Consciousness-raising emcee Talib Kweli (Black Star) will be bringing his words of wisdom to The Ardmore Music Hall next Thursday, August 29, where he’ll be supported by local Philly talent Chill Moody and Dell-P. To enter for a chance to win a pair of tix, just send an email to thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line: "Independent Thinkers & Doers Wanted". Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good luck!
On “Sinner,” singer/songwriter Leslie Stevens sets a new tone for the country music scene
A light flickers and goes out. The room goes dark, a single match is sparked once, then again, lighting the room long enough for the record to play another song. “Sinner” by Leslie Stevens begins to play as her soft, comforting voice fills the room. And that is exactly how I pictured the start of the next independent film I watch. Stevens beautifully recaptures an early Dolly Parton blended with Janis Joplin, seducing her audience and guiding us down an old town road. “There is bad in the best of us” is a lyric that we all need to hear, read and then hear again, a true lyricist that will rip your heart open and mend it back before the end of the song—and “Sinner” does exactly that. Leslie Stevens is resurrecting a lost art. Keep an eye out for her come August 23rd, when she releases her newest LP. – Kayla Hay
Silvergirl “Left On Central”
Folk Pop duo Silvergirl recently released their sophomore album, Left On Central. This is the work of Steve O’Connell (Guitars, Vocals) and Joshua Wentz (Keys, Sounds)
This is the first new music we have received from the duo since 2016 and this is a beautiful, mellow, headphone album perfectly suited for an overcast end of summer morning listen.
Happy Face
Happy Face have released the lead single/title track from their forthcoming self-titled debut EP. The EP will be released by Midwest Action on August 23rd.
This is the Psych Rock of Bailey Davis (guitars, vox), Ryan Borens (drums), and Chris Keramidas (bass).
You can help Happy Face celebrate the release of their EP on August 25th at Beat Kitchen with Plastic Crimewave Syndicate and Frankie and The Witch Fingers.
DJ Frooot Brings the Whomp!
House music in Austin is an undercurrent, barely noticeable beneath the deluge of more mainstream genres that have much more visibility. Yet, occasionally a gem shines through that makes you want more. Paty Gomez-Palacio, aka DJ Frooot, found her break in the UT greek party scene, playing parties where she impressed attendees leading to bigger and higher profile shows. Frooot is young, female and determined, but Austin isn’t the most nourishing scene -especially since Kingdom and Ethics were shut down in the past year. Gomez-Palacio has persevered, expanding her show circuit to include other Texas cities, festivals and recurring shows at venues like Scratchouse and Vulcan Gas Company. A steady stream of consistent and quality released tracks also serve as harbingers of Frooot’s longevity and success moving forward.
Mermaid “Find Me”
Mermaid have released their debut single, “Find Me (Demo)”. This is the first single from their forthcoming debut LP that they are currently in studio recording.
This is the folk influenced R&B of Candace Quarrels and Brittany Campbell who met while working on the Chicago production of Hamilton.
Krust Toons: “More Shoes?” by Tedd Hazard
Krust Toons: "More Shoes?" 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.
Equip “Cursebreaker X”
Equip is the moniker of Vaporwave producer Kevin Hein. His latest project is called Cursebreaker X and it contains his recently released trilogy of singles, “Cemetery Moonglow”, “Nocturne Catacombs”, and “Shadow Dancer”.
This is glorious synth-driven electronic music that would be the perfect soundtrack to an adventurous video game.
Cursebreaker X will be released by 100% Electronica on August 30th.
Coral Moons debut with soulful singles, play Gulu-Gulu Cafe 08.23
Let the retro-rock vibes of Coral Moons wash over you for a fresh Monday boost. The band’s soul tendencies give way to intertwining electric guitar riffs that are supplemented by a deep bass groove, snappy drums, and the sharp vocals of singer-songwriter Carly Kraft. Upbeat on the choruses, committed to the breakdowns, and keen on bringing a ‘60s and ‘70s cheer to the modern age, this group is wholly faithful to itself. The band’s debut record Quarter Life Crisis is due out September 12th, with two singles out for it already: “Dive In” and “Fall in Love” (streaming) promise a debut record dripping with rock ‘n’ roll goodness, scented with nu-soul perfume. The band’s next gig is at the much-beloved Gulu-Gulu Cafe in Salem, MA on August 23rd. – Rene Cobar
SLPRS “Time’s Up”
Retro Electro-Pop outfit SLPRS (Sleepers) have released have released a new single called “Time’s Up Pt. 1 & Pt. 2”. This is the first taste of an upcoming EP, their second, called “The Doorway”.
This is Synth-driven pop music ripped directly from the best moments of the ’80’s.
Debut Sleep Tactics Album Available for Streaming & Purchase
Dan Smith (Low Dose, ex-Fight Amp), Matt Weber (Young Statues, The Ages), and Josh Taylor creatively combine to form Sleep Tactics. The power trio recently released its self-titled debut album. The precise power of the instrumentation merges with the insightful ebb and the flow of the vocals, creating a dense, dynamic force. The band is all set to hold its record release show at Boot & Saddle on Friday, August 30, supported by Savage Dads and Timelost.
Somerset offers grandiose alt-rock music, plays O’Brien’s 09.01
Boston’s Somerset isn’t content with the bare bones alt-rock performance; its particular brand of music is grandiose. The band’s upcoming fall record has spawned its second single, "Revere Street," a spectacular display of slick guitar arpeggios, shimmering piano accompaniments, thunderous harmonies, and a much-appreciated opening bassline. The group’s deep arsenal of sounds is primed for large venues, evoking the spirit of late ’90s alternative rock while modernizing it. The kick drum work in the new single is something to relish in, as is the heroic guitar solo in the climax: the song is a job well done. The band will be performing at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston on September 1st and kicking off what is sure to be a busy autumn. We are streaming "Revere Street" below for you. – Rene Cobar