Ela Minus is, in the best way possible, a guerrilla tech geek using machines as a poetic extension of her anti-capitalist ideology in the EDM world. Heavily influenced by the likes of Kraftwerk, Minus talks enthusiastically about the special relationship she has with her synthesizers, the unique quality they each have and how she cares for them like friends. When you understand that she has built and programmed most of them herself, the idea of a personal connection with a machine begins to make a lot more sense. We’ve grown used to seeing artists and DJs on stage, lurking behind the faint glow of an Apple logo, but Ela Minus is uninterested in using a laptop to arrange her music. She writes, produces and performs on an analog rig covered in neon pink tape. Her pedals, synths and voice are the only tools she uses to create her hypnotic techno-pop beats. Gabriela Jimeno, the one-woman whirlwind behind Ela Minus, is no stranger to the DIY scene. Jimeno drummed for a hardcore band in Colombia from the age of 11 to 18, eventually making it to SXSW in 2009. She then left the band and her hometown of Bogotá to double major in jazz drumming and synthesizer design at Berklee College of Music. It was there that Ela Minus was born, first as a moniker for her graphic design, and then later as the solo music project now releasing subversive singles such as “el cielo no es de nadie.” 

In a low whisper reminiscent of Billie Eilish, Ela Minus peels back the layers that separate the peaceful intimacy of your bedroom and the anonymity of a packed dance club in Berlin, making them somehow indistinguishable. “el cielo no es de nadie,” like most of her songs, is about empowerment, and rejects the notion that lovers must go to the moon and back for each other. In a breathy voice that barely rises above the strobing backbeat, she tells us the only person who can give you what you need is yourself. Fitting for someone who would spend her college weekends going out to clubs—not to hook up, drink or do drugs—but just to close her eyes and dance.

Ela Minus's forthcoming album acts of rebellion is out October 23 via Domino. It is of course performed, produced and recorded entirely by herself. Photo by Teddy Fitzhugh.

You may not know Benjamin Lazar Davis yet, but you love his friends. Between collaborating with Lake Street Dive’s Bridget Kearney and joining Okkervil River in their newest lineup switch, Davis recorded a solo album brilliant in its own right. An anthem for the modern era in a long line of eras more divisive than the last, “Choosing Sides” has Davis questioning the meaning of the “pointless dance” we perform when we are too afraid to say what we mean or be who we are. The minimal picking of an acoustic guitar is joined by an array of ethereal hums, just as simple relationships are muddled by the complications of everyday life. This song is a serene look into a rare moment of clarity as it finally dawns on him that fighting the same fight to the same end does not make it a worthy cause. Nothing spells resolve like a key change, and, by the end of the song, Davis is done, even if it means disconnecting entirely.

Abby Clark of the lo-fi indie trio, Sister Kit, speaks directly to a lost lover on the group’s first single, “No Fun,” taking you with her through her realizations that she missed an opportunity at love because of her own fear. Woozy guitar strums play over a warm bass line as she sings, “I know it’s a little late / but I think I left too soon ‘cause I was afraid / of loving you.” The song floats along with the weight of that heartache and melancholic tones that recall bands like Mazzy Star. Clark’s powerful croons crescendo as the song nears its end, washing over the mix with a final, thoughtful reminder to the lover she left that living with the regret, “hasn’t been fun.”

Nashville dream pop artist Bantug recently released "Shapes," her single off her latest EP Red. Full of edge and empowerment "Shapes" speaks to the people we become by accident, "we all fall into shapes we didn't mean to." With a concept that feels so fresh yet universal, Bantug has left us very impressed. Amanda Bantug's dream pop tunes are honest and transparent yet light and euphoric and fans of the Now, Now and The Japanese House are sure to appreciate her sound. Be sure to check out her latest EP to hear more from this up-and-comer!

With a voice that sounds more timeless than trendy, Johanna Samuels sings of the difference between what you feel and what you say. "Supposed to Say" is Johanna's first single off of her EP "Have A Good One" set to release this summer. Opening with a line like, "Was I suppose to say 'It was nice to see you today,' cause it was hell for me." Johanna lets us know from the get-go exactly what she's about. While parts of this song are in the form of a narrative, giving us a glimpse into this specific storyline, other lines like "I might not know then who to be, but consider me up off my knees." are confessional and unearthing thoughts that Johanna executes with dignified grace. Mellow and subtle in nature, the instrumentation of this song work as a frame to showcase Johanna's voice, but not without experimental and alluring moments of its own. One listen to "Supposed to Say" will make you remember Johanna Samuels' name and not forget it any time soon. 

The dream child of Austin, Texas born brothers Blair and Reed Van Nort, The Rassle is a buzzworthy New York based indie-rock project. “Roll On” is an instantly infectious summer anthem in the same vein as “Tongue Tied” by Grouplove in that you can easily picture this song playing during a pivotal moment in an indie teen romance movie. With a tight knit production quality the vaguely industrial guitar riffs match up perfectly, somehow, with the warm country twang of the vocals to create this track. We can easily envision this as a go-to song for dancing around the bonfire barefoot in the middle of summer and we are excited to see what is to come on the debut album which drops June 22.

Joseph Le May’s new project SONTALK is an Americana-infused rock that is smooth as butter, instantly calming and the kind of song that makes a road trip. “I Am a War Machine,” the lead track of the three-song debut tackles the fragility of man and how we have to unravel completely in order to be open with our true nature. Le May combines the lyrical mastery of Ryan Adams with the distinct distorted guitar genius of The War on Drugs creating a sonic combination that will keep listeners around for the foreseeable future.

Singer/songwriter Alexander Wren is back again with his first single off his sophomore EP "Assorted Love Songs." "Emily" is a delicate love song that invokes memories of older folk sounds and simpler times. Alexander sings of the person he would be if he was with his love, Emily. Within each line it becomes more and more obvious just how dear Emily is to him, making each verse sweeter than the one before. A special dimension of depth and heart is added to the song as the music goes back and forth between the quietness of Alexander's velvety voice coupled with his finger-picked acoustic guitar and the more layered instrumentation like piano and strings. "Emily" is the kind of song you wish were written about you and as Alexander wears his heart of his sleeve, it's easier to be swept up in the love he sings of. We'll definitely be looking forward to what's to come with this charmer.

Indie-pop queen Maggie Rogers is back again with yet another song that's easy to love. While definitely still on the mellow side of the equation, Maggie Rogers has mastered the art that the great Robyn set a standard for just 8 years ago with her song "Dancing On My Own", which is singing hard truths with an upbeat motion. Whether you're just tapping your hands or nodding your head, "Fallingwater" has the same movement depicted in its title. Riddled with drums and claps "Fallingwater" keeps a steady rhythm that carries the song in its quiet and louder moments.  "Hold on I thought that I was doing so well like everything was under a spell." There is something about being able to listen to a song that resonates with you personally but also lifts your spirits at the same time. As Maggie reflects on the state of her own well-being and a past relationship, there is a fearlessness in her voice as if she is not scared of her realizations but rather just happy to have made them.

Brookyln's very own Daisy the Great recently released their latest single "Company." It's a song mixed with melodramatic lightness and harmonies but also full of a lot of heart. These girls sing of the introspection that comes with being young. From trying to be prepared for everyone's questions about your life plans ("They're about to ask you 'who do you want to be? What are you doing here?'") to your own self-judgment ("If I liked being alone maybe I'd have some thoughts on my own"), it's clear that these waters of being a young adult are hard to navigate. Still, in the midst of this, we find people or even just one person that we actually do want spend time with. "Company" speaks to that strange juxtaposition of being in a world where you want to hide from most people, but simultaneously want to be evidently visible to one person. "I want your company." In a sweet and all-too-real way, Daisy the Great gives us yet another song that makes us feel a little more understood. New Yorkers can catch them at the Knitting Factory on June 28!

"Constellate" is a song full of wonder and cosmic whimsy. Nashville-based Lauren Strahm has made a name for herself by putting out a great collection of songs that can be found on shows like Queen Sugar and Pretty Little Liars. With a voice that bridges the gap between gentle and brave, she sings the kind of songs that are full of honesty and resilience, showcased so prominently in "Constellate," her first single off of her upcoming LP Portals. With an atmospheric sound and lyrics that capture the essence of finding of the light ("We're spinning cause we know now, we survive/ and now we get to fly"), Fleurie perfectly captures that space that occurs when you finally emerge from rock bottom and get sight of land once again. "Constellate" is bound to make you feel a little lighter, while simultaneously getting you pumped for what's to come from Fleurieland.