four-piece Young Lincoln capture the essence of a New England upbringing (sweet, with a bit of obligatory angst)—their lyrics aren’t overly sentimental, maintaining a roughness around the edges in songs like “three years” (“Ten beers in I always think I’ve had enough / to have one more… / I miss the way my parents sang at night.”) Lead singer Andy King’s vocals also add a grungey tone that fits them more comfortably in pop punk than anything else, giving an edge to even the most vulnerable lines (“I still watch you sleep sometimes.”) – Lilly Milman

This artist submitted music for coverage here.