So lately I have become one of those paranoid individuals that hates knowing my personal information is being tracked by algorithms in websites. I honestly become slightly enraged when it seems like I am only thinking about a product and then I see an ad of it on Instagram or Facebook. I hated the idea of it, but in a way, I can't be mad about it when it comes to Spotify. Those pesky algorithms helped curate an ever-changing playlist I genuinely look forward to each Monday that suggests Indie/Up and Coming artists based off who I listen to on regular rotation. I have come to find some really great and surprising new artists and songs that are now a part of my daily life, and I really can't wait to show you just a handful of what I've been introduced to within the last few months. If you're curious about yours! Start following the "Discovery Weekly" playlist. Enjoy!
10. Born Ruffians- Side Tracked Album: Uncle, Duke & The Chief (2018)
I can feel this song all the way down my spine. I understand that may not make much sense at this time but hear me out! The way the guitar is played in the intro makes me feel like I can feel the music move up and down my back. The vocals of Luke Lalonde are very melodic and give the same spine-y-ness as I stated before. This song just makes me feel good. It’s simple and hypnotic in so many ways.
9. Grand Lotus- Australia EP: Title Wave (2017)
My favorite part about this song is hands down the vocals. It complements the ambient guitar in the background really well, and the way the vocalist inflects his voice up and down with such fragility and power just really hits me. This band is from the sunny state of Florida which I think can be heard in Australia. It’s very reminiscent of surf music but Grand Lotus has the ability to stay relevant and very original. This is a care-free song that makes me smile every time I hear it. Grand Lotus has been on major repeat lately, and if you happen to enjoy this track, I recommend their track Title Wave on the same EP.
8. Goodbye June- Daisy Album: Magic Valley (2017)
Take my word for it: This song passes the “driving in my car blaring music” test! This track really shows what phenomenal musicianship can sound like. There is an apparent intro that just transitions into a melodic verse that parallels nicely with the mild raspy vocals of Landon Milbourn who has QUITE the range in the chorus. This is a true relevant rock n roll band that clearly has no problem experimenting with different textures and tones. This song has so much going on and yet Goodbye June has organized in a way that doesn’t feel chaotic. It’s become one of my favorites to date.
7. Night Riots- Nothing Personal Album: Love Gloom (2017)
If you enjoy bands like The Neighborhood, The 1975, or Bad Suns, you will really enjoy Night Riots. This is another band that isn’t afraid to use different textures and sounds to create a unique listening experience. The intro reminds me a bit of that spine-y-ness feeling I spoke about above, but I just enjoy how the vocals of Travis Hawley are a bit aggressive over the light heartedness in the beginning. This song just exudes power. It’s short, direct, and makes me want to shimmy around the house which I do proudly.
6. The Roosevelts- Love in Color
Single: Love in Color (2018)
I think everyone can relate to this song to a certain extent. It’s all about falling for someone who doesn’t want anything other than a casual hook up here and there. This track is a bit more pop compared to the other tracks listed, but I just love the lyrics to this song. Sure, it sounds nice, but I think the writing is the true gem to this song. It’s mainstream, relatable, and it really paints a picture. It’s easy to sing along to, and I think the vocalist’s voice is just high enough that it compliments that musical style well.
5. grandson- Despicable EP: A Modern Tragedy Vol . 1 (2018)
You might recognize this band from their radio hit Blood // Water which is a good song, but in my opinion, Despicable is a great song. The drop in the chorus really took me by surprise since the intro and the verses are very simple and all one tone. The vocals of grandson is very monotone and the song itself is a bit dark. With that being said, the drop is what really makes this song stand out from the rest. Vocally, it’s simple. Lyrically, it descriptive and tells a story. Musically, I can feel it to my core, and as the vocals intensify at the end, you can really hear the power and the rawness in his voice. This is going to be a song I listen to intensely through the year.
4. The Wild Frontiers- Drive Single: Drive (2018)
ANOTHER FEEL GOOD SONG! Drive is another really great crusin’ track, but I think the vocals are the best part of this song. I find myself smiling through this entire song when I’m singing. I mean, my happy place is for sure singing at the top of my lung, and yelling “Oh my goodness, ooooh my goodness, oh my goodness, drive, drive”. It’s important to be able to feel the emotions a band is trying to convey through music, and I think The Wild Frontiers does a great job at that, and I am really looking forward to what their future holds.
3. NoMBe- Freak Like Me Album: They Might’ve Even Loved Me (2018)
This song and this artist has become a staple in my car rides because who doesn't enjoy an artist that isn't afraid to experiment? This song starts with a lion roar for crying out loud! I mostly enjoy the guitar licks in each verse, and the slight base drop in the chorus. I guess I just enjoy every aspect of this song! It's not overly obscure, but it isn't like anything I've heard before. I've yet to tire of it! NoMBe has quite a few tracks I enjoy listening to, and I'm kicking myself for missing their show at Bottlerock 2018. "Freak Like Me" has a very strong set of lyrics, and the vocalists' soft voice really cuts through deep bass lines.
2. Francis Aud- Friends Like Us
Single: Friends Like Us (2018)
I love this little diddly of a song. Could it be the reminsicent sound of a horn line in the chorus? The overly relatable lyrics? Or could it be the suprisingly high yet slightly raspy voice of Francis? I honestly think it's the urgent yet happy mood I feel listening to "Friends Like Us" It really helps exude the strong feelings the lyrics carry. In a way, this somewhat reminds me of that scene in every romantic comedy where the man decides to "lay it all out" and express his feelings to his long time best girl friend. No? Well, whatever; just sing along with me to this really fun song.
1. Trash Panda- Atlanta GIrls
Album: The Starclimber (2018)
Now this easily became the number 1 song I listened to last year, and the number 1 recommendation I have for anyone looking for new music in their lives. This song is one of a kind. It really tells a story from start to finish! The way each musical element introduces itself to the other in the intro makes for a really great listening sesh with headphones. But man oh man the vocals!! I love being able to hear the passion in this singer's voice. My favorite part is definitely the chorus because of that guitar. It's a song you can listen to back to back, and you will hear something different each time. I PROMISE you this one is something special.