Formed in 2015 and currently based in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Sonic Blume is surely growing among the indie-rock scene. The band consists of Max Connery (lead vocals, guitar, synth), Danny Murray (drums), and Noah Sullivan (guitar, vocals), who are joined by live musicians James Waltsak (bass) and Gabe Carvalho (synth). They put out their debut self-titled EP in 2017, followed by Beach Karma in 2018. These led up to the release of their first full-length record, We’re Drifting Further Apart, Aren’t We? on August 13, 2021 (via Shore Point Records), featuring singles such as “Aubrey,” “Pink Boots,” and “Happy.” Sonic Blume have been featured on numerous radio stations local to New Jersey, along with college, national, and international (in Brazil and Germany). Aside from performing at venues such as Starland Ballroom and Asbury Lanes, they have also shared the stage with notable artists such as Tor Miller, The Happy Fits, and Joe P. They have additionally opened for Work in Progress, Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things)’s band.
They recently wrapped up a regional East Coast tour, playing two shows in their home state of New Jersey along with stopping in Providence at Fête Lounge as well as Boston at O’Brien’s Pub. Their shows continued in NYC (5/24) and Philly at Philamoca (5/27). Sonic Blume will also be heading down to North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia at the end of June. Taking a brief pause while on the road, the band shared some time to chat about their beginnings, where in Boston and Asbury Park they like to eat, along with their favorite scene of Stranger Things ahead of the much-anticipated Season 4 premiere.
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Among the growing range of indie rock artists, Rebounder for sure, is a “slam dunk.” Formed and currently based in NYC, the band is fronted by Dylan Chenfeld (lead vocals, guitar), with support from his brother Noah (bass, vocals), as well as Zack Kantor (guitar, vocals) and Cobey Arner (drums, vocals). Just a little over 3 years ago, they released their debut single, “Japanese Posters” (which has garnered almost 3 million streams on Spotify); following that release, in late 2020, they put out Subway Songs, an EP of their first few hits. Earlier this year, they released “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” and most recently, “Change Shapes,” featuring Jesse of The Neighbourhood, on June 24. Not only have they played a handful of venues in NYC including Baby’s All Right, Elsewhere, and The Bowery Ballroom, they have shared the stage with well-known artists such as Circa Waves, Dayglow, and The Neighbourhood. Just this summer, they performed at WonderStruck as well as the WonderBus Music & Arts festival in Ohio.
Last month on August 9, they sold out the Elsewhere rooftop (Brooklyn), with support from Toledo and Sedona. Taking a pause from music, Dylan kindly discussed the process behind creating “Change Shapes,” in addition to a restaurant they frequent. While they are hoping to be in HBO Max’s current reboot of Gossip Girl, they chat about where and how they would have enjoyed performing, had they been featured in the original TV series (which aired from 2007-2012 on The CW).
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Sea Girls, formed in 2015 and hailing from London, highlights the talent and charisma of Henry Camamile (lead vocals, guitar), Rory Young (lead guitar, vocals), Andrew Dawson (bass, vocals), and Oli Khan (drums). They self-released their first single, “Call Me Out,” on June 1, 2017 as a sneak peek of their debut EP sharing the same title (via Almanac Recordings). Since then, they have put out three more EPs, Heavenly War (Jan 2018), Adored (Jun 2018), and Under Exit Lights (Mar 2020). Most recently, August 14, 2020 marked the release of their much-anticipated debut record, Open Up Your Head, via Polydor Records (vinyl, CD, and cassette available). In addition to selling out a handful of venues in London such as OMEARA and Roundhouse, they have performed at festivals including Reading & Leeds. Last year on December 10, they hit the stage at NYC’s Mercury Lounge, with support from Brooklyn-based band Between Giants. As of now, Sea Girls are set to embark on a massive (rescheduled) tour all over the UK and Europe next spring.
Putting a quick pause on music, Oli kindly shared some of his time to chat about the process behind creating Open Up Your Head, places to eat in NYC and London, and his favorite superheroes.
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Since forming only a few years ago, Only The Poets have been painting a story of success as an up and coming band, one definitely worth keeping an eye and ear out for. Not only did their latest single “Waking in the Dark” garner more than 100,000 streams on Spotify in just a week, they landed a support spot to open for Louis Tomlinson (which unfortunately changed due to the pandemic). Nonetheless, they have toured extensively across the UK and Spain. Formed and based in Reading, England, Only The Poets showcases the charisma and dedication of Tommy Longhurst (lead vocals, guitar), Andy (Roo) Burge (bass, vocals), Clem Cherry (guitar, vocals), and Marcus Yates (drums, vocals). They released their first hit, “Ceasefire,” on February 20, 2017 via , followed by their catchy single, “Emotional,” a few months later on July 1. Since then, they have been gradually putting out new music, one song at a time, which have led up to the much-anticipated debut EP (exclusive pre-order bundles available). In the meantime, they are getting ready to share a new tune, “If You’d Only Try,” which will be out on July 10. They have performed at a handful of venues and festivals within the UK, including Scala in London, Also Known As in Banbury, and the Y Not? Festival in Pikehall.
Taking a break from making music, Tommy generously contributed some of his time and thought to discuss the process and meaning behind the latest single “Waking in the Dark,” his dream gig, and what would be on his Nando’s plate.
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With summer having just begun and the days marked with more sunshine, it’s a perfect time to check out vistas’ bright, upbeat sound (not to mention, they have a song titled “Summer”). vistas, hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, formed in early 2016, and currently consists of Prentice Robertson (vocals), Dylan Rush (guitar), and Jamie Law (bass). They put out their debut single, “Sign Language,” in March 2016, followed by a number of others, including their hits “Retrospect” and “Calm”. These led up to the release of their debut EP, Hello, which came out on July 19, 2019 via LAB Records. Most recently, May 29, 2020 marked the release of their much-anticipated debut record, Everything Changes in the End, via Retrospect Records (available as vinyl, CD, and cassette). They have shared their exciting sound in a handful of cities throughout the UK, such as London, Manchester, and Liverpool. In addition, they have opened for artists like The Wombats, and are scheduled to perform a London show opening for Circa Waves in September, followed by a headline tour later in the fall.
To promote their debut record and connect with listeners, they’ve been organizing and hosting public Zoom meetings, along with livestream events. Taking a pause, Prentice kindly took some time to chat about his first instrument, the process behind crafting the debut record, and his tour essentials.
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If there’s a question to ask yourself right now, it should be, “Am I listening to Larkins yet?” Larkins, formed and based in Manchester, England, features the musical talents and charisma of Josh Noble (vocals, guitar), Dom Want (guitar), Henry Beach (bass), and Joe Gaskell (drums). They self-released their debut EP, Don’t Leave the Light On, on February 20, 2016. Since then, they put out their TV Dream EP in 2019, followed by Hit and Run (both via Good Soldier Records). Most recently, April 27 marked the release of their new single, “Are We Having Any Fun Yet” (also via Good Soldier Records). They have sold out numerous shows in the UK, and are yet to perform a first show in NYC.
Taking a break from music, Dom generously elaborated elaborate on the beginnings of Larkins, tour essentials, and what you’d expect if there were a “Larkins” pizza.
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There’s no doubt Leon of Athens is an artist you better start listening to. Leon of Athens, also known as Timoleon Veremis, is a singer-songwriter who was born in London, but was raised in Athens. He released his debut record, Global, on July 24, 2015 via Mimosa’s Dream. A little less than three years later, he put out his sophomore records, Xenos, on February 9, 2018, also via Mimosa’s Dream. Most recently, he released a remix of his newest single, “Communication” featuring Katerine Duska, done by Portugal. The Man, on April 13. Not only has he performed at a handful of venues all over the UK including Notting Hill Arts Club, he has shared the stage with artists such as City of the Sun. Just almost a year ago, he opened for Talos at Baby’s All Right.
Taking a pause from music, Leon kindly chatted about the process behind creating his newest single, artists currently on his own music radar, and his favorite superhero character.
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NYC is often recognized as a significant epicenter for art, especially music. Two weeks ago, from March 11-13, The New Colossus Festival took place in the Lower East Side for the second year (it was originally scheduled for March 11-15, but was cut short due to the current health situation). Organized and run by Kanine Records, Kepler Events, and Lorimer Beacon (in collaboration with partners), the festival welcomed a handful of artists who traveled from just within the city to across oceans and miles away, including Canada, the UK, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Sweden. The festival also brought together managers, photographers, writers, PR, and other individuals in the music industry.
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With their vivacious sound, The Cheap Thrills. surely put on a memorable show. The Cheap Thrills., formed and based in Liverpool, features Lewis Pike (vocals, guitar), Anton Eager (drums), Terry Eaves (keyboard, guitar, vocals), and Callum Fitzpatrick (bass). They self-released their debut EP, Oparadise, on August 9, 2014, followed by Glare on January 7, 2017. Most recently, they put out their newest EP, Vue Du Monde, on October 18, 2019 (also self-released). Not only have they taken the stage at a handful of venues in their hometown of Liverpool (including Arts Club, Cavern Club, and O2 Academy), they have shared their sound all over London.
Just last week, they traveled to New York City for the second New Colossus Festival, playing their first-ever NYC gig at Pianos on March 13. Just 2 nights later, they played an additional set at Gold Sounds Bar in Brooklyn. After their set, they kindly posed for a few portraits, and upon returning to England, Anton shared some time and thought to chat about the formation of the band, the process behind their newest EP, and three artists currently on his music radar.
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A band shaping the future of rock ‘n’ roll sound has got to be The Amazons. The Amazons, formed in 2014 and hailing from Reading, England, consists of Matt Thomson (lead vocals, guitar), Chris Alderton (guitar, vocals), Elliot Briggs (bass, vocals), and Joe Emmett (drums). They released their debut EP, Don’t You Wanna, on December 7, 2015, followed by their first record, The Amazons, on May 26, 2017, both via Fiction Records. Just last year, they put out their sophomore record, Future Dust, on May 24, 2019, also via Fiction Records. Most recently, they released a compilation album, Introducing…The Amazons, on January 17, 2020, via Uncool Records. Aside from selling our numerous shows and performing at a handful of signings and festivals, including Reading and Leeds and Neighbourhood Weekender, in their home country of England, they have also shared their sounds across other parts of Europe.
They recently wrapped up a North American tour supporting Dirty Honey, making a stop at New York City’s Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on February 5, 2020. While on the road, Matt kindly discussed a bit about his first instrument, some picks on his current music radar, along with naming a few places to eat in NYC and Reading.
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Among the many rising bands in New York City, Between Giants is one to keep an eye and ear out for, especially for their upbeat sound that surely lightens anyone’s mood. Between Giants, formed and based in Brooklyn, Between Giants highlights the musical talents and charisma of Tyler John Berkich (lead vocals, guitar), Hans Massaquoi (piano/synth), and Pat Williams (drums). They self-released their debut record, Jupiter, on August 1, 2018. Just this past fall, they put their sophomore record, Crowded Thoughts, Empty Places, in September 2019 (also self-released). Most recently, on December 4, 2019, they shared two new singles, “Yours and Mine” and “Strangers”. Last year, they received the Independent Music Award in the Pop category for their debut album Jupiter.
Aside from performing nearly sold out headline shows on the East Coast, they have shared the stage with popular artists including Kodaline and The Rocket Summer. In December 2019, they supported the up and coming Sea Girls at Mercury Lounge. Ahead of their January 16 show at Baby’s All Right, they generously and kindly shared some of their time and thought to discuss the beginnings of Between Giants, artists currently on their own music radars, and their favorite pizza and taco places in New York City, along with posing for a few portraits.
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It’s been a little over a year since courtship. performed in NYC, but that didn’t stop fans from going out to Rough Trade to see them for a much-anticipated show and give them a warm welcome back. It was special show, since this was one of two shows they played (the other being a hometown show in LA).
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December 10, 2019 at Mercury Lounge marked Sea Girls’ debut U.S. show. There’s no doubt the crowd was engaged, especially with Sea Girls’ upbeat, catchy sound and singer Henry making his way into the crowd to perform.
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On December 5, 2019, a handful of amazing artists performed at Not So Silent Night (sponsored by ALT 92.3) at Barclays Center to ring in the holidays. SHAED opened the show with some sound incorporating upbeat synths. Next, Judah & The Lion got the crowd dancing and off their feet, and towards the end of the set, the singer ran into the audience to sing and dance. Following Judah & The Lion came the return of Of Monsters and Men, who performed a diverse set including hits like “Crystals” and “Alligator.” Attendees were then treated to a throwback to the 90s with Jimmy Eat World, only to fast forward to the 2000s to enjoy Cage The Elephant’s set. With Cage The Elephant’s unbeatable energy and groove, there was no way attendees would forget such a memorable set. Up next came Vampire Weekend for a hometown show, who performed favorites such as “A-Punk” and “Diane Young.” At last, the much-anticipated Mumford & Sons performed a revered set including a mix of old and new tunes, including “The Cave”, “Blind Leading the Blind”, and “I Will Wait”, which marked the culmination of a musical night to remember.
In no time, people will not only be saying the name “Pip Blom,” but also talking about their upbeat, yet pleasing electric sound. Pip Blom, formed and based in Amsterdam, highlights the voices and talents of Pip Blom, (lead vocals, guitar), Tender Blom (guitar, vocals), Darek Mercks (bass), and Gini Cameron (drums, vocals). After releasing a handful of singles, they released their debut EP, Paycheck, on October 30, 2018 via Persona Non Grata. Just this past May, they put out their debut record, Boat, via Heavenly Recordings / PIAS. They have shared the stage with artists such as Franz Ferdinand and Weird Milk, and have also performed at music festivals including Corona Capital in Mexico City.
Pip Blom recently wrapped up a short North American tour, making a stop at Rough Trade on November 22, with support from The Britanys. Just before the show, the band kindly shared some of their time and thought to chat about the process behind making their newest single, their tour essentials, and artists currently on their music radar, along with posing for a few band portraits.
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Just a little over 5 years ago, Circa Waves were just a band among many who performed at the CMJ Marathon, a weeklong music conference held in NYC known for featuring up and coming indie bands. Now, they are a well-liked and frequently listened to band not only in the UK, but also worldwide. Circa Waves, formed in Liverpool in 2013, showcases the talents and charisma of Kieran Shudall (lead vocals, guitar), Joe Falconer (guitar, vocals), Sam Rourke (bass, keyboard), and Colin Jones (drums). They released their debut single, “Get Away / Good For Me” on December 2, 2013, via Transgressive Records, followed by “Stuck in My Teeth” in February 2014. These led up to the release of their debut EP, T-Shirt Weather, on February 23, 2015, via Virgin EMI Records. Not too long after, they put out their debut full-length, Young Chasers, on March 30, 2015 (Virgin EMI Records). In March 2017, they put out Different Creatures (Virgin EMI Records), and most recently, April 5, 2019 marked the release of their third record, What’s It Like Over There? (Prolifica Inc. / [PIAS]), which features tracks such as “Movies” and “The Way We Say Goodbye”. They have toured extensively all over the world, performing sold out shows at a handful of venues, along with numerous festivals, including Glastonbury (England), Governor’s Ball (US), and Summersonic (Japan). They have also shared the stage with bands like The 1975 and Two Door Cinema Club.
Last week, on November 12, the band returned to NYC to perform a much-anticipated intimate, but packed show at Elsewhere (Zone One) in Brooklyn. Earlier in the evening, they generously shared some time after sound check to discuss their first instruments and musical starts, a bit on the process of making their newest record, and named places to eat in NYC and Liverpool, in addition to posing for a few portraits.
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On October 29, 2019, Buunni Coffee (Inwood) welcomed singer/songwriter Ben Arthur and writer Joyce Carol Oates to host an evening of song and writing for an episode of the podcast SongWriter. After Ben performed an original song, Joyce Carol Oates stepped onto the stage to read her short story “A Brutal Murder in a Public Place.” Following the short story, banjo player and songwriter Tony Trischka and singer/songwriter Jennifer Marks each shared a couple tunes. To wrap up the evening, there was a contest for an idea for a creepy story, with the winner receiving a copy of Joyce Carol Oates’ Pursuit.
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Just about 7 months ago, Sam Fender made his New York City debut at Rough Trade for a sold out show. On October 17, 2019, he returned for another sold out show; however, this time, it was at Bowery Ballroom. In addition to his band (Dean Thompson, Tom Ungerer, Drew Michael, and Joe Atkinson), he invited famed saxophonist Lou Marini (The Blues Brothers) to join him onstage for a few tunes. There is no doubt he treated attendees to an unforgettable set. Not only did he perform older tunes such as “Millennial”, he also shared some ones off his newly released debut record Hypersonic Missiles, namely the title track. He additionally performed “Two People” live for the first time, along with a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark”.
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The Faim made a much-anticipated return to Gramercy Theatre in New York City on September 24, 2019. The Faim, hailing from Perth, Australia, is made up of Josh Raven (lead vocals), Sam Tye (guitar, vocals), Stevie Beerkens (bass, keyboard, vocals), and Linden Marissen (drums). They released their debut EP, Summer Is A Curse, last fall and most recently, their debut full-length titled State of Mind, both via BMG. Not only did they perform favorites such as “Summer Is a Curse”, “Saints of the Sinners”, and “My Heart Needs to Breathe”, they also shared new tracks including “State of Mind”, “Humans”, and “Infamous”. During the show, Josh exited the stage to go into the crowd to sing and mosh. Overall, the attendees were treated to an amazing show that left them wanting more.
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On September 13, 2019, Finish Ticket returned to NYC to perform a much-anticipated show at Mercury Lounge. Even though it had been about 3 years since they last shared their sound in the Big Apple, they treated attendees to a fantastic set, which included older tunes such as “Rivers”, along with newer ones like “Scavenger”, “Lying Through Our Teeth”, “When Night Becomes Day”, and “Color”.
Formed in the Bay Area and based there and Los Angeles, Finish Ticket features Brendan Hoye (vocals), Alex DiDonato (guitar, vocals), and Gabe Stein (drums), along with touring musicians Nick Stein (keys, vocals), Lucas Lee (guitar, vocals), and Ryan Blair (bass).
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