It’s been a big year so far for Max McNown. The Nashville-based songwriter released his debut album, Wandering, on April 12, and just wrapped up his first-ever tour, where he got to meet and interact with his growing fanbase.
To commemorate the experience, McNown released a new song, “Love Me Back,” to thank his fans for joining the ride so far. A “lost track” crafted immediately after the Wandering sessions, “Love Me Back” tells the story of a man who put his heart on the line — and found himself fortunate to have that love reflected toward him. The rollicking tune feels like a warm welcome home, featuring intricate acoustic guitar work, impactful percussion, and a memorable melody from McNown, whose smoky baritone is rich in depth and soul.
“‘Love Me Back’ was created with AJ Pruis right after I delivered the ‘Wandering’ album, but it didn’t make the cut in time,” McNown said. “It’s a lost extra track, a gift to all those listening. I’m so grateful for the support.”
The official music video highlights from McNown’s U.S. tour, which spanned nearly two months before concluding in San Diego on May 8. While there are some performance clips, most of the video features McNown meeting and embracing his fans after every show, continuing connections that will surely endure for years to come.
Certain songs hit us with a feeling of amazement; these are the moments whose timelessness, through any era, nestles into our consciousness and resonates at a purely spiritual level.
It’s hard to say if outlaw country crooner Orville Peck knew he had that kind of moment on his hands, when he teamed up with two-time GRAMMY winners Midland to write “The Hurtin’ Kind.” But, if that was the goal, mission accomplished!
“The Hurtin’ Kind” — included on Peck’s new duets album, Stampede Vol. 1 — made its live debut on Midland’s Last Resort Cruise in April. Bass and hand percussion gently guide us in, swaying with a sensibility that recalls the romantic early days of rock and roll. From there, Peck’s soul-baring baritone makes its way in, with a richness fit for a King. Crisp harmonies and ambient guitar tones enter the scene next, filling out a wondrous, space-country soundscape that shimmers like a starry night over Utah’s dark sky country.
“Orville Peck is a dear friend of ours, and it’s an honor to be on this song with him,” said Midland. “We had a great time debuting ‘The Hurtin’ Kind’ live with Orville on our Last Resort Cruise last month. He’s an incredible performer and singer, and y’all are in for it with this one.”
Agreed. Y’all are in for it. What are you waiting for?
It can be tough to see at first, but the truth is, a lot of breakups are for the best.
New Jersey-based alt-rockers The Break Plans deliver that message in empowering fashion on their latest single, “Better Off” (released May 10). The tune combines scorching guitar work with an anthemic pop sensibility, providing a lift to anyone struggling with what comes next after a relationship.
“Heartbreak is really hard and can be incredibly lonely,” shares vocalist Colton Braun. “I wanted to talk about those experiences so many of us have had. What I’ve learned is that there’s a great deal of freedom that comes from finally letting go. Writing these songs with my band was the most cathartic thing I’ve ever done. I hope our listeners can relate and find comfort in it.”
The single — the first from the band’s debut EP, Mistakes Are a Friend of Mine (due Fall 2024) — marks a watershed moment in the band’s creative process, with guitarist Mikey Strawz noting that the band feels free to create music they love.
“This is our third cycle of releasing new music, and we’re allowing each other total freedom to write the songs that we want to make,” Strawz said. “It’s completely uninhibited and has helped the writing process immensely. After working with so many talented producers (Carl Bahner -The Wombats, Rob Chiarappa – Gray Scale/Jake Miller, Corey Mouch-Knox) and keeping a keen eye on modern pop music, we have a clear direction of what works for us.”
Aaron Lee Tasjan is a performer’s performer; one whose love of art and experimentation combines in tremendous fashion with a distinct reverence for the rock and roll traditions which came before him. With a knack for storytelling and a sharp wit to match, he invites each member of his audience to make a personal connection with his music.
That’s what we had a chance to experience last Thursday at The Blue Room, and we were more than happy to take the ride!
Tasjan’s performance was in celebration of his new album, Stellar Evolution. Released on April 12, the full-length offering explores and shatters sonic boundaries, while offering personal takes on sobriety (“The Drugs Did Me”), the queer adolescent experience (“Horror Of It All”), and the state of American political culture (“I Love America Better Than You”).
Set highlights — aside from the aforementioned fan favorites — included special guest appearances by renowned guitarist, songwriter, and producer Butch Walker; indie rock standout Molly Martin (who opened the evening), and interdisciplinary musician and producer Lafemmebear on an exciting rendition of Lucinda Williams’ “Drunken Angel.” Walker and Lafemmebear stayed onstage to add their respective flavors to Tasjan’s 2021 song, “Up All Night.”
Of the new tunes, “Pants” brought funky, feel-good vibes to accompany a message empowering the audience to feel comfortable within their own skin. The beachy, romantic “Ocean Drive” brought a sense of serenity into the room, as it captured the essence of feeling at home with the one you love.
Tasjan even gave us a preview of what is to come post-Stellar Evolution by performing two new songs. “The Real” felt like a love letter to those in attendance; one which gave Tasjan a chance to showcase his guitar chops, with an emotive solo reminiscent of Richie Sambora at his most soulful. Immediately thereafter, “Punk Rock Joy” was a high-energy banger which made a statement — no matter what the world, society, or a government takes away from us, it can’t have what’s inside our hearts.
Today, we invite you to take a break from the chaos. Relax. Reflect. Cast your fears and worries away.
We’re happy to lend you a hand on this mission by offering “Polygraph,” the latest from Sweden-based Old Sea Brigade (the artist project of musician Ben Cramer). This mellow dreamscape features soothing piano tones on top of a calming acoustic foundation, giving us peace and perspective in times of uncertainty.
“‘Polygraph’ is a song all about the fear of the unknown and how that can manifest into anxiety,” Cramer said. “It’s about when you take a big step into a new phase in your life when those big changes actually happen, and you suddenly freak out and wonder… ‘was this the right step?’ but you feel bad for even thinking that. ‘Polygraph’ is about riding that out, letting it pass, and is meant to be an antidote to all that, to remind you… you don’t have to slow-dance with the next thought you have.”
Cramer is no stranger to the unknown. Born in Atlanta and previously residing in Nashville, he and his wife experienced a major life shift by relocating to Gothenburg, Sweden and welcoming their first child. Through “Polygraph,” Cramer illustrates how he found his own reassurance — and even provided us with some serene visuals, for good measure.
See what we mean below, and feel free to meditate on this one.
Certain events in our lives leave us searching for meaning.
Sometimes, they leave us only with “Questions, Chaos, & Faith.”
That is the title of Joy Oladokun’s latest single, released April 19. A stark reminder of the fragility of life, “as it “Questions, Chaos, & Faith” honors the memory of Oladokun’s childhood best friend, Casey.
“for those of you that follow me, its no secret that i’ve been sad. i have wrestled deeply with the ways my life has changed. as i was processing my current affliction in therapy, another instance of mourning came to mind—the passing of my childhood best friend casey. we were a pair. i was the weird immigrant kid and she was the fiery new girl with great music taste. we would trade songs and secrets every day after school. i even play the guitar because casey told me not to give up. i wrote questions chaos and faith in one take. sat in my home studio with my guitar and my feelings and let it out. today, i release it here in casey’s honor her birthday was a few days ago). i hope it heals something in you like it has me.”
Sonically, “Questions, Chaos, & Faith” is a brilliant soundtrack for the moments that leave us pondering our very existence. The track’s solemn, yet wondrous ambiance recalls the feeling of standing under a starry night sky, in the faint hope that the ones we’ve lost can hear our cries. A gentle acoustic guitar progression accompanies Oladokun’s vulnerable musings about the ways our modern world distracts us from the finite nature of life.
We couldn’t let you step all the way into the weekend without some new tunes, could we?
The three songs here — while all unique from a sonic standpoint — have one thing in common: they challenge Music City’s status quo. Whether providing commentary on Lower Broadway’s culture, or testing the limits of what country music “should” be, there’s plenty for you rebels to dive into this week!
Artist: Gloom Girl MFG Song: Batshitlorette Genre: Punk/Alternative Why You Should Hear It: If you’ve been to downtown Nashville, you can probably already tell what this one is about, based on the title alone. If you haven’t, well… we’re pretty much the bachelorette party capital of the world right now — for better or worse.
‘Lead singer Paige McKinnon says: “‘Batshitlorette’ is a dogfight. Picture the Greasers vs. the Socs, except make it the Nashville Locals vs. the Bachelorettes. In this song, we’re at play with the idea of local insularity in contrast with bachelorette party mayhem here in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a song that is both dead serious and absolutely absurd all wrapped up in an epic punk package. On brand with the EP, we can’t help but expand our grief and frustration beyond our city walls, and turn it into a bigger declaration: Ignore the future of our youth, and you will pay the consequences.”
Artist: Jess Antonette Song: Three Two One Genre: Pop Country Why You Should Hear It: Inspired by Fifty Shades of Grey, this sultry, smoky tune “delves into the theme of bold exploration of sexuality in a genre widely known for its reputation for more conservative ideologies.”
About the creative process, Jess tells us: “The weekend before we got into the writing room, I had just watched Fifty Shades of Grey. I was never interested in seeing it, but figured I’d give it a chance. What struck me was that I personally felt the soundtrack didn’t quite match the essence of the movie. When my co-writers and I got into the writing room together, I thought it would be fun to try something completely different from anything I’ve done before in my artistry. I wanted to take listeners on an unexpected journey, pushing the bounds, a topic that is not seen or common in country music. Fortunately, my co-writers were fully on board with the idea. I’ll be honest, I was a bit nervous. Despite being outgoing and expressive, I usually don’t talk openly about my sexuality. Writing these lyrics with two of my platonic guy friends made for a ton of awkward giggling, but it was super fun. And no, I don’t have a ‘red room,’ but it was fun to play this character.”
Artist: Surtsey Song: Knot to Force Genre: Alt-Country Why You Should Hear It: Rich vocal harmonies, well-crafted guitar arrangements, and some beautiful pedal steel experimentation are the salient features of this prime cut of Americana. From their new EP, Nothing Doing, this is far from your run-of-the-mill country song, as it offers a well-read assessment of the human condition.
“Lyrical references involve the universal human experience of not forcing things that aren’t meant to be or out of our control, derived heavily from Alan Watts’ books, excerpts, and lectures,” said frontman and songsmith Joe Bassa.
Got something you think we should hear? What are you waiting for?! Shoot it our way, and you could be featured in an upcoming edition of Songs You Should Hear!
It’s been a little while since we’ve done one of these, hasn’t it?
Yet, with excellence all around us, it’s clear that many of the submissions we’re receiving deserve a deeper dive. And so, today marks the triumphant return of Songs You Should Hear!
Get started with these, and be ready for more on the way, every Friday at UMC!
Artist: JT Loux Song: look into my eyes Genre: Indie Rock/Alternative Why You Should Hear It: The course of true love never runs smooth — and it can be made even more complicated when you’re loving from a distance. Underneath this tune’s prevailing warmth is a clear and present longing, inspired by the reality of “loving someone, but they are 2,000 miles away.”
Artist: Rex & The Rhythm Song: Umbrella Genre: Hip Hop/Soul/Alternative Why You Should Hear It: Who’s ready for some April showers? This tune’s breezy sonic landscape juxtaposes well with its lyrical content, artfully illustrating the conflicting emotions experienced after a breakup.
“‘Umbrella’ is about a relationship abruptly ending, even though the forecast appeared to show clear skies and warm weather,” Rex said.
Fun fact: Rex has had the opportunity to open for artists including Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Ashanti, and Lauryn Hill — and, after opening up this “Umbrella,” it’s easy to understand why!
Artist: Spence Brown Song: By My Lonely Genre: Hip Hop Why You Should Hear It: If you’ve ever dealt with haters, this one is for you. Brown has proclaimed this fiery new track the “anti-hater anthem”; and with how hard this one goes, it might just provide the push you need to overcome doubt.
Brown says, “As an artist, it’s always hard to deal with haters, but if you can remind yourself that what you do is good at the end of the day, you can just laugh it off. Personally, I’ve always had a hard time dealing with haters, so I made this song to remind myself that it doesn’t matter what other people think. I can get this done without their opinions!”
Got something you think we should hear? What are you waiting for?! Shoot it our way, and you could be featured in an upcoming edition of Songs You Should Hear!
Rock and roll is alive and well, as you’ll hear throughout the first half of this week’s UMC20.
This week’s compilation is frontloaded with a variety of electric guitar sounds and turbo-powered swagger. But, as always, there’s something for everyone this week. Americana lovers will want to pay close attention to the middle of the playlist, while pop, soul, and hip hop fans will particularly enjoy the latter portions.
And, as always, we’ve got some useful nuggets from that Official Podcast of ours waiting for you at the end. Check those out — especially if you fancy yourself an artistpreneur!
Track listing Another Dead Rockstar – 1985 (Can You Help Me) Gloom Girl MFG – Crimes The Mad Sugars – Lost Among the Avenues The Fever Haze – Last Night I Killed a Man JT Loux – look into my eyes Lurve – Run, Get Drunk, and Fall in Love Again Lone Tree – Miss You OPIATE – Lay Black Suit Devil – Passage Medium Build – Knowing U Exist Old 97’s – Somebody Travis Feutz – Utah The Flying Raye – The Ballad of Leslie Cochran Swamp Dogg ft. Jenny Lewis – Count The Days Annie Scherer – You Like The Blues Eliza Hardy Jones – Counterfeit Rex & The Rhyhtm – Umbrella Lindsey Lomis – Long Way Down pher, – moon Spence Brown – By My Lonely
Between the 20 songs that comprise the UMC20 Best of March 2024, and the two latest, completely epic episodes of our Official Podcast, The Quinn Spinn, our end-of-month compilation contains nearly three-and-a-half hours of listening enjoyment!
Get it while it’s here. Next Wednesday, we’ll drop the first all-new UMC of April. Soak up the memories from the month that has been!
Track listing Bootsy Collins ft. Snoop Dogg, Fantaazma, Wiz Khalifa, and Dave Stewart – The Influencers Spence Brown – Scotch Thoughts Miles Squiers – 24 Hours Game Changer – Just Sayin’ Adam Paddock – Sweet Ohio Light Izzy Rage – Wreck TsukiMai – Selenophile Cardiac Half – Gloom YEARB4 – BABY I’M DYIN’ The Minimum Wage – Everyone Is Pepperwood – Drowning The Ghost Club – If I Fell (Don’t Wait Here For Me) Crow and Gazelle – Take It Away Max McNown – Dead Set Dustin Kensrue – High Scalers Kat & Zach – Winter Flower Bronco Redahan – High on Lonesome The Kentucky Gentlemen – Beg Your Parton Mikayla Lewis – All is Well Rome – Forever
