Virginia-based Grenadian-Jamaican-American artist JJJJJerome Ellis returns to announce their new album Vesper Sparrow, out November 14 via Shelter Press. The full-length follow-up to their highly acclaimed debut The Clearing—which The Guardian called “an astonishing, must-listen project” and received an 8.0 album review from Pitchfork—Vesper Sparrow continues the artist’s ongoing study of the intersections between music and sound, stuttering, and Blackness, through the lens of time. Rooted in Ellis’s connection to Black religious tradition and inheritance, the album weaves granular synthesis, pop production, spoken word, and Caribbean and Black American musical lineages into atmospheric soundscapes shaped by saxophone, organ, hammered dulcimer, electronics, and their voice. Ellis chipped away at large slabs of recordings to reveal the album like a marble sculptor.
To introduce the album, they are sharing the spacious, cantorial lead preview and title track, “Vesper Sparrow,” a reimagining of the enduring gospel standard “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” written in 1905 by lyricist Civilla D. Martin and composer Charles H. Gabriel. “I learned the hymn as a child in church,” Ellis reflects. “Even though my relationship to the divine is very different now, the lyrics still console me. I collaged this track over seven years, drawing from recordings made in a Brooklyn apartment—with S T A R R (busby), Haruna Lee, James Harrison Monaco, and Ronald Peet—and at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.”
The song is deliberately sequenced within the album, which is comprised of two complete thoughts and hinges on a recorded stutter. JJJJJerome splits the composition “Evensong” into four-parts, placing tracks three and four (“Vesper Sparrow” and “Savannah Sparrow”) in-between. “The stutter becomes a structuring moment,” they explain, regarding the opportunity to fill the time opened up.
Living as a person who stutters, using their mouth to express themselves proved difficult growing up. The practice of spelling their performance moniker “JJJJJerome” stems from the realization that the word they stutter most frequently is their own name. Despite a brief placement in speech therapy as a child, everything clicked when they picked up the saxophone in seventh grade. “I still stutter on the saxophone, but it’s different.” As an artist, their creative ethos now revolves around the exploration of stuttering through music, expounding upon the ability of each to shape time. They honor the stutter through art.
But as someone drawn to navigating limitations, JJJJJerome has since blossomed into an adept multi-instrumentalist, each instrument being a watershed in paving new avenues of potential sound worlds. Their voice is additionally guided by a reverence for the earth and ancestors—both human and otherwise. With maternal familial ties to the church, and memorable stories of their grandmother performing as a pianist and organist, JJJJJerome’s recent affinity for keyboards holds a meaningful weight.
the Albany-raised pop-punk band State Champs released a new single, “Common Sense,” via Pure Noise Records. It’s a punchy, high-energy track that’s packed with the band’s signature catchy hooks and dynamic guitars, while showcasing a heavier side to their evolving sound.
The band shared their sentiments on the new track below:
“Common Sense brings out a slightly darker and heavier side to us while keeping the Champ’s integrity strong. Lyrically, it’s about completely investing yourself in someone while also being naive to the fact that you never had anything in common to begin with.”
This is the first song the band has put out since their self-titled record came out in November 2024. The album marked a new chapter for the band, showcasing their evolution while staying true to their roots. It featured hit singles including “Light Blue,” “Too Late To Say,” and “Silver Cloud.” The album received praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, AltPress, Rock Sound and New Noise Magazine, admiring its blend of nostalgic Warped Tour-era energy and modern pop punk sounds. It cemented them as torchbearers on the scene and is one of the band’s most celebrated albums to date.
This September the band will be on tour with A Day to Remember and Yellowcard for select dates. Later this year they will be performing at several music festivals including Four Chord Music Festival on September 13, Vans Warped Tour Orlando on November 15 – 16, and Aftershock Festival on October 2. They will also be back on the Emo’s Not Dead Cruise in January 2026.
Ben Quad has announced their new album ‘Wisher’, set for release on November 14 via Pure Noise Records. Alongside the announcement, the band shared the first single, “It’s Just A Title”, available to stream now on all platforms, with its official music video out today as well.
‘Wisher’ serves as the follow-up to Ben Quad’s 2022 debut ‘I’m Scared That’s All There Is’. While the first record captured the uncertainty of youth, ‘Wisher’ reflects a more hopeful perspective, with the title symbolizing the part of ourselves that looks ahead to a better future. The new album feels like a response to the band’s earlier work, offering growth and optimism in place of doubt.
Leaving the Sooner State for New Jersey, the band connected with producer Jon Markson (The Story So Far, Drug Church) to bring the album to life, taking up residence at his farm/studio for their first real studio experience. Amidst barnyard animals and peaceful countryside, the idyllic setting provided the perfect backdrop – full of time and space – to find themselves and the next evolution of their sound.
London based singer, songwriter, artist and composer Tessa Rose Jackson today shares her brand-new single “The Bricks That Make the Building”, available now on all platforms. The track is the first taste of her forthcoming fifth studio album, The Lighthouse, set for release on January 23rd, 2026. A haunting yet life-affirming reflection on ancestry and belonging, the single sets the tone for an album that embraces intimacy, mortality, and the celebration of life.
Written during a secluded period in rural France and recorded at Shorebreaker Studios, The Lighthouse sees Jackson stepping out from behind her acclaimed decade-long moniker Someone to embrace her own name once more. Rich with ghostly folklore, spectral folk, and cinematic alt-pop textures, the record explores themes of mortality, memory, and gratitude, ultimately shining a light on life’s most fragile and beautiful details.
“The Lighthouse felt like a beacon,” Jackson reflects. “It’s an album that talks about death, but not in a purely dark sense. For me, it’s also about the celebration of life—embracing fears, identity, and the stories we inherit.”
The single “The Bricks That Make the Building”, out now, is a poignant reflection on ancestry and shared heritage. With pastoral melodies, harp flourishes, and ethereal harmonies, the track imagines a spirit returning to its family home and finding peace in the lives that continue within its walls. “It’s a musing on the blood that runs through us all,” Jackson explains. “A sense of gratitude towards the lives that shaped ours.”
Jackson’s previous work as Someone pushed the boundaries of art and music, merging dream pop with experimental visuals, augmented reality, and immersive live shows. With The Lighthouse, she distills that spirit of innovation into something rawer and deeply personal—an album that stands tall on the cliff face of modern alt-folk.
Following the album, there will be a documentary made during the recording sessions of The Lighthouse. Shot by Bibian Bingen, it offers an intimate look at Jackson’s creative process. The premiere is scheduled to be later in 2026.
Leap Year are the latest genre-bending sonic phenomena to hail out of Stamford, CT. Officially founded in 2024, Leap Year was less a band coming together than a voice emerging. Aiming to invigorate those who come across their haunting melodies, the trio marks their return with their second single, “Bridges”. Originally known as producers for hip-hop artist Pastor Troy, Leap Year are reinventing their image with bombastic alt-rock tracks in the vein of greats such as Linkin Park, Nirvana, and Limp Bizkit.
Icelandic pianist and post-classical composer Eydís Evensen releases her fourth single from her upcoming album, Oceanic Mirror, to be released October 10th on XXIM Records.
With “Challenger Deep,” the sense of silver linings, of hope even in the harshest conditions, can be felt more so than ever. It was composed in January, the darkest month of all. The chords arrived like a bolt from the blue just before she was supposed to leave the house – Evensen would run late, that day. “What I liked about piece is how it ends. Instead of ending it in a really dark way, I decided to end it in a major key,” she explains. “Going back to transcendental meditation, your thoughts are sinking toward the bottom of the ocean – and we always fear the bottom of the ocean because there is no light. But in a way, those conditions can be beautiful in their own way. It doesn‘t have to be scary.”
Today, she announces UK tour dates for February 2026, adding to her previously announced international tour dates, inviting audiences to experience the music live. You can find tickets here.
Cincinnati-based indie-rock singer/songwriter Maura Weaver (Mixtapes, Ogikubo Station, The Mimes) today releases a new single and video, “The Face,” from her forthcoming sophomore album Strange Devotion via Feel It Records.
A left turn from the dreamy indie pop singles Weaver recently released, “The Face” is a tightly-wound punk gem that worms its way into your brain. Written and recorded at an allegedly haunted Northern Kentucky studio, Weaver taps members of cult Cincinnati band Vacation (Jerry Westerkamp on bass, John Hoffman on rhythm guitar and drums) to round out this track. Accompanying it is a Hoffman-directed eerie black and white stop motion music video that evokes Texas Chainsaw Massacre imagery.
“‘The Face’ is about the isolation I often feel as a woman,” says Weaver. “It’s about neurosis and feeling gawked at like an object, yet invisible as an actual human being. I wrote this in an attempt to rip early Ultravox even though it obviously ended up sounding completely different.”
“The Face” is the third single from Maura Weaver’s forthcoming album Strange Devotion, out September 19 via Feel It Records. On Strange Devotion, Weaver has done what some would deem impossible: she has created an indie-pop gem that feels both intimate and grand at the same time. Listening to this record is like sitting in your bedroom with your best friend who is whispering in your ear about the secrets of the universe, the mysteries of life, and a few jokes.
Irish singer-songwriter duo Without Willow (Karen Kelly & Simon McCafferty) are back with their third release of the year, following their debut album ‘Left Behind’ in 2024 and their last single The Way Back in May 2025.
Their new track, Love You Last, is a beautiful love song that celebrates the quiet, everyday moments that mean the most. It’s not about grand gestures, it’s just about showing up for each other through thick and thin. Recorded in the Blast Furnace Studio in Derry by Orri McBrearty, the song also features Laura McFadden on Cello.
“The song came about after Simon got engaged and showed me this stunning guitar idea he had just written. Straight away I could feel the emotion in it, and I knew I had to try and do it justice. It was a lovely writing process, one of those songs that just flowed so easily. And the best part is I get to sing it at their wedding next year, which makes it even more special” – Karen
The single comes just as the duo are getting ready to do their first headline Irish tour which kicks off on Sept 13th in the Roisin Dubh, Galway. Special guest on the night is Kerry singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lorraine Nash. Other tour dates include
17/09/2025 – Bridge of Song, Mayo
18/09/2025 – Poppy Lane Sessions, Galway
20/09/2025 – Pot Duggan’s, Clare
24/09/2025 – Cat and Cage, Dublin plus special guest Helena Connolly
26/09/2025 – The Commercial, Limerick
27/09/2025 – Finn’s Folk Club, Tipperary
04/10/2025 – The Glens Art Centre, Leitrim plus special guest Shauna McDaid
18/10/2025 – The Cobblestone, Dublin plus special guest Shauna McDaid
27/10/2025 – Sligo Live Festival
Tickets info – https://linktr.ee/withoutwillow
After transforming thousands of lives across Australia and New Zealand, Your Shot, the world’s only no-experience-necessary DJ competition and music academy, is making its highly demanded US debut this fall. The program will launch in New York City and Los Angeles, bringing its bespoke combination of training, mentorship, and community to aspiring American DJs.
Launched in 2010 with over 12,500 past participants, Your Shot was built on democratizing DJ culture by empowering young people to step behind the decks regardless of their background, income, or experience. Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves “their shot”, the program reimagines the traditional DJ competition format and provides basic training to complete beginners. With a strong emphasis on social inclusion, accessibility, and community impact, Your Shot empowers young people of all backgrounds to explore their creativity and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.
“Your Shot is about giving people a platform to challenge themselves, learn the basics, build a community outside their bedrooms, and take their passion for DJing and dance music to the next level. That’s what young Americans are asking for today, just like young Australians, and it’s so exciting to finally be able to answer the call.” – Steve Pillemer, Founder and CEO of Your Shot
Following a selection process, 200 participants in each city will receive six weeks of expert-led instruction at The Academy, learning the basics and fundamentals of DJ’ing: everything from mixing and music selection to live performance. After training, contestants showcase their skills at sold-out, festival-style events in front of fans, industry judges, and talent scouts. Throughout the competition, participants are provided with adaptive hands-on learning techniques and develop skills that translate outside the decks, from finding their creative voice to building self-confidence. Your Shot is about nurturing growth rather than fast-tracking talent, emphasizing the technical and emotional foundation needed to pursue a passion. Beyond the competition experience, Your Shot inspires its entrants with a refreshed mindset and newfound courage, motivating them to challenge themselves and foster their own supportive communities.
Formed in Louisville, KY in 2017, Drift City spans psychedelic terrain with eclectic elements of pop, soul, and rock. Consisting of core member Jason Rivers (guitar,vocals, synth), and rotating personnel including Dave Givan (Jim James, Ray LaMontagne), Billy Lease (Tyler Lance Walker Gill), and Woody Woodmansee (Hawks), Drift City released their second LP Deep Reverse, which was mixed by Erik Wofford (The Black Angels, Explosions in the Sky, Black Pumas, Bill Callahan) and mastered by Kevin Ratterman (Brian Wilson, Andrew Bird, My Morning Jacket). Sky Unconscious followed in 2024, inciting a similar cast of musicians during its inception. “The Seeds” is the first single from the forthcoming EP Spectral Heart Mosaics, which will be released in October of 2025.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
- Socials: @frazer.live
- @neill.outloud
