independent thoughts on alternative music
Pushing limits—and breaking them—is the only constant for Natalie Claro. “Multi-instrumentalist” doesn’t do her justice. She is the sole writer, producer, and instrumentalist of all her music. Her shows are an adrenaline rush, musically and visually. Her lyrics frequently tackle topics ranging from politics to mental health, presented in an ear-catching style. With her newly … Read more A Playlist From Natalie Claro
Technology is so awesome – until it’s not. As I sit here with a strained neck, eyes bleary from staring at my computer screen, sore wrists, and the inability to get away from the constant barrage of information which wreaks havoc on my emotions on a daily basis (which is totally my fault as I … Read more AUSTIN WARD MADE US A PLAYLIST!
In these current times we are all looking for connection. We search for the things that bind, that make us feel like we’re all going through the same thing. Music is a tool for this, and Mabes delivers, meeting this longing with her new EP Keeping The Noise Down. Mabes came on to the scene … Read more ALBUM REVIEW: “KEEPING THE NOISE DOWN” EP by MABES
To belong is to be accepted as one is, not merely “fitting in” for being like everyone else, and humans are hardwired with the need to feel as if they belong. Vocalist Frank Kadillac of JUNO Award-winning Canadian alt-pop outfit Neon Dreams was inspired to create the band’s latest single, “Sick Of Feeling Useless,” after … Read more NEON DREAMS MADE US A PLAYLIST!
Chattanooga, Tennessee-based wunderkinds Edward + Jane are back with a new single, “I Can’t Help,” set for its official release on May 14th. Since the band’s first EP release in 2017, they’ve been releasing emotionally-charged work that cuts straight to the very core of our humanity, songs that are a pleasure to revisit time and … Read more PREMIERE: “I CAN’T HELP” by EDWARD + JANE
Witty Nashville-based alt-pop artist and multi-instrumentalist Maggie Miles, who relishes comedic relief in dealing with the awkward coming-of-age years of her life, grew up on the soulful vocals of vintage artists like Stevie Nicks and Ann Wilson but has found 90s grunge to be a major source of inspiration as of late. In her music, … Read more MAGGIE MILES MADE US A PLAYLIST!
In a world riddled with uncertainty, one thing is always consistent for many of us: music. New music reminds us that no matter is happening in the world, time keeps moving forward; at times, music is a snapshot of the current state of the society in which it is released or which inspires it, … Read more ALBUM REVIEW: “RESONATE” by LETTUCE
San Francisco-based singer/songwriter Jessie Hyde is a Jane-of-all-trades; Hyde was a product manager for 23andMe, has a master’s degree in biochemistry, she’s a model, and is obviously insatiably curious. After a life of serial monogamy and heartbreak, she left a relationship last fall. Leaning on her love of music to help her process her feelings, … Read more PREMIERE: “CHARITY” by JESSIE HYDE
“‘Lock Me Up’ is about the feeling of never being able to do anything right, no matter how hard you try,” says Chicago-based singer/songwriter Anna Holmquist, frontperson of the band Ester. “Lock Me Up” appears on their forthcoming debut full-length album Turn Around, set for release on March 27th via Midwest Action. Turn Around is a … Read more VIDEO PREMIERE: “LOCK ME UP” by ESTER
It’s been said that love is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person; love isn’t just a feeling, love is a conscious decision, a choice made every single day. Colombian-American alt-pop artist Jacke Castro explores this in her new single “Gravity,” out everywhere today. “I wrote ‘Gravity’ about that moment when you’re mid-fight with the … Read more “GRAVITY” NEW MUSIC from JACKIE CASTRO