Wallows - Are You Bored Yet? (feat. Clairo)
The pop-rock trifecta of Braeden Lemasters, Dylan Minnette and Cole Preston behind Wallow just released their debut album, Nothing Happens. The trio, who have been playing together since they were 11, are known for their inventive take on rock with sturdy vocals and captivating instrumental cadence. The album itself leads with a unique and much softer sound from the band, which particularly shines through in the project's most popular track, "Are You Bored Yet?"
"Are You Bored Yet?," which features lo-fi bedroom pop genius, Clairo, is a collaboration match made in lo-fi-indie heaven. The perfectly bittersweet pop-rock song was created through the brilliant pairing of Clairo's signature dreamy vocals and the upbeat style the band is known for. As the lyrics wade through a relationship at the critical point of either making it or breaking it, Wallows and Clairo's vocals represent the two conflicting perspectives involved. One is ready to let go, and the other is still hopeful that the pieces can come back together. The sad tune is catchy in the way its tempo transfers energy into the melancholy tone, which further fuel the already memorable lyrics. The track will surely be stuck in your head as you drift into memories of your own personal past romances that fell apart. Magnetic, intimate and real, "Are You Bored Yet?" is an instant addition to your spring playlist.
— Monica Hand on April 12, 2019Helena Deland - There Are A Thousand
Singer-songwriter Helena Deland from Montreal creates sweet, sweet melodies. “There Are a Thousand” is just one of them, her latest since her 2016 EP, Drawing Room. Deland’s voice is light and airy, reminiscent of hazy day dreams. She brings this easygoing attitude to “There Are a Thousand,” giving serenity to any overcast day.
— Natasha Cucullo on January 17, 2018Stef Chura - Speeding Ticket
Stef Chura’s debut album Messes was arguably the greatest hidden gem of 2017, and we are so excited for it to resurface this February via Saddle Creek. "Speeding Ticket" shows off Chura's 90s-alternative influences which are not only heard in this song but all over her debut album. There’s no doubt that you should have your eye on this Michigan native indie rocker in the coming months.
— Dara Bankole on January 17, 2018Frankie Cosmos - Jesse
Frankie Cosmos' first single "Jesse" off of upcoming album Vessels was released this past Friday. Greta Kline does what she does best with this song, taking her dreamy voice and at times obscure lyrics to bring you along in her dreamland. You'll love the building guitars tastefully juxtaposed with the lightness of her voice but there's no getting away from this song's honest and relatable lyrics about failed love, hopes for oneself and what moving on looks like.
— Dara Bankole on January 15, 2018Refs - Boarding It Up
Don't be fooled by REFS' small social followings; this music is the real deal. Brooklyn based Zachary Lipkins' REFS has melded pop with a myriad of textures to create beautiful synth confessionals. He has only released four singles, but a couple have already been featured on HBO's "Girls," The CW's "Riverdale" and MTV's "Scream". This new single builds off of the projects R&B/synth-pop sound with a emotional rawness akin to James Bay. Lipkins' vocal control is not only impressive but incredibly emotive, bubbling all of his feelings into the track so that we too, are filled to the brim. Though we don't know much about REFS, Lipkins' anonymity and short collection makes these releases all the more anticipatory. We can't wait for more.
— Natasha Cucullo on January 12, 2018Lukas Frank - Shame (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)
This ultra somber and haunting song co-written by Lukas Frank and Phoebe Bridgers and can be found on the fourth episode of the new Netflix show Godless. With the repeated line "Where is God now?" heard various times throughout it under the grimacing Western sounding guitar tones, it's the perfect fit for a show about outlaws in the Wild West or if you just like really sad music.
— Dara Bankole on January 12, 2018Pale Grey - Seasons
Belgian indie group Pale Grey’s single, “Seasons” off of their new album, Waves is the perfect complement to a quiet fall afternoon. It starts off with a simple beat and some garage-like synths that quickly fill up the track with a feeling of longing. Though it sits at just over two minutes, the song packs an emotional punch with minimal production. It asks the question of whether or not you can go on when the one you love passes away, and in that contemplation is where the song shines.
— Nick Arcos on January 10, 2018JR JR - Clean Up
Indie favorites JR JR, formerly known as Dale Earnhardt JR JR, have returned to the scene with new music after their self-titled LP back in 2015. The new single, “Clean Up” offers a look at the mind of someone coming to terms with their addictions and indulgences. The duo uses a throbbing bass line, simple plucked guitar and harmonies to illustrate the conflict that happens when one willfully chooses something that is bad for them. “Clean Up” brings JR JR to a more provocative realm, and one that we are excited to see more of in the upcoming album.
— Nick Arcos on January 7, 2018Henry Jamison - The Wilds
Henry Jamison is a storyteller at heart. It may be in his blood — his father, a classical composer, and his mother, an English professor — but Jamison is a writer and artist in his own right, evidenced by his debut album The Wilds (released October 27th). Beyond writing, recording and arranging the album all on his own, Jamison has a special ability to bring each track to life. Take his song, “The Wilds”: it’s instrumentally rich without being overbearing, letting Jamison’s narrative whisk you away. “The Wilds” sounds like an old-time American love story - unassuming and familiar, but nevertheless, still surprising.
— Natasha Cucullo on January 7, 2018Moses Sumney - Plastic
Los Angeles genre-bending artist Moses Sumney released his gorgeous and ethereal debut album Aromanticism into the world this September. Sumney has made a big impression on artists like Solange and Sufjan Stevens for good reason. His infusion of soul and folk come together on this album in a way that leaves us begging for more. A prime example of this heavenly blend is found on the third song of the album, “Plastic.” A previous version of the song can be heard on the first season of Issa Rae’s HBO series, Insecure. This new version serves as one of the more simplistic songs on the album, featuring just a fingerpicked electric guitar, a synth and Sumney’s captivating voice. The hook of the song repeats the line “my wings are made of plastic,” each time sung in a slightly different way than it was before, continuing to imbue the phrase with new meaning. This song of vulnerability, self-awareness and secret-spilling is the kind that you can leave on repeat and get lost in for hours.
— Dara Bankole on October 22, 2017