Pixies
Pixies, the influential alternative rock band, is known for their unique fusion of jagged guitars, stop-start dynamics, and melodic pop hooks. Their groundbreaking albums like Surfer Rosa and Doolittle showcased a blend of punk, indie rock, classic pop, surf rock, and stadium-sized riffs, complemented by Black Francis’ cryptic yet evocative lyrics touching on space, religion, sex, and pop culture. Despite their immense impact on the music scene, Pixies faced challenges in commercial success, with MTV and radio stations hesitating to embrace their music at first.
The band’s formation in Boston in 1986 by Charles Thompson (Black Francis) and Joey Santiago marked the beginning of a journey that would influence generations of musicians. Their recruitment of Kim Deal and David Lovering completed the lineup that would create music that inspired bands like Weezer, Radiohead, and the Strokes. Pixies’ string of albums, including the recent Doggerel in 2022, showcased their evolution and willingness to explore new genres like country and folk, expanding their already innovative sound.
Future Islands
Future Islands’ trademark sound is sleek, guitar-less synth pop balanced with the howls, yelps, and croons of dynamic vocalist Samuel T. Herring. The Baltimore-based group honed their sound on a series of promising albums before their near-perfect 2014 LP Singles and a stunning appearance on Late Night with David Letterman vaulted them to prominence. Herring’s daring as a vocalist and the band’s sweeping melodies were further honed to a point on the slick 2017 album The Far Field and 2020’s melancholy As Long as You Are. Their seventh full-length, People Who Aren’t There Anymore, a mixture of energetic numbers and slow jams, arrived in 2024.
The band started out making electro-pop music together in 2003 while attending East Carolina University’s art program. Along with Herring, the initial members of the group were keyboardist Adam Beeby, bassist William Cashion, keyboardist Gerrit Welmers, and percussionist Kymia Nawabi, and they played shows around campus as Art Lord & the Self-Portraits. In 2006, after the band split, Herring, Cashion, and Welmers continued under the name Future Islands and picked up the Kickass bassist Erick Murillo to fill out their sound on an electronic drum kit. The band released a few CD-Rs, splits, and cassettes, then began work on their debut album with producer Chester Endersby Gwazda. After the album was recorded, but before it was released, the band, minus Murillo, relocated to Baltimore. Wave Like Home was released in 2008 for the Upset the Rhythm label.
Future Islands toured steadily, built up a fan base, and continued refining their sound. They signed to Thrill Jockey and released two records in 2010, the In the Fall EP and the In Evening Air album. After some conflict over their next album, 2011’s On the Water, the group left Thrill Jockey and went underground. Herring worked on his hip-hop side project, Hemlock Ernst, and the band quietly began work on another album. They released a single for old friends Upset the Rhythm in 2012, then in 2013 signed with 4AD. Their first album for the label, 2014’s Singles, was a streamlined, very accessible synth pop album produced by Chris Coady. They caused a splash in the indie rock community when their performance of one of the album’s highlights, “Seasons (Waiting on You),” on Late Night with David Letterman left the host dazzled and nearly speechless. The band toured extensively, appeared at Glastonbury in 2015, and that same year released a single, “The Chase”/”Haunted by You.”
M.I.A.
M.I.A., also known as Maya Arulpragasam, is a pioneering artist who transcends musical and geographical boundaries with her innovative blend of hip-hop, electronic, punk, and global sounds. Growing up as a Sri Lankan refugee in London, her music serves as a vibrant reflection of her roots and an outspoken commentary on identity, war, immigration, and politics. From her early viral hits like ‘Galang’ and ‘Sunshowers’ to her multi-million selling singles like ‘Paper Planes,’ M.I.A. has consistently pushed the envelope in the music industry. Her albums, such as ‘Arular,’ ‘Kala,’ and ‘/\/\/\/Y/\,’ have received critical acclaim for their unique fusion and bold themes.
Maya Arulpragasam’s upbringing was marked by movement and turmoil, from London to Sri Lanka, Madras, and back to London amidst a civil war. Despite the challenges, she found stability in her artistic pursuits, graduating from Central Saint Martins College of Art and emerging as a talented painter and musician. Inspired by a diverse range of artists and her own experiences, M.I.A. used music to blend cultural influences and social commentary. Her journey from a visual artist to a renowned music icon is a testament to her resilience and creative vision.
Throughout her career, M.I.A. has continually reinvented herself and challenged societal norms through her music and activism. From the success of albums like ‘Matangi’ to her recent work on ‘MATA,’ she remains a trailblazer in the industry. Beyond her musical achievements, M.I.A. has used her platform to address political issues, collaborate with industry veterans, and pave the way for future artists. With a diverse discography and a fearless approach to her art, M.I.A. continues to inspire and provoke thought in audiences worldwide.
New Radicals
A pop/rock group that was formed in the late ’90s but was heavily influenced by the rock and soul of the 1970s, the New Radicals are the creation of singer/producer/songwriter Gregg Alexander — a native of Grosse Point, MI (near Detroit). Growing up in Michigan, Alexander started listening to both rock and R&B extensively as a child and was only 12 when he acquired his first electric guitar. After high school, he traveled around the U.S. and lived in both New York and Los Angeles. It was in L.A. that he formed the New Radicals, which signed with MCA in 1997 and soon got to work on Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too — a 1970s-minded CD that came out in October 1998. Alexander did all of the producing and arranging and most of the songwriting on the promising album, which was the group’s sole release. After scoring the hit “You Get What You Give,” he disbanded the New Radicals to focus on production work. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi
Read MoreWeathers
Southern California based alternative rock band Weathers — lead singer/front man Cameron Boyer, guitarist Cameron Olsen and bassist Brennen Bates— have been consistently creating finely crafted introspective pop songs heavily inspired by the counter-culture of the 80s and 90s since forming in 2015.
The band makes music that speaks to those among us who tend to forget that, regardless of outward appearances, everyone is struggling with something and that no one is alone. Weathers’ story is a tale of growing up, of coming into one’s own, and includes themes of depression or anxiety and the often difficult maintenance of mental health.
Catfish and the Bottlemen
As they embark on a momentous new chapter, the multi-Platinum-selling, BRIT Award-winning, arena-filling giants Catfish and the Bottlemen make a striking return with fresh music. Showtime, the first single from Catfish and the Bottlemen’s eagerly anticipated fourth studio album, was recorded in Los Angeles, exuding the city’s sun-kissed optimism. Produced in collaboration by Van McCann and Dave Sardy, the upcoming album promises a vibrant sound and captivating storytelling. Cementing their status among Britain’s most successful bands of the 21st century, Catfish and the Bottlemen, led by the dynamic frontman and songwriter Van McCann, deliver electrifying live performances that serve as a cathartic experience of pure joy and unity.
Having conquered iconic venues like Don Valley Stadium, Manchester Arena, Wembley Arena, Bellahouston Park in Glasgow, and Cardiff Castle with sold-out headline shows, Catfish and the Bottlemen continue to ascend to new heights fueled by Van McCann’s unparalleled vigor. Their global presence extends across the USA, South America, Australia, and Japan, captivating audiences with their energetic tours and mainstage appearances. With over 2 million fans worldwide, Catfish and the Bottlemen stand as one of the leading live acts in contemporary rock music. Returning to headline the prestigious Reading & Leeds Festival for the second time and announcing headline performances at Cardiff Castle and Edinburgh Sessions, their enduring popularity and magnetic stage presence solidify their position as a powerhouse in the music industry.
Artemas
Artemas, also pronounced as Art-eh-mus, is a talented and versatile artist who captivates audiences with their unique creativity and passion for art. With a name that resonates with artistic expression, Artemas embodies a fusion of innovative techniques and emotive storytelling in their creations. Drawing inspiration from diverse cultural influences, Artemas’s work reflects a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary flair. The name Artemas signifies a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons in the realm of art, symbolizing a journey of self-discovery and artistic evolution. Through their art, Artemas invites viewers to embark on a visual odyssey, where each piece tells a compelling narrative and evokes a myriad of emotions. With an unwavering dedication to authenticity and originality, Artemas continues to redefine the boundaries of artistry and leave a lasting impact on the creative landscape.
Read Morealmost monday
Dive into the sunny sounds of almost monday
Read MoreWheatus
Teenage years may be fleeting, but it seems ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ is for life, as Wheatus’ debut single popped up yet again in 2022, making itself known in a way never seen before in the form of a TikTok trend. The “Teenage Dirtbag photos” trend has now been embraced by nearly a million people, including celebrities such as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Mark Ruffalo, Lil Nas X, Jon Bon Jovi, Chevy Chase, and countless others, resulting in the hashtag #teenagedirtbag being viewed over 2 billion times worldwide.
So it’s been a busy couple of years for Wheatus. They continue to spend as much time as possible on the road, both for headline shows and as a support act (most recently with Everclear, Hoobastank & Living Colour on the Summerland 2021 tour) across North America. Wheatus have also made a triumphant return to festival stages, playing high profile events like Audacy Beach Fest, where they performed alongside Muse, Jack White, The 1975 and Machine Gun Kelly, just to name a few. While managing the sudden influx of attention and press, the independent six-piece band have been continuing their ongoing project of re-releasing their debut album (in a twenty-song expanded edition featuring “lost” songs from throughout the years), creating content for their endlessly loyal fanbase on Patreon, and getting ready for whatever the future throws at them next. To date, the eclectic rock outfit has now released six studio albums, two live albums, and multiple additional singles.
late night drive home
ArtistSummary
Read MoreDestroy Boys
The title of Destroy Boys’ new album, Funeral Soundtrack #4, might seem like a bit of playful irony but the California band is being quite literal. “Looking back, our first three albums marked the deaths of things,” says guitarist Violet Mayugba. “They were soundtracks to our funerals, whether they were for our ages, our mental states. We’ve gone through a lot of changes as a band and as people.” Destroy Boys formed in 2015, when founding members Violet Mayugba and Alexia Roditis were just 15 years old, and each release has marked a period of growth and change. “The first one was our high school album,” Mayugba explains. “On the second record, we went to college and were saying goodbye to our childhood. On the third one, we’d just gone through COVID and, speaking for myself, I lost my entire sense of self and gained a new one.” Now, at 24, Mayugba and Roditis are standing firmly on solid ground with their fourth album, more resolute and confident than ever in their place as musicians. “With Funeral Soundtrack #4, I’m done being walked all over. I’m done being taken advantage of by people in the music industry and by people I date. I’m done doing what other people tell me to do,” Roditis says. “Funeral Soundtrack #4 is our best record yet, no question, but it’s still authentic,” Mayugba says. “It’s more presentable, it’s hookier, it’s more palatable, but it’s also real Destroy Boys.
Read MoreBishop Briggs
Born in London to Scottish parents, Bishop Briggs grew up in Japan and Hong Kong. Days after graduating high school, she moved to Los Angeles where, after years of performing at any venue that would have her, she was discovered in a small hole-in-the-wall by a former-A&R rep and the rest was history. The music of Bishop Briggs transcends the limitations of singular genres, blending folk, pop, and electronic music into a wholly unique sound.
Her debut track “Wild Horses” reached #1 on Spotify’s US Viral Chart and #2 on Spotify’s Global Viral 50 charts, with airplay on Sirius XM’s Alt Nation, Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 Show and a prized spot in Acura’s 2016 TLX and ESPN’s NFL Playoffs ads. She followed up with the RIAA-certified platinum single, “River,” a searing and cathartic track that captured the attention of tastemakers and gatekeepers and rose to #3 on the Alternative chart with over 680 million global streams. After her critically acclaimed debut album “Church of Scars”, multiple sold out tours, live performance slots opening for Coldplay, Kaleo, alt-J, and Bleachers, and with more music on the way, Bishop Briggs is set to have her most incredible year yet.