#sunghosts

Florida rock band SunGhosts has released a new single titled “Cold Rituals,” which you can check out below.

So I’ve been crushin’... and I thought hey why not spread the love?

Here’s a couple of artists I recommend you check out if you haven’t already! I’ve also added personal notes and updates on them so you get a better picture.

(listed in alphabetical order because I don’t like picking favorites)

1. Bully

Bully is an alt rock band formed by Alicia Bognanno in 2013. I also recently found out she graduated from Middle Tennessee State, which is pretty much on par to Belmont (my university) as far as quality of program for music business and other music-related majors. So that’s pretty cool. Bully is signed to Columbia Records and they're touring so if you wanna go watch her in all her glory I suggest you do so... It’s a glorious experience.

2. CIVILIAN

I love these guys with all of my heart. I saw them play for the first time my Junior year of high school when they were still based out of Fort Lauderdale, FL at my favorite venue. Frontman Ryan Alexander climbed the trusses on the side of the stage and sung his heart out. Since then I’ve been extremely invested in their music. They transplanted to Nashville, TN 6-8 months before I did to go to Belmont, where their second full length album You Wouldn’t Believe What Privilege Costs came into being, and was released only a few weeks ago. I think it’s an impeccable follow up to their debut Should This Noose Unloosen. Specific songs on the album that I particularly love are Michael, Cut & Run, I Told You, New Love, and Skulls (music video below).

3. The Lemon Twigs

4AD artists The Lemon Twigs have just released their debut album Do Hollywood. These guys are a force of nature.... 2 brothers age 17 and 19 out of Long Island are creating and playing music that I can only describe as anachronistic. Sir Elton John deemed them his new favorite band... Let that speak for itself. My favorite songs on the album are Baby and I Wanna Prove To You. Below is their music video for As Long As We’re Together. 

4. Lucy Dacus

I didn’t know how much I loved Lucy Dacus until I saw her live at Mercury Lounge a few weeks ago. More than her incredibly candid and charming presence, her earnest and sometimes painfully relatable songwriting draws you in and makes you go to that place you sometimes avoid because it hurts too much. Her debut album No Burden is a testament to her talent, but I strongly suggest you see her live because it really did a lot for me to witness such raw self-reflections. (I’ve linked her Audiotree session video because I don’t care for her music video for the single much.)

5. Magic City Hippies

I can’t say enough about these “Miami indie funk darlings.” I’ve luckily gotten to see them quite the bit while in Miami. Their grooves are contagious. They’ve just landed a great spot as openers for the upcoming Hippo Campus tour, so I 150% recommend you attending one of their shows! (Tour Dates) Their Hippie Castle EP was so incredibly fun, with songs that I’m sure could have potential commercial traction, like “Fanfare.” I’m hella looking forward to their next full-length, which I assume their single “Hush” will appear on (video below). 

Tumblr is dumb and only let me embed 5 videos at a time and I like the flush look with no links so here’s the rest of the bands from the previous post.

6. Masego

I know a surprisingly small amount of information about Masego... All I know is that the Pink Polo EP is straight gold. Sax incorporation is impeccable. Imma just let it speak for itself.

7. Methyl Ethel

Another band that I don't know much about for whatever reason. Signed to 4AD, I saw them perform at the 4AD Revue in NYC last month and was quite intrigued by their songs and demeanor. Their video for their single Twilight Driving off their album Oh Inhuman Spectacle isn’t exactly the best, but the song draws you in with an air of nostalgia and romance that I gravitate to. However, it’s not characteristic to the rest of the album which is filled with darker thoughts. 

8. serpentwithfeet

Self described “pagan gospel” artist serpentwithfeet has me dumbfounded. Just read this album review by Pitchfork and listen to “blisters” and you’ll get it. Ugh I’m in love. [no video to provide because there are none out.]

9. SunGhosts

“Sun drenched rock ‘n roll” from Miami packaged in 4 exciting darlings with an even more exhilarating live set = SunGhosts. Miami loves them, and so should you. Their debut self titled-album makes you happier with every track. Make sure to try to catch them live, because it’s one of the most fun sets you’ll have the pleasure of witnessing. Favorite songs on the album include: BB Gun, Car Commercial Song, and Meet Me At The Rainbow Bridge. Hydro Pump is hilarious... watch below.

10. Triathalon 

Savannah, GA based indie band Triathalon has stolen my heart. With surf rock influence and an abundance of fuzz pedals, their 2 albums Lo Tide and Nothing Bothers Me are good for any mood. I’m particularly impressed with their growth on their most recent EP, Cold Shower. The R&B influence gives it a new depth that moves it from cute indie pop to a more mature dimension. Cold Shower is one of my favorite releases of the year for sure... Please listen to it. Below is a song from their Audiotree session. “Hawaiian Boi” is probably the song with the least characteristic sound to the rest of their work, but still one of my favorites.