independent thoughts on indie rock, alternative, and indie pop music
Portland-based travelin’ troubadour John Craigie, with his flair for storytelling, Mitch Hedberg-esque observational humor, and folksy delivery, delights and dazzles crowds wherever he lands. Today, Craigie unleashes his latest song, “Talkin’ Leviticus Blues,” his take on an equality issue ripped from the headlines. “This song was inspired by a conversation with someone about the Bible... Continue Reading →
“I’m glass made of different sand,” sings Nashville-based alt-popster Catalina in her new song, "Blood Sweat, Tears"; the native Chilean grew up on a steady diet of Motown, Aretha Franklin, Barry White, Michael Jackson and Madonna, which has inspired her own brand of latin-infused soulful pop. “Blood, Sweat, Tears” was inspired by a sense of nostalgia... Continue Reading →
After their sophomore release, Afterglow, in March 2016, Nashville-based pop-rock trio Samecity has spent a relentless year and a half on the road touring across the country. Today, the band unleashes their new album, Lowlands, into the digisphere. The five-song EP features a satisfying blend of harmonies from front folks Justin Bowersox and Hannah Bowersox,... Continue Reading →
We at East of 8th are die-hard coffee nerds, and can honestly admit that without a daily dose of its warm, caffeinated goodness, we'd all be hot blubbering messes. We can also be regularly observed finding solace at any one of Nashville's plethora of stellar coffee shops, so imagine our delight when friend and previously-featured... Continue Reading →
Even in the midst of the commercial hustle and bustle, the holidays can be a time of reflection and remembrance. With an entire year behind us, there’s a certain melancholy that arrives, a mixture of sadness and anticipation—because with another year just ahead, the possibilities are endless. Nashville-based singer/songwriter Monica Moser beautifully captures this sentiment... Continue Reading →
As a Southern girl, a real breakfast (and sometimes dinner if there is shrimp involved) includes a big, buttery bowl of grits. Any self-respecting grits aficionado will tell you that while the five-minute kind will do if you’re in a pinch, there’s nothing like the stone-ground, long-cooking kind of grits. Those are a labor of... Continue Reading →
Las Vegas-based singer/songwriter Toney Rocks is a fighter. In fact, the rootsy blues man has purposely placed himself in challenging situations just so he can fight his way out of them. “I’m so used to it,” he admits. “If it’s too easy I don’t feel comfortable, which isn’t necessarily the greatest approach to have.” It... Continue Reading →
Coopertheband is a “bramily”—band/friends/family— composed of five massive music nerds with minds to rhyme and ten hot feet. This year, they released Kingdoms, their third album, which encompasses themes of love, challenges to modern life, and rebellion. Today, the Tennessee pop rockers unleash the video for album track “Rebels”; the video features the group set... Continue Reading →
The legendary Stevie Wonder once said, “Just because a record has a groove don’t make it in the groove.” So true, isn’t it? Admittedly, we’ve been in need of something different around here, something that stands out and demands a listen. Beloved readers, if you’re tired of the noisy sameness of today’s musical landscape, give... Continue Reading →
Holidays are approaching. Families will converge, and inevitably, personalities will clash. Opinions will rub and create friction. Sometimes, it takes the experience of loss for us to realize that we would gladly endure those stress-inducing situations for one more moment with a loved one. Sometimes, thankfully, we have helpful reminders to keep us on track... Continue Reading →
