So much for calling this a weekly series…festival season had other plans. But we’re back with a fresh batch of songs for the East of 8th playlist, and we promise it was worth the wait. This time around, the mix powerful Nashville vocals, Seattle rock, Austin chaos, orchestral intimacy, and even a Bowie cover we couldn’t resist.
Kashena Sampson – “Ghost of Me”
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Kashena Sampson has unveiled “Ghost of Me,” the title track from her forthcoming album due October 3. Built on swirling guitars and atmospheric keys, the song channels a late-night cinematic quality while staying rooted in her folk-inspired songwriting. It’s a powerful preview of an artist leaning into a darker, more expansive sound while continuing to showcase her striking vocals.
Die Spitz – “Punishers”
Austin’s Die Spitz have shared “Punishers,” the final single before their debut album Something to Consume arrives September 12 via Third Man Records. The track brims with frustration and chaotic energy, channeling cycles of jealousy and withheld love into raw, jagged rock. Known for their boundary-pushing live shows, the band clearly translates that same unruly spirit into their recordings. With production by Will Yip, Something to Consume promises to capture both their explosive sound and their drive to turn anger and intensity into something communal.
Queen Anne – “Let’s Dance”
A few months ago, we introduced readers to Queen Anne with a full feature on their debut single. We don’t often circle back to the same artist so soon — and we rarely highlight cover songs — but their new version of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” was simply too fun and engaging to ignore. The indie-pop duo of Katie Silverman and Sandy Chila lean into the song’s urgency while adding their own cinematic edge, turning a classic into something both reverent and refreshingly modern. With only two singles out, Queen Anne is already shaping a distinct voice worth paying attention to.
Smokey Brights – “Home”
Seattle’s Smokey Brights have released “Home,” the latest single from their upcoming album Dashboard Heat, due September 26. Written from the perspective of songwriter Ryan Devlin’s childhood spent moving between cities and households, the track balances intimate storytelling with a wide-open indie rock sound. The accompanying video captures that mix of nostalgia and upheaval, while the album itself promises to stretch the band’s scope even further — blending personal history, cosmic imagery, and their signature mix of guitars, keys, and harmonies.
Lydia Luce – “Quiet”
Nashville singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lydia Luce has unveiled “Quiet,” the newest single from her forthcoming album Mammoth, out October 30. The song pairs gentle keys and strings with a sense of stillness, capturing the comfort of sitting wordlessly with someone you love. Recorded live with Lockeland Strings, the accompanying video highlights both her expressive vocals and her talent for weaving orchestral textures into intimate songwriting. Mammoth promises to continue that balance of quiet reflection and rich instrumentation, offering a softer chapter in Luce’s evolving artistry.
–––
That’s this week’s (or maybe month’s…) roundup — and we’re glad to be back with it. You can stream all these tracks and more on the East of 8th Playlist:
What hearing protection do we use at concerts? The Loop Switch2:
Leave a Reply