Now Listening: This Week's Tracks
Tempest & Naomi Wild - “So Gone”
Tempest is a star in the making and her latest release, “So Gone,” proves her ability to produce dynamic songs that keep you hooked from start to finish. Blending her harmonic vocals with classic sensual beats, she creates a quintessential R&B sound but builds upon it with the help of singer-songwriter Namoi Wild. “So Gone,” is meant to be blasted in your bedroom, it is highly danceable and intoxicating. There is a climactic tone switch a little over halfway through the song, which leads to an effortlessly alluring structure — it is as if there are multiple tracks bundled into one. Playing with themes of expectations in relationships and the disappointments of dating, Tempest creates an introspective, yet relatable track that has us at Luna captivated. “So Gone,” is an emotionally rich, harmonic, and catchy song that grabs listeners — it oozes passion, sensuality, and self-love, and shows that Tempest is one to watch.
Onbar - “GOOD”
“GOOD” by Onbar is the definition of blissful, easy listening — the perfect mood setter for a date with your summer fling. Born and raised in San Jose, Onbar makes funky music that artfully plays on his sensual vocals and natural charisma. His latest single takes guitar and drum elements from funk music and layers them with snappy indie rhythms and vocals, ultimately creating a delicate, dancey track that you would hear in your local coffee shop. He actually used his experience as a barista to come up with his name — being “on bar” refers to the role of the person pulling drinks, so he decided it was the perfect, clever stage name. It is only natural then that his music is as easygoing as it is. “GOOD,” stands out from his other catchy songs because of its flirtatious energy of it. The wispy vocals and sensual lyrics tempt the listener and the funky production only heightens the allure. Created in only two days with the help of Patrick Hizon and Orion-Song, “GOOD” is a testament to Onbar’s creative prowess and ability to grow as an up-and-coming artist. We at Luna are excited to see what sexy sound he has in store next.
Work Wife - “Ride, Ride”
It’s a hazy late summer night, you’re out with your friends, and before you know it night turns to day. “Ride, Ride,” by Work Wife explores this age-old right of passage with wispy vocals and melancholic melodies, ultimately creating a bittersweet late summer anthem. Vocalist Meredith Lampe explains the inspiration for the track, “On one specific night, I recall dozing off on a stranger’s roof, only to wake up hours later locked out of the party and left to watch everyone on the street below heading to work.” Motivated by sacred friendship, Work Wife is the solo project of Brooklyn-based musician Meredith Lampe. Playing on her dark humor and life experiences, Lampe creates songs that are equally as uplifting as they are somber. “Ride, Ride,” is distinguished by the synthetic effects on Lampe’s vocals and sprawling instrumentals — it almost sounds like the electric guitar is crying alongside the singer.
Florence Rose - “Move!!!”
Florence Rose is an energetic new force in the indie pop/rock scene, producing highly danceable music that delights. Originally from Tulsa Oklahoma, Brandon Norris started this solo project around two years ago when he first dabbled in songwriting. Since then, he has made big strides in his music career. His song “Just Relax,” amassed over one million listens. Rose plays on the same tender, upbeat tone of his older music in a new EP called The Way Things Change. With blissful melodies, playful strummy guitars, and lively vocals, the first track off the EP, “Move!!!,” does exactly what the title implies — it gets you moving and grooving. Taking inspiration from other upbeat indie artists such as Dayglow, Phoenix, and Cage the Elephants, Florence Rose makes music that entices you and begs you to enjoy life. The lyrics are relatable and endearing, touching on the theme of infatuation — when someone's energy is so captivating that you can’t help but dance with excitement. “Move!!!” is the perfect late summer love song, with its catchy lyrics, dynamic drums, and beachy guitar melodies. So before summer ends, grab your crush, run to the dancefloor and play “Move!!!,” you never know what could happen ;)
Eyas - “Object Permanence”
Eyas is the solo project of singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jenna Balderson. Moving from indie electronic music to modern psych, Eyas is experimenting and expanding her sound — she is not confined by genre or style. In her latest release, “Object Permanence,” she layers her wispy vocals together creating an ethereal harmony. Touching on the theme of falling for an avoidant lover, “Object Permanence” has a subtly somber tone. “The song is about yearning for someone you know deep down isn't able to meet your needs,” Eyas explains. This sense of longing is sonically translated by the deep synth and organ sounds. Eyas's vocals play on the darker production elements and add depth to the song through the expansive, atmospheric qualities of her voice — she is incredibly skilled at organic vocal runs, giving off an angelic effect. “Object Permanence,” is sensual, mysterious, and symphonic, leaving us longing for more.
Strawberry Generation - “Miss Me”
Strawberry Generation is the perfect name for the Providence dream pop band as their sound has a sweet yet nostalgic feel to it. As well, a Chinese expression that mocks the younger generation as too soft. Their new single, “Miss Me,” is the kind of song you’d hear in a random indie film where you’d never stop thinking about that song because it tied everything together. It’s fuzzy and melancholic but as the band notes, “… like a long exhale at the tail end of a heavy summer.” Our generation might be too soft to some but with track’s like “Miss Me,” I think it’s more that we’re experiencing things in a more tender way. As you listen to this track, the lyrics are comforting because it reminds us that heartache and loneliness is universal — even in different ways. “Miss Me” is a great song to introduce you to the world of Strawberry Generation.
Similar Kind - “Waiting”
With the sweet energy and right amount of heart to it, “Waiting” takes you back to music that defined everything for us now. It has that nostalgic feel with the instrumentals creating a warm and secure atmosphere like 90s indie while bringing in elements of 80s new wave. The indie pop band don’t fail to have you listening to every aspect of the song. “Waiting” is about letting days pass by too often and the frustration of it, how it feels like you’re just waiting for something but at the end there is nothing or it just hasn’t come yet. Their new EP, Commercial Break, is out now and it’s the perfect listen to kick into the fall soon.
Empty Elles - “Bad Dreams”
“Bad Dreams” is the song you need right now. It starts off very early lo-fi-esque, feeling like a song inspired by Daniel Johnston before letting it come into full form with more electric instrumentals and upbeat elements. The track is about weird dreams and feeling hazy matching the beginning of the song and it’s fuzzed out feel — like a dream. The second half being a rock out feels like when you wake up and remember your dream for the first few minutes of your day. Empty Ellles is severely underrated and with tracks like “Bad Dreams,” they are a band to be excited about.
Christiana Li - “No Sleep”
NYC-based singer-songwriter Christina Li introduces her newest rose-colored indie dream-pop tune “No Sleep.” As her first single on a five-song EP set to be released in 2023, this song has a wistful youthfulness that radiates the feeling of young love and embraces the listener in its warmth. “No Sleep” tells the story of the beginning of Li’s relationship with her girlfriend, who wasn’t out when they first began dating. Her experiences as their relationship budded in secret within a college dorm room are vocalized with a tender authenticity. Originally from Hong Kong, Li shows musical promise as she blends indie-pop, K-pop and musical theater sensibilities with a soulful jazz flair. Citing musical references such as Lizzy McAlpine, Eloise, and Sammy Rae & The Friends, her newest single presents a keen songwriting ability and tastefully portrays the simultaneous feelings of overwhelming excitement and the grueling desire to share her love with the world. Opening up about the struggles of queer love, “No Sleep” is a touchung tribute to a significant period in Li’s life and is sure to resonate with listeners.
SOCKiTTOME - “say i’m not sorry”
Matt Carter, going by the name of SOCKiTTOME, brings listeners the new upbeat indie-pop tune “say i’m not sorry.” Energetic and happy-go-lucky, this spunky bop is uplifting yet demonstrates a mature songwriting ability and vocal capabilities for SOCKiTTOME. With catchy lyrics and themes that most everyone can resonate with on some level, “say i’m not sorry” is layered with house-music influences and dynamic, eccentric rhythms. This latest single displays high quality musical production as SOCKiTTOME makes a name for himself. “I wrote [the song] about being single and being alone over a period of time and learning to accept my situation, and to really show everyone that it's okay to have that time and turn it into something positive,” he says. “I wrote and produced this much like my previous singles in my attic, which I converted into a home studio over lockdown. I have learn[ed] so much since releasing music independently this year, and I’m really excited to reach new audiences with a fun and upbeat song, which is by far my best production to date.”
Soft Top Intrepid - “Mirage”
Ottawa-based duo Soft Top Intrepid releases their third single “Mirage,” a jaunty and youthful bop paying homage to memories passed and blissful nostalgia. Composed of Rob LaPlante and Chris Galambo, Soft Top Intrepid bring us this tune accompanying their previous two singles, “Some Same” and “Lemon Lung,” as they make a name for themselves with a resume of eclectic indie/alt-pop tracks. “Mirage” blends mesmeric reverberated guitar riffs, punchy drums and hazy vocals for an experimental melody fit for sun-showered days. Upbeat and funky, the lyrics portray the emotions felt when getting swept up in a wave of melancholy reminiscence. “The bassline was essentially our starting point for this track, informing everything else along the way,” Rob explains. “As for the lyrics, they just kind of wrote themselves. I had been dealing with getting mixed up in distant memories — is it real or is it just a thought I had at some point? It’s an interesting dilemma to find yourself in.” The song’s informed and tone-driven songwriting and production quality show a promising future for the duo’s upcoming musical projects and endeavors.
Janna Pelle - “Ever”
Within just a few moments, Janna Pelle quickly takes you into an escape of smooth vocals and a charming melody with “Ever”. The Miami-born now New York based keyboardist, singer, drummer, guitarist and producer explores the true meaning of ever, and if the love for someone can transcend beyond their time on earth. Inspired by her late father's most common greeting phrase, "your ever-loving Dad," “Ever” has a sweet nature that allows the track to glide along effortlessly. With three albums behind her already, Janna Pelle is currently working on her first self-produced album, out later this year. Escape into the world of Janna Pelle through “Ever” and keep her on your radar for what’s next.
Josh Urich - “idc”
A sweet melody with charming vocals quickly take you on a heartfelt ride in Josh Urich’s latest single “idc”. Layered with guitars and instrumentals that bring just enough edge to keep you holding onto each note, “idc” reflects on a time in Urich’s life filled with a sense of being overwhelmed, and ultimately not caring about anything. Despite a nihilistic theme, the track brings a danceable energy that sure gets you feeling something. Urich notes, ‘idc’ is a note on apathy and being okay with the only consistency in life, change. Throughout this process I felt my self subconsciously let go. And it was in the middle of all this that “idc” was sparked and came to life.”
Highlighting a subject we’re all too familiar with, Urich manages to put a fun spin on the topic, creating a track that will quickly find itself on loop on all your playlists. Keep an eye out for the rising artist as he’s sure to give us some more introspective yet upbeat tunes soon.
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weekly tunes playlist has been updated! new tracks from @furtradeband, @pecqband, @garryfool & more! check it out! https://t.co/ToFU0R6YGo -
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RT @oliviaborch: new @LunaCollective out todayyy shot by @alltookev ✨ @P1H_official editorial design by me ! https://t.co/cvSCKsWB5D
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RT @rlyblonde: @AnnieDirusso for @LunaCollective shot by me #35mm #portra800 https://t.co/0UUJSCBGcH
