Roman Martinez 11/9/23 Roman Martinez 11/9/23

The Seshen Finds Release on Nowhere

The Seshen, the six-piece electronic/R&B/indie rock band out of Oakland, has been around for over a decade. Their new album Nowhere, reflects the emotional journey of band members Lalin St. Juste and Akiyoshi Ehara. The two found solace in music when their marriage came to an end. The album explores the unwinding of the pair’s relationship through deeply personal and introspective lyrics. Despite their challenges, the album showcases the band's unbreakable bond. In our interview, we discuss turning to songwriting to find release, the album’s production, the definition of success, and more.

Photo Credit: Ginger Fierstein

Roman Martinez 10/24/23 Roman Martinez 10/24/23

On JUMBO, Juicebumps Explores New Ground

The music from California post-punk band Juicebumps could easily serve as a video game soundtrack. Their sound is a fusion of new wave, post- and dance-punk. Their remarkable lyrical skill, captivating melodies, and unpredictable rhythms make them a standout presence in Oakland’s music scene. On their new album JUMBO, the band incorporates new genres and instrumentation. Using Drum and Bass samples and strings, Juicebumps pushes into new sonic territory. In our interview, we discuss exactly how the changes in their song development modified their sound.

Photo Credit: Dan Schmatz

Roman Martinez 8/14/23 Roman Martinez 8/14/23

Holy Wave's Album Five of Cups Marks the Band’s Profound Reexamination

Austin psych rock outfit Holy Wave, comprised of Ryan Fuson, Kyle Hager, Joseph Cook, and Julian Ruiz, boasts a rich musical history. Rooted in surf-rock, lo-fi garage, and dream pop, their intricate compositions blend pop sensibilities with experimental sounds. Their latest album, Five of Cups stands as some of their best work. Tracks like "Five of Cups" and "Hypervigilance" showcase their ability to craft immersive sonic landscapes. The album's inspiration arose from a tarot reading, prompting the band to reassess their path forward after pandemic-induced uncertainty.

Photo Credit: James Oswald

Roman Martinez 6/25/23 Roman Martinez 6/25/23

Van Common Looks Inward on Sunstruck

Berlin-based songwriter/producer Van Common set strict parameters before recording his debut album Sunstruck. Instead, the album took shape organically, stretching outside of those restrictions. The result is a mostly electronic, indie-pop dance album on which Van Common looks inward and analyzes the impact of his actions. In our interview with the Dutch musician, we discuss discovering instrumental dance music, the challenges of learning to create music on a laptop, translating the album to a live setting, and more.

Photo Credit: Hannah Aletta

Roman Martinez 5/11/23 Roman Martinez 5/11/23

HEAVY SLEEPER stands out on CHIME

On their new EP CHIME, HEAVY SLEEPER demonstrates their growth in melodic hooks, songwriting, and production. Drawing influences from alt-rock, shoegaze, and post-punk, their sound results in their self-proclaimed genre of "space punk." We connected with the band on their start, songwriting process and more.

Photo Credit: Jack Ludwick

Roman Martinez 3/28/23 Roman Martinez 3/28/23

Austin’s Urban Heat on transforming post-punk

Austin’s Urban Heat is determined to make waves. Their songs merge sounds from a number of genres, thematically moving between despair and hope. Lead singer Jonathan Horstmann’s baritone vocals add a layer of urgency to the band’s lyrics. Read our interview with Horstmann, where we discuss making music for therapeutic purposes, touring and the band’s desire to reshape the sound of post-punk.

Photo Credit: Ima Leupp

Roman Martinez 3/16/23 Roman Martinez 3/16/23

Taleen Kali flourishes on their debut album Flower of Life

On their first album Flower of Life, Los Angeles band Taleen Kali delivers. The release is ten tracks of guitar-driven songs that pull from goth, punk, and brit rock. Lead singer / songwriter Taleen’s heavenly vocals over layers of distortion creates an exquisite harmony. The album is the perfect companion to a collapsing world. Read our interview with Taleen in which she discusses recording, DUM DUM Zine, and finding her tribe in LA.

Photo Credit: Kris Balocca

Roman Martinez 2/21/23 Roman Martinez 2/21/23

Been Stellar Shines In A Crowded City

Been Stellar, the 5-piece indie rock band from Brooklyn, is onto something. The band turns everyday observations into fascinating stories of city life. By resisting to emulate their influences, the band has tapped into a new sound. Vocalist Sam Slocum and guitarist Skyler St. Marx talk to us about authenticity in songwriting, playing shows in the US and NYC’s power to inspire and interfere with the band’s creative process.

Photo Credit: Nicole Osrin

Roman Martinez 1/24/23 Roman Martinez 1/24/23

Atlanta band Upchuck reinvigorates the sound of punk

Atlanta 5-piece Upchuck are without a doubt a punk band. Their debut album Sense Yourself fuses sounds from metal, psychedelic, hardcore and cumbia to create something distinct. Lead guitarist Mikey chats about Upchuck’s origin, community, touring and what lies ahead for the band.

Photo Credit: Marlon Garcia

Roman Martinez 1/4/23 Roman Martinez 1/4/23

Angel-Maker’s Chris Nelson on the evolution of the band

Indianapolis post-punk / coldwave project Angel-Maker have released their complete collection of seasons EP series. The band’s founder Chris Nelson talks to us about the band’s songwriting process, aesthetics, recreating their recorded sound on stage and more.

Photo Credit: Rachel Schwebach

Roman Martinez 12/14/22 Roman Martinez 12/14/22

Puck revisits their past on the introspective Best Friend

Puck chats with us about their debut indie rock / alt pop album Best Friend, the influence of the Pacific Northwest, bringing down the patriarchy and the economics of touring.

Photo Credit: Joule Seventeen