Parris Mitchell – “Problem Child” (Song Premiere)

Parris Mitchell

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single from rising pop artist, Parris Mitchell, called “Problem Child.” Mitchell has a unique sound that transcends musical boundaries, and hits the right spots on this vibrant single. When speaking on his latest track, Mitchell shared, “This is a ‘neighbors calling in a noise complaint’ banger about self-reflection. My emo indie rock anthem, co-penned with Stalking Gia and Ryder Stuart, explores raw emotions and introspection with ripping guitars, angsty vocals and intense drums.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, keep an eye out for Parris Mitchell’s new LP, The Mixed Emotions Arcade, that releases on June 14th. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below.

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Old Neon – “Empty Frames” (Video Premiere)

Old Neon

Today I’m so excited to share with everyone Pittsburgh, PA’s dynamic pop-punk band, Old Neon, and their latest single/video for “Empty Frames.” When speaking on the track, band member Sean Michael shared, The song is about developing feelings for someone who is emotionally unavailable and how lonely it can feel. More lonely, however, when upon expressing those feelings, finding it was not one-sided; whilst not an unrequited feeling, one that will never be alive in the way you want. The band would be perfect for fans of Four Year Strong and The Wonder Years.

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Cold Years Talk with Kerrang!

Cold Years

Cold Years talked with Kerrang! about their new album:

“I think Against Me! were the last punk band who got a million-dollar deal,” he ponders. “If you look at how major labels invest in bands, a lot of the time the money’s in pop music or hip-hop or viral sensations off TikTok. The days of punk bands getting deals like that are gone. We all work normal jobs because we want to do this – I want to be able to pay my bills so I can go on tour assured that I have a wage to come home to. Brexit’s killed it for Europe and we have a lot of upfront costs now, so it’s not a viable living anymore unless you’re doing it 365 days a year, because record sales aren’t what they used to be. So it’s a hard life, but it’s also an amazing life, because I get to experience things not a lot of other people experience. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Review: Hovvdy – Hovvdy

If I was in Hovvdy, I would be very tired of the word “nostalgia” by now. It’s been mentioned in countless write-ups and reviews (this one now included), singling out the band’s biggest strength — down-to-earth earnestness and relatability — and occasionally spinning it as something manufactured. Any detractors of the band are unlikely to change their minds about Hovvdy’s new self-titled double album, although fans will no doubt be pleased that the band continues to retain their carefree and approachable image, likely because it serves as such a complement to their songwriting. Even more than 2021’s True Love, Hovvdy fulfills the goal of most self-titled records, as well as the goal of many records this far into a band’s career; it is kaleidoscopic while remaining cohesive, a defining work by an artist in their prime that captures nearly every sound the band has explored over their first decade of existence.

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Dad Hats – “Claustrophobia” (Video Premiere)

Dad Hats

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest video from Dad Hats called “Claustrophobia,” and share the news of their vinyl releases. After Dad Hats released Spill in February of 2023, the first pressing of the physical copies quickly sold out and – despite a run up that included several singles – there was one song that had been an obvious fan favorite that didn’t have a corresponding music video. To celebrate the second pressing of Spill on vinyl, the band announced a limited edition 7″ and a music video for their next single: “Claustrophobia.” “Claustrophobia” is a poppy little thing that hits close to home for anyone feeling suffocated by an endless cycle of work and obligations. Throughout the song, Dad Hats’ signature blend of overly honest introspection, woven guitars, and catchy melodies are on prominent display. It also serves as a must-listen for anyone who wants to have some friends over for a first world self-pity party. The seven inch features an acoustic B-side of “Brain In A Jar,” and this song is currently exclusive to only this limited edition vinyl pressing. You can purchase Spill here and the 7″ record here.

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Gileah Taylor – “Sweetness Surrounding” (Video Premiere)

Gileah Taylor

Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the latest video from ultra-talented songwriter Gileah Taylor, from her new album Slow Parade, called “Sweetness Surrounding.” It’s a song about putting on a happy face while feeling sad and lost, and fits well for fans of Big Thief or Boygenius. When speaking on her new single, Taylor mentioned, ““I felt lost and wanted to be by myself, to a scary point. I recognized where I was and decided to make a change. I took steps to feel better, like taking morning walks, choosing the good things around me, and listening to the birds.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider purchasing Slow Parade here. You can also check out some insight on the new single from Gileah Taylor below.

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Interview: Sarah and the Safe Word

Sarah and the Safe Word

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone an early listen to the new Sarah and the Safe Word single called “Pornstar Martini.” On this Motown-inspired track that sounds like a combination between early Panic! at the Disco paired with that classic Sarah and the Safe Word sound, the band continues their dramatic artistic development. Sarah Rose shared, “We wrote this song while we were on tour in the UK on an off day. I remember sitting in our AirBNB in Manchester and the chorus just kind of came out. Kienan and I knew pretty much right away that we were going to make a song out of it. It’s a love letter to our time in the UK as much as it is a love letter to some of our favorite vintage sounds. Feels like an interesting new chapter for the band. I’m excited to take folks along for this ride.” Additionally, lead guitarist Kienan Dietrich mentioned, “We’re trying to broaden the scope of our sound a tiny bit by taking the time machine back only a few decades instead of an entire century. The combination of references to works of dark academia, like Donna Tartt and Bret Easton Ellis, with a bright, Motown/Stax Records kind of music is such a fun thing to explore. The clash of squeaky clean, pop culture memories with the reality underpinning those memories. Classic juxtaposition stuff, and classic Safe Word. At the end of the day, who doesn’t want a penthouse view?” If you’re enjoying the early listen, you can stream it everywhere you get your music tomorrow. I was also able to catch up with the Kienan and Sarah for a brief interview below.

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Review: Smallpools – Ghost Town Road (East)

There’s a magic feeling when a band you’ve been following for some time puts all the pieces together and delivers an incredible work of art. Smallpools have done just that on Ghost Town Road (East), an electric-charged EP that encapsulates everything that made me fall in love with this band’s style in the first place. This three-piece pop rock band makes all the right moves on this record that has a very 80’s new wave feel to it, while still maintaining a modern flair to it to ensure it connects with new audiences.

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