Deniz Simon & Canned Heat - Jim Basnight - Blue Bayou - Kimberly Dawn - Sydney Quiseng

Deniz Simon & Canned Heat - Song For A Friend.

It doesn’t happen every day that a pianist and singer, composer, producer, and singer-songwriter who lives between Zurich and Los Angeles records a song with rock legends like Canned Heat. Yet that is exactly what Deniz Simon (born 1980) has achieved. Also known as “Dee” and as "The Ambassadress Of The Sixties", she has produced the single “Song For A Friend” together with the legendary classic rock band.

And this is only the beginning: Deniz Simon has already worked with Paul Turner, Derrick McKenzie, Rob Harris, and The Jam Horns of Jamiroquai — an impressive testament to her international network and musical versatility. Even if her name may be new to some, Deniz Simon has long since secured her place in the music scene. Through collaborations with various rock and pop greats, she combines musical depth with stylistic openness in her work.

Her musical journey began early: as a child she received classical piano training, later studying jazz and contemporary music with a focus on piano and vocals. For many years, she has also worked as a music teacher and workshop leader. Deniz Simon composes original pieces for piano and voice and rearranges well-known songs in a personal, contemporary way. Her work connects musical tradition with a timeless soul, rock, and pop aesthetic — building a bridge between past and present. 

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Jim Basnight - Children of The Night / Under the Rock (Album).

“Children of The Night,” is the new single along with Jim Basnights new album “Under the Rock," which is currently out only on Bandcamp, but scheduled for release on most major digital platforms on February 3rd, 2026. "Under the Rock" will be released on CD on the Kool Kat Musik (USA) and on LP on Precedent Records (USA) on February 13th, 2026. 

“Children of The Night” is a track which will likely be released on a to-be-titled album in the works, as in Jims opinion "it is one of the best tunes cut during the recent 25 track sessions".

Jim tells us "My last single, “Get it Out” and “Days in The Sun,” was one of the most successful digital singles since I started issuing them seven years ago. It's currently on a nine-week run on the Radio Indie Alliance Top 100 (RIA), peaking at #2. It's also charted on two other notable indie charts, World Indie Music Top 100 and the Hugs Top 200 chart (currently at #101, moving up 23 spots this week).

For that single, this new single, and the next few singles, my plan is to release a track from the album, plus a non-album track to provide a window into some of the quality tracks being prepared for the next album release.


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Photo -  Luke Jin

Blue Bayou - Carousel Song.

Fresh off a festival run and two tours, Oxford based new wave chamber-pop band Blue Bayou have released their third single ‘Carousel Song’. Seemingly emerging from thin air in Spring 2023, Blue Bayou took Oxford by surprise when they hosted and sold out a string of debut performances at the Jericho Tavern, Modern Art Oxford, and The Library, developing a reputation as an exclusive, “infamous” live act (BBC) for their eclectic and confounding live performances.

A UK tour supporting Max Blansjaar and the band’s own headline appearances in London and Brighton followed, with the band consistently welcoming larger stages and crowds: in 2025, they shared a stage with Jacob Alon at Wilderness Festival and played the main stage at Love Trails and in 2024 they headlined Sunday at Riverside, after Beam Me Up. Blue Bayou are currently the in-demand support act in venues in Oxford: they’ve been main support for Brown Horse, warmed stages for European acts the Klittens, New Yorkers like the Jeanines, and locals like Danny Mellin at the O2 Academy 2.

‘Carousel Song’, produced by Chris Barker (Willie J. Healey), shimmers with the magic of mid-winter: tracking to tape, and self-producing at a home studio, Blue Bayou eschewed a clean recording in favour of the warm texture of overtones, tape hum, and rack reverb. The opening verse seemingly hosts a world of distant strings and bells, while only a parlour guitar was being played. The bass which then enters evocatively re-harmonises these understated chords. It’s as if the ground beneath you is shifting, while the violin, vibraphone, and makeshift percussion, swirl in the air above. All of this is to situate the listener in an old, familiar, world of wonder, magic, and loss.

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Kimberly Dawn - Days Go By.

Country artist and singer-songwriter Kimberly Dawn releases her version of the Keith Urban classic, "Days Go By." Kimberly Dawn is back with a pulsating, feel-good cover of Keith Urban's “Days Go By,” a track that hits the gas from the first note. Driven by rhythmic guitars that immediately catch the ear, it draws you straight into the story, and Dawn wastes no time setting the scene owning her take on Urban's fantastic lyrics: “I'm changin' lanes and talkin' on the phone / drivin' way too fast / and the interstate's jammed with gunners like me / afraid of comin' in last.”

The production perfectly captures that unmistakable feeling of freedom on a long stretch of highway. It feels like a summer drive with the windows down, elbow on the doorframe, hand surfing the breeze, as the production opens up and sweeps you into the soaring chorus. It’s a song balanced delicately between presence and nostalgia, a reminder that the “good old days” are often the ones we’re living right now. You can hear Dawn’s voice lean into the quiet truth that life’s rush can blur its brightest moments unless we’re intentional about staying grounded in them. Witty yet heartfelt, Kimberly Dawn delivers a timeless song through her own country lens: time doesn’t slow down, so it’s on us to meet it with intention.

Kimberly Dawn has established herself as a resilient force in the country music landscape, backed by deep industry ties and a commitment to advocacy. She is an active voting member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs), the Country Music Association (CMA), the Academy of Country Music (ACM), and the Americana Music Association. Her dedication to the craft recently earned her a nomination for Songwriter of the Year at the 2024 Texas Country Music Awards for "Cowboy's Church," as well as a Song of the Year nomination at the 2019 HMMI.

Recently named a 2025 Artist to Watch by Got Country Online, Dawn continues to elevate her profile and has been featured on CMT, Holler, CMA, and the Academy of Country Music, and more. Beyond the music, she utilizes her platform as a Music Ambassador for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), blending her artistic output with a message of wellness and resilience. With the release of "Days Go By," produced by Kent Wells, she enters the new year ready to connect with fans on a massive scale.

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Photo - Connor Truax

Sydney Quiseng - That's My Baby! (On Main Street).

Echosmith frontwoman Sydney (Sierota) Quiseng has released her new single “That’s My Baby! (On Main Street)” alongside the official announcement of her upcoming solo EP That’s My Baby!, out February 20. A testament to Quiseng’s artistic evolution, That’s My Baby! is defined by reflection, resilience, and self-discovery, and chronicles her unfiltered experiences with love, loss, and personal growth as she steps into the next chapter of her story and prepares for the arrival of her daughter.

“This song is about shamelessly loving someone out loud,” shares Quiseng on the new single. “I got married at 21 and now I’m expecting my first baby, so these lyrics celebrate both the love I found with my husband and the love I already have for my baby. It feels extra special to release this one at eight months pregnant. I hope this song makes you want to have date night this Friday, on Main Street.”

Showcasing the emotive vocals and signature storytelling that have cemented her as an indie-pop superstar and fast-rising Country/Americana singer-songwriter, That’s My Baby! draws inspiration from Quiseng’s own journey and stretches from the indie-pop stardom she found as a teenager with Echosmith all the way to falling in love with her now-husband and her journey of self-discovery as a solo artist who is building a family of her own. 

That’s My Baby! captures the wide range of emotions Quiseng has had as she’s learnt to navigate this new terrain and was recorded during her pregnancy as an honest representation of who she is today. Featuring lead single “Coffee Shop in Kyoto” as well as recent fan favorite “When a Good Thing Ends” which explores the heartache of holding on while trying to move forward when something you love is slipping away, That’s My Baby! offers listeners an unfiltered look into her heart and mind and carries forward the authenticity listeners have always connected with. 

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Peiriant - navy june - Pam Setser feat. Pat Wiley - Louise and The Feathers - Dub Pistols & Freestylers

Photo - Mairead McHugh

Peiriant - Song in Parts.

Song in Parts is from the upcoming album Plant. A violin lament monologuing over jangly major-minor spaced out guitar. Low synth tones underpin, sub waves riding along and mirrored above by ghostly pads. Nods to Brian Eno, La Monte Young and ambient works-era Aphex Twin. Song in Parts was produced by Sam Grant and recorded at Blank Studios, Newcastle upon Tyne. It uses artwork by Amber Hiscott, a detail from her painting ‘Violette enters the world‘.

Peiriant, the Hay-on-Wye based duo of Rose Linn-Pearl (violin) and Dan Linn-Pearl (guitar) return with their third studio album; a conversation between their respective instruments textured by the addition of earthy bass frequencies, unsuspected rythms and ineffable sampled noise. The result is the fullest realisation to date of Peiriant’s creative practice: an urge to embrace fully, the freedom afforded by experimenting and improvising. from the departure point of a musical bedrock of warmth and familiarity.

Plant (which means children yn Gymraeg) is its sequel, borne out of the tensions of the concerns we all face for the future as well as the joy of living in the moment. Aspects of all the album’s 8 tracks were improvised in the studio, creating a sense of openness and space. Much of the initial ideas were cultivated in the small yet slower windows of time that exist as a creative refuge at the end of the day.

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navy june - mister.

Bold, dark and seductive, Western Australia's navy june kick 2026 with their smouldering alternative rock / indie single, 'mister'. For the unacquainted, this Boorloo/Perth-based five-piece have been building their contribution to WA's local noise since 2024, supporting the likes of Old Mervs, Great Gable, Fool Nelson, Cheeky Leash, Death By Denim, Sophian, Ruby Hoo and Devon Street. 

Blending the grit of grunge with the warmth of soul, their two previous singles have showcased a sound that channels the nostalgic energy of the 1990s while reimagining it for the present day. Now, they push and pull with the ominous 'mister'. Opening with space, phased guitar lines and a steady rhythm section set the mood as Ruby Barton-Taylor’s dulcet vocals float with clarity and confidence. Carrying a poised calm and a sense of enchantment, navy june build suspense through a biting pre-chorus.
 
When the chorus lands, that restraint gives way as a wall of overdriven guitar crashes in, while Ruby’s clean, commanding vocals cut through with power and control. Swirling, panned guitar solos fill the frame, giving 'mister' a smouldering intensity that feels deliberate and spellbinding. Felt through its grit and bite, 'mister' leans into confrontation and self-assurance, exploring what it means to speak plainly when respect is no longer offered. The song pushes through the heartbreak with defiance, allowing the honesty to cut deeper. As vocalist Ruby Barton-Taylor explains: “Mister is about being unapologetic in your opinions of someone. Being honest and raw when someone is cruel to you. It explores ideas of heartbreak while still being empowered, truthful and sexy.”

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Pam Setser feat. Pat Wiley - Mountain View Night.

Pam Setser, a talented Arkansas musician, has joined forces with singer-songwriter Pat Wiley and multi-instrumentalist Tim Crouch to bring the enchanting story of Mountain View to life in their latest release, "Mountain View Night." This heartfelt love song narrates the beauty and community spirit of Pam's hometown, capturing the folk culture and connection that defines this charming town.

Following Pat Wiley's memorable experience at the annual spring Folk Festival in Mountain View, where he was inspired by the vibrant blend of musicians and the legacy left by local legends such as Jimmy Driftwood, the song unfolds with vivid imagery. With lines that evoke blooming redbud trees and joyous gatherings, "Mountain View Night" captures the warm atmosphere and rich musical heritage of the Ozarks.

"I wanted to express the magic of Mountain View through this song," said Pat Wiley, a seasoned artist with over 50 years of experience in the industry. "Working with Pam and Tim, who both bring their own unique talents to the table, has made this recording project a truly collaborative experience."

Pam Setser, well-known in the Mountain View music scene, lends her captivating vocals to the track alongside Pat Wiley's. At the same time, Tim Crouch showcases his expertise on fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass, and banjo. Together, they fuse their artistry to create a piece that resonates with both locals and newcomers alike.

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Louise and The Feathers - Great Gatsby.

Louise and The Feathers, are a band bringing a fresh and distinctive twist to the classic folk genre. Blending indie and rock elements with deeply heartfelt lyrics, their music connects on a raw emotional level and takes listeners on a true musical journey.

Drawing inspiration from artists such as Florence and The Machine, Paolo Nutini, Phil Collins, Hazel O’Connor, and Fleetwood Mac, Louise and The Feathers create a sound that feels both timeless and excitingly new.

“Great Gatsby” by Louise and The Feathers is a stylish, dreamy track that captures the glittering allure and underlying melancholy of Fitzgerald’s famous world. The song blends soft, atmospheric vocals with an elegant indie-pop sensibility, creating a mood that feels both romantic and bittersweet. 

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Dub Pistols & Freestylers - Give You Love featuring Belle Humble.

From the forthcoming album "Enter the Sound" - out on 6th March, is a collaborative album from the Dub Pistols and the Freestylers - long-time touring and production partners, teaming up this time for a full-length project.

The album is a sonic journey through their diverse influences, blending genres like Reggae, Ska, Hip Hop, Trip Hop, Breakbeat, and Jungle. It’s a celebration of their shared musical roots and evolution.

A taste of the new album here, featuring 3 tracks - "Back on The Circuit", "Give You Love" & "Hold Up Your Hands". Enter the Sound also features an all-star lineup of guest artists, including Johnny Osbourne, Tippa Irie, General Levy, Too Many T’s, Horseman, Belle Humble, Scarlett Quinn, Tenor Fly, MC Spyda, Persona, Harry Shotta and of course, Seanie T.

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The October Effect - Michael Lane - Romanie - Hauntees - Awful Din

The October Effect - The Missing Clue.

Formed in 2023 in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, UK, The October Effect is the creation of both songwriter and guitarist Laurence (aka Loz) Collins, and vocalist Cath Back.  Laurence's songs blend elements of jazz and pop with a reflective, atmospheric edge - a very real 'October effect'. 

Whilst Cath Back Exceptional Vocals adds depth and nuance to the band’s understated, emotionally-driven sound. The band is completed by its latest member, Mike Gutsell (bass and backing vocals), who has been collaborating musically with Laurence since they were teenagers.

The Missing Clue – A song about that life changing moment when everything falls into place and you realise the missing piece has been added to your personal jigsaw. It might be love, the birth of a child or something else, but whatever it is you know it's going to redefine your life - forever. The October Effect’s distinctive approach — thoughtful songwriting, emotionally resonant lyrics with a subtle jazz-influenced feel.

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Michael Lane - Live Free (Album).

“Live Free” is about embracing life as it comes – with all its highs and lows. The songs revolve around love, freedom, and self-acceptance, born from honest moments and genuine self-reflection. The album serves as a reminder that freedom doesn’t mean avoiding responsibility or emotions, but staying true to yourself in every situation. It tells a story of growth, forgiveness, and finding peace with one’s own imperfections.

If there’s a modern folk/pop artist who truly knows the difficult sides of life, it’s Michael Lane. In his twenties, he was deployed as a U.S. soldier to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he witnessed many traumatic events. His previous albums were like a musical diary of these experiences – but on “Live Free,” you can clearly feel that lightness and joy have returned. The album sends a hopeful message: even crises and periods of self-reflection can bring us closer to the things that really matter.

The German-American singer became known through two Top-50 hits in the German charts, four released albums, international tours, and his single “Liberty,” which was the official song of the Four Hills Tournament 2015/2016. Several of his songs have made it onto Spotify and Apple Music editorial playlists and are featured by tastemakers such as alexrainbird Music, Indie Folk Central, Starbucks Playlists, and Double J Music. In addition to his work as a musician, Michael Lane also writes production music and produces in his secluded “Studio Waldblick.”

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Photo - Marcus Cobblyn

Romanie - Anything or Anyone.

Multi-award winning singer-songwriter Romanie returns with her brilliant new single ‘Anything or Anyone’, ahead of her forthcoming album ‘It’s Not That Funny’ which is set to follow on the 20th of February. A homage to community, ‘Anything or Anyone’ arrives as a reminder that you're never alone. Unfolding over gently plucked guitars, ‘Anything or Anyone’ is a reflection on loneliness and pushing back against the temptation to isolate yourself further. 

Sharing more, Romanie explained: “This song is a really big reminder to myself that I’m not alone, I wrote it in the midst of a really dark and lonely time - thinking I was completely alone by shutting myself out. Living on the other side of the world, choosing a career that is not straight forward - it can sometimes feel like you’re screaming into the void. 

I think the song, even though it stemmed from a sad time, is a reminder and dedication to anyone who’s ever felt lonely (all of us) and a reminder that we never are alone. Community is everything.” ‘Anything or Anyone’ is the fourth offering to be taken from Romanie's upcoming sophomore album. 

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Hauntees - All Over Again.

Helsinki-based goth garage band Hauntees has released the first single, All Over Again, from their upcoming debut album. The hypnotic, dark-toned track draws its striking elements from post-punk as well as goth and garage rock. Hauntees is a new band, but its members have previously played in groups such as Patsy Walkers, Borderline, Charm Bags, Goo-Hags and Lariots, so the roots of the Helsinki garage scene are well covered.

“We want to reach toward other worlds with our music, beyond everyday reality,” the band says. “When we write songs, we describe them to each other through places, films, and moods.” Based on feedback, Hauntees’ visual and atmospheric approach to music seems to resonate with listeners.

“It’s interesting that listeners experience our music this way too. We’ve received comments at shows that we sound like the jukebox in the Twin Peaks bar, a foggy forest path, or music that should be played on a road trip across the desert,” the band says. The band’s debut album Shadows Forming will be released on February 28 on vinyl and digital platforms.

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Awful Din - ANTI BODY (Album).

"Founding members Aaron Groom (vocals/guitar) and Kat Doniger (guitar) reference 90s emo and punk as what brought them together in a band (Saves the Day and Texas Is The Reason, specifically), and on their sophomore album ANTI BODY, the group (now joined by new members Jay Rodriguez and Don Lavis on bass and drums) take those influences and make a fresh, catchy-sounding emo-pop-punk album out of them. 

Somewhere between post-Lemonheads earnest jangle-power pop, John K. Samson storytelling, Taking Meds-style indie rock/punk, and big PUP choruses, the opening stretch of ANTI BODY is a whirlwind between the three golden pop rock songs 'GFTO My Basement,' 'Goodbye Delaware,' and 'I Will Break You.' 

"If you’ve forgotten that Awful Din are an emo band, the brake-tapping, string-laden hospital ballad 'Foot Punk' will remind you, although the quartet throw themselves into that one so fully that it just adds another layer to ANTI BODY rather than arresting any momentum (and if that one doesn’t slow Awful Din down, the sparse, slow-building 'Chaparral' certainly won’t either). 

The bass-led belter '15 Minutes of Shame' and a perfect jangly pop song called “Big’s In Paris Now” (of course) are B-side highlights, as is closing track 'We Have We Are We Will,' in which Awful Din do the 'cathartic big finish' thing as well as I’d expect them to do. It’s been a minute since I’ve heard an emo (or “emo-adjacent”, even) album that hits these notes as well as Awful Din do on ANTI BODY; it’s a welcome reminder of the power of this kind of thing." -Rosy Overdrive

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James Tonic - Railcard - ADULT. - The Imaginary Band - Julian Never

James Tonic - Safety II (Album).

James Tonic's Safety II is out now, the second chapter in his dream pop trilogy following 2025's breakout Safety. Released January 28, 2026, this seventh studio album takes the saga further, mixing dreamy vibes with real life edges.

Safety II builds on the first album's indie win (20,000 sales and a solid 60% Spotify save rate), plus the buzz from 2024's Stuck in LA and its sold out West Coast shows pulling in crowds. Early signs show strong fan love: a high pre-save rate and it's on track for 30,000–40,000 units in week one. The 9 song set pairs dark stories with light beats, using live drums, old school synths, and raw plays for that true feel missing in most tracks today. 

James Tonic is a Montreal-born artist blending hip-hop, R&B, and pop roots with soft rock and folk compositions and band instrumentation. Known for albums like Stuck in LA — produced by Chris Peden with live orchestration — and his latest Safety, he explores self-discovery, resilience, and real-life narratives through organic, unhurried sounds. Following successful tours, his work continues in a series into 2026. Beyond music, James is a tech investor building a platform for musicians to automate websites and focus on their craft. 

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Railcard - Day Dream.

Skep Wax are pleased to announce a new single and a limited edition CD album from Railcard, a brand new band featuring Rachel Love (Dolly Mixture), Ian Button (Papernut Cambridge, The Penrose Web) and Peter Momtchiloff (Heavenly, Would-be-goods). The new single, Day Dream, is a perfect indicator of the dreamy Bacharach pop that Railcard have embraced and reinvented. Rachel Love’s vocal sounds as pure as it did in Dolly Mixture.

Railcard formed in 2025 when Rachel Love (Dolly Mixture), Ian Button (Papernut Cambridge, The Penrose Web) and Peter Momtchiloff (Heavenly, Would-be-goods) discovered that they were all born within weeks of each other.  It seemed like a great reason to form a new band, so Love and Button began writing songs together, and Railcard was born. Their original ‘1962’ age limit rule was relaxed shortly afterwards when suspiciously youthful trumpeter Allison Thomson completed the line-up.

Following two limited edition download-only EPs (the first accompanied with a Railcard wallet, the second with a pair of iron-on patches) Skep Wax and Slumberland are proud to release this collection of ten songs as a CD album (release date: 6 February 2026). The seven tracks from those first two EPs are included, along with three new ones. (The fetish for merch hasn’t been overlooked: the CD comes with a useful Railcard information leaflet). 

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ADULT. - No One is Coming.

ADULT. is not cooperating. For over 25 years, the dystopian Detroit synth-punk institution founded by Nicola Kuperus and Adam Lee Miller has embodied steadfast frustration, distrust, and apprehension. One might expect the edges to soften with time, but ADULT. is not interested in the comforts of legacy. The duo’s music has never sounded as visceral, urgent, and downright angry as it does on the culminating, uncompromising Kissing Luck Goodbye, their scorched-earth 10th LP and fourth with Dais Records.

Built with upgraded gear and a whole new library of sounds, the material is crushingly dynamic, louder yet clearer, with Kuperus’ commanding delivery given greater prominence in the mix, outlining an arsenal of vivid, caustic calls, chants, and musings. Laughter, whether in the lyrics or as a possessed presence, serves as a leitmotif that speaks to the menacing absurdity of modern times. 

“No One is Coming”, the album’s lead single is a poignant, bassline-driven industrial anthem that turns feedback into melody, the track attacks inaction in the face of fascism.

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The Imaginary Band - Polka Hands.

The Imaginary Band, longtime Chilliwack, BC-based musician Andrew Christopher's latest project, steps fully into focus on their debut single, "Polka Hands." A carefree, roots-leaning indie-folk single, it celebrates intuition, creativity, and the beauty of not overthinking life's next move.

"At first, The Imaginary Band only existed vaguely in my mind," explains Christopher. "But when I wrote 'Polka Hands,' I learned to fully embrace the concept." Without a bass player at the time, he began playing a bassline on guitar, imagining exactly how it would feel once the right players arrived. "Immediately, an imaginary drummer sat behind the kit in my head, laying down a groovy but straight-ahead rock beat. Just sitting in the pocket. That's still the intro of the song."

The clarity of this vision unlocked something new; not just musically, but emotionally. Written during a lazy afternoon at a pump track while watching his son ride his bike, the lyrics came naturally and without force. "They speak of taking chances, doing hard things, accepting the reality that life is inherently complex, and that it's beautiful that way," Andrew shares. With real-life bandmates who are ever-so imaginative now filling the roles once envisioned, "Polka Hands" becomes both a song and a statement of intent. 

The title itself reinforces the song’s central message: don't overthink it. Inspired by a recent polka band performance at a friend's 40th birthday and lyrics referencing a barroom scene and a game of Texas Hold'em, the original phrase "Polka Bands & Poker Hands" was quickly distilled. "It was a bit too wordy," Andrew laughs. "So I went with 'Polka Hands' without overthinking it."

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Julian Never - Anything.

Los Angeles' Julian Never shares the third single and video from its forthcoming Everyday Is Purgation LP for Mt.St.Mtn. “'Anything' tries to hold all the things you’ve done, good and bad, and all the love you carry in one song. Repeated words that have lost meaning. So much energy wasted for little purpose, connection or insight.  Sometimes capturing a moment is enough. Maybe each time the song plays it will teach you something. 

“'Anything' is a song about a time of desperation with a brief and relevant reference to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s tragic novel, Tender is the Night.

 “'It’s 5 o'clock in the morning. Awake again and no place to go.' The early morning sets the tone for an entire day, whether the skies are clear or opaque. 'Anything' is about the search for peace when you’re not sure if you’d recognize it. The pull toward chaos, and the strange comfort found in distortions. It’s a reflection on the patterns we return to, even when we know better. - JAE, 2026.

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The Damned - Mia Nicolai - Alexandra John - Big Richard

Photo - Sacha Lecca

The Damned - Not Like Everybody Else (Album).

The Damned have released Not Like Everybody Else, a deeply personal and celebratory covers album, dedicated to the memory of Brian James, the band’s legendary founding guitarist, who passed away on March 6th, 2025 at the age of 74. Recorded in a blistering five days of emotion and creative fire at Revolver Studio in Los Angeles, Not Like Everybody Else finds The Damned – Dave Vanian on vocals, Captain Sensible on guitar, Rat Scabies on drums, Paul Gray on bass and joined by longtime keyboardist Monty Oxymoron – reconnecting with the raw energy that started it all.  The album marks the first time in 40 years that Rat Scabies has returned to the studio with the band.  

2026 marks 50 years of The Damned.  50 years of The Damned also means 50 years of punk, with the 1976 explosion hitting a half century ago. The band jump-started the revolution, releasing the first UK punk single, “New Rose,” and album, Damned Damned Damned.  Brian James wrote that debut single and was lead songwriter on the album. He left the group after the release of their second album, Music For Pleasure, in 1977.

Ground-breaking rock band The Damned exploded on to the British music scene more than forty-five years ago.  Following their formation in 1976, The Damned became the first UK band in the punk rock genre to release a single (“New Rose”) and then an album (Damned, Damned, Damned).  Initially associated with the British punk rock movement and then gothic rock, the band went on to release ten studio albums and several UK-charting singles which ran the gamut from punk rock to gothic to even the pop genre.  They have legions of hardcore fans worldwide and have firmly established themselves as one of most powerful and theatrical live bands in the world. 

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Photo - Joelle Grace Taylor

Mia Nicolai - drowning.

Evocative and empowering, drowning sees Mia Nicolai choose self acceptance. Exquisite vocals and raw lyricism touch on a life of swimming against the tide and the power and relief that come with changing direction. Confronting and emotive, drowning is born from the emotional weight of finally facing your true self. Sharing more, Mia explained: Drowning is about the emotional crash that happens when you stop running from yourself. It’s that moment when you let your feelings rise to the surface after holding them in for so long - and it completely floods you. 

I wrote it from a place of deep overwhelm, where facing reality felt like drowning. But it’s also about honesty to yourself. I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 15, but at that time I didn't take it as seriously as I should have. For years I tried to outrun my diagnosis thinking I could fix it myself, if I just keep healing my past or if I kept outrunning it. I was living nomadically on people's couches and I was actually exhausted, as thrilling as the nomadic jumping around life was, it was starting to catch up on me. Drowning is about finally giving in to who you really are, even if that means feeling everything all at once.

Today’s new single sees Mia Nicolai put her best foot forward into 2026, as she champions authenticity with her infectious energy. The Dutch-Russian singer-songwriter released her debut EP at the end of 2025; Sharing Space Among The Stars (Superglue Records). Produced by Vetle Junker and executive-produced by Ella Vos and Tommy English, it marked her first true statement as an artist. The record took shape as a dreamy, cinematic body of work that fuses her indie-pop instincts with the theatrical spirit of her heroes Bowie and Queen. Written across London, Los Angeles, and Bergen, Norway, the project finds Mia rediscovering her own voice after a whirlwind of experiences throughout her 20’s.

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Alexandra John - Crazy Stupid Love.

Alexandra John the brother-and-sister duo who are not only real-life twins born on the same day, but musical soulmates as well—have shared a bond since birth that naturally evolved into music. Raised in a deeply musical household in San Francisco, Liza and Weston Cain grew up with music woven into their DNA, shaping both their sound and their connection as artists.

Kicking off the new year, Alexandra John delivers a heartfelt ballad made for hopeless romantics this Valentine’s season. Their new single, “Crazy Stupid Love,” out today Tuesday, January 27, is a hopeful anthem for anyone who has loved purely, been hurt, and questioned whether it was worth it. The song serves as a reminder not to punish yourself for falling in love—and to never give up on the possibility of finding it again.

“Someone we love close to us recently went through a really horrible breakup,” the band shares. “This song is inspired by them—to not give up on love or themselves. You can’t beat yourself up for falling in love, because that’s crazy. We all lead with the best intentions, and sometimes it doesn’t work out the way we hope, but that doesn’t mean you stop putting your heart out there. Everyone deserves a crazy, stupid kind of love.”

"I was influenced by the space rock of the 80’s," says Weston. Liza adds, “When we wrote and recorded this song, I knew exactly who I was singing for. It’s a love letter to those who are willing to be loved and can get unfortunately hurt in the end. We all look for that hope of a happy ending and a life partner."

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Big Richard - Millionaire.

Bluegrass band Big Richard makes music for the 21st century’s twisted cultural unease. Pet, their sophomore album and debut for Signature Sounds is a fierce, provocative, rejoinder to what troubles them and the world right now and was recorded live to tape in order to capture the fervor of their live shows.

“Big Richard is so much about our energetic delivery, and so I think it's been really important for us as a group to figure out how to do that for a record,” says mandolin and guitar player Bonnie Sims. And figure it out they did. Pet delivers, successfully translating the supergroup’s live kinetic harmonies and string virtuosity.

Unapologetically outrageous and provocative, the band’s name is a wink to the ‘big dick’ energy Big Richard is reclaiming from male bluegrass bands. Since exploding onto the Colorado scene in 2021, the four women have been on a wild ride, slapping as hard as possible on the festival circuit, working up their stamina on nationwide headlining tours, and leaving a wake of die-hard Big Richard Heads across the country swooning for their honest songwriting, chilling vocals, and fiddle-driven barn-burners.

“Our live performances are so raw and so gritty, and I think that our sound never really flourished in that digital landscape.” GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning cellist Joy Adams says. “[Recording live to tape] we were all in the same room together, very close together, with a lot of mic bleed, etc. And the energy was insane. It felt so good to record this way. Even on the first day, we were like ‘wow, this sounds like our band.’ And to do something that's very real and gritty and has little mistakes in it just feels alive and human.”

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