Tag Archives: alternative

UMC20: Bringin’ the Energy (Jan. 23, 2024)

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Maybe it’s the New Year’s optimism that’s lingering late into January. Or, maybe it’s the fact that we’re excited to have escaped our ice fortresses after last week’s winter storm extraordinaire in Nashville. Either way, there’s a buzz in the air.

That buzz has its sonic representation on this week’s playlist. Many of the tracks here are on the high-energy side of the spectrum, keeping your blood pumping through any weather.

Bonus track: Our pal Ty Warner moved into a five-way tie for second place all-time for Quinn Spinn appearances, and we invite you to dig into that episode as an extra treat at the end.

Track listing
William Prince – When You Miss Someone (Roosevelt Remix)
Harris Hills – ACTION MAN
ROM COM – Mess You Made
Kabir Green – I See Gold
Marcus King – F*ck My Life Up Again
Earthquake Lights – Heartbeat
Kendra & The Bunnies – Manic Pixie Nightmare
Michael Daughtry ft. Tishmone’ – Save Me Some
Armchair Boogie – Gone in a Day
Kitchen Dwellers ft. Lindsay Lou – The Crow and The Raven (III)
J.Antonette – Run Girl Run
The Bones of J.R. Jones – My Hometown
Elise Browell – Remarkable
Tucker Woods – Are You Glass?
The Mighty Calm – Boardwalks
Rundown Kreeps – Big Bear
Mad Caddies – Baby
Keep the Eleven – Do You Wanna Change The World?
MONTE – Canna-Vision
Tommy Magik and the Wonderfulls – I Do What I Want

UMC20: Coming In from All Corners (Jan. 16, 2024)

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International artists? Rock and Roll Hall of Famers? What special occasion could possibly bring all of these incredible talents under the same roof?

For us, it’s just Tuesday.

Where else can you find a weekly indie music playlist that offers as many unique flavors as UMC20? We’ve got everything you need right here, pulled together every Tuesday from all corners of the musical landscape.

This week’s bonus track is our Quinn Spinn conversation with Zhaklina, whose new single, “M.D.B.M.,” is also featured early in this week’s playlist.

Track listing:
Chloe Stroll – Run (PINES Remix)
Zhaklina – M.D.B.M
NOANNE – White Glove
Fie Eike – The Nile
Intellect ft. Dave East – Too Many Losses
My Life Story – Running Out of Heartbeats
Aaron Lee Tasjan – Horror Of It All
Alex Jordan – Saving Grace
The Steel Wheels – Hero
Spencer LaJoye – How Are You
Mary McGuinness – Touchstone
Frontier Ruckus – Clarkston Pasture
Jobi Riccio – Whiplash
Teagan Stewart – New Nashville
Reid Haughton – Man Made Money
The Washboard Union – Neon Needs The Night
The Sleeping Souls – Scared of Living
Ricky Byrd – Rhapsody in Blues (One for Jeff)
The Blues Emergency – Quicksand
Campanula – She Said

LISTEN: On ‘Saving Grace,’ Alex Jordan Ain’t Too Proud to Beg

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Alex Jordan Saving Grace

Photo credit: Lauren Bettino

A love lost will lead a man to go to great lengths for redemption.

We see this story play out in the music video for “Saving Grace,” new single from Austin-based musical superhero Alex Jordan. Directed by award-winning duo Neilson Hubbard & Joshua Britt (John Prine, Jason Isbell), the video depicts a man trying to win back the love of his life by any means possible… while she consistently makes him aware that it’s too little, too late..

Despite the theme of heartbreak, the track itself is a timeless, lively slice of Americana. Produced by four-time GRAMMY-winner Steve Berlin of Los Lobos and mastered by seven-time GRAMMY-winner Jim Scott (The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Sting), “Saving Grace” features a glorious horn arrangement and Jordan’s powerful vocals. These elements — combined with lush keyboard, organ, and guitar layers — provide a bright tone to the affair, befitting the comedic elements contained within the video.

“Only a few weeks before we solidified plans to make the record, I recall sitting in my bedroom on a cool night and jamming aimlessly on my Taylor until a verse appeared,” Jordan said. “I worked out the remaining parts of the song over the next few nights. I spent perhaps the most time on this song with lyrical edits, working with Kevin Russell (Shinyribs), who served as my lyrical spirit guide for much of the record. Closing the record out with the strong horn section and wailing vocals felt incredibly satisfying. I knew from the first take that this record was going to be a blast to make.” 

As it turns out, “Saving Grace” is just as enjoyable a listen! And, in even more exciting news, it’s included on Jordan’s forthcoming full-length album, Queen Kerosene, scheduled to release on all streaming platforms on Friday, March 8.

Get ready for the big day with “Saving Grace” below!

UMC20: Let’s Diversify (Jan. 9, 2024)

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The beautiful thing about our UMC20 playlist has always been that you can find music of any genre, from artists in any location in any given week.

This week, we bring you everything from dance music to study music, hip hop to folk, and just about anything else you could possibly need. The best part? All we had to do was run through the music that you, People of the Underground, submitted for consideration to compile this all-star list.

Also, check out this week’s bonus track: the first Quinn Spinn Solo Mission of 2024, where we touch on how to turn a viral moment into something more.

Track listing
Goodnite Robicheaux – Pinewood
Daisha McBride – All is Well
NIXED – Sacrifice
Camille Marchadour – Fire Me
DaChri – I LOVE ME!
Mykel ft. Mileage – Rhythm Of You
Til Now – Waste My Life
leisure fm – weather warning
Hope Vista – Hot Blood
The Welters – Soldiers
The Ohio Hopefuls – Sidewalk Chalk
Shedonist – Ask Me Why
Kendall Bowser – You Don’t Call Me
Arih SK – Miss You Like I Should
Radio Flower – Winters Alone
Elise Browell – In My Mind
Quickdraw Kid – Strawberry Supermoon
Laura Mustard – Good Enough
Kim Krans – Golden Tears
StreamKitty – streets of montreal

UMC20: The Return Edition!

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It’s been a looooooooong time since we provided you with a 20-track offering of fresh, piping hot FIRE!

So, let us waste no time: we’ve got a lot of songs to feature on UMC20 over the next few weeks, and as always, you’re welcome to give us more. Here are some of our favorites we’ve received since we decided to be a music publication again!

As for today’s bonus track: It’s our final Quinn Spinn episode of 2023, featuring #GoodFriendoftheShow Lauren Gomance of Soul Fit Counseling. We talk about the lessons learned along life’s journey throughout the year.

Track listing:
DaChri – Moving Day
ROM COM – Tom Cruisin’
f1oater. – Don’t Know Why
Ren Richards – Myself With You
Quickdraw Kid – Bittersweet Tennessee
Fame & Fiction – Famous
Paul Nestler – That Dance We Do
Jon Worthy – Things Are Looking Up
Lone Tree – Holding On
Marcus Grimaldi – Forbidden Love
Donny Apollo – 811 Freestyle
JASCE – Another Way
Leather Baby – Weapons
Arih SK – Hold It TogetherCooper Carr – Blank Page
Brandon Padier & Black Gold – Still Learning
Andi Jane – Hide the Key
Cass Noelle – Someone to Help You
The Bankshafts – Don’t Mess with Old Smoky
Black Venus – Evil Sky

Ready for a ‘Blank Page’ in 2024? Cooper Carr Has a Song for You

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Photo credit: Isaac Wetzel

Feeling a tad uncertain as we head into 2024?

The silver lining behind that uncertainty is that you have the choice on where to go from here. Nashville-based troubadour and producer Cooper Carr delivers that empowering message on his debut single, “Blank Page.”

“This song is for the ones who aren’t quite sure what’s next. The ones who change the subject when asked about the future, because you’re afraid what you really hope and dream for is impossible,” Carr said. “The ones who are looking around at other’s seemingly quick success and wondering what the secret formula is. The ones who feel paralyzed by heartbreak. It can be so terrifying to look at the future and just see a blank page — but, it also means there’s endless possibility and opportunity out there.”

Currently, two versions of “Blank Page” are out in the world. The original version is a rollicking, acoustic-based tune that carries us toward our dreams as diligently as the steadfast march of time. The acoustic version is more pensive; the slower-tempo version features an emotive piano and string arrangement, which adds a new level thoughtfulness and depth. Meanwhile, Carr’s distinct tenor rings out to comfort us along the journey.

No matter your flavor, the message of “Blank Page” is clear: time is going to pass by, regardless of the actions we take. In that case, we might as well commit to living a life of purpose.

LISTEN: f1oater. Laments Ignoring the Red Flags on ‘Don’t Know Why’

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Ever regret ignoring the red flags, even though they were there the entire time?

f1oater. explores that regret — and the associated feeling of frustration — on “Don’t Know Why,” a fire-powered pop punk single dedicated to those times when we’ve known better from the start (and then did it anyway).

“‘Don’t Know Why’ is the epitome of hindsight is 20/20, (and) being caught in the moment is a wonderful thing until you ignore warning signs flashing in your face,” said f1oater. frontwoman Laura Short. “It’s the expression of frustration of not listening to your inner intuition.”

If you’re looking for more, you won’t have to wait too long. “Don’t Know Why” is the first single from the band’s forthcoming album — and serves as the tip of a rather compelling iceberg.

“This single marks the beginning of the story we’re about to take you on,” Short said. “A tale of reaching towards the light and all that you encounter along the dark road of reawakening.”

Songs You Should Hear: What’s Happening from Coast to Coast?

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This week, we’ve been hyper-focused on our homecoming to Bethlehem, PA, which TAKES PLACE TONIGHT AT STEELSTACKS!

OK, we’re just a little excited. Can you blame us?

Nonetheless, there’s still an entire musical world outside of our hometown at our fingertips, and we want to be sure we remain tapped in to all that is happening elsewhere. Fortunately, we did just re-launch a music blog, and the indie musicians of Earth have responded by giving us plenty of choice cuts to sink our teeth into.

Here are just a few of those selections. It’s time to HEAR WHAT YOU SHOULD!

Artist: Jon Worthy
Song: Things Are Looking Up
Genre: Alt-Pop
Why You Should Hear It: At first blush, it sounds like Worthy is flexing his pop muscles on “Things Are Looking Up.” Keep listening, however, and you’ll behold an artist painting from a multicolored palette. Cosmic keys and a steady-marching vocal cadence give this single the alternative edge you may expect from the likes of MGMT and Grouplove, while funk-infused guitars weave around a pulsing backbeat to give the listener a reason to dance.

As for the message? Worthy had this to say: “It’s a tough atmosphere to be an artist today, with constantly being able to compare yourself against other artists on social media. While it’s a good thing to measure yourself and what you’re doing compared to other people, it can be extremely overwhelming to see people potentially doing better than you, and doing things you wish you were doing. ,Things Are Looking Up, is about trying to cut off that negative energy and look on the bright side; dropping the bad emotions for positivity and reflecting on a difficult journey, but remaining hopeful for the future.

Artist: The MOTOR CONTROL
Song: Get Down!
Genre: Indie Rock
Why You Should Hear It: Have you ever wanted someone you can’t have? The Motor Control’s Eric Deneen has, and here, he captures the hopeless optimism of a man aiming to please the apathetic object of his affection.

Sonically, “Get Down” delivers a strong hook; Deneen’s vocals pack a reverb-kissed punch on top of an infectious groove that captivates from the opening bell. All in all, it’s a fun modern rock offering!

Artist: Ren Richards
Song: Myself With You
Genre: Indie Rock/Alternative
Why You Should Hear It: Built on a foundation of turn-of-the-Milliennium alternative sensibility, and made all the more enchanting with clever dashes of indie pop and Americana influence throughout, “Myself With You” appeals to listeners across a variety of tastes — and to anybody who finds themselves learning to love again.

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!

UMC20: Stacked with Fresh Tracks (July 18, 2023)

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Apologies for the unexpected gap between UMC20 playlists last week. Ya boy has been on a retreat of sorts, shoring up a few things and gearing us up for the second half of 2023 and beyond.

All that means is that there was more to choose from for this week’s edition of UMC20! So, we’ve put together a quality compilation of some of the jams that have been making their way into our world of late.

Listen to UMC20
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