Chicago – From Alex Clare to Frank Ocean, electronica to indie-pop, modern music has been increasingly referencing good old 90s R&B. For those vintage-inspired acts out there – move over, cause ASTR is ready to take over the game with an R&B princess at the helm. Princess is indeed the right term for lead singer
Los Angeles — I’ve developed an obsession with Midnight Faces album, The Fire Is Gone. The music is so textured and layered, that I couldn’t quite unriddle the meaning or why it’s so addictive. So I listened to the compilation over and over and over again, never able to solve the mystery behind Matthew Doty’s
Austin – Their name is not a Bratmobile reference and though they are four female musicians who subscribe to feminist ideals, they don’t lump themselves in with the Riot Grrrl movement of the 90’s. Guitarist and vocalist Abby Weems, bassist Ally Einbinder, drummer Victoria Mandanas, and newest member, guitarist Ali Donahue came together from various
Austin – Sleepy Sun released the exquisite record, “Maui Tears” in late 2013 and has been touring since. The five piece has an old school rock aesthetic that is rare, especially for a nostalgic band. Where many bands have gotten back in to warm sounding harmonies, Sleepy Sun has a dark tone extenuated by the powerful voice
Chicago – New Jersey BFFs Brandon Asraf and John Tacon have been making music since they were teenagers, but not until 2008 did they start writing songs and performing seriously as a duo. The two formed Brick + Mortar, with John on drums and back up vocals and Brandon on bass, lead vocals, and occasional guitar,
Austin – Shannon and the Clams emerged from Oakland in 2009. Their sound is not just nostalgic, it sounds like authentic music from the 50’s and 60’s. Front woman Shannon Shaw has a powerful rasp which vocalist/guitarist Cody Blanchard nearly matches, giving the sound of a doo-wop girl group. Though a bit of an odd
Austin – Many Journalists can’t help but use quilt puns when speaking about QUILT. I don’t blame them; it’s hard to get around the fact that their music is layered, piece-by-piece, like a quilt. Though they hail from Boston, they bring a warm sound, full of reaching harmonies that will elate your soul. It’s no
Austin – Though many bands travel from around the world to play Austin Psych Fest, the booking team makes sure our hometown bands are well represented. Mirror Travel released their debut full length, Mexico, in late 2013 and has since been gaining momentum since changing their name from Follow That Bird. The best part of
Brooklyn – Maine’s own Lady Lamb the Beekeeper is one-woman wonder Aly Spaltro, whose work is as earnest as it is poetic. Speaking to Bestnewbands.com, Spaltro opens up about the trajectory of her career, planting new roots in New York and of her future aims. A musician whose personality is as charming and lovable as
BROOKLYN – LA band Street Joy is steadily churning out full-bodied rock that struts in line with The Strokes’ vibe, yet is infused with the youthful cadence of sun-drenched SoCal tendencies. Rapidly garnering attention for their hard-hitting, high-energy soundscapes, their work is guaranteed to hook you from first listen. The group surfaced with their debut