Winnetka Bowling League
Winnetka Bowling League’s debut single “On The 5,” a love letter to the baked asphalt of a California freeway, perfectly encapsulated the melancholy of a past romance conducted under blistering sunshine. The track, released at the tail end of the summer, was an immediate hit at college radio where it spent three weeks in the top 5, was playlisted on Sirius XM’s AltNation; Not bad for the first release from a newly formed band of musical compadres named for their singer’s bowling league in the San Fernando Valley.
The fourth EP from Winnetka Bowling League, pulp presents a radiantly detailed collection of stories from the life of frontman Matthew Koma. With equal parts raw sensitivity and self-effacing humor, the award-winning artist/songwriter/producer explores everything from the sweetly cinematic (a teenage crush on an impossibly cool girl he met on the Martz Trailways bus) to the quietly heartbreaking (an attempt to save a friend from a destructive relationship) to the delightfully tragicomic (the time an ex left him to move to Wisconsin and work at Mars Cheese Castle). When met with Winnetka Bowling League’s prismatic form of indie-pop, the result is a batch of songs that invite both pure nostalgia and profound self-reflection.
Their 2022 EP pulp arrives as the most immersive and introspective body of work yet from Winnetka Bowling League, whose lineup also includes drummer Kris Mazzarisi (Koma’s brother) and keyboardist Sam Beresford. In laying the groundwork for the EP—which features a guest spot from multi-platinum-selling pop superstar Demi Lovato on fiimy—the L.A.-based Koma headed to New York and spent several months holed up in a studio in the dead of the pandemic winter, a deeply isolated experience that soon inspired him to re-examine certain moments from his past. Along with tapping into the limitless ingenuity he’s shown in his work with an eclectic range of artists—Bruce Springsteen, Britney Spears, Tiësto, to name a few—Koma deliberately returned to a more intimate approach to songwriting. “For years before starting this band almost everything I was doing was electronically driven, and it’s felt good to pick up a guitar again and write in a more direct way,” he points out.
BØRNS
The artist Børns, also known as Garrett Clark Borns, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist renowned for his unique blend of indie pop and electropop music. Born on January 7, 1992, in Grand Haven, Michigan, Børns displayed a passion for music from a young age. His captivating vocals, dreamy lyrics, and infectious melodies have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Børns rose to fame with his debut studio album, ‘Dopamine,’ which featured hit singles like ‘Electric Love’ and ‘American Money.’ His music is characterized by its ethereal soundscapes and nostalgic themes, drawing inspiration from artists like David Bowie and Prince.
With his distinctive falsetto voice and stylish fashion sense, Børns has established himself as a trendsetter in the music industry. He has headlined sold-out tours across the globe, delivering electrifying performances that showcase his musical talent and charismatic stage presence. Børns continues to evolve as an artist, experimenting with different genres and pushing creative boundaries. His music resonates with audiences of all ages, celebrating love, freedom, and self-expression. Beyond his musical endeavors, Børns is also recognized for his unique sense of style, often seen sporting retro-inspired outfits and bold accessories that complement his artistic persona.
Dead Pony
White noise. Information overload. The inescapable sense that your voice is being lost in the crowd. For rising Scottish stars Dead Pony, the realisation that keeping heads above water in a soul-suckingly oversaturated modern music industry was stopping them from chasing the sort of singular sounds that had led here in the first place was a moment to pump brakes and take stock. They’d done what they were told. They’d tried to fit in. And all they’d gotten in return was dull-eyed apathy and shitty broken promises. So why keep flogging the dead horse of other people’s expectations? Why not bet on themselves with a debut album that’s all about standing out?!
Read MoreThe Avett Brothers
The Avett Brothers made a significant impact on the music scene with their major label debut album ‘I And Love And You’ in 2009, which ranked at #16 on the Billboard Top 200 and received widespread critical acclaim. Following this success, ‘The Carpenter’ in 2012 reached #4 on the Billboard Top 200, and ‘Magpie And The Dandelion’ in 2013 debuted at #5 on the same chart, leading to two performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Their album ‘True Sadness’ in 2016 marked The Avett Brothers’ highest career debut, securing the #1 position on various Billboard charts and earning two GRAMMY ® nominations. The band’s achievements were further recognized when they were inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in the same year.
In 2017, the documentary ‘May It Last: A Portrait of The Avett Brothers’ was released, showcasing the band’s journey while creating their acclaimed album ‘True Sadness.’ The film, co-directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, was met with praise upon its theatrical and HBO release and is now available on multiple platforms. The following year, The Avett Brothers headlined a benefit concert for Hurricane Florence Relief, raising an impressive $325,000 to support those affected by the disaster. Their 10th studio album, ‘Closer Than Together,’ featured the hit single ‘High Steppin’ that topped the Americana Radio Chart. The band recently released their newest album, ‘The Third Gleam,’ and announced an upcoming musical called ‘Swept Away’ for 2021, inspired by and featuring the music of The Avett Brothers.
American Hi-Fi
Drummer Stacy Jones, known for his contributions to iconic alternative acts like Letters to Cleo and Veruca Salt in the 1990s, embarked on his musical journey with American Hi-Fi. Inspired by artists such as Nina Gordon, Cheap Trick, and the rock vibes of American Hi-Fi, Jones, along with guitarist Jamie Arentzen, bassist Drew Parsons, and drummer Brian Nolan, established their base in Boston. Signing with Island, the band released their self-titled debut album in 2001, featuring the hit single ‘Flavor of the Weak.’ This success led to extensive touring and subsequent albums like Live from Tokyo (2002) and Art of Losing (2003).
Despite challenges with their label, Island, American Hi-Fi persisted, relocating to Los Angeles and collaborating with producer Butch Walker on their album ‘Hearts on Parade.’ After its Japanese release, the album found its way to the US market through Maverick in 2005. The band’s determination continued as they faced setbacks with subsequent albums, eventually forming their own label, Hi-Fi Killers, to release ‘Fight the Frequency’ in 2010. Following a hiatus, the band rejuvenated their music following a successful show in London in 2014, leading to the creation of ‘Blood & Lemonade,’ co-written with Kevin Hunter of Wire Train. Additionally, American Hi-Fi released an acoustic version of their debut album in 2016 through Rude Records.
Local Natives
Torchbearers of the Southern California band sound, Local Natives first drew attention in 2009 when their debut album, Gorilla Manor, grabbed fans with its vibrant mix of kinetic, complex rhythms and soaring harmonies. The album drew praise for its enthusiastic balance of post-punk urgency and evocative lyricism. In 2013, the group expanded upon that sound, exploring a darker, more introspective aesthetic on their follow-up, Hummingbird (produced by Aaron Dessner of The National). Their third album, Sunlit Youth, arrived in the summer of 2016 via Infectious and Loma Vista Recordings. Its globe-trotting writing process found the group experimenting with production techniques and expanding their palette of instruments.
The classic studio setting is juxtaposed on Local Natives’ fourth full-length, Violet Street [Loma Vista Recordings] with modern production and visuals to form a timeless album. The band’s signature soaring 3-part harmonies are augmented by loops of tape, physically spliced and transformed by hand, the result of experimenting in the studio with producer Shawn Everett (Alabama Shakes, Kacey Musgraves, The War On Drugs). Violet Street features singles “When Am I Gonna Lose You,” whose cinematic video starred Kate Mara and was performed by the band on Ellen; and “Café Amarillo,” which FADER hailed for “illustrating a sort of emotional purgatory.” Local Natives are Kelcey Ayer, Nik Ewing, Matthew Frazier, Ryan Hahn, and Taylor Rice
Lord Huron
The artist, in pursuit of the everlasting melody, delves into the depths of music creation with unwavering passion and dedication. Through every note played, every lyric penned, the artist seeks to capture the essence of timelessness in their compositions. With a keen ear for harmonies and a soulful spirit, they weave a tapestry of sound that resonates with the eternal longing for beauty and significance. Each song crafted is a brushstroke on the canvas of eternity, a unique expression of the artist’s vision and creativity.
Driven by a relentless quest for musical perfection, the artist immerses themselves in a symphony of creativity and innovation, sculpting melodies that transcend temporal boundaries. Their artistic journey is a quest for the ultimate harmony, a search for the unspoken language that connects hearts and souls through the universal language of music. Every performance is a sacred ritual, a communion between the artist, the audience, and the infinite expanse of musical possibilities. With each composition, the artist adds a new chapter to the saga of their artistic evolution, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of musical artistry.
Dominic Fike
Dominic Fike puts his own spin on Jack Johnson-esque cabana pop by combining it with elements of alternative hip-hop. The Florida native went from an unknown to a major-label signee in 2018, the year he issued his debut EP, Don’t Forget About Me, Demos. His Billboard 200-charting first full-length, What Could Possibly Go Wrong, followed in 2022, and his star continued to rise after joining the cast of hit HBO series Euphoria for its second season that same year. His sophomore album Sunburn followed in 2023, and also made its way into the charts. Born in Naples, Florida in late 1995, Dominic David Fike got his first guitar at the age of ten and began learning how to play songs by favorite acts including Red Hot Chili Peppers. Growing up, he and his siblings sometimes sought shelter with various relatives and family friends as his mother was in and out of jail. He and his older brother, Sean, sometimes freestyled with friends, and Dominic later became part of a rap collective that, by his late teens, was getting booked at music festivals. In the meantime, he was writing songs, making demos, and sharing videos of solo performances online. After some of his demos emerged in 2017, Fike signed a multi-million-dollar deal with Sandy Boys and Columbia Records before even releasing a song. They put out the reworked Don’t Forget About Me, Demos in mid-October 2018. The set’s opening track, 3 Nights, topped a million streams before the end of the month. After featuring on Kevin Abstract’s single Peach (along with BROCKHAMPTON’s Joba and Bearface), Fike issued two tracks of his own, Açaí Bowl and Roller Blades, in 2019. With 3 Nights racking up half-a-billion streams, and the Kenny Beats collaboration Phone Numbers soon becoming an underground hit of its own, Fike’s popularity skyrocketed. As co-signs from Billie Eilish and BROCKHAMPTON continued to build the vocalist’s profile, the musician set to work on a debut album, What Could Possibly Go Wrong. Released in July 2020, the album continued Fike’s feature-less run thus far with a 14-track collection of wide-ranging cuts, including the hits Chicken Tenders and Politics & Violence. In early 2021, Fike was featured on the Justin Bieber track Die for You, marking his first appearance in the Hot 100 (number 81), and that April, he turned up on McCartney III Imagined with a remix of Paul McCartney’s The Kiss of Venus. Beck, Phoebe Bridgers, and Damon Albarn were among the album’s other contributors. In 2022, Fike joined the main cast of the popular HBO series Euphoria and contributed the track Elliot’s Song — with Zendaya — to the program’s soundtrack. He made his Coachella festival debut in April 2023. That same month, he released the single Dancing in the Courthouse, a song inspired by run-ins with the law during his childhood. In June of 2023, Fike released new song Mona Lisa, a track originally included on the Metro Boomin-produced soundtrack album for Spider Man: Across the Spider-Verse but was later removed. The song appeared on Fike’s second album, Sunburn, released in July 2023. In addition to production credits that included Jim-E Stack, StarGate, and Kenny Beats, the album featured backing vocals from Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo on Think Fast, a song that interpolated Weezer’s ubiquitous hit Undone – The Sweater Song. Sunburn quickly reached the number 30 position on the Billboard 200 charts.
Read MoreRobert DeLong
Alt-electro alchemist Robert DeLong recently unveiled his latest album, PLAYLIST of DOOM, under Round Hill Records. This new record showcases subtle traces of Robert’s diverse musical inspirations, culminating in an eclectic creation that mirrors his versatile artistry. One standout track, “SLOWLY,” captures a blend of melancholy and funk as it delves into the complexities of strained relationships, with production by Edan Dover from The Score and co-writing credits by indie rock sensation Barns Courtney. The poignant chorus, “I’m on my knees, so let me down slowly…Good guys still bleed, so let me down slowly…,” encapsulates the emotive essence of the song. Presently, DeLong is embarking on a co-headlining tour across the United States alongside Atlas Genius, gracing various cities from September through October.
Robert DeLong first made waves in 2013 with his debut album, “Just Movement,” notably featuring the platinum-certified single “Global Concepts” in Australia. Since then, he has released two additional albums, two EPs, and a string of noteworthy singles. Notable collaborations include the 2018 hit “Favorite Color Is Blue” with K. Flay, and the 2021 track “Did It To Myself” featuring Lights. The artist also shared credits with Ashe on two tracks from “Walk Like Me.” His 2015 release, “Long Way Down,” soared to No. 3 on the U.S. Alternative chart, solidifying its position as his most streamed track on Spotify. With over 200 million streams on Spotify and 43 million views on YouTube, Robert DeLong has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry. His electrifying live performances have captivated audiences at renowned festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, and Reading and Leeds, showcasing his dynamic stage presence and artistry.
Len
Len is a Canadian alternative rock duo based in Toronto, Ontario. The band comprises of siblings Marc Costanzo (vocals, guitar) and Sharon Costanzo (vocals, bass) along with a rotating cast of touring and studio musicians. Their renowned 1999 hit single ‘Steal My Sunshine’ is a standout in their discography.
Read MoreJack Johnson
Jack Johnson rose to fame in the 2000s as a professional surfer turned chart-topping rocker. His acoustic singer/songwriter style, paired with an unassuming voice and a beach-bum demeanor, resonated with audiences leading to platinum success with his first five major-label albums. In Between Dreams, released in 2005, became one of his most acclaimed works. Throughout the 2010s, Johnson continued to find success with albums like From Here to Now to You (2013) and All the Light Above It Too (2017). Not one to rest on his laurels, Johnson’s collaborative effort with Blake Mills for his 2022 album Meet the Moonlight showcased his creative growth.
Before becoming a music sensation, Jack Johnson excelled as a champion surfer. His early love for surfing transitioned into a passion for film and music, leading him to produce the award-winning surfing documentary Thicker Than Water alongside friends Chris and Emmett Malloy. Johnson’s talents extended beyond the waves as he demonstrated his songwriting skills on the film’s soundtrack. Encouraged by producer J.P. Plunier, Johnson released his debut album Brushfire Fairytales in 2001, featuring a collaboration with Ben Harper. His music journey continued with socially conscious themes in albums like On and On and In Between Dreams, establishing his tropical songwriting style. Despite personal challenges, Johnson’s dedication to his craft resulted in chart-topping albums and successful collaborations, reinforcing his position as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Jack Johnson’s musical evolution mirrors his personal growth, as he navigated success and loss in his career. From the tragedy of his cousin’s passing to recording albums outside his comfort zone, Johnson’s music matured with each release. His sixth studio album, From Here to Now to You, marked a significant chapter in his discography, leading to more introspective tracks and live releases. Johnson’s commitment to environmental causes was highlighted in the Jack Johnson & Friends: The Best of Kokua Festival compilation, demonstrating his dedication beyond music. With each new album, including All the Light Above It Too and Meet the Moonlight, Johnson continues to explore new musical territories and collaborations, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice is a renowned British band known for their eclectic and innovative music. The band, formed in North London, consists of talented members who bring a unique blend of indie rock, grunge, and folk influences to their sound. Their distinct musical style has garnered them critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base worldwide. Wolf Alice’s music transcends genres, captivating listeners with their heartfelt lyrics and powerful performances. The band’s dynamic approach to songwriting and storytelling sets them apart in the music industry, earning them accolades and awards throughout their career.
Led by the mesmerizing vocals of lead singer Ellie Rowsell, Wolf Alice delivers emotive and evocative music that resonates with audiences on a deep level. Their thought-provoking lyrics explore themes of identity, love, and the human experience, inviting listeners to reflect and connect with the music on a personal level. Wolf Alice’s live performances are electrifying experiences, showcasing their raw talent and infectious energy on stage. From intimate venues to major music festivals, the band has captivated crowds with their captivating presence and exceptional musicianship. With each album release, Wolf Alice continues to push boundaries and redefine modern rock music, cementing their status as one of the most influential bands of their generation.