We Are Super Pumped For Our Proving Ground Playlist

Listen To The Proving Ground Jam Playlist Here

We are pleased to present our all new playlist for The Proving Ground Jam. We had such a great time putting the first list together we decided to do it again .

1-“MB Anthem ( The Market Basket Song)”- Stop Calling Me Frank

You can’t go wrong with a song about , Market Basket, Stop Calling Me Frank , has crafted an absolute gem.

2 “Having A Day” Trestles

Santa Cruz based Trestle give us a groove-tastic tune with “Having A Day”

3- “Kneejerk”-Noah Villeneuve

Noah Villeneuve, has an amazing, “traffic stopping voice. “Kneejerk”, is stunning.

4- “Surfer” -Last Hyena

Brilliant Math Rock with a surfer groove… Yes please.

5-“Slicked Back Hair- elijah woods

Retro pop banger that absolutely kills.

6- “Flown Away”- Laura Pieri

You can’t help but want to get your dance on with “Flown Away”, from Laura Pieri

7- “Bleeding Pen” Ana Luna

Ana Luna , delivers an absolutely breathtaking track with, Bleeding Pen”

8-“Maybe” – The New Condition

We feel like we have heard the future with the cinematic “Maybe”, from The New Condition and we absolutely love it.

9- “The Lake “Emma Harner Featuring Henry Jamison

We were absolutely mystified by “The Lake” from Emma Harner Featuring Henry Jamison … and you will be too

10- “NVR KNO” – Battlemode

Chiptune for the win ! You will definitely level up after hearing this one.

11- “Afterlife”- Charlotte Sands

Charlotte Sands, is simply electrifying with her new single, “Afterlife”

12- “Did You Cry”- Maggie Andrew

Maggie Andrew has created a alt-pop gem with “Did You Cry” ( You are going to want this one on repeat.

13- “Stick To The Script “- Anaïs & The Hoops

Catchy and smart , “Stick To The Script “ will definitely stay with you after the music ends.

14 – “Golden Days”- Crow Follow

“Golden Days” is a stunning melodic and cinematic triumph.

15- “Cemetery Man” – The Collect Pond

The Collect Pond, are firing on all cylinders with “Cemetery Man”

16- “Light and Low- Lovina Falls

We are absolutely smitten with “Light and Low” from Lovina Falls, absolutely perfect

17- “Lizard In A Bar “ – Roberta Faceplant

We have had “Lizard In A Bar “ on permanent repeat.

18- “Kansas” – Nathalie Miller

We love the indie pop goodness of “Kansas”, from Nathalie Miller

19- “Hard Is Hard” Tomás Doncker

We are head over heels in love with the groove on “Hard Is Hard”

20- “Tonight” – Nate Perry & Ragged Company

“Tonight” is a high energy, well written song that you will be singing along with almost instantly.

We hope you enjoy The Proving Ground Jam Playlist. We hope you gained a new favorite song or two.

Reimagined EP , “Frankie(ON THE DANCEFLOOR”, From Laura Pieri, Is A Dance Party You Can’t Miss

We recently had an absolute blast checking out Brazilian-born, New York-based artist Laura Pieri and  a bold new chapter with Frankie (ON THE DANCEFLOOR), a high-octane counterpart to her acclaimed 2024 EP, Frankie. Featuring reimagined, club-ready versions of the original tracks alongside a brand-new single, “Flown Away,” Frankie (ON THE DANCEFLOOR) transforms Pieri’s story of survival into one of celebration.

You can listen to “Frankie(On The DANCEFLOOR) Here

We found ourselves absolutely mystified by the musical greatness of “Frankie (ON THE DANCEFLOOR) from Laura Pieri

While the original Frankie EP told the story of a woman breaking free from disillusionment and reclaiming her voice in a male-dominated world, Frankie (ON THE DANCEFLOOR) revels in what comes after: movement, confidence, and joy. Turning pain into power and melancholy into momentum, Pieri electrifies her story with pulsing rhythms, shimmering synths, and euphoric pop hooks. 


Photo Credit: Ysa Lopez

Frankie’ was about rebirth and self-discovery; ‘Frankie (ON THE DANCEFLOOR)’ is about embodiment—less thinking, more feeling,” Laura explains.It reimagines the songs as a constellation of moods, showing different sides of Frankie’s story and letting her release her inhibitions.”

Laura collaborated with LA-based producer/artist YXSH on these reimagined versions. “I’ve worked with him for so many years, and he really understands what I’m thinking,” she shares. “Remixing requires a little destruction, which was scary for me at first. But once I gave myself permission, it became fun to play with textures and moods that weren’t obvious the first time around.”

Born in São Paulo and now living in New York City, Laura Pieri has been chasing music for as long as she can remember. There was never a single moment of realization; music has simply always been part of her identity. Over the last few years, Pieri has carved a distinct path in pop, earning features in outlets like FLAUNT, Mundane Magazine, and Northern Transmissions.

A true multidisciplinary artist, Pieri approaches every project with a fully realized vision. She not only writes and performs her music, but also immerses herself in the visual world surrounding it. In 2024, she created and premiered a short film to accompany the FrankieEP.

Pieri’s work lives at the intersection of sound, story, and spectacle. With Frankie (ON THE DANCEFLOOR)Laura Pieri looks toward a future where art and empowerment collide on her own terms.

Shobsy delivers Epic new single “Dance or Cry”

‘Dance or Cry’ Single Artwork credit Adam O’Regan

We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single, “Dance or Cry” , from Irish prince of pop Shobsy. You can listen to “Dance or Cry” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here

After a whirlwind few months including performances in LA and London, signing an international publishing
deal and a recent sold out Whelan’s show Shobsy has announced details of his signing to influential UK
label SO Recordings and his forthcoming debut EP ‘Own The Night’. The first track taken from EP is ‘Dance or Cry’ which hits today, ( July 25th)

SO Recordings is home to an eclectic mix of artists including Big Special, Placebo, Enter Shikari, Public Service Broadcasting and Emily Burns.

Apart from performing as special guest at the recent International Music Industry Awards Gala Dinner in Los Angeles,  Shobsy has performed numerous sold out shows at prestigious Irish venues over the past year including at The Workman’s Club, The National Concert Hall , Whelan’sThe Academy and also recently signed a worldwide music publishing deal with Pangea International Music Publishing (which is partnered with Sony Music Publishing)

credit Adam O’Regan

“Dance or Cry” from Shobsy, is a beautifully crafted groove that not only makes you move your feet but touches your soul.

LAURA PIERI UNVEILS AN ABSOLUTE DANCE FLOOR SCORCHER “DAUGHTER OF DEMETER (ON THE DANCEFLOOR)”

We were so excited to check out Brazilian-born pop provocateur Laura Pieri , as she returns with her blazing red hot new single Daughter of Demeter (ON THE DANCEFLOOR),” a hypnotic, dance-infused reimagining of her 2024 single from the Frankie EP. The track will appear alongside “Sea of Tragedy (ON THE DANCEFLOOR)” on Frankie (ON THE DANCEFLOOR), the forthcoming expanded edition of her Frankie EP, arriving later this summer.

You can listen to “Daughter of Demeter (ON THE DANCEFLOOR)” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here

Whereas the original “Daughter of Demeter” was a visceral, full-throttle scream fueled by rage, heartbreak, and defiance, this new version simmers with quiet confidence. “This remix is what happens when that fire simmers into something slower, sharper, and slyer,” Pieri shares. “The fury isn’t gone. There’s a defiance in turning pain into pleasure, and that’s what this version does: it lounges in heartbreak with style. It’s rage on vacation.”

The remix sees Pieri stretching the emotional range of her songwriting, nestling her fiercest lyrics into a sleek, sultry sonic landscape. “It made me rethink how we process and present emotion, especially feminine emotion,” she shares. “Sometimes healing looks like dancing. Sometimes grief shows up in a slow sway.”

Photos by Nat Goldie (@artbygoldie)

Born in São Paulo and now splitting her time between New York and Los Angeles, Laura Pieri balances the rigor of an MBA program by day with the high-energy world of pop stardom by night. Infusing sleek pop production with the rhythmic heartbeat of her Brazilian heritage, she’s crafting music that moves people both emotionally and on the dancefloor

Laura Pieri, creates electrifying music that is positively electrifying. We found ourselves instantly grooving to Daughter of Demeter (ON THE DANCEFLOOR),” 

Originally released in May 2024, Pieri’s EP Frankie and its accompanying short film told the story of a woman reclaiming her voice and power. Co-written by an all-female team and executive produced by Skyler Cocco, the project marked a turning point for Pieri—an artistic rebirth born from the brink of walking away.

You owe it to your dance loving soul, to check out “Daughter of Demeter (ON THE DANCEFLOOR),”  from Laura Pieri .

Paperwhite Have Reached New Heights With Extraordinary New EP, “Reach”

We recently had the opportunity to check out the incredible new EP, “Reach” from Synth-pop duo Paperwhite—the project of siblings Katie (singer/songwriter) and Ben Marshall (producer/songwriter)

You can listen to the new otherworldly EP, “Reach” on Spotify Here Apple Music Here

We fell almost instantly for the new EP, “Reach” from Paperwhite.

The project features their poignant and cinematic new single “Looking Back,” a track that first began taking shape during the pandemic. Nearly five years later, the duo returned to it with fresh perspective, teaming up with acclaimed composer and virtuoso cellist Philip Sheppard, whose stunning string arrangements bring added emotional depth and a renewed sense of hope.


Photo Credit: Dillon Puswald

Nearly a decade after releasing their 2016 debut EP Escape, Paperwhite remain true to the dreamy, synth-driven aesthetic that first captured the internet’s attention, while expanding their sonic palette with organic textures and cinematic flourishes. On Reach, shimmering melodies and atmospheric production underscore themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and quiet wonder—resulting in music that feels at once nostalgic and entirely new.

The ‘Reach’ EP is a reflection of where we’ve been and where we’re going—a collection of songs shaped by longing, nostalgia, and the quiet magic of memory,” the duo share. “We made it for anyone who’s ever felt lost in a dream or found comfort in a feeling they couldn’t quite name. We hope it brings a sense of wonder and a little more light.”

The opening track, “The Space Between “ sets the perfect vibe for an absolutely divine collection of songs. “Unfold” features flawless vocals coupled with perfect melodies.

Both “By Your Side”, and “This Feeling” are two songs that once we heard we simply couldn’t shake, their additive melodies and they stayed with us long after the music faded

Paperwhite, eloquently puts their heart and soul into their music and this is very evident on their beautifully crafted EP, “Reach”

Lovina Falls Have Reached The Top Of The Mountain, With Breathtaking New Single, “Light and Low”


Cover collage art by Lindsey Walker, www.artlwg.com

There is a pure and radiant glow that beautifully flows throughout the simply stunning new single “Light And Low” You can listen to “Light And Low” Here

Lovina Falls has a simple message for those seeking some kind of comfort in this unsteady, overwhelming, and uninspired 2025: “The world is blowing up, so find yourself and your people and move forward together, regardless, and in spite of, the chaos around.” 

We couldn’t agree more …. Lovina Falls, the dark and whimsical dream-pop and art-rock project from Boston singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Valerie Forgione, which returns to the streams with their first new music of 2025 in “Light and Low,” a rousing jaunt of electronic sounds, harpsichord, and dizzying propulsion that hits the streams on Friday, June 13. The track arrives before the official release party later that night, held at Deep Cuts in Medford alongside The Daylilies and RoseR

At its core, “Light and Low” relays an internal vision to keep moving, to push forward, and power through with a sense of community and compassion. It certainly does not hurt that one can dance to it.     

“‘Light and Low’ is about recognizing that as time goes on, it’s ok to let go of old and ‘historic thinking’ to create a new path through and out of the Thicket of Now,” Forgione says. “It’s about knowing that when things change, the path is not predestined. Change the change. Move with conviction but head gracefully into the unknown, light and low.” 

Photo by Joan Hathaway

Light and Low” continues to position Lovina Falls as a collaborative project, where Forgione performs most of the instrumentation in the studio before it blossoms on stage with the live band. What began as a solo outlet to attempt a reconnection into her past as a path forward has now evolved and emerged into a full-fledged ensemble, playing shows routinely and emerging as one of Boston’s most dynamic live on-stage septets.

And live on stage, where the Lovina Falls sound truly emerges, the band swells to a consuming wall of sound and melody, featuring two other fellow Mistle Thrush members in guitarist Scott Patalano and bassist Matt Klain, and joined by Carrie Ingber on keys, Chuck Ferreira on drums, Brenden Cobb also on guitar, and Laura England Klain and Emily Drohan on vocals

On “Light and Low”, Forgione performs vocals, piano, harpsichord, keyboards, bass, and drum programming, and is joined by fellow Mistle Thrush bandmate and drummer Todd Demma, now of Chameleons, alongside Cobb on tremolo guitar and co-producer David Minehan on additional guitar.

There is something very important and worthy about “Light and Low”, from Lovina Falls, it is a much needed message that artfully cuts through the static and beautifully announces its importance.

SOPHIE POWERS JOINS FORCES WITH RJ PASIN ON NEW SINGLE “XO” AND …. IT’S AMAZING!


Artwork by Tegh Rataul (@teghrataul)

We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single, “XO”, from Sophie Powers and producer RJ Pasin. You can listen to , “XO” Here

“XO”, is an explosive new single that plunges into a chaotic, cinematic soundscape where hyperpop’s frenetic energy collides with the raw power of metalcore.

Press Photo by Colleen McPhillips (@cardboardsweater)

XO” captures the emotional volatility of a generation overwhelmed by societal pressure but unwilling to stay silent. With piercing, unapologetic vocals and a sharp lyrical perspective, Sophie cuts through the noise with fearless clarity. The result is a track that feels both defiant and cathartic, grounded in Sophie’s emotionally unfiltered delivery and signature melodic punch.

“‘XO’ is pure femme fatale energy—like kissing destruction on the mouth,” Sophie shares. “Working with RJ Pasin unlocked this wild sonic tension I’ve been chasing for a while. It’s the sound of me stepping into womanhood, claiming my power, and still recklessly chasing chaos like it’s love. As Hannah Montana said, sometimes you really do get the best of both worlds—and this song is proof. My voice wraps around RJ’s guitar in a way that feels both raw and hypnotic, but it’s that mysterious, unhinged energy that gives ‘XO’ its heartbeat.”

Driving the track’s sonic intensity is RJ Pasin, the multi-hyphenate producer known for fusing cinematic metalcore with emo rap and electronic math rock. RJ injects “XO” with glitch-heavy textures, punishing breakdowns, and a jolt of unpredictability. With over 300 million solo streams and credits alongside Sexy Redd, Flo Milli, Bring Me The Horizon, and more, RJ brings both subcultural grit and forward-thinking precision to the collaboration, amplifying Sophie’s voice without ever overshadowing it.

“XO”, from Sophie Powers, featuring RJ Pasin, is an electrifying, powerful thrill ride of a track that we are absolutely mesmerized by.

Robert Grace , Featuring The Fox Mob, Releases Epic New Single, “Cowboy”

We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, “Cowboy” from Irish, alt-pop artist Robert Grace, featuring The Fox Mob. You can listen to “Cowboy” Here

Being a music blog , we listen to a lot of music ( It’s what we do) We truly believe that we have found the song of the summer , “Cowboy” from Robert Grace, featuring The Fox Mob

The beats and melody on “Cowboy” are simply a thing of musical beauty, coupled with absolutely flawless vocals.

“Cowboy” is one of those songs that once you hear it once… you are hooked ( trust us this is a good thing )

Robert Grace, has some live dates coming up see below for details.

Do yourself a favorite and check out “Cowboy” from Robert Grace, featuring The Fox Mob. Your music loving heart will thank you .

Friend Of A Friend Have Won Over Our Music Loving Heart With Their Stunningly Brilliant New Album, “Desire!”

We recently had the distinct honor to check out the new album, “Desire!” Via Earth Libraries, from indie electronic/ rock duo, Friend Of A Friend. You can listen to “Desire!” Here

Friend of a Friend, the duo of Claire Molek and Jason Savsani, returns with their third album, Desire! The record is an expansive and layered exploration of yearning, transformation, and connection, infused with the strange and unsettling energy of the place where it was recorded.

The making of Desire! was defined by the environment: a sprawling Victorian mansion in Illinois chosen for its seclusion, reverb-friendly spaces, and serene desert surroundings. Initially, the house seemed like the perfect creative retreat, but its unsettling presence quickly revealed itself. Strange creaks and unexplained noises filled the nights, and both Claire and Jason, usually unfazed by old houses, found themselves sleeping with their doors open, gripped by an unshakable sense that they weren’t alone.

On Desire!, Friend of a Friend refines their sonic identity while embracing an expanded palette that balances the cinematic with the intimate. The duo describes the record as a culmination of lessons learned from their previous works—In Arms and FACILITIES—pushing their sound into new, more deliberate territory. “We’ve always played with big ideas, but this time we focused on clarity,” Claire explains. “We wanted every layer, every texture to serve the narrative.”

Producer Jordan Lawler (M83), who also worked with the duo on FACILITIES, played a pivotal role in shaping the album’s sound. His approach seamlessly integrates analog and electronic elements, from shimmering synth pads to deep, tactile rhythms.

“Desire!”, from Friend Of A Friend, is beautifully layered with melodically and sonically perfect gems, that add many interesting elements to the sound and vibe of Friend Of A Friend.

“oasis”, “beautiful ppl”and “moonlight “ are three standout tracks on “Desire!” The track that really made an impression on us, was the title track, “desire “ We love the deep hauntingly beautiful tone that stayed with us long after the track ended .

We highly recommend checking out the remarkable new album, “Desire!” It is an absolute can’t miss.

Barbagianni Have Crafted An Absolutely Stunning New Single, Featuring indie-pop Chanteuse Daire Heffernan

Irish electronic duo Barbagianni release hypnotic debut single ‘Punch Drunk‘ featuring indie-pop chanteuse Daire Heffernan. You can listen to “Punch Drunk “ Here

We found ourselves totally enthralled with the musical style and beauty of “Punch Drunk” from Barbagianni, featuring Daire Heffernan.

Barbagianni is a two-piece synth-pop act consisting of Karl McCrone and Matthew Keating. Their debut single ‘Punch Drunk’, featuring Daire Heffernan.

Having worked with artists such as Lydia Ford, Theo Fitzgibbon and Lucy McWilliams, Karl and Matthew are treading new ground with lush electronic melodies over hard-hitting, kinetic drum beats. They will be releasing their debut album later this year

Barbagianni

Punch Drunk feat. Daire Heffernan is the first song we wrote together as Barbagianni. Back then, we would send snippets and ideas back and forth online, building it up slowly. We knew we had something special when Daire lent her voice to the track.
Her swirling, layered vocals complement the relentless groove from the drums and bass and the chorus kicks things into overdrive, with a mixture of crystalline synths and guitars.’

Punch Drunk”, from Barbagianni, featuring Daire Heffernan, is a magical and melodic song that you can’t ignore.

Matthew Nowhere Offers Dreamy New Single And Video For “Echoes Still Remain “

“Echoes Still RemainShowcase Matthew Nowhere’s debut record, “Crystal Heights”

We were beyond delighted to check out the new single and video for “Echoes Still Remain “, from  Bay Area electro pop artist Matthew Nowhere. You can listen to “Echoes Still Remain” on Spotify Here on Apple Music Here You can also check out the video below

The stunning “Echoes Still Remain” from Matthew Nowhere , leaves a melodic imprint on your soul that is forever memorable.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and currently residing in California’s Nevada County in the forests of the Sierra Mountains, Matthew Nowhere explores analogue synth-laden sounds of the 1980s with inspired reverence. Emerging from the intersection of old and new, his unique music weaves deep vibes and poetic lyrics with gritty New Wave beats.

“Echoes Still Remain”, is a moody and evocative offering. Ethereal vocals lace through a pulsating soundscape like a brooding rhythmic ghost of celebrated new wave pioneers.

Echoes Still Remain’ comes out of exploring ideas about the artistic process itself – the way in which a lonely whisper of inspiration in an artist’s mind can take flight and become realized as a concrete work. And in those rare cases, something that started as just a personal vision might even become immortal, something that lives on, becoming all these different things to different people,” says Matthew Nowhere.

On May 23, the‘Crystal Heights‘ album, now available for pre-order, will be released digitally and on Limited Edition transparent blue vinyl.