Few riffs can spark instant joy like the opening fuzz-box blast of Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky.” First released in 1969, the four-minute-long psychedelic rocket—anchored by gritty guitar riffs and a foot-stomping gospel chorus—shot to No.1 across the globe including the US, UK, Australia and beyond, selling millions and cementing itself as a cultural touchstone. The track has been covered by everyone from Bauhaus to Elton John, with memorable placements in classic films including Apollo 13, Ocean’s Eleven and Guardians of the Galaxy. Now, more than half a century later, Craft Recordings celebrates the evergreen anthem with its first official music video, inviting a new generation to crank the volume.
Created with Greenbaum’s blessing (he even pops in for a quick cameo), the project was directed by Laurence Harlan Jacobs, who has helmed original films and music videos—including the fan-favorite 50th-anniversary short for CCR’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” which has racked up over half a billion views (and counting). He’s also directed and produced projects for Oscar®-winner Steve Martin, GRAMMY®-winners Common, Iggy Pop and Robert Glasper, plus Valerie June and Grace Potter. Written and produced by Jessica Jacobs, “Spirit in the Sky” tips its hat to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, as it follows a teen (Conor Sherry) who’s been grounded and completely cut off from technology. He decides to “borrow” his dad’s vintage convertible for an unforgettable, analog adventure in Los Angeles with his partner-in-crime (Abby Ryder Fortson).
Shot on location in Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach, the video bottles the carefree rush of summer adventure while doubling as a love letter to L.A.’s post-wildfire resilience. Siblings Laurence and Jessica—both L.A. natives—sprinkle in hometown Easter eggs only locals will spot, from a vintage Pali High hoodie to golden-hour walks over the Ballona Creek Bridge.
rising alt-electronic artist King Kaye announced his new project, THE DARK SIDE OF ENLIGHTENMENT, arriving this summer on August 26th. The 6-track EP is contrast personified, using the lowest frequencies of ground shaking bass and the highest screams of synthesizers. Using nature and spiritual muses as metaphors, the body of work describes juggling objects of desire with the pursuit of achieving the highest state.
On the EP announcement, the crown shares, “From the descent into quick fixes (sex, drugs, and procrastination) to a whole new lens of self-reflection, ‘The Dark Side of Enlightenment’ is the sound of affirmations and reassurances happening in real time. It’s self-help as sound in the most authentic way possible.”
King Kaye has also released his new single “FIGHT!,” out today. The anthemic track is a call to action for those pushing through adversity – doubling as both a war cry and a soundtrack to survival. Twisting synths and immersive textures slip the listener into another dimension, where they emerge with their armor on, ready to face whatever stands in their way.
Renowned experimental pianist/composer Akira Kosemura has released his new album, MIRAI. A video for the song “Ongaku,” featuring a collaboration with Devendra Banhart, is streaming now. The clip was directed by the Emmy Award-winning Joel Kazuo Knoernschild in Tokyo and Los Angeles.
“I’m so honored to be in this film with Devendra-san,” says Kosemura. “It’s a very memorable film for my whole life.”
Guitar virtuoso and composer Mike Huguenor (Jeff Rosenstock, Shinobu, Hard Girls) is proud to share Surfing The Web With The Alien, a ten-track, all-instrumental voyage crafted only with two guitars: one electric and one acoustic. It’s out now digitally and on vinyl via Lauren Records.
ptly called “a phenomenal talent whose feel for classic soul music is bone deep” by The New York Times, Morgan James – powerhouse soul singer, former Broadway actress and alumna of The Juilliard School – has lured the least expected collection of songs into her web of deep-rooted soul: iconic hard rock and metal tracks by artists including Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Metallica.
Soul Remains The Same, due for release August 8th, follows in the pattern of James’ ever growing list of concept albums: re-creating iconic music made primarily by men, transforming it into something profound, beautiful and completely new, in a way only a woman could.
Today James revealed her first single from the album: a take on AC/DC’s classic “Thunderstruck,” a Motown-inspired funk fest filled with popping horns, a Hammond organ, and of course, James’ unmistakable voice. Think 1960s Aretha in the studio with Angus Young.
Emo/Alternative group group Sunday Morning has announced their debut full length album Eternal Grief, set to be released on October 31st via Open Your Ears Records. Fans can check out lead single and music video “Pulling Thorns”, out now here:
Jet Black Roses are back and bolder than ever. Following the success of their funky, genre-bending hit “PsychoBoogieHoochieCoo,” the Southern rock outfit has returned with another anthem: “Barefoot Gypsy Mama.”
Listen to “Barefoot Gypsy Mama” here.
Blending bluesy electric guitar, raw raspy vocals, and a driving beat, “Barefoot Gypsy Mama” captures the untamed charm and pride of the southern spirit. It’s an authentic, no-frills southern rock track that embodies exactly what Jet Black Roses stand for: real music, real stories, and real musicianship.
“Barefoot Gypsy Mama” is our southern rock summer anthem. We dedicate this one to all the free spirited souls who love feeling your bare feet on the earth, cruising with the windows down, releasing your inhibitions, and marching to the beat of your own drum” shares the group.
With major tour slots alongside rock legends like Styx, Sammy Hagar, and Collective Soul, the self proclaimed Coolest Dad Rock Band in America is carving out their own lane. They recently capped off CMA Week in Nashville with a high-energy set at Luke Combs’ bar and are set to bring their southern swagger to the NASCAR pre-race show on June 28.
Known for blending their bluegrass roots with futuristic grooves and rock and roll energy, Kansas City Americana outfit MoonShroom has made a lively start to their promising career by sharing their infectious energy with audiences far and wide. So, when it came time to bottle that feeling in the recording studio for the first time, MoonShroom’s Lily B Moonflower (guitar and vocals), Jake Keegan (dobro and vocals), Zach Bozeman (upright bass), and Colby Allen Walter (mandolin, electric guitar, and vocals) used words like “connecting,” “joyous,” and “celebratory” to fine-tune their musical mission statement. Their resulting debut, Take A Trip—out now—hits the mark and then some, drawing from an abundance of on-stage experience as individuals to create a whole new sonic universe; a blend of rock, bluegrass, and indie folk, and distilled into an otherworldly, energetic Americana sound.
Earlier this week, MoonShroom shared their third and final single from Take a Trip, “Waves of Love,” showing a side of their sound that fits just as well on a sandy beach as it does at a mountain music festival. Like the rest of Take A Trip, “Waves of Love” was recorded live at Element Recording in Kansas City to capture the energy of the band together in one room. A waltzing love tune inspired by a trip to the Gulf of Mexico, Keegan describes “Waves of Love” as “Two characters who were ever tied to each other’s embrace, without possession, or dependency upon the other’s coming and going,” personifying the waves and the sand as lovers. The result is a sweet ode to the ups and downs, the high and low tides, and the give and take of love.
Maryland rock band Have Mercy announced their long-awaited sixth studio record the loneliest place i’ve ever been, set for release on August 29th via Rude Records. Along with the news, they unveiled the album’s first single, the cathartic “august 17” with an accompanying music video.
influential British DJ and producer TroyBoi, is gearing up for the release of his brand new single “Masala”. Together with Indian singer and songwriter Amrit Maan, TroyBoi’s vibrant track aims to forge a deeper connection between the Indian subcontinent and the global South Asian diaspora. Troyboi’s colorful “Masala” arrives officially on Friday, June 27, 2025 via Ultra Records. A true champion of sonic diversity, TroyBoi expertly manages to honor his Indian heritage and celebrate his
multifaceted cultural identity on his latest release. “Masala” is a rich fusion of both musical elements and cultural influences, irresistibly danceable with a remarkable rhythm that triggers an instant jolt of energy. The track’s infectious beat is infused with wind instruments and elevated by Maan’s soaring vocals, taking listeners on a sonic journey through culture.
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