Ava Lyons Is Elegantly Insightful on “Groceries”
At a New York University event eight years ago, Pharrell Williams heard a song by then-undergrad Maggie Rogers and helped launch her extraordinary career. I felt the same thrill of discovery when I heard a song called “Groceries” by another NYU undergrad named Ava Lyons. The song is haunting and stately – and beautifully produced […]
LACES Shines a Light on “American Grime”
(Photo: Shari Hoffman) LACES is the brainchild of L.A. artist Jessica Vaughn, who’s also a music biz CEO who has placed countless songs in movies and TV. The latest LACES single “American Grime” is a collab with BELLSAINT – and the song is a pop jewel with lyrical depth that’s truly exceptional. “American Grime” explores […]
Nika Heals Beautifully on “I Deserve to Be Calm”
Czech artist Veronika Boráková performs under the name NIKA – and she’s a conservatory-trained pianist and singer. Her new single “I Deserve To Be Calm” will remind listeners of all-time greats like Kate Bush, Norah Jones and Tori Amos. “I Deserve To Be Calm” chronicles the emotional healing that took place after another artist heaped […]
Laura Musgrave Delivers Pop Perfection on “Play Again”
Laura Musgrave is an artist from northern England who is winning new fans in the U.S. and Australia with her infectious power pop. Laura’s new single “Play Again” has the energetic appeal of New York’s Charly Bliss and UK group Pale Waves. Musgrave is no stranger to ballads, having garnered 2023 Single of the Year […]
Jaryn Jones and Brandon Scott Soar on “Dry Bones”
“Dry Bones” is an impressive new duet from Nashville artists Jaryn Jones and Brandon Scott. Musically, it sounds like the best of seventies rock from artists like Fleetwood Mac and Heart. From the first note to the final harmonies, Jones and Scott vocalize beautifully together, just like Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham back in the […]
Hamish Anderson Leads a Blues/Rock Revival on “Everybody”
(Photo: Emma Gillett) Australian artist and guitar ace Hamish Anderson is almost singlehandedly reviving a genre we used to fondly call “rock”. His new album ELECTRIC will remind you a bit of The Foo Fighters and Led Zep’s Jimmy Page. But my favorite track is “Everybody”, which has a bluesy John Lennon feel. Anderson’s album […]
Sophia Streams finds cohesian in collective chaos
Cohesiveness is a challenge. In cooking one flavor can overwhelm a dish and in music, too many ideas can spoil the magic. But sometimes unexpected combinations are what make it work, such as peanut butter and bacon. And in “So In My Head” there stands an EP where a wild menagerie of ideas comes together […]
Daena Celebrates Her “Lucky Number” from Debut Album
(Photo: Acacia Evans) Nashville artist Dana Rogers goes by the stage name “daena” – and her debut album Alter Ego feels destined to make a lot of “Best of 2024” lists. The new album is a showcase not just for daena’s superb songwriting but for her incredibly versatile voice as well. It’s hard to convey […]
Charli XCX and Billie Eilish Invite You to “Guess”
My friend sent me a message a few weeks ago: “little Friday afternoon treat for you Charli XCX x Billie Eilish singing about pants.” This friend seems to have a wildly eclectic and fascinating taste in music, one that I’m lucky and happy to frequently take notice of and dip into. And that written note […]
Shiloh Mae’s “South of Cheyenne” Paints A Relationship With Scenes From the Road
Daniel EK of Spotify wants musicians to create more. Fans and followers want musicians to create more. In every walk of life, all we want is more. We want it now and only the outliers are shown. Everything is muddied by a facade of perfection. But there is beauty in the mundane, there is still […]
