"Lydia" has a special significance for Massage. The snappy lead-off single off of their debut LP, Oh Boy, was first conceived almost four years ago when they still hadn’t officially solidified as a band. The song’s original output has the makings of a rock documentary montage, as they were all still figuring out their essence by simply experimenting and having fun. That finally brought upon the harmony-laden "Lydia," a subtle homage to writer Lydia Davis where their hooky songcraft amiably holds hands with their shabby pop charm. 

Oh Boy is out on July 27. Listen to "Lydia" below.

Rett Madison presents a troubling account that is difficult to accept on "Mother’s Girl." Madison, an LA-via-West Virginia transplant, looks back at her past upbringing through a truthful lens, that of a child who had to cope with a parents’ substance abuse. "I look at my mother," she introduces with chilling effect, a stark, yet effective image which evokes so much without uttering a single detail. But Madison is a classic storyteller at heart. She proceeds to recount a drunken stupor that’s all too familiar, as she sees herself through her mother’s eyes, her commanding alto wrapped around a thorny stem. Madison’s spare, folk-laced strum is bone-chillingly somber, yet downright beautiful, where a crescendoing string accompaniment detects an aura of sadness to her words with a striking emotional punch.

Madison is slated to perform at Hotel Café on June 6 alongside Eli Pafumi. Listen to "Mother’s Girl" on Spotify. – Juan Rodríguez

Growing up sure feels fast, doesn’t it? But sometimes it’s good to go back and reflect, which Tampa does with effusive delight on the video for their first single, "Teen Age." "I miss those days when your life floats away, don’t you?," singer Lucas Field muses as a fluttery guitar strum warms up the song’s wistful tone. Everything about "Teen Age" is concise, heartfelt, and vivid; the quintet quickly ricochet with an impulsive melody that’s set against some crafty arrangements, and their boyish charm evokes a hopeful and affectionate view of the small world that surrounds them. Juan Rodríguez

Watch the video for "Teen Age" below.

Joni Fatora enjoyed a fruitful career writing for other pop stars. During that time, the singer-songwriter, who goes by Joni, built the courage and confidence to put the credit into her own songs. And "Omens" is a satisfying first trial – the subtly layered midtempo track has a shimmering hook which progresses with a quietly haunting effect, where she exorcises the fears that plague her mind over an echoey production.

Listen to "Omens" below. Juan Rodríguez

Erica Von Trapp has executed a powerful video for her latest single, "True Blue," making her a true force to be reckoned with. Von Trapp, better known as Jane Machine to her fans, worked with local director Asher Moss to make a video that completely engulfed my full attention; she hypnotized me straight into her subconscious. The holistic ode to her relationship, through visualizations and musical percussion, leaves her audience with a balanced diet of storytelling and raw emotion. Jane Machine is, by definition, a diamond in the rough. Her debut LP, “Back Seat Driver,” premiered two weeks back, and I suggest taking some time out of your day to dive into everything that is Jane Machine. Kayla Hay

LEAN keep their emotions steady on "On the Fence." The indie pop duo, composed of Stephen Johnson and Kyle McCammon, share a common musical bond that allows them to morph into different versions of themselves. And "On the Fence" benefits from that symbiotic relationship – you hear a natural confluence of sounds, especially in how it bears out a dusty, chopped-up hip-hop beat that keeps a constant tempo as it lays out a gossamer guitar lead. The achingly heartfelt chorus does have an all-embracing vision, even at its most hushed, a testament to how their nuanced musicianship gives form and contrast to their anthemic tendencies. 

"On the Fence" is the latest single off of LEAN’s forthcoming debut LP, Years, which comes out on May 25 via Killphonic. The duo is celebrating the release with a hometown show at the Bootleg on May 24. Juan Rodríguez

Kailynn West shows infectious contentment on "La La." West, who leads power-pop four piece Tiny Stills, shares a message that is simple to adhere to, yet always difficult to put into practice: be yourself. On the hummable "La La" – a play on words which attributes a carefree attitude to any negative influences – she means to drown out all the outside noise. Her renewed enjoyment beams with every candid gesture on the band’s performance-based video, where they all put forth a spirited dynamic that’s lead by her crunchy, guitar-driven pop.

"La La" is the latest single off of Tiny Stills’ forthcoming LP, Laughing Into the Void, which comes out on June 1. The band will also be celebrating a hometown album release show on May 31 at The Hi Hat. Juan Rodríguez

Consider Hit Bargain as a supergroup of modern dream pop acts. Except that the art-punk four piece let out a more vigorous call – composed of members of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Cold Beat, and Beach Fossils, the band shares more of a commonality in bands like Black Flag with their articulated views on social justice. Their latest single, "Hell is Real," is an apt title for our crazy times. Inspired by lead singer Nora Singh’s "self-imposed exile" in Ohio, she rages about the cities’ malady of capitalist contentment over a jolting rhythmic composition.

"Hell is Real" is the lead-off track to Hit Bargain’s forthcoming LP, Potential Maximizer, which comes out on May 11 via Buzz Records. Juan Rodríguez

Paige Calico recognizes the negative behaviors attributed to a toxic love pattern on "Bad With." But there’s also a patent joy to the singer-songwriter’s vocal delivery, a quivering, husky tone that is smoothened with a velvety touch. "Oh, can you be with someone you are bad with," Calico muses as an airy, soft rock melody ushers the subtle power of her candid gestures. The song’s jangly, sun-soaked melody goes by pleasantly until its final minute, where she lets go of her apprehensions over a barbed guitar riff. It’s a lovely finish that caresses your ears with a weightless glow. 

Watch the video for "Bad Habit" below. Juan Rodríguez

On a Friday night, I decided to walk into one of the nosiest and busiest bars in my hometown, opened up my laptop and began listening to Valley Queen’s NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert series. Through the annoying drunk bar guests and awful overhead music, Natalie Carol’s hypnotic voice and beautiful harmonies demanded my attention. Raw, ingenious talent ignites from the guitar, through her soul, and out her mouth to create a natural and humbling sound that is reminiscent of Stevie Nicks, Florence Welch, and Josephine Vander Gucht.

Roll Call Family Records has official welcomed Valley Queen to their family earlier this year, as their debut album will be released soon. But until then, we have the pleasure of listening to their single “Chasing The Muse.” Valley Queen is currently touring the west coast with Liza Anne, so make sure to catch them while you can. Kayla Hay

Brittney Denise Parks taught herself how to play the violin from an early age. The Ohio-via-L.A. transplant, who goes by Sudan Archives, studied Northeast and West African fiddlers and musicians like Asim Gorashi, Ali Farka Touré, and Judeh Camarah before she developed an interest in electronic music. Upon discovering a wider instrumental palette, Parks was determined to tastefully merge both as she sought for a new and unique sound. And Parks has done just that on her latest single, "Nont for Sale," a darkly-soulful meditation on a complicated friendship where she shares sneering expressions of contempt over plucked violin flickers and a jerky, finger-snapping beat.

"Nont for Sale" is the latest single off of Sudan Archives’ sophomore EP, Sink, which is set for release on May 25 via Stones Throw. Juan Rodríguez

Molly Pease is fascinated with the outcomes that bring us closer to each other. On "Rain," Ackland’s latest single, Pease wants to penetrate deep into her subject’s intimate realm as she searches for some personal clarity. Pease, who holds an impressive vocal range, guides the listener through a playful contrast of swelling strings and a decadent piano accompaniment. It ultimately takes flight with a soaring finish that draws one’s attention with its live-like, unvarnished production. 

"Rain" is found on Ackland’s self-titled debut effort, which is out on April 13. That day, the band is also holding an album release show at Art-Share LA. Juan Rodríguez