independent thoughts on indie rock, alternative, and indie pop music
For Samantha Gongol and Jeremy Lloyd, lifelong friends who met in a middle school production of “The Music Man,” it all began with whisky. Or rather, “Whisky.” “Jeremy came home on a break from college and showed me the beat that would become 'Whisky,'” Gongol explains of Marian Hill’s seminal song which appears on their... Continue Reading →
"Sade is the sensuality queen, and this song really epitomizes the ideas that I love to sing about; a deeper and more real love than one can imagine, a searching for something more than typical,” explains Los Angeles-based artist Aja Warren of her new single, “Ordinary Love.” Warren, whose background experiences include film, modeling, and... Continue Reading →
Attending SXSW in Austin is quite the experience, one that will test the boundaries of your lack-of-sleep threshold, challenge your patience for traffic issues, and stretch the imagination as far as music-making goes. At a venue at 11:30pm waiting for a show that was set to begin at midnight, my inner old person was fighting... Continue Reading →
Though often obscured by the layers of country, Americana, rock, and more country, there has always been a pop music scene in Nashville. As artists have pushed the boundaries of the genre with bolder offerings that forgo the glitter-tripe frequently associated with “pop music,” indie-pop is undeniably establishing itself as the new cool in Nashville. With... Continue Reading →
“Growing up, I listened to my dad jamming in the living room with so many incredible musicians. Stevie Nicks would hang out, Herbie Hancock, my dad's bandmates from Blood, Sweat & Tears and there was loads of jazz,” recalls California pop singer Shana Halligan. Even as a young girl, Halligan was surrounded by music, so it was no surprise... Continue Reading →
“My dad was in this rock band in the 80s. I was brought up around music, and I think at a really, really young age I connected with it. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized what I was feeling when I was younger was this feeling of ‘Oh, you’re passionate about this... Continue Reading →
Nestled in Knoxville’s Old City, the annual Rhythm N’ Blooms Music Festival calls one of the Scruffy City’s scruffiest and diverse neighborhoods home. Boasting a diverse lineup mixed with local favorites and national touring acts, it’s a can’t-miss event. I was so excited to get the party started, I left Nashville without putting my suitcase... Continue Reading →
Philadelphia rockers Vacationer are drawing listeners in with their groovy 1960s-inspired, synth-driven single, “Magnetism.” The first release since their sophomore album Relief back in 2014, it’s safe to say Vacationer made it well worth the wait. Lead singer and bassist Ken Vasoli reveals the song came about easily and quickly, rejuvenating his joy for making... Continue Reading →
“I can’t avoid the haze,” sings The Shacks’ Shannon Wise in the opening track of the band’s new record, Haze, as her breathy voice emanates with tender nonchalance. It’s as if she is leaning forward to share a secret—a not-so-well-kept secret, as Wise and bandmate Max Shrager have been setting the scene ablaze since their... Continue Reading →
Nashville’s very own powerhouse pop singer Brooke Alexx is shattering gender norms with her new single, “Shattering Glass.” It’s the newest female empowerment anthem and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Gender equality seems to be a hot topic these days, especially during the rise of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, and “Shattering... Continue Reading →
