Category Archives: music reviews

With ‘Aurora,’ ARREIS Empowers Every Princess to Save Herself

Posted on by Leave a comment

As we get set for the arrival of ARREIS‘ forthcoming EP, Angel — and the dynamic and exciting release show that will serve as its precursor on Wednesday, June 17 at Nashville’s The East Room — let’s treat ourselves to a preview with the Chicago native’s latest single.

“Aurora” was released on May 29, and is a cinematic rock anthem about a woman finding her own independence through heartbreak, and in spite the societal structures that often discourage such autonomous growth. Named after the princess featured in the Disney classic, Sleeping Beauty, the song features an awakened heroine who has dusted herself off and picked her own tiara up off the ground.

“A song written about feeling abandoned by a boy has turned into an anthem for women to reject the systemic teachings that have been forced upon us for generations,” ARREIS said in an Instagram post prior to release. “It’s not about not needing a man— it’s about delivering ourselves from the ones who wish us harm. My wish is for every woman to live comfortably and freely in whatever life she chooses.”

“Aurora” is one of the many songs featured on Angel that have been re-imagined from ARREIS’ 2020 debut album, Blindside. You’ll hear more when it’s released on Friday, June 26 (and you’ll have a chance to snag it earlier, if you buy your ticket to the East Room show).

While you wait, get to know “Aurora” below!

NASHVILLE: Prepare Yourself for UMC Super Saturday

Posted on by Leave a comment

As the UMC Creator Lab campaign rages on, we’re heading out on the trail this Saturday for not one, but two events showcasing art, music, and the power of community.

Begin this adventure with us at the Antioch Arts Party, hosted from 4-7 p.m. at 2783 Smith Springs Road in Nashville. Presented by Arts N Antioch, this celebration of creativity, culture, and community will feature a total of seven live performances — including from UnderDogs Mandy Moon, Kelsey Muse, Yonna Jones, Nicolas Soul, and Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess & Cosmic Sound. The event will also feature interactive, all-ages fun including a community art wall, blackout poetry, color mapping and more!

After that wraps up, head on down the road to Murfreesboro for the monthly Barz in the Boro hip hop showcase and cypher at Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgely Road). Hosted from 7-10 p.m. by E.T. and Raw Proof, this month’s lineup features Nashville hip hop OGs The Elderz, alongside D Suppa and artists from Clique Tight Circle Entertainment.

Both events are free to attend, and give you the opportunity to hang with us and support the UMC Creator Lab. Spend your Saturday with the UnderDogs!

NEW SHOW ALERT: ARREIS ‘Angel’ EP Release June 17 at The East Room

Posted on by Leave a comment

Over the past several months, ARREIS has been building toward the release of Angel, her new EP which features re-imagined versions of songs from her first album, alongside new music that illustrates her growth as an artist and a person. Recently, we even did an interview about the project!

Now, Angel is almost here — and we’re returning to one of our favorite East Nashville haunts to celebrate the release!

On Wednesday, June 17, the Angel EP Release Party will take place at The East Room (2412 Gallatin Rd., Nashville). This special evening will feature a live performance from ARREIS, with support from an array of standout Nashville locals, including Mandy Moon, Limestone Loveseat, and REHAAN.

The Angel EP releases on June 26. However, rumor has it — because we’re starting it — that the new record will be available early to those who attend this event. If you want to get your hands on Angel before anybody else, this is your one and only chance!

Oh, and did we mention that this special engagement is in support of the UMC Creator Lab campaign? It’s a great opportunity to show your love, and help us build a space in Nashville where Creators Have the Power!

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day of show, and tickets are available here. Doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m.

TONIGHT, 7p: Stones “The Bass Playa” YouTube Takeover

Posted on by Leave a comment

Stones “The Bass Playa” is the bassist for UnderDogs Jazzy the Uncontrolled Goddess and Shawney Rainne.

This Wednesday, June 3 from 7-8 p.m., Stones — perhaps alongside surprise special guests — will take his talents to our YouTube channel, all in the name of our UMC Creator Lab campaign.

SUPPORT THE CREATOR LAB

PHOTOS: Creative Pulse Open Mic at New Heights Brewing

Posted on by Leave a comment

Creative Pulse is an organization that gives independent artists the opportunity to perform in a variety of settings throughout Nashville. From established and up-and-coming local artists, to those traveling in from out of town, they are providing a platform for artists across all genres to be heard.

Last month, we had a chance to attend their open mic and spotlight series at New Heights Brewing, just south of Broadway. There, we were treated to a tremendous feature performance from soulful piano pop songwriter, a human (yes, that’s his artist name!), in between open mic performances by a host of Nashville’s standout indie artists.

The series returns to New Heights this Wednesday, June 3 from 7-10 p.m., featuring a spotlight performance from South African-born country artist, Wynn Hansen. While you wait, enjoy some photos from our previous adventure below!

On ‘What We Can’t Say,’ Ty Warner Observes a Love Disconnected

Posted on by Leave a comment

Our friend and fellow UnderDog Ty Warner has been on a hot streak so far in 2026. It wasn’t too long ago that we told you about “Connor’s Crawl,” the instrumental, jazz-influenced single released in honor of Warner’s precocious young grandson, Connor.

This time, the Air Force veteran-turned-full-time musician adds his voice back into the mix with “What We Can’t Say,” a mid-tempo Americana ballad which explores the ways our minds can interfere with love.

“Romance is an illogical concept,” Warner said in a video posted to social media. “It’s not like balancing a checkbook or knowing when your car payment is due. It’s based on emotion.”

The story of “What We Can’t Say” positions Warner as an observer of two lovers struggling to work through communication issues and find common ground through the love they share. The tune’s beautifully layered Americana soundscape — produced by Jim Thacker of Kazen Music Group — adds a wistful tone to support the narrative. A listener might imagine “What We Can’t Say” weaving into the post-breakup montage of an indie film, as two individuals pause, reflect, and realize that they’re stronger as a pair.

“What We Can’t Say” features Warner on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, with Thacker performing electric and bass guitar duties. Asha Sun provided backing vocals, and GRAMMY-winner Robin Ruddy added a classic country touch with her work on the dobro. Elements of the single were tracked both in Nashville by Scott Griffin, as well as by Vante Anderson at Wyoming Wave Studios in Cheyenne, WY.

As for the artwork? The tradition of artwork designed by the Warner grandchildren continues, as the cover art for “What We Can’t Say” was designed by Warner’s granddaughter, Nora Jo.

Who will be the first to say, “I love you?”