Favorite #HiddenGems2017: THUNDER DREAMER ... We somehow missed the 2014 debut album from Indiana’s Thunder Dreamer. Fortunately, we discovered them early this year thanks to their brilliant Capture LP. The title track had such a profound impact on us that we couldn’t stop raving about it, calling it a “soul-stirring” anthem on par with the likes of Jason Molina (Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co.) and My Morning Jacket. Thunder Dreamer were wise to pick a band name that truly captures the essence of their sound. Equal parts dreamy yet powerful, these guys create such dynamic depth that you lose track of the world around you while you listen. Why this band isn’t better known remains a mystery. They’ve got an original sound that had us hooked from the first notes, so we hope they find the acclaim they deserve in 2018. ... #Bestof2017 #FavoriteHiddenGems #ThunderDreamer #Americana #indierock #southernrock #bestnewmusic #indiemusic #indie #music #newmusicalert #newmusicdiscovery #pressplay #takealisten

Favorite #HiddenGems2017: STEF CHURA ... It might seem odd to list one of our Artists to Watch in 2017 as one of our favorite discoveries of 2017. Well, we’re doing it in the case of Stef Chura because we didn’t really get to know her until this year, and she remains surprisingly under the radar. This should change in 2018 when her fantastic album, Messes, is re-released on Saddle Creek in February. The LP was nearly 10 years in the making, as the now 28-year-old singer-songwriter shared her travels around the world and the stories of the people who touched her life. As we said in our review, we find solace in her songs because she makes us understand that we are not alone in dealing with the loss of someone or feeling alone. That Chura is sitting next to us to share the pain. ... #Bestof2017 #FavoriteHiddenGems #StefChura #indierock #singersongwriter #Detroitmusic #bestnewmusic #indiemusic #indie #music #newmusicalert #newmusicdiscovery #pressplay #takealisten

Favorite #HiddenGems2017: ADRIAN UNDERHILL ... Toronto's Adrian Underhill has been experimenting with different sounds throughout his musical career. This year he shared several singles that revealed his innovative genius, where he’s transforming R&B by infusing jazz, soul, and electronica. For example his latest single, “Weather”, showcased an upbeat sonic vibe with uplifting lyrics causing the listener to contemplate the positive aspect of change. Speaking of change, 2018 could be a big year for the Canadian, as his debut album release, CU Again, is out February 9th. Can his calming and relaxing compositions and simple yet direct songwriting style lead to stardom? We certainly think so. ... #Bestof2017 #AdrianUnderhill #bestnewmusic #indiemusic #indie #music #Toronto #rnb #experimental #singersongwriter #newmusicalert #newmusicdiscovery #pressplay #takealisten

Favorite #HiddenGems2017: BEST GIRL ATHLETE ... In a year in which several young singer-songwriters made stunning debuts, teenager Katie Buchan is the one who had the biggest effect on us through her project Best Girl Athlete. While stylistically she could have followed in the footsteps of BANKS or Lorde like many artists her age, she opted to be different. Her indie pop-rock approach fuses blues, old-school soul, and even a bit of theatre and jazz, and the multi-dimensional nature of her music leads to unexpected twists and turns. What stands out most, however, is the maturity of her songwriting. She’s not one to lean on repetition, but instead she is writing stories that are meant to stick with listeners for a long time. To make us feel like we are one of the many different characters in her vivid tales. ... #Bestof2017 #BestGirlAthlete #bestnewmusic #indiemusic #newmusicalert #newmusic #music #hiddengem #hiddengems #singersongwriter #indiepoprock #UKmusic #newmusicdiscovery #pressplay #takealisten

Favorite #HiddenGems2017: KRAKÓW LOVES ADANA ... It’s a bit strange to list a band that has been around for several years as one of our favorite discoveries of 2017. It’s even more bizarre that Kraków Loves Adana remains relatively unknown within the indie sphere. Sure, they don’t write rousing electronic music, but they do craft some of the most emotive and powerful indie-electro-rock songs on the planet. Their last album, Call Yourself New, which was released in the spring, is intense, brooding, and melancholic, but it is also beautiful, exhilarating, and spectacular. ... #HiddenGems2017 #Bestof2017 #KrakowLovesAdana #bestnewmusic #indiemusic #newmusicalert #newmusicdiscovery #pressplay #takealisten