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| Photo - Eden Mili |
New York-based artist Gilanares releases “Cat’s out of the bag” via Neon Gold / Futures, the celebrated independent label that first put out Charli XCX, Tove Lo, Marina, Christine and the Queens, and many more, a roster to which this new, emotionally charged alternative artist surely fits alongside.
Gilanares adds: "This song is a perfect embodiment of East Coast grit. To me, it reflects the New Jersey/New York lifestyle—the relentless hustle to turn passions into something profitable in a world that often undervalues creativity."
Be sure to embark on a profound musical journey with Gilanares, an artist who fearlessly explores the intricate landscape of mental health, media's impact on youth culture, and complex, ever-changing relationships. Earlier last month, she released “if chaos killed the dinosaurs”, alongside a visualizer directed by her creative collaborator, Eden Mili.
Through a kaleidoscope of genres, Gilanares delves into the raw and often unspoken experiences of the mind, offering solace and understanding to those who have faced the labyrinth of emotions.
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Lauren Freebird’s new single, "Liar’s Disguise," is a bold, unflinching anthem that cuts straight to the heart of betrayal, blending raw southern grit with the soul of blues. The song opens with a sharp jolt — “I didn’t see it coming / You looking back at me” — instantly pulling listeners into a world where deception takes center stage. Freebird wastes no time calling out the smokescreens and false images we hide behind, asking, “Who you pretending to be?”
Her voice is a weapon in itself, cutting through the pretense with razor-sharp clarity, unmasking the illusion with every word. The lyrics “Cause I see… Right through your empty… Hollow eyes / You seem to think that you can hide / You can’t hide” expose the raw emptiness of a love built on lies, as Freebird strips away the facades people try to build with filters, fakeness, and Photoshop.
The production, drenched in soulful undertones and outlaw country swagger, mirrors the tension and release of her voice — a deep, smoky atmosphere that makes each line feel like a confession, each guitar riff a warning. As the song reaches its emotional peak, she delivers the stinging lines, “You said… Times what you needed… Needed to forget / We both know that just ain’t right / It’s just your liar’s disguise,” exposing the lie that time could ever heal the wounds caused by dishonesty.
There’s no escape here — no retreating into the shadows. Freebird’s lyrics pierce the heart, and her voice demands truth, bringing a level of vulnerability that leaves no room for pretense. "Liar’s Disguise" isn’t just a song; it’s a confrontation with the lies we tell ourselves and each other, and a rallying cry for anyone brave enough to stand face-to-face with the truth. This is Freebird at her most fearless, creating a sound that’s both timeless and personal.
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The official SXSW act, The Jaws of Brooklyn, is back with their sophomore album, Crush on You, which has just been released. Marking a new chapter for the band, the album celebrates resilience, reinvention, and the sheer joy of making music together. The band launches into their sold-out Seattle album release show tonight at Baba Yaga, with performances on Fox 13, King 5’s New Day Northwest, and airplay on KEXP.
The Jaws of Brooklyn, now a seven-piece live act, builds on the retro-infused rock and soul sound that defined their debut album, The Shoals. Crush on You embraces the spirit of renewal. “We love playing together, and when we lost our first lead singer, we knew we wanted to keep going,” the band shares. “We have a crush on Jaws of Brooklyn—being in this band is an adventure. The title represents that sense of playful fun and the energy we’ve rediscovered.” The album was again recorded at Sundrop Sound in Florence, Alabama, with Grammy-winning producer Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and Maggie Rose).
After performing at 2023’s Capitol Hill Block Party, the band parted ways with their lead vocalist. In 2024, The Jaws of Brooklyn saw a pivotal change with the addition of new powerhouse lead vocalist Gretchen Lemon, revitalizing the lineup of Dana Dysart (keys), Bryan Cohen (guitar), Paul Christofferson (bass), and Zia Uddin (drums). With renewed energy, they returned to Florence, Alabama, where they recorded 15 new songs. The recording features a return of background all-star vocalists, Shannay Johnson (Alabama Shakes, Brittany Howard, Roger Waters) and Karita Law (Alabama Shakes, Brittany Howard) to round out the sound and expand their sonic exploration.
The album’s seven tracks encapsulate The Jaws of Brooklyn’s signature blend of ’60s garage-inspired guitar licks, girl-group harmonies, pounding rhythms, and infectious choruses, with expanded sonic elements that push their sound even further.
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