independent thoughts on alternative music
eastof8th 
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
“‘Between Dreams’ represents the times in our lives where our heads are in the clouds, dreaming of playing our music forever,” says Mark Cunningham, drummer for Denver-based “mountain rock” band Whitacre, of their new song. “I love watching the clips in this video, which are from a time when we didn’t know how hard it … Read more VIDEO PREMIERE: “BETWEEN DREAMS” by WHITACRE
Humanity is forever searching for beauty, and for the magic in the miraculous. Those two holy grails boldly converge in the natural world, where even the tiniest detail is important for the whole to function. We’re drawn to nature because we are a part of it, and it’s a part of us. Chicago native John … Read more VIDEO PREMIERE: “TIME TO DREAM” by JACKSONPORT
I have to say, I can’t get enough of rock duos – The White Stripes, The Black Keys, Royal Blood, Black Pistol Fire, I love them all. There’s something about the power that emanates from two people who are in sync, who go full-tilt-boogie and produce more noise than a freight train while they do … Read more VIDEO PREMIERE: “WHO I WANNA BE” by BROTHER MAN
After a non-stop concert schedule on the first day of the 2019 Mempho Music Festival, Sunday allowed more time to take in the scene. From local craft beer to artists painting on large canvases, the festival offered a taste of Memphis. With an ice-cold Meddlesome Brewing IPA in hand and a thorough lap of the … Read more A Look Back At Day 2 of the 2019 Mempho Music Festival
East of 8th’s coverage of the 2019 Mempho Music Festival including Margo Price, Matt Maeson, Reignwolf, Wu-Tang Clan & more!
From the moment we’re able to comprehend the world around us, we’re barraged with the idea that “things” will bring us happiness, peace, contentment, and relationship success. While our hearts may know this isn’t true, it can take a while for our heads to get the message that materialism isn’t the answer. Chattanooga, Tennessee-based multi-instrumentalist … Read more PREMIERE: “MOONLIGHT” by JARON UTT