Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
By Saachi Gupta, Astrid Ortega & Isabella Vega
Butter Bath - “Detox”
Toby Anagnostis, the creative behind Butter Bath, makes music that touches on love and self discovery. He makes his music from the bottom to the top, the creative process is all his, creating what we love as indie. From his bedroom studio in Sydney to playing in our bedrooms, Butter Bath’s music is made with everything you need. Bounce, emotion, and allowing listeners to take their own interpretation or a chance to resonate. With his new single, “Detox,” the song is about trying to get out of a situation you find yourself in when a relationship just isn’t going the right way anymore. It’s filled with sweet melodies that contrast with the lyrics perfectly making it a really bittersweet song.
UPSAHL - “12345SEX”
Maintaining the momentum of an impressive rise to alt-pop prominence in 2020 with her single ‘Drugs’, critically acclaimed alternative rising artist, UPSAHL, unveiled a new single and lyric video for her latest track“12345SEX”. The song, co-written and produced with Grammy award-winning producer, Rick Nowels (who has also worked with Lana Del Rey, Adele and Stevie Nicks, to name a few) is a catchy, fun tune, with UPSAHL's voice being the most intoxicating part of it all.
Of the new release, USPAHL commented, “I’ve had the idea for the “12345SEX” lyric for a while, just didn’t know what message I wanted the rest of the song to have. Then I said to myself, fuck it, I’m going to make a song simply about being horny and living your best life with no apologies.”
12345SEX follows a life-changing year for the ‘up-and-comimg indie-pop queen’– according to Alternative Press. Apart from the success of her global viral hit, Drugs, a collaboration with Two Feet, her single Smile for the Camera hit Top 40 on Alternative Radio, attracting glowing critical acclaim, and YouTube named UPSAHL their ‘Artist on the Rise.’ A budding prolific writer for other artists, UPSAHL also co-wrote the song Good in Bed, a track off Dua Lipa's new album, Future Nostalgia. With big plans to hit the road again later this year, UPSAHL has positioned herself for total musical disruption in 2020.
Occult X - “Be Mine”
With its gentle, wispy vocals and fast-paced beats, Occult X's debut song “Be Mine” sets itself up as dreamy, almost melancholy song, something that would play in the most pivotal moments of a coming of age movie. With hazy vocals and dreamy instrumentals, the elements of “Be Mine” blend together magically, giving off a sweet retro, 80s vibe. Without much information about the creator of the song themself, it is still safe to say that “Be Mine” is a more than promising debut song. With a first song so beautifully and gently created, it will be a delight to see where Occult X goes from here.
PHNTMS - “Back Burner”
PHNTMS have struck gold with their newest release, “Back Burner”. This pop-rock number (with a hint of country influence) highlights the band’s versatility and creative approach to their sound. The lead singer’s gritty vocals, which are reminiscent of Amy Winehouse, mix with a dynamic rhythmic section and blasting guitars, working together to build up in the verses to an even more energetic release in the chorus, which is practically transcendent. Based out of Philadelphia, Alyssa Gambino, Adam Jessamine, Mikal Smith and Gene Murphy come together to create PHNTMS and all it emulates. Gambino, the lead singer and songwriter, shares that the story behind the track is something that she has personally experienced; having a strong attraction to someone while the timing seems off. She notes, “I’ve always kept a safe distance when having feelings for someone new and the 'flame' represents just that. For me, being placed on the back burner is a lingering reminder that I will be here waiting.”
San Cisco - “Flaws”
San Cisco is known for their lively and fun music style, but let us show you, “Flaws,” a track off of their new EP Flaws. The indie-pop three piece, show a more vulnerable and sensitive side with “Flaws.” The song was written after a breakup of the frontman Jordi Davieson. After finding that they need to work on some personal issues but on their own. The lyrics are vulnerable, the melody is filled with a more stripped version. The guitar, drums, rough vocals and a tiny little tune that plays in the back make this song feel like a grab to the heart. This is a more special side to see from the band, it’s different than their usual pop sound. Seeing a band do something different like that, in their own way and own style, is refreshing. “Flaws” is just a start of the band exploring more into love, loss, and heartbreak, it’s a sneak peak into what their forthcoming album will be like.
Freedom Fry - “Tell Me It’ll Be Alright”
“Tell Me It'll Be Alright” is the latest song from musical duo Freedom Fry, with a wistful, yet hopeful message. It is the third single from their upcoming album. Touching on the changing times, the band notes. “Before this lockdown happened we went all around California recording a new album. We recorded this song in Joshua Tree. The drums were played by Joey Waronker (Beck, Atoms for Peace), and the electric guitars were played by Ben Collins (Frontman of Polyvinyl artist Minihorse). Even though we wrote it a while back the title feels really appropriate right now.”
The images created by the lyrics, and the music, together, give a sense of pure freedom, like a morning amidst nature, with wind in your hair. A soft yet powerful track, it is lyrics like “It's good to have you here, it's good to have you near, now I feel no fear” that make this song hit hard, especially in times like these, where we all need something to cling on to.
Pink Skies - “Silver Surfer”
Pink Skies doesn’t fail to make music that feels like a dream. The new single, “Silver Surfer,” is modern psychedelia at its peak. Arieh Berl, the mind behind Pink Skies, started off as a dream pop project that soon turned into more, letting him tour and work with many other artists. The Oakland based artist is defining his take on dreamy psychedelia and indie. His soundscapes are full of nostalgia, a yearn for a memory, and a love for life. “Silver Surfer” starts off with a little distortion to bring in the instruments, and then a lively beat. The vocals blend into the rhythm giving off a feeling like it’s playing from a distance. It’s the song you wish would be on a soundtrack to a movie. That’s the kind of music Pink Skies makes, songs that could be in the soundtrack to your life for moments of happiness.
Jacqueline Tucci - “Fear”
From the first note, “Fear” strikes a chord with the listener. Be it the rattling of the keys in the music video or the steady guitar beat that all sounds a tad dissonant, but a little exciting, Jacqueline Tucci’s newest work of art is sure to stay with you. Tucci started off as an acoustic artist, and has now transitioned into a singer/songwriter accompanied by a full-band arrangement. Her creative direction for the music video of “Fear” was inspired by Bela Lugosi’s roles in classic horror films, and features an all-star cast of our favorite monsters, such as the Werewolf, Vampire, and Frankenstein, which are each adorned with their own metal guitars. Tucci’s playful and introspective lyrics mixed with her wailing vocals make Fear a treat to bring a little horror in our lives. Her EP, Jungle Sounds, is due out later this year, so be sure to keep her on your radar.
Elephant Castle - “Cool To Be Unhappy”
A little funky and psychedelic, a little dreamy and indie-folk, “Cool to Be Unhappy” is Elephant Castle's debut song, and a brilliant one, at that. When asked about the idea of the song, Elephant Castle notes, “‘Cool To Be Unhappy’ is about a girl I once loved who thought it was cool to be unhappy. Needless to say, it didn't work out.” The theme of the song, is hence, unusual and exciting, and the execution lives up to this. “Cool to Be Unhappy" is catchy with an insistent beat that grabs one's attention. It manages to be mellow and fun at the same time, with the music eventually taking over, almost in a determined way. The result, hence, is just as exciting as the theme of the song itself, if not more. With a debut so clever and magnificient, it is thrilling to wait for what Elephant Castle does next.
East Harbor - “Miss The Old You”
Have you ever longed for something that doesn’t exist? A memory, a feeling, or perhaps a someone? The memory of a face can be tempting, and this subject matter shines on East Harbor’s newest track, “Miss The Old You” , an exhilarating Indie-Pop jam. The smoothly passionate vocals mix with electric guitar riffs and pop synths that seem to smother out the pain of missing a face. The Florida based group, made up of Josh Dobson, Robby Staggs, David Gonzales and Cory Kouns, center around the idea of longing for the person that they used to know, relegating their nostalgia to familiarity with their latest track. Thanks to the groovy instrumentals, this track is sure to get you on your feet and having a good time.
