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
ELI fits the pieces together on Full Form
London artist ELI released her debut EP Full Form late last year. The EP showcases her songwriting and production mastery across genres like soul, trip-hop, and electronic. The four-song project explores themes of frustration, doubt, and alienation, creating an elaborate sonic landscape that mirrors its lyrical content. ELI, influenced by diverse musical genres, discusses her musical journey, genre-bending aspirations, and the evolution of her sound in our Q&A.
Exploring love and loss in ‘The New Romantics’
The New Romantics, spearheaded by multi-instrumentalist Brandon Biondo, has delved into a spectrum of genres. Since 2013, his solo project has unveiled numerous singles and EPs. However, it wasn't until Biondo experienced the profound loss of his mother that he turned to the album format as a form of solace and distraction. The New Romantics stands as a harmonious collection of sounds, reflecting Biondo's diverse set of influences. In our Q&A with the talented artist, we discuss loss, musical taste, the ability to disconnect from music, and more.
With ‘GOOD TIME,’ DAIISTAR Bolts to the Top
Austin noise pop band DAIISTAR experienced a sudden rise with their debut album GOOD TIME. The album, conceptualized by vocalist/guitarist Alex Capistran, was released by London indie Fuzz Club Records. In our interview, Capistran highlights the collaborative process with the band and producer Alex Maas. We talk about process, performance, the band’s ambition, and more.
Photo Credit: Janelle Abad
Dead Leaf Echo digs into The Mercy of Women
Dead Leaf Echo has been an integral part of New York’s shoegaze scene for over a decade. On their latest album ‘The Mercy of Women,’ Dead Leaf Echo experiments with song structure and genre further developing their craft. Delays stemming from the pandemic resulted in the album taking over six years from start to finish. We connected with the band’s vocalist LG Galleon to discuss the album’s evolution, concept, and more.
Best Songs of 2023
This year we compiled a list of our favorite releases from 2023. Our picks for best songs include poetic hip-hop from LPTHERAPPER and psychedelic rock from Holy Wave. Check out our full list!
Best EPs of 2023
This year we compiled a list of our favorite releases from 2023. Our EP picks include post-punk/industrial duo Polevaulter and London indie rock act Peter Xan. Check out our full list!
Best Albums of 2023
This year we compiled a list of our favorite releases from 2023. Our pick include shoegaze sounds of DAIISTAR to the bewitching rhythms of Karen y Los Remedios. Check out our full list!
La Prave - La Demo(s)
Houston’s La Prave is releasing their debut EP. The post-genre band creates music that pulls from various sounds, from new wave, grunge, pop, and electronic. In our Q&A with the duo, we talk about parallels between different creative outlets, the freedom stemming from being self-taught, the double-edged sword that is social media, and more.
Checking In: Fat Llama, Vol. 6 (London)
In our new series “Checking In,” we explore the local scenes created and fostered by emerging artists. First up is the London label and collective Fat Llama. Known for its pop-up shops, podcast series, and events, the label is fronted by experimental Hip Hop artist JoeJas. Each year, Fat Llama throws a party that highlights up-and-coming indie artists, with ranging influences from punk to electronic to grime. This year’s event included Cheray, Paris Yves, Michael Ekow, retropxssy, and JoeJas. Read our interviews with the artists and check out photos from the event!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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