“New Animals” by Blonde Bones: Catchy, Psych-y Indie Pop
Blonde Bones are Nashville natives, though I wouldn’t have guessed by their synth heavy, psych-pop inspired music. However, I suppose any sound can belong to Music City. During my first visit, I attended a Tame Impala concert at Ascend amphitheater, Nashville’s waterfront jewel. Learning about Blonde Bones’ origins and enjoying the colors in “New Animals,” […]
Kiefer Luttrell on “The Wind,” Guitar Playing, and the Green Berets
Slowly sauntering through moody blues, Kiefer Luttrell’s performance on “The Wind” is a folk song with a unique sound. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Luttrell changes up many of the instrumental stylings of classic country with something a lot more modern, and a lot more West Coast. “The Wind” doesn’t feel just like a Southern blues […]
Beck Pete on “Romantic,” Bittersweet Emotions, and Resilience
You can add Beck Pete’s name to the list of artists like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga who have penned and performed ballads that define a generation. Her new song “Romantic” (co-written with Dan Sadin) covers a far wider emotional range than most pop songs. It’s hypnotic, sad, ethereal, hopeful – in short, it’s about […]
Field Guides on “Margaret,” Literature, and the 19th Century Writer Who Inspired Their New Song
“On 23 May 1810, was born one foredoomed to sorrow and pain, and like others to have misfortune.” A young Margaret Fuller wrote that as a note, which her father saved. It’s unclear what the context of that note was – it could have been a fit of pique, an expression of depression, or just […]
“Thief” by Cam Maclean: Short but Impactful Folk Song
Cam Maclean’s “Thief” is short, but sweet. At only two minutes and forty-one seconds, “Thief” isn’t even the shortest on Maclean’s sophomore album, Secret Verses. Regardless, it’s still a lovely song, and I found myself wishing for another chorus, another verse, whatever I could get to keep it going. This song actually reminded me of […]
“Just a Little Longer” by Brother James: An Honest Examination of Endings
Justin Sinclair is a songwriter and music producer based in LA who’s making a name for himself as one of the most exciting voices in the local indie scene. His solo project, Brother James, explores the intricacies and depth of love through poignant lyrics and delicate finger-style guitar. His newest EP, Love, is an evocative […]
“Prism” by Rose Haze: Gorgeous, Tantalizing Synthpop
“Prism,” the lush, atmospheric new song by the Oakland-based duo Rose Haze, is the quasi-title track of their new album Maximum Security Prism. The album’s title isn’t just clever and evocative – it says something about their sound, as well. The press kit describes the album as “a testament to flying free in the psychedelic […]
“Lydia Wears A Cross” by Julia Jacklin: Challenging the Foundation
In her new single, “Lydia Wears A Cross,” Julia Jacklin dives deep into her childhood experiences with religion and challenges the institution she grew up in. She speaks on bittersweet memories, which seem to be the most valuable things she got from these experiences. With a vibrant music video that is just as beautiful as […]
“Janet Planet” by TOPS: The Internal Tussle
“Janet Planet” is TOPS’s spunky take on the struggle of getting out of your own head. It’s a refreshing track with classic production that touches on a relatable predicament — mental health and the internal tussle we have with ourselves every day. TOPS band member Jane Penny described the song to be about “feeling trapped […]
“Flip” by Leah Dunn: A Shaggy, Funny Triumph for Memorial Day Weekend
As my grandfather has often told me, there is no such thing as a “happy Memorial Day.” Memorial Day, after all, is a day of remembrance: while Veterans Day is for all members of the military, Memorial Day specifically honors those who died. It’s supposed to be a somber, reflective holiday; of course, us Americans […]
