Docile Bodies go with their gut
Dutch post-punk band Docile Bodies’ debut album, Light Will Come Our Way, is a powerful, emotionally-driven release that showcases their intuitive approach to songwriting. The album explores themes of art, nature, and family, while delving into hope and possibilities. We spoke with vocalist Sjoerd Aarden about the band moving in unison, turning gut feeling and indecisiveness into creativity, and their plans to experiment even further in the future.
Cosmopaark switches things up on ‘Backyard’
Bordeaux shoegaze band Cosmopaark has released their latest EP, Backyard, which features five tracks that blend classic shoegaze with modern noise pop. The EP was recorded in a studio, allowing the band to experiment with new production techniques. Backyard explores themes of resilience and introspection while showcasing their evolving sound. With a limited-edition release that quickly sold out, Cosmopaark's creative journey continues to captivate fans. Read our interview with vocalist Clément Pelofy.
6 Things W/The Noir Dalis
The Noir Dalis is a Los Angeles-based duo featuring vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Carlos Bojorquez and drummer Linda Ventura. The pair is known for their collaborative songwriting, blending influences from psychedelic, garage, and post-punk. Their debut single, "Strawberry Jones," was recorded at Joshua Tree Studios with producer Tommy Dietrick and Jared Artaud (The Vacant Lots). Their self-titled debut album was released earlier this year, followed by additional singles, including the new 7” Rise. In "6 Things W/The Noir Dalis," they share insights about their favorite gear, creative exercises and more.
November 2024 Best Releases
Bandcamp Friday is on a break until December. We rounded up a list of October releases any way.
Phantom Handshakes on instinct, mood and success
Phantom Handshakes explores themes of twilight and emotional depth in their latest album Sirens at Golden Hour. The dream pop duo is Matt Sklar and Federica Tassano. They perform live as a 5-piece alongside Meghan Seeberg, Matt Billington, and Brian Alvarez. Sonically, the release expands on their lo-fi soundscapes, while they touch on themes of hope, despair and the climate crisis. We connected with the pair to discuss instinctual songwriting, measuring success and more.
Pop Music Fever Dream gets serious
New York’s Pop Music Fever Dream is set to release its new EP, Songs For Emotion, tomorrow. The EP follows their debut, Songs for Promoters, and presents a shift to a more serious and intense tone. The new tracks delve into themes including personal struggle and technological obsession. In an interview with frontperson T. Seeberger, we discuss pay phones, vulnerability in songwriting, and tapping into their visceral energy.
Photo Credit: Sydney Tate
6 Things W/Valleyview
Pittsburgh post-punk band Valleyview recently released their debut album Still Life. The band, consisting of Jesse Farine, Jared Anderson, Ben Volk, and Ethan Herring, draws inspiration from both contemporary and classic post-punk acts, including Protomartyr and Joy Division.
In our "6 Things W/Valleyview" Farine talks the band's evolving guitar sound, stepping away from music to defeat writer's block, their approach to visual work and the importance of supporting others in the independent music scene.
FOSS on the transformational act of a creative reset
In the Winter of 2020, Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Romain Collin traveled to Iceland for a creative reset. Due to COVID lockdowns, Collin spent six months in a remote cabin writing music. Upon his return, Collin and multi-Grammy award-winning producer Jeremy Loucas worked for a month. Together, as FOSS, they finished the album Shapeless. Read our Q&A with Collin, where we chat about audio & visual work, working in isolation, being inspired by nature and circumstances, and more.
Rontronik on ‘Zero Eight’
In July, New York producer/DJ/creative director Rontronik (Ron Croudy) released his latest album, Zero Eight. Recorded live, the 40-minute project reflects on the period following the COVID lockdown with its experimental, ambient, and noise-driven sound. Growing up in Flint, Michigan, Croudy was influenced by the Detroit techno and Chicago house scenes, as well as industrial and jazz music. Those sounds would shape his eclectic musical style. After experimenting with electronic music in college and co-founding the label Töshöklabs, Croudy began releasing his own work. Zero Eight, conceived during the transition out of quarantine and initially performed live via streaming, captures the uncertainty and anticipation of a world reopening. We spoke with Rontronik to discuss growing up in Flint, his influences, and more.
all under heaven makes magic on ‘What Lies Ahead Of Me’
all under heaven's debut album What Lies Ahead Of Me, highlights the band’s evolution. The New Jersey band is Nick DeFabritus, Michael Cucci, Aaron Brenner, and Jake Rubin. Their new album blends old and new tracks, showcasing themes of loneliness, growth, and introspection through emotive shoegaze music. With contributions from band members and collaborator Wyatt Oberholzer, the album introduces new elements like synths and electronic drums. The spontaneous creation of "Believing," influenced by "Just Like Heaven," adds an energetic touch. The shift towards a more collaborative recording process revitalized their approach, leading to a renewed creative spirit. Read our interview with Nick DeFabritus and Michael Cucci in which we discuss collaboration, X-files, and making magic in the studio.
Polevaulter’s ‘Hang Wave’ is a sonic doomsday
Polevaulter's debut album "Hang Wave" is a raw, intense fusion of jagged electronic synths and dance-punk influences. UK duo Jon Franz and Daniel Wearmouth, with producer Shaene Hunter, recorded the album live to capture its gritty authenticity. Tracks like "Mia Goth Made Me Do It" and "Pissed in the Baths" evoke sonic anxiety and turmoil, combining aggressive beats and noise. In our Q&A with Jon Franz, we discuss their creative process, political themes, and the struggles of independent artists in today's music industry.
Operator Music Band becomes one with house
Operator Music Band, known for its experimental approach and diverse soundscapes, has evolved from its krautrock roots to embrace house music. The trio, which features Dara Hirsch, Jared Hiller, and Daniel Siles, released their latest EP Four Singles, which showcases dance and acid-house tracks. This transition allows them to explore improvisation and spontaneity, in live performances and studio recordings. In our Q&A, Hirsch and Hiller discussed their creative processes, emphasizing a shift towards programming gear for live shows and collaborative songwriting.
Speedrun knights her inner hero
New York indie artist Speedrun, also known as Nina Lüders, found solace and expression in music during the COVID lockdown. Her debut EP "Love’s Latest News," influenced by early to mid-aughts indie rock, explores various facets of love and draws inspiration from French poet Jean-Michel Maulpoix. In our Q&A with Speedrun, we talk about her DIY journey, evolving the project into a multi-dimensional creative endeavor, balancing social media and mental health, and more.
Jade. reaches for familiarity on Autumn Electric
New York indie Jade. debuted their album Autumn Electric last year. The band, fronted by William States Langham, formed after Langham turned to music for solace. Drawing on influences like Tame Impala and The Smashing Pumpkins, the album melds crunchy distortion with introspective lyrics. Read our Q&A with Langham where we discuss new music, live shows and nostalgia.
daarling dives into the deep within
Chicago-based trio daarling has emerged onto the music scene with their debut album, "The Deep Within." Recorded in the basement of their old practice space with CJ Melton, the album showcases a mix of alt-rock and shoegaze, tinged with elements of noise and grunge. Tracks like "Metamorphosis" and "Out of Greed" offer introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, highlighting daarling's ability to craft emotive and compelling music. As they embark on a spring tour to promote their album, daarling promises to continue pushing creative boundaries while staying true to their evocative sound. Read our Q&A with the band.
Checking In: The New Colossus Festival (New York)
New York’s indie music festival The New Colossus took over lower Manhattan earlier this month. Spread over eight venues across the city’s East Village and Lower East Side, the lineup featured more than 150 independent artists. That’s in addition to daytime panels from music distribution platform Ditto Music on publishing, touring, Spotify for Artists, Chartmetric, and more.
Its fifth edition had everything from psych rock to electronic punk. We connected with some of our favorite performers to talk songwriting, gear, and festival highlights.
NADEZHDA on hope in a time of despair
Salt Lake City band NADEZHDA released their debut EP Battery in January. The release explores the social ramifications of capitalism and the effects of the illusory “American Dream.” Through the darkness, the band remains optimistic. Described as "hardcore's Fleetwood Mac," they merge influences from punk, grunge, and alt-rock. In our Q&A with the 5-piece, we discuss the band’s origin story, their approach to recording, influences, and more.
The Narcotix bends time and space on Dying
On their debut album Dying, Brooklyn art-rock band The Narcotix takes you on a journey exploring time, personal transformation, and life after death. Led by Esther Quansah and Becky Foinchas, their choral arrangements over psychedelic folk and West African polyrhythms, turn music into a sonic wonderland. From haunting to ebullient, Dying captures the band's deep bond as they tap into a visceral energy fueled by personal breakthroughs. In our interview with Quansah and Foinchas we talk vocal arrangements, songwriting, exorcisms in the studio, the birth of the album, and more.
Hot Mud searches for truth on Rehab Rock
Ottawa artist Hot Mud confronts addiction on his debut album Rehab Rock. The album is a raw and honest portrayal of addiction and recovery. Influenced by indie rock, stoner rock, art rock, and psych-pop, Hot Mud blends harsh truths with humor, addressing the emotional journey of healing. Hot Mud, who turned to creative pursuits during recovery, discusses art as therapy, mental toughness, and influences in our Q&A.
ILTON finds comfort on the dancefloor
Influenced by acts like Dirty Vegas, ATB, and Real Lies, New York electronic artist ILTON makes bangers. His latest EP ‘SAD BOY RAVE’ culminates house, dance-pop, and electronic beats. On the surface, these are dance songs, but dig deeper and you’ll find heartbreak. We connected with ILTON to discuss headlining Coachella, feeling connected to the SAD BOY RAVE brand, sampling as a form of artistic expression, and more
Photo Credit: Bo Apitz