Al Harper doesn’t take herself too seriously in the video for “Sunny Somewhere” — a saccharine ballad that juxtaposes the feeling of knowing “it’s sunny somewhere” with the realization that somewhere isn’t necessarily here. While the track on its own has the potential to lean negative (“I feel like I am running out of time / and I just realized this party isn’t mind / what if I never end up with everything I want,”) the video — filled with cameos of Harper’s friends, jello shots, and karaoke — adds a certain lighthearted flair that highlights the full potential of Al Harper’s music. "I thought that since it’s essentially about finding your bliss, we should just put a bunch of things in it that make me feel good,” said Harper, who will be playing her next show on August 8 at the Knockout. – Lilly Milman, photo by Kelsey McClellan

Stream an exclusive premiere of the video, directed by John Snapp, below. (And watch out for the "Semi-Charmed Life" reference.)

If you make hip-hop in 2018, it seems like there are two paths for you to take: you can follow the SoundCloud rapper trends and find a young audience willing to ignore rapping ability in favor of catchy hooks, or you can hone your technical skill and storytelling craft at the cost of sounding overly nostalgic. S’natra is one of the interesting up-and-coming rappers who doesn’t seem to be committing to either of these camps. Over the 10 songs off his latest release Subject to Change, the Harlem rapper confidently switches up styles while maintaining a glamorized and distinctly New York style of hip-hop. Tracks like “Off Key” offers up tales of trapping and police brutality over syrupy and snappy production, while “Can’t See Me” is a gritty and grand take on the more soulful stylings. The title of this project is more than a motto; it’s a creed that sets out to find the balance between old and new schools of thought. The melodies and drum selections are obviously more modern, but the way they blend and transition to verses featuring engaging recitations of the past is a talent of a bygone era. S’natra is one of the few emcees who is simultaneously fighting against and indulging in contemporary techniques, and it’s a winning combination. You can stream the entire release below and catch him live at Baby’s All Right on August 25. -Tucker Pennington

Urgency can be communicated in a variety of ways; not every song will rush forward energetic instrumentation and an extroverted mood to convey its pressing importance. Maxband’s lead single “Means To An End” is the first song released from their upcoming album Perfect Strangers. Clocking in at just under six minutes, it can feel like a song that takes its time at first, but slowly finds its groove on the build up to the first chorus, unveiling a series inventive sonic ideas in a style reminiscent of the NYC post-punk era. After years spent working with other bands like Parquet Courts, A Beacon School, Bluffing and Bob Dylan Death Watch, this group of musicians seem to have compiled a collection of their favorite unused songs and blended them into a wholly unique new project. The length and tempo may not suggest it, but “Means To An End” is song that uses its verses and bridge to create a dynamic song that eases into change with comfort and precision, stressing how much they have to say without resorting to giving it all away at once. Maxband’s debut album will release August 24 and you can listen to the single below. -Tucker Pennington

Everyone knows that a demo tape is going to be a hit or miss. In the case of Boston duo Berta Bigtoe (made up of Ben Astrachan and Austin Koenigstein,) their debut the gap [demos] @ rat city exists within the sweet spot of lo-fi where the gentle hums of lo-fi and the excitable shouts of talent meet. Sincere in its delivery, exhilarating in its musicality and indicative of much greater heights, this tape has earned its place in the limelight. – Lilly Milman

Stream our favorite track “doggie den” below.