Bask in the radiant optimism of Photo Ops’ "July." The latest single by singer-songwriter Terry Price, who performs under the name Photo Ops, is a response to all the negativity that has surrounded his personal life. He sounds clear-headed, even there’s a tinge of resentment in his words  – "I did you right/ You just won’t know it for a while," he says to himself with woeful practicality. But look at "July" as Price’s self-cleanse, as he delivers his quietly-powerful subtext through a soft layer of sparkling guitar chords and precise, Sea and Cake-recalling drum work. 

"July" is the first reveal off of his forthcoming third album, Pure at Heart, which is expected to hit later this year. Juan Rodríguez 

Justus Proffit can’t get a dream he had out of his head. Following an EP with rising indie darling Jay Som, the singer-songwriter proceeds to follow the solo route with his latest single "Hole," a nineties-informed indie rocker whose blend of tuneful guitars are affixed with a slight tinge of dissonance. As the song progresses, his headspace teeters between dreamlike delirium and curious internal logic. He finds some clarity within the song’s robust, mid-fi range, possessing a fullness and a warmth reminiscent of Stone Temple Pilots’ more tender grunge ballads.

"Hole" is taken from Proffit’s forthcoming full-length album, L.A.’s Got Me Down, which is out on March 8 via Bar/None Records. You can catch him at Zebulon on March 7. Juan Rodríguez

The intense and familiar sounds of NO WIN have set the tone for 2019. Bringing back an indie-rock sound we have been craving, their forthcoming LP, downey,  promises a strong collection of real experiences both past and present that front-runner Danny Nogueiras demands his listeners to feel, passionately and honestly. On the video for their latest single, “Vision,” the band takes a literal spin on a few parts of their lyrics and brings it all to life, making it a lively and clever piece for all to enjoy.

NO WIN will be playing a show in Long Beach at The Prospector on February 2nd and again at SXSW in Austin, TX from March 11th through the 17th. Look out for downey on March 22nd via Dangerbird Records. Kayla Hay

Michael Goldman comes into his own on “I’m Not Trying.” Having partaken in a number of local bands, some of which include Sego and The Moth & the Flame, it was only a matter of time for the touring musician, who goes by the moniker NONA, to pursue his own project. Goldberg’s latest single, the first since his debut EP Otherways, moves along with a patient and gracious stride. “I’m tired of waiting / to be endearing,” he yearns with genuine feeling as his echoey guitar lines vibrate with a jangly sparkle. He’s as determined as he is a little bit stubborn, but as the jammy, groove-driven Trying attests, he’s willing to wait for that approval he so desires.

“I’m Not Trying” is out now on all streaming platforms. Juan Rodríguez

Brandon Hoogenboom evokes the lackadaisical confidence of seventies rock on "Feelin."’ The San Clemente singer-songwriter proclaims his adoration for his object of affection with cheerful optimism, gushing at every turn with the utmost sincerity. But don’t let the breezy demeanor fool you – there’s mannered wisdom in how he constructs a mellow, rootsy vibe over a divinely ornamented rhythm section. Think of him as a worthy successor to other Laurel Canyon-indebted locals like Jonathan Wilson and Dawes, if you will, and that’s good company to be in any day of the week.

"Feelin"’ is featured on Hoogenboom’s forthcoming solo album, For Mabel, which is out tomorrow, January 25th. Juan Rodríguez

Young Hunting mend a broken heart on "Every Living Thing." The latest single from the indie pop group marks their surprising return after five years, a period that found primary songwriters Hari Rex and Ilya Mxx dabbling with various projects while they occasionally worked together at Grandma’s Dojo in Koreatown. The short absence must’ve done wonders to their songwriting craft, as "Every Living Thing" is an exquisite lovelorn ballad that incorporates the twinkling sounds of ’50s AM-radio while inserting just a touch of their intricate chord progressions.  

"Every Living Thing" is featured on Young Hunting’s forthcoming full-length True Believers, which comes out in February 15 via Gold Robot Records. The band is celebrating the album with a record release show at Harvard & Stone on February 28. Juan Rodríguez

Photo: Zach Rockwood

Introspective singer-songwriter talker lets her guard down on the video for her latest single, "Intimidated." A stark depiction of a frayed relationship that’s in shambles, Celeste Taucher (who goes by the nom de plume talker) sings as if having a conversation with herself before it erupts into a starling finish, where she finds the courage to break the silence that separates them. Nevertheless, she strums her guitar with quiet confidence, fueling her repressed anger until she frees that tension with a rush of crushing guitars. Taucher accomplishes a grunge-informed ballad which teems with cathartic release. 

"Intimidated" is taken from talker’s still-unnamed forthcoming EP, which comes out of February 22. Watch the video below. Juan Rodríguez

Photo Credit: Bridgit Fatora

Somewhere between glam, the ’80s and dream pop lays Alex Lilly and her new album, 2% Milk. Her latest offers a distinct and unique story that ignites an immersive, yet wild ensemble of music that one must feel for themselves. Lilly’s attention to detail pays tribute to the audience she is performing for, releasing a sense of relaxation and familiarization to whoever may need it at the time. Her music and art direction drips an originality that is both refreshing and welcome, especially to those trying to catch her on tour. 

Lilly will be performing at The Federal Bar in L.A. on the 20th. Follow her on social media to find up to date lists of all her upcoming shows. Listen to her single "Distracting Me" below. Kayla Hay

City of Sound reach for as far as they possibly can on "The Madhouse." The North Hollywood trio’s anthemic, piano-driven sweep affects the senses with a victorious sense of triumph, as lead singer Jordan Wright elevates his vocals to operatic levels with a warm tenor. True to their grand band name, there’s not a moment throughout "Madhouse" where we feel like they’re about to soften their delivery. Every moment in this towering power ballad shines with blinding brightness, as they make their musical ambitions show with a clear intent. 

"The Madhouse" is featured on City of Sound’s latest EP, Silent Empire I, the first in a trio of EP’s that will culminate into a conceptual full-length recording. Catch their headlining release show set tomorrow, January 11, at El Cid. Juan Rodríguez

Yacht Punk search for a meaningful connection on "New Wave Denier." On their exultant new single, the indie rock quartet reflect on what it means to be out of touch with your peers, when your soul yearns for musical ideas that don’t fall into what’s currently in the zeitgeist. But instead of accepting that it’s just a sign of the times, an irrevocable change, they channel that lament and turn it into a fiery protest that converts the muscular post-punk of War-era U2 with the optimistic energy of today’s trendy, mainstream rock radio. 

"New Wave Denier" is out now on all streaming services. Listen to it below. Juan Rodríguez

An uncommon merging between two San Diego locals and two British musicians, Slum Summer’s "Trampoline" is like a kaleidoscope of percussion, obscure lyrics, and satisfying guitar riffs.  Lead vocalist Hugh J. Noble is a true raconteur and has an all but ordinary approach to capturing his audience’s focus on more than just the composition, but to truly engage yourself in the story being told to you. The upbeat single is a mope-rock masterpiece that crafts new lines through the genre, and with “Trampoline” as their teaser, they make the wait for the album just that much more agonizing. 

"Trampoline" is taken from Slum Summer’s forthcoming album, ABABO, which they will release on January 18 via Jigsaw Records. Kayla Hay

Glacial Palms look back as a way to look forward on "Dream Elusive." On their enigmatic new single, the sibling-formed six-piece further their intricate, wintry folk-rock in both sound and personnel, given that their new project is a reimagining of their previous band, Sikamor. There’s a renewed sense of energy in "Elusive," less so in expansion and more so in subtlely, as they carefully tailor brother and sister Rafael and Fiona Cansino’s classically-trained vocals over a soft blanket of descending arpeggios and ambient keys. Theirs is a careful reflection of how the dreams we hold have great significance, even if they’re not as tangible as we’d like them to be.

"Dreams Elusive" is the leadoff single off of Glacial Palms’ latest EP of the same name. You can listen to it now via their official Soundcloud page. Juan Rodríguez