New Music, Emerging from your Local Scene
Phoelix has come to be known as a top notch producer over the last couple years for his work with Noname, Saba, and others, but this month he has dropped a standout track of his own called ”BBS”.
The single is accompanied by a JOSHMADEIT animated video that was direst by Phoelix himself.
Joe Pug announced, this week, that his first album since 2015’s Windfall will be called The Flood of Color and will be released on July 19th via Nation of Heat Records.
Pug has lived in Chicago in several years, but our city is where he got his start in music and where he recorded and released and released his first EP, “Nation of Heat”, ten years ago.
A graceful, classical-meets-electronica convergence flows as one listens to the new MINKA album, Reincarnation. The complexity of the compositions is tastefully complemented by beat-driven movements. An elegant, serenity glides along as the vocals guide us through the seamless mergers of these recordings. It’s a more subdued MINKA than you might be used to, but in a very good way. Enjoy!
Mike Morrissey‘s latest single "Set The Record" has a neat character to it that suggests you sit back to take in its sprightly sounds. The Somerville-based singer/songwriter delivers in the song a lively collage of unadulterated electric guitar riffs that gush out to the rhythm of an energetic drum beat. The vocals—relaxed and poised—have a perpetual coolness that fits the track’s breezy vibe. Morrissey’s indie-pop music fits in beautifully in that relaxing Sunday morning playlist of yours, next to Belle and Sebastian. Mike Morrissey is hosting Aeronaut Brewing Company’s monthly open mic event in Somerville on June 5th. Enjoy "Set The Record" streaming below. – Rene Cobar
It’s been a moment since we’ve heard from Joshua Britton and his project Psalmships. Well, he’s back with a new EP, titled Keep Your Words. Haunting, folk-blues turbulence permeates. A hearty heaviness quakes as one feels the emotive impact of the music.
The old saying that two heads are better than one is confirmed by the pairing of Manchildblack and Monstah Black. Known collectively as The Illustrious Blacks, this NYC duo takes the rhythms of ’70s disco and enhances their pizzazz through iconic ’80s influences (Boy George, Prince). Their latest single "Revolutionary Love" (streaming) is driven by an infectious bassline and a sophisticated arrangement that slowly builds towards a brass section-enriched chorus. "Revolutionary Love" was specially made for last year’s Pride 2018 and its anthemic lyrics reflect that as they chant "I don’t give a fuck what they think about us/We got something none can touch/A Revolutionary Love." The duo has a string of shows through Brooklyn in June which culminate with a performance at Baby’s All Right Jun 20th. – Rene Cobar
Cotter Hill has the sound of a country artist that’s played the game for years, but his first EP Sober Up came out just last year. Hill moved west from Cleveland, TN in 2016 to chase his musical dream, and already he’s appeared on the iTunes Country charts, toured the Southeast, and shown up on local radio. Throughout 2019, Hill has continued to build upon his career through even more shows; in fact, you can catch him at The Basement Nashville on June 1st, where he’ll perform on a bill with fellow local country artists Justin Spivey and Cameron Blackburn. Take a listen to his single "Forever Works" below. – Will Sisskind
Wild Wing like to take their garage-meets-cowpunk into strange, unexpected detours. The San Fernando Valley’s latest, "Me ‘n Mine" is no different—accentuated with ripping, fuzzed-out guitars, the four-piece envision a barren apocalypse that seems to suggest our imminent future—mostly attributed to today’s destructive political tribalism. "I arrive/to find there’s no one else alive," sings vocalist/guitarist David Gantz, conveying a calm demeanor before the band spirals into a disorienting breakdown.
"Me ‘n Mine" is featured on Wild Wing’s upcoming fourth full-length album, New Futures, which is due out on June 21. That’s also the day they’ll be holding a record release show at Non Plus Ultra. Juan Rodríguez
Laurie is a new three piece band from Toronto formed in late 2018. This noise rock trio have dove headfirst into the Toronto scene with their self-proclaimed “sad, existential and often sarcastic music”. Their first single “Anxiety” was released in February and now they have a wild and bright music video to accompany it. Shot by Here Kitty Kitty Productions; this video is a bit bizarre which matches the song perfectly. It also might cause seizures. Be sure to follow them on Facebook so you can catch their next franticly energetic live show! – Kris Gies
A Beacon School concots a fascinating sonic puzzle in its 2018 record Cola—vibrant electric guitars, exuberant vocals, subtle synthesizer melodies, and evocative musical breakdowns constitute the various elements of this overall dreamy but upbeat album. Songs like “ I Don’t Believe It” and “Glue” ramp up the pace and pound away at punky drum beats to create surprising blends of dream pop and garage rock in part reminiscent of 4AD cult shoegazers Pale Saints. The group is gearing up for a vinyl release of Cola and is celebrating with a performance at Baby’s All Right on June 14. The vinyl will include three unreleased songs from the original album sessions and a clear version limited to 250 copies. Check out “I Don’t Believe It” streaming below. – Rene Cobar
Mathew Mercury’s music is like a thick and cool slushy for your summer days, a hot and creamy beverage for your crisp fall evenings, with your crush: Matthew Mercury is a sonic supplement for your better moods. The Vermont-based band serves up Strokes-inspired guitar riffs, resonant electro-key embellishments, and elegant drumbeats that could easily get a nod of approval from the late Dennis Davis (in our opinion at least). The band’s identity was formed in a synth-pop crib, but as it matured, it spread its wings to flash indie-rock elements in splendor. Ezra Oklan (Nicole Atkins, Ambulance Ltd, Dwight & Nicole) is spearheading this project and seems to be having fun enjoying the influences his bandmates are bringing to the party. The celebration is ongoing as Matthew Mercury will be playing their record release show June 14th at ArtsRiot in Burlington, VT, and we got a preview of their self-titled debut album for you below. – Rene Cobar
We are proud to be able to premiere the new single, “Over and Over”, from Rockford native, Singer-Songwriter, Adem Dalipi.
Dalipi has long allowed his Blues influences shine through in his music, but on “Over and Over” he branches out in a strongly Pop and R&B direction. “Over and Over” will be available on all music services tomorrow, May 31st.
You can catch Adem Dalipi at Rockford City Market on July 26th and at Rockford’s Bite Nite Festival on July 27th.
