For the forthright Guilty!!! the subject matter is obvious: the 2024 election, and the madness that’s infused the path to get there.

Blending the poetic and the playful, Man With A Corduroy Heart is a British Americana artist whose music captures the beauty of mundane life. In 2024, he released his debut album, Things Are A Little Bit…” a record quietly created in his basement while his newborn slept. The album captures life’s gentle humour and tender moments from trying to get the baby to sleep with the music of Bob Marley to why having dreams is just too much effort, or how you can find love through watching Escape To The Country. The album has been praised for its authentic charm and storytelling

Stockholm is a lyrically powerful EP where the three songs “Advice,” “Doubt,” and “Try” tell the story of a personal expansion and a “shedding of the skin” moment, in particular as a woman, but as a being in general. I hope these songs, with their clarity, focus, power, and emotion, can put words to this experience of transformation that we all go through in life, and that is particularly important for those who are burdened heavily with certain expectations that hold back the soul: women.

The Pulltops continue their dynamic musical journey with the release of their new song, “Ain’t Home Anymore.” Blending the heartfelt introspection of Americana with a pop/rock sensibility, the tracks timeless sound is filled with nostalgic imagery and rich storytelling. Set against a backdrop of melodic guitars and soaring harmonies, the song captures the bittersweet reflection of changing times and the feeling of no longer belonging to a place that once felt like home. It’s a song for anyone who has ever felt like they were chasing memories, only to realize that what once was, can never fully be reclaimed.

Singer/songwriter Kyra Gordon draws from a diverse set of life experiences, including her early pursuit of acting as a career. Music is now her vehicle, but the voice of the actor still echoes in her work. “I see songs as little movies that I create,” exclaims Gordon. “I get to act, sing, play piano, and write. But it’s all in this tasty three-minute experience called a song.”

W.C. Beck is an itinerant singer/songwriter from Kansas who now calls New York home after long stints in Portland, OR and Paris, France. Beck’s songs span from indie folk to classic country and tell of the American heartland and a forgotten epoch. With catchy melodies and sophisticated compositions, most songs find their depth in the personal, moving narrative.

Though he has a raft of recordings under his own name, saxophonist Eric Person made his bones as a steadfast member of drummer/talent scout Chico Hamilton’s band, as well as a stalwart presence in NYC’s “free funk” scene by way of Ronald Shannon Jackson & the Decoding Society.

Part virtuoso and part storyteller, you might say that Jacob Johnson does with a guitar what Gene Kelly did with dance. Although his songwriting has won awards and his guitar-playing has put him on stage with Tommy Emmanuel and Phil Keaggy, his ability as an entertainer is what has won fans throughout the southeast. He refers to himself as “a ham that just wants to be on stage” but he’s much more than that. Jacob is an amazingly talented guitarist and songwriter which, combined with a bit of a personality, makes for a wildly impressive stage performance.

Viewers get a sense of Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett’s peculiar genius and the tragedy of seeing his bright spark extinguished.

Elemental Music continues its Motown Sound series of vinyl LP reissues, offering an education in essential ‘60s and ‘70s pop.

Brian Mathew is a seasoned indie folk artist known for his introspective songwriting and nuanced guitar work. With a lifelong passion for music, his unique style blends traditional folk elements with modern influences, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. His latest album, LDL, represents the culmination of his artistic journey, featuring fully realized compositions that explore the profound themes of love, death, and life.

Harold Payne’s remarkable career spans decades, with numerous accolades and collaborations with esteemed artists such as Bobby Womack, Rod Stewart, Patti LaBelle, among others. From chart-topping hits to soul-stirring ballads, Payne transcends traditional genres while captivating audiences across the globe. “The Song That Saved the World”, Payne’s latest single release, showcases his signature blend of positivity that inspires audiences worldwide with its hopeful message and infectious melodies.

Kodaclips is a powerful and intense live band, absolutely worth discovering! Fresh from a contract signing with Sister 9 from Manchester (Kill Your Boyfriend, JuJu…) for the release of their new album Gone Is the Day on September 6, 2024, mixed and mastered by James Aparicio, they are mature and eager to bring their shoegaze tinged with stoner and post-rock to as many stages as possible.

Ready Steady Die! is a British-American electronic duo consisting of Morgan Visconti and Sam K, and return with bold new single, ‘Access to Pollution’. Following the success of their 2022 album ‘Accidents’, which featured the critically acclaimed single ‘Settle’, the duo continues to explore the complexities of human emotion and relationships through their unique brand of electronic rock.

SALT is an alternative post punk pop band. Extremely independent, they record, produce, and release all their work. They are extremely prolific with no genre left untouched. Anything goes if it sounds good. Having recently supported Goodbye Mr Mackenzie and had their debut on BBC6 Radio on Craig Charles’s show. SALT have an emotional intensity using a wide variety of influences. Powerful, broody, eclectic and dark. Daring to be vulnerable and confident enough to crush your soul.

Philadelphia reggae-hip hop collective Rockers Galore presents their debut album Vamos a la Playa. Truly a labor of love, this record is the product of four years of songwriting, rehearsals, pre-production and arrangements. From initial sketches through to full realization, these tracks eventually crystallized in a professional studio, where the final recordings were completed and ultimately mixed and mastered.

On September 20th, 2024, Darling Black released their cover single, “Jackie,” a rendition of the first track from Sinead O’Connor’s iconic album, The Lion and The Cobra. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Dylan in her studio, “Jackie” is a heartfelt tribute to Sinead O’Connor, inspired by the deep admiration for her artistry and resilience. This cover not only pays homage to a beloved song but also serves as a cathartic expression of emotion, reflecting the dark and joyous realms of electronic sound that define Darling Black’s musical ethos.

Sometimes when two artists collaborate, magic happens. And that’s exactly what transpired when Tom Tikka and Nolen Chew Jr. of The Star Prairie Project joined forces. The plan was to write two songs, one for each artist to put on their upcoming albums. That plan failed. Instead of two songs, Nolen and Tom ended up writing an entire album together.

Despite being written well over a year ago, fxrrvst’s latest single “Hate Has No Home Here” is more relevant now than ever. An anthemic message of unity, “Hate Has No Home Here” deviates from the band’s usual motif of mental health, and transitions to a call to action, imploring the audience to take a stand and ‘lets get loud’. Given the status of the world currently, whether war, human rights, or politics, fxrrvst summarize the stance all should take both in the song name and heard in the chanting throughout the bridge and last chorus.

For Element of Light, his fifth album and first for the legendary label Candid, he brings it all together into one direction.

Brendan Forrest, the Chicago-born musician formerly known as B Forrest8, who now calls the *Colorado Rockies home, released his debut bluegrass EP, Daydreaming Music Fiend, at the end of September. While rooted in traditional bluegrass, this record subtly weaves in Forrest’s diverse musical background, from his Chicago blues roots to his journeys across continents. The EP marks a significant shift for Forrest, showcasing his embrace of acoustic string band music while retaining traces of his self-described “grit soul” style.

First making his name with the folk-oriented, semi-acoustic sound of 1985’s Post, Paul Kelly enjoyed a major breakthrough with 1987’s Gossip, which was centered around his smart, full-bodied pop melodies and literate but unpretentious storytelling. 1994’s Wanted Man found Kelly digging deeper into more personal themes as his music gained more bite while still remaining tuneful

Indelible Sundries is not your conventional live record, it was born of necessity when singer/songwriter and multidisciplinary artist Eric Terino was unable to physically tour his third LP (Innovations of Grave Perversity) in 2022. Terino battles agoraphobia, a condition that precludes him from traveling, and as such he set about deciphering how to bring a concert to life within the confines of his world. What transpired was the process of creating a conceptual live performance through the medium he is most adept at, record making.

NYC indie rock outfit Crash Harmony presents ‘Orange Background’, the second taste of the band’s debut record No One Asked For This’. Slated for release via Magic Door Record Label after a 30+ year hiatus, the quartet are back with a full-length album of 10 songs, for which they worked with celebrated producer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Gramercy Arms, Luna) at Magic Door Recording in Montclair, NJ. Earlier, the band released the lead track ‘Velour Goddess’.

December Friend was born out of the pandemic when Joel Leviton reached out to friends Jeff Victor (Minneapolis musician, composer, and producer) and John Wlaysewski (of Brooklyn-based band Late Cambrian) asking if they wanted to collaborate on a new project. Thankfully, they said yes. All songs for December Friend’s initial album, Splendor Never Dies, were recorded remotely in home studios in Minneapolis and Brooklyn during the pandemic. They followed the same formula for December Friend’s latest release, In a Warmer Way, recording songs written by Joel Leviton at home studios in Minneapolis and Brooklyn.

The Sound of Mountains album is a testament to Christopher Morin’s musical prowess and creative vision. Recorded between his home studio and Black n Gold studios in Whittier, CA, the album aims to create a space for reflection, introspection, and emotional resonance. With standout tracks like “Stretch Out Your Hand” and “Familiar Locations,” the album strikes a balance between serene, cinematic sounds and electrifying post-rock compositions, offering listeners a sonic journey that transcends boundaries and genres.

“Cliffhanger” by Avalon Stone hits with the intensity of a freefall, capturing the raw, vulnerable moment where you’re teetering on the emotional edge. A killer riff, powerful vocals, and haunting lyrics like “Can’t see the water below but I hear the waves crash,” the song delivers intensity. Produced by Juno-winner Kevin Dietz, it’s a follow-up to her breakout debut “Forget You,” over 200K streams worldwide.

Indie Pop sensation Split Second returns with their latest single, “Ozymandias,” an energetic and quirky track inspired by the classic poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley. The band, composed of members Ava, Jack, Levi, and Louiz, has crafted a unique sound that blends influences from Fleetwood Mac, Arctic Monkeys* and Blondie, resulting in a vibrant and distinctive musical experience.

Following the 2023 debut single ‘Payback’ by alt-rock maverick Love Ghost and industrial legend Tim Skold (SKOLD, Shotgun Messiah, KMFDM, Marilyn Manson, Motionless in White), they are back with ‘Nightshade and Cocaine’. With heavy guitars and pianos, this song is inspired by altered states of mind and witchcraft, setting the tone for the dark rock n’ roll soundscape of this album.

Drawing specifically on the spiritual jazz of Pharoah Sanders and the Coltranes and the European tradition of free improvisation, Flatten paints a landscape that undulates between heaven and hell, with violent sound blasts interrupted by flowing ocean waves.

San Francisco-based artist AURSJOEN presents her debut single ‘Nytår’, a haunted beauty of a track that is both sensual and mystical. A nod to her Scandinavian ancestry, this reverie-infused music is lush, layered and sweepingly cinematic. Dark and light in equal measure, this dynamic slice of ethereal gothica is complemented by a haunting video, created by filmmaker David Kruschke.

Honeyvolt is a hot new hard rock band that makes big, fun, loud indie rock. Although completely independent, their debut singles have been exploding on Spotify. For lovers of rock music, Honeyvolt and their debut singles “Break Me Down” and “Red Moon Rising” are must listens!

Downes, Frisell, and Cyrille find a commonality in drone, as each musician channels their instruments into a forward drift towards a universal tone.

Gothic Rock / Darkwave act The Awakening shares their new single ‘Mirror Midnight’, which underscores historical tendency towards self-obsession and the media’s recurring manipulation of self-perception. This is the first taste of their self-titled album (their 12th to date), which will be released on October 18 via Intervention Arts.

Established in Livorno, Italy in 2010, Gabriele, Marco and Jonathan were not just determined, but destined to break free from their surroundings, and music was their key. Developing their sound over the past years into a beautifully refined chaos. Mixing experimentation with electronics, colossal percussion, and searing post-rock guitars, the band has created a sound that is not stereotypical of their humble background.

“We believe if you listen to our music it will speak for itself. Our sound is unique, while still being accessible. Passionate vocals, heavy riffs , amazing rhythm section and excellent compositions are prevalent and organic. We don’t sound like anyone else.”

Formed in 2005, A Shoreline Dream is now multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Ryan Policky and guitarist Erik Jeffries, who are based in Barnum, Colorado. Usually a selt-contained unit on most released, Whitelined includes three collaborations with Mark Gardener. Together, they have crafted a record where shimmering walls of sound wash of turbulent percussion and swooning vocals to weave an otherworldly sonic reality.

One might well wonder why saxophonist Walter Smith III gave his latest album such a literal title.

After studying at Berklee and the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Straw returned home to Panama where he collaborated with the Nashville-hailing songwriter, Grant van Dijk to bring his debut to life. Through the perfect equilibrium of candid soul and rock n roll swagger, Straw ensured that he wouldn’t find himself short of plaudits – especially if the singles in the pipeline match the intoxicating energy in “Apartment 3513”.

Portland-based Pete International Airport presents the new single ‘Sea of Eyes’ featuring vocalist Alexander Hackett of Montreal dream-gaze outfit Pang Attack. This is the first offering from PIA’s new ‘Sea of Eyes’ EP, set for release in November via cult label Little Cloud Records, accompanied by an intriguing shadow-dance video, directed by Francesca Bonci.

Rebecca Aadland’s new album, Stronger Broken, is an eclectic collection of original songs, bridging styles of folk, rock and blues. Her resonant and beautiful vocals infuse this record, which is the culmination of six years in the studio with some of Minnesota’s finest musicians. Stronger Broken was released fifteen years after her debut record. Her lyrics are soulful, sometimes humorous, with themes of getting unstuck, finding love, and wrestling with life’s hardships.

Inspired by the northwest hills of NJ in the shadow of the Appalachian Ridge, Water Street creates a new version of Americana, mixing soulful acoustic melodies with rugged rock and roll bursts, a driving rhythm section with some hints of funk which combine to create a uniquely new, Pop/Americana/Roots sound.

Lounna is the indie-folk project by Pittsburgh songwriter and producer Brenna Slate. Inspired by modern artists that range from Bear’s Den to Gregory Alan Isakov to boygenius, Slate’s songwriting combines elements of indie, folk, alternative, and americana genres that shift from soft sonic scapes to indie rock ballads.

The album was motivated by the tumultuous times we’ve experienced (both globally and here in the US) over the past few years: upheavals in politics, the world economy, public health, the sciences, and culture in general. Of course these are my own impressions and interpretations, and I tend to cast a jaundiced eye on things generally, so satire, sarcasm, dark humor, and irony pop up throughout. We’ve all been through a lot and everyone has their coping mechanism – mine is writing songs.

Michael Figueroa is carving out his own unique space in the indie music scene, and he’s doing it with a refreshing honesty that’s hard to overlook. Embracing his real name, Figueroa steps into the spotlight with a sense of authenticity that feels both personal and relatable. His sound is a heartfelt tribute to the indie boom of the early 2010s, drawing inspiration from artists like Toro y Moi, Mac DeMarco, and *Bahamas*—who have shaped the sonic landscape he navigates

Saxophonist Miguel Zenon embarks on his most ambitious project yet on his latest album Golden City: no less than a tribute to the city of San Francisco.

American singer-songwriter JC Miller has announced his next single ‘Blackberry Canes’, to be released on September 20 via Tilt Records. Once again, this true-grit storyteller engages us in a captivating journey that blends time and nature within the American landscape.

Portuguese indie pop visionary Tsunamiz has released ‘Dreamz’, the fourth single taken from his highly anticipated seventh studio album Behold the Man.“Dreamz” merges contemporary electro pop and alternative pop with slices of vintage post-punk and is highlighted by pulsating synths, vivid drums, slicing guitars, and an eloquently moody vocal performance. The DIY ethic of Tsunamiz is evident in “Dreamz” with the musician composing and producing his music.