‘Use My Body’ is the latest track to come from the British indie-pop newcomer Meg Lawrenson. She takes us on a journey back through her past, and she delivers a contagious vocal along the way.
Speaking about a loved one who did not stick around, she stands out with her compelling vocal approach. She sings with an agitation which many of us will resonate with, and her performance is not one to be missed. Starting with a bold introduction, ‘Use My Body’ is the medicine for anyone seeking the freshest in indie-pop. But, also, indie rock lovers will savour this one too and being an avid guitar player myself, I could not help but find myself strumming my air guitar in the opener.
Photo by Alice Pierre
Stating that she has a regret, the singer will have no regrets with this track. It enthrals, and although it is nothing too far from the box, it does add her own stamp with her distinct attributes poking out. The singer is still fresh in the scene, but that is not holding her back, and each release she drops gets more significant and profound. But, I want to hear Meg stick to a sound and delve into its space even further. Furthermore, it is not the first track I have listened to from Meg, and each one takes her into a new realm, which is excellent at showing her diverse qualities. But, if she should stick to a sound in the future, I think it should be this one.
So, overall a track which I find hard to fault. It comes with plenty of quality, and Meg’s attitude to music is incredible. But, I am also keen to hear what type of sound she goes with on her next. You can check out ‘Use My Body’ by Meg Lawrenson below.
What I love most about finding a new artist is taking in their story. It is one of the elements of a track which sets it apart from the rest. Luckily, I came across the new release ‘Where We Came From’ by Complex. It provides us with a clear insight into the Hip Hop names upbringing, and it delivers in grand style.
If you are a fan of heartfelt hip hop, then this one is for you. Our British readers will probably resonate most with the lyricism though. Complex talks about hanging around the local shops and getting through his childhood the best he could. Also, it is evident that it has not always been easy for Complex, but without going through what he has, he would not be the Hip Hop name we know today.
‘Where We Came From’ starts with a gentle approach. It boasts a heavenly child-like sample playing out and a gradually increasing piano lead. A bass line then shines through the speakers with a funky rhythm. Complex then opens up with a strong vocal performance. He starts singing in a traditional style but then he delves into a spoken rap which reminds me of ‘Mike Skinner from The Streets.
The chorus is where the magic happens. It is where Complex really hammers home his message. He is looking back at his past, and his emotion can almost be felt with each word he carries. His rapping technique is intelligent, and he hits the sweet spot many times.
Overall, it is a very compelling narrative which Complex has. He takes us back to his previous days, and he does it remarkably well with each nail-biting lyric. You can check out ‘Where We Came From’ by Complex below.
If you have been looking for some good quality indie music, then Fake Laugh has you covered with their latest single. This London-based musician sets himself apart from the pack with obscure melodies, tuneful instrumentals and mellow vocals. The track comes from his newest album, “Dining Alone”, which is out now. Make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy this blissful new song.
You can now catch two hours of independent hip hop every week from Milwaukee on Breaking And Entering Radio! Join hosts Allen Halas and Patrick Carroll as we talk music and more every weekend Check out this week’s show below, and you can hear us on the following stations:
Chris Reardon releases “How We Win,” a response to the uncertain times we are witnessing right now. As he explained on his social media, he wrote the song to help and honor all the amazing people who are on the frontlines of Covid-19. He spreads love and encouragement to all health care workers who risk their lives to save others. `How We Win’ is a wakeup call, as Chris Reardon urges the audience not to ignore what’s happening around them.
The new track musically represents all features Chris Reardon embodies: grandiose guitar, outstanding lyrical imagery, wonderfully splashed down drums, and qualities that are satisfying our basest rock’n’roll instincts. Check out his previous singles ‘Drifting,’ and ‘Elephant in the Room.’
On Thursday (04/30) at 12:00 pm (PDT – Los Angeles), and 3 pm (EDT – New York) Chris Reardon is going to go live on his IG and deliver an acoustic performance, so save the date, and join the party!
The world is in a very uncertain place right now. Normally, we’d be using this time to talk about the energy of spring, gearing up for a big summer full of festivals and fun. But as the world is confined to their homes for the next few weeks, there’s plenty of opportunity for bands to break through and get their music heard, as we’re all consuming more media than normal. With that in mind, here’s five acts with tremendous potential in this month’s Five To Watch, Powered by Reverbnation:
Undecided Future (Newport Beach, CA) As contemporary music becomes increasingly devoid of genre boundaries, acts like Undecided Future look to become more of what the “maintream” sound will ultimately become. The Orange County based band has a sound that incorporates parts of hip hop, pop, soul, and R&B. The band has played numerous venues, including Disney, the Honda Center in Anaheim, as well as concerts out of state as far as New York while developing their following. Songs like “McLovin” are merely a TikTok away from elevating this band’s status, and you’ll hear why when you check out the single below:
DD Allen (Bournemouth, England) If you’re looking for jangly guitars, indie rock sensibilities, and solid songwriting, English act DD Allen is a name that should be on your radar. On songs like “Bad Love”, there’s plenty that feels like it could be pulled from classic rock tracks, but given a fresh update to fit today’s audiences, with a charming vocal delivery that brings everything together. In many ways, it sounds like Allen could be the latest in a long list of English solo artists to captivate a world audience with just a straight up, no-frills-needed rock and roll collection of songs. Listen to “Bad Love” and see why:
Words Like Wildfire (Toronto, ON) Canadian metal act Words Like Wildfire have plenty of opportunity in front of them, with a sound that incorporates pop punk and emo elements to create a built in crossover appeal. Songs like “The Rain” are plenty powerful on their own, but there’s a sixth sense for melodies and layering that makes the band sound like it could easily be rocking amphitheaters around North America in the near future. For a generation of emo kids looking for the next names to carry the torch of their beloved genre, you could do much worse than Words Like Wildfire, who seem more than capable of keeping the spirit of the bands before them alive.
Meeks Major (Kingston, NY) There always seems to be a disconnect between substance and swagger in contemporary hip hop. However, artists like New York’s Meek Major seem to have the potential of filling that void, bringing thoughtful bars on tracks like “Situation”. There’s still lyrics about the girls and people hustling, but Meeks looks beyond that to stand out with his work ethic. While you might be drawn in by the hook, the verse is the standout point of Meeks Major as an artist.
Pipo Beats (Pasadena, CA) If you’re looking for an act that could get into a top-40 radio rotation right away, California’s Pipo Beats definitely is capable with songs like “Flawless”. Make no bones about it, the track is a party-ready cut, with clean guitars, hand claps and group vocals that feel like it should lead off any summer playlist. In many ways, it’s a timeless pop sound, but it works every time when it’s done correctly, and Pipo definitely has on this song. Jam out to “Flawless” below:
As a Milwaukee-based music website, it is our obligation to not only bring Milwaukee to the world, but bring the world to Milwaukee, as well. Five To Watch submissions are handled exclusively through ReverbNation.
The weather is getting warmer, and as we start looking at spring and (dare we say it) summer in Wisconsin, it’s time to start thinking about some of the acts that could make an impact nationally in the coming seasons. We’ve received thousands of submissions, but after a tough process, have come up with five more great buzzing acts to feature in this month’s Five To Watch Powered by Reverbnation:
annelieElena (Los Angeles, CA)
When you hear “Veins” by annelieElena, there are obvious comparisons that you’re likely going to make to one of the biggest pop stars in the world right now, Billie Eilish. However, the young singer/songwriter from LA has the tones that fit dark, haunting pop well, and the production behind her to match. annelieElena lists Eilish as an influence, however there are real emotions behind her songwriting. Between having an EP under her belt already, and being surrounded by the music industry in her current hometown, there’s plenty of potential for the young act. Check out “Veins”:
Fink Tree (Ilford, England)
Every once in a while, a band comes along to remind the rest of the world that making a great rock song doesn’t have to be complex. The Strokes did that, Arctic Monkeys did that, and English band Fink Tree have taken notice with their sound and style. With a burst of energy, and the general cool factor that many of England’s breakout indie rock acts have possessed, it doesn’t feel far fetched to say that the band could enter the realm of the aforementioned bands someday. Songs like “Love Somebody” feel tailor made for the festival stages, albeit while the sun is a little brighter for now. Check out the track below:
Major Moment (Watertown, MA)
Combining elements of rock and electronic music can be hard to do at times, in the sense that bands that do that well generally don’t get the exposure as a more straightforward band. Massachusetts band Major Moment does that well, though, and shouldn’t have any issues finding airplay with tracks like “May Leave Scars”, which features punishing low ends accented by electronic kicks and synths. The band has already made strides, putting out an EP and working with Grammy award winning producer Adam Ayan. They’re just breaking into radio, but check out “May Leave Scars” below:
Rosie Timmon (Brooklyn, NY)
New York has produced some great pop and electronic music over the years, and is undoubtedly a major hub for the industry. Coming out of Brooklyn, Rosie Timmon is looking to make her way into the mainstream, and she’s found a sound that meshes well with her vocal tones. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Timmon relocated to make her presence felt, and there’s some European influence on highly danceable tracks like “Sweet Love”, which you can check out below:
Heathcote Hill (Mamaroneck, NY)
New York isn’t necessarily known for it’s country music. However, a new Americana act that combines elements of folk, country, and rock together could quickly turn some heads with tracks that are undeniably catchy. Heathcote Hill are going into their fourth year of making music, but have really come into their own with songs like “Promised Land”, the first track from their fourth release. You definitely couldn’t tell that the song was written by a band outside of the heart of the country music scene geographically, which is a testament to the band’s musicianship and authentic delivery. The band has plenty of material, and you can get brought up to speed by checking out “Promised Land” below:
As a Milwaukee-based music website, it is our obligation to not only bring Milwaukee to the world, but bring the world to Milwaukee, as well. Five To Watch submissions are handled exclusively through ReverbNation.
We are now in full swing with 2020, and once again, we have five new acts for you to keep your eyes on in the new decade. Over 1,500 artists submitted music this time around, making it ever so difficult for us to choose just five new acts to feature. Take a look at your Februrary 2020 Five To Watch Powered by Reverbnation:
Radiate (New York City, NY) There’s something to be said for the staying power of melodic post-hardcore music, which New York act Radiate seem to deliver with ease. If you need a song that’s going to make you remember your emo phase, but still feel like you’re living in 2020, their single “Home” is definitely a good place to stay. While many emo and metalcore acts are already in the anniversary and reunion phases of their careers, Radiate could be the next fresh faces to help keep the genre alive. Check out “Home” below:
Ella Winter (London, England) When it comes to pop, a great voice can mean almost everything, and when you hear it, you just know good things are in store for the artist. One listen to London-based artist Ella Winter’s “Grey and Black”, and you can just tell there’s something special there. Performing since the age of 6, Winter has honed her sound, and now that she’s found her true voice, she’s working to make it heard around the world. Citing influences such as Alanis Morisette and Adele, you can hear the influences that come out in her passionate lyrics. Look for her in the future, and check out “Grey And Black” here:
Alex Carson (Chicago, IL) With a music scene as eclectic as Chicago’s, an artist like Alex Carson can fly under the radar, but that may not last long. A pop act with a knack for twangy guitars, Carson is doing something unique with songs like “Cruel”, which already feel ready for mainstream pop and alternative rock radio. If you’re a fan of Ed Sheeran’s earlier material, you’ll love what Carson is doing. Check out “Cruel” here:
The Moon City Masters (Brooklyn, NY) If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, but you can also improve on what’s working. That’s the case for Brooklyn rock duo Talor and Jordan Steinberg, better known as The Moon City Masters. With audible influences that include everything from classic rock to funk to contemporary indie, the band takes the sounds that were most memorable from previous decades and mashes them together, ultimately creating an infectious hybrid sound. You can hear that on “The Price You Pay”, a track that addresses their desire to quit the 9-to-5 and live off of music. Listen to the single below:
All From Nothing (Emporia, KS) Often times, if you really listen to music, you can hear the influence of geography deep within a song, especially early in an a band’s career. You can hear the twang of Emporia, Kansas on rockers All From Nothing’s single, “Too Little Too Late”. The sounds of the heartland come out in the track, but there’s also lots of mainstream appeal to the record, with an earnest vocal delivery and plenty of energy. The band cites a variety of musical influences, and as much as the Midwest absorbs styles from all over the country, All From Nothing absorb bits and pieces of influence from music’s past. With a couple of EPs under their belts, the band appears to be getting their feet under themselves, and that could make for something much bigger down the line. Check out “Too Little Too Late” here;
English singer-songwriter Michael Jablonka may be a name to watch on an international level, as evidenced by tracks like his latest single, “Papier-mâché”. The track is anchored around an incredibly catchy hook, and Jablonka’s guitar skills are on display with a blistering solo smack dab in the middle of the song. With an overwhelming feel of general coolness that seems to dominate European indie rock tracks, the song is incredibly radio-friendly, and should propel the London-based artist to new heights. There aren’t many true guitar slayers left, but you may need to add Michael Jablonka to that short list after hearing this single. Check out “Papier-mâché” below:
At only 16 years old, Swedish born singer songwriter Valle Hope has been turning heads with a pop sensibility and a songwriting ability well beyond his years. With his debut EP, “Your Missed Calls” dropping via London label ADSRecords in advance of the beginning of the school year, there’s definite potential for Hope to become a college radio sensation. The comparisons to Ed Sheeran make themselves on this record, but Hope provides his own unique flare to the pop-friendly singer-songwriter sound, with a vocal range that leans towards the lower end of the spectrum and a more stripped down guitar tone. Get your introduction to Valle Hope with “Your Missed Calls” below:
As a Milwaukee-based music website, it is our obligation to not only bring Milwaukee to the world, but bring the world to Milwaukee, as well. Five To Watch submissions are handled exclusively through ReverbNation.
Somehow, some way, we’ve entered the back half of 2018. Summer is here in full effect, and festival season is in full swing as well. With that, we’ve got five new artists for you to check out this month, as well. Here’s your July 2018 Five To Watch:
Conan Mac (London, England)
Nothing says summer like a pop anthem, and Conan Mac’s “Date Night” is just that. The track is his debut single, featuring Kaniva, but has already reached the top 15 on iTunes’ Singer-Songwriter charts. In addition to that, Mac has collaborated with producers that have worked with OneDirection, as well as X-Factor finalist Luke Friend, amongst others. There’s tremendous potential for Conan Mac to become a superstar, and when you hear “Date Night”, you’ll see that things are looking incredibly bright for the young English artist.
Swank Sinatra (Denver, CO)
As hip hop begins to shift towards it’s emo phase, which is something I thought I’d never say, there’s a demand for artist with deep thought into their flows. Denver’s Swank Sinatra puts that mental work in on his track, “Marathon”, which features some honest bars, and is complemented by a soulful R&B hook. Swank discovered his knack for expression while deployed in the military, picking up spoken word while in Kuwait, and transitioning into music once returning to the United States. You can hear that flow on display on “Marathon”:
Best Not Broken (Boston, MA)
An energetic, clean indie track can be gripping if done right. Boston act Best Not Broken have that style perfected on their single, “Faster”. Citing influence from brit-pop and new wave, the band have an inherent cool factor to their sound. The band has won a New England Music Award, picked up radio play, and opened for artists spanning from Pat Benetar to Jason Derulo in the northeast, and definitely carry a sound that could expand their reach to the rest of the country and beyond. You can hear what makes them so addicting with “Faster” below:
Neon Cities (Denver, CO)
With a haze of 80’s nostalgia to their sound, Denver’s Neon Cities blend chillwave and pop in just the right style. The duo of Jason Roth and Chase Dobson had collaborated prior to forming the band, but ultimately decided to make the most of the project. The band carries a retro flair to their music, but make use of both vintage and contemporary instruments, and actual live instrumentation as well, to craft songs that could fit well in the present day and the past. Hear what the band is all about with “In Waves” below:
Kid Vishis (Detroit, MI)
From the moment that you press play on Kid Vishis’ track “Jumpin’ Through The Roof”, you find out that the energy of his songs are infectious. With a hyped up blend of contemporary trap and a touch of EDM, you can’t help but turn up to Vishis’ sound. There’s a certain bliss to songs that can make you lose your inhibitions and cause you to just bounce along, and the Detroit artist has found a way to do that with his single. Check out “Jumpin’ Through The Roof” below:
As a Milwaukee-based music website, it is our obligation to not only bring Milwaukee to the world, but bring the world to Milwaukee, as well. Five To Watch submissions are handled exclusively through ReverbNation.
We’re in full on summer-mode, meaning the beats bump a little harder and the heat is turned up both literally and figuratively. That being said, we have five new faces to put on your summer playlists, with a variety of sounds to check out. Here’s your Five to Watch for June 2018:
unknøwn (Towson, MD)
It’s possible that you’ll become guilty of judging a book by it’s cover when it comes to unknøwn. The Towson, MD femcee may not look like your average rhyme spitter, but once you let her loose on the mic, it’s a completely different story. The 19 year old artist has over a decade of rapping under her belt, and got her name from being a ghost writer in high school. When you hear tracks like single “Round One”, you’ll be blown away from her skill, and crave more from unknøwn. Check it out here:
With some bright power-pop sensibilities, The Ultraviolet may be the next band from across the pond that you’ll be fawning over. Within the past couple of years, the band has sold out shows, toured the UK, released an EP, and garnered live slots on BBC Introducing shows. That’s quite impressive, and with their sound and lively performances, the band has what it takes to make a splash overseas as well. Check out their song, “All I Need Is To Be Needed” below:
Canaan Ivy (Fort Worth, TX)
The world of mainstream pop can be tough to break into on your own, but Texas singer Canaan Ivy is definitely making a case for herself to be taken seriously. While still an emerging artist, Ivy has already dropped her debut EP, led by single “Elusive Love”. The track is an introduction to her style of introspective lyrics, with a spotlight on her vocal talent, something that is often lacking from contemporary pop acts. Check out the single below and get to know Canaan Ivy:
NewWaves (Järfälla, Sweeden)
Swedish alt-rockers NewWaves have high hopes. The band formed gradually, but since completing their lineup, they’ve already recorded and released their debut EP, “The Things We Do”. Influenced heavily by acts like Imagine Dragons, the band looks to create strong, energetic indie pop, and they succeed at doing so on their single, “In The Clouds”. The band is definitely off to a promising start, and if they catch the right ears, could be on a festival stage by this time next summer. Check out the single below:
Ian McFarland (Reseda, CA)
With a plethora of bright guitars and echoey vocals, California singer / songwriter Ian McFarland can command your attention with his blend of light indie pop on “Maps Back”. While the song has a very chilled out feel to it, the 23 year old McFarland is no slouch when it comes to his guitar chops, either. Currently, McFarland is working on two EPs, one as a solo act, and another with a band. In either case, it’s exciting to see where his sound may take him. Check out “Maps Back” below:
As a Milwaukee-based music website, it is our obligation to not only bring Milwaukee to the world, but bring the world to Milwaukee, as well. Five To Watch submissions are handled exclusively through ReverbNation.
After a couple of months off, we’re returning to bring you five more artists to watch for March 2018! Over 1600 artists have already sent in music to us, and we’ve had the daunting task of narrowing that down to just five artists. Here are your Five to Watch for March 2018:
Jerry Williams (Portsmouth, England)
At only 21 years old, British pop singer Jerry Williams has already accomplished a lot. With three EPs under her belt, and accolades including the BBC and MTV affiliates, many people have already recognized her talents both vocally and as a songwriter. Williams has been playing music since she was 12 years old, and it’s clear that she is constantly progressing and developing her style. Her single, “Grab Life” is a pure pop song; a simple premise, yet delivered with a catchiness that could put it into any radio station’s rotation and it would be fitting. Check out the song below:
Sias (Detroit, MI)
Childhood friends Josias Yglesias, Haley Grant, and Scott Posada formed Sias in 2011 after finishing high school together. The band were all accepted into Berklee College of Music, with two attending, and that level of musical expertise can be heard as soon as you listen to one song from the band. Sias has released a debut EP, but have also expanded past releasing music, into more complex projects like custom instrument design. The band have a larger-than-life sound, and songs like “Heirloom” have a sound that feels tailor-made for a major motion picture soundtrack. Check it out and hear for yourself:
Nikki Pope (Cardiff, Wales)
We have another pop singer from the UK, although of a different flavor altogether. Nikki Pope recently spent several years in New York City to make a career of her music, but returned to the UK in 2017. Pope is working on releasing her third EP in the beginning of this year, and one listen to her strong voice is all the persuasion you’ll need to see why she’s an artist to watch this month. She’s sold out venues in both New York City and Leicester, and performed sessions for Sirius XM, as well as being listed as a BBC Introducing Artist. Check out “Champagne Taste” below and hear what they’ve already heard:
Bikini Islands (Pittsburgh, PA)
Formed in 2014, Pittsburgh’s Bikini Islands spent two years writing and developing songs before recording their debut album. However, in that time, they definitely perfected how to write catchy, jangly indie pop tracks. It’s the kind of music that you want to play on repeat, because each song has parts that you want to hear back and sing along with. The band is already working on their next album, and their master class in indie will likely continue with that release. Check out “Chasing Your Tail” below:
Eliza Novella (Port St. Lucie, FL)
The beach is definitely a major influence on Florida-by-way-of-New York singer/songwriter Eliza Novella. With just an acoustic guitar and her jazzy voice, Novella can captivate you with her sound. She manages to blend indie, jazz, pop, and more with her songwriting, and it just feels like the room warms up hearing her sing. At only 25, Eliza has a lot more ahead of her musically, and it’s evident that she’ll be progressing even more from here. Check out “Manta Ray” below to get your introduction to her work:
As a Milwaukee-based music website, it is our obligation to not only bring Milwaukee to the world, but bring the world to Milwaukee, as well. Five To Watch submissions are handled exclusively through ReverbNation.
Well, it’s come to this. The end of the year, but definitely not the end of great music being presented through our Five To Watch Presented by JBL Professional! Over the course of the year, we’ve had thousands of submissions come our way, and it’s always a little harder to narrow it down to just five acts by the end of the month. Here’s five artists, however, that we think are going to do great things as they wrap up the year and head into 2018. Check out this month’s picks:
The Penthouse (New York City, NY)
If you’re looking for a band to feel infinitely cool while listening to them, you need to hear NYC indie trio The Penthouse. Barely old enough to get into the clubs they’re playing, this group has the sound that both exudes classic New York cool, while putting a modern take indie hip. If you took The Strokes and The Kooks, threw them together, and gave them both a dose of caffeine, you’d have the band’s single, “EveryTime”, which you can hear below:
Tom Shawcroft (Nottingham, England)
With a mix of European club flare and contemporary pop sensibilities, Tom Shawcroft could have the “it” factor to be on a major label at some point in his career. Shawcroft started making music in his teens, producing and evolving his sound over time. With an EP, “Probably Nothing”, and a debut album, “Definitely Something”, released in 2016, production is up for the Nottingham native, and there’s plenty more from him in store. The future looks bright for Shawcroft, and you can hear that on “Down That Road” here:
Freedom Corner Brand (Jackson, MS)
Coming straight out of the south, Freedom Corner Brand brings a unique style of hip hop that keeps the energy cranked all the way up. If you’re a fan of Big K.R.I.T., you need to listen to this duo. With a pair of emcees, iLLDaBlack and Dexter So So Real, as well as an in-house producer and DJ, the group is working hard to produce quality music. Case in point, recent single, “Talkin’ Bout”. Check it out below, and try not to bounce along to the track, we dare you.
Paxton Pennington (Norman, OK)
If I told you about a guy named Paxton from Oklahoma, and told you that he has the potential to become a successful musician, you might not necessarily believe me. However, the Norman, Oklahoma native could be capable of just that, thanks to a solid combination of natural talent and songwriting ability, and at only 21 years old, there’s plenty of time for Pennington to only improve. The singer / songwriter released his solo first EP at age 18, and at 21, already has a follow up project out. With a southern and classic rock influence, Paxton improves on a tried-and-true formula for catchy music, with his own talent and strong voice being the X factor to his sound. Check out “Where I’m Going” below to hear for yourself:
Mayssa Karaa (Los Angeles, CA)
You’ve possibly heard Mayssa Karaa already, and you don’t even know it. The Lebanese singer, who now resides in Los Angeles, was the voice of the Arabic version of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbits” in “American Hustle”. As a solo act, she manages to mix traditional Arabic influence with contemporary pop, and powerful singles like “Simple Cure”, which you can hear below. Karaa was previously nominated for a Grammy as part of the “American Hustle” soundtrack, but her solo material is relatively new to the world. When you hear her, though, you’ll realize that the level of prestige she’s acclaimed for her film work may not be out of the realm of possibility for her career in the future. Check out “Simple Cure” below:
As a Milwaukee-based music website, it is our obligation to not only bring Milwaukee to the world, but bring the world to Milwaukee, as well. Five To Watch submissions are handled exclusively through ReverbNation. Click here to submit music to be one of our Five To Watch Presented by JBL Professional.
We’re in peak fall, and while there may be Christmas commercials on TV already, we have some early gifts for you, with five great artists to look out for. With a little bit of everything musically on this month’s list, it’s more of a Thanksgiving cornucopia than a bag of leftover candy corn. Have I made enough fall references yet? Okay. Here’s your Five to Watch Presented by JBL Professional for November 2017:
Fleeting Few (Portland, OR)
Nothing screams fall more than acoustically driven indie rock, and Portland’s Fleeting Few bring that, along with some catchy pop sensibilities as well. If you’re a fan of bands like Death Cab For Cutie, The Shins, or The Lumineers, this trio should be on your next playlist. The band recently released an EP, “Helmet For Heartbreak”, and are gigging around their home state of Oregon in support of that project. Check out their single “Kelsey” below:
The Ricky Fitts (Tempe, AZ)
Certain bands, when you hear them, just make you say “yes!”. Tempe quartet The Ricky Fitts is one of those bands, with a sound ready to jump out of the local and college radio scene and make their way to contemporary Top 40. If you like Walk The Moon and The Killers, this is a band that could easily fall onto your spectrum, and should, for that matter. All of the catchiness of the aforementioned bands is rolled into one, and songs like “Nightmare” from their debut album, “The Great Beyond” prove that. Check it out for yourself, and try to contain your inevitable dance party:
Kameechi (Jamaica, NY)
You can hear the drive in Kameechi’s voice. The Jamaica, Queens native has already picked up some impressive accolades, having tracks on New York City’s legendary Hot 97, briefly having a deal with Mr. Porter aka Kon Artis of D12, and getting noticed by Funkmaster Flex. Deservingly so, as he manages to merge hip hop and pop, working in catchy hooks that make you want to sing along. The potential definitely exists for a radio friendly single to take his career to the elusive next level and beyond, as well. Kameechi is currently stacking records with some well known produers, and we’re looking to see what he does next. Check out “Better On My Own” to get a preview of what’s to come:
KiSMiT (Los Angeles, CA)
LA-based duo KiSMiT consider themselves an indie act, but one listen to them, and you can tell that they are so much more. The band is propelled by the immense vocal talent of frontwoman Carly Barnette, and the twangy guitar of Sebastian Reunert. If you listen to their single, “Cosmic Love”, you can hear elements of pop, disco, soul, funk, and I guess some indie rock as well. There’s enough of a variety to make you feel like you’re music player is set to shuffle within the context of the same song, but KiSMiT manage to weave genres together into an incredibly palatable blend. Check out “Cosmic Love” below:
Sittin Pretty (Bolton, England)
England is no stranger to their share of gritty, brash rock bands. In fact, it’s where the genre really found its attitude, with bands like The Rolling Stones and Black Sabbath, among countless others. Bolton rock n’ roll wanderers Sittin Pretty carry on in the spirit, style, and sound of those bands, with a hard-hitting, driving brand of music that blends classic rock, blues, and psychedelia. It’s the kind of band that you can’t turn off if you hear one of their songs on the radio. Experience them for yourself with “Take My Shoes” below:
If you’ve craved the indie pop sound of today, mixed with the passive angst that made alternative music in the 90’s irresistible, the new single and video from English/Swedish band Drömstad is something you’ll play repeatedly. “Leave It” is the band’s latest single from their EP, “Milk!”, which came out this past August. The track features soothing vocals, with a guitar anchored melody that builds up throughout the song. There’s definitely great potential for Drömstad to carry their sound to some of Europe’s biggest stages, and you can hear that within the single. Check out the video for “Leave It” below:
As a Milwaukee-based music website, it is our obligation to not only bring Milwaukee to the world, but bring the world to Milwaukee, as well. Five To Watch submissions are handled exclusively through ReverbNation. Click here to submit music to be one of our Five To Watch Presented by JBL Professional.
With the weather cooling down, we’re thinking less summer jams and more chilled out fall tracks. However, that didn’t stop over 1,800 submissions from coming in this month. With the always difficult task of narrowing it down, we picked just five artists worthy of adding to your fall playlists. Check out our Five To Watch Presented by JBL Professional for October:
Paid Vacation (Franklin, TN)
Paid Vacation as a band are very young, but their sound could make them an emerging talent out of the saturated Nashville-area market. While there is definitely some southern and country influences that manage to eek out in their sound, the band has a knack for writing catchy tunes with more of an indie rock feel to them. Their single “Black Cat” is one of their first releases, but already has the feel of an alternative rock radio-friendly track. The band is releasing more material soon, and we’ll be eager to see where they take things from here.
Cassidy Bisher (Grand Rapids, MI)
Cassidy Bisher’s single, “Underneath The Stars”, is nothing short of hypnotizing. With a blend of influences, Bisher comes to us as the byproduct of both classic rock and folk, as well as contemporary indie, putting an interesting twist on an otherwise conventional sound. Bisher was a semi-finalist in the 2016 International Songwriting Contest, and that shows on his single. Harmonies bridged with a calming beat create a dreamy atmosphere, which is then skewed by digital production. There’s incredible potential here, and hopefully Bisher becomes an indie rock mainstay in the near future.
Salio (Tbilisi, Georgia)
As soon as you hear Salio sing, you’ll understand why she was a quick pick for our Five to Watch. With a matured vocal presence, she manages to convey both vulnerability and power in her range when a song calls for it, and that delivery alone sells her as an artist. Add in some ability to craft a song, as well as the right production, and you have an individual that could easily become an international star. Things look bright for the pop singer who now resides in London, and you can hear that here on the stripped down “Lonesome Tales”.
Jess Weimer (Los Angeles, CA)
Certain songs hit and you can just tell where they would best be suited. Jess Weimer’s single, “Won’t Follow You Down”, easily sounds placement ready, not only on the radio, but in the soundtrack of an action movie. The hard hitting track is enhanced by Weimer’s powerful voice, which has just the right amount of feisty delivery to really sell the song. That perfected delivery no doubt formed somewhere in Weimer’s past, appearing in musical theater from a young age on. That carries over to her songwriting today, and could benefit her very well in the near future.
Piper (Wichita, KS)
You might not think pop stardom and Wichita, Kansas in the same sentence, but that’s exactly what Piper is trying to accomplish. Vocally, she conveys the emotion necessary to delivers a solid performance. With a debut single recently coming out, and appearances on America’s Got Talent behind her, Piper is choosing to make a break for it on her own. We’ll see where she heads from here, but she’s off to a tremendous start.
Hitting the road can feel a bit manic, and English indie artist Sean McGowan manages to capture that high-speed lifestyle in the video for his new single, “Costa Del Solution”. The track comes from McGowan’s EP, “Graft & Grief”, which comes out this Friday via Xtra Mile Recordings. The song is upbeat, with a tinge of a punk rock edge to a catchy indie pop track, and showcases McGowan’s songwriting ability. The video captures a trip from Southampton to Bournemouth, with all of the fun of a road trip vacation that can be packed into a three minute clip. The single gives us high hopes for the EP, and acts as a great introduction to Sean McGowan and his music. Check out the video for “Costa Del Solution” below:
As a Milwaukee-based music website, it is our obligation to not only bring Milwaukee to the world, but bring the world to Milwaukee, as well. Five To Watch submissions are handled exclusively through ReverbNation. Click here to submit music to be one of our Five To Watch Presented by JBL Professional.
As we move into fall, there’s no shortage of great music coming in to our Five To Watch Presented by JBL Professional inbox via Reverbnation. Over 3,000 submissions have come in so far, and we have the tough task of cutting that down to just five artists. Check out who made the cut as our Five To Watch presented by JBL Professional for September:
Munich (Leicester, England)
There’s something to be said for well crafted pop rock, and with one listen to Munich, you can tell that the band has a knack for writing a good song. Originally the project of vocalist Josh Walker and guitarist Ben McNicholas, the group has evolved to a quintet, and are actively recording their second album, due out at the end of the year. If the rest of the album is anything like their single, “Baby There’s No Time”, the group has the potential to make a name for themselves in their hometown and beyond:
Dada Doe (Atlanta, GA)
While you may have preexisting thoughts when you hear “hip hop artist from Atlanta”, Dada Doe is here to change all of that. With an old school sound and a personality that comes through in her delivery, she simply embodies the style of her music. With an album entitled “Road2Success” on the way, she’s picking up acclaim along the way, performing at a Grammy Music Showcase as well as receiving awards. When you hear her single, “Cheers”, you’ll be able to tap into her passion for hip hop in its truest form:
Inward of Eden (Knoxville, TN)
With a heavy influence from their southern roots, Knoxville, Tennessee natives Inward of Eden pack a punch with their music. There’s a tremendous amount of grit to the band’s style, and that plays out in their sound as well. The band recently released an EP entitled “Mind Control” , which demonstrates their ability to mix conventional rock music with southern flare. In any instance, Inward of Eden make music that is attractive to fans of multiple genres of music, and you can hear that in their sound alone:
Menage (Los Angeles, CA)
With dueling vocals and an intense back beat controlling their sound, LA based band Menage have their sites set elsewhere, with songwriting that is catchy and memorable as soon as you hear it. The eclectic music scene in Los Angeles plays an influence to their song, “Our Time Is Now”, and that results in a slightly more complex palette of sounds to work with going forward. Check out the single below and hear that sound on full display:
Syren City (Bristol, England)
It’s hard to argue against a shot of adrenaline and a song that hits you right out of the gate, and Bristol, England rockers have that down pat. The band bases their sound on some heavy, thick guitar parts that lead the way in emotional, all-or-nothing performance on their records. The band has already made some significant appearances at major festivals in England, and it’s likely that this is just the beginning of the ride for them. Check out “Our Desire” below:
It’s not often that a band’s second show in a country is at a major music festival, but that’s exactly the case for British punks VANT. The band will be playing Lollapalooza on the Grant Park Stage Sunday at 12:45, following their only other US appearance, which was the New York Governor’s Ball festival. The band have made noise in their home country, however, including main stage appearances at the Reading and Leeds festivals. We talk with frontman Mattie Vant about the band, and their second appearance stateside:
B&E: Introduce yourselves! Who are you?
MV: I am what I am and I ain’t what I ain’t.
B&E: Your latest album, “Dumb Blood” contains a whopping 22 tracks. Was anything left off of the album?
MV: Yeah, if you grab a copy of the Japanese Import you can hear the rest.
B&E: Lollapalooza is only your second US show. What should people expect from the band’s live show?
MV: Energy, lipstick and lawn mowers.
B&E: You’ve played the UK with some big bands, however. Who was your favorite band to play a show with?
MV: Blossoms. Such great guys.
B&E: Are there any plans for a US tour in the works yet?
MV: I hope so. You guys baffle me. I want to see all corners of bafflement.
B&E: Finally, We always love a good tour story. What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you on tour?
MV: I once met James Murphy and got invited into his dressing room with the rest of LCD Soundsystem. He gave me some nice wine from his backstage cellar, told me about Bowie and hypothetically agreed to make my 5th record.
As a Milwaukee-based music website, it is our obligation to not only bring Milwaukee to the world, but bring the world to Milwaukee, as well. Five To Watch submissions are handled exclusively through ReverbNation. Click here to submit music to be one of our Five To Watch Presented by JBL Professional.
We’re reaching peak summer; the weather is getting to it’s hottest point, and so is the music coming from our Five To Watch Presented by JBL artists. We’ve selected five more talented artists to put on your radar, and hopefully you’ll put them on your summer playlists. Check out our Five to Watch Presented By JBL Professional for July:
Jerry Williams (Portsmouth, England)
There’s something inescapable about well-crafted Brit-pop, and Portsmouth native Jerry Williams delivers just that. With an innocent sounding voice, and just a little bit of bite to her style, Williams reminds us of Lily Allen in some ways with her sound and tone. Couple that with clever melodies and a great vocal performance, and you have the makeup for her single, “I’m Not In Love”, which you can check out below. Not surprisingly, Williams is already picking up awards, and millions of plays for her work, which is garnering attention from some of England’s largest outlets. Jerry Williams has the potential to make a big splash in the near future.
Ex-Nihilo (Columus, OH)
Some music is just made for large stages. Ex-Nihilo, an indie four-piece from Columbus, falls into that category, which would put them right at home among some of the world’s top rock acts. The band’s sound hits on so many levels, from tight, technical guitar work to a strong hook, as well as a very danceable breakdown or two. With only one EP out so far, things are looking very promising for this band. Check out the band’s song, “Enemy” below:
Ruby Roses (Wayne, NJ)
Armed with clean, jangly guitars, and an oh-so-sweet melody, there’s a myriad of sounds that come together to form New Jersey natives Ruby Roses. Think later Fall Out Boy, or Hanson just as they were exploding. Ruby Roses make the type of music that’s best enjoyed in a festival setting, perhaps mid=sunny day, or at sunset if you’re really picky. With a pop mentality and an indie rock edge, Ruby Roses are not to be missed. Check out their track, “Good Company” below:
Tahj Ace (Brooklyn, NY)
Often times in hip hop, when it comes to delivery and comfort on the microphone, you either have it, or you don’t. In the case of Brooklyn artist Tahj Ace, it’s clearly the former, as he’s able to coast on a track and turn into something special. There’s grit, there’s determination, but most of all, there’s a package that is put together to make it not feel forced, which is what many artists lack, especially today. As you’ll hear on his track, “Esco” below, Tahj puts a soulful spin on hip hop.
Lance Tingey (Provo, UT)
Many times, in contemporary pop, you can tell if a song is a hit within the first thirty seconds. In the case of Provo native Lance Tingey, you need even less of that to know that his track, “Twenty Three”, could easily find its way into top-40 radio airplay. Anchored by an acoustic guitar, Tingey builds electronic around his acoustic songwriting, adding a dimension to what he’s capable of from a pop standpoint. His sound is infectious, plain and simple, and you can hear that on the track below:
Beford, England based pop singer S.O.S. is beginning to make a splash with her new single, “Silent Witness”. The track is the second single from her upcoming EP, “Edges of the Mind”. She’s already garnered radio play from BBC Radio, and it’s well deserved; the track features dark, yet upbeat electro production with clever pop vocal melodies. A spacy breakdown or two, and you have a contemporary hit on your hands. We’ll be eager to see what the impact is when the full EP drops, but for now, get your first listen to S.O.S. with “Silent Witness” below:
London artist Delaire has a club-ready single on her hands for the summer, in the form of “Loving You”, featuring R&B artist Arun. Delaire comes from a musical family in the non-traditional sense, as her father was a roadie for the Rolling Stones. While her music is vastly different than the classic rock that she grew up on, she may have picked up a thing or two about style from Mick Jagger. “Loving You” is a futuristic sounding pop track, with a healthy amount of bounce that could put the track in rotation at just about any party. The feature from Arun puts the track over the top, with both artists joining in for the hook as the song reaches its highest momentum. This is a jam, and definitely should show up on your summer playlists. Check out “Loving You” below:
I’ve already predicted that this summer would be the summer of tropical house, and the new track from Everywhere featuring Rebecca Nohr is supporting my claim. The London band is becoming known for creating catchy-as-hell hooks and an attractive form of indie pop, and they lean heavy on the pop side of the genre with “Man Up”. This is one to get you moving, and they do that fairly quickly, with bright synths and pumping kickdrums bringing you into the track. Bring this one to your next party, because this song flat out sounds like summer fun. Check out “Man Up” below:
The difficulty of leaving a relationship is something that almost everyone goes through at some point in their lives, and the first single from London duo Ferris & Sylvester captures the vulnerability of realizing that moment on their new ballad, “Save Yourself”. Issy Ferris, who takes the lead on this song, is a vocal treasure, capturing the emotion of a breakup perfectly. Archie Sylvester adds a layer of sympathy in sporadic vocal parts, as well, and the buildup of additional instruments with the song’s momentum gives the track energy. All in all, this is wonderful songwriting, with a gripping performance to boot. Check out “Save Yourself” below:
