It’s not difficult to find beauty in the sounds of nature – ocean waves, birdsong, rainfall – but it’s easy to overlook the charm and wonder of everyday anthropogenic sounds. Equal parts reverent and playful, Normal Soundsis built around field recordings of human-made, non-musical sounds: fridge drones, grocery store beeps, car horns. Lia Kohl alternately hallows and mimics them, offering them to the listener in a new light. Using a textural cloud of cello and synthesizers, with a few notable contributions from wind players Ka Baird and Patrick Shiroishi, Kohl brings out beauty in the world’s inane noise.
This interest in the mundane is not new to Kohl. Normal Sounds follows a series of pieces – The Ceiling Reposes, Untitled Radio, Variations on a Topography – which use field recordings of AM/FM radio as centerpieces. Her work hones in on unnoticed or under-documented sounds: the things we tend to tune out or hear passively. Many of the field recordings on Normal Sounds are functional, indicating danger (tornado siren, car alarms), fun (ice cream truck) or change (“the seatbelt sign is on”, “please take your receipt”). Others are simply byproducts of machine function: the drone of a fridge or airplane. While they’re sometimes intended to be heard, they’re not intended to be listened to.
For Kohl, her treatment of these sounds acts as a practice of attention, or in her words “a practice of trying to be more alive.” Often this practice takes the form of mimicry: harmonizing the already-present frequencies of a tennis court light with cello harmonics, or cheekily pairing car horns with Shiroishi’s saxophone. Sometimes, she augments the soundscape more dramatically, pulling it in a new direction with melodic cello or arpeggiated synths. It’s occasionally unclear whether a sound comes from her or the world around her. She nestles each field recording into a bed of her own sounds, inviting us to listen to the world through her ears.
Multi-Platinum selling pop-rock band Marianas Trench, announced their sixth studio album Haven is slated for release on August 30th via 604 Records / Warner Music Canada via all streaming platforms. Fans can pre-save the upcoming album here.
Since their inaugural album Fix Me, Marianas Trench has always continued to evolve, and with Haven, the Vancouver-based four-piece pushes the envelope and takes their musical and thematic efforts to new heights. The album showcases that at the core Marianas Trench is a take-no-prisoners, four-piece rock band featuring singer, songwriter and producer Josh Ramsay’s expansive vocal range, and Haven adds exciting layers of synthesizer and orchestral elements (featuring performances by members of the Vancouver Film Orchestra conducted by Hal Beckett).
Haven is inspired by Joseph Campbell’s scholarly book, The Hero’s Journey, which defines the arc of virtually every quest narrative. “The more of a deep dive I did into the book, the more I was in awe of how much it applied to every story,” says Marianas Trench singer, songwriter, and producer Josh Ramsay. He added that each of the songs on Haven is inspired by the plot points Campbell defines as commonalities in every hero’s journey.
The result is a narrative sequence of thirteen tracks based on the framework of the book, and like previous Marianas Trench albums is extremely broad in scope. Haven stretches Ramsay’s vocal range as a songwriter and arranger, while challenging the other band members, Matt Webb, Mike Ayley, and Ian Casselman, to do the same. The album is layered with emotion, grand and powerful, but each song stands on its own and welcomes listeners to find their own journey reflected. Sonically, the collection is cinematic with orchestral crescendos layered over the band’s energetic pop-rock.
The first single “A Normal Life” is a track about feeling like you don’t belong in your place in life and knowing you were meant for something more. It was followed by the undeniably catchy radio single “Lightning and Thunder“, an uplifting anthem showcasing vocalist Josh Ramsay’s outstanding range and the band’s signature theatrical pop-rock style that is guaranteed to leave a lasting mark on listeners. Watch the “Lightning and Thunder” music video here.
Australian multi-platinum artist Hayden James is back with another new single ‘Patience’ featuring English singer/songwriter Karen Harding out now via Future Classic. ‘Patience’ serves as the fourth single off James’ forthcoming third studio album We Could Be Love out September 13.
With his latest single, Hayden James beautifully displays his ability to create intimate yet energetic originals that are captivating on and off the dance floor. ‘Patience’ enlists the effervescent vocals of Karen Harding, known for her collaborations with Armand Van Helden, Purple Disco Machine, Rudimental. Referencing his 2019-released ‘Just Friends’, the track swirls with driving bass lines and crisp percussion that backdrop Harding’s gentle love story. The heartfelt sentiments of ‘Patience’ are carried throughout the album as James continues to distinguish himself with his craftsmanship as a songwriter and the relatable emotions he threads into each release. A euphoric earworm destined for clubland, ‘Patience’ captures the vibrancy and uplifting spirit fans can expect on We Could Be Love.
“Patience feels like ‘Just Friends’ part two. It’s got the same vibe to me, similar storyline and big bass lines. I’ve truly gone back to my classic HJ feel for this one. Karen is an incredibly talented songwriter and it’s been amazing to work with her on ‘Patience’. Turn it up!” – Hayden James
Metal band Fit For An Autopsy is thrilled to share “Hostage”, the lead single from their forthcoming album The Nothing That Is. Fans can watch the new music video (directed by Eric Richter) now, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5yvijpC0xU. The Nothing That Is is set to be released on October 25th via Nuclear Blast and is available for pre-order/pre-save at https://ffaa.bfan.link/the-nothing-that-is.
On the new track, the band shares: “‘Hostage’ is an examination of the human trauma and grief one carries through life.
The inability to escape events of the past combined with the feeling of an increasingly dark future can weigh on a person like nothing else. This song is intended to capture that complex and overwhelming emotion and conveys the negative side of a sorrowed existence.”
In addition to announcing their new album, Fit For An Autopsy recently shared details of their fall North American headline run, The Nothing That Is – US Tour. Featuring special guests Bodysnatcher, Distant, Sylosis, and Judiciary, the tour kicks off on October 18th in Worcester, with stops to follow in New York, Atlanta, Houston, Mesa, Sacramento, Denver, Chicago, and more. Tickets for all upcoming shows will be available today at 10am local time. For additional information, visit: https://fitforanautopsy.co/.
Singer, poet, songwriter, visual artist, film producer, activist and author SERJ TANKIAN, lead singer and lyricist for the GRAMMY© Award-winning rock band System Of A Down returns with his new single, “Justice Will Shine On.” The raging, impassioned hard rocking tune is available worldwide now on Gibson Records HERE.
The new song follows the release of the recent single “A.F. Day.” Like that track, TANKIAN composed “Justice Will Shine On” in the early days of System Of A Down. But the message and medium are just as hard-hitting and vital today.
New York City/Los Angeles-based alt-pop group MisterWives finally share Nosebleeds: Encore, the highly anticipated deluxe version of their 2023 album, Nosebleeds, out everywhere now. Alongside the full project, the band shares the cathartic, empowering female rage anthem and official video “Vultures” featuring PVRIS out everywhere now. The 17 track album is complete with an astonishing list of all-female collaborators and reworked tracks, including appearances by Betty Who, Pom Pom Squad, Meet Me @ The Altar, Against The Current and more, and a remix by The Aces. See the staggering list of guests below.
This fall, MisterWives will embark on the MisterWives: Just For One Night! tour with support from Joan, Juliana Madrid, Moody Joody and Meg Smith beginning with the band taking the Austin City Limits stage on October 6 and October 13. Tickets are on sale now here with a full list of dates below.
The new album puts the original version of Nosebleeds in a brand new light, with several assists from good friends, rising stars and certified heavy hitters that amplify both the music and the artists themselves. Lee says, “‘Nosebleeds:Encore’ was not only another chance to celebrate our favorite record but a chance to celebrate some of our favorite voices in music. This album was all about setting free suppressed feelings unapologetically so it only felt fitting to create an environment filled with all the incredible women who continuously inspire me to do so.“
After years of working with esteemed artists such as the Seattle Rock Orchestra, The True Loves, Odesza, The Dip, Allen Stone, the legendary Cedell Davis, and more, Seattle-based artist Annie J prepares to share her own stories of hard-won realization on the upcoming EP, Been Loving You. With a wealth of experience, Annie has learned to weave authenticity and connection into her work, creating a record that empowers listeners to find strength in vulnerability.
Been Loving You begins with the poignant introspection of the first single, “Your Power,” an urge to embrace the inner voice that reminds us of what we can do in this life. Annie illustrates: “Imagine embodying that voice in your head, the one you hear from time to time that seems to say: “Hey, I’ve been here loving you the whole time. You can heal, and grow and reach for joy.”’
“This song, to me, is remembering that a patient inner voice exists, though she’s sometimes quiet compared to the rest. And knowing I will fall, again and again, and there will always be a way back,” she continues
California-based progressive rock band Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes has released their politically-focused track, “Big Bite.” This is the first single from their new LP, Brighter Days, which is slated for release on August 23.
The politically charged tune “Big Bite” explores how society can diffuse this politically charged climate and challenges the current Trumpian model. The raucous speech in the bridge is Mussolini bloviating to a massive rally crowd, an experience which shares an uncomfortable resonance with those of Trump.
Having spent six years as a full-time, anti-war worker, with three band members serving on the staff at Joan Baez’s Institute for the Study of Non-Violence, Michael Ward has been using his musical platform to address the mechanics of fascism while fighting for democracy for decades.
“I came of voting age in a time when the word “fascist” was a frequent feature of political discussions concerning the behavior of our government,” shares Michael Ward. “For all the monumental dishonesty, sinister intentions, and the vast, brutal consequences of its misbehavior, that description never truly fit Nixon and his crew, raised as they were in the decorous traditions of Republican duplicity. The current Trumpian model is plain speaking and bold in placing its definitional fascistic intentions as central to their current platform, such as it is. This tune addresses the mechanics of the attractions of this dangerous frame of mind.”
critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum selling band Young The Giant releases Mind Over Matter (10th Anniversary Edition). Upon its original release, Mind Over Matter (produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen and mixed by Rich Costey) reached #7 on the Billboard 200 chart and #2 on Top Rock Albums. The album’s title track has been a staple of the band’s catalog since and was recently certified Platinum.
To celebrate 10 years of one of their most beloved albums, the exclusive deluxe version comes in clear smoke vinyl and includes a 12-page booklet with never-before seen photos, a double sided fold-out poster, and slipcover — Order / Download. The tracklist includes 3 never-before-released demos and the new song “Metropolis (Acoustic)” that was released earlier this month. Written by lead singer Sameer Gadhia over a decade ago, Young The Giant began teasing “Metropolis” on their 2023 American Bollywood World Tour.
The band shared, “‘Mind Over Matter’ is an album that was the product of us taking a lot of sonic risks and ended up being a stepping stone in our craft that helped us grow as artists and individuals. We’ve loved seeing this album become a fan staple, especially the song ‘Mind Over Matter.’ Over the last few years, there’s been a resurgence and rediscovery of the song that has been so organic and beautiful. We’re proud to present this 10-Year Anniversary edition that includes ‘What You Get,’ a previously unreleased song pulled from our archives, two demos of fan favorite songs ‘Mind Over Matter’ and ‘Camera’, and acoustic track ‘Metropolis.’”
DIY punk band Left Unsaid who recently released a documentary titled Never Ending, It’s Better This Way that was shot, directed, produced and edited by vocalist/guitarist Mario Rivera.
Never Ending, It’s Better This Way explores Left Unsaid’s rise from Albuquerque’s thriving music scene in the early 2000s. Despite adversity, they became hometown heroes with a devoted following and mainstream radio airplay. Their journey embodies the resilience of blue-collar bands striving for recognition and success, showcasing the passion it takes to chase dreams in the music industry.
The documentary was made over three and a half years, beginning in 2020 when Mario was inspired by reviewing old footage of Left Unsaid. “I hope viewers are inspired to pursue their dreams of being in a band, embracing the journey with all its excitement, fear, and inspiration. Experiencing what we felt, I want them to appreciate the dedication and effort involved, and to support their local music scene,” says Mario. “It would be awesome if promoters in other cities also recognize the value of giving smaller bands opportunities to open for larger acts, fostering a stronger community and helping them build their following.”
Popular Kazakh group Kesh You, celebrate their 18th anniversary this year whilst presenting a brand new single alongside Snoop Dogg, “Forever Sunday”.
It will be available everywhere on Friday 26th July.
Kesh You are Lyazzat Sultanova, Diana Kozhageldina and Sagdiana Bukharbayeva.
The negotiations and pre-production began around a year ago, and the music video was shot in Los Angeles May this year.
Following this, their first live performance together took place in June, in Milwaukee (USA) with Snoop Dogg himself on stage with them.
The public loved the new collaboration so much, they gave a lengthy rapturous applause when Kesh You left the stage.
The band’s producer Bayan Alaguzova shared her thoughts on this exclusive collaboration:
“We are thrilled to finally announce our collaboration with the legend that is Snoop Dogg. It has been an incredible experience for our team. We have learned a lot, and made a beautiful contact with one of the best in the business. We hope you enjoy what we have created…”
36? is an award-winning multifaceted psych-pop art rock band based out of Calgary, AB. Driving the band’s magnetic force is the multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Taylor Cochrane, who’s intense commitment to authenticity shines through on each track. Crafting sincere, unapologetic, and intricate music that cuts no corners, the unit’s live performances are stimulating exhibits of energy that are bound to captivate anyone who bears witness. Because of their unique style sonically and visually, 36? has shared stages with The Ataris, Wavves, Helado Negro, and various others.
Fresh off their summer tour with A Day To Remember and The Story So Far, rock band Four Year Strong is excited to announce their Fall 2024 US Headline Tour. Kicking off on October 30th, the month long run features special guests Free Throw, One Step Closer, and Death Lens. Tickets go on sale this Friday, August 2nd at 12pm local time. For more information please visit: http://fouryearstrong.com/.
Four Year Strong is currently preparing to release their new album analysis paralysis, out August 9 via Pure Noise Records. Fans can look forward to hearing new music live, including recent singles “bad habit”, “aftermath/afterthought”, “uncooked”, and “daddy of mine”. Pre-orders for analysis paralysis are available now at https://purenoiserecs.lnk.to/FourYearStrong.
When it was time for Four Year Strong to prep what would become their sixth album, analysis paralysis, they were truly, finally, stumped. Vocalist/guitarists Dan O’Connor and Alan Day showed up to producer Will Putney’s studio on day one of recording without a single finished song, in stark contrast to the 40-some ideas they brought to the table for 2020’s Brain Pain.
The two spent those early days in a bedroom at Putney’s house talking about, and listening to, music, desperate for a spark of inspiration. They found it by looking back: at what made Brain Pain a success and even the genesis of Four Year Strong as a band as they rode their trademark sound – pop-punk energy, dexterous riffage and caustic hardcore spirit – to the top of the underground in the late aughts. Within a month, they’d completed nearly 80% of the album, like the ominous, metal-meets-industrial “aftermath / afterthought.” They melded combustible hardcore rhythms with ‘90s alt-rock melodic bliss (“uncooked”), dabbled in rough-around-the-edges reggae (“out of touch”) and swerved between vibe-heavy synths and thunderous breakdowns (“STFIL”).
Rising pop sensation Liza Jane is readying her powerful new dance ballad “Storm,” available July 31st on all major streaming platforms. This latest single showcases Liza Jane’s expansive vocal range and serves as the climax to a trio of hit songs that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Following the success of her previous singles, “Man or The Monster” and “Sacrifice,” both of which reached the Top 10 on Music Week UK’s Commercial Pop Chart, Liza Jane continues to solidify her position as a formidable force in the music industry. “Storm” not only highlights her vocal talent but also cements her prowess in writing hit songs.
The single, co-written and produced by Ian Shaw, features dramatic orchestration, bold brass sections with sultry strings, evoking a sense of mystery, intrigue and the cinematic grandeur of a classic James Bond theme.
Where “Man or the Monster” describes the shocking blow of being cheated on by someone living a double life, “Storm” is the motivating and somewhat devious swing of an emotional pendulum with the stirring chorus: “I’m a monster, I’m a fiend, I’m a beauty, I’m the beast, I’m a nightmare not a dream, You’re a puppet on my strings, I’m a joker with a smile, So you better run and hide from me.” Liza Jane explains, “Like my other hits, I explore the idea of a love interest wearing a metaphorical mask in a relationship, something you might not notice. However, in ‘Storm,’ I’m singing from the viewpoint of the antagonist.”
“Storm” is remixed by Erik Kupper, a protégé of the legendary house producer DJ Frankie Knuckles, renowned for creating hit dance remixes for iconic female voices such as Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey, and Diana Ross. Swedish DJ Stonebridge remixed Liza Jane’s previous two singles “Man or The Monster” and “Sacrifice”.
With ‘Storm,’ Liza Jane is poised to continue her streak of captivating and chart-topping hits, further establishing herself as a powerful voice in the pop and dance music scenes.
The Microphone Doctors & Doctor Noize have a cure for those bad moods! Their new family album, Mood Food, exudes a sense of hope, purpose, and sheer fun for all ages. Mood Food will be released on August 30, 2024.
Picture two guys from wildly different backgrounds having a blast in the studio, not overthinking life, and letting their inner children come out to share the feelings of discovery that a deep new friendship can provide. Mood Food reflects the pure silliness and optimism of childhood, an experience that was interrupted for both Danny Darko of The Microphone Doctors and Cory Cullinan (a.k.a. Doctor Noize) when they were kids.
“The songs I write are just meant to be fun,” says Danny Darko. “My goal as an entertainer is to evoke joy and create happy moments that we can all share. Bringing these moments that I didn’t have as a child to today’s kids has been an unexpectedly cathartic experience. Working with Cory Cullinan was also something I never imagined happening in my wildest dreams!”
“I knew of Danny Darko’s amazing life story, and I thought he was, in many ways, the most intriguing – and certainly the most unlikely – voice in children’s music,” says Cory Cullinan. “So, when he contacted me about producing the next Microphone Doctors album, I was happy to say yes. But I had no idea what a fantastic collaboration this would turn out to be, both musically and personally. We set to out to write, record, and mhttps://open.spotify.com/album/5bX97tRXTgVBWgxNUd83FVix a song a day, in a flurry of fun and creativity, and held ourselves to and accomplished that goal! We ended up having such a great time, which no doubt is reflected in the easy feeling of happiness that permeates the entire recording. My transition from producer to co-artist developed naturally as we worked together.”
United Grind co-founder, Vice Souletric, is a conscious Hip-Hop artist and producer that rekindles the days of true skool hip hop in a modern-day form.
The Ohio native boasts a four-album discography that features appearances and production from the likes of Talib Kweli, Benny The Butcher, 9th Wonder, Skyzoo, Hi-Tek, Young RJ, Guilty Simpson, REKS and more.
Now, Vice returns with his most powerful and diverse collection of music to date with Vice For President 4, which includes the Ohio emcee’s trademark clever bars, over top-notch production from some of Hip-Hop’s elite beatsmiths; including Pete Rock, Nottz, Apollo Brown, Young RJ, JR Swiftz and Vice himself.
Vice also called on some of the genre’s most respected emcees; including Slum Village, RJ Payne, Elzhi, The Musalini, and his United Grind family.
Vice For President 4 will complete Vice’s VFP series in a rousing fashion and promises to place Vice Souletric in the discus
sion of top-tier artists carrying the torch for Hip-Hop delivered with a message.
Along with announcing his new project, Vice has also released a new single, the aptly-titled “Vice For President,” produced by the legendary Pete Rock. “Vice For President” is now available!
Vice Souletric’s Vice For President 4 will be released on 9.17.24.
Per Störby Jutbring is an award-winning Swedish composer, pianist and artist. His music is rooted in the Scandinavian airy sound, blending traditional orchestration with modern electronics and minimalism. Piano, strings, strong melodies and ambient landscapes, organic and electronic.
Today he announces his upcoming album Tenants Of Misty Mansion (According To The Landlord), out October 18th via HOOB Records. On the album, Per invites listeners into a whimsical and eclectic musical wonderland, blending lo-fi charm with hi-fi grandeur.
Renowned actor and singer Michele Morrone announced his signing to the independent, Tribeca-based label 477 Records.
An accomplished recording artist, Morrone has found great success releasing and performing his original music internationally since 2020. His debut album, Dark Room, included several songs featured in the official soundtrack for 365 Days, a Netflix original series he starred in alongside actress Anna-Maria Sieklucka. He followed this record with the robust and atmospheric sophomore album Double, released in 2023.
With over 1.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify and over 23 million followers on social media, Michele’s presence as a global talent is only getting stronger each day.
“I felt joining the team at 477 Records was the right move for my career as a musician,” says Michele Morrone. “Their ethos for creativity and nurturing independent artists really resonated with me, and they have shown nothing but love for the new songs I’ve been working on.”
Founded by gold-certified alternative artist Zachary William “Bill” Dess (better known by his stage name Two Feet), 477 Records boasts a niche roster of independent artists. This signing comes at a special time for the label as it grows its roster of international artists across the indie and alternative space. 477 Records senior management is comprised of Chief Executive Officer Zachary William “Bill” Dess, Chief Creative Officer/Head of A&R Geoffrey Hufford, and Chief Operating Officer GD Dess.
“Michele is an incredible talent to work with, and the dedication he puts into everything he does is what we look for in our artists,” says 477 Records Chief Executive Officer and founder Two Feet. “We can’t wait to show the world what Michele has coming down the pipeline.”
Managed by Ascend Artist Representation, Morrone’s music career is on a steady incline as he works on his next studio album with the team at 477 Records. “We’re thrilled to have Michele with us and have a great rollout planned to get his unique sound out in front of audiences later this year,” says 477 Records Chief Operating Officer GD Dess.
Website: https://www.michele-morrone.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammichelemorroneofficial/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michelemorrone
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelemorroneofficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH6pkawiiPNv6_muxpfMq_g
Rising star Jamie Duffy, the 22-year-old musician and songwriter, is set to enchant listeners with the release of his debut EP ‘On A Wing’, featuring the already celebrated track ‘Torus’ and three new tracks: “Breathing,” “On a Wing,” and “Resonance.” This much-anticipated EP showcases Jamie’s unique ability to blend traditional, popular, and classical influences into a distinctive and captivating musical style, and reflects on the last 4 years of Jamie’s life. The 4 songs within it draw on his relationships, from love to the natural world, to the music industry and have been produced by BAFTA winner and Emmy nominated Icelandic composer Atli Örvarsson.
The lead single “Torus,” which has already been met with critical acclaim, draws inspiration from the cyclical swimming patterns of basking sharks. Jamie explains, “In this piece, I was inspired by basking sharks swimming in circles. This behaviour mirrors my own experiences and relationships, often feeling cyclical. The torus-shaped circles these majestic creatures form symbolise the beautiful and wild aspects of life.“
EP’s focus track ‘Resonance’ is a cinematic and intense piece of music, and the idea for it was born on the same day as Solas. “To me” says Jamie, “the piece represents the intensity of being thrown into the music industry unexpectedly, and the drama and peril within that experience. In many ways this song is a musical output for me to vent frustration and at times anger at seeing my own music being misused, misunderstood and misrepresented, especially in the online world, and these strong emotions all come together to create a cinematic, flowing and dramatic piece of music.”
PRONOUN has released another new track from her forthcoming EP ‘and it’s been raining ever since’ out August 30. Fans can now stream “in the still” now at this link: https://orcd.co/inthestill
“I started “in the still” back in the early days of the pandemic,” says PRONOUN on the new song. “I had an awkwar
d conversation with an acquaintance and never got a chance to apologize before lockdown and seemingly no way to ever resolve it. Years later I found myself in a similar situation and was finally able to finish the rest of the track lyrically.”
“in the still” follows the release of the single and music video for “i like lizzy (but she doesn’t like me)”, released last month with details on the new EP. ‘and it’s been raining ever since’ is PRONOUN’s first new body of work since 2021’s ‘OMG I MADE IT’ EP and can be pre-saved at this link.
“‘and it’s been raining ever since’ is an in real time ode to the process of getting over something that never even happened,” says PRONOUN the moniker of songwriter Alyse Vellturo, “It’s about letting go in every way you can imagine to refind yourself for the fifteenth time.”
What is holding you back from healing? Press play to immerse yourself in Criibaby’s lush soundscapes & ethereal vocals– and find your own answer to this question along the way. when i’m alone i feel weightless is the debut full-length album from gender-neutral artist Criibaby. From start to finish, the ambient yet electrified autumn album builds a world around the nuances of soft queerness and what it means to grow: cherishing gentleness, embracing your sensitivity, and allowing your truth to finally bloom. The album, in the artist’s own words, is about “fighting the universal temptation to run away from yourself.” The result is twelve songs that find a way through the swirling winds of trauma and past wounds, ultimately reaching newfound healing and growth. Uncovering the deep roots of old weeds and pulling them out, planting new seeds, and learning how to nourish them. Born in September, Criibaby came into this world during the changing of the seasons, and it is only fitting that this album feels like eternally reaching for transcendence. Despite its heavy themes, the cool sonics blend new age with neo-soul and lofi aesthetics. Sade slow dancing with Joanna Newsom. ASMR-like “found sounds” take you deeper into a gentler world. Transcendent acoustic pop suitable for meditation spaces and sensory deprivation tanks. With production credits from Surfer Dave, G Mills, imagiro, Somni, and Joe Nora, songwriter and poetic lyricist Criibaby has curated and created tender sound baths welcoming listeners to dip their toes in– or completely submerge. Every song is a soundscape inside itself. 
Palomino Blond are an up-and-coming independent rock band that’s both a product of and an alternative to their native Miami locale. The trio of Carli Acosta (guitar/lead vocals – they/them), Emma Arevalo (drums/vocals – she/they) and Peter Allen (guitar – he/him) will release their sophomore album You Feel It Too on October 4, 2024, on Kanine Records (Surfer Blood, Blushing). It’s a dynamic collection heavily influenced by both ‘90s alt-rock and the not-as-obvious sounds of their surroundings.
With a DIY ethos and lots of big guitars, Palomino Blond have gone from heroes of the house-show circuit to darlings of the regional cognoscenti. With a stout, multi-dimensional sound whose prism spans grunge, shoegaze and dream pop, they’ve got all the right influences. But, while Palomino Blond are acolytes of the ‘90s, their music is no basic redux. Instead, they’re part of a surging young class that’s bringing new blood, perspective and verve to give the classic alternative-rock aesthetic a distinctly 21stcentury resonance.
Platinum-certified rock band O.A.R. might just be music’s biggest, best-kept secret. The Rockville, MD band has quietly made a significant impact on the music scene, selling out Madison Square Garden twice, filling Red Rocks Amphitheatre a dozen times, earning platinum and gold plaques, lighting up the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration, and building one of the most committed fanbases in the world.
After releasing their new summer anthem, “Gonna Be Me (the friendship song),” featuring and produced by the legendary DJ Premier and dynamic virtuoso Brady Watt, two weeks ago, the group has now released the video. The visual for “Gonna Be Me (the friendship song),” highlights and retraces their respective journeys and displays how vitally important friendship has been along the way for O.A.R., as the founding members of the band have known each other since grade school. That friendship has also been extended to Brady Watt, who after joining the band on the road for the first few dates of their ongoing summer tour, will continue to play with them for the remainder of the tour. The video for “Gonna Be Me (the friendship song)” can be viewed below.
“Gonna Be Me (the friendship song)” further displays O.A.R.’s ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to its organic roots. The collaboration with DJ Premier and Brady Watt supplies a fresh and natural element to their grassroots approach, making the single and video essential for both long-time fans and new listeners.
“Gonna Be Me (the friendship song)” arrives as O.A.R. launched their nationwide summer tour, which started July 16th at Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh, NC. The tour will run through November, featuring stops at iconic venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Hard Rock Live, the Oceans Calling Festival, Merriweather Post Pavilion (home turf), LA’s Greek Theatre, and The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City.
All O.A.R. tour dates are below and you can purchase tickets for all events here https://www.liveoar.com/tour.
One last hurrah before the upcoming debut, this haunting new single tells the tale of embracing one’s true authenticity. “love me ugly“ gnarls at an ex who desired margø to conform to their idealistic vision of “conditional love”. Over an industrial beat sonically synonymous to early era Nine Inch Nails, the new track fuses straightforward pop melodies with harsher noise-rock productions. Functioning as a statement towards toxic partners who dim others’ lights due to their own insecurities, the new track is great for fans of Halsey, Melanie Martinez, and Bishop Briggs.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
