Tag #NEW JERSEY

“The Hand You’ve Been Dealt “ , From Joker’s Republic Is Brimming With An Abundance Of Ska-Punk Genius

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We were completely stoked to check out the new record, “The Hand You’ve Been Dealt “ , from New Jersey ska-punk power trio Joker’s Republic, via Punkerton Records. You can listen to “The Hand You’ve Been Dealt “ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

“The Hand You’ve Been Dealt” , from Joker’s Republic, is an absolute ska-punk masterpiece. Joker’s Republic, has put their heart and ska-punk soul wholeheartedly into this amazing record and it shows.

Produced by Roger Lima (Less Than Jake / Rehasher) and mixed/mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Eric Taft, the record delivers a high-energy blend of ska, punk, and melodic grit across twelve tracks that tackle loss, politics, mental health, and identity — all with the band’s trademark humor and heart.

From the moment we heard the open note on “Welcome Back” we knew we were listening to something ultra special.

You won’t find a single bad track on this album , you get 12 ska punk gems that you can put on repeat and enjoy .

“Panic! Panic! Panic! , “Cutting Ties”, “Long Road Ahead” are all incredible songs that you simply can’t afford not to listen to.

We fell hopelessly in love with the memorable melodies that live beautifully on “The Hand That You’ve Been Dealt “

Picking a favorite song on a record like , “The Hand That You’ve Been Dealt” is next to impossible. but the one track that truly touched our hearts is “The Cold Hard Truth”

You owe it to your ska-punk loving to immediately go check out “The Hand That You’ve Been Dealt” , from Joker’s Republic.

The Spins Have Crafted An Absolute Gem, With New Album, “Left Behind “

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Album Cover Photo- Luke Orion Photo Album Layout / Cover Design- Benjamin Lieber

We are beyond thrilled to finally to check out the blazing red hot new album “Left Behind “ from New Jersey, based Indie Alternative rock band , The Spins . You can listen to “Left Behind “ Here

From the moment we heard “The New Me” , from The Spins, we were instantly hooked. The Spins, have a sound that is effortlessly and timelessly cool .

Since their inception in 2016, the band has incorporated their wide range of influences into their music, while still managing to have a distinctly unique sound that is wholly their own.  Whether it be dancey and infectious indie rock, gut-wrenching emo, high-energy pop punk, catchy, hook-heavy pop, or the guitar centric classics of old, The Spins present music that anyone can find a way to tie back to their individual musical palettes. 

“Left Behind “ depicts a band who is rapidly evolving and developing their artistry . ( We feel like we are witnessing a band who is getting to soar to the next level .

Singles, “Rain Or Shine”, “One More “ , and “Break It Off” are solid well written songs that show off the brilliant musicianship of The Spins ( Nick Coombs (rhythm guitar/vocals), Freddy Smith (drums), Jimmy Barr (lead guitar), and Phil Dunphy (bass)

If we had to pick our favorite song on “Left Behind “ (which, is almost impossible to do ) We would without question pick , “ It’s Me ” The song is ultra catchy and we found ourselves singing along almost instantly- Bravo

Every song on “Left Behind “ from The Spins, held our attention like a page turning novel ( and we loved every minute of it )

So go find your favorite music loving spot, and get lost in the incredible musical goodness of “Left Behind” From The Spins you will most certainly thank us later,

The Spins Release An Absolute melodic Gem, With “Break It Off”

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We had the pleasure of checking out the new single, “Break It Off” from New Jersey based Indie Alternative rock band,The Spins.

You can listen to “Break It Off “ Here

You can check out the video for “Break It Off” below

“Break It Off” will be on their new album “Left Behind” to be released July 25th. The Spins are determined to defy the status quo of genre expectations and craft something new. Since their inception in 2016, the band has incorporated their wide range of influences into their music, while still managing to have a distinctly unique sound that is wholly their own.  Whether it be dancey and infectious indie rock, gut-wrenching emo, high-energy pop punk, catchy, hook-heavy pop, or the guitar centric classics of old, The Spins present music that anyone can find a way to tie back to their individual musical palettes.  Made up of Nick Coombs (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals), Freddy Smith (Drums), Jimmy Barr (Lead Guitar), and Phil Dunphy (Bass)

The Spins seem to always take it up a notch with every new release. “Break It Off” showcases both the flawless vocal and stellar musicianship that is becoming the hallmark of The Spins.

The Spins are about to be your new favorite band… you just don’t know it yet.

  

 

The Spins Have Us Completely Mesmerized With Latest Single, “One More”

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As soon as we heard the new single, “One More” from New Jersey, based indie-rock band, The Spins, we were instantly hooked.

You can listen to “One More” Here

The Spins says, “We wrote this one with the intention of keeping it purposely ambiguous and able to be applied to many different subjects in the realm of addiction and the inability to kick a habit.  Whether it’s a drug, a toxic relationship you can’t seem to leave behind, or a bad habit in general, we’ve all experienced that struggle of being unable to leave something behind once you’ve experienced its thrill and intoxication.  I think everyone has universally had the experience of telling themselves “This is the last time, I swear….”.  This is about that struggle of eliminating that temptation to go back to what’s comfortable, comforting, or captivating to you, even when you know it’s not good for you.” 

The Spins, artfully give “One More” the perfect amount of soul to give it an extra jolt to a simply phenomenal song. “One More”is a high-octane, dancefloor-ready banger, propelled by a syncopated guitar riff lace with a slick chorus effect that hooks you from the first note.  Paired with a relentless, funky drum beat – driven by rapid, rhythmic hi-hat hits that pulse like a drum machine – and a groovy, locked-in bassline that surges through the track, “One More” is pure kinetic energy.  

The Spins, are a band of next level musicians who put their whole heart and soul into their music and it shows.

The SPINS Have Unleashed Their New Single, “Rain Or Shine”, And It Sounds Amazing In Any Kind Of Weather

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We recently had the tremendous opportunity to check out New Jersey, based Indie rock band, The SPINS and their new single “Rain or Shine” that is out now on all platforms.  You can listen to the blazing hot new single, “Rain or Shine” Here

Hot on the heels of their first single, The Spins unleash “Rain or Shine,” the second track from their forthcoming album.  

The Spins , continue to impress with every new track they release. The Spins, operate like master melodic architects, carefully crafting an indie rock masterpiece.

The song is a bittersweet anthem, weaving a tapestry of nostalgia-tinged sadness with a warm, hopeful glow that looks to the future.  Its soaring chorus – brimming with euphoric, emotional uplift and instantly catchy – captures the ache of wondering if a partner will stand firm through life’s storms or falter when the skies darken.  The track’s lyrical depth, probing the universal question of loyalty in love, pairs with a massive, epic outro that lingers long after the final note.  With songwriting and production that outshine their previous work, Rain or Shine cements The Spins upcoming album as their finest hour, a testament to their growth and unrelenting ambition.

 Hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of New Jersey, The Spins are an Indie Alternative rock band determined to defy the status quo of genre expectations and craft something new. Since their inception in 2016, the band has incorporated their wide range of influences into their music, while still managing to have a distinctly unique sound that is wholly their own.  Whether it be dancey and infectious indie rock, gut-wrenching emo, high-energy pop punk, catchy, hook-heavy pop, or the guitar centric classics of old, The Spins present music that anyone can find a way to tie back to their individual musical palettes. Made up of Nick Coombs (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals), Freddy Smith (Drums), Jimmy Barr (Lead Guitar), and Phil Dunphy (Bass), the band brings an unparalleled level of energy to their live shows that has captivated audiences for years and only fueled their consistent growth.  You owe it to your music loving soul to check out “Rain or Shine” from The Spins . It is truly world class indie rock.

Good Damage Offers Up Melodic Goodness With New Single, “BETTER OFF ALONE”

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New Jersey alt-rock/pop-punk band,Good Damage, has a high voltage, electrifying sound that is absolutely mind blowing. We recently had the amazingly awesome opportunity to check out their latest single, “Better Off Alone” (Spoiler Alert: It freaking rocks)

You can listen to “Better Off Alone” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here

Good Damage has been building momentum since 2022. Their music blends catchy hooks, lush vocal harmonies, and classic-rock inspired instrumentation, drawing comparisons to Paramore. With their debut single “Forget November” praised as “the perfect song” by The Yo Show’s Jeff Porini, Good Damage is firing on all cylinders with their follow-up single “Better Off Alone. Both tracks were recorded at Sonic Boom Studio in Raritan, New Jersey, run by producer Anthony Krizan.

We find that Good Damage has a fresh and vibrant sound that sets them apart from other bands in a somewhat mundane musical landscape.

Flawless vocals coupled with perfectly placed melodies make , “Better Off Alone”, from Good Damage, a song that will stay In your music loving soul long after the music has ended.

The band has already shared the stage with southern rock legend and Rock Hall of Fame member Artimus Pyle’s band Pyle Tribe and has performed at iconic venues like The Stone Pony, The Delancey (NYC), The Williams Center, and Crossroads. Good Damage kicked off 2025 appearing on The Yo Show podcast in February

Good Damage is: Darin Dickey – Guitar, Cassie Entin – Bass and Backing Vocals, Cooper Hughes – Drums and Backing Vocals, and Isabella Pombrio – Lead Vocals. 

Stop whatever you are doing and get lost in the punk rock goodness that is “Better Off Alone” , from Good Damage.

The Spins Bring Melodic Goodness With New Single / Video, “It’s Me “

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We recently had the distinct honor of checking out the new single/video for “It’s Me” from New Jersey, Indie Alternative rock band, The Spins. You can listen to “It’s Me” Here You can also watch the video for, “It’s Me” below.

We fell instantly for the new single , “It’s Me”

With the release of their newest song, “It’s Me”, The Spins are back with an explosive first taste of their forthcoming album. This high-paced, high-energy anthem marks a thrilling new chapter for the band, blending their signature sound with a polished evolution that showcases their tightest songwriting and production to date.

“It’s Me” is a sonic rush – brimming with a retro edge that feels both familiar and forward-looking. The track is wrapped in razor-sharp hooks and shimmering production, where the band hones their craft to a fine point – wishing regret on an ex while delivering a sound so irresistible it’s impossible to forget. 

Listening to “It’s Me”, from The Spins, is like watching a glorious 4th of July fireworks display. As the lead single off their upcoming album, It’s Me sets the stage for a new era of The Spin’s career, doubling down on what fans love while pushing their artistry to exhilarating new heights.

Hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of New Jersey, The Spins are an Indie Alternative rock band determined to defy the status quo of genre expectations and craft something new.

Since their inception in 2016, the band has incorporated their wide range of influences into their music, while still managing to have a distinctly unique sound that is wholly their own.  Whether it be dancey and infectious indie rock, gut-wrenching emo, high-energy pop punk, catchy, hook-heavy pop, or the guitar centric classics of old, The Spins present music that anyone can find a way to tie back to their individual musical palettes.  Made up of Nick Coombs (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals), Freddy Smith (Drums), Jimmy Barr (Lead Guitar), and Phil Dunphy (Bass), the band brings an unparalleled level of energy to their live shows that has captivated audiences for years and only fueled their consistent growth.

Do yourself a favor and check out “It’s Me” from The Spins

Phoneboy Delivers Intoxicating New Single + Video For “Better Than You”

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We recently had the stellar opportunity to check out the new single and video for “Better Than You”, from New Jersey , Alt/ indie band , Phoneboy. You can listen to “Better Than You” Here you can watch the amazing video below

The latest single and video “Better Than You” from Phoneboy, is positively electrifying. We found ourselves completely mesmerized by the addictive and catchy melody. The vocals on “Better Than You”, are an absolute thing of beauty and really give the track an extra added dimension.

Phoneboy ( singer/guitarists Wyn Barnum and Ricky Dana, bassist James Fusco, and keyboardist Jordan Torres) are highly skilled musicians with next level musicianship, and this is crystal clear on “Better Than You”

If you are looking for a new favorite song for 2025, we think you might just find it with “Better Than You”, from Phoneboy.

Flycatcher Delivers An Absolute Gem With Latest Single “Brother”

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We recently had the exceptional opportunity to check out the latest single “Brother”, via Memory Music label from New Jersey based band Flycatcher. You can listen to “Brother” Here You can also check out the video for “Brother” below.

Sometimes you don’t choose the music but, the music chooses you. We were recently scanning for new music when seemingly out of nowhere we stumbled upon Flycatcher and their amazing new single “Brother”

“Brother” from Flycatcher, is a well written song that grabs your attention right from the first note . Melodically pleasing with indie appeal. We may have found your new favorite song ( you’re welcome)

Flycatcher ( Gregory Thomas Pease – Vocals and Guitar, Justin VanNiekerk,Guitar, Jack Delle Cava, Bass and Connor Carmelengo, Drums) are a well oiled music making machine, and we feel they are just getting started .

“Brother” was Produced, engineered, and mixed by Will Yip. “Brother” from Flycatcher, is a brilliant and stunning musical experience that you can’t afford to miss .


Phoneboy Delivers Electrifying New And Single “I Look Alive”

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We recently check out the new single and video “I Look Alive” from New Jersey based band Phoneboy . You can listen to “I Look Alive” Here and you can check out the video below

“I Look Alive” is Phoneboy’s first release this year since since they released their sophomore album Moving Out in 2023. Following the success of their 2023 album Moving Out, Now Phoneboy are back with a revitalized sound and an exciting new addition to their lineup. The band’s anthemic new single “I Look Alive,” features Jordan Torres on vocals and keys, adding a fresh dimension to their signature blend of power-pop energy and introspective lyrics.

“I Look Alive” is a testament to Phoneboy’s growth and maturity, both musically and personally. The song captures the anxieties and uncertainties of young adulthood with a raw honesty and infectious energy, as singer/guitarists Wyn Barnum and Ricky Dana trade vocals with Jordan Torres over a backdrop of driving guitars and soaring melodies. It’s a bittersweet banger that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of their place in the world.

You can’t help but fall immediately for the one of a kind sound of Phoneboy. “I Look Alive” is the perfect spark of electricity needed in today’s music.Music, should be fun and exciting and you definitely get with Phoneboy With their expanded lineup and a fresh batch of wise-beyond-their-years anthems, Phoneboy is ready to take the indie music scene by storm once again. Get ready to put down your phone, turn up the volume, and embrace the moment with Phoneboy’s infectious new single, “I Look Alive.”

Eric Dash Delivers Big Time With Flavorful New Single “Good With It”

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We recently had the extraordinary opportunity to check out the new single “Good With It” from New Jersey singer songwriter and producer Eric “Dash” Friedman. You can listen to “Good With It” Here

We absolutely love the latest single “Good With It” from the very talented Eric Dash .

“Good With It” is the second single from his new album Bystander which will be released October 11th . Not only did Eric write the new album Bystander, he also self produced the record as well. Eric Dash delivers a cool effortless vocal performance with a tasteful soulful groove on “Good With It” that is simply divine.

Good With it” is the kinda song that finds its way into your soul never leaves . Eric Dash is without question an artist you need to check out.

Eric Dash Delivers Heartfelt New Single “You’re Not The Only One”

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We recently checked out the new single “Your Not The Only One” from New Jersey singer songwriter and producer Eric “Dash” Friedman. You can listen to “Your Not The Only One” Here

Eric Dash has an infectious energetic sound that you simply can’t ignore. “You’re Not The Only One “ is Fresh , Fun and absolutely electric.

Strong vocals with a stunning melody “You’re Not The Only One” checks all the boxes of a great song .

Eric grew up playing all over the Philadelphia-area, finding his first charting success at 23 with his single “One More Love Song” that was produced by Jack Joseph Puig (John Mayer/No Doubt).   That led to Dash touring with Heffron Drive, fronted by Kendall Schmidt from Big Time Rush. He continued playing and opening for other acts such as Train, Nelly, Eve6 and The Janoskians 

His first release artist release as a producer, Unspecified, a singer/songwriter and alt pop EP that has garnered over a million streams. “Talk” and “Sober” in particular. Since then, there’s been an array of releases and he’s been on the front of American Songwriter Magazine numerous times.

Dash’s first full length album, “Bystander”, which he also self-produced, is now on its way. There is much more coming from Dash, including records for other artists as well as a new pop project for himself called “LOLA” in honor of his dog that he loved.

We cannot wait for music from Eric Dash . In the meantime we are going to sit back and enjoy “You’re Not The Only One “ and you should too.

Sleepwalker Has Our Full Attention With New Self Titled EP

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We recently had the privilege to check out the new self titled EP from Sleepwalker . Sleepwalker is the new EP and project from musican Kevin Harrison.

You can check out the self titled EP from Sleepwalker Here . Harrison fully embraces the freedom of producing and creating music without boundaries. Known for his time on the folk-rock scene with bands Broken Compass Society and Kevin Harrison & True North, the Cranford, New Jersey singer-songwriter found a sense of freedom in leaving behind the constraints of the music industry and pursuing new artistic avenues with his latest creative ventures. 

With Sleepwalker, Kevin Harrison has created a one of a kind sound that we can’t turn away from . From the first note on “When The Lights Go Down” all the way through to the fascinating instrumental “Delirium “ we fell deep for the indie-rock/folk/blues sound that is on full display on the self titled EP

We were awash in a beautiful wave of sound on “When The Lights Go Down “ There is a mysterious blusey tone on the track that we can’t get enough of.

“Wake Me Up” which was one of our favorite track on the EP , was the catalyst for the entire Sleepwalker project. It begins with quintessential folk-rock softness before the shackles of standard songwriting constraints fall away amidst the synths, fuzz, and layers of emotive vocals. In the absence of lyrics, there’s a whispering piano floating in the ether, a disorientation that echos the question of “Am I still me?” despite all the changes around you. It was inspired by many sleepless nights as a new parent and the uncertainty that comes with raising the future. (As a fellow parent this one really resonated with us .

Throughout the Sleepwalker EP. Harrison artfully places tones and sounds to really give the EP a unique sound and feel .

Vocally throughout the EP , Harrison puts on absolute vocal clinic. On the title track “Sleepwalker” we literally got chills listening to the flawless vocal performance. “Burn” has a really Smokey feel that stays in your soul , long after the music ends .

From top to bottom there isn’t a bad song on “Sleepwalker” it is truly a work of musical greatness that you can’t afford to miss.

Part Time Custodian Delivers The Full Time On Their Sparkling New Single “All Boxed In”

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We recently had the absolute privilege to check out the new single “All Boxed In” from New Jersey based indie rock band, Part-Time Custodian.  

You can listen to “All Boxed In “ on Spotify Here. And on Apple Music Here

A lot of today’s music has a tendency to sound prefabricated and over done, this however is certainly not the case with New Jersey based indie rock band , Part -Time Custodian and their beautifully written new track “All Boxed In” . “All Boxed In “ feels like a New York Times Best Seller but , in song form. We were literally hanging on every well crafted word as if our life depended on it . Our ears and heart were soothed by the calming yet dynamic melody of “All Boxed In”

Singer/songwriter and frontman of Part-Time Custodian Mike Herz brilliantly brings to life a picture of a nostalgic neighborhood caged in by industrial growth and shattered dreams.  


Aleksei Postnikov at Arlene’s Grocery in NYC. 

We are big fans of honesty and authenticity and, this absolutely shines through with “All Boxed In “ from Part-Time Custodian.

If music is your thing you absolutely owe it to your music loving heart to check out “Boxed In “ from Part-Time Custodian.

Part-Time Custodian is :

Mike Herz – lead vocals, guitar, keys

Joe Palmisano – lead guitar

Adrian Cardona – drums

Ted Winsch – former bassist (played on two eps and “All Boxed In”) 

Kyle Wagner – current bassist

Bobby Mahoney Deliver Intoxicating New Single “We Go On”

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Photo: Hannah Greve; Direction: Madison Van Houten

NJ Alt-Rockers Bobby Mahoney Release New Single “We Go On” Off Upcoming Album ‘Another Deadbeat Summer’ Out June 14 on Wicked Cool Records

We recently had the opportunity to check out “We Go On” from Central New Jersey alternative rock outfit Bobby Mahoney.

You can listen to “We Go On” Here you can also check out the teaser for “We Go On “ below .

Bobby Mahoney, are newly signed to Stevie Van Zandt’sWicked Cool Records, has released “We Go On,” the next single off the band’s upcoming label debut, ‘Another Deadbeat Summer,’ out June 14.

Mahoney says, “We began tracking “We Go On” in Joe Pomarico’s parent’s basement in September 2020, in the middle of the Pandemic. We were masked-up, socially-distanced, etc. We were all starved for human interaction/connection, and live music, so it was important to us that we built the song up from a foundation of us all playing together in a room. It is a song about death, the cosmos, “Enjoying Every Sandwich” as Warren Zevon said.

We were instantly drawn to the blue collar sound of Bobby Mahoney. The music is real and authentic and even if you are checking the band out for the first time ,they have a familiar and genuine sound that you can’t ignore. “We Go On” is a song that is destined to live on repeat on your favorite device.

Bobby Mahoney has made a name for itself in the vibrant Asbury Park, NJ music scene, sharing the stage with the likes of Frank Turner, Against Me!,Steve Earle, Dave Hause, opening for Bon Jovi, and jamming with Bruce Springsteen and other notable songwiters at multiple Light Of Day Music Festivals , which benefit Parkinson’s, ALS, and PSP research. They most recently appeared at SXSW where they played the Wicked Cool Records Revue! at Austin’s legendary Continental Club.

Announcement: The Whole Kameese Is Going On Hiatus

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We started The Whole Kameese back in 2020 as a way to keep busy during the pandemic. We are so lucky to have worked with so many wonderful artists, promoters and other music professionals. We were also so blessed to be able to share so much amazing music . We have made the difficult decision to put the blog on the back burner. At this time we need to focus on other important matters. We do not know how long we will be away but, we will return. We thank all of you for your support

-Jay

Elk City Deliver Epic Sophisticated Art-Rock on ‘Undertow’ LP

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We recently had a chance to check out the new album “Undertow” from Montclair, NJ art-rock band ELK CITY via Magic Door Record Label

You can check out “Undertow” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

Right from the first note on “Undertow” you can not help but be pulled in by the mesmerizing and hypnotic sounds from Elk City .

We found ourselves tapping and singing along almost instantly. The melodic vibe on “Undertow” is a thing of absolute beauty.

Photo credit- Renee Lo Blue

“Undertow” was produced by RAY KETCHEM (Guided By Voices, Luna, Gramercy Arms) Undertow is the darker continuation of the band’s latest ‘Above the Water’ LP – here, the band goes deeper into unchartered sonic waters.

Every track on “Undertow” is absolute perfection. Some of our favorites include the title track “Undertow “ , “Strong(Your Not Alone) , “Tried To Move On” , and “Keep It”

We are absolutely smitten with “Undertow” from Elk City , and we think you will be too.

Elk City is Renée LoBue, Ray Ketchem, Luna’s Sean Eden, Richard Baluyut (Versus) and Chris Robertson (Psychedelic Furs side project Feed, Punch Havana).

SOHMA Deliver Epic New Single “ Overexposure”

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We recently had the absolute privilege to check out the latest single “Overexposure” from New Jersey indie-pop duo SOHMA.

You can listen to “Overexposure” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

You can also check out the visual for “Overexposure “ below

SOHMA is the love child of best buds and long-time collaborators Jess Kenny and Mike Baron. Lifelong musicians, Jess and Mike have been through a lot of ups and downs in their artistic journey. But adversity has fostered a powerful friendship built on self-expression and connecting with people across the world through music.

“Overexposure” is one those songs that you just can shake . We can neither confirm or deny if we have sang along while waiting in the bank line . (But we can confirm that this song is off the charts)

Vocalist Jess Kenny explains about the shimmery track, “’Overexposure’ is a song that talks about the reality of going through the heavy things life throws at you while trying to remain open and soft towards the world, a scary and vulnerable reality.”

Overexposure” is SOHMA’s first single debut, via 7hz Recordings. The track is paired with a video of the duo in their home studio performing the floating bubbly track. SOHMA is fused with similar sounds of The Sundays’ ethereal shimmer and Belle & Sebastian’s bright pop hooks. The duo is planning on releasing more music in 2024!

We can’t wait for more from SOHMA

Teen Idle Delivers Powerful and Heartfelt Debut Album “Nonfiction”

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Recently we got the chance to listen to the absolutely stunning debut album “Nonfiction” via H1 Massive from , New Jersey indie-pop project Teen Idle . Teen Idle is the project of multi-instrumentalist,songwriter, and producer Sara Abdelbarry. You can listen to “Nonfiction” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

Photo credit – Emma Murphy

We were moved beyond words by the stunning debut album “Nonfiction “ Sara Abdelbarry brilliantly and artfully weaves together 11 emotional and melodically and sonically tracks that literally has us hanging on every word .

We loved the singles that preceded “Nonfiction “ “Birthday Cake,”Norway” and “Saccharine” are beautifully crafted songs that showcase the extraordinary musical talents of Sara Abdelbarry.

“I named the record Nonfiction because it’s literally what it would be like to open up my journal and read my thoughts over these specific few years in my life,” says Abdelbarry. “That being said, I hope whoever listens to this album can appreciate the varied experiences that come with growing up and see my own version of the moments of heartbreak, joy, and anger that come with that. The album is brutally honest and lays it all out on the table without any sugar coating – besides a song literally titled ‘Saccharine’ [laughs]. So, anyone in search of honesty will find a nice companion in these songs.”

We think the honesty that Sara , speaks of is why these songs are so power .

“I think each single sounds more different than the one that came before it. They all progressively build up to an idea that’s prevalent on the record, which is that our experiences can be made up of multiple textures that are seemingly different from one another but are really just parts to a whole. As multi-faceted human beings, we have all these different parts to us, identities that might seem to be at odds with each other but ultimately just make us the unique people we are. I’ve never phrased it that way before, but I guess I just realized what I’m actually trying to accomplish by making albums.”

We could help but draw the comparison of the late great Elliot Smith, while listening to “Nonfiction. The songs “Things You Say “ and “Every Night “ were two songs that we had constant repeat , the melodies and imagery in those songs are simply otherworldly.

Do yourself a favor and let yourself fall head over heels in love with “Nonfiction” from Teen Idle.

Elk City Delivers Stunning New Single “Tried To Move On”

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We recently had the opportunity to check out the latest single “Tried To Move On “ from New Jersey art-rock collective ELK CITY.

You can listen to “Tried To Move On” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

This breezy slice of pastel pop, which asks heavy questions, previews the band’s seventh album ‘Undertow’.-via Magic Door Records(Due September 22nd) This follows the lead track ‘Strong (You’re Not Alone)’, a swirling neo-psychedelic folk song baked in cult obsessiveness.

Founded by RENEE LOBUE and RAY KETCHEM, Elk City is rounded out by Luna’s SEAN EDEN, RICHARD BALUYUT (Versus) and CHRIS ROBERTSON (Psychedelic Furs side project Feed, Punch Havana).

Ketchem explains, “’Tried to Move On’ finds the band following our pop tendencies. Close and intimate during the verses and chorus, the song opens up in the middle with a triumphant instrumental section.”

There is something very appealing about Elk City , “Tried To Move On“ is not only a song but an enjoyable musical experience.