Steven Blane
Crying
One of the greatest heartbreaking songs ever written, Steven does it fine justice and Roy Orbison and kd lang would be proud.
Coral Bells
War on Peace
2017 will go down in history as the year music artists found their voice again against injustice. Standing Rock and Indigenous rights are at the top of mind on this track, and although it doesn’t get as angry as the protesters would be, it gets the message across ruefully.
Lauren Reiner
We Can’t Be Lovers
The 21-year-old singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist from New York immediately makes you think of Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Melody Gardot, and Jane Monheit while simultaneously creating a unique sound of her own. Her EP What I’ve Been Dreaming Of is out now, and I’ve been listening to it for the better part of the day now…
Bedstudy
ø (Arms Away)
Bedstudy, a rising Brooklyn indie band led by Peter Baldwin and David Plakon, releases their gorgeously heady track with a video detailing the wrenching violence that many transgender individuals continue to face. A dreamy mix of blues, art rock, R&B and gospel well worth seeking out.
Earth To Spaceman
StarRunner
Earth To Spaceman is fronted by musician Jack Matranga (ex-Self Against City, Brooke White) based out of California. After spending all of 2016 writing/producing with production duo ESCQ (Imagem Music), Earth To Spaceman released a debut album entitled ‘Cause Célèbre’ earlier this year.
Bre Michael
Unsaved Soul
His influences reach far and wide – from Mac Miller, Ariana Grande, to J Cole, and incorporating them into what 2018 is going to sound like on pop radio. Expect to hear more from him.
Just Koz
All For You (Lover of Mine)
A pretty straightforward banger of a track that you’ll lose your mind if they DJ played it at Midnight. Just brilliant.
Mr. Kelly
Irie (feat. Relic & Joao)
This song will pour out of your car with the windows rolled down – doesn’t matter if it’s spring or winter.
The Jacks
Wings
The British Invasion of the 1960s and 70s are touchtones for the new gritty rock n’ roll single from the southern California four-piece band. Dubbed Ones to Watch by Live Nation. A hit on both sides of the Atlantic if there’s any justice.
Leisure Fund
The Upsetter
Cover song originally done by Metromony, their Shared Sorrow cover EP also features tracks by Joy Division, Angel Olsen, and The Kooks, just a few of my personal faves, so they’re in.
Trigram
Assimilate
Following a distressed marriage, Assimilate takes a metaphoric look at conformity in social media through the lens of a dystopian world, and where a political leader enslaves the population through electronic devices. Brilliant, dark, deep, mysterious. If you’re a fan of Nine Inch Nails, Tool or Alice In Chains, this is for you.
An Old Friend
Lady
Move away from the crappy speakers from the computer and go put the headphones on for this one. This bursts out, erupts and infects your heart and mind like few other modern-day recordings. The arrangements and bittersweet melody demands more attention.
