Kia Rap Princess has her 2023 in motion with a new EP that she dropped on Valentine’s Day. It’s four tracks that find the Rap Princess not only bringing her trademark in-your-face hip hop delivery but incorporating some heartfelt R&B as well. Produced by Lexi Banks, “Trap Sexy” is Kia Rap Princess knowing what she wants, being careful about who
Read more
Nothing in life is free in hip hop artist 2Hi’s latest single. He raps about having trouble bouncing back from obstacles unless he’s surrounded by the right energy. With bass-boosted production from ThatGuyEli, this tune demands fortitude, perseverance and accepting hard truths. 2Hi looks to get back on his feet with “Life Alert.”
Read more
Ben Slowey sat down with indie pop/rock band Pescatarian At Best.
Read more
Electronic producer Zonik dropped a new single recently. This one’s got a future psychedelia feel with waves of bass fanning the rhythms and a drum pattern exciting enough to get your heart racing. The tune would be fit for an arcade racing game – you know, one with the steering wheel and decals on the sides. Zonik brings the velocity
Read more
Electronic producer Cntrlla’s got a new EP out. It’s three tracks and finds the producer going for more of a cathartic, angst-ridden demeanor. With slimy bass and gloomy cacophony, there’s an overall feeling of peril and plight; there’s even a robotically altered School of Rock sample in the second track. It’s a crafty and solidly executed EP from Cntrlla as
Read more
Alternative-world supergroup Strangelander released a new single this week. The song is akin to the band’s name itself; it’s about a woman who’s not from around these parts, yet she makes a grand impression wherever she goes. It’s got a mysterious, venturesome feel like we’re watching this woman walk straight into danger without a care in the world. Amanda Huff
Read more
Socially Suspect are a hot new alternative rock band to watch out for. Their debut single is out now and it’s about overthinking and starting anew. Incorporating elements of grunge and pop punk, the lively tune channels angst, anger and fear around ideas of success, following through and feeling like you’re never good enough. “6 to 2” is a peppy
Read more
Lady Cannon recently announced that they are disbanding – but not before they released a new EP. Martha Cannon’s enchanting blend of folk, Americana, and pop takes us for a dance one last time as the band touches on themes such as distance growing between two lovers, misplacing love, and coming back to someone who’s hurt you. An ensemble of
Read more
Prolific noise artist Lucky Bone has a new release out. It’s a continuation of his “Dream Journals & Glass Coffin” series, inspired by dreams that he’d recently had. Constructing pieces using the musique concrete/tape music approach, these distorted and obfuscated improvisations stem from visions of the Paradise Lost docu-series, family tensions, COVID times and a doorway between the basement –
Read more
Experimental producer Docx dropped a two-song EP this week. This release finds them collaborating with a few folks for zestful, inventive hip hop cuts. The title track enlists QuaDaDonn and Mariko Miziyaki for fun, flirtatious flexes. The second track “RONDA ROUSEY” cranks up the 808s and sounds the alarm for Itgirl. Docx is consistently up to something innovative; we look
Read more
PAY DIRT is new side project of conceptual/performance artist Kleaner which finds them exploring drone and noise territories. “MOB” is their debut release, being a seven-minute composition of rumbling distortions and clangorous crashing sounds. It’s got an ominous atmosphere like we’re anticipating something about to happen in a psychological horror movie. We hope to hear more from PAY DIRT and
Read more
Synthpop act Dashcam released his long-awaited new album this week. There’s eleven tracks here that paint vibrant pictures of explosive skyscapes, luxuriant nature and paradisial getaways. Basking in the oceans of nostalgia, these tunes connect conduits between love, memory, dreams and fantasy. Dashcam enlists many wonderful fellow artists to join him on these songs including Clear Pioneer, Liv Held, The
Read more
Electronic producer Micro Heathen dropped a new album this past week. Incorporating techno, hip hop, psychedelia, and ambient elements, the artist knows no limits to their sonic palette as long as it’s got a groove. With a sense of humor driving the samples and smooth, liquid textures adorning the rhythms, the production is pleasantly experimental with a knack for amusement.
Read more
Contemporary classical/improvisational project Darkpebble-Bluewave released a new album, featuring collaborative pieces between Wilhelm Matthies and Paulo Chagas. There’s eight tracks here that balance spontaneity with intention and unpredictability with anticipation, created using exchanged music files between the two artists. The poetic song titles conjure vividness and daydreams as well. Matthies uses an invented string instrument featuring movable resonators, and Chagas
Read more
A powerhouse night of heavy music took place at Cactus Club Saturday night featuring local bands Algid Funeral and It Is Dead in addition to Chicago-based metal bands Nequient and Ready For Death. Algid Funeral comprises of vocalist/synth player Trevor Keay, guitarist Dillon Briggs, bassist Maria Froman and drummer John Karnowski. Formed in 2018, their sound can be described as
Read more
Quarters Rock ‘n Roll Palace in Riverwest hosted on Friday night local indie rockers Oh Well, Ok alongside Chicago acts singer-songwriter Able Baker and psych-shoegaze band The Courts. Oh Well, Ok is the project of James Markwyn. Friday’s show featured Dean MacKenzie on bass and LoBi LoBianco on drums. Hailing from Waukesha, Markwyn began the project while at college in
Read more
Alt pop punks Gold Steps released a new video on Valentine’s Day, accompanying a song from their recent album “That Ain’t It.” Directed by Richie Gordon, the visual finds the band goofing around together in various public places while vocalist Liz Mauritz sings against the skyline and various backdrops. It’s an explosion of fun and antics from Gold Steps; hit
Read more
Metalcore act Surefire released a new single today that confronts the pervasive, rotten thoughts that echo in one’s mind. Featuring vocalist Dylan Greenhill of Vapid Soul, this devilish headbanger unleashes hell on peace, cornering you at every turn. It’s an absolute beatdown brawler, crumbling atmosphere and all. There’s no escape with “Suppressive Thoughts” – stay tuned for more to come
Read more
MURDER ZONE, Kleaner’s gothic side project, released a new album this week. It’s ten tracks, beginning with the three-part “MUTINY” series, carrying the ominous cries of Party Clown with foreboding bass guitar and sparse rhythm beneath. Themes of consequences, low blows, ruined hearts and birds of prey are ruminated on. MURDER ZONE brings a haunting Valentine’s Day installation with “MISERY
Read more
Hip hop artist SammyCin dropped a three-song EP recently. Themed around feeling lost and holding shit in, Sammy gets a lot off his chest here in terms of struggling to feel truly understood. He turns to vices and does what he can to get by while sick of feeling he has to conceal what he deals with. Emotive production evokes
Read more
Hip hop artist Kaylon Raps’ latest single confronts a whirlwind of emotions stemming from a failed relationship. Enlisting Philadelphia-based artist theMIND for the chorus while Lon Renzell handles the production, Kaylon has so much to feel here that he ends up feeling nothing at all. He’s holding onto heartbreak and guilt while also harboring anger, resulting in a general sense
Read more
Hip hop artist Dres is known to be flashy in his flex and his latest single is no exception. With popping 808’s and boisterous attitude, Dres raps about having the money and the drip to stunt with. He balances torrential flow with playfulness, having what he needs on deck whether it be designer or diamonds. Dres has stylish fun with
Read more
Previously in several local bands, he’s picked up DJing over the last few years and has been entertaining crowds in various spots around Milwaukee.
Read more
Hip hop artist Cece2x is a new one to watch; she just dropped her second single and it’s full of rambunctious, in-your-face energy. After properly introducing herself, she fires up at those who think they’re hot shit and unleashes lightning-fast bars of smoke and stunting; she’s ready to pull up on anyone at any time so don’t play around. Cece2x
Read more
Hip hop artist Adventuresofque’s latest single is a quick, sharp flex joint. He’s got money on his mind – and on his feet – and he’s hungry for more. The song is just a minute and 43 seconds long, but that’s more than enough time for the young rapper to have fun talking shit with quick reflexes. Adventuresofque is after
Read more