independent thoughts on indie rock, alternative, and indie pop music
On Friday, October 7th, Nashville-based alt-pop duo The Rival, whose music has been used in everything from Apple’s iPhone 5 launch, to commercials for Target, Nike, Sony, Microsoft, and ESPN, along with their individual successes--band members Phillip LaRue and Allen Salmon have numerous songwriting credits including LaRue’s #1 country hit “Whiskey In My Water” performed by Tyler Farr, and Salmon’s credits... Continue Reading →
"Hey child, stay wild," sings pop duo Korbee in their anthemic foot-stomping new single "Hey Child". Comprised of Tom Korbee and Jenn Korbee, the band came together in 2013 after writing and performing as the trio Korbee Jones with Daniel Jones of Savage Garden. In 2014, Korbee released their first EP, Great Escape, which quickly soared to over 1 million streams. They... Continue Reading →
Canadian pop-rock outfit Paper Lions is currently maintaining their sanity in the midst of a “record release storm”, says lead vocalist John MacPhee. The band, which has been together for over a decade, unleashed their latest album, Full Colour, on September 16th. The band had a unique opportunity when recording this time, a process that... Continue Reading →
Martin and Lewis, Byrne and Eno, peanut butter and jelly,—there are some unions that were destined to for greatness, partnerships that make the world a more enjoyable place to be. Alt-rocker Hamilton Leithauser’s collaboration with Rostam Batmanglij (formerly of Vampire Weekend), prove with their new album, I Had A Dream That You Were Mine, set... Continue Reading →
This year's Pilgrimage Festival, which occurs at the historic Harlinsdale Farm in beautiful Franklin, Tennessee, begins tomorrow, September 24th! The lineup this year is outstanding and features several East of 8th faves, including, Shakey Graves, Kaleo, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band, amongst SO MANY others! Not only will the music on point, festival-goers will be... Continue Reading →
From the land of grunge have emerged two sons of a preacher man who make infectious pop music, and whose personalities are as bright as the clothes they wear. Meet Liz Scarlett and Shazam “Tea Time” Watkins of Tacoma, Washington, the two youngest brothers in family of five boys and a pair of traveling ministers,... Continue Reading →
Liverpool born and bred quintet LYING BSTRDS, who, in their one year of existence, have already shared stages with notable artists including Noel Gallagher, Circa Waves, and Spring King--something that countless bands dream of--have achieved much through hard work and raw talent, earning them rave reviews in their home country. Their dance-worthy new single, "Youth & Old Age" is undeniably catchy from start... Continue Reading →
Renowned violinist and purveyor of orchestral pop Kaoru Ishibashi, a.k.a. Kishi Bashi, has finally invited us to the party. This writer was first introduced to the brilliance of his musical prowess in his 2012 full length debut 151a, a glimpse into boundless creativity that was a “sight” for these ears to behold. With 151a, we... Continue Reading →
Who knew that the Utah desert was such fertile ground for epic pop rock? Iconic outfits like Imagine Dragons, as well as icons-in-the-making like The Moth & The Flame, formed in The Beehive State (yes, Utah’s nickname is The Beehive State), and alt-pop three-piece VanLadyLove has claimed a well-deserved spot on that list. “We were... Continue Reading →
New York-based pop trio Thirdstory, who fused their beautiful harmonies and broke the internet with their otherworldly covers of pop songs posted on YouTube, are on their first headlining tour, which brings them to Nashville’s Mercy Lounge on September 8th. Their all-too-short three-song debut EP, Searching, released this Spring, was a preview for their forthcoming LP,... Continue Reading →
