Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens recently announced his solo project Haunted Mouths. His debut album, A Collection of Greetings, is out now. Haunted Mouths wraps an invitingly familiar voice in powerful, dreamlike soundscapes. Brimming with atmosphere and mood, the name pays homage to the cemetery near Kellin’s childhood home. This new record is a romantic love letter, literally and figuratively, and a celebration of life’s rich complexity.
Produced and co-written in collaboration with Aaron Marsh (frontman of the band Copeland and long-time friend), A Collection of Greetings was born without a hint of writer’s block. The songs came together in roughly two weeks of sessions as the duo volleyed ideas with synergetic harmony. Comprised of 10 tracks, the songs on this record move gracefully between lush, sparse, plaintive, and meditative.
Boston-based alternative country super group Other Brother Darryl are thrilled to share their latest single “Watch The Trees”, which comes ahead of their new album Roll Shine Roll,
Other Brother Darryl asks if you could fall in love with music again on the hopeful singalong “Watch the Trees”. A soothing slice of folk rock, “Watch The Trees” is a song that is especially sentimental to the band.
When discussing the track in further detail, band member Dan Nicklin writes:
The idea of being a little kid in the back seat of the car and listening to music has been one I have been carrying around for years. As the song ‘Watch the Trees’ came together, the concept of being in a band and falling in love with music again developed. That image of being a little kid in the backseat of a smoky car, being wrapped up in music, watching the trees rush by, seemed perfect. I guess I was challenging the band to fall in love with music again as brothers.
Philadelphia-based tastemaker label Julia’s War Recordings is excited to announce Water Season, an EP by Brazilian-American artist Winter and the Philly electro-lo-fi duo Hooky, arriving on February 14, 2025. To preview the first-time collaboration, lead single “horseshoe” is out now. Today’s single is a wiry guitar-driven track, dripping in Winter’s syrupy vocals, and sprinkled with twinkling drum machines. Its electronic heartbeat passes through the listener like a beloved memory, shimmering with earnest lyrics and a DIY music video to match. Self-directed and filmed last fall in Philadelphia, Samira Winter and Hooky’s Scott Turner and Sam Silbert each took turns filming as they wandered through John Heinz Park and the Museum of Modern Art. The result was a blend of candid exploration —a portrait of their friendship and the emotional crossroads they shared, frozen in time.
“I took the train to Philly and for a couple of days, we just jammed at Scott’s place for hours,” says Winter about making the “horseshoe” music video. “It was this cool feeling of making new friends, exploring a city and also making art together for the first time. It strangely felt like I had known them forever, even though it was the first time we were hanging out.”
BLACK FOXXES, an electrifying force in Britain’s alternative rock scene! Formed in 2013 in Exeter, England, this band has steadily made its mark with a sound that beautifully intertwines the raw emotion of grunge, the accessibility of indie rock, and the poignant storytelling of Americana. Comprised of Mark Holley, Finnan Mclean, and Sam Irvine, BLACK FOXXES evolved in the live local music circuit and quickly captivated audiences with their heartfelt lyrics and powerful instrumentals.
Their breakout moment arrived with the release of their debut album “I’m Not Well”, which resonated powerfully with both audiences and critics. The physical medium of vinyl offered an intimate listening experience, making each record a coveted piece for fans. Tracks like “Whatever Lets You Cope” and “Husk” quickly garnered significant support on radio stations and indie playlists, propelling them into the limelight. The album received nominations at the Heavy Music Awards, further cementing the band’s status in the industry.
As the accolades flowed in, BLACK FOXXES enjoyed opportunities to perform at prestigious festivals and tours, including standout performances at Download, Reading & Leeds Festivals. These experiences were pivotal in shaping their expanding fanbase and showcasing their evolution as artists on a larger stage, effectively blending critical success with a deeply personal narrative.
BLACK FOXXES’s sound is a vivid tapestry woven from the threads of their diverse musical influences. Drawing inspiration from iconic ’90s bands such as The Pixies and Radiohead, they have cultivated a style that resonates deeply with fans of alternative and indie rock. The emotive grit of grunge heavily colors their tracks, while the storytelling elements are reminiscent of early blues, capturing raw, relatable feelings through their lyrics.
Over the years, BLACK FOXXES have released several critically acclaimed albums, from their groundbreaking debut “I’m Not Well“(2016), which introduced listeners to their introspective themes centered around mental health and chronic illness to “Reiði”(2018) and “Black Foxxes”(2020). Their commitment to authenticity and vulnerability, paired with a strong connection to DIY culture, has set them apart as artists who not only create music but foster community through their releases.
Mark Holley has spent the last 10 years of his life traveling the world, living in remote and wild places as he writes future releases. Currently on a two year work visa in Canada and based near Whitehorse in the Yukon, he is fully committed to his art and has found a place he can truly call home in the wild.
Animal Scream are Pittsburgh Doom Pop artists founded by Chad Monticue & Josh Sickels, joined by multi-instrumentalist Caleb Pogyor. The band combines sound design with a psych-pop psychedelia that’s dark and cinematic, a noir-tinted sound in thrall to the eternal groove. Influences vary from David Lynch, MF DOOM, Radiohead, Beach House and ’60s reggae to woozy film scores carving out nocturnal soundscapes for the alienated and brokenhearted. Currently, Animal Scream is gearing up to release singles from their EP Otherworldy Pictures (Out February 14).
South Sudanese artist, author, and former child soldier Emmanuel Jal (new book My Life Is Art out now) teams up with South African producer Bun Xapa (named one of DJ Mag’s artists to watch in 2025) to release a new collaborative single, “Chaak.” The new track is out now via Higher Ground.
The message behind Emmanuel’s hit from last year, “Gorah”—also out on Higher Ground with 75M+ streams and at #1 peak on Beatport’s Afro House chart—was pointed towards checking in with loved ones to ask, “We edian?” (lyrics translated from the Naath/Nuer language to “How is it going?”). Now, on “Chaak,” Emmanuel sings about manifestation and looks ahead to a time when his people can “bathe in milk”—an African expression meaning to be wealthy; not just financially but also physically and spiritually.
Emmanuel Jal and Bun Xapa initially came together at The Alchemist, a creative hub and event space in Nairobi, while Bun was on tour in Kenya. The duo hit it off immediately and started exchanging ideas. Emmanuel handed over the initial demo of “Chaak,” which Bun then reworked with his signature powerful synths and irresistible rhythm.
Emerging Americana star Tyler Nichols is back with his highly anticipated new single, Honky Tonkin’, set for release on February 12th. Known for blending new-grass, traditional country, and Southern rock into a nostalgic yet fresh soundscape, Nichols’ unique artistry shines brighter than ever in this gritty and heartfelt track.
“Honky Tonkin’ is a song of remembrance for me,” says Nichols. “It’s an ode to the rock-and-roll lifestyle I once lived—my backroad anthem. It’s also a tribute to the music that blared out of my truck windows as I tore through the Tennessee hills in my early 20s: ZZ Top, Blackberry Smoke, Tyler Childers. I hope you can taste the whiskey and feel the mud beneath your feet as you listen. This song is for everyone, the suburban born and the holler baptized alike. This is your invitation to come honky tonkin’ with me.”
Hailing from Montgomery County, Ohio, Nichols grew up on a steady diet of classic rock, cutting his teeth performing in a hometown youth cover band that played across the state. That formative experience, combined with his later exploration of Americana and country roots, has cemented his status as one of the genre’s most exciting new voices. A multi-instrumentalist with a powerful vocal style, Nichols has captivated audiences alongside legendary acts like Old Crow Medicine Show, Steve Earle, and The Dead South.
Honky Tonkin’ marks a bold new chapter in Nichols’ journey. Following the independent release of his debut EP, Nichols has gained acclaim on the live circuit, performing on prestigious stages including The Anthem in Washington D.C., Center for the Arts in Jackson, WY, and the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, CO. With a renewed focus on sharing his music far and wide, Nichols aims to turn heads on radio and streaming platforms alike with his latest single.
Set against a backdrop of whiskey-soaked nights and backroad adventures, Honky Tonkin’ perfectly encapsulates Nichols’ dynamic sound and genre-defying artistry. Fans of alternative country, Southern rock, and timeless Americana won’t want to miss this electrifying release.
Dynamically, the Texas-based three piece craft energetic newwave grunge that echoes their namesake. The brainchild of Brad Peterson (vocals, guitar), Crack! Bang! Pow! also consists of Ryan Reyna (drums) and Jason Guerrero (bass). Forming in 2022, the trio began recording a backlog of raucous tracks that pay homage to the gritty, yet high-voltage garage rock scene. Now in 2025, with the help of engineer Alex Backlund of Fascination Street Studios, Crack! Bang! Pow! are gearing up for their first official single release with “Hey”.
Based in Savannah, Georgia and New York, Jon Lindsay is a multi-faceted power pop solo artist, producer, and long time member of the band Benji Hughes (Merge / New West Records). Lindsay’s previous collaborations include Rhiannon Giddens, American Aquarium, Hiss Golden Messenger, The Love Language, and Caitlin Cary among others. This spring, Lindsay will be embarking on his fourth tour, which is shadowed shortly after by the release of his fourth LP, Big Stage.
Flying is the lead single from rapper River Nelson’s up coming EP “Mental Notes”.
Produced by UK based Shaan Angel, Flying explores River’s unwavering ambition to elevate himself both as an artist and an individual, despite facing various challenges.
“Had to learn how to fall to learn how to fly / Knew the dangers involved but still had to try,” raps River in the chorus.
He also gave some insight on the song and broke down its meaning.
“Flying is partly aspirational, and partly a documentation of where I am in my life as an artist and person,” River explains. “It also tells the story of where I’ve been, and what I’ve experienced in my constant pursuit to better myself.”
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
