Gracefully staggering between total abandonment and a blistering attention to craft, Old Maybe’s trio of Jazz Adam, Ricardo Balmaseda, and Nina Ryser will be returning with a collection of new sonic treats. They recently premiered the lead single, “Pink Pigging,” off the band’s forthcoming EP, Piggity Pink, which is due out on April 14 via Ramp Local. The track demonstrates the group’s particular take on dadaist post-punk, weaving together technical prowess and tongue-in-cheek playfulness that exemplifies a bolder, more refined Old Maybe. They’ll be performing next in Philly at The Pharmacy on Thursday, March 30 with Ursula, New Fries, and Chaser, before heading out on a Northeast run.
Nashville
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James Tillman’s Enlightening Electronic Jazz
James Tillman‘s music is produced with the kind of artistry that makes him mysterious. His debut album, Silk Noise Reflex, is an electronic take on Jazz, Soul, and R&B much in the same style as Flying Lotus. Tillman’s songwriting and vocal talents, however, prove undeniably apparent on the record, setting him aside from purely electronic producers. His melodies feel relaxed and natural, as if he created the entire work just strolling through a park. There are some universal themes that run throughout this sonic hybrid album. The search for meaning, companionship, health, and happiness seem to weave their way throughout every song. More than feeling like a cheesy self-help book, however, Tillman’s songs are measured and sure. What’s being chronicled isn’t a denial of loss, loneliness, anxiety, and insecurity, but an embracing of these realities and an insistence that they’re necessary parts of life. In this way, Silk Noise Reflex is dualistic both with its blend of electronic production and real instrumentation and in its abstract content. If you’re a fan of psychedelic, jazzy, hip hop stylel production, this is an NYC artist you’d be doing yourself a disservice to ignore.
-Andrew Strader
NYC
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In debut Single “Home,” Nick Brenock searches for his own sound
Nick Brenock spent the last five years in New York playing guitar in various projects. “Home” (streaming below) is his debut solo single, an introduction to the singer-songwriter’s entrancing indie-soul sound. Brenock’s guitar-playing is a highlight on the track, capturing an air of nostalgia in delicate hooks and shimmery chords. “I don’t wanna go your way / if it means I’m leaving home” he sings quietly, emotion floating just beneath the surface. Stay tuned for his EP, which will be released in the coming months. – Geena Kloeppel
NYC
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Buzz Alert! High Waisted unveils new video for “Trust” + tours
With such a touch-and-go winter, I’m not going to be convinced that the first day of Spring has actually arrived until all of the snow has melted off my front lawn. Luckily for me, I have garage pop band, High Waisted, to warm me up and get me into that summer mindset. The NYC-based group deals in sunshine surf vibes, drawing heavily from music of the mid-60’s, but puts their own, quirky spin on things. Their songs are fun, high-energy tracks guaranteed to have you California dreaming, even while you shlep through the remainder of slush. Right now, the band is touring the East Coast in support of their latest album, On Ludlow, but we’re sure that they won’t be away from New York for long. In the meantime, take a look at the official video from their new single, "Trust" streaming below.-Olivia Sisinni
Philadelphia
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New Elegant Animals EP Available for Streaming & Download
Elegant Animals has just released another new EP Warm Blood Pt. 2. The record seamlessly ties together electro R&B and soul. While coasting on buoyant, pillowy grooves, the songs allude to an air of danger. “Amateur Video,” with its smooth, seductive, simmering, bedroom funk, feels like a nod to the late, great Prince. Finally, album closer, “Saved,” surveys in a streetwalking, soulful nostalgia. Make it the soundtrack to your stroll or ride through Philly this beautiful weekend.
Philadelphia
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New Track: “The News” – Tubey Frank
“The News,” featured on Tubey Frank’s debut EP Tubey Frank Goes To Trash Camp!, has our ears perked. The track’s spiraling guitar and rhythms intermingle, creating a state of whimsy with harmonizing vocals encouraging listeners to sing along. About halfway through, the trajectory changes slightly as the guitar exhibits a compelling, raw force, setting the stage for the vocals to ratchet up in a throaty thrust. However, that temporary demonstration of fortitude quickly resolves itself, mellowing back onto the path.
San Francisco
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Low Roar Releases New Single – Waiting (10 Years)
The Bay Area based musician, Low Roar has just released their second single entitled, Waiting (10 Years) from their upcoming album, Once In A Long, Long While….
Low Roar’s (whose given name is Ryan Karazija) new single is dreamy, sexy and nonintoxicating sad as Karazija explores depression and the slow and steady lost of his mind.
Once In A Long, Long While… will be released on April 14 via Nevado Records. It is the follow up to 2014’s 0, which earned Karazija a large new audience after his music was discovered by iconic Japanese video game creator Hideo Kojima. Kojima used Low Roar’s "I’ll Keep Coming" and "Easy Way Out" on two high-profile trailers in 2016 for his Death Stranding video game starring Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, and director Guillermo del Toro.
Low Roar will playing the Independent in San Francisco on April 24th.
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Later” – Ruby Buff
The trio of Ruby Buff recently released a new cassingle, entitled Deal Includes Soda. Its B-side, “Later,” temporarily sits in a pondering, surf space, and then charges ahead. The recording kickstarts a loose, melodically energetic, powerpop narrative, depicting the mind games of remote interaction. It’s a fun but pertinent observation.
NYC
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Experimental soul? Juliana Huxtable at BK Bazaar on 03.25
Juliana Huxtable will bring her manic electronica to Brooklyn Bazaar on Saturday March 25. The DJ, producer, performer and model has long been a favorite of the NYC art scene, and her music mirrors the dynamic, wild, and multi-faceted persona radiating from the artist. Huxtable’s latest release, "DISCOWOMAN MIX: SCHIZOANALYSIS," is a monster track that manages to effortlessly fold in spoken word and gossamer, echoed vocals with stomping, high-energy beats and angular synths over the course of its hour run time. Take a listen to the mix streaming below, and make sure you catch her set this Saturday. – Olivia Sisinni
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Brahma Frizz” – Son Step
“Brahma Frizz,” the latest single from Son Step, begins with delicate synths and vocal harmonies in sunrising tones. Then, a low-key but funky groove rolls in as a continuous current of electronics washes in and out. Its sonicly soothing while describing the ambiguity of heartfelt emotions. Feel just a little better this morning! Son Step will take part in a Planned Parenthood benefit at HH Ranch on April 14 with Power Animal, Impressionist, and Paperhaus.
New England
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Paper Castles Play The Monkey House 4/2
Burlington indie-rock outfit Paper Castles is an exceptional voice coming from the still-snowy landscapes of Vermont. Alternating between melancholy and optimistic (sometimes both simultaneously), their album, Vague Era, is a must for your last-remnants-of-winter playlist. Strong psychedelic roots, uniquely catchy pop sensibilities, and introspective songwriting will keep these songs on repeat. Catch them at The Monkey House in Winooski, VT on 4/2 with NE-HI and J Bengoy. Philly and NYC readers can also catch them locally later this month. -Brian Varneke
NYC
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Brian Harding (ex-Ex Cops) debuts new project Blonde Ambition
Blond Ambition, the new pop project of former Ex Cops frontman Brian Harding (who recently relocated from NYC to LA), is set to release debut album ‘Slow All Over’ on May 5 via Brooklyn’s Swoon City Music. On Thursday, March 23, Harding will play an intimate, stripped-down performance at The Event Space at Genius (84 4th Street) — the show is free with RSVP.