Released just last month, Kat Robichaud’s latest single “Criminal” is a haunting, strong peek at her anticipated next album. The opening chords feel like the opening to a rock opera–and with her theatrical outfits, wigs and a long-time history of orchestrating and performing cabaret, we’re not surprised. It takes a certain type of creative to channel all the different energies that Robichaud musters here. Her last album, Misfit Cabaret, was like listening to a one-woman circus act that keeps your imagination open and whirling, empowered and invigorated. Not that we’re telling you how to feel about it. Listen yourself. Shout out to track “Bully” from Robichaud’s previous album, where the sheer power in her vocals is shiver-inducing. Think Heart meets a not-so-poppy Katy Perry, with some Rocky Horror and Bowie inspirations gyrating throughout. Check out the captivating video for her single Criminal, shot and edited by Daniel Garcia, and if THAT weren’t enough, go see her next cabaret show, “Lost in Z Space” at San Francisco’s Z Space. These music-filled shows start February 7th and run through the 16th. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

The faint of heart (and/or ear) should avoid at all costs Rough Trade on the eve of Saturday January 12th, since three loud and aggressive local bands will grace the venue’s stage in quick succession starting at 9pm. Headliners Bambara have refined their gloomy psych rock in ever-darker and tenser directions with their latest two full lengths, while sludge rockers A Deer A Horse will be a worthy opener, sharing those same traits minus the psychedelic ingredient. Opener Gnarcissist will bring to the stage a more traditional (and fun) DIY punk with a markedly drunk and chaotic attitude. Tickets are on sale here, check out a playlist of vidoes below.

Seán Barna is an indie folk artist who wears an intimidating amount of hats—songwriter, vocalist, percussionist, guitarist, storyteller, influencer. Beginning with just ‘percussionist’ under his belt at nine years of age, Barna has been building his artist resume since his 2014 debut, Cutter Street. His music is insightful and exploratory, and has gained serious momentum also because of its social and cultural influences. His latest EP Cissy speaks on subjects regarding queerness, mental illness, mortality and national desperation, which far surpasses any 2-D conversation that a drum kit alone might bring to the table. Cissy is candid, calculated and weighed by heavy contemplation on masculinity, creating a stunning and sensitive form of songwriting. This recipe seems to working for the local artist: Barna will be trekking to Austin this year for the SXSW Music Festival. Catch Seán Barna live at SXSW in March and stream his latest EP Cissy on Soundcloud. – Rebecca Carroll

It might be the middle of winter, but the psychedelic music of Brooklyn’s Steady Sun evokes the heat daze of the hottest of seasons (in the Arizona desert). We are premiering here the band’s latest music video, a sun-soaked vision of their 2017 track Television Eyes, beautifully directed by Slack Barrett. The song’s relaxed pace allows the band to reflect on technology’s place in our lives – how it can both alienate us from the world even while providing a sense of connection to to others. Harkening back to the sophisticated psychedelia of the early ’70s (think Pink Floyd’s "Wish You Were Here"), the track is built around an arpeggioed guitar that would make Roger Waters proud, and filled by an orchestration of vintage sounding instruments and uber-dreamy vocal lines. Stream it below. – Sunny Betz