headboy - The South Austin Moonlighters - Meris Gantt - Jeremie Albino

headboy - Reservoir.

London trio headboy have shared their new single "Reservoir" - the latest taste of the band's upcoming debut EP 'Was It What You Thought', out 9th June via Blitzcat Records. In recent months the band have played host to an exhilarating run of sold-out headline shows in the capital, alongside notable support slots with Porridge Radio, Goat Girl, DEADLETTER, Peaness, Melin Melyn, Hotel Lux, Heartworms and THUS LOVE.

Swaying from lo-fi bedroom tones to tumultuous blasts of snarling post-punk, headboy's blend of influences, ranging from Sleater-Kinney and Radiohead to Modest Mouse and Grizzly Bear informs the immediacy of their sound, whilst the band also note the impact of post-punk and no wave acts á la Gang Of Four, Orange Juice, Pixies and Television.

Consisting of guitarist/bassist and vocalist Mars West (they/them), bassist/guitarist vocalist Jess Collins (she/they) and drummer Oli Birbeck (they/them), headboy have already established themselves as a beguiling force to be reckoned with on the live stage, cultivating a devoted following in London and further afield, following press and radio tips from Steve Lamacq (BBC 6 Music), So Young Magazine, The Independent, Gigwise, The Rodeo + more.

New single "Reservoir" tells a story of passion, intimacy and connection in the disorientating aftermath of a breakup; venturing into single life. Delivered through a lens of deceptively dark, climactic post-punk, "Reservoir" tracks those brief, fleeting moments of lust, in a haze of sweaty, dimly lit clubs.

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The South Austin Moonlighters - Make A Livin'.

Austin, TX - Legendary, Saxon Pub-bred quartet The South Austin Moonlighters were riding high on the success of their 2019 opus Travel Light with top billing on the alt-country charts and festival appearances throughout the U.S. and Europe when the world came crashing to a screeching halt in 2020. Fortunately for the band and their fans alike, the Moonlighters are veterans of Austin’s scrappy, DIY music scene and were never going to let a little loss of momentum stop them. With the help of a wildly successful crowdfunding campaign, The South Austin Moonlighters—Lonnie Trevino Jr., Chris Beall, Daniel James, and Hunter St. Marie—took to the studio with producer Steve Berlin (of Los Lobos fame) and got right back in the saddle, cutting ten tunes that would eventually become their brand new album, From Here To Home.

At its core, From Here To Home is an album of rebirth and acknowledgement. It’s a recognition of where The South Austin Moonlighters have been, and a peek at all of the exciting places they are going and want to head towards in the future. Take the title track for instance, which is a song that Beall and Trevino Jr. wrote together. It’s a tale of finding oneself on the road, not necessarily lost, but unmoored. Despite this estrangement, the group finds power in the songs they write, carrying them through another day. “From Here To Home is a journey back to rediscovering why we started doing this in the first place,” Trevino Jr. says, before his co-conspirator helps him complete the thought in a way only the closest of collaborators can: “Because that's the only thing we want to do–make joyous music.”

The South Austin Moonlighters recently released their first single from From Here To Home, the bouncing, half-time groove of “Make A Livin’"; a deceptively deep, upbeat song about what it really means to make ends meet for a family. “What should we be providing?’’ asks Beall, who wrote the song with his good friend Rodney Black. He expands, “Surely ‘ourselves’ would be the most important thing, and yet there are multiple generations of parents working so much they rarely see their kids. Lots of folks have to work like that, unfortunately. But could there be a ‘line’ that gets crossed when too much is just ‘too much?’ The TV bill, the new car, the nicer house....maybe we should let go of a few of those things and not have to be shackled to the workplace to pay for them.” Packaged within textures of gritty guitars and vintage bass thump, “Make A Livin’” is one of those rare songs that makes listeners dance and think, and that quality is the Moonlighters’ party piece that runs from beginning to end of From Here To Home.

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Meris Gantt - Fine.

Meris Gantt just announced the “Fine” single released yesterday. Taking the listener on an emotional journey through grief, loneliness, and acceptance, the song holds a special meaning as it is a conversation with her father, who passed away nine years ago.

Through powerful lyrics, “Fine” conveys a message of reassurance to Gantt’s father and to herself that it is okay to let go and move on. It is also a poignant reminder that we are all doing the best we can in life. The song evokes a feeling of loneliness that many can relate to, especially in a world that is constantly changing.

Gantt reveals that she didn’t realize she was writing this song about her father until a pivotal moment on a hike, where the lyrics to the bridge poured out of her. The song not only reflects on Gantt’s childhood but also provides a global perspective, tying in thoughts and emotions from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Fine” is a powerful and emotive song that will undoubtedly resonate with anyone who has experienced loss, loneliness, or the struggles of trying to adapt to a changing world.

The single is off Gantt’s upcoming EP, “Forced Revival,” due out June 2. The EP tells the story of a journey mired in strength – a tale of perseverance, passion, and a deep connection to the power of music. Gantt explores life’s journeys with longing, regret, and the silver linings that lie in between through a soulful blend of smoky vocals, Bluegrass Americana, healing melodies, and honest and to-the-point songwriting.

Meris Gantt · Fine

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Jeremie Albino - You I’m Waiting On.

Buzzy Americana artist-to-watch Jeremie Albino has released a captivating live performance video with his band, The Rosehall Band, for soaring new single “You I’m Waiting On.” Shot and directed by longtime creative partner and collaborator Mark Klassen, the video transports viewers back in time to the historic Owl’s Club in Toronto. The old legion hall, frozen in time, serves as the ultimate backdrop and perfectly pairs Jeremie’s soulful golden sound with the memories painted on the walls.

The artist’s highly anticipated sophomore studio album, Tears You Hide, will be released on June 9th. Lead single “Across the Hall,” released earlier this spring, is a testament to Albino’s visual songwriting style, telling a story of hope and longing in challenging periods. He’s currently on the road with fellow Americana artist Sierra Ferrell for a series of West Coast tour dates, and all shows are sold out.

Recorded entirely live off the floor, Tears You Hide is a catalog of feelings from time passed that serves up an ode to family, resilience, and the road ahead. The deeply personal nature traverses Albino’s development as an artist and captivating songwriter. Experiences with tragedy, grief, and love tumble throughout, grounded in moments of joy and the hope it brings — a house party, a tumbleweed, tears in a mother’s eyes, an open door, a faceless angelic voice.

The artist found support from the team instrumental in the production of his earlier work - The Rosehall Band, his original backing band, and Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes), who co-produced his critically acclaimed debut full length. The importance of working with a supportive and collaborative community is something that he knows the value of not only in his music but also from his days as working as a farmer in Prince Edward County.

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Maya’s Radio Orchestra - Nora Kelly Band - Blusher - Ruby Waters

Maya’s Radio Orchestra - Suntrap.

Maya’s Radio Orchestra has released the luminescent new single “Suntrap,” available on all streaming services this Wednesday, May 3rd.

"Suntrap" is a song about Maya’s uncomfortable realization that capitalism and the need for productivity are incompatible with human nature, and are having a detrimental effect on communal mental health. The song hints at dusty underground jazz bars with sweeping strings, swirling harps and honey-like vocals, with an understated piano underpinning the structure that fully supports the warm arrangement.

It’s easy jazz but with elements of classical music and triphop, a melting pot of influences coalesce supported by Maya’s masterful writing and playing of strings, harps, piano and glockenspiel. The expanded jazz band is punctuated with glittering whispers of synths from producer Lauren Gilmour whilst lazy drums reminiscent of Portishead or Zero 7 keep us in a dreamlike trance.  

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Nora Kelly Band - Lay Down Girl.

Montreal quartet, Nora Kelly Band, have returned with  their new single, “Lay Down Girl,” and announced their debut album, Rodeo Clown, which arrives August 25 via Mint Records. Rodeo Clown was written by Nora Kelly, produced by Kelly with Ethan Soil, and mixed by Pietro Amato (The Luyas/Belle Orchestre). Pre-order Rodeo Own here.

Going clown-mode runs deep in this first single and its accompanying music video. When people think “clown” they think funny, or maybe creepy, but always of that painted smile. For a song about overcoming one’s tendency to people please, a painted smile makes for the perfect metaphor. Watch the uproarious video directed by Gabie Che.

“The lyrics to this song were direct advice that I was giving to myself, to stop being a ‘Lay Down Girl’,” notes Kelly. “To stop staying put, acting sweet and putting everyone else first. Other people’s approval had been my priority for so long that over time my connection to what I liked and what I wanted had become weak. The lyrics are advice to this former self, with a chorus that chants, ‘I’ve been a fool…I’m going back to school, but this time my education’s gonna be ‘bout myself.”

"Lay Down Girl" was hatched this way in the first months of the pandemic. Like everyone else, Kelly had a lot of time for introspection and for feeling scared and lonely, realizing that she had surrounded herself with ‘cool’ people but not necessarily people who supported her, the way she supported them. "It was painful to realize but ultimately caused me to make changes in my life, including walking away from my post-punk project DISHPIT and toward my dream to play in a country band,” continues Kelly. “'Lay Down Girl’ will always be a catalyst song for the Nora Kelly Band, because in its lyrics I’m giving myself the advice to start the band before the band even existed."

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Blusher - Backbone.

Meet Blusher, the confessional Melbourne-based 3-piece who make euphoric pop music, laced with chaos, camaraderie and an unbridled gritty confidence.

Today they announce their debut EP, aptly titled Should We Go Dance? – set for release on Friday 14 July via Atlantic Records/Warner Music Australia. The news comes alongside the release of their brand new single, ‘Backbone’ - a powerful anthem about the aftermath of heartbreak - and ahead of the trio’s international debut at Brighton’s The Great Escape Festival. The trio have also been announced as special guests, joining Swedish pop powerhouse Tove Lo on her upcoming Australian headline shows having already supported Aurora earlier in the year.

Speaking on ‘Backbone’, and how it came from the whiplash and aftermath of a breakup, Blusher explain how they wanted to "sing about the way that heartbreak can strengthen and empower friendships. It’s a fiery, energetic love song to the friends who have your back through it all. Backbone is aptly named, its themes of power, confidence and deep friendship are the foundation of our band."

The new single is accompanied by the music-video-quality-visualiser which features Blusher in their alter-ego ‘choose your fighter’ personas. Speaking on the concept behind this, they explain; "when we first wrote the song, we had visions of 80s workout routines/Charlie's Angels/a “choose your fighter” moment in an anime video game.  It made us think about what our video game characters would be. We saw ourselves channelling an element in each of our verses. Miranda’s verse is powered by fire and lit by red brake lights, Jade’s, a watery moment with a tear filled champagne glass, whilst Lauren’s air bending bridge propels you to the dance floor and breathes new life into you."

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Ruby Waters - Flash Flood.

Today, JUNO Award-nominated, indie/alternative rock artist Ruby Waters has dropped her newest single “Flash Flood” via Wet Records. Waters continues to push the envelope with her heavier sound and unapologetically raw and sensuous lyrics with “Flash Flood”, remaining forthright in her convictions to being her true authentic self.

After recently selling out her 2022 North American Soaking Wet Tour, Waters is coming off her widely received US based Spring Chicken tour. This month she will head to The Great Escape festival in Brighton, UK for a handful of shows and will continue her tour into the United Kingdom.

With a 2022 JUNO Nomination for Alternative Album of the Year and two top five singles at Alternative Radio under her belt, Waters is more determined than ever to continue bringing her most authentic self to her craft with a promise of new music and exciting news coming in 2023.

Hailing from the small town of Shelburne, Ontario, Ruby Waters' journey is much like her music - eclectic, always evolving, and unfeigned. A Métis person born to two artists, music has always been a familiar presence. Since her 2022 Juno-nomination for alternative artist of the year, Waters has continued to push boundaries and blaze her own trail as one of North America’s most promising independent artists. To date, her highly acclaimed sophomore EP, If It Comes Down To It (2020), has amassed over 12 million global streams. She has also sold out headline shows across the US and Canada and plans to bring her show over to Europe and the UK for the first time in 2023.

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Inkfields - Teeniest - Rob I. Miller

Inkfields - The Third Side of the Coin (Album).

The Third Side of the Coin is the second album from Edinburgh based artist Inkfields, following on from the single of the same name, it sees the songwriter dicing with fate on the toss of the coin.

Eclipsing his previous releases with a carefree, bluesy soul tinged record that builds from his classic bedroom indie sound, The Third Side of the Coin feels like the complete package in the context of Inkfields work to date, weaving between psychedelic glimpses and classic indie guitar sounds. There’s a feeling of optimism and confidence emitting from the record, highlighting Inkfields as a songwriter at the top of their game.

Moving from surf tinged indie to funky disco enthused pop The Third Side of the Coin swaggers along with delighting harmonies, unnerving chills and locked in grooves that assault the senses in the best way possible. Inkfields, the guise of Samuel James-Griffiths, began in Dresden, Germany as a spontaneous after work street music experiment, moving through Sweden, Southern Germany and finally to Edinburgh. The music has been forged through thousands of hours of street music across dozens of cities in Europe, from -12 to +40 degrees, through rain, snow, wind and sun.

Over the years the music has journeyed through genres and matured with time, releasing debut album Beneath the Waves in 2018, followed by a single a month experiment through a lot of lockdown, and has found his true sound on The Third Side of the Coin. Each of the tracks on the Creative Scotland funded The Third Side of the Coin will have a specific piece of artwork made for them, to outline certain species of animal and plant that are endangered in Scotland, raising awareness of some unusual species that people may not be aware of.

Inkfields · The Third Side of the Coin

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Teeniest - Billie Eilish won't follow me.

Teeniest is a duo from Brooklyn, New York (USA). Their music is alive with beauty and color, whether it's a gentle acoustic folkie tune or an all-out electric guitar rock assault.

This quirky song takes a wry look at pop stardom and music streaming algorithms, with a good dose of kind-hearted humor. 

We brought a unique sound to this project, with clarinet, Rickenbacker electric guitar and bizarre chanting voices. It's weird but fun and accessible.

 

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Rob I. Miller - The One.

When Rob I. Miller (Blues Lawyer) found that the records he’d once leaned on to help him through heartbreak weren’t working for him anymore, he wrote his own. The result is Companion Piece, a collection of heart-on-sleeve songs building on the classic guitar pop tradition of pairing melancholy with melody, out May 12 on Miller’s own Vacant Stare Records.

Primarily known for playing in bands, Miller has released solo music before, but Companion Piece is his first album under his own name; a choice that reflects the vulnerability underpinning these 11 self-recorded songs, each one representing a different stage of post-break-up grief from the shellshock of rejection and rumination over the past, to fantasies of a future that never came to pass and the cautious blooming of feelings for someone new. It is, he says, “my attempt to contribute to the canon of break-up albums.”

First single “Wedge” is a damaged pop song featuring sampled drums and heavily distorted guitar about the feeling of being an unwitting pawn in an emotional game played by the other person. “Borrow” and “Wrong for Us” use sunny alt-rock and downcast late ‘90s indie touchstones to excavate the heartbreaking awkwardness of situations like having to explain to your friends why someone doesn’t come around anymore.

On “The One” Miller wonders over an anthemic chorus if a new fall (as in falling in love) “will be the one from which I die”—a mix of morbidity and sanguinity unabashedly lifted from the Teenage Fanclub playbook. “I was really inspired by that song ‘Norman 3,’ how ballsy it is to just say ‘I’m in love with you’ for three-and-a-half minutes,” he says. “It’s seemingly so unafraid—I’m just going to be as sensitive and vulnerable as I want to be right now.”

Rob I. Miller · 11 - The One - 1644

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SUSTO - Burning Jacobs Ladder - Melody Moko - Lawn Chair - Holly Henderson

SUSTO - My Entire Life.

SUSTO will return with My Entire Life July 28 via New West Records. The 12-song set was produced by Wolfgang Zimmerman (Band of Horses) and SUSTO’s Justin Osborne and Johnny Delaware. My Entire Life follows their critically acclaimed 2021 album Time in the Sun which Holler said “provides proof that Osborne and his bandmates are an important voice in today’s conflicted world,” while No Depression called it a “fluid and engaging listen.” Ink 19 said “It’s a great example of SUSTO’s ability to create true lyrical and musical masterpieces so fresh you simply cannot turn it off” while the Bitter Southerner named it one of “The Best Southern Albums of 2021.”

A season of drastic change is what brought SUSTO frontman Justin Osborne to the band’s new album. There was a divorce, difficulties re-building his band after the pandemic, and the pain and helplessness of witnessing family members struggle with addiction and mental illness. Despite these challenges, Justin ultimately found himself in a new landscape, with new love and a deeper perspective, all of which is masterfully projected into My Entire Life. As a whole, the album documents Justin’s personal journey through highs and lows in his life, with many of the details on full display. He narrates the demise and aftermath of an almost decade long relationship, while celebrating the joy of falling in love, and the hopefulness of starting over.

The video for the album’s title track and lead single, “My Entire Life,” is a song with an urgency “to keep living.” Director Luke Pilgrim says, “We at Sozo Bear Films ventured into the relatively unknown world of AI art. We took inspiration from the lyrics, SUSTO’s entire catalog, as well as Justin’s previous musical endeavors to create visuals that represent themes from his entire life. We used stable diffusion to create a mind-bending psychedelic experience. Stable Diffusion is a type of deep learning generative neural network with the ability to prompt, render and process AI imagery.”

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Burning Jacobs Ladder - Fickle Bones.

Following the release of his debut EP EP/1 in 2021, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jake T Johnson’s project Burning Jacobs Ladder has just released the long-anticipated single ‘Fickle Bones.’ Hailing from the Gold Coast, swinging dark Spaghetti Western melodies infused with hauntingly passionate vocals of Jake, ‘Fickle Bones’ is an eerily familiar track. The unwavering rumble of drums, soaring guitar licks and a looming chorus of vocals hang in the air.

Stripped to raw reality and bare bones, Jake’s authentically emotional storytelling surpasses his lyricism as ‘Fickle Bones’ sounds unearthly. Winding through the single, each component brews, creating an all-encompassing tale between a young man and child.

Throughout his catalogue, Burning Jacobs Ladder delves into very personal discussions about mental health, escapism, and anxiety and 'Fickle Bones' is no exception. Regarding the single, Jake states: “It’s the emotional burden people carry on their shoulders from past experiences. It’s becoming numb to extremes, emotional detachment and living a life for someone else when they can’t.”

Widely received by the likes of The Music, Scenestr, AAA Backstage and The Live Wire to name a few, the experimental powerhouse has put in the work. Written, performed, mixed, and mastered entirely by himself, Jake’s project Burning Jacobs Ladder shows his immense talent and wide skillset as a recording engineer and singer-songwriter.

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Melody Moko - Ain't What You Used to Be.

“Ain’t What You Used to Be” sees Melody reacquaint herself with her inner rock attitude and channel it into a biting, Americana anthem. “First of all - the guitars on this track slay! They are probably the best guitar parts on any Melody Moko song ever”,says Melody. “I’d been listening to an intense amount of Sheryl Crow here, you can hear it”.

Recorded in Nashville and completed in Brisbane, “Ain’t What You Used to Be”, features the incomparable Jen Mize on the sweetest harmony vocal which not only turns the song on its head but blends oh so beautifully with those Sheryl-esque guitars.

In the song, Melody calls out a woman who disregards the feelings and concerns of others in order to get what she wants. And the big question – is it about anyone in particular? “It’s not! It’s actually about a fictionalised version of a future self who lets ego get the best of her”, says Melody.

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Lawn Chair - I Can Change.

German-American art punk band Lawn Chair have released their new EP, Eat The Beans and Wear The Jeans. To celebrate the release, they have also shared a brand new music video for EP focus track 'I Can Change'.

Ever since their stage debut in late 2021, Lawn Chair have relentlessly rehearsed, recorded and played shows, including appearances at showcase festivals such as Reeperbahn and Waves Vienna. The band, fronted by Seattle-born Claudia Schlutius, has quickly gained recognition in the German indie scene with a guitar-driven energetic sound, Schlutius’ powerful stage presence and meticulous songwriting. A string of punchy singles have so far garnered the group early support from the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music and DIY as well as comparisons to bands like Gustaf & Bodega.

After releasing a self-produced debut EP in the spring of 2022, Lawn Chair returned to the studio in the autumn to record their follow-up. Eat The Beans And Wear The Jeans! was recorded with the help of esteemed producer Olaf Opal  (The Notwist) and L.A.-based mixer Chris Coady (Beach House, Future Islands, TV On The Radio), who helped take the songs to the next level. The new songs present a new and interesting twist to timeless topics like unrequited love, the despondent boredom growing up in the countryside and the hardships of show business. With this new EP Lawn Chair are underscoring their rightful ambitions to a much larger audience.

Atmospheric ballad and new single ‘I Can Change’ offers a tempo switch from the bands previous offerings. Drenched in gorgeous reverb, words of self-doubt echo through a monotonous beat interwoven with tasteful melodies only to later culminate in an otherworldly epic Radiohead meets Sonic Youth guitar drop.

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Holly Henderson - Head Full of Soil.

London based Holly Henderson returns again with the fourth single from her critically acclaimed sophomore album “The Walls”. “Headfull Of Soil” is an infectious vintage sounding gem that wraps the listener in a hazy dream. With quirky harpsichord break downs and soaring harmonies, the track blends ethereal folk with psychedelic explorations to great effect. It’s a breezy ear-tingling affair that will make you want to return straight away for more.

“I wrote Head Full Of Soil about the way we convince ourselves that everything is fine, when it is in fact, fantasy”, says Henderson. “The more we pack in the soil, the deeper we bury the delusions. As the song progresses a flower never blooms - but it may, at the right time.” she explains.

The song is reminiscent of a wild garden, layers of vocals, harpsichord, guitars, bass, percussion - tamed only by the way they weave tightly together, in a vibrant burst of whimsical Sunshine Pop sensibilities. Synths wash over as the rain comes, and the song reveals paths we couldn’t have predicted as it descends into a river of colour.

While her debut album, “Monday Green” featured Henderson’s impressive rock guitar work and alternative pop anthem prowess, “The Walls” shows a more introspective, and slightly more delicate side to her songcraft. Recorded in a farmhouse in the English countryside, Henderson’s new album brings her full circle from her previous Los Angeles recorded album. Finely crafted arrangements, sonic musings, and playful themes take us on a journey with Henderson as she deconstructs her Brit Pop and classic influences and reassembles them into progressive-folk wonderment.

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