L.A.

SLOWTRIP release pummeling new single “Follow,” play Dipiazza’s on 6/2

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SLOWTRIP balance noise with beauty and rage on "Follow." The forthright alternative track, which makes a critique on the harmful effects of institutionalized faith, follows a pummeling form of tuneful rock music with a sludgy approach. But the four-piece don’t have any interest in telling anyone how to go about their business, and instead, want to openly share their personal belief that one shouldn’t conform to any societal norms. It’s a dense, textural rocker that’s thoughtful without becoming overly overbearing.

"Follow" is the latest single off of SLOWTRIP’s forthcoming EP, Blur, which came out on May 18. Catch them on June 2 at Dipiazza’s in Long Beach and June 13 at the Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa. Juan Rodríguez

Chicago

Town Criers @ D.C. Torium (5/26)

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Town Criers released their debut EP back in February. The EP was filled heavy hitting Psych Rock, and helped build a following for this young band. This week their Daytrotter session, which was recorded back in March, was released. This should give this Chicago gem much more national coverage this summer.

You can catch Town Criers at D.C. Torium (3026 W Armitage Ave) on May 26th with Ex Okays, The Hazy Seas & The Knees. They will also be performing at Burlington Bar on May 31st with Stoops and The Fonzie Scheme.

NYC

Sabri brings his multifaceted soul to Elsewhere on 05.25

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The lyric “Steppin’ on your toes I’m a big brown man” is just one way in which Sam Sundos conveys his personality through his solo project, Sabri. That declaration comes from his latest release, “FUCK IT MAN,” which, notwithstanding the harsh title, is a smooth, dreamy soul track built on a plodding, stretched hip hop beat. But don’t try to put this man in a box: the Brooklyn-based singer has proven his versatility through his first single “Oh, Honey,” a poppier, piano driven tune with a George Michael feel to it, and “Hot Tub,” probably his most mature track, featuring a timeless soul melody, and an arrangement enriched by brass and funky guitar and electric piano licks reminiscent of the glorious Motown years. Sabri’s ever-changing sound serves as a reflection on his identity through his work; he has described his music as “a celebration of identity and an embrace of modern culture and technology.” You can catch him live at Elsewhere on May 25th. – Lily Crandall

Chicago

Grapetooth “Violent”

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Grapetooth, Clay Frankel (Twin Peaks) and Chris Bailoni (Homesick), have released their second single “Violent”. The duo released their debut single, “Trouble”, last fall to critical acclaim, and this poppy, ’80’s New Order-esque follow-up does not disappoint.

You can catch Grapetooth at Lincoln Hall on July 21st with Rookie and James Swanberg. Tickets for this show go on sale Friday, May 25th.

Philadelphia

New Track: “On Self Respect” – Nika Nika

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Sparse acoustic guitar accompanies earnest lyricism “On Self Respect,” the new single from Anika Pyle, a.k.a. Nika Nika. An older ditty that was written "after watching one of the greatest films of all time – Flashdance – and connecting the film to Joan Didion’s essay ‘On Self Respect,’" an honest self-evaluation speaks to the idea of following ones dream’s and aspirations, while navigating the perceptions or judgments of the outside world. Balancing one’s goal against the weight/pressure of the outside world can be a tricky endeavor. Be true to yourself.

"To give us back to ourselves–there lies the great, the singular power of self-respect" – Joan Didion

NYC

Rue Brown, Sirintip, and Camille Trust play “The Revolution,” Vol. 27 on 05/26

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In the 27th installment of the Deli-sponsored “The Revolution”, a performance series featuring promising local artists, three female pop and soul singers will take the stage to showcase their unique sound. For this month’s installation, the selected artists are Rue Brown, a soul singer with intriguing tracks blending electro and jazz, as well as avant-pop artist Sirintip, and Camille Trust, a singer-songwriter with a passionate, emotionally-driven pop sound. See them all this Saturday 05.26 at National Sawdust, at 10:00 PM – check out the three artists in the playlist streaming below. – Lily Crandall

Chicago

Minor Moon “It’s Okay”

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Minor Moon have released a new single called “It’s Okay”. According to songwriter and lead singer, Sam Cantor, the song focuses on how he balances being a cynic and how "that cynicism is rooted so much in a desire for hope and for a better world – you have to acknowledge the pain of that cynicism".

You can help Minor Moon celebrate the release of “It’s Okay” on May 26th at Hungry Brain with Jessica Risker.

Philadelphia

Debut Sieve EP Available for Streaming & Purchase

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Em Boltz (Corey Flood, Mallrat), Emily Lyon (Wilt), Madeline Rafter (Snake Boy Gang, The Original Crooks and Nannies), and Rachie Weisberg (Yeah, Baby) creatively combine as Sieve. Three Secrets, the debut EP from the quartet, was recently released via Fire Talk Records. Twisted, interlocking gears form unexpected, timely grooves at abrupt angles, unifying unique pieces. Those abbreviated mischievous carnival visions showcase a playful darkness.

Chicago

Earring “Flower Every”

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Earring has released a new single called “Flower Every” via Fire Talk Records. This is their first release since their impressive 2017 debut LP, Tunn Star. Earring is the side project of Jason Balla and Alexander Otake of Ne-Hi.

NYC

Samia drops video for new single “21”; plays Elsewhere on 06.01

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With a vocal range that reaches as high as her dreams and as low as the darkest depths of her lyrics, Samia has released her latest single "21" courtesy of Grand Jury. Though she had a brush with Spotify fame last year after the company put her on their "Badass Women" playlist, she hasn’t let the excitement get to her head. She packs her new single with her mellifluous vocals and most raw lyrics about turning twenty-one; topics discussed include making family proud, self-image, and the push to succeed against the drag of adulthood. Hear that in the chorus phrase "You’re alive and you’re on fire/Why are you so tired?" In the video, Samia dances around in any empty loft, scrawls desires on the walls, and stares out the window, looking for the thing that she feels she should have achieved before her twenty-first birthday. It’s safe to say that she’s achieved quite a bit already. Samia will play Elsewhere’s Zone 1 on June 1st; until then, check out the video for "21" below. – Will Sisskind

Philadelphia

New Track: “Part of the High is the Chase Itself” – Forever Vista

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Recorded live at the their practice space, Forever Vista recently dropped their new single, “Part of the High is the Chase Itself”. It’s a fuzz-fueled freight train that comes at you hard and fast. But don’t fret – enjoy the high! The Philly quartet is scheduled to race through Ortlieb’s on Sunday, June 10, rounding out a bill that also includes The Mojo Machine and People Like You.