L.A.

Field Medic’s “used 2 be a romantic” is a bittersweet ode to life on the road (Video)

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Life on the road must be as thrilling as it is exhausting. On the video for his latest single "used 2 be a romantic," Field Medic—the stage name for folk-rock songwriter Kevin Patrick—shares a video journal of sorts that capture his numerous touring experiences: the crowd’s warm embrace; the backstage banter; the everyday ennui. It’s all there—Patrick’s daily routine is consumed by night after night of stirring performances and intimate cigarette breaks. "I need a cigarette/ those fuckers talked over my whole set," he sings with genuine candor, strumming a twinkling melody that brightens its otherwise muted country drift.

"Used 2 be a romantic" is taken from Field Medic’s latest album, fade into the dawn, which is out now via Run for Cover Records. And while we’re on the topic of touring, catch Patrick play a hometown show at Moroccan Lounge on Sunday, June 9. Juan Rodríguez

Philadelphia

Debut Big Nothing LP Available for Streaming & Purchase

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Chris, the debut LP from Big Nothing, is out now via Salinas Records. Momentously-composed, melodic pop-punk taps into emotive elements, whilst exhibiting contagious energy. A casual, uninhibited, lyrical approach creates relatable access points and the makings of live anthems. You can catch the Philly quartet at PhilaMOCA on Tuesday, May 21 with Radiator Hospital, Swanning, and Cherry.

Nashville

Bre Kennedy plays Musician’s Corner 05.25; listen to new single “Strings Attached”

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Songwriter Bre Kennedy plays the Musicians’ Corner on May 25th to mark the release of her single "Strings Attached". "Strings Attached" has bits and pieces of dream pop, indie folk, and Americana driving it. Perhaps its closest major-label relative musically is Shania Twain’s "You’re Still The One", although the two songs are opposites when it comes to lyrics. On "Strings Attached", Kennedy sings of old pain from a relationship, reckoning with a hole in her heart, and learning to rise while she carries the load of lost love. Take a listen to the new single below, and catch her at the Musician’s Corner on May 25th. – Will Sisskind

NYC

Blues punks The Sweet Things play The Bowery Electric on 05.24

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Playing punk music makes sense for folks hailing from the East Village, but what about blending it with good old blues rock? Well, The Sweet Things formed in 2015 with the intent to deliver precisely that sound. Drawing inspiration from ‘70s arena rock monsters like The Rolling Stones, the band compounds blues elements with each member’s previous punk rock backgrounds. Screaming guitars at the start of the group’s latest single “Almost Faded” blend excellently with deft keys that would make Chuck Leavell proud. The fuzzy bass and the powerful drums drive the song forward at full steam and give it the edge that makes it contemporary. The single announces their May 24th debut album In Borrowed Shoes, On Borrowed Time and the band is gearing up for a tour of the U.K. starting in June. The party is just getting started for this group of new yorkers, don’t miss the local leg at The Bowery Electric on May 24 – Rene Cobar

NYC

Abe Hollow’s “Golden Calf”

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Abe Hollow just released his first single, “Golden Calf” off the forthcoming A Palace in Time and it’s a calm and lovely surrealist folk song reminiscent of Bon Iver’s compositions and Elliot Smith’s breathy sad vocals but with slightly trippier touches. A Palace in Time, recorded at Tiny Telephone and mastered by Jacob Winik, is a collection of collaborations with musicians from all over the Bay Area, including AH, Andrew Maguire, Doug Stuart, John Vanderslice, and many others. Check out this sweet taste and stayed tuned for his full release this July. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Philadelphia

New Track: “Video” – Random Carbon

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"Video" is the new single from Random Carbon, a.k.a. Benjamin Manglos. It captures an air of 80’s nostalgia as the baritone vocals recall memories, illuminated by glimmering synth. One tends to remember past events through an idealistic lens when trying to avoid or escape the present. With the knowledge that the future bestows, what would happen if you could go back?

Portland

Tara Velarde EP Release

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Portland indie folk-pop artist Tara Velarde is playing a local release show for her new EP this Friday. The album, titled Rise, is thoughtful and sensitive. It has some wonderful pop ballads, such as "Touch You." Velarde’s voice is rich, but light and airy at the same time. She has a unique and subtle twang in her voice, imbuing each song with traditional folk sound. At the heart of her sound, and appeal, is soft folk-pop done beautifully. Of course, Velarde isn’t just soft corners, and songs like "Such an Island" bring out her grittier, tougher side. It’s a nice balance, and shows the depth of Velarde’s country-music chops. Check out "Touch You" below.

The release show is this Friday, May 17th. It’ll be at Secret Society. There Is No Mountain and Far Out West will also be playing. 

-By Avril Carrillo, photo by Stacie Shoots

NYC

Fresh Buzz: Cheap Synths sign to Rough Trade

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The dance-inducing rhythms of NYC’s Cheap Synths reverberate the style and edge of alternative dance bands like Hot Chip and LCD Soundsystem. The group could easily have been pulled from a DFA Records catalog, and yet their sonic varnish shines brightly and has landed them a publishing deal with Rough Trade. The electronic rock duo has released their first mixtape yes yes yes with its first single “Devastate” flaunting noteworthy grit and glamour. A heavy bassline accompanies a slick guitar riff while synth stabs and pads contribute to a complex aural texture. The accompanying video is the powdered sugar on top of this sweet dance-rock cookie. Check out the video below. – Rene Cobar

Toronto

Pink Leather Jackets – Rock n Roll Superheroes Debut Single “Shed”

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This 4 piece Toronto rock n roll band was born after a few popular local bands dissolved a few years ago. Pink Leather Jackets have been making a name for themselves workin’ the local bar scene playing weekly shows of cover tunes along with some originals. They have now released their debut original track “Shed”. I’m pretty sure the band members get along better than they do in this super hero themed music video. The tune has a nice 90’s alt rock feel to it with a surfy drumbeat carrying the chorus. The vocals sound great and there’s a killer little solo to finish it off. Big tune from their upcoming EP “Good Love” (release date TBA). You have two opportunities to see these fellas perform live on Friday May 17th. At 6:30 they’ll be playing a set at Yonge/Dundas Square before heading over to Cherry Cola’s for a big night of rock n’roll.  – Kris Gies

Nashville

Tyler Boone supports new EP at The Basement on 06.05

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Tyler Boone has had a busy year, between releasing an EP, lending his name to a brand of bourbon, and hosting the Charleston Songwriters Festival in his South Caroline hometown. But the Nashville-based musician will take off on a Boone’s Bourbon-sponsored tour this June, performing all over the Southeast throughout the first part of the month. He’ll return to Nashville on June 5th to play The Basement with Southern Gothic and Uncle Duane’s Band on the bill. Boone’s latest EP, Jealousy, came out this past January, and includes the bluesy title track which has racked up the listens on radio and Spotify. Take a listen to "Jealousy" below. – Will Sisskind

Philadelphia

Ticket Giveaway: Chromatics with Desire & In Mirrors at Union Transfer This Sunday

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Chromatics are currently on their first tour in over 5 years. Dubbed the Double Exposure tour, the band also plans to feature footage directed by bandmate/producer Johnny Jewel. The audio-visual experience will be coming to Philly this Sunday, May 19 at Union Transfer, with support from Italians Do It Better labelmates Desire & In Mirrors. To enter for a chance to win a pair of tix, just send an email to thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line: "What Ever Happened to Dear Tommy?" Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good luck!