Nashville

Folk pop duo Hailish release summery self-titled debut EP

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As the weather gets warmer, you’ll want some summery tunes to take with you to the coast. Hailish — the folk-pop duo of Ella Fernandez and Hannah Kroh — have a debut self-titled EP to provide those tracks for you. The songs bounce between jazzy grooves ("Shades"), country-tinged ballads ("Colorado"), and tender moments ("Stay", "No One Knows"). Each song will sound perfect through a Bluetooth speaker at the beach, a loudspeaker at the lake, or through a PA at the pool. After all, there’s a reason that Hailish call themselves "beach folk". Take a listen to "Colorado" below. – Will Sisskind

Philadelphia

The Deli Philly’s Featured Artist(s) Poll Winner: Eliza Bird

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After listening to Eliza Bird, it isn’t very surprising to learn that the band’s name was inspired by grave stones in an old cemetery. There’s an inherent sadness in the vocals that seems to weigh heavily on the poetically obtuse lyrics, encouraging you to take a deep dive in search of the meaning behind each tale. The band, which consists of Devyn Luzniak, Jake Soojian, Peter Dampman, and Carson Hyde, “want to feel weird with you.” So check out their tunes below and our latest Featured Artist(s) interview HERE.  

NYC

Kemba debuts vulnerable new single “Last Year Being Broke”

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The Bronx has always had the worst reputation among the NYC boroughs, a concrete pariah whose name still concots emotions of fear, mostly outside of NYC. It is from this dismissal and its rough-and-tumble fame that artists like Kemba draw their inspiration. In his new single “Last Year Being Broke” (streaming) Kemba paints hyper-real portraits of his everyday life via punchy verses that carry the warmth of his sincerity. The whipping kick drum and trickling piano notes help bring Kemba’s proclamation of soon-to-be-achieved success amid all-too-real poverty forward. The track is relatable for up and coming artists and shows that the rapper is looking to connect with his audience as opposed to boasting at them. In today’s hip-hop scene this is a welcome approach. Check out the single below. – Rene Cobar

Chicago

Cellar Door

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Cellar Door recently release the lead single, “To My Head”, from his forthcoming EP, “Fishes”, which will be released this Friday, May 31st.

You can catch Cellar Door on May 30th at The Silver Room (1302 North Milwaukee) with Dori Valentine and Silas Short.

Philadelphia

New The Obsessives Deluxe LP Available for Streaming & Purchase

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Lame-O Records recently released a deluxe version of The Obsessives‘s self-titled 2017 album. The expanded 24-song tracklist offers further insight into the band’s earnestly emotive sound. Revisit the LP, and explore the previously unreleased pieces of the puzzle. The Obsessives will be performing at PhilaMOCA on Thursday, July 18, with Prince Daddy & The Hyena and Retirement Party.

NYC

Pleasure Island invites listeners to kick back and relax in new EP, plays Rubulad 05.31

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Wouldn’t it be nice if you could take The Growlers and amp up their surf side? How about a few added sprinkles of bossa nova for the dance enthusiasts? Pleasure Island makes this a reality in their new EP Playa del Manos. The band shows its ability to channel the surf vibe with languorous guitar chords and hi-hat ebb and flows that soothe the mind. The synth ambiance created in the EP’s final track “Sunlight” (streaming) could easily have been part of your local high school’s Enchantment Under the Sea Dance. The group will be showcasing their  loungecore indie pop at Brooklyn’s Rubulad on May 31st. Get a taste for it in their new EP, streaming below. – Rene Cobar

Philadelphia

New Sami Rahman EP Available for Streaming & Download

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Mattress Food‘s Sami Rahman recently dropped a solo release, Birdboy – EP. Drenched in synth, the album occupies a silky, soulful, R&B/hip-hop setting, which may come as a surprise compared to Mattress Food’s more noise-laced indie rock. These songs wash over in reassuring, tranquil waves. You can catch Rahman at The Fire tomorrow night, as part of a lineup that also includes yeenar, Georgey V, and Grand Rapid’s Cønrad Shøck + the Nøise.

Nashville

Ida Mae release new LP 06.10 at Grimey’s in-store performance

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Though Ida Mae call Nashville home now, they originally hail from the UK, but their rough-and-tumble Americana music wouldn’t give you that idea. Like current tour buddies Greta Van Fleet, they have mastered the art of borrowing from artists they admire to craft a sound all their own. Ida Mae — the duo of Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean — will release their newest album Chasing Lights on June 7, and they’ll celebrate the event on June 10 at an in-store performance at Grimey’s. Chasing Lights features the production of Ethan Johns, who has worked with Kings of Leon and Laura Marling; Johns’ seat-of-your-pants production style and Ida Mae’s energy make Chasing Lights an electric listen. Take a look at the music video for the single "Reaching" below. – Will Sisskind 

Chicago

R34L

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Last week the Electro-Pop duo known as R34L released two singles, “Undone” and “anim8”, from their forthcoming album, WHAT/IS.

This is the collaboration of Sarah Hartman and Cason Trager, and their approach to electronic and synth based music is refreshing and exciting.

Below is the Great Eye Films directed video for “Undone”.

Austin

Indoor Creature Shines with Funky Show at Cheer Up Charlies

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 If you live in Austin, you’ve likely seen Indoor Creature stickers around town. Their show provides more than just a sound, but also a warm camaraderie to associate with the band. The show at Cheer Up Charlies on Saturday highlighted their EP release, Both Sides. The venue was packed with their friends and supporters. There was a total of 5 bands playing that evening, and between sets all the band members were socializing and smiling. Cheer Ups felt more like a hometown house party where everybody knows everybody, and everybody is relieved it’s finally summertime in Austin. The band chose a great weekend for their release; due to UT’s graduation everyone and their mom was out to celebrate.

Spotify categorizes this Austin-born band as ‘pop,’ but I’d describe their sound as refined chillwave with creamy vocals and sophisticated melodies featuring an array of instruments. You can lose yourself in the groove. And the bongos.

 

A saxophone also appears during the set that really ties the funkiness together. Listen to “Paradox” at 2:00 to hear the sensuous brass.

 

I lost consciousness during their second song of the show, Ode to Boone. It might have been the day drinking, the oversugary watermelon vodka, or the bassline penetrating my soul, but regardless I passed out for 6-8 seconds. I’m glad I didn’t miss too much of this playful, truly fantastic story of a song. The chorus goes: He’s not a puppy anymore, he’s a middle-aged dog, he’s a grown-ass man, now.

 

Indoor Creature is comprised of 4 talented musicians who aren’t afraid to experiment with sound, image, and ideas evidenced by their poetic lyrics. They’re bridging genres and co-creating a new vibe for those coming of age in Austin. Get a taste of their dynamic in their music video for “Dreams or Whatever,” an EP they released in 2018, OR catch them at their next show at Electric Church on June 1st.

 

-Melissa Green

Philadelphia

New Track: “One Down” – Slaughter Beach, Dog

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The first singles from Slaughter Beach, Dog’s forthcoming album, Safe And Also No Fear, have arrived. “One Down,” the LP’s opener, recalls and catalogs one’s actions in an isolating, step-by-step progression. A subdued sense of routine allows a bit of sadness to enter the equation; however, it may just be a way of reviewing one’s day and clearing thoughts before going to sleep. Safe And Also No Fear is scheduled for release on August 2 via Lame-O Records.