Brittany Davis
As a blind person, I’ve never had an actual visual experience, says artist Brittany Davis. Sound is the way I’ve always seen my world. Brittany brings that world to cinematic life with Images Issues, their full-length debut as a solo artist, available 3.1.24 on Loosegroove Records. Arriving on the heels of 2022’s I Choose to Live — an introductory EP that was championed by outlets like NPR (who hosted Davis for a Tiny Desk Concert) and SPIN Magazine (who praised Davis’ intuitive virtuosity across deeply-felt rock, funk, and R&B) — it’s a wildly creative project that obliterates the traditional borders between genre and job. Brittany isn’t just the album’s vocalist; they’re also the songwriter, engineer, co-producer, and multi-instrumentalist responsible for nearly every sound on the album. Those sounds are just as diverse as the person who created them, with Image Issues making room for gospel piano, hip-hop grooves, house beats, jazz chords, self-made samples, and everything in between. It’s a wide mix — and it’s all Brit.
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Deer Tick
Emotional Contracts, the latest full-length album from Deer Tick, catalogs all the existential casualties that accompany the passing of time, instilling each song with the irresistibly reckless spirit that’s defined the band for nearly two decades. Before heading into the studio with producer Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Spoon, Sleater-Kinney), the Providence-bred four-piece spent months working on demos in a perpetually flooded warehouse space in their hometown, enduring the busted heating system and massive holes in the roof as they carved out the album’s 10 raggedly eloquent tracks. Emotional Contracts fully echoes the unruly energy of its creation, ultimately making for a heavy-hearted yet wildly life-affirming portrait of growing older without losing heart. As a phenomenally rowdy live act who once averaged 250 shows a year, Deer Tick mainly credit their deep-rooted connection to a mutual love for the unpredictability of the musical impulse. “I feel very lucky that we all ran into each other at some point pretty early on in our lives,” says McCauley. “From the start, I just wanted to find other musicians that would somehow all stick together, which definitely isn’t easy. But we all have a real fascination with music, and that desire to never limit ourselves or repeat ourselves is something that we all very much continue to share.
Read MoreMichigander
Jason is an exceptionally talented artist whose presence in the music industry has captivated audiences worldwide. With a unique blend of creativity and passion, Jason has quickly become a household name among music enthusiasts. His innovative approach to music creation and performance sets him apart as a true artist. Jason’s dedication to his craft shines through in every note he plays, every lyric he pens, and every stage he graces with his mesmerizing presence.
Jason’s journey in the music world is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence. His artistry knows no bounds, transcending genres and pushing the boundaries of traditional music norms. Fans of Jason appreciate not only his musical talent but also his ability to connect with them on a deeper level through his heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies. With each new release, Jason continues to leave a lasting impact on the music industry, solidifying his position as a visionary artist who is here to stay.
Ingrid Michaelson
Ingrid Michaelson, born in New York City and raised by her mother, a sculptor, and her father, a classical composer, carries artistry in her very essence. Her uniquely delicate and soothing voice, coupled with songs that touch the deepest emotions, resonates with a universal audience due to the raw emotional authenticity embedded in her music. Despite her rising fame, Michaelson remains unwaveringly independent, having released 8 albums under her self-founded label, Cabin 24 Records. Her portfolio boasts platinum hits like “The Way I Am,” “Girls Chase Boys,” and “You and I,” showcasing the depth of her musical talent. Apart from her musical pursuits, Ingrid Michaelson has also ventured into scoring music for television, with notable works including contributions to award-winning series like Little Fires Everywhere and Tiny Beautiful Things on Hulu. Her involvement as the executive music producer for Apple TV+’s Slumberkins further exhibits her versatility in the industry. Recently expanding her horizon, Michaelson graced the small screen as a guest star in Season 3 of Netflix’s Girls 5 Eva, and ventured into the indie film scene with her role in Humor Me alongside esteemed actors Jemaine Clement and Elliott Gould. Adding to her list of accomplishments, she made a notable on-stage debut on Broadway in Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 and significantly, as a composer in 2024, Michaelson wrote the music and lyrics for the Tony-nominated musical, The Notebook, marking her Broadway debut. The Original Broadway Cast Recording of The Notebook soared to the top of Billboard’s Cast Albums Chart, solidifying Michaelson’s position as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry. Anticipating her upcoming project, fans can look forward to the release of Ingrid Michaelson’s 9th studio album, For the Dreamers, scheduled to drop on August 23rd. Keep up with the latest updates and news from Ingrid Michaelson by visiting her official website at www.ingridmichaelson.com.
Read MoreSam Fender
If Sam Fender’s debut album, 2019’s “Hypersonic Missiles”, introduced a smart, street-wise British songwriter with a penchant for euphoric, hard-hitting guitar anthems, it was 2021’s peerless “Seventeen Going Under” that sent the Newcastle artist stratospheric. An acute observer, Fender turns the mirror not only on the streets he grew up walking, but on himself too. The record is a tough-talking but also tender account of Fender’s childhood, finding his feet in the North of England amongst all the complexities and anxieties that weighed so heavily on his shoulders. It’s also a coming of age story, marrying relatable family themes and broken friendships with devastatingly colossal choruses.
“Seventeen Going Under” is also a record that has taken Sam right across the globe, playing to bigger rooms and wider stages, whilst reaping a clutch of awards too (BRITs, NMEs, Ivor Novellos, and a prestigious Mercury Prize nomination).
Having headlined his first festivals in the UK in the Summer of 2022, and sold out all 45,000 tickets of his most recent headline performance in London, Sam Fender has inadvertently become one of Britain’s most celebrated and successful musicians of a generation.
Read MoreShannon & The Clams
Independent music mainstays Shannon & The Clams are known for their feel-good, vintage-infused, garage-psych sound. Their sonics go from black and white to technicolor on their forthcoming new album, The Moon Is In the Wrong Place, produced by longtime collaborator Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. Faced with the unimaginable sudden loss of singer-bassist Shannon Shaw’s fiancé, Joe Haener, in a car accident weeks leading up to their wedding, the project is a holistic exploration of grief and celebration of life coupled with the most expansive, exciting songs and arrangements of their celebrated catalog.
Shaw’s bandmates, guitarist Cody Blanchard, keyboard player Will Sprott, and drummer Nate Mahan, rallied behind her to create their most ambitious, emotionally searing work to date. The title is drawn from a conversation in which Haener, an astrology novice, attempted to ask if Mercury was in retrograde. This ominous precognitive statement became the basis for the record.
The Moon Is In the Wrong Place marks Shannon & The Clams’ 7th studio album together and showcases their 15+ years of tight-knit collaboration.
Soccer Mommy
Sophie Allison, known by her stage name Soccer Mommy, has consistently been recognized as one of the most intriguing and beloved artists in the indie rock scene over the past decade. In her latest work, ‘Evergreen’, Allison continues to delve into her personal experiences. However, the context has shifted following the significant personal loss she faced after the release of ‘Sometimes, Forever’ in 2022. This period of emotional turmoil gave rise to a collection of new songs, each serving as raw and unfiltered reflections of her innermost emotions. Maintaining the authenticity of her original demos was paramount to Allison; she aimed to preserve the genuine essence of her music without any unnecessary embellishments or artificiality.
Read MoreWarpaint
Warpaint is a renowned 4-piece band originating from California, known for their distinctive blend of intricate guitar melodies, mesmerizing vocals, and energetic post-punk beats, resulting in a uniquely captivating sound. Whether in the studio or during live performances, Warpaint delivers an ethereal and enchanting experience that feels transcendental. The band has gained widespread recognition, being featured in esteemed publications like The Guardian, The Independent, Rolling Stone, Spin, Mojo, Q, Crack Magazine, Interview, Nylon, Bust, and NME, and even graced the cover of the LA Weekly. Additionally, Warpaint has showcased their talent on popular television shows including Conan, Ellen, and Later With Jools Holland.
Warpaint’s first album, ‘The Fool,’ was honored as one of NME’s 50 Best Albums of the Decade. Their second self-titled album achieved impressive success, debuting in the top 10 of the Billboard Alternative Album Chart and the U.K. Album Chart. It was also recognized as one of the standout albums of the year by publications like The Chicago Tribune, LA Magazine, Time Out, NME, and American Songwriter. The band’s third album, ‘Heads Up,’ made a strong entry into the music scene with a Top 40 debut on the Billboard Current Albums Chart and reaching the 13th position on the U.K. Album Chart. Warpaint’s highly anticipated upcoming album, ‘Radiate Like This,’ is scheduled for release on May 6, 2022, promising to encapsulate the timeless enchantment that defines Warpaint—the delicate harmony of four distinct talents merging seamlessly in motion while allowing each individual essence to shine even brighter.
Big Thief
Big Thief’s fifth album, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You, is out now on 4AD. Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You is a sprawling double-LP exploring the deepest elements and possibilities of Big Thief. To truly dig into all that the music of Adrianne Lenker, Max Oleartchik, Buck Meek, and James Krivchenia desired in 2020, the band decided to write and record a rambling account of growth as individuals, musicians, and chosen family over 4 distinct recording sessions.
In Upstate New York, Topanga Canyon, The Rocky Mountains, and Tucson, Arizona, Big Thief spent 5 months in creation and came out with 45 completed songs. The most resonant of this material was edited down into the 20 tracks that make up DNWMIBIY, a fluid and adventurous listen. The album was produced by drummer James Krivchenia who initially pitched the recording concept for DNWMIBIY back in late 2019 with the goal of encapsulating the many different aspects of Adrianne’s songwriting and the band onto a single record.
“One of the things that bonds us together as a band is pure magic,” says Adrianne. “I think we all have the same guide and none of us have ever spoken what it is because we couldn’t name it, but somehow, we are all going for the same thing, and when we hit it… we all know it’s it, but none of us to this day, or maybe ever, will be able to articulate in words what the ‘it’ is. Something about it is magic to me.”
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell, a legendary artist known for her influential contributions to the world of music, has captivated audiences with her unique voice and unparalleled songwriting skills. With a career spanning several decades, Mitchell has established herself as one of the most iconic and enduring figures in the industry. Her soulful lyrics and powerful melodies have touched the hearts of millions around the globe, earning her numerous accolades and awards throughout her illustrious career. From folk to rock to jazz, Joni Mitchell’s diverse musical style continues to resonate with listeners of all generations.
Born in Canada, Joni Mitchell’s artistic journey began with humble beginnings, but her talent and passion soon propelled her to international stardom. Her ability to blend poetic storytelling with emotive vocals sets her apart as a true artist of unparalleled depth and creativity. Mitchell’s songs address timeless themes of love, loss, and the human experience, exploring complex emotions with honesty and vulnerability. Through her music, Joni Mitchell has inspired countless musicians and continues to be celebrated as a pioneer in the folk and singer-songwriter genre.
Madness
Madness are an English ska and pop band from Camden Town, north west London, who formed in 1976. One of the most prominent bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s two-tone ska revival, they continue to perform with six of the seven members of their original line-up. Madness’s most successful period was from 1980 to 1986, when the band’s songs spent a total of 214 weeks on the UK Singles Chart, holding the record along with English reggae group UB40 for most weeks spent by a group in the UK singles chart during the 1980s.
Madness have had 16 singles reach the UK top ten, including ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘Baggy Trousers’ and ‘It Must Be Love’, one UK number-one single ‘House of Fun’ and two number ones in Ireland, ‘House of Fun’ and ‘Wings of a Dove’. ‘Our House’ was their biggest US hit, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2000, the band received the Ivor Novello Award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors for Outstanding Song Collection.
Stephen Dawes
The artist named ‘oooooh wee’ is a truly unique creator in the world of art. Their work transcends boundaries and defies traditional norms, captivating audiences with its extraordinary beauty and depth. oooooh wee’s passion for art shines through in every piece, showcasing a blend of creativity, emotion, and innovation like no other. As a visionary in the art scene, oooooh wee’s pieces evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue, inviting viewers to explore beyond the surface and delve into the rich tapestry of their imagination. With a signature style that is unmistakably oooooh wee, this artist continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression and leave a lasting impression on all who encounter their work.
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