L.A.

Wyatt Blair releases new power-pop EP “For The First Time”

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Though Wyatt Blair‘s new EP For The First Time has come out just weeks before the start of a new decade, it has a power pop sound which smacks heavily of sound from decades long since passed. A track like "Boys Night Out" has a touch of Springsteen with a guitar riff that sounds like "Rosalita" and pounding toms from "Candy’s Room". "Cherry Rose" has hints of Pat Benatar and Ratt in its cross between glam metal and early Eighties new wave. And "Fear To Fight" picks up the speed with a bit of proto-punk from bands like The Cars. Even though Blair takes a lot from the music of the previous generation, there’s plenty on For The First Time to please listeners in the generations of today. Take a listen to "Boys Night Out" below. – Will Sisskind

NYC

Submit your band to Our Wicked Lady’s Winter Madness 2020

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Yes, yes, we’re all very well aware that "industry plants," clout chasing, successful exploitation of Spotify’s recommended artists algorithm and just being good and online will likely be greater determinants of a band’s success in 2020 (as they were in 2019 and 2018 and so on), but there’s something classic about a good, old fashioned battle of the bands, the closest thing resembling a bloodsport in the New York music scene. This dynamic is why you should attend, support, or (if you’re a musician) submit to Our Wicked Lady’s forthcoming b.o.t.b., Winter Madness 2020. Over the course of each Friday and Saturday in February, 16 bands will duke it out, competing for a top prize of $5,000, a ten hour recording session at Hive Mind, and a performance spot at Our Wicked Lady’s unofficial SXSW showcase. High stakes and local music make this a must-attend event — check the details here if you’re planning on going, badger your friends in bands to submit their music before the December 25th deadline, and keep an eye out for the lineup’s announcement on January 2nd. 

L.A.

Bay Ledges drops warm new single “Dive”

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On the cusp of the new year, the temperature’s starting to drop, but indie pop music maker Bay Ledges (a.k.a Zach Hurd) is here to warm things up with his new single "Dive". The theme of the track seems straightforward, evoking images of the ocean at sunset with waves of stripped-down but lush sound. Even though the year’s almost done, "Dive" marks Hurd’s first release in 2019, following a whopping four singles last year. Hurd has more songs in the works for next year, but for right now, take a listen to "Dive" below. – Will Sisskind

New England

A Deli Premiere: “Jimmy Rover” by Fire in the Field

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For listeners familiar with Fire in the Field’s funky and upbeat style, a sonic treat awaits, surprisingly tame but deeply wild. “Jimmy Rover” showcases the band’s appreciation for the slow-cooking nature of the blues as it lets its normally dance-inducing guitar riffs build slowly, ripping on occasion to smooth vocals from lead singer Mike Moore who is committed to storytelling. As the guitar solos shred, at high-voltage, one is reminded of the band’s old-school passion and youthful energy: Fire in the Field has a strong essence of classic rock. During the song’s final breakdown, the bass and drums lock-in even in their euphoric state to complement the song, which echoes the beauty and grit of Chicago blues. Recorded, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Jay Frigoletto at Oak Hill Music in Brookline, NH, this latest single by the band offers something wholly different from its usual style, but remains a track that fits perfectly into the band’s archives. We are thrilled to premiere “Jimmy Rover” for you below; catch Fire in the Field at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton, MA, on Dec 14th. – Rene Cobar

Chicago

Glass Noose “Wasting My Breath”

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Glass Noose has released the first single, “Wasting My Breath”, from their forthcoming album, No More Dignity. The album is set to drop on the last day of the decade, and is the work of Tristian Zemtseff, Aaryanna Renee and Stoop Kiid.

You can catch Glass Noose on December 18th at Uncommon Ground Lake view and on January 24th at Silvie’s Lounge with HeetDeth, Bussy Kween Power Trip, and Future Trash.

NYC

Childish Japes, Maitri, Michael Wingate play The Revolution Vol. 45 on 12.19

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Another month means another iteration of National Sawdust’s The Revolution. Closing out the year (as well as the decade), this Thursday’s Vol. 45 continues the series’ longstanding effort to spotlight local musicians across the genre spectrum and will feature performances by the artists Childish Japes, Maitri, and Michael Wingate.

While The Revolution’s strengths have always laid in the diversity of sound brought out to Brooklyn each month, there’s a consistent groove that permeates the sounds of this week’s three performers. For example, Brooklyn nu-funk duo Maitri’s electro-heavy, polyrhythmic jams, are matched in vibe by the soulful indie rock of Childish Japes, both inhabiting similar spaces albeit producing their tunes via synthetic keys or an electric guitar (respectively).

Likewise, Michael Wingate will contribute to the evening’s atmosphere with his own brand of rhythm and blues. Cop your tickets here and get your dancing shoes ready for Thursday.

NYC

Pale Lights’ “Golden Times” is a pleasantly vintage romp, play Union Pool 12.14

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Brooklyn five piece Pale Lights have been a quiet force in the New York music scene over the last decade; following the reissue of their sophomore LP The Stars Seemed Bright earlier in 2019, the band also contributed the joyful twee romp “Golden Times” to Fadeawayradiate Record’s sunshine/psychpop comp F.A.R. OUT last month. A sunny, 60s-influenced tune, “Golden Times” immediately evokes nostalgia in both its lyrics and sound, carrying an energy somewhere between a television variety show and contemporary jangle pop outfits. Underscored by melodic guitar melodies, relaxed baritone vocals, and a swirling organ backbone, the track shows that Pale Lights’ golden times are not foregone, but perhaps still to come. Stream it below, and catch Pale Lights at Union Pool on December 14th, playing in Slumberland Records 30th Anniversary party. —Connor Beckett McInerney

L.A.

12.16: Shannon Lay performs final show of residency at Zebulon with Ty Segall

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On December 16th, Shannon Lay will perform her final show of her residency at Zebulon, with Ty Segall joining her on the bill. Lay released her first Sub Pop album August this past summer, but to add to her discography with the label, she’s just released the singles "Blue" and "We Mend" for the Sub Pop Singles club. "Blue" spins the often-sad connotation of the word into something more hopeful and romantic, with Lay’s lyric "I will love you ’til my hair turns blue" setting the theme for the song. "Blue" and "We Mend" share a mellow, folksy vibe, with something more intense brewing underneath. Lay already has big plans for 2020, with a European tour set for February. Take a listen to "Blue" and "We Mend" below. – Will Sisskind

Chicago

Farseer

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Instrumental Metal group Farseer has released their self-titled debut album. This is the work Brendan McCarthy (Guitar), Ted Ballantine (Guitar), George Burrows (Bass), and Kyle Curtis (Drums).

New England

Kelly English debuts serene single “Errors of My Ways,” plays Urban Lodge Brewing 12.15

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For singer-songwriter talent, such as Connecticut’s Kelly English, words seem to come easy, and they use them to express with sincerity their ups and their downs. In English’s latest piece, “Errors of My Ways,” she lets the gentle strings of her acoustic guitar and her graceful vocals tell a story of acceptance and forgiveness. The track never needs to stray from its serene mood, because it soothes and empowers with its honest emotion. English, who normally swims in alt-pop waters, takes a stroll around the shorelines of folk music to deliver an enchanting composition that is short but lasting in memory. Kelly will be performing at the Urban Lodge Brewing Co. in Manchester, CT on Dec 15th. Stream “Errors of My Ways” below to welcome the evening softly. – Rene Cobar