"A tough bouncer is hired to tame a dirty bar." That's how IMDb summarizes Roadhouse, the 1989 classic film starring Patrick Swayze. Now let's take that visual a step further and use it to define a music genre, "Roadhouse Chic". That's where we come to find the five piece rock outfit, Lowlight. Equal parts whiskey, sweet vermouth, and rock n' roll.
The members of Lowlight are Renee Maskin, Rey Rivera, Colin Ryan, Dana Sellers, and Derril Sellers. The band is based out of Asbury Park, NJ and signed to Telegraph Hill Records. Lowlight is no stranger to the road. Last year the band went on tour supporting The Pretenders on their east coast dates. Continuously circling the tri-state area, it's clear Lowlight has found a devoted fan base between NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Asbury Park, NJ. The band recently announced that they will be performing at Sea Hear Now Festival this September, alongside big names like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Lumineers, Dave Matthews Band, and more. (Tickets are on sale here ).
"Give It a Minute" is the latest single off Lowlight's Endless Bummer LP. The single features horns, and gang vocals from members of the band Community Center, singing "words unspoken, eyes wide open, words unspoken, eyes wide open," as the song fades into the dreamy ethereal rock soundscape. Lowlight's signature blend of rolling synth, galloping drums, swooping bass lines, ferocious tone-centric guitar leads and Renee's crisp direct address style of singing has stolen the hearts of the Asbury Park music scene.
Make sure to stream Lowlight's "Give It a Minute" on Spotify, and pick up a copy of the Endless Bummer LP at a show this summer!
Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band is a modern day blues rock group from Asbury Park, NJ. The band was formed in 2011, and they are currently signed to Telegraph Hill Records. Their musical talent, songwriting, and dynamite onstage energy has caught the eyes and ears of new fans across the country, allowing the band to tour up and down the east coast, and continue to pump out new music. Coming from the home of iconic rock n' roll musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and The Gaslight Anthem; Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band is nodding to the big names, but still carving out a path all of their own. The band has been making waves with their ferocious live shows, and their latest single, "When the World Stops Turning". It's one of those songs you want to turn up in your car and sing along with at the top of your lungs."I'll be ready when the world stops turning, I'll be ready when your knees start shaking, I'll be ready when it all starts tumbling down," sings frontman Connor Bracken. The song starts with a crunchy blues guitar riff and a steady rock beat. As the track progresses the guitar tones swell and layer to compliment each section, leading to impressive solos on guitar, along with really rocking drum crashes and fills. The deep bass grooves underneath everything, adding depth and a tangible 70's rock feel. With each return of the chorus, we hear Bracken's voice gnarling with intensity, and spirit, bringing the song to a climactic ending. Make sure to take a listen for yourself on the band's Spotify here, and keep an eye on their social media for when Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band plays a show near you!
According to famed record producer, songwriter Kara DioGuardi, Nick Nittoli has "what it takes to write a hit song." In the last few years alone he has co-written and produced and written for artists like French Montana, Jessie J, Zendaya, Snoop Dogg and more. As a self taught musician, writer, and producer from Garfield NJ, Nick's first inspirations came from listening to the "King of pop", Michael Jackson. His very first words were "Annie are you OK", lyrics from the Michael's hit song "Smooth Criminal." Nick Nittoli is no stranger to the spotlight. He snagged 4th place on Bravo's reality competition, Platinum Hit (hosted by Jewel), and currently lives in Hollywood CA where he continues to write and produce music with big names, including himself, with his latest single "God".
"I'm feeling like a god, boy the music must be heaven," Nittoli sings. His rapping style is smooth, and filled with creative phrasing and wordplay. He's not afraid to profess disdain for the mainstream radio or the people who doubted him throughout his career, stating "Fuck the radio, I'm only coming for direct hits,"and "there's only me and my reflection." All of which seems to fuel the all powerful, God-like energy and production style he brings to life in this track. Throughout the song the punchy trap beat builds and breaks with each verse and chorus. The production features samples from sermons and diverse religious settings. Underneath Nick's rapping you can hear haunting choir vocals interwoven with orchestral bass drops, almost simulating deep string sections and brass-like textures. Each element bringing out the intensity of this dubstep, house shaking, force to be reckoned with song.
Make sure to follow Nick Nittoli on Spotify and Itunes for future releases.
Seattle based shoegaze / noise pop band Sweetsoak is back with two new songs, "stained hands" and "bitter sugar." With their signature dream pop grunge vibes, and equal parts lofi and polished vocals, we are effortlessly delivered to the emo rock landscape they paint so vividly, and well.
On the first track, "stained hands" the band dives right to the heart of the matter. What seems to be a song about a relationship gone awry, and the swim through the murky waters of getting back to feeling normal again. "been on the search for something, something to dull the suffering, something to numb the pain, to nullify the shame." Fuzzed out guitars and heavy hitting drums drive this song, with vocals sitting perfectly in the mix as the guitars go through circular shifts in tone and strumming styles. Dreamy and melancholy, coming to the end of a dream that's run it's course. Check out the black and white video for this song on their Bandcamp here while you listen: Video
On the flip side, the second track "bitter sugar" is the upbeat, 'road trip on a sunny day' sound we didn't know we needed. Melodic guitar lines and a steady alt-rock drum feel, the bass comes in powerful and massive, creating huge drops into each section and a jumping off point for the vocals and lead guitar to cut through the noise. The lyrics playfully dance around the ideas of bitter and sweet tastes, and the struggles to get back to a healthy routine, whether it's eating, sleeping, or thinking... "and i'm okay but I feel sick." Overall this release from Sweetsoak is another testament to their steady but ever evolving sound! Each song has it's own unique feel and message, but still finds a way to return to their signature sound.
Check out Sweetsoak on social media for future releases, and make sure to take a listen to "stained hands b/w bitter sugar" below:
Barcelona is famously known for its art and architecture, and diverse music landscape. It is here that producer & recording artist Plastic Teardrops calls home. Listening closely, it's beautiful to hear the range of complex and beautiful sounds created and mixed throughout the record. This genre defying artist ranges in feels from modern pop, synth rock, dreamy soundscapes, and downtempo chill out. Their upcoming record "Close To The Ground" is due out in early 2019, ten tracks showcasing emotive female vocals over incredibly moving soundscapes. Right from the start, the first track "Falling Together" paints a picture of the amazing songs and moments to come on the album. A deep groove, with dark toned organs, acoustic guitar, a chill out beat with percussive elements. Vocals sit right in the pocket, reminiscent of contemporary pop singer songwriter Colbie Caillat, and pop r&b artist Lauryn Hill. She sings "I just want to know if we're gonna be falling together forever", harmonies come in and out of play as the song progresses. as synth swells take the emotional lyrics to the edges, ending with the line "do you notice how close we are to the ground?" before the second song begins. As if waking up from a dream of falling from a great height.
On album's third track, "Save The World", we are met with a dangerous exciting feel, mixing darker organ tones, rhythmic guitar and mysterious synth leads. The singer paints a picture of crushing underneath the world on her shoulders, "I know you were trying so hard, we've got to save the world", creating a sense of urgency and meaning to each lyric. The organs and synth working together to bring dynamics and create tension through the song. Later on in the album we hear the modern melancholy love song "Without You". Lyrics going into the thought processes of missing someone you love, and emotions that come and go throughout those moments. The last line, "I am trying to live another day without you", bringing us to the last seconds, just before the organ fades out to silence. Make sure to follow Plastic Teardrops on social media to get updates when the album releases in early 2019. You can get your hands on a copy of "Close To The Ground" sooner by pre-ordering it on Bandcamp here:
Blending influences of country twang, southern rock n' roll, and Americana folk, Russ Still & The Moonshiners creates a sound all their own.
On their latest album Bootleg (Batch 432), this six-piece rock outfit boasts energetic arrangements, with lyrically driven storylines.
Winner of "Country Band of the Year" in 2015, they are no stranger to hard work, and follow through. The band has six records released and counting, some of which are Russ's earlier projects and solo endeavors, now along with the new catchy name Russ Still & The Moonshiners. On the record, we are immediately indoctrinated into the country storytelling stylings of the group. Songs about rocky relationships, fun melodic twists on old sayings like "hear, speak, see no evil, monkey see, monkey do," and the excited frenzy of having a great idea that could make some real dough, like the perfectly placed moonshiners reference on the track "Money."
Throughout the album we can hear a diverse blend of instruments, electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drums, piano, lap steel, and various folk instruments. All performed by seasoned musicians who know how to bring a song's potential to life, bringing dynamics and balance to each track. Vocally each song has its impressive elements. Russ Still's voice carries each tune like a songbird gliding high above on a sunny day, clear and full of warmth, bringing depth and emotion to the overall sound.
Overall this record speaks for itself, a great release from a hard working band. Make sure to catch them playing a show in their hometown of Atlanta, or follow them on social media, and take a listen to Bootleg (Batch 432) below.
Seattle based dream pop / shoegaze band Sweetsoak just released a killer 7" titled "ghost love b/w dizzy nodding dream." With an ethereal-sounding mixture of obscured vocals, distorted reverb driven guitars, and an overwhelming dreamy grunge feel, you can really sink your teeth into these two tracks.
First we have "ghost love" hitting us right away with a sonic wave of sustained guitars, bright synth layers, and a chilled out heavy handed drumbeat. At times it's hard to make out what the singer is saying, which is typical for the shoegazing genre, vocals tend to be put lower in the mix and masked by the overall tones of the song, with a repetitive melody that you find yourself humming or making up your own words to after a few listens. From what we can make out, "I need you in your bloodstream," is probably about as close as you can get to another human being, literally having them swimming laps through your veins. A very dreamy tune, with some emotional weight, and a dynamically exciting arrangement. Reminiscent of songs like David Bowie's "Heroes," or "The Man Who Sold The World" by Nirvana.
Closing out the record is "dizzy nodding dream," we are immediately drawn in by the shimmery, spaced out synth and delayed guitars that provide the bright layer for warm distorted lead to rip through the mix right before the first verse. Again we have the vocals sitting low in the mix, becoming secondary to the raging fiery tones of the lead guitar, and driving drum beats. It'll leave you all kinds of dizzy from wanting more, nodding your head to the raucous sonic blooms, and shaking that feeling after waking up from a good dream. Overall this record is a one two punch, and an exciting glimpse into all the good things coming from Sweetsoak in the future.
Check 'em out on their social media pages, and make sure to take a listen to Sweetsoak's "ghost love b/w dizzy nodding dream" below:
Artist: Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders Album: "Greenbah" Spotify
Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders are a alternative country band based out of Australia. Today we are listening to their latest release, Greenbah. Billy Roberts is a wonderfully unique vocalist. His tone is a mixture of Tom Waits, and Bruce Springsteen, raspy with raw emotion pouring out of every note. On the album, Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders delivers a sweet sounding full band collection of songs. Featuring drums, bass, guitars and vocals, and occasionally piano and violin, each song packs a punch. Always with a smooth rise and fall in dynamics. While the songs are straightforward in nature, they are also refreshingly free-form, lyrics ramble and snap back to form with ease.
Some stand out tracks from the album include the intro track "Old Friend", which features lyrics about the album's title, Greenbah. A smooth ride from start to finish, the band whisks us away, like meeting up on a sunny Sunday afternoon with an 'old friend'. On the reflective track "Sinner" Billy sings,"I can't throw the stone at the sinner, cuz I've done the crime time, and time again". They say not to throw stones when you live in glass houses. They also say 'perspective is everything', to one person is a sinner, and to another, they might look like a saint. It's your world view and experiences that can form your opinions on everyday life.On the track, "Little Johnny", the band showcases beautiful violin playing. Last but not least... have you ever met someone you feel like you've known your whole life? On the last track "Ed's Song" Billy sings about just that, and how the love of playing and listening to music keeps relationships going.
Overall this is a wonderful collection of well crafted songs, and a release that will surely put Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders on the country charts. Don't just take our word for it, check out Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders album "Greenbah" on Spotify!
Sam Rochford is a singer-songwriter and on-air correspondent for 650 AM WSM "Nashville Today". Originally from Connecticut, she was the host of "Markov Music" on Boston's popular internet radio station WEMF. Through years of sharing her music with loyal YouTube followers and growing Facebook fans, Sam has established herself as a consistent source of great independent music. Sam's music is influenced by modern Americana artists like the Mountain Goats, Amanda Shires, and classic performers like Patsy Cline, and Bob Dylan. She writes and performs regularly around Nashville and takes part in everything "music city" has to offer. Her latest single, “So Easy” is charting nationally on the independent country charts, and gaining traction with music lovers of all walks of life. Today we are listening to "So Easy"
Combining the clever, honey-smothered country twang of Kacey Musgraves, and the tried and true lyrical mastery of Patsy Cline, Sam Rochford is an honest talent to watch. "Well this might be a first, I laughed until my sides hurt, it's a workout but it's never been so easy". Acoustic guitar and vocals in the forefront, Sam sings about a love that needs no tailoring, one where each person accepts the other for exactly who they are. "From the outside looking in, you and i might not make sense, but in practice something's never been so easy". Slide guitar, and snare rolls ebbing and glowing in perfect time with the rises and falls of each hook. Sam's voice has a unique quality you can't quite put your finger on, smooth, with a tone so sweet and inviting, packing power behind each syllable. Overall this song is a beautiful ode to unconditional love, that's never been 'so easy' to add to our next indie spotify playlist.
You can watch the (ADORABLE) video for "So Easy" below:
Thomas Abban is a soulful alternative rock artist based out of Minneapolis, MN. Growing up listening and playing classical, jazz, blues, and rock music, Thomas has set out to create his own unique sound and songwriting style. He was recently named "Minnesota's Best New Music Act" by City Pages, and describes himself as "an artist in residence in existence". His latest album album A Sheik's Legacy was released this past fall, and has garnered him a great deal of buzz and momentum, centered around his striking visual approach as a performer, and recording artist. Today we are taking a listen to a single from that album called "Black Water".
On this single, the song begins with beautiful classical guitar, and thoughtful lyrics singing "out on my own for the first time, out all alone with you, but you always knew what would happen, didn't you"... the song then takes a slightly darker turn, as things don't go as happily as planned. With a sound that combines acoustic rock with soulful, tangible energy, Thomas is able to unravel a song down to it's bare essentials, and seamlessly build it back up into a epic jam. His vocals are powerful and dynamic, ebbing and flowing as the song builds, showing the range in his voice, along with range of emotions. "Life's like a bottle of fine wine, it just gets emptier each day"... The song explodes into a full band arrangement halfway through, with a wide array of ethnic and electronic elements, along with acoustic guitar, and busy percussion before dropping back into the 'calm before the storm' pocket groove from the intro of the song. Make sure to check out Thomas Abban's album A Sheik's Legacy on Itunes, and wherever you listen to online music!
Watch the video for "Black Water" by Thomas Abban below:
O.D.D. is a heavy, melodic, rock n' roll band based out of Atlanta Georgia. The band was formed in 2013, with members "Gunny" on bass and vocals, "The Muffer" on drums and vocals, and "HDS" on guitar, and vocals. Their music is heavily influenced by arena rockers like Black Sabbath, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, and Rush; featuring explosive drums, pounding bass, and melodic rock vocals over heavy guitar riffs. On the band's latest EP, "The Disorder" we are quickly thrown into the lion's den, and forced to fend for ourselves.
The first song on O.D.D.'s EP takes a shot at our current political climate in the US. Where everything you've ever known can be signed away with one "Executive Order". Rolling beats on the toms, powerful crashing symbols dynamically shape this song, with bass and electric guitar hanging tight and punchy, lead guitar breaking away into an intense solo. Lead vocals go back and forth between slightly distorted, and crystal clear with an epic harmony accompaniment.In a way signifying the good versus evil, or right versus wrong that our political landscape is facing today in the US. "You can try just don't disagree, if you do we will make you see, with a pen sign your rights away, executive order".
Next we are met with "Label Killer", starting off with dark, crispy distorted riffs on guitar, and ghostly pinch harmonics. Vocals soaring in, "Well you got this silly notion that you're always right, just like nothing, ever happened, try to come back, not this time" , describing a toxic relationship gone off the rails, and seeing people as they really are. The rhythm section is solid, the drums and bass in perfect synchronicity, allowing lead guitar to flourish between verses.
"Loud Fighter" is the third track on the EP, and on the more aggressive rock side, up tempo, channeling an inner fighter, learning to fight for what you want in life, and to fight loud. The chorus features melodic guitar lines complementing the vocals, driving the song home. "Sometimes you got to listen to these words, don't take for granted a lesson learned, well it's a tough road, tough road to follow, just one of life's pills you have to swallow".
Rounding out this spirited collection of songs, we have "The View". Drums and bass break off into a heavily syncopated beat reminiscent of a song off of Metallica's 'St.Anger' album, called "Frantic", building suspense and creating a driving force that is impossible to ignore. "Everyone can clearly see that your problems lie within, they're not just with me (not with me, not with me. Vocals are powerful and impressive, a combination of Ozzy Osbourne's tone and attitude, with the range of Alter Bridge's Myles Kennedy.
Overall this is a rock-solid release from O.D.D. that showcases their multi-faceted musicianship, vocal prowess, and songwriting abilities. They add a crisp modern edge to an otherwise classic rock n' roll sound. Make sure to check out O.D.D.'s EP "The Disorder", along with their official music video for "Executive Order" below:
Weezer, Guns n’ Roses, Metallica, Rage Against the Machine… these are just a few of the huge rock bands based out of Los Angeles. Today we set our sights on a band on the rise, LA rockers Slow Burning Car.
Slow Burning Car takes inspiration from English alternative rock bands Swervedriver and New Model Army. They are also Influenced by American rock bands Queens of the Stone age, and Black Sabbath. The band is made up of Troy Spiropoulos on lead vocals and bass, Adam Idell on drums and backing vocals, along with Tommy Marcel on guitar and backing vocals.
This September, Slow Burning Car released their highly anticipated fourth album, “Defection”. You can hear the Ozzy Osbourne similarities in singer Troy’s vocals, and the heavy melodic sound from their explosive single “Soul Crimes”.
Without delay “Soul Crimes” takes off with crisp guitar, warm steady bass, and a classic rock beat into the verses, the band changing dynamically to put a spotlight on vocals. “It seems the more you give the more they take, a losing battle you fight everyday”. The world can seem chocked full of negativity, disappointment, and insincerity at times. Often we can find ourselves being put down by loved ones, or told to keep expectations low. Slow Burning Car is here to remind us that we have all the tools for success and happiness right within ourselves. “They underestimate your sense, the heart that beats beneath your breast, I see it all inside of you”.
Tommy Marcel takes the lead halfway through the song with a notable, impassioned guitar solo. Adam Idell and Troy Spiropoulos holding down the rhythm. Spriopoulos with perfect timing and tone on the bass, perfectly complementing Idell’s tight hi-hat pattern on the drums.
“Soul Crimes” would be the perfect companion to a late night drive into the city, a friday night house party soundtrack, or your afternoon pick me up playlist. Keep a lookout for more tracks from “Deception”. If you’re in the LA area, make sure to check out their CD Release show Saturday, November 11th, at 8:30pm at The Grand Annex (434 W.6th St., San Pedro, CA, 90731). All Ages. Full Bar (21+).
Or pick up a physical copy of “Defection” at:
Amoeba Records (6400 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA, 90028)
Fingerprints Records (420 E. 4th St., Long Beach, CA, 90802)
JDC Records (447 W.6th St., San Pedro, CA, 90731).
HARD POWER is the latest LP by Brooklyn based Dance / EDM group ZGRT. It's here to cast a hypnotizing groove spell on you, while also opening your eyes to the state of politics in the US.
Songwriter and producer Zachery Allan Starkey, and his latest musical project ZGRT are making waves in the underground electronic music scene in Brooklyn.
In late 2014, ZGRT came to life after an opportunity to use the personal recording studio and equipment of DFA's Gavin Russom was offered to Starkey. (Gavin Russom: Black Meteoric Star/LCD Soundsystem/DFA Records).
Combining elements of Dance, techno, and electronic music, Starkey blends striking lyrical imagery, with hard hitting techno beats and pulsating bass and synth grooves. ZGRT's HARD POWER LP is 8 tracks of pure EDM gold.
Starkey's vocals range from dreamy and observational on tracks "Kiss the Camera" and "Technocrat", but then quickly escalate to powerful and aggressive on "Black Angel", and the album's title track "Hard Power". Starkey wastes no time shaking through feelings of political complacency while also raising his voice to challenge the way America portrays beauty and obedience through the media and government.
Bass Lines drive each song, powerful and direct, pulsing like the heart of a sprinting gazelle.
The rhythms are kept strong and simple with deep snare hits, and layered with fast hi hat patterns.
Combining elements of Trap, Synth hop, and dungeon vibes, you might have a hard time not dancing listening to these songs. His lyrics go deep into the current political climate, commenting on America's stance among other nations, and the heavy hands that deal the blows to the American people, and constant surveillance.
"Kiss the camera for me baby, you're going to be a star".
Listen to ZGRT's "HARD POWER" LP, and make sure to follow him on Facebook:
