Category Archives: 2024

LISTEN: With ‘Two Feet Tall,’ CIAO MALZ Carries the Weight of Unfinished Business

Is there something that you know would make your life better, but for whatever reason, you just can’t bring yourself to pull the trigger and get it done?

If that sounds like a familiar refrain, we have something hazy and wonderful from CIAO MALZ. The Connecticut native — real name Malia DelaCruz — has given us “Two Feet Tall,” an experimental indie rock single about our nagging need to get things done.

“Two Feet Tall is about the feeling of losing an inch every day you put off making that call you really need to make,” DelaCruz said. “It’s the pile of clothes growing bigger and feeling yourself getting smaller. Regardless of the overcompensation, the mountains to hide behind — that unsettling feeling persists. I wanted to evoke the feeling of stagnation while everything else is in motion, so the lead on this track quivers in front of the persistent drums that push the scene along.”

The track’s lo-fi sensibility hangs over a bright, intricately layered soundscape like the weight of half-finished ambitions; the foggy feeling that comes with knowing that better days are ahead — if only we would finally flip the switch.

If you dig this one, we have good news: more music from CIAO MALZ is coming, when she drops her EP, Safe Then Sorry, on December 6.

Safe Then Sorry is a rest stop on the path most traveled. I wrote the bulk of the EP after work, (and) these stories and characters came to me subconsciously and asked to be spoken into existence,” DelaCruz said. “These songs are about the unlikely connections we make, how they’re simultaneously inexplicable and meaningful. I work through these contradictions with unpredictable melodies, explosive choruses, and with the recording process itself. We did everything on the fly to capture as much raw emotion as could fit in the four walls of the basement studio. I wanted the project to feel how it did when I was messing around on GarageBand on my first computer — unrestrained.”

WATCH: Max McNown Vows to Become a ‘Better Me For You’

Max McNown Night Diving

The purest form of love inspires us to find the best within ourselves; it causes us to confront and defeat our demons, so that we can show up better than we ever have.

Max McNown wrote about that type of life-changing love to create “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes),” from the forthcoming album Night Diving (out Jan. 24, 2025). The Billboard Country Rookie of the Month continues his scorching hot streak with an introspective pop-country ballad about rising to the occasion for the girl of his dreams.

“It’s more than just her alluring brown eyes that captivate him,” shares Max. “She imbues goodness and, above all, has a ‘heart of gold.’”

The release of “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)” is accompanied by an official performance video, which you can watch below. If you want to catch McNown live, you won’t have to wait long — his debut headline tour kicks off in January. However, you’ll want to get tickets fast, as dates in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, and other cities have already sold out.

LISTEN: Evan Kreutz Watches Love Drift Away Like a ‘Dandelion’ in the Wind

Remember that time you were in love, and it just didn’t work out?

Evan Kreutz does, and he filters that nostalgia through a 2000s pop rock-tinted lens on his new single, “Dandelion.”

Those who find resonance with the emotive alt-rock stylings of bands like Guster and Fountains of Wayne will enjoy diving into this one. From the opening line, “she’s all out of patience,” we can feel a deep sense of longing and regret. With each somber chord, Kreutz wistfully comes to terms with the fact that the love he once held so dear — which provided him with so many beautiful moments and memories — is gone with the wind.

“Dandelion” was produced by Doug Grama and mixed by Ray Martell at Westfall Recording, with Griff McCarthy on drums. Get ready to get into your feelings with this one!

LISTEN: Josh Gilligan Applauds the Courage it Takes to Do ‘Anything’

Photo credit: Emory Brown

There are times in all of our lives when persistence itself is an act of bravery.

Nashville-based songwriter Josh Gilligan offers a comforting commentary on such moments with “Anything,” the first single from his forthcoming album, Party of One (out January 24 via Easy Does It Records).

“I started writing ‘Anything’ to a friend who was going through some pretty dark times. It’s a song that acknowledges the bravery it takes to keep on going, no matter what kind of life you lead,” Gilligan said. “It’s not written to give advice or prescribe anything, but just to extend some calm love and feel the weight and the joy of life together. It’s also the first tune coming out that I live tracked together with the band!”

“Anything” is the opening salvo of the forthcoming record, described as a “somber, yet hopeful collection of songs.” The mellow, shoegaze-y indie rock tune is also part autobiographical, with a relatable message for anybody soldiering through the grind of everyday life.

“I wasn’t expecting to feel so hollowed out after my twenties, and I was wondering if I still wanted to make music. But I felt like I owed it to myself to give it another try, even though in the back of my mind I’m thinking, ‘What can I add to the conversation? Why would anyone want to listen to what I have to say?'” Gilligan recalled. “‘Anything’ came out of that, and it’s been a good message to live with. A lot of people think that if they’re not doing something super ambitious and highly visible, that means they’re doing something wrong or they’re not being brave enough. But, it takes so much bravery to do anything at all.”

LISTEN: Streamers The Band Capture That First Love Feeling

Streamers The Band

Photo credit: Alexes Hardt

Of all the bangers you’ll find on the first-ever edition of our Poppin’ Off playlist — and there are plenty — we want to dig a little deeper into one that is definitely worth another listen.

Streamers The Band — the orchestral pop project founded by brothers Kie and Bee Kelly — hit streaming platforms back in August with “Don’t Look Back, Love.” A retro-inspired summer anthem, the refreshingly bright single stands out in any season, with shimmering keys and a spirited melody which capture the feeling of falling hard and fast, without a care in the world!

‘”Don’t Look Back, Love’ describes the feelings of first love, and how it separates someone you love from the crowd,” the band states.

The glistening tune is also the one that brought these Omaha, Nebraska natives to prominence. An original demo of the song has garnered more than 1.5 million Spotify streams to date, which let the Brothers Kelly know that they had an idea worth expanding upon.

For our debut EP, we tracked an all-new version of the song, re-recorded with a 60-piece orchestra and full backing band,” they noted.

Don’t look back; new days are love and possibility are ahead. Let Streamers The Band show you the way!

Start 2025 at BRANDCAMP!

Looking to define your artist brand in 2025?

Great, because we’re excited to offer the first-ever BRANDCAMP from UMC Academy.

Beginning January 6, 2025, this six-week virtual program will help you develop a clear vision for your artist brand, complete with actionable goals, one-on-one mentorship, and a community of driven artistpreneurs.

What you’ll receive:

  • Our Values-Mission-Vision (VMV) Workshop, designed to help you develop your authentic, clearly-defined brand vision.
  • Weekly 1-on-1 mentorship sessions, aimed toward sparking fresh ideas and defining your goals.
  • Weekly Mastermind calls with your UMC BRANDCAMP peers.
  • Early access membership into the UMC UnderDogs community (FREE for life!).
  • A FREE signed copy of 60+ Lessons from the Creative Journey (out Feb. 25).

LEARN MORE HERE

WATCH: Da’ Healerz Preview ‘Heal Talk’ with ‘Healin’ It’

On Friday, UMC Spotlight Artist Da’ Healerz kept the hype train rolling toward the release of their debut album, Heal Talk, with the release of the project’s first visuals.

“Healin’ It” — directed and produced by Twisted Focus Entertainment — sees Foundation Mecca and Lord Goldie on a nature walk through Burgess Falls State Park, about an hour east of Nashville. The picturesque setting provided Da’ Healerz an opportunity to connect back to nature, taking in the sights and sounds as they release their burdens and come to a place of inner peace.

“Healin’ It’ is a powerful track that dives deep into self-restoration and making amends, whether you’re the one who caused pain or the one carrying it,” Da’ Healerz said in a joint statement. “This song is a guide through the process of finding peace, as we explore therapy, meditation, healthy eating, facing our fears, and addressing childhood trauma.”

The track itself was produced by N8MLVL, who added soulful vocals in the song’s chorus. “Healin’ It” is a preview of what is to come on Heal Talk, which now has a new release date of December 12 (12.12.24) — which just so happens to be the solar return of Healerz member Foundation Mecca.

“Join us on this journey toward wholeness—one step at a time.”

Indie Darlings: November 2024

We conclude our November rollout of The Playlists with the one that brings us closest to our true Underground roots.

Indie Darlings consists of the cuts that are ambient, experimental, and don’t quite fit into any one genre box. You’ll hear shades of pop, rock, and folk here — often at the same time — as you get lost in a diverse sea of sounds.

We phoned a friend for this one, too. Our friends at Circle Back Entertainment Group contributed roughly half of the selections here, because we believe in the power of teamwork! (Also, adding this playlist to the mix was actually their idea…)

Track listing
BoyWithUke – Ghost
Julia Kahn – Badlands
Accidental Friend – Empty Love
almost a.m. – Stand Still
Nico Son – Let This Go
Hunter West – Don’t Cry
Hugs ft. Parking Lot Funeral and Karaoke Bar – hummin
Post Meridiem – Love
Chasing Tonya – Why
Pierce Alexander – Doll Parts
Sierra Carson – skeletons
Davis Evanoff – Cranberries (2024)
rakey – Everything Is Summer
Adam Lamah – Even If
Common Man – Vermont
The Stremes – Got Myself Together
Max Blansjaar – Burning In Our Name
Unbelievable Truth – Roadside No. 2
Shawn Andrew – Valley of Hope
book NOT brooke ft. Zina – Everything I Wanna Know

Poppin’ Off!: November 2024

What better way to head into the weekend, than with the playlist that promises — and delivers — big sounds and even bigger hooks!

The boundaries of pop music have once again become blurred. Independent pop artists from all over the world are innovating, combining catchy melodies and slick production with subtle nuances that will excite even the most seasoned listener. Our debut edition of Poppin’ Off! captures many such moments, leaving you with an hour’s worth of musical memories, sure to stick in your mind long past the weekend.

Track listing
CMAGIC5 – Rock Paper Scissors
Alis Vibe – Body as a Vessel
Sid Seth – Wave
Emma Driver – Try Hard
znels – future now
Daniel Arci – In My Dreams
Allison Leah – Meet Me in the Garden
Harris Hills – HATE
Alew – Loophole
Brooke Martin – bad guy
Lawrence D. – Runaway
(virtues) – U.
The Silent Room – Veins
Mary Jennings ft. Fame & Fiction – Take a Number
Streamers The Band – Don’t Look Back, Love
Lo Fi Ho Hum – Boundaries
Charity Bliss – joy algorithm
TEHYA – trap door
JULEZ – Hey There
Linn Holmes – Baby Blue

From the Soul: November 2024

The best music comes straight From the Soul. And, while all of The Playlists carry a special essence, there’s something extra tasty about this one.

There’s soul, funk, blues, R&B, and even a little bit of reggae awaiting you within this 20-track collection. It’s plenty to keep you feeling alive, feeling in love, and even (sometimes) feeling the burn. The passion behind every expressive note and thoughtful lyric is palpable!

Track listing
Miller and the Other Sinners – Better Times, Better Days
Cliff Beach – The Work
Mobley – Y’r Ghost
The Wood – Let it Loose
Groove Merchants – Real Estate
Natasha Blaine – Medicine
Beth White – Pretty Baby
Marcus King – F*ck My Life Up Again
The Late Arrivals Club – When a Lover Says Goodbye
I Nu – GLOOMY BAR
The Dip – Love Direction
Kelly Finnigan – Count Me Out
Luke Jenison – Heartbreaker
Watermelon Funk – AFRODESIAC
Fox Jackson – Like That
Chasing Daylight – One of These Days
Lyrick Musiq – Winter Rainfall
Shawney Rainne – Cry Me A River
mister pablo – Enough
Miranda Powell & Ryan Prewett – HIGH SCHOOL

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