New Music Friday 2/23/24
Category
Welcome back to our weekly NMF roundup. Here’s what we think you should be listening to this week!
Nothing to Lose - Nectar Woode
IYL: Lucy Blu, Ruhan, Essence Martins
Nectar Woode is a singer/songwriter based in East London. The Ghanian/English born incorporates jazz influenced chords on guitar with her wistful, rich tone to create a dreamy sonic experience.
A Trip to the Moon - Ghost Funk Orchestra
IYL: Orions Belte, L'eclair, Frankie and the Witch Fingers
Ghost Funk Orchestra is the brainchild of composer/multi-instrumentalist Seth Applebaum. What started as a one-man recording project has now evolved into a powerhouse live band. It’s a sonic kaleidoscope that defies genre specification, but draws heavy influence from the worlds of soul, psych rock, salsa, and beyond. Their unique blend of genres has attracted praise from the likes of NPR, Bandcamp, KUTX, Brooklyn Vegan, Earmilk, and more. Over the years they've had the honor of sharing the stage with the likes of Os Mutantes, Grace Potter, Marco Benevento, La Luz, Monophonics, The Nude Party, and The Jack Moves, as well as playing such legendary festivals as Montreal Jazz, Treefort, Telluride Jazz, Otis Mountain Get Down, and BRIC's NYC Winter Jazz. Local NY blog Post-Trash described their sound as a ‘psych odyssey of traditional sounds delivered in a non-traditional fashion.’ Bandcamp’s Editorial Director J. Edward Keyes praised the band’s ability to ‘leave no funk-adjacent genre unexplored.’ Experimentation is the key, and unpredictability is what has been attracting folks from all corners of the globe to see what GFO pulls off next…
Pear - Emma Bieniewicz
IYL: ASTREA, Karim, Galou
Space to Grow - Adam Paddock
IYL: MOSES., Max Lew, Nitro X
The intersection between energetic pop & intimate singer-songwriter is where Adam Paddock's diverse discography feels right at home. Double-take-worthy horn arrangement married to unassuming, soaring vocals driven by familiar acoustic instrumentation is the formula; power-packed, community-focused live shows are the result. People are the point. As strong of an entrance as one can dream to make, Adam Paddock burst into the Ohio scene when he opened for Waka Flocka Flame & MAX as his first full-band show EVER, in the fall of 2020. Since this grand entrance, Paddock has opened for other nationally-acclaimed acts such as Judah & the Lion, Jake Miller, ella jane, Kings Kaleidoscope, Ripe, Truslow, Anna Vaus, Abby Holliday, Gable Price and Friends, Post Sex Nachos, and The Wonderlands. This success led to selling out his debut headlining show, resulting in a near-sell out at an upgraded venue in February of 2022. Paddock has solidified his stake in the legendary Columbus scene with his headlining show, 'COLUMBUS AGAINST THE WORLD' at the iconic Newport Music Hall in March 2023, with nearly 1000 in attendance. This spring, the boys take on part 1 of their east coast tour and will roll out their debut album, ‘Sweet Ohio Light.’
Run Me Over - HARBOUR
IYL: Vacation Manor, Landon Conrath, Arms Akimbo
Since their formation in 2014, HARBOUR has gone from packing rooms in their native Cincinnati, to selling out venues across the United States. Members Ryan Green (vocals/guitar), Jarett Lewis (guitar), Ryan Sulken (drums), Walker Atkinson (bass), and Devon Turner (guitar) have curated an infectious indie pop/rock sound that transfers seamlessly into their live shows.
During their tenure as a group, HARBOUR has delivered an EP, 10 singles, and 4 full length albums - the latest of which, entitled “To Chase My Dreams, Or To Just Lie Down?", was released in February, 2023 after much anticipation. Fresh off a two-leg, multinational tour in celebration of the album, and with more music in the works, the band has no plans of lying down anytime soon.
ME, MYSELF & YOUR EYES - Knox
IYL: Arrow in Action, Braden Bales, Hastings
Growing up, Knox knew he had an interest in music more than the average kid. His teenage years were sound tracked by artists such as Fall Out Boy & Ed Sheeran, and the summer before he started college, Knox taught himself guitar. He began playing open mic nights and by his sophomore year, his musical ambitions were so all-consuming that he dropped out of school, moved in with his grandma and saved up money to move to Nashville. He made the leap in January 2019.
Knox used Covid isolation to work on his craft. The focus paid off: Knox signed a publishing deal in 2022 but was struck with the urge to record songs he had been working on. The result was How to Lose a Girl in 7 Songs, Knox’s debut EP, released February 2023. Knox filmed TikToks featuring his song “Sneakers”, and 1 amassed nearly 2M views overnight. “Sneakers” now has over 28M streams. Another fan favorite track, “Not The 1975," can be seen on the Top 40 and Hot AC radio charts, and is featured on Knox’s latest EP, “I’m So Good At Being Alone?” released October 2023.
Knox has since been touring, opening for the Band Camino, Nightly, and Boys Like Girls and most recently performing on his own sold out headline tour. “I'm 6 states away from home and there’s a thousand people in the audience that are singing the song that I wrote with my friends in my bedroom. That's when it gets you, when you see people connecting to something that I made with my best friends. It’s the most unreal feeling in the world.”
Gum - Piao
IYL: octodaddio, jade, Tough Floater
Hi guys. My name is PIAO - pronounced like meow but with a “P.” I love hamsters <3
Shanghai born, Toronto transplant PIAO is the artist you’ve been waiting for. With heartfelt lyrics and a vocal range that hits both ends of the spectrum, PIAO breaks the mold of the traditional pop artist and creates her own lane. Recent Berklee graduate and multi-instrumentalist, PIAO has had the opportunity to work with talented artists and producers like T-Pain and Don Cannon to help amplify her vision and build her musical repertoire. As she develops her sound and plans to release new music, prepare to know the name PIAO.
One Last Song - Laura Alden
IYL: George David, Gary O'Neill, Fran Lusty
“A sweet spot between Folk and Pop” – Laura Alden feels a lot. And whatever she feels will end up in a song. She wonders about love and loss, self renewal, life’s natural cycles, growing up slowly in a fast moving world, and you can find a red thread of gentleness yet unapologetic honesty woven throughout her music. The Dublin / Berlin based singer-songwriter seeks to find a balance between Pop and Folk with a production that combines subtle electronica and warm acoustic details. Her new music touches on subjects of human intimacy and often brings artists like Daughter or Birdy to mind.
happy / sad - little luna
IYL: Mali-Koa, Midhaven, Halo Kitsch
for me, it’s important to have the right soundtrack to the moments of my life. little luna is my sonic journey through rediscovering my truest self, giving you sounds and words to support you, as you do the same. i cannot wait to meet you! xx- little luna
when i say i love you, i'll try not to Mean it - Moontower
IYL: Weathers, The Holy Dark, The Orphan The Poet
Moontower is a French House-inspired electro-pop band established in 2017, known for explosive live shows and multi-media releases. Moontower first gained a dedicated fanbase taking over the LA underground live scene and quickly grew to supporting acts including Bad Suns and YUNGBLUD before releasing any music.
Now, Moontower fans love diving into the conceptual world the band builds around their releases. Their first two EPs, Season 1: The Ballad of William Hollywood and What Day Is It?, released with a sitcom-inspired music video series and an innovative live performance film. For Moontower’s upcoming debut album, ‘Season 2: Air Take Care’, the band wrote and recorded a short film on a grounded 737 airplane – which has created an iconic visualization for the project.
To date, Moontower has played Reading and Leeds Festival (2019), toured with THE DRIVER ERA, Night Riots, Weathers, and opened for COIN, Cold War Kids, X Ambassadors, Yung Bae, and more. The band has also sold out multiple shows in Los Angeles and has gone on multiple co-headlining tours.
Moontower uses their platform to progress gun control legislation and access to gender-affirming care. Jacob is openly pansexual and non-binary and ensures fans are supported to express and explore their identity. This is actualized on the band’s Discord (Take Care Inc) where fans constantly communicate and organize events such as meditations, book clubs, movie nights, and emotional support groups.
Somewhere in Vegas - Crash Adams
IYL: Levent Geiger, Nicky Youre, Stellar
We’re Crash Adams and we're here to spread happiness.
Gold Pearl - Cinders
IYL: How They Fall, Foreign Saints, Clouds And Thorns
When Cinders take the stage, the Salt Lake City, UT trio — Montana Smith [vocals, guitar], Adrian De La Cruz [bass], and Brad Bennett [drums] — uncork a flood of emotion and energy. The vibe beams from the musicians to the crowd and back again as if completing the most perfect circle. The chemistry between these three longtime friends manifests out loud within a lush and lively hybrid of alternative, indie, and pop. After generating almost 15 million streams, earning critical acclaim, and packing shows, this spirit courses through a series of 2024 singles and the group’s forthcoming next project.
“Live music is definitely a big ‘why’ behind Cinders,” affirms Brad. “We love connecting with fans up close. There’s nothing like it.”
“It’s what we get the most excited about,” adds Montana. “It gives us motivation. When we’re writing, we’re focusing on how to make the shows even more fun. The best thing is when the crowd sings back to us.”
“When it comes to our band, we always say, ‘Having a Plan B distracts you from your Plan A,’” laughs Montana. “With Cinders, we only have just had a Plan A. There’s no safety net to fall back on. The song applies the same idea to a relationship—romantic or otherwise. You basically understand your wants and desires are selfish, and you don’t want those desires to hurt anyone.” It doesn’t matter if you’re at a show or listening at home; Cinders ultimately make the kind of music that reminds you to be in the moment and live.
Teddy - 1990nowhere
IYL: asking for a friend, Olen
1990nowhere is a collaboration between Lostboycrow & Olivver the Kid. The group met in August 2018 and began a friendship and songwriting relationship. This started with a collaborative release called "$20" and now comes to fruition with the release of a plethora of ear-worm tunes. Run the damn ball!!
I Don't Think We Landed on the Moon - Kyle Hume
IYL: Ryan Mack, gavn!, Caleb Hearn
Oh hey :) I wrote these songs for you
Run Back To You - Lauv
IYL: Jeremy Zucker, LANY, Troye Sivan
For as much as he’s known for intriguing and inventive soundscapes, multi-Platinum chart-topping singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Lauv asserts himself as a storyteller, first and foremost. His stories continue to enchant audiences everywhere by converting the magic around him into generational anthems
Used By You - Caroline Romano
ILY: Upland, Elle Winter, LIVVIA
the loudest sort of introvert ⚡
Peace of Mind - de clair.
IYL: The Agreement, Lisa Howard, UPPENBARA
de clair is the alter ego of Clara Rudelius, born and raised in a southern Swedish small town. At the age of ten she picked up the guitar for the first time and slowly moved on to the haunting, black, off pitch grand piano waiting for her in the living room. She discovered the music of Nico, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and Björk - who later on became main inspirations for when she started to write music of her own. Music that is as soft as it is empowering - a kind of minimalistic approach to indie/alternative and folk made up of honest and sometimes provocative lyrics about the world's injustices, friendships, memories and love stories.
Another Word For Grateful - Kendall Gray
IYL: Dylan Davidson, Jacob Noah, dempsey hope
you look great today
Supernova (Extended) - Aiden Bissett
IYLL Stephen Dawes, Claire Rosinkranz, ROLE MODEL
emotionally unhinged… AB ~(*-^)~
Intrusive Thoughts - Lola Young
IYL: Remi Wolf, Joy Crookes, Arlo Parks
My name is Lola young, I’m 22 from South East London. Music is everything to me, helps me try and make sense of myself and the world around me. I’m pretty hopeless with love, I hate flowers (unless they’re dead), I can’t sit still for more than 10 minutes, but I figure out my heart and mind through poetry, and melody
Staring At The Wall - Norah Jones
IYL: Diana Krall, Katie Melua, Joss Stone
Norah Jones first emerged on the world stage with the February 2002 release of Come Away With Me, her self-described “moody little record” that introduced a singular new voice and grew into a global phenomenon, sweeping the 2003 GRAMMY Awards. Since then, Jones has become a nine-time GRAMMY-winner, sold more than 50 million albums, and her songs have been streamed six billion times worldwide. She has released a series of critically acclaimed and commercially successful solo albums—Feels Like Home (2004), Not Too Late (2007), The Fall (2009), Little Broken Hearts (2012), Day Breaks (2016), Pick Me Up Off The Floor (2020), the live album ‘Til We Meet Again (2021), and her first-ever holiday album I Dream Of Christmas (2021)—as well as albums with her collective bands The Little Willies, El Madmo, and Puss N Boots featuring Sasha Dobson and Catherine Popper who released their second LP Sister in 2020. The 2010 compilation …Featuring Norah Jones showcased her incredible versatility by collecting her collaborations with artists as diverse as Willie Nelson, Outkast, Herbie Hancock, and Foo Fighters. Since 2018 Jones has been releasing a series of singles including collaborations with artists and friends such as Mavis Staples, Jeff Tweedy, Thomas Bartlett, Tarriona Tank Ball, Rodrigo Amarante, and Brian Blade, some of which were compiled on the 2019 singles collection Begin Again.