“Thrilling - marked by a mood of ramshackle invention at odds with the studied, polished air of a lot of current alt-rock.” — The Guardian
“Come for the urgent, wistful guitars, and stay for the heart-wrenching harmonies.” — Stereogum
“Rapidly climbing the rungs and notching up the wins, Westside Cowboy are the buzzy Britainicana newcomers determined to let down the ladder behind them.”— DIY
“One of the new acts heralding a gloriously ramshackle new era of ’90s-styled slacker rock.” — NME
“Sag is about this dreaded ‘Allston to Bushwick’ pipeline we have in Boston. A lot of musicians end up using Boston to cut their teeth before heading off to New York or LA to pursue their music careers. I wrote ‘Sag’ when I was really playing the ‘comparison game’ in my head and asking myself what role I wanted music to play in my life. It was the first in a batch about looking at yourself in relation to the others around you and trying to decipher who you are without that context.“ – Brendan Wright (they/them)
"Meshing confessional songwriting with effervescent beats, 'Talk Me Down' strikes the right balance with its earnest lyrics and playful sound." - Paste, check out the exclusive here
“[Emily Yacina] effortlessly capture[s] a feeling or a mood that the English language can't.” - The FADER
“Yacina[‘s music] carries the intensity of emotion and poignant vulnerability.” - Document Journal
There's plenty of curious timing in Samia's Tiny Desk debut. For starters, this was the final Tiny Desk concert produced by Bob Boilen — he came in for one last Monday to accommodate the performance — which meant the singer-songwriter had to endure the reluctant tributes paid to Bob as she waited patiently to perform. Then there's the timing of Samia's song selection: All five of these tracks appeared on her terrific debut album (2020's The Baby) and not this year's equally magnificent Honey. Which is saying nothing of the fact that Samia is actress Kathy Najimy's daughter, yet we opted to run this performance a full week after the conclusion of Hocus Pocus Season! What were we thinking?
Fortunately, Samia's set nevertheless provides a stunning showcase for her charisma, vocal talent and deftly detailed lyricism. She possesses a remarkable knack for specificity in her songwriting, which finds her name-dropping her favorite bands, recounting conversations in devastating detail and even shining a light on songwriting itself. ("I only write songs about things that I'm scared of," she sings in "Is There Something in the Movies?" before adding, "So here, now you're deathless in art.")
Taking advantage of the Tiny Desk's quietude, Samia and her band chose to focus on the more subdued side of their sound, even deploying the sample of her grandmother that opens "Pool." As a result, it's easier and more rewarding than ever to hang on her every word.
Today Teethe share “Push You Forever,” the final single from their lush new record Magic Of The Sale. On the new track, pedal steel sighs beneath honeyed vocals and drifting drums; it’s a hangdog hymn about being caught in the illusions we create about our past and present. The track arrives with an equally beautiful animated video by Rosa Sawyers. The full record arrives on August 8th and is now available to pre-order on Purple Dusk vinyl, cassette tape, and CD.
Ada Lea—the moniker of Montreal-based musician Alexandra Levy— releases “midnight magic,” the third single/video from her new album, when i paint my masterpiece, out August 8th via Saddle Creek. Following last month’s meditation on love, “something in the wind,” “midnight magic” is set firmly in a shimmering dreamworld that could have been summoned by Judee Sill.
“Nyxy Nyx’s music strikes on a personal level few artists hit.”
- POST-TRASH
“Dense and richly textured, but with a sense of weightlessness in its use of open space and shimmering guitar tones… Nyxy Nyx are it; let these songs get under your skin.”
- TREBLE ZINE
“Haunting beauty and lo-fi, sonic palette is coupled with sometimes heartachingly beautiful lyrics.”
The first single is “Highway,” and it’s a nearly-six-minute trek through climactic slowcore, twangy slide guitar, and an explosive wall-of-sound grunge coda that shares DNA with anything from Codeine to Songs: Ohia to MJ Lenderman to Dinosaur Jr. - Brooklyn Vegan
“Highway” is sweeping and melodramatic, deploying a healthy amount of pedal steel over a slowcore chug that gradually builds into a full-on electric guitar cacophony. - Stereogum
It’s a sublime mix of slowcore, post-rock, alt-country, ’90s alt-rock and emo that deftly pivots styles, often within one song, making it all seem natural and clearly coming from one creative point of view. We hear Neil Young, Sunny Day Real Estate, Acetone, Hum, Red House Painters & more. - Brooklyn Vegan
Self-identified “raw West Texas dirtgaze” band Shallowater make nods to first generation slowcore and post-everything guitar rock on There Is A Well, a solid-stone debut that extracts the twang and dramatic vastness of their home terrain. - New Commute
Today, Whitney have announced their new album, Small Talk will be released November 7th on AWAL. Small Talk is the Chicago duo’s fourth and unequivocally best and most affecting album. To mark the occasion, they’ve released a new single, “Dandelions,” a mid-summer sparkler with lead-singer Julien Ehrlich’s lamenting falsetto scaffolded by horns, sweeping string arrangements and plaintive slide guitar from Max Kakacek. The single follows album track “Darling,” released at the top of the summer and hinting at their return. Now fans can listen to their new song “Dandelions” HERE and pre-order Small Talk HERE.
White Lies approached their seventh album, Night Light, with a fresh method: mastering the songs live before recording them. Inspired by the 1970s live-performance TV show The Midnight Special, the trio decided to rehearse and refine the tracks together in a room before entering the studio – a reversal of the process of finding the true spirit of songs only after touring them.
Winnipeg indie rock heavyweights Living Hour are back with their fourth full-length album, Internal Drone Infinity set for October 17 via newly signing with Paper Bag Records in Canada and via Keeled Scales + Beloved Records in the rest of the world. Known for their lush fusion of dream-pop and shoegaze, on Internal Drone Infinity, Living Hour transforms the passage of time into something both urgent and sacred. Anchored by Sam Sarty’s vivid lyricism, shaped by years as a projectionist conjuring stories in a dark theatre, the band explores the quiet magic hidden in everyday life. Their fourth album drifts between dreamy noise rock, folky slowcore, and fuzzy indie-pop, coining a genre all their own: “yearn-core.” With wistful vocals, textural distortion,and poetic detail, Living Hour capture the ache of memory, the mess of feeling, and the beauty in what remains. PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE the record HERE.
Center of Affection is the debut album from Wilby, set for release on October 10 via Hit The North Records. The indie-rock project of songwriter and artist Maria Crawford, Wilby’s debut collection features 12 songs of unflinching vulnerability and cut-throat honesty, intimate revelations after years of emotional reflection and self-acceptance. Previous singles “Pleaser”, “Spin” and “Experiments” feature on the album, which have seen support from FLOOD Magazine, Northern Transmissions, WNXP, KEXP and more.
Today, Queens, NY-based indie/jangle pop singer-songwriter and twee extraordinaire Majorette sharesthe light-hearted tune "Steaks" out now, where she ponders the worst case scenario over a twinkling melody and the warm strings of a violin. Its accompanying music video, starring Majorette as both a magician and their assistant, is shot on 16mm and styled in the form of black-and-white Méliès silent films. Tonight, Majorette will celebrate the new music live with a variety show at NYC's The Slipper Room with a real magician, a ventriloquist, an aerialist and Philly's TheNoisy with tickets here.
„I’m sure everyone has felt this way at a certain point in life. I wrote the guitar and melody first while sitting on the beach with a close friend who was going through the emotions that life can sometimes bring. As I was playing the guitar and melody she sang and wrote the first line “Sit in the sun and my feet are burning” the rest of the song just sort of came to me after that.“ - Dave Helgi Johan
Philadelphia’s Flatwaves is back with its unique amalgam of ’90s shoegaze haze, which is mixed with the raw energy of rock ‘n’ roll, and the psychedelic swirl of fuzzed-out garage rock. The band’s latest, delivers searing guitars and a driving rhythm section, which is sure to leave the listener with impressions of scorched earth and Lynch-ian dream sequences.
Matt Gallaway’s creative journey unfolds like a carefully crafted album—each chapter a different sound or mood, yet all tied together by a thread of honest self-expression. From basement jam sessions in Brooklyn to publishing acclaimed novels, Matt’s story is a powerful reminder of how art can shape, and be shaped by, personal transformation.
In our conversation, Matt shares how Saturnine came together almost by accident. He had moved to New York, supposedly for law school, but really to chase the city’s music scene. He lucked into a Brooklyn apartment with a basement perfect for band rehearsals, and soon after, Saturnine was born. They’d go on to record a handful of under-the-radar but beloved indie albums. Matt still lights up when talking about their first show at Brownies, booked by the legendary Karen Edlitz, and an unforgettable rooftop gig on a sweltering July 4th in Chinatown.
What really sets Matt’s story apart is how deeply intertwined his art is with his personal life. Listening back to Saturnine’s albums—especially Mid the Green Fields—he can now hear the hidden struggle he was going through. “I listen to that record and I’m just like, ‘this is about wanting to kill myself,’” he says, half-laughing, half-sighing. It’s raw, but honest—and a reflection of what it meant to grow up gay in a time when role models were few and far between.
Matt didn’t leave music behind; he just found a new way to tell his story. Writing novels like The Metropolis Case and #gods let him explore identity and emotion in a more direct way. “A song takes me a few weeks,” he says. “A novel takes years.” But both are cut from the same creative cloth.
Now, with his latest project Death Culture at Sea, Matt is circling back to songwriting—this time with a broader view and a deeper well to draw from. Last summer, he teamed up with former bandmate Mike D’Onofrio and Matt Kadane of Bedhead/The New Year for recording sessions in Vermont, and there’s more music to come.
Want to hear what this journey sounds like? Head to Matt's blog for a playlist of his latest work with Death Culture at Sea.
“Matthew Gallaway’s storytelling manages to be both dreamy and serious; lean and luxurious. His words carry an incantatory power of mythic storytelling where beauty and savagery wrap around each other like bright threads in a gorgeous tapestry.” —Natasha Vargas-Cooper, author of Mad Men Unbuttoned: A Romp Through 1960s America
Baba Pen & The Bimbam Band return with their third single, Hare in the Haze – a swirling folky journey into the misty corners of old Europe.
Picture this: roadside taverns, wandering bards, and tales passed down by firelight. This one tells of a cunning hare and an aging hunter locked in a never-ending chase. Just as the hunter takes aim, a thick haze rolls in… and the hare vanishes once again. But not all stories end well for those who seek control. With rippling guitars and a timeless groove, Hare in the Haze pulls you into a world of myth and mischief – the kind that makes you want to grab a pint and stay a while.
The New York band Spoils System was formed in 2021 by Dan Coutant (vocals, guitar, keys), Sean Hansen (guitar, backgroundvocals), David Fateman (bass) and Mark Frankel (drums). Notably, Dan and Sean have roots in the indie/emo outfit Joshua (Doghouse Records) in the early 2000’s. Tours included The Get Up Kids, At the Drive-In, The Stereo, Jets To Brazil, Shift and many more
Philly dream pop/synth rock band The Noisy announce signing to Audio Antihero (Frog / Avery Friedman / Magana / CIAO MALZ) with “Twos,” a vampy, queer, and silent-movie-esque new music video from director Sam Cush, which teases ‘The Secret Ingredient is Even More Meat,’ an upcoming deluxe edition of their debut album.
Featuring practical effects and vampire makeup by Philly drag talent, “Twos” channels gothic-glam in the spirit of vintage cinema, dripping with theatrical flair and midnight movie camp. Starring local icon Miss Thing, the video follows the success of “Violet Lozenge,”The Noisy’s most recent drag-forward release, which WXPN praised as “glamorous, retro, and proudly queer.”
Front-person Sara Mae Henke (they/them) comments on the upcoming music video for “Twos”:
“I wrote this song like a pop song but wanted the production to bend towards Mannequin Pussy with sludgy guitars and twinkly keys. The music video literalizes the too much-ness of the story, Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Grey Gardens meets two dates to the prom.”
The Noisy got its start in Knoxville, Tennessee, as a project of award-winning poet Sara Mae Henke. In spring 2023, after evolving from a solo project to a full band, they released “Morricone” with a Strega Nona meets Clint Eastwood music video, launching a crowdfunding campaign for their debut album, ‘The Secret Ingredient is More Meat.’ The band sold merch, raffled a cowboy hat, and ran a GoFundMe alongside a month-long tour, raising over $3,000 to bring this debut to life—an album for their queer community.
To celebrate the first anniversary of ‘The Secret Ingredient is More Meat,’ Audio Antihero will be issuing a deluxe edition entitled ‘The Secret Ingredient is Even More Meat,’ which will include new and reimagined songs.
“Dynamic sound, charming energy, and a confessional tell-all spirit that’s as charismatic as it is irresistible.” – ATWOOD MAGAZINE
“Glamorous, retro, and proudly queer.” – WXPN
“The Noisy’s sound isn’t exactly noisy in the abrasive sense, but it is boisterous, embracing the crunch of grungy pop rock and the twang of Sara Mae’s Knoxville roots to create a muscular and freely associated alt-country belter.” – POST-TRASH
“It sounds really formative. Being “sixteen and see-through” is such a vulnerable feeling, one that “Grenadine” captures really well.” – THE ALTERNATIVE
“Their work examines the surreal, the uncanny, body horror, and intimacy....Their album The Secret Ingredient is More Meat is an intoxicating experience.” – RAINBOW RODEO
Pieter Van Dessel takes us on an unexpected journey from law student to the creative force behind Marble Sounds, revealing how serendipity and persistence shaped his musical evolution. When his wife received a grant to work in Montreal in 2005, Pieter's planned sabbatical transformed into musical opportunity after landing a position at a recording studio. This fortuitous circumstance provided both equipment access and creative community, allowing the first Marble Sounds EP to take shape with help from Canadian musicians.
His evolution as a performer stands as perhaps the most compelling aspect of Pieter's story. With disarming candor, he admits never aspiring to sing or front a band, making his growth all the more remarkable. "I wasn't a born entertainer," he shares. "I really had to learn it." Through countless live shows and persistence, he gradually developed the confidence that studio work alone couldn't provide. The key lesson? Rehearsals only help so much—real growth comes from repeatedly facing audiences.
For Pieter, songwriting remains his natural strength, with musical composition flowing more easily than lyrics. He chases that elusive creative spark—"the best feeling in the world"—that signals something special is emerging. Recent albums showcase distinct artistic approaches: the self-titled 2022 release employed self-playing pianos in deliberately limited arrangements, while 2025's "Core Memory" embraces 80s influences and childhood musical touchpoints like Phil Collins. Looking ahead, fans can anticipate "More Memory" featuring outtakes from recent sessions, while Peter already contemplates his next full album for 2028. Subscribe to hear our conversations with other fascinating musicians whose unexpected paths led to creative breakthroughs.
What happens when a musician rediscovers their creativity after a 15-year hiatus? Neil Hill's journey with his project SHOPFIRES answers this question with a soul-stirring blend of reverb-drenched melodies and DIY ethos.
Unlike many musicians, Neil grew up in a home devoid of musical influence. No parental record collections, no instruments lying around—just the chance encounters with music through television and radio that would eventually shape his artistic sensibilities. The turning point came through John Peel's legendary radio sessions, introducing him to post-punk and experimental sounds that resonated deeply with his emerging musical identity.
After early musical explorations followed by a lengthy break, Neil returned to creating music with a beautifully minimalist approach. Armed with nothing but "a cheap laptop and the same acoustic guitar from the 80s," he began crafting the intricate, layered soundscapes that define SHOPFIRES. What makes his music truly remarkable is how he creates rich, complex arrangements using just one inexpensive Hohner guitar purchased decades ago for £25.
The result is a sound both nostalgic and fresh—interweaving melodic lines that dance around each other, created through his distinctive technique of recording multiple guitar parts and drenching them in reverb and delay. His latest album "We Are Not There, But We Are Here" represents an evolution toward more mature, cohesive songwriting while maintaining the dreamy atmosphere fans have come to love.
Beyond SHOPFIRES, Neil maintains another project called NEUCLOUDS, his self-described "vacation band" where he challenges himself to write songs under two minutes. This parallel creative outlet showcases his versatility and commitment to exploring different facets of his musical expression.
Listen now to discover how limitations can spark creativity and how sometimes the most beautiful sounds come from the simplest tools. Share your thoughts with us about Neil's unique approach to making music and what inspires your own creative endeavors!
Some albums are made to dazzle. Others, like "We Are Not There But We Are Here", seem to simply exist quietly, honestly, and deeply, as if they’ve always been with you. Shopfires, the recording project of British songwriter Neil Hill, returns with a collection that’s both delicate and self-assured, weaving stories of memory, youth, distance and affection through the hazy light of jangly guitars and softly whispered melodies.
What happens when toxic furnace fumes accidentally become part of your album's creative process? M Ross Perkins shares this surreal discovery and much more as we delve into his methodical approach to DIY music production.
Growing up with a baseball bat as his imaginary guitar and the crushing disappointment of a shattered Chipmunks record, Perkins' musical journey reflects his systematic yet deeply thoughtful approach to song craft. He reveals how his latest album "What's The Matter M Ross?" came together under bizarre circumstances - with furnace exhaust pumping directly above his writing desk for months. When finally fixed, his bandmates reported sudden clarity during rehearsals, a strange twist that perfectly captures the unpredictable nature of artistic creation.
Perkins takes us behind the curtain of his unique production method, where he records all drum tracks across an entire album before moving to bass, then guitars, and finally vocals. This approach allows him to maintain consistency while maximizing efficiency in his small studio space. He demonstrates remarkable craftsmanship in how he handles tempo, watching a BPM counter while playing claves to allow natural fluctuations within a controlled range - creating recordings that breathe with human authenticity.
Beyond technical insights, our conversation explores deeper philosophical territory. Perkins eloquently dismantles the myth of complete originality in music, comparing it to claiming sole credit for your car while ignoring thousands of workers and generations of innovation behind it. This perspective frames his approach as a "lifelong learner" of his craft, constantly refining his systematic techniques while remaining open to new influences and ideas.
Whether you're a musician looking to improve your own DIY production or simply fascinated by the creative process, Perkins' insights offer a masterclass in thoughtful music creation. Listen now to discover how one artist balances methodical precision with creative spontaneity - even when toxic fumes are accidentally part of the equation.
But what about the music? Within 20 seconds of the album’s lead track ‘Hey Man/Hey Self’, you’ll be imagining yourself threading daisies through your hair and flapping Kate-Bush-Wuthering-Heights-style in a gossamer dress on your way to the festival. It would be incredibly lazy to describe the track as ‘Paul McCartney fronting The Byrds’, but it would also be absolutely accurate. GIITV
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