Tama Gucci is on the Cusp of Everything
As a music journalist, I’ve perpetually disappointed friends by not knowing who is the Next Big Thing. I don’t even know what the “in” genres are anymore, though I know from countless essays that hyperpop is having a moment in the limelight. The concept is a style I’ve been fascinated by for ages, but never had a word for. The movement that began with arrhythmic, … Continue reading Tama Gucci is on the Cusp of Everything
Glass Gallery, Ideal for Projection
We open on a pastel, multi-color fortress. The sea buffets its stone foundation from the west, while a forest shrouds the eastern entrance. The structure itself is entirely glass with not a blemish on any part of its façade, glowing from within to give the illusion of color on every translucent wall. From the wrong angle, the fortress may appear invisible, and with poor lighting, … Continue reading Glass Gallery, Ideal for Projection
Best Albums of 2021, 11-20 (part 2)
Alice Phoebe Lou – Glow The first of two records released by Alice Phoebe Lou in 2021, Glow is filled with yearning. The South African artist discusses matters of the heart among cool, sparse soft rock. Vocals on the title track have a sassy lilt that embraces the guitar progression, all of which amounts to Lou’s brand of psych rock. There is much beauty in simplicity, … Continue reading Best Albums of 2021, 11-20 (part 2)
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos & Spooky Season with “La Maldita Bruja” by Nancy Sanchez
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. It’s spooky season, and while you prepare an elaborate Halloween costume, give a listen to the haunting melodies of Nancy Sanchez. The LA-via-Mexico singer/songwriter is known for her rich blend of musical styles, culminating in a genre which she has coined Mexican-American art pop. Her latest single is more a dirge compared to her notable high tempo tracks, and it … Continue reading Celebrate Dia de los Muertos & Spooky Season with “La Maldita Bruja” by Nancy Sanchez
Ambar Lucid Reveals More of Herself in ‘Mixto’ X Spotify Singles
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Everyone is falling in line behind the passionate artistry of Ambar Lucid. With support from YouTube Music, television syncs, and the folks who sold out her forthcoming Troubadour show, her star is just beginning to shine at maximum lumens. The Mexican-Dominican musician released Get Lost in the Music EP earlier this year and, more recently, has revealed two exclusive singles … Continue reading Ambar Lucid Reveals More of Herself in ‘Mixto’ X Spotify Singles
Will Jay Loses His Sense of Time and Self in Bright Indie Single “Was It Even Real?”
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Will Jay is not the only one who has lost track of time. Since 2019 still feels like “last year,” Will Jay must be riding high from the release of his debut album which came out last summer. Perfectionist indicated a new direction for the local artist’s career, one that is paved with happy and innovative indie pop. Now he … Continue reading Will Jay Loses His Sense of Time and Self in Bright Indie Single “Was It Even Real?”
Rico Nasty Drops Music Video for Summer Single “Magic”
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. If anything was a cultural reset in the past three years, it was Rico Nasty’s “Smack a Bitch.” The iconic single and its remix appear on Rico’s debut album Nightmare Vacation, which was released only last year. The punk-rap star from the DMV has wasted no time with new material—her forthcoming mixtape Rx will include new single “Magic,” which has dropped alongside a … Continue reading Rico Nasty Drops Music Video for Summer Single “Magic”
Elohim Promises To “Treat You Better” as Part of Self-Exploration Culminating with ‘Journey To The Center Of Myself’ Vol. 2 EP
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Few contemporary independent pop artists approach the level of insight that we have come to expect from Elohim. The Los Angeles dance-pop musician pours herself into her songwriting, moreso now than ever before; the second volume of her four-part Journey to the Center of Myself EP series will show a continuation of Elohim’s creative reinvigoration after she set up a … Continue reading Elohim Promises To “Treat You Better” as Part of Self-Exploration Culminating with ‘Journey To The Center Of Myself’ Vol. 2 EP
Aroe Phoenix Uses Pain for Good on Bouncy New Single “Cansar en Paz”
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. “Music is that kind of thing that continues to pour into your soul and never takes anything from you,” said Aroe Phoenix, a trilingual singer-songwriter based in L.A. Born in Los Angeles and raised for most of her adolescence in México, Aroe Phoenix’s precious voice adds to the mystique of her altogether fresh take on R&B. She has not slowed her … Continue reading Aroe Phoenix Uses Pain for Good on Bouncy New Single “Cansar en Paz”
Asian & Latinx Punk Band The Linda Lindas Deal With Stubborn Friends on “Oh!”
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Before any of their music was up on Bandcamp, we were introduced to The Linda Lindas at the Palladium, opening up for feminist punk legends, Bikini Kill. Then, after dropping several tunes including a political number aptly titled “Vote!,” their AAPI Heritage Month performance at the Cypress Park Library went viral. This brilliant quartet of Asian and Latinx musicians has … Continue reading Asian & Latinx Punk Band The Linda Lindas Deal With Stubborn Friends on “Oh!”
Sawdust & Gin 