Brontës - Projective - Peer Pleasure - Scarlet Tantrum

Photo - Stephanie Gibson

Brontës - Wouldn’t Be Me.

Brontës release their catchy new single “Wouldn’t Be Me” a punchy take on disliking someone's boyfriend, knowing their standards should be higher. This song is a playful request to dump him and move on. The perfect track for the anti-Valentine’s crowd.

“Wouldn’t Be Me” is the third new digital single from Brontës’ upcoming debut album, set for release in April via Last Night From Glasgow. First single “Cognitive Dissonance” was released on 22 August, a sunny indie-rock hit full of catchy guitar licks and classic pop lyricism exploring feelings of jealousy and anger. Second single “San Francisco” is a change of pace, showcasing the quartet’s versatility. It digs deep and slows down, contemplating the tragedy of right person, wrong time.

Brontës are Eva on vocals/guitar, Amelia on drums/vocals, Erin on guitar/vocals and Katie on bass/vocals. With a brand new look, attitude and sound Brontës have reinvented themselves as a 4-piece rock/pop band influenced by generations of classic pop music such as Sabrina Carpenter, Blondie and The Ronettes.

The Glasgow band have built up a steady buzz on the live circuit since emerging in 2021, from playing a sold-out headline gig at the iconic King Tuts to festival slots across the country. Fast forward to 2025 and Brontës have recently finished recording their highly anticipated debut album at Ayrshire's Beetroot Studio with Stuart MacLeod. Assured in their polished sound, the group are looking forward to branching out in this next chapter as one of Glasgow’s most promising young indie bands. The self-titled album is set for release on 21 April 2026 on three shades of vinyl, CD and digital formats. 


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Projective - Question.

Rising Irish Neo-Soul, Jazz and Hip-Hop band Projective return with the soul-stirring, emotive new single ‘Question.’ Following a wave of critical acclaim for their first two singles including plays from BBC Radio 6 Music and repeat B-List placements from Jazz FM, the new single showcases more of the band's unique blend of neo-soul, hip-hop and jazz. 

Recorded with long-term collaborator Kealan Kenny (Youth, Pa Sheehy (former Walking on Cars), Niall McCabe, TOUCAN, Allie Sherlock), ‘Question’ is a vibrant addition to the band’s growing catalogue. A rich and alluring soundscape, packing rich live instrumentation and the band’s stylistic, layered trio of vocals, the single delivers more of the band’s innate musicality and ability as songwriters on a track which is heartfelt, yet euphoric and defiant.

Talking about the single, the band explains: “Question feels like an expansion on the sound we’ve been going for with our past few singles. It’s always been a big song in our live performances, and we wanted to capture that energy in the big moments, while also making it feel intimate and personal and letting the lyrics about a delicate romantic situation shine. 

Lyrically, it’s a song about constantly asking yourself why you won’t let yourself walk away from a toxic romance that you know is no good. That is always easier said than done, and “Question” examines that feeling closely. The contrast between the verses and choruses on this track was something we were very careful to emphasise when we were going through the production and recording process for the track. Having parts of the song be stripped to drums/bass/vocals, with other parts having a soaring arrangement filled with brass and stacks of double tracked guitars and keys was very intentional.

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Photo - Anna Moody

Peer Pleasure - Shed Residents.

Irish 9-piece Peer Pleasure announce their debut album Unvetted Males and share the new single, ‘Shed Residents’. Blending post-punk and garage-rock into something unique and exciting, Peer Pleasure have quickly turned heads with their dark, yet witty songwriting and rich, dark and gritty sound. 

A nine piece formed of Brandon Murphy, Conor Kavanagh, Cein O’Dowd, Erik Murphy, Jeff Miller, Joel Pitcher, James O’Neill, Eoghan and Oisin Conroy, the band vibrant, experimental wall of sound moves between satirical spoken word commentary, psychedelic flourishes and angsty walls of sound, leaning into flavours of folk, rock and everything between; from Gurriers, to Opus Kink and Tom Waits. 

The new single ‘Shed Residents’ captures this blend of styles perfectly. Brooding yet humorous, intense yet ethereal, it’s a brilliant showcase of the band’s aesthetic. Starting with the driving main guitar riff, tight drums, and expressive spoken-word vocals, the track gradually unfolds, enriched by bursts of evocative piano, swirling synths, and sharp stabs of saxophone as it builds toward its frenzied chorus. The psychedelic, twisting middle-eight provides a respite, heightening the tension before an explosive wall of fuzzy distortion, crashing cymbals, and despairing shouted lead vocals that pull the track to a powerful close.

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Scarlet Tantrum - Inside Out.

Scarlet Tantrum return with “Inside Out,” a powerful indie rock release that captures emotional intensity with cinematic depth and fearless vulnerability. Hailing from Carthage, North Carolina, the she continues carving their lane in modern rock with a sound that blends moody production, immersive atmosphere, and deeply personal lyricism.

Driven by a magnetic female vocal performance, “Inside Out” burns slow before igniting into a soaring, emotionally charged chorus. The track explores obsession, desire, and the fragile tension between longing and losing control. Lines like “Look what you’ve done to me now / You’re all I think about” hit with raw honesty, while the repeated refrain “Hearts burning from the inside out” becomes both confession and catharsis.

The production is layered yet intimate, textured guitars shimmer against steady percussion, creating a dark, atmospheric backdrop that enhances the emotional weight of the song. There’s a push-and-pull energy throughout, capturing the vulnerability of wanting someone so deeply it feels consuming.

“Inside Out” is more than a love song, it’s a slow-burning confession wrapped in atmosphere and urgency. With its haunting mood and undeniable hook, Scarlet Tantrum prove they are building something bigger than a single release, they’re building a sound that resonates long after the final note fades.

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Waterpistol - Navisha - Pam Ross - Howling Bells - Sister Madds - Ava Claire

Photo - Patrick Starsky Thomas

Waterpistol - Felin.

Recently awarded BBC Horizons’ 2026 Launchpad Fund - in partnership with BBC Cymru Wales and Arts Council Wales - Waterpistol return with their first release of 2026, ‘Felin’. Combining the guitar textures of ‘90s shoegaze with golden age rock ‘n’ roll, South Wales-based psych-rock ‘n’ rollers Waterpistol have been firmly set on embodying their influences in The 'Brian Jonestown Massacre', 'The La’s' and Liverpool cult favourites 'Shack' with previous singles “Shotgun” - which received airplay across BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio Wales and Amazing Radio - and October 2024 single “Où est ton âme?” which saw the six-piece playlisted by DIY Magazine.

Formed in late 2022, the band played their first show together in April 2023 as support for CVC’s sold-out hometown show. Festival season followed in quick succession, and soon enough the band had several noteworthy appearances under their belt: FOCUS Wales, Green Man, Sŵn Festival and In It Together Festival.

This new venture with ‘Felin’ touches on the highs and lows of the creative process, the first glimpse of a wider collection of material already taking shape behind the scenes.

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Photo - Jenna-Elson

Navisha - You.

Driven by a warm, intoxicating and upbeat groove, Boorloo-based soul/funk singer-songwriter Navisha returns with ‘You’ this weekend. Wrapped in rhythm and sensual tension, the track leans into desire, temptation, and passion. A WAAPA graduate, 19 year old Navisha has become recognised for songwriting that balances raw heartbreaking ballads and feel-good rhythms. Her previous independent releases, including ‘See Through’, reached #12 on local charts and established her presence in the Western Australian music scene alongside her headline shows throughout 2025.

‘You’ centres on the theme of intimacy, young love and lived moments. The song explores the process of finding oneself through closeness and capturing affection as something felt rather than announced. In contrast to her earlier releases, the track leans into funk-influenced grooves, allowing rhythm to carry the emotional weight. Navisha’s velvety voice remains the central piece. Navisha shares:

“I wrote ‘You’ following the journey of finding myself when I realised I was in love as a teenager, which I think we can all agree makes you blind to anything else happening around you. Carefree with only one thing on my mind, the energy of the song plays on that exact sentiment - forgetting about everything else and just being immersed in the moment, and just Dance or Groove, or whatever makes your body feel good. The goal was to create a song that you can’t get out of your head, the same way you can’t get that person off your mind when you’re in love."

Navisha · You

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Pam Ross - Outside The Box (Album).

Americana music fans have reason to celebrate this weekend, as award-winning singer-songwriter Pam Ross delivers a double dose of new music with the release of her highly anticipated sophomore album, Outside The Box, and her uplifting new single, “Say It Two Times,” both arriving February 13th.

“Say It Two Times” showcases Ross’ signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and infectious, feel-good country energy. Written as a joyful tribute to love’s power to transform everyday life, the song captures the warmth of shared routines, family moments, and the reassurance that comes from hearing those three powerful words more than once.

“I wanted to write a happy love song about realizing how someone has changed your life and made it better,” Ross explains. “It’s about appreciating what you’ve got and recognizing how good things really are. I just wanted an upbeat, happy song. It was originally meant for my first album, but I decided to do some lyrical rewriting at the last minute and held onto it until it felt just right.”

The new single is featured on Ross’ second full-length album, Outside The Box, a seven-song collection that highlights her growth as both a songwriter and artist. The album blends contemporary country, storytelling-driven ballads, and upbeat anthems that reflect Ross’ authenticity and creative independence.


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Howling Bells - Strange Life (Album).

Howling Bells have released their acclaimed new album, ‘Strange Life’, via Nude Records. The UK-based Australian band’s first LP in 12 years, its release is accompanied by a new video for album track 'Sweet Relief'. The trio, comprising Juanita Stein (vocals, guitar), Joel Stein (guitar) and Glenn Moule (drums), will celebrate the LP release with a stripped-back set at Rough Trade Denmark Street this evening, with further in-store shows throughout the week. They subsequently embark on a full UK headline tour in March and April. Full tour dates are listed below.
 
Says Juanita Stein of the newly released song, “Sweet Relief’ is a song about a friend of ours who has suffered with addiction issues. It’s about finding coping mechanisms for whatever struggles and challenges life may throw your way. Also, it’s a note to self, to remain empathic for anyone who might be struggling with this. After all, none of us is immune to life’s extreme shades. Some of us are just more equipped to respond.”  On the album, she explains, “In the decade or so between our last album and now we have lived multiple lives. Starting families, working other jobs, forging new communities and experiencing huge loss. All these experiences have gifted us shades and colours to create new musical canvases. Strange Life has been a decade in the making. In this time we’ve sat quietly and watched as the world around us has shifted dramatically. A wild and fast-paced carousel of music, art and politics has taken our breath away. Yet, we have remained curiously ambitious and stalwart in our commitment to our art and our sound. Strange Life is a testament to all of this.” 

Since their beginnings, breaking through with their acclaimed self-titled debut back in 2006 amidst a landscape of scrappy British indie and skinny-jeaned male dominance, the Australian trio - vocalist/guitarist Juanita Stein, her brother and guitarist Joel Stein and drummer Glenn Moule - have been something of an anomaly. They might have moved to the other side of the world in pursuit of the dreams that soon became a reality, playing at an NME Tour and then in stadiums supporting Coldplay whilst whipping up acclaim from the most credible ends of the music press. They may have seen various members come and go, but Howling Bells’ hypnotic indie rock always stood apart from the pack and was very much a reflection of their unbreakable union. Influenced by the likes of Tom Waits and Sonic Youth, as well as Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac, and Björk, their recipe created a heady, immersive stew - equal parts sepia-toned romance and gritty rock 'n' roll thrills.


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Photo - Rosie Sco

Sister Madds - Table Manners.

Glasgow 5 piece Sister Madds announce their debut EP Are you Hungry? (Feb 27th) and share the vibrant new single ‘Table Manners’ out now. Sitting somewhere between the fizzing edge of alt-rock and the hooks of pop-rock, the band blend late-00s songwriting influences (think Lily Allen and Kate Nash) with hard-hitting, punk-esque musicianship. The result is a bold, bratty and fierce sound, drawing comparisons to The Beaches and No Doubt, with flashes of Alvvays and Wet Leg. Known for their boisterous live shows packed with energy, charm and a touch of chaos, Sister Madds have firmly established themselves as a force within the Scottish music scene.

Produced by Jamie Holmes (Hayley Kiyoko, Lucia and the Best Boys, Gerry Cinnamon, Bully), ‘Table Manners’ captures the band at their most confident — all punchy, glam-rock-tinged guitars and irresistibly catchy, vibrant lead vocals. It’s fun, pointed and packed with the sharp energy that defines Sister Madds’ sound.

Speaking about the single, the band explain: “Table Manners' is a tongue-in-cheek tune that uses the idea of food etiquette as a metaphor to talk about modern day relationships. It's a witty take on modern-day online dating. More and more, there's a growing lack of humanity in the dating world, and people have endless 'options,' which makes the environment pretty hard to navigate. This song doesn't hold back, calling out bad manners in the world of love and saying what we really think.”

SISTER MADDS · Table Manners

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Ava Claire - Salt Mine.

Singer-songwriter Ava Claire releases her new single, “Salt Mine,” out now. Solely written by Ava herself, this vulnerable, introspective ballad traces the evolution of a young woman moving from simply existing in circumstances to fully embracing her destined path.

“I was at a transition of sorts in my life. I was 16, starting to apply to colleges, graduating high school early, writing constantly, and playing as many gigs as I could book. One particularly stressful day, I just looked around and asked myself, 'What am I doing?' 'Would I be happier on another path?' 'Should I move to Montana and write songs in a cabin in the woods?' Salt Mine was born in that moment,” Ava shares.
 
Ava Claire has been a storyteller since she first set poems to music at age eight. After teaching herself guitar via YouTube and making her Music Row debut at the iconic Bobby's Idle Hour at just 11, she has spent the last decade carving out a space for herself in the heart of Music City.

“Salt Mine” showcases Ava Claire's ability to craft music that tells stories while connecting hearts, offering a song that is both a reflection and a rallying cry for anyone seeking their own path.

Ava Claire · Salt Mine

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TRAITRS - AVES - Wormstew - Re Mattei - Sara Hugelshofer - Matthew C. Whitaker

TRAITRS - Dream Drowning.

Toronto-based coldwave duo TRAITRS present their final single before the release of their tertiary album, Possessor. The new goth-horror track “Dream Drowning” is now available on all major streaming platforms. An intricate blend of analog horror, heartthrobbing drum beats, and haunting synths, “Dream Drowning” evokes a sense of urgency with its thought-provoking lyrics. On the captivating new track, TRAITRS aim to analyze the meanings and emotions behind their dreams. Showcasing the horrors of everyday life on an endless loop, the Canadian duo create a track shrouded in mystery.

As avid connoisseurs of post-punk and coldwave, TRAITRS are turning heads with their entrancing soundscapes that penetrate deep. Keeping the spirit of The Cure, Joy Division, or New Order alive, TRAITRS have mesmerized audiences with their electrifying performances and uniquely elevating sound.

With their cinematic blend of horror-based imagery, anthemic choruses, motorik drum loops, atmospheric synths and angular guitars, Canadian cold wave duo TRAITRS stare unflinchingly at our dystopian present while paying homage to artists from the post-punk past. In the decade since their debut record to now, the Toronto-based TRAITRS went from bedroom artists selling cassette tapes on a small boutique record label to accumulating millions of streams worldwide and performing hundreds of shows on massive stages across multiple continents.

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AVES - Justice (feat. IkeN).

Few Finnish groups sound as effortlessly international as Helsinki-based AVES – and even fewer do so with such a meticulous producer's touch. Operating since 2011, Aves has evolved from a band into a music collective where the combination of creators is the idea itself: songs may originate from different members, but they are jointly finalized into carefully selected, polished releases.

The group, originally founded by Antti Ojala, Eino Anttila, and Joonas Hakava, has grown into a music collective with the addition of Alpo Nummelin, Elias Durac, and Markus Perttula. In the collective, the combination of creators is the idea itself: tracks can start from various sources, but they are jointly finalized into carefully selected, polished songs.

The now-released single, Justice, encapsulates the collective's current core: the production can be grand and polished, but it doesn't have to be sterile. It is carefully constructed pop music where the indie background is audible in the details and the warm, human touch. The melancholic pop gem sounds like its creators, not just "ready-made."

The single features Kenyan vocalist IkeN (Ike Ngala), a rising alternative R&B and pop artist based in Britain, whose deep interpretation provides the track with its bright core. At the same time, the collaboration highlights Aves' approach, where guest artists are not an exception but a natural part of the collective's way of writing and finalizing songs.

AVES · Justice (feat. IkeN)

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Wormstew - Spinning.

While Wormstew has existed in various forms, all fronted by LA pop scene fixture Mike Schnee, for years, the band –in its definitive new lineup including bassist/vocalist Teresa Cowles (EZ Tiger, Dragster Barbie, Evie Sands) and drummer/vocalist/producer Michael Simmons (of sparkle*jets u.k. and solo renown) consider their new material their “proper” debut. The band's live shows and prior singles and EPs, as well as Schnee's ongoing surrealist comedy work as his alter ego Chissum Worthington, have earned them a loyal local following, and the strength of their recent songs along with the deftly detailed touch of Simmons as a producer have resulted in an album, Last Days Of Loma, that demands a broader audience. The giddy hooks, winning wordplay and ace harmonies of “Spinning” are the perfect introduction. 

Galloping in on a shuffling beat and an instantly-memorable organ riff, “Spinning” brings a smile right away, especially when Schnee starts singing. The wit of the lyrics and the glee of his delivery simply radiate off of the track, and when Cowles and Simmons join in for the immaculate harmonies of the chorus, the track lifts off into the AM Gold stratosphere. It wouldn't do to say that Wormstew has gotten more “mature” in comparison to their early work: the humor may be more understated and the reasons for Schnee's citation of Neil Young, McCartney and Paul Simon as influences are evident, but there's more than a touch of the childlike enthusiasm of Jonathan Richman and the playfulness of Ween on display, too. 

“I wrote this entire song—everything except the lyrics—years ago: the chords, rhythm, and melody. I couldn’t think of anything to sing about, but I also knew I didn’t want to change a single note. I wanted every syllable to stay exactly as I had 'scat-sung' it on the demo,” says Schnee. “Years later, on a road trip to Lone Pine with Teresa, I finally found the subject matter. As a bonus, I somehow managed to find a real word for every single 'da' I had sung.” Everything gels on the resulting track and it's an ideal jumping-on point for new fans, who can expect the breezy production and warm humor to inform every track on the new album, even as the songs touch on topics from grief, aging, the drive to be a better person and even the characters of the classic movie Jaws.

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Re Mattei - It's A Love Thing.

Re Mattei delivers “It’s A Love Thing,” a warm, soul-stirring single that strips romance down to its truest form. No flash. No status symbols. No polish for polish’s sake. Just the kind of love that hits you in the chest and stays there.

Written by Re Mattei and Courtney Bach, “It’s A Love Thing” is a love song for grown hearts. Sonically, the track glides with effortless confidence—rooted in country and Americana, but elevated by Mattei’s sultry, soulful delivery and a band that knows when to lean in and when to let the song breathe. The result is intimate, timeless, and deeply human.

“I wrote ‘It’s A Love Thing’ because real love isn’t about appearances or what’s sitting in the driveway. It’s not about horsepower or polish—it’s about feeling your heart race when you look in their eyes for the first time and you know they’re the one.” — Re Mattei

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Sara Hugelshofer - Hoffnung.

“Hoffnung” means "hope" – and that's what we need more than ever these days. Winterthur/CH-based art-pop and neoclassical artist Sara Hugelshofer has given it a musical form, together with renowned musician Lisa Oribasi, who produced the single.

Following around 300 plays of her previous release—mostly on international indie radio—a new “art-pop song with soul,” as Sara Hugelshofer describes her sound, is now being released. The first musical sketches for “Hoffnung” were created at the piano during the pandemic. In a time of isolation and inner unrest, the melody became a quiet companion in uncertain moments—and at the same time, an expression of optimism. With the later development of lyrics and production, it grew into a song that today, in a world shaped by uncertainty, conveys a subtle but powerful message of hope and trust.

Sara Hugelshofer spent more than two decades as a classically trained soprano performing on opera and concert stages in Switzerland and Germany. She embodied numerous roles—from the spirited Csárdásfürstin to the ethereal Eurydike—and touched her audiences with expression, presence, and a voice that fills spaces.

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Matthew C. Whitaker - Songs for the Weary (Album).

Renowned Manchester-based musician Matthew C. Whitaker has just finished ‘Songs for the Weary’, a soothing and introspective miniature album designed for those seeking rest.

Following his 2016 record ‘Man With the Anvil Hat’, Whitaker dedicated the following years to recording and touring extensively across the UK and Europe with HENGE, releasing four albums of high-energy, rave-infused prog. In contrast, ‘Songs for the Weary’ offers a serene listening experience - eight gentle compositions featuring subtly intricate harmony, delicate classical guitar, and warm instrumentation.

October 2025 marked the release of debut single “Lucid Dreamer” - a lush, cinematic composition that weaves sweeping strings, nostalgic melodies, and electronic textures into a spellbinding whole. The music finds its visual counterpart in a hypnotic video directed by acclaimed artist Antony Barkworth-Knight. Filmed at Manchester’s Supermassive visual installation, the piece brings Whitaker’s vision to life with breathtaking, ethereal detail.

Co-produced and arranged in collaboration with longtime friend and neighbor Alan Keary (Shunya), the album weaves Whitaker’s compositions with lush string arrangements and subtle electronic elements. The project also features an impressive lineup of guest musicians, including Alabaster DePlume, Rob Turner (GoGo Penguin, Mammal Hands, Elf Traps), Liviu George (Matt Halsall, Elf Traps), as well as his HENGE bandmates Roy Medhurst, Pete Turner, and Sam Draper.

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Heavenly - Florence Dore - Run Remedy - Keeley - Son Little - Star Print Clad - i - Jody Glenham

Heavenly - Scene Stealing.

Yesterday  Skep Wax released a single from the imminent new album by indiepop scene-setters Heavenly. The band are now hitting 750k monthly listeners on Spotify, mostly driven by a younger fan base. 'Scene Stealing' is sweet, upbeat and danceable, but has a sting in its tail. Are online influencer demigods any more respectful of the women and girls who follow them than the dodgy men who Heavenly took aim at back in the riot grrrl punk days of 'Attagirl'? 

Heavenly are seen as the originators of a whole genre of music – known to some as ‘jangle’, others as ‘twee’ and to the band themselves as ‘indiepop’. As fiercely independent as any punk band, but as sweetly melodic as any chart-topping act, Heavenly combine sharp-edged politics with shamelessly joyful pop music.

‘Highway To Heavenly’ shares this recipe with the band’s first four albums, all of which were released in the 1990s at a time when sensitive indie types in the UK were sheltering from the prevailing macho-rock storm under the Sarah Records umbrella, and when women in the US were starting to find their Riot Grrrl voices in the small town of Olympia, where labels like K and Kill Rock Stars were designing a new creative space.

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Florence Dore - Sunset Road.

Nashville-born, Chapel Hill-based Florence Dore returns with her third album, Hold the Spark - a sharp, funny, deeply human collection that pairs rich storytelling with a killer rock band.
 
“Sunset Road,” the lead single from Hold the Spark, finds Florence Dore stepping outside herself and into character. After writing dozens of songs for the album, Dore stopped wanting to look in the mirror - the feelings were still there, but instead of turning inward, she let the characters take over. Chelsea arrived, and as the song took shape, it shed its complexity and sharpened into a lean, driving rock track. By shifting the focus from artist to character, the story snapped into focus, with the truth bent just enough in service of a better song.

A songwriter with the narrative bite of James McMurtry and the melodic instincts of Lucinda Williams, Dore delivers her strongest collection to date, rich storytelling wrapped in emotional vocals and backed by a killer rock band. The songs span the spectrum, from a tear-jerking love song for her daughter to a hilarious, Stooges-leaning rocker skewering academic meetings, alongside reflections on missed romance and mortality that recall the sharp insight of Aimee Mann.
 
Produced by Don Dixon (R.E.M.) and mixed by Paul Voran (Bon Iver, Nathaniel Rateliff, Waxahatchee), Hold the Spark features an all-star cast of Americana greats including Jason Wilber (John Prine) and Chris Masterson (The Wallflowers, Steve Earle & the Dukes) on guitars, with husband Will Rigby (Steve Earle & the Dukes, The dB’s) on drums, plus guest appearances from Mitch Easter (Let's Active), Libby Rodenbough (Mipso), Robert Sledge (Ben Folds Five), Kelly Pratt (Father John Misty), and Eleanor Whitmore (Elvis Costello, Steve Earle & the Dukes).

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Run Remedy - Jessie's Girl.

Alt-pop artist Run Remedy has turned Rick Springfield’s iconic 1981 hit Jessie’s Girl into a soft-girl, sapphic daydream. Released today, the warm and witty cover version gives an updated perspective on the song, with lush instrumentation, playful key changes and a queer spin. Run Remedy transforms the classic yearning of the original into a fresh, intimate narrative while honoring its timeless emotional core.

“I swear if I’m back home driving around South Jersey, ‘Jessie’s Girl’ will come on within the hour (shout out 95.1WAYV),” says Run Remedy, the alter ego of Manchester based American born songwriter Robin Koob. “It’s been stuck in my head my whole life. That level of cringey yearning is timeless, so obviously I had to make my own sapphic spinoff.”

In her reinterpretation, all the characters are women, flipping the song’s original perspective into a queer, tender slow-burn - one that feels equal parts playful pop maximalism and masterful musicianship. She swaps the guitar solo for a banjo, changes the key twice no less, and reinvigorates the song’s lyrics with playful sapphic twists - all while preserving that iconic riff that music fans know and love.

“The original video is pure camp, so I basically Weird Al’d it with rainbow kids,” Run Remedy explains. “We recreated almost every shot in one day, gorilla-shooting around Manchester, spared my bathroom mirror, and ended the day passing around the wig. Everyone looked better in it than I did, which feels correct.”

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Keeley - Crossing Lands.

Dreamrock trio Keeley, fronted by Dublin-born singer-guitarist Keeley Moss, are thrilled to present “Crossing Lands” from their forthcoming album ‘Girl On The Edge Of The World’ which lands February 20 via Definitive Gaze.

The new track is just one example of the stylistic diversity that threads its way across their new release, driven by a scratchy punk-funk beat that recalls the post-punk heyday of 1981, while retaining the dreampop elements the band has become known for since their debut ‘Floating Above Everything Else’ in 2023.

“Crossing Lands” is an elegy to the vibrancy of youth and wanderlust, incorporating travel themes and the yearning to explore. The song’s visual counterpart is a video shot entirely using vintage VHS techniques. Filmed and edited in Scotland by Glasgow-based film-maker and photographer Laura Meek, the clip captures the kinetic thrill of forward motion and daydreams. 

Moss and her Keeley bandmates Lukey Foxtrot (Bass) and Andrew Paresi (Drums, Programming) head out on a UK headline tour next week and will be showcasing tracks from the new album including recent singles “Who Wants To See The World” and “Hungry For The Prize”. 


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Photo - Jasmin Valcarcel

Son Little - Cherry.

Curiosity about his ancestry has led songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Son Little on a journey throughout the American South that has resulted in his new album, simply titled ‘Cityfolk’ (out 20 March). The West Coast-born, Northeast-bred musician finetunes his craft here and speaks for those enduring tribulations about finding their place in the world. Equal parts cosmic and carnal, on 'Cherry' Little drifts through hazy memories and half-truths, chasing that electric moment when love feels both eternal and fleeting. It’s tender, a little tipsy, and full of wonder - the sound of falling in love at light speed, knowing it might all disappear by morning. Give it a listen below.

Little, whose real name is Aaron Livingston, has sonically travelled everywhere that his songwriting and instrumentation have taken him. He’s toured with the likes of Black Pumas, Kelis and Mumford & Sons and made festival appearances at Newport Folk and Bonnaroo, melding his dedicated fanbase with mainstream listeners. On the soulful fluidity of 2020’s ‘aloha,’ the ANTI- Records act braves his way through realisations about his personal shortcomings, but endeavours to persevere through the madness. 2022’s ‘Like Neptune’ unspools Little’s time in therapy, no longer silencing his inner fire. With a catalogue that has amassed over 250 million streams, Little’s originality has embarked on a new chapter.
 
Now living outside of Atlanta, Livingston attributes the development of ‘Cityfolk’ to going even further south to record in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. It was there that Little, whose past collaborations include The Roots and RJD2, connected with two-time GRAMMY-winning musician and Alabama Shakes band member Ben Tanner to flesh out sketches of songs that he’d crafted through epiphanies about his family’s roots. 

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Star Print Clad - Melanie.

Brighton (England) five-piece Star Print Clad share the new single ‘Melanie’ (Feb 12th), the first in a run of singles due throughout 2026. Blending classic 70’s rock swagger with a bubbling indie energy, the band have quickly built a name for themselves on their local scene, becoming renowned for their electric live presence and driving ambition.

Recorded and produced at Salvation Studios (Brighton) with Jake Stainer (Wet Leg, shame, David Gilmour, NewDad), ‘Melanie’ captures Star Print Clad at their most unfiltered, foregrounding emotional sincerity against a guitar-driven instrumental backdrop. Crunchy, weighty and intricately layered guitars, accented by subtle piano, locked-in drums and a grounding bassline, usher the song in with a playful, alluringly awkward groove that contrasts beautifully with the vocal’s heartfelt melancholy. While echoes of Sam Fender and Kings Of Leon are present, the songwriting blooms in the chorus before drifting into a whimsical middle eight, closing on a euphoric final refrain where the guitars swirl around the vocals with a classic-rock flourish.

Speaking about the single, the band explain: “The bones of the single were recorded as a live take with all five of us playing around in Salvation Studio’s live room. This allowed us to capture the raw edge and unfiltered energy of our live sonic profile.

During the time Melanie was being penned I’d just fallen back in love with KoL’s “Aha Shake Heartbreak”, the clash of the guitars, that rasping vocal delivery that winds as it howls until you finally arrive at Caleb’s wavering destination. That sort of attitude is what we wanted to put into this song.  We had an old Selmer and a Marshall stack set up, cut down the road for breakfast, came back, cranked it and the rest is on the record.”

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i - Often.

Los Angeles alternative rock band i return with “Often,” a deeply personal and emotionally charged single that blends grunge grit with heartfelt vulnerability. Drawing from the melodic melancholy of Alice in Chains, the emotional storytelling of Counting Crows, and the raw sincerity of Pearl Jam, “Often” stands as one of the band’s most authentic releases to date.

Originally written as a poem for his wife, vocalist Al never intended for “Often” to become a full band recording. “I originally wrote Often as a poem for my wife,” Al explains. “But when the muse sent me the melody, I sent over what I had to Paul, who then wrote the music.” What began as a private love letter evolved into a powerful alternative rock ballad rooted in devotion, resilience, and survival.

The song took on even deeper meaning in 2021, when Al’s wife was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal gland cancer. After a difficult two-year battle and recovery, the band knew it was time to properly record and release “Often,” not just as a love song, but as a testament to strength through darkness.

Musically, “Often” showcases i’s eclectic influences. Clean, emotive verses bloom into soaring choruses, layered with textured guitars and a warm, analog-inspired atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and immediate. The lyrics balance simplicity and depth: “My angel has no wings - My angel loves to sing -
My angel laughs out loud - Often.”

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Jody Glenham - Love Deficiency Syndrome.

Still Here, Jody Glenham’s self-produced EP, arriving April 24, 2026, marks a new chapter in her nearly two-decade career, centering on emotional endurance and creative maturity. Moving beyond the immediacy and mood of her past work, the collection emphasizes patience and presence, weaving hazy guitars, door-chime synths, and dreamy vocals into a cohesive, timeless set of songs. Lead single “Love Deficiency Syndrome” captures the awkward optimism of post-breakup rebirth, pairing a sunlit, mid-tempo bounce with what Glenham describes as “grinning through the pain.” 

Inspired by an article Lena Dunham wrote about ending a long-term relationship, the track is full of subtle nods: the opening synth-and-guitar hook evokes a drawn-out doorbell waiting for an Uber Eats delivery, and the bridge references computer shutdowns, reflecting both the autopilot of being in a relationship and the process of becoming whole again. “We leaned into really melodramatic imagery,” Glenham says, “as a nod to how a breakup can make you feel like ‘my life is ending,’ when really… you’re going to be just fine.” The result is bittersweet yet buoyant—heartbreak reframed with a confident sense of ease and forward motion.

For nearly twenty years, Jody Glenham has been a notable presence in Canada’s independent music scene. Her 2020 album Mood Rock earned national support from CBC Radio, charted on Canadian college radio, and was considered for the Polaris Music Prize long list, while her cinematic style of indie rock has landed syncs in Netflix series including Snowpiercer, Tiny Pretty Things, and My Life with the Walter Boys. Praised by outlets like NME, Refinery29, and American Songwriter—who wrote that it’s “as if she composes music from the very elements in the air and atmosphere around us”—Glenham’s work offers listeners permission to feel deeply without despair. American Songwriter also notes that she “holds time in her palm on Still Here, an EP that cradles each song like a memory,” a fitting description for an artist whose music consistently balances cinematic sweep with intimate reflection.

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They Might Be Giants - Em Spel - Dave Lenahan feat. Karree Phillips - Gabrielle Cavassa

Photo - Shervin Lainez

They Might Be Giants - Wu-Tang.

Brooklyn legends They Might Be Giants proudly announce the arrival of their highly anticipated new LP, “The World Is to Dig”. The 18-song album arrives April 14 in all formats at TMBGshop.com and on streaming services; plus an exclusive 180-gram vinyl color variant will be available at indie retail shops on April 17. This is the band’s first full-length album since 2021’s Grammy-nominated “BOOK”, and the project blends sharp songwriting and bold experimentation into a refreshingly original collection.

The album’s lead single, “Wu-Tang,” is out now. While the song’s lyrics celebrate the power of Wu-Tang Clan over a fan as a transformative force, TMBG’s trademark melodicism sweetly buoys the listener along with waves of ‘60s-style pop hooks.

John Linnell says, "Many years ago, we discussed the idea of celebrating an artist or a style of music, but in the form of a completely unrelated genre of music. The original idea was a Tin Pan Alley-style song extolling the greatness of heavy metal. ‘Wu-Tang’ was written more or less along those lines, partly inspired by their TV biopic, but void of any musical reference to the great hip-hop collective. Are we fans? Sure! Would we ever attempt to emulate their sound? Not publicly." 

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Em Spel - The Tide.

We have the second single "The Tide" from the always challenging and delightful Chicago artist Em Spel, from her  forthcoming new album Bird or Snake. "This song shares DNA with the love song on the album, “Sea Wall.” It’s the same guitar hook, upside down. It’s the same instrumentation, but wilder, shifting, all mixed up. The flute becomes a bass flute. 

The saxophone loses its melodic direction, becomes gnarly and shrieking and unstable. The Tide is a climate apocalypse song, yes, but it’s also an inverted love song. Man-made walls feel stable, but crumble over time. The sea is ever changing, but it is vaster, incomprehensibly older, and it’ll be here when we’re all long gone.

One inspiration for the sound-world of this song was P.J. Harvey’s The Nether-Edge. I was obsessed with that album when it came out, and that song in particular. There’s a little bit of homage in there, in both the sound effects and subject matter." Em Spel is the solo project of Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist Emma Hospelhorn. 

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Dave Lenahan feat. Karree Phillips - Wildflowers.

“Wildflowers” leans gently into Americana and folk influences, bringing a quiet, sweet joy that lingers long after the song ends. A steady, classic-leaning country duet, it keeps the focus on connection over spectacle, built around familiar imagery and grounded, heartfelt performances. The song celebrates a love that grows naturally through shared moments, patience, and presence rather than grand declarations.

The chorus anchors the track: “Young love blooming in the sun / two hearts beating as one / talking ’bout forever / how we’ll always be together…” There’s a kindness to the way Lenahan and Phillips trade lines, giving each other space and meeting in the middle. It feels warm, conversational, and genuine — like a story being told softly, just for you.

Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and now based in Nashville, Dave Lenahan is a veteran songwriter influenced by Michael Stanley, Dan Fogelberg, and The Eagles. He began playing guitar at age 11, developed his instincts through church choirs and worship bands, and spent over four decades in radio before turning his full attention to songwriting. As the Cincinnati coordinator for NSAI, Lenahan has established himself as an icon in the scene. He has co-written hundreds of songs and performed sold out shows at venues including The Bluebird Café and The Listening Room.

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Photo - Roeg Cohen

Gabrielle Cavassa - Prisoner of Love.

Award-winning vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa makes her artistic arrival with the May 1 release of her Blue Note debut, Diavola, an album that unveils her range as a band leader, a songwriter, and a fearless song interpreter who treats each gesture with subtlety and reverence. Co-produced by Joshua Redman and Don Was, Diavola is a collection of original songs and luminous arrangements that features an extraordinary cast of collaborators with Jeff Parker on guitar,  Larry Grenadier on bass, Brian Blade on drums, Paul Cornish on piano, and Redman on tenor saxophone.

“I really respect songs and I really want to honor them in the best way,” says Cavassa. Admittedly a “huge” Billy Eckstine fan, Cavassa swings slow and steady on the album’s lead single “Prisoner of Love.” Each lyric she charms with deliberate long tones and thoughtful dynamics. “Modernity is important to me,” she says, “but the truth is I really am coming from a tradition. And I really love singing those songs.”

At once intimate and anthemic, Diavola subverts the self-portrait. The album explores coexistences of the angel and the devil — a dynamic central to Cavassa’s artistry and personal identity — engaging a dualism of possession and surrender, of urgency and repose. “I’m not willing to let go of either,” says Cavassa, “or I haven’t been able to.”

The album also spotlights Cavassa’s pivotal association with Redman, who invited her into the studio and on the road as a collaborator for his own Blue Note debut where are we, released in 2023. “It’s kind of a Cinderella Story,” says Cavassa, who began working with Redman after his manager heard her perform at a wedding in New Orleans. “That was such a shocking life change,” she says. “It was such a rare opportunity as a singer to be able to tour on that level as a sideman. And in jazz, it’s a rite of passage.”

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