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

Annabelle Maginnis is driven by the spirit of collaboration on “Steady.” On her latest single, the singer/multi-instrumentalist takes a moment to take a break from all the noise and rush of everyday life. The smooth slow jam—which features prolific hip-hop rapper Def Sound—tucks you like a warm blanket, on which her mellifluous vocal delivery dances around his slippery flow. Combined with the sleek chord progressions of keyboardist Smiley, the blissful track invites listeners to sit back and unwind.

“Steady” is the second single off her forthcoming project, Free Debris. Watch her perform at The Echo this coming Monday, May 13. Juan Rodríguez

On their debut single, "Woundzrchosen," Woundz introduce their dark sense of melody into the scene with eminent confidence. The post-punk quartet emphasizes mood and atmosphere—imbued with menacing energy—over throbbing, elastic bass lines and skronky sax work. The band members (Lucyaeon, Faith Malimba, Gena Tuso, Atom) play from each other’s strengths, as they exchange impressionistic lyrics made up of offbeat harmonies and ominous sing-speak. "EOF" follows and it’s broader in scope, as they allow their dense, rhythmic spaces to fill the void with a feeling of freeing discovery. 

Woundz has been making the rounds at venues like Zebulon and Non Plus Ultra. Make sure to follow them on their official facebook to get updates on all their upcoming shows. Juan Rodríguez

Every note Fell Runner plays fills the ears with a sense of discovery. The art-rock quartet’s latest, "Come Home," weaves intricate guitar lines over polyrhythmic drum fills. Their integration of instruments blends seamlessly with a vibrancy that reflects their learned abilities, while also showcasing a spontaneity that sounds charmingly personalized. The band presents a melancholic scenario through their yearning pleas, and yet it brims with life—they harmonize together in playful accord, shrugging their lament with a wide-ranging sound that is both breezy and engaging. 

"Come Home" is the first single off Fell Runner’s forthcoming second album, Talking, out June 29 via YES PLZ. Catch them at Bootleg Bar on June 19. Juan Rodríguez

Karmic invites listeners to let go and live in the moment on "X Marks the Spot." The latest electro-pop bash by the six piece—led by duo Kylee Katch and Laura Baruch—has an energetic bounce that sounds tailor-made to end an encore on a high note. They intersperse jubilant, soulful vocals over prominent synth stabs, expressing their simple lyrical sentiments with a playful eye-wink. Make that two for two for Karmic after their equally infectious "Higher Self," a confident introduction that shows their impeccable flair for lush, dance-oriented pop.

"X Marks the Spot" is the second single off of Karmic’s forthcoming EP, due out in late May. 

 Time is rushing for Will Fox—and he’s content just letting it move like a slow breeze. On the video for his latest, "Waiting," the folk-rock singer-songwriter ambles and plays his guitar around a beautiful countryside alongside scenic, time-lapsed photography. Fox’s mellifluous croon is both pronounced and mysterious, a gentle coo that brushes over his warm, lilting arrangements. He moves past his lament with calm self-reflection, letting the nature that surrounds him fill him with some wisdom and understanding. 

"Waiting" is the first single off Fox’s debut full-length album, Which Way, due out July 12 on Twosyllable Records. He’s performing at Love Song Bar with fellow Los Angeles Police Department band colleague Ryan Pollie on May 18. Juan Rodríguez

Kate Iannitello, the artful mind behind Beauty Queen, is set to release her new EP, Out Of Touch, tomorrow. And with two singles already released, we were blessed with her latest drop, “Sold You Out.” Although her sound might be familiar to that of Beach House and Jack Antonoff’s Bleachers, she has staked a vibe that is all her own. Sending dreamy pop sensations up and down her listener’s spine, Iannitello is an instant starter pack to your beach day. 

Out of Touch is out tomorrow, April 19 via Sleep Well Records. Kayla Hay

On "Nothing’s Real," Sofia Wolfson wishes that time stood still. "Going through the motions and spinning like a wheel," the singer-songwriter reflects, a genuine sentiment that comes from not having things figured out. It’s an emotion that hits on a personal level, presumably the result of juggling the challenges of a music career and her life as a student. Wolfson’s increased anxiety otherwise unfolds with patience and equanimity—she perfectly captures the excitement and ennui of entering young adulthood over some colorful guitar work. 

"Nothing’s Real" is taken off of Wolfson’s latest EP, Adulting. Watch her perform at The Love Song on June 18. Juan Rodríguez

Holland Belle shows her unabated love with complete abandon on “Waking Up With You.” The deeply romantic new single by indie-rock trio Nightjacket is the perfect vehicle for Belle to reveal her innermost desires. “Ooh, waking up with you/there’s so much more to find,” Belle sings with her delicate, yet commanding croon, a sweet affirmation that pairs lovingly alongside the band’s brisk, charging pop-rock arrangement. Her lyrical sentiments—evoked with plainspoken simplicity—were inspired after she moved to Berlin to follow the love of her life.

“Waking Up With You” is the first single off of Nightjacket’s debut full-length, Beauty in the Dark, which is due out on May 31. There’s plenty of chances to catch the trio perform in the coming weeks: first at the Troubadour on April 23, followed by a show at the Bootleg on May 7. Juan Rodríguez

Last we heard from Lex Vega—who performs as Mini Trees—was last year when we covered her reflective single "Take It Back." Her latest, "Steady Me," expands upon her lithe ambient touches with a tightly crafted indie-pop sound. Vega brims with cautious optimism, recognizing the goodwill that comes from being in a healthy relationship while also accepting its inevitable missteps. She’s gradually coming into her own, taking another songwriting leap forward with sure-footed ease.

"Steady Me" is the first single off of Mini Trees’ forthcoming debut EP, which is set for release in May. Juan Rodríguez

There’s something unsettling about Signals’ latest music video for "In the Middle of the Night." A stoic mannequin sings along to the towering, synth-laden electro-rock of Brendan Byrnes and Ian Vargo. The cut has a grainy film look that adds a certain menacing effect—as if we’re watching some futuristic art installation unfold—where a projected image attempts to personalize the duo’s heart-rending lyrical effusions. Perhaps it’s that contrast of melodic buoyancy and mechanical expression that makes it all the more confounding. It’s best to leave it to open interpretation, after all, though it does add another layer to a sonically textured song that is otherwise pouring with optimism (though behind the joyful intent it describes a romantic dissolution with chilling effect). 

"In the Middle of the Night" is featured on Signals’ self-titled EP, out now via their official SoundCloud page and all streaming platforms. Juan Rodríguez