Unapologetically genuine, wry and soft-hearted, Mariel Buckley has planted her flag firmly as a songwriter who’s in it for the long haul. Never one for following the rules, she aims to find herself squarely on the fringes and exactly where she belongs: writing songs for the underdogs. Raised in the heart of Canada’s rodeo and country music scenes, she was destined to challenge the boundaries around her, both in life and in song. With a fearless spirit that’s consistently broken through both genre and personal barriers, Buckley’s unique blend of angst-driven alt-folk has made her a standout artist, offering a fresh and dynamic perspective on modern Americana music.
Her latest single, “Vending Machines”, marks the beginning of a new sonic and individual chapter. While familiar, darker instrumentation and themes are sprinkled throughout. She shares: “I was itching to try something a little heavier than my previous stuff. I wanted to move away from synths and keys in general, citing references from indie rock, pop music, and alt-country.” An avid admirer of his work, Mariel connected with Nashville based alt-Americana producer, Jarrad K (Ruston Kelly, Lucie Silvas, Fancy Hagood, Goo Goo Dolls) for the new single.
Despite having grittier undertones, the writing is intentionally vulnerable and specific, resulting in something inviting and universal. “Vending Machines” explores themes of self-doubt, uncertainty, and questioning one’s path. It beautifully captures the feeling of restlessness and being in a constant, seemingly cyclical state of transition, unsure of where things are headed, and trying to find a way forward. Buckley confides, “I was genuinely questioning my career, personal life as a result of that career, my distant-feeling relationships with family and friends, and how I could restart after yet another big change. It should feel looping, liminal and never ending, like an endless travel day.”
The song opens with an irresistible pedal steel hook, while a steady backbeat anchors a deep groove. Jangly acoustic guitar creates a bright, rustic charm around Buckley’s smooth and velvety vocals, infused with her signature melancholy tone. As the captivating, storytelling lyrics unfold, they paint a vivid, cinematic picture, drawing you deeper into the song’s world with every word. Buckley explains, “My guitar/steel player, Ryan, came up with that amazing riff at the beginning of the tune that works like a magnet and a revolving door. It gives the whole song its swaying motion, huge vibes.”
Upsurging rock and roll duo Girl Tones today release their new single and video “Blame.” In each of their early singles, the sisters Kenzie and Laila have shown the ease with which they can shapeshift through the many subgenres of rock. With “Blame,” they are able to take the remnants of youthful angst and analyze it under the more mature lens. While conflict never seems to go away, the way the band approaches it sure has — Stream.
Kenzie shares, “Originally I wrote ‘Blame’ totally differently, it was out of teenage spite, the lyrics were blaming everyone but myself. When we brought it to the studio, being in my mid-twenties, I now have a very different outlook on life and rewrote most of it. As you get older, relationships become more complicated, truthfully who is to blame if they fail? In the song we play with that idea of right and wrong, pride and vulnerability. ‘Blame’ explores the emotional weight of unresolved conflict and how the need for accountability can clash with pride and pain. It’s difficult to pursue forgiveness in yourself and others.”
Filmed in the ‘70s wonderland that is Nashville’s Dive Motel, the official video for “Blame” is cheeky and pure sisterly fun. Directed by Casey Pierce, the vintage-tinged cut plays up the trope of sibling rivalries from pulling pranks to diving the bedroom down the middle and not crossing the line.
Up next from their debut album, as I watch my life online, late night drive home today releases the third single “american church.” At first glance, the new offering is rooted in more tangible addictions than the last two singles. But as organic matter shifts into glitched-out cyberspace, the album’s ongoing throughline of mistaking online connection for something real is masterfully coded in. A metaphor for old habits turning into internet habits, late night drive home calls out the World Wide Web as the modern American church, and congregants can’t help but worship at its flawed altar — Stream.
“The first two songs on the record are really analog, but this one just glitches out on the outro — descending into digital madness,” guitarist Juan “Ockz” Vargas says. “That’s mirrored in the lyrics, which are about seeing someone you love spiral — whether because of the internet or another addiction.”
Multi-talented Providence pop artist, Chase Greene, has just released his highly anticipated music video and single, Pop Off. Choreographing, co-directing, and co-producing the video and record emphasizes Greene’s creative prowess. After dancing professionally for almost 20 years, and recording music professionally for nearly 8 years, he has finally released his 7th major music video. Chase Greene is the definition of a genuine person and even greater performer. We can honestly say his potential is immeasurable.
acclaimed artist, film director, and Trust Me podcast co-host Lola Blanc returns with her latest single, Everybody, a haunting, theatrical ballad delving into the twisted pursuit of external validation, and the bloody lengths one might go for a round of applause.
NYC queer pop singer Kyle Waves unveils his latest pulsing electropop anthem, “Thinking Bout It,” out on April 25th. This dance-heavy and vocally radiant anthem, a prelude to his upcoming EP, delves into the intimidating yet attractive nature of love at first sight. “I’m a romantic person, and there’s really just something about the experience of love at first sight that I find so enticing and inspiring,” Kyle Waves explains. “It’s shy, and it’s nerve-wracking, but it’s also exciting and joyous.”
Mariah The Scientist’s “Burning Blue” is red hot, and the rising superstar now has a Top 25 hit on the Billboard charts to show for it.
“Burning Blue,” the rising superstar’s new single, debuts at no. 25 on the Hot 100 following its release last week — the biggest debut and highest chart placement of Mariah’s career.
The new song, the first chapter in Mariah’s 2025 campaign, dominated the week. “Burning Blue” peaked at no. 1 on Apple Music, making “Burning Blue” the first chart-topping song on the platform by a female soloist this year.
The release of “Burning Blue” was quickly followed by the premiere of its Claire Bishara-directed music video, which quickly surpassed 1. million views in less than one week and reached a peak of no. 2 on YouTube’s trending list.
Vancouver Island-based electronic duo Norasea unveil their latest sonic offering with Forager – a lush, immersive EP inspired by the natural world and the emotional power of sound. Melding chilled-out atmospheres with intricate sound design, Forager showcases Norasea‘s evolution as artists and storytellers, blending deep bass, organic textures, and evocative vocals into something beautifully transportive.
“This EP reflects our relationship with the natural world and its influence on our creative process,” Norasea elaborates. “We’ve been falling more and more in love with sound design and telling a story with each track.”
The EP’s focus track, “Control,” captures that storytelling instinct in full. Born from late nights at Shambhala’s legendary Grove stage, the track pulses with moody serenity, evoking sunsets, river dancing, and the feeling of being lost – and found – in the music. “It’s about allowing the experience to take control,” explains the duo. “Letting go and feeling truly present in that moment.”
London’s alphabet return with their most urgent and evocative track to date. Your Everything captures the tension of an obsessive inner monologue – both distant and consuming. The rising quintet fuse post-punk grit with ethereal vocals on this new gripping offering, creating a sound that’s as dreamlike as it is fiercely powerful.
Your Everything is available now on your streaming service of choice via APOLLO Distribution.
Italian-born, London-based artist Alaïs makes a powerful return with her new single Now You See Me – a shimmering, melodic track rooted in self-belief and resilience. With its catchy indie-folk beat, powerful vocal delivery, and message of empowerment, the song doubles as an uplifting anthem for anyone chasing big dreams in the face of doubt.
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