Hip-hop soul artist Edson Sean blends live soul and jazz instrumentals with foundational hip-hop vocals. In his new single “New Start,” released last month, Sean and his band, The Experi3nce, takes a more soulful approach that references eclectic live instrumental hip hop artists like the Roots or the Fugees. Sean has garnered attention for his sentimental lyrics that often speak about the hardships of relationships, also a signature of his debut album The Pursuit of Magic, which was featured in regular rotation on VH1 Soul. The Brooklyn native will be playing the popular Sol Village at SOB’s on 06.21. –Tafari Lemma

Between lingering lo-fi vocals, featured string orchestrations, and simple guitar riffs drenched in reverb, it is difficult to gloss over DC’s own slowcore band Cigarette. Currently a four piece band with occasional guest musicians, the collective released their debut, mini-LP, Gush, in 2013, which displayed a vivid interpretation of modern indie pop, fused with slo-mo harmonies integrating gentle and gloomy vocals. The band has since released two more records. The most recent, “Warm Shadows/Love’s Mirror” features two overtly atmospheric singles which further enunciate the group’s sonic vocabulary. – Tafari Lemma

The sleepless summer nightlife of the city echoes throughout “NY is Red Hot” (streaming) a new track from Amelia Airhorn. A collaborative effort between electronic dance duo The Knocks, and nu-disco vocalist Skylar Spence, the track takes a ride on a time machine to the vintage disco and pop sounds of ’80s and ’90s New York, a city they pledge loyalty to in the lyrics ("New York is my life and I’m never gonna leave!"). The song pulsates with high energy grooves that conjure up images of sweltering hot summer parties and the carefree city lifestyle. Take it as a reminder to partay! – Tafari Lemma

Brooklyn psych-pop band Future Heart rather accurately lives up to its name, providing futuristic vibes without giving up emotion and movement. Formed in 2015, the eight-piece group released their debut single, “Holographic Autograph” last year, a record that blurs the line between afrobeat, pop and electronic music. They recently headlined Baby’s All Right (which is per se an achievement), so you may want to check out their live schedule for upcoming shows. – Tafari Lemma

NYC quartet Nation of Language offers a modern take on the moody ’80s synthpop revival. The group’s bouncy electronic arrangements, detached dark vocals, and dancey electronic beats are a clear nod to the days when new wave was dominating the airwaves. Single, “I’ve Thought About Chicago” (streaming below and released in February) is well crafted in its stoic simplicity, and will engage fans of New Order and Depeche Mode. Catch Nation of Language as they headline Bowery Electric on 06.14. – Tafari Lemma

In a scene known for overproduced and mainstream country music, Nashville-based 4-piece Sun Seeker, with its airy harmonies, minimalistic arrangements, and nostalgic lyrics, is a breath of fresh air. In anticipation of their upcoming EP ‘Biddeford,’ they’ve released the track “Won’t Keep Me Up At Night” as a single. The mellow indie folk track is a laid-back ballad about the topic of growing out of old friends (“Won’t keep me up at night / well, maybe that’s a lie”) that emphasizes the uncertainty of young adulthood without taking itself too seriously. Their record release show will be at The Blue Room at Third Man Records in Nashville on July 14th. – Lilly Milman, photo by Angelina Castillo

Mostly known for his production skills, Josh Friedman (or That One Eyed Kid) just released an EP of his own: Crash and Burn. The record’s synth-pop driven sound flirts with Hall & Oates gentlemanly soul-pop, while Josh’ voice adds more depth to the tracks. Join the party at his upcoming show at Thunder Road Music Club on June 27th, and listen to single "No Touching" below. – Lilly Milman 

Crimeapple’s unique brand of hip hop has the same kind of aftereffect as any horror movie worth its weight. Abhorrent and obtuse in the moment, it’s only after you’re done listening that his songs crystalize into clear and terrifying images. He enunciates his lines – a mix of torture accounts and pop culture referneces – slowly, so that they linger in the darkness of the mind long after the music stops playing. But like any horror movie, it’s this haunting quality that makes his music as exciting as it is discomforting. From his output so far, like "Spike Up," it’s clear that Crimeapple is an expert word builder, and it’ll be exciting to see what he can accomplish over the length of a full project. You can see him live at SOB’s on 6/13. — Henry Solotaroff-Webber

Washington D.C. based quartet My French Roommate creates bedroom pop that draws inspiration from 70’s euro disco, 80’s synth pop, dance punk, and tech noir (among other genres). On their debut EP MFR (streaming), they combine three singles into one 13 minute long track. The record’s sound progresses from upbeat and relatively pop (“CTRL”) to dark and psychedelic (“REPLICA”). Last track “LUV DG” even has clear garage rock influences at one point (with lyrics “love me like a dog” and “I wanna be your dog” drawing a connection to Iggy Pop and the Stooges), blended in or rather juxtaposed to an EDM bass line reminiscent of Daft Punk. The band will be releasing their new self-titled EP on June 8th at DC9 alongside Marc Monet and Furniteur. – Lilly Milman

Nashville rockers Pocket Science provide an answer to anyone who’s ever asked why they should keep defending pop punk. With lyrics based on criticizing social norms (like “Well I’ll take my time, my dollar, and dime the hell away from here” in “Health Insurance,”) clean but quirky guitar riffs, and fun (or more importantly, loud) vocals, they’re the full package. Their EP The Cult of Alien Jesus is a cross-section of everything pop punk should be—passionate, with a reserved optimism. Their noted influences Weezer and Foo Fighters shine through on this project, in everything from the energetic shouting to the title itself.-Lilly Milman

Listen to our favorite track “Take Flight, Ignite” streaming below.

The intimacy of the debut LP ‘Magnolia Grandiflora’ by Nashville-based Peters Jacket is jarring. Recorded with the help of friends in various bedrooms and basements, the LP explores the gritty details of college relationships through lo-fi indie rock. At times, the listener becomes almost like an eavesdropper on Nic Discepoli’s memories. Songs like “Recess” (streaming below) employ a minimalistic lyricism, giving glimpses of a past life (“Did your friend wake you today? / And was he charming in my way? / Did he bring you, some coffee? / Or was he naked?”). The raw progression of the album is unique because Discepoli is on the same journey as the listener, still attempting to answer his own questions. He will be playing a live show at The End on June 13th at 9:15 p.m. – Lilly Milman 

With an adept lyricism and powerful, yet cool vocals, Brooklyn-based Mirah is getting a lot of interest with her soulful electronic songs. Stepping away from the bouncy sounds usually associated with her genre, her voice can switch from airy to soulful at any given moment. Harmonized and effected vocals give songs like “Oxen Hope” (streaming below) and “Radiomind” a sound that’s at once dreamy and futuristic. She’ll be bringing her ethereal songs to Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn on June 9th at 8 pm. – Lilly Milman