Erica Von Trapp has executed a powerful video for her latest single, "True Blue," making her a true force to be reckoned with. Von Trapp, better known as Jane Machine to her fans, worked with local director Asher Moss to make a video that completely engulfed my full attention; she hypnotized me straight into her subconscious. The holistic ode to her relationship, through visualizations and musical percussion, leaves her audience with a balanced diet of storytelling and raw emotion. Jane Machine is, by definition, a diamond in the rough. Her debut LP, “Back Seat Driver,” premiered two weeks back, and I suggest taking some time out of your day to dive into everything that is Jane Machine. Kayla Hay
Philadelphia
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Krust Toons: “The Guitar Store” by Tedd Hazard
Krust Toons: "The Guitar Store" by Tedd Hazard – please feel free to drop him a line at teddandthehazards@gmail.com if you dig or have any funny ideas. You can also check out more of his illustrations and animation shorts HERE.
NYC
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Fort Gorgeous to release EP “The Bottom Of The Sea” on 05.04
Billy Libby has run the gamut when it comes to supporting his fellow indie acts, performing with bands like My Morning Jacket, Tokyo Police Club, Ingrid Michaelson, and Surfer Blood. Now it’s his time to shine: On May 4th, Libby will release his first record under the name Fort Gorgeous. The EP, called "The Bottom of the Sea", features lush indie pop, with hooky tracks like "Watch The Paint Dry" and "Wishing Well" highlighting Libby’s soaring voice. His lyrics come from long bouts of introspection; the brooding comes through the catchy chord changes, making these new songs perfect for fans of Jason Mraz, The Script, or Dashboard Confessional.
You can stream preview single "Round and Round" below. Plus, you can catch Libby perform as Fort Gorgeous at May 8th at C’mon Everybody. – Will Sisskind
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Devil on the Loose” – Latex
A rampant menace quickly escalates in “Devil on the Loose,” the latest from hardcore quartet Latex, who are also backed by the gang vocals of King Size Twisted. While the bass walks a worrisome line, the murky beginning is realized as the group races towards mayhem. Tension and anxiety give way to a playful release of energy. The new single was recorded by Cassidy for the Siempre Estuvimos Aqui compilation.
Chicago
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Evan Ireland “Black Benz”
Evan Ireland, Co-Founder of Kept Collective, has released a new single called “Black Benz”. Ireland has released a series of singles over the last year, including “Homebody” last November, but this new track seems to be a cut above. From production to melody, to style, “Black Benz” shows a tremendous amount of promises for Ireland and Kept Collective.
Chicago
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Joan of Arc’s “Punk Kid”
Joan of Arc has shared a video for their new single “Punk Kid”. The song is taken from their forthcoming LP, 1984, which is due out via Joyful Noise on June 1st. The video was directed by Mike Gibisser and is part live performance, part collaborative art video. The video finds heroism in the everyday lives of the band’s family and friends: real punk kids.
You can catch Joan of Arc at Sleeping Village on August 18th.
Chicago
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Ric Wilson “Split”
Ric Wilson has released the first single, “Split”, from his forthcoming EP, Banba. This is the follow-up to Wilson’s highly acclaimed 2017 EP, Negrow Disco. “Split” features a contribution from Sen Morimoto and was produced by Hirsh. Wilson had this to say about the track, “I wrote ‘Split’ in the middle of a relationship that was going south. The song is about how sometimes the best decisions you’ll make in life are the ugliest and hardest, but the healthiest for you”.
Banba will be released on May 18th via Innovative Leisure and will feature help from Patrick Pryor, Erica Rene, Deme Truest, and Niko The Great.
NYC
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Deli NYC Premiere: Nite Haus’s “Calling You”
The minds behind electro-pop duo Nite Haus have released their newest track, called "Calling You", which we are premiering below. The music video for the hooky electronic track dropped in 2016, but the single itself comes from the upcoming release of Saturation. Carrie Turner provides the soft but dark vocals atop Nils Siegel’s acidic beats, and although the band’s influences include Daft Punk and New Order, you can hear a bit of Crystal Castles and classic Aphex Twin in there as well. Nite Haus have spent the last several months recording songs for Saturation in the same way as they recorded their debut album, Transform the Dark, in 2014: In Nils’s living room studio in Williamsburg. Before Saturation drops, watch the video for "Calling You" below. – Will Sisskind
Philadelphia
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New Sandcastle EP Available for Streaming & Download
Sandcastle continues to unearth glam-folk jewels in EP form. Their latest, Diamond, is an enchanting, sentimental time warp. This most recent musical chapter retains a mystic of lore. Full of love and loss, hope and hopelessness – a minstrel delivers these heartfelt collection of tales.
L.A.
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LEAN reveal lavish new single “On the Fence,” play the Bootleg on 5/24
LEAN keep their emotions steady on "On the Fence." The indie pop duo, composed of Stephen Johnson and Kyle McCammon, share a common musical bond that allows them to morph into different versions of themselves. And "On the Fence" benefits from that symbiotic relationship – you hear a natural confluence of sounds, especially in how it bears out a dusty, chopped-up hip-hop beat that keeps a constant tempo as it lays out a gossamer guitar lead. The achingly heartfelt chorus does have an all-embracing vision, even at its most hushed, a testament to how their nuanced musicianship gives form and contrast to their anthemic tendencies.
"On the Fence" is the latest single off of LEAN’s forthcoming debut LP, Years, which comes out on May 25 via Killphonic. The duo is celebrating the release with a hometown show at the Bootleg on May 24. Juan Rodríguez
Toronto
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Joan Smith & The Jane Does – Debut Track “Normalize” From Upcoming EP
Toronto singer/guitarist Joan Smith has released her first solo single as Joan Smith and the Jane Does. “Normalize” is the title track from the soon to be released EP. The track starts with the greatest sound that you could ever experience… an electric guitar… and she’s got it greased right up. Not to mention her pipes as she lets ‘er wail in the chorus. Some say they don’t make ‘em like they used to do but this track rocks like the old days. You can get a copy of the “Normalize” EP prior to it’s May 11th release at The Dakota Tavern tomorrow for an early show at 7PM. Mikey Manville opening up. – Kris Gies
NYC
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Showcase Alert: Throwin’ Bo’s at The Elbo Room (5.3) ft. dot Vom, FRONDS, & Free Paintings
Throwin’ Bo’s is back again with another installment; so, if you’ve been kicking yourself for missing opening night last month, then it’s your lucky day. This month’s lineup promises a night of dreamy, indie rock—all from Bay Area locals. Hailing from San Francisco are dot Vom (streaming below) and FRONDS, both of which offer nothing but the sweetest doses of echo-laden goodness. Oakland’s free paintings will also be joining the party, topping off the set with their own personal blend of art-rock and shoe gaze. – Lilly Milman
The event will once again be at The Elbo Room, and it is 21+. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Make sure to RSVP on Facebook!