“High Noon” by Dolfiin Alexander: Psych Folk To Unwind and Unnerve
When was the last time you heard someone use the phrase “high noon” in the context of time? Referring to the time of day when the sun is highest in the sky, having fully risen and just about to start its slow descent, “high noon” has fallen out of favor now that we don’t need […]
“Lemons and Tangerines” by AJ Lee & Blue Summit: A Fruitful Spring
A sweet bluegrass-y tune, “Lemons and Tangerines,” excels at finding the simple joys in life. With its’ muse being a lemon-tangerine tree, this upbeat song puts you in a good mood and reminds you to not look over the little things in life. “Beautiful yellow Is down in my tree Spring is here another year” […]
“Loving Arms Where I Belong” by Joey Hines: Marveling at the Wonders of Love
Joey Hines has found a metaphorical home in his lover’s arms in his recent single “Loving Arms Where I Belong.” Hopeful romantics dream of a safe and comfortable relationship, and Hines describes exactly that. With ultra-specific lyrics that make this song seem like something you’re watching, rather than listening to, along with captivating and intimate […]
“Gutter” by Sitcom: Poppy, Angsty Grunge
Philadelphia-based artist Sitcom has blended modern production with a 90s-esque angst, resulting in a grungy sound reminiscent of bands like Weezer. Sitcom’s new track “Gutter” puts the listener in a particular headspace, and through creative instrumentation and a very dynamic bridge, makes the listener feel the angst of the artist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ8JEaZhgGw The musical aspect of […]
“Animal Wisdom” is a Haunting Reflection on Unresolved Relationships
“It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but it’s lonely being haunted.” – Heather Christian, Animal Wisdom Heather Christian an award-winning songwriter and storyteller who comes from a line of New Orleans Catholic women who have a deep connection with the dead. Her film adaptation of Animal Wisdom is an interactive glimpse into the […]
“Watching Cartoons” by La Luz: Airy, Dreamy Lyricism
Melodic, crisp, airy and dreamy all describe La Luz’s new track “Watching Cartoons.” “Watching Cartoons” has a retro sound that relaxes through mellow guitar, light percussion, and distinct vocal layering and melodic emphasis. The lyrics and vocal performance add to the calming, chill energy of the track, making “Watching Cartoons” something to engage with again […]
“One Love” by Dot Allison: Lush Folk Balladry, Crafted with Care
Pacing is an underrated skill when it comes to songwriting. There are plenty of people who can write sticky hooks or come up with memorable turns of phrase, but it’s much harder to understand the ebb and flow of a song, to know exactly how long it needs to be and how to space out […]
“Train to Cheyenne” by Erin Heist: A Great-Granddaughter’s Tribute
In the voice and lyrics of Erin Heist, “Train to Cheyenne” is a unique folk tune that tells the story of Heist’s great-grandmother Betty. The song off the album Another Rainy Day is about Betty’s move with her 3-year-old son to Wyoming to marry a cowboy she’s never met before. In this hopeful song, Heist […]
Radio Silence Inspires Steve Gunn’s “Fulton”
Imagine this: One night, you’re listening to 1010 WINS, the local AM news station in NYC (or whatever station you find yourself listening to from time to time), and the air goes dead. Everything stops for a moment, or at least the radio signal does. The long silence comes as a surprise, a gift. These […]
“Venus in Heat” by Jennah Barry: Love, with Complications
Love is a steady theme in music, dominating the subject of most songs you hear. It is a marvel that the same thing can be sung about over and over and listeners never tire of it. But because of artists like Jennah Barry, the subject of love doesn’t get worn out. “Sunday morning after Warm […]
