Like A Child is a new single from Austin-based singer/songwriter, Ranzel X Kendrick. He refers to his musical style as “freestyle folk.” It basically blends elements of pop, rock and Americana. The recording for Like a Child contains excellent sonic clarity. You can hear every delightful detail is the guitar strings as they’re being played. This gives the sound an intimate quality, even as the song captures innocent and free-spirited atmosphere of the open road. Ranzel X Kendrick is an exceptional vocalist, much better than one typically expects in a genre like this. His has a gritty, rock’n’roll voice, yet his delivery is melodic and conveys sensitivity. The mix is rich and colorful, with miscellaneous instrumentals filling things out nicely.

For more info:

https://ranzelxkendrick.com/
https://ranzelxkendrick.bandcamp.com/

Like the Sun is a new single from NJ singer-songwriter, Alex Julia. Heartfelt, powerful and competently performed, you really can’t ask for much more than this. This is one of those songs that retains indie artistic credibility but is a major label caliber release. The production is high quality, without a bunch of annoying processing or autotune. It’s a contemporary track with elements of pop and rock, but the authenticity and general vibe gives a classic 90s songwriter feel. You just don’t hear this kind of sincerity, sensitivity and clarity in most modern pop songs. The cover really has a great aesthetic, with its retro fonts and colorfully aged look. Interestingly, Alex is influenced by astrology and—being a Libra—strives to create balance and harmony. Like the Sun certainly achieves that and a lot more.

For more info:

Oh My Heart is a new single from Pepper Gomez (featuring Tacboy) released on the label, Wake Up! Music. This peppy and ambient “Nu House” jam has a slightly retro-futuristic feel. It almost sounds like a blend of house music and 80’s synthpop. The song just has a really awesome vibe. It’s instantly catchy, with attractive melodies and emotive vocals. The beat is positively invigorating, with it’s energetic pacing and vibrant synths. At the very least, Oh My Heart has the potential to be an indie “club classic,” but a song like this really belongs on a film soundtrack,

For more info:

https://wakeupmusicgroup.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WakeUpMusicGrp/

All Kinds of Crazy is the first full-length album from from The Blind Pilots, a band from the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia. It was apparently recorded in July of last year, during the Covid pandemic. The album has a bluesy, 90s rock’n’roll vibe. It actually has a very American sound, and I would have never guessed these guys are from Australia. The guitars really drive the action, with classic tube amp tones and swanky flavor. This is like the kind of music you hear at a random bar and think “wow, these guys really rock.” You can just sense how good this would be live.

The title track is pretty solid and makes a statement, but my personal favorite jam on here is the memorably named, Mood of the Dude. It’s catchy and has robust, extra-thick mix. The singer of this band has a dynamic voice that seems tailor made for this style of music. All Kinds of Crazy is an impressive debut album. You can tell these guys work well together and have plenty of experience performing.

For more info:

https://ffm.to/allkindsofcrazy
https://www.instagram.com/the_blind_pilots_/

Let The Light In, Vol. 2 is a new EP from San Francisco-based singer/songwriter, Chris Donohoe. The songs have a mellow and ambient indie rock vibe. Featuring colorful melodies, groovy riffs and emotive vocals, this EP offers up a slice of social commentary on the political division in the US. The track, Cut to Deep explores this from subtly cynical perspective and ponders whether the damage has been done and it’s too late to bridge the divide. Chris Donohoe is obviously a talented musician, and he manages to convey his sentiments within songs that are actually enjoyable to listen to. His presentation is sincere, yet artful. He recognizes the sensitivity to these subjects and approaches them in a way that isn’t abrasive or alienating. This EP is actually quite soothing and meditative.

For more info:

Lost Woman is a new single from Er Biacco, a well-known guitarist in the Italian underground scene. This jam is actually a cover version of a classic song from the iconic 60s band, The Yardbirds. It’s a collaborative effort, with established artists like Leo Rocks on vocals, Matteo Quiriconi on lead guitar, Falo on bass, and Andrea “Vipera” Salani on drums. This is one groovy track, with authentic rock’n’roll vibes and a hint of funk. It’s actually quite rhythmic and the beat gives the sound an exotic quality.

There’s a little bit more potency and vitality to this version. It has an edge to it, and the mix is very clean. The vocals are lively and charismatic, just brimming with personality. You can tell the singer is having a blast when performs. There’s lots of enthusiasm in this recording and even though the song has an “underground” feel, you can tell that all these musicians are established professionals. It would be great to see this live, preferably at some swanky, retro-themed night club.

For more info:

Copacabana is a new release from Blair Jacob, an instrumental LoFi producer based in Hackney, London. It’s actually the title track/lead single of a 4-song EP. Let me tell you, this song is smooth. Interwoven with faint vocals, the backing beat is dreamlike and ethereal. This is the ultimate chill out jam and will definitely leave you feeling copacetic. Though the vibe is mellow, the beat is still invigorating enough to captivate a dance floor. Copacabana has a retro-futuristic sound that blends space age synths, psychedelic melodies and wild rhythms. I would recommend checking out the whole EP. The rest of the tracks are similarly powerful. This artist has some real skills.

For more info:

Making Conversation is a new single from artist, Eva No. This is an upbeat, melodic and somewhat playful party pop song. It aims to bring people back into the spirit of socializing after what has been a rather difficult year. The music blends retro-futuristic synths with a fresh beat and slightly tropical vibes. Eva No’s lyrical delivery is captivating and approachable. She really sings with a lot of personality. As for the song itself, it’s fairly catchy and the build up before the hooks is quite effective. Atmospherically, Making Conversation has that sweet summertime essence that’s difficult to describe but always pleasant to bask in. This is a solid pop jam that’s brimming with positive energy.

For more info:

Wake Up is a new single from 21-year-old, Boise-based artist, Eshnab. The track is colorful and snazzy, with bright, pop and hip hop sensibilities. Eshnab’s delivery is playful and brimming with vitality, juxtaposing neatly against the backing beat, which has kind of a tropical, summertime vibe. As a pop jam, Wake Up has a lot of potential. It’s peppy and rhythmic, while Eshnab’s performance demonstrates he has a solid sense of timing. He also has another release, titled KAMIKAZE. It features laser-like synths and—as the title implies—the ambiance is wild and funy. I recommend you check both of his new songs out and follow Eshnab on Instagram if you like what you hear.

For more info:

https://www.instagram.com/eshnab_/?hl=en

Uncertainty is a new single from Richmond-based band, Steam Train Hearts. It also appears on their album, Smoke and Cinder. The song has a rough and tumble, rockin’ 1980s sound. Driven by sentimental vocals that project powerfully, Uncertainty is brimming with emotional energy. This really does sound like an 80’s jam. Featuring robust guitar tones and dynamic melodies, the mix comes through full, loud and clear. There are no obnoxious processing effects or autotune. The performances on here are all good as well, but the vocals especially stand out. When he belts out the lyrics, you can really hear the genuine passion and charisma in his voice. He has great “presence.” This band in general releases really solid and straightforward music. (I listened to some of the other songs on the album). I’d be willing to bet they put on a great live show, too.

For more info:

https://steamtrainhearts.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/steamtrainheart/
https://www.instagram.com/steamtrainhearts/