Review: Maggie Rogers – Don’t Forget Me

The third major label studio album from Maggie Rogers, called Don’t Forget Me, showcases the singer-songwriter’s continued growth in more ways than one. While I originally saw Rogers in the same realm of pop artists like Kacey Musgraves, Phoebe Bridgers, and Julien Baker, it turns out she may just be this generation’s Joni Mitchell. With crisp production that Rogers and Ian Fitchuk co-produce on this outstanding record, Maggie Rogers quickly cements herself as one of the marquee pop acts in the world. Having recently announced a comprehensive arena tour, that is selling extremely well, Rogers takes full advantage of her time in the spotlight on this breezy collection of ten songs that blend pop, country, and captivating storytelling in her most fully-realized album to date. The artist that once had a starry-eyed vision of headlining the places she grew up attending, has come full circle and seeing her hard work come to fruition.

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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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