JEM - DON'T LET ME DISAPPEAR

Bridging the gap between alternative ballads and world music, Jem’s debut EP Don’t Let Me Disappear is a melting pot of culturally-diverse sounds. Arriving at the heels of his debut single “Secrets” and a treasure trove of follow-up singles, Jem’s first-ever, multi-song project was well worth the wait. A tapestry of eastern-inspired rhythms, 90s alternative rock, and provocative vocals designed to tug and tear at the heartstrings, Jem’s Don’t Let Me Disappear explores the ancient philosophy of both sound and spirit. A poetic opus with a fearless dedication to marrying unsuspecting genres, Don’t Let Me Disappear is Jem at his most authentic.

JEM - LOST

Following an enchanting debut in November 2021 with his genesis single “Secrets,” alternative crooner and full-circle artist Jem returns with another mystifying new single. A haunting, piano-guided single “Lost” bears witness to Jem’s deeply-emotional drawl. A barebones ballad with simple, heart-rendering melodies and damning lyrical themes, “Lost” is painfully immersive. Despite its solemn tone, “Lost” is a magnificent outline of sound and spirit. A carefully constructed lullaby philosophically designed to prompt reflective thinking, “Lost” is an aptly-titled composition that further solidifies Jem’s place in modern alternative music. Listen to this heartbreaking triumph today.

JEM - SECRETS

Moving and mystical, singer-songwriter Jem’s new single “Secrets” is a world-inspired ballad with a haunting grand design in mind. Barebones Middle Eastern-inspired guitar riffs meet his esoteric voice with grit and mystery. Brushed with strokes of nostalgic alternative-rock and downtempo psychedelia, “Secrets” is all at once rousing, contemplative, and explorative to boot. A reflection of his heritage, “Secrets” is an accessible rendering of Jem’s culture that sticks with you long after its final note.

LIAM COOPER - ANOTHER LONELY NIGHT

Liam Cooper · Another Lonely Night

Sydney-based singer/songwriter Liam Cooper just delivered his stirring new single “Another Lonely Night.” Guided by emotive piano riffs and bellowing vocals, this tear-jerker track is a divine listen. Drawing on the inspiration of bands like Coldplay and The Killers, “Another Lonely Night” is a chilling blend of pop and rock through the lens of an indie looking glass. The track’s movement breaks gravity with its sentimental hooks, melodic valleys, and crescendoing peaks. Showcasing his immense talent as a classically trained musician, Liam Cooper’s latest is as technically sound as it is approachable and relatable. A cavernous, romantic croon dedicated to the sentiments of missing his wife, “Another Lonely Night” is a glimpse into a creator’s soul.

ANDREWW - CROSSROADS

Andreww · Crossroads

Following his celebrated singles “Talking to Myself,” “Medusa,” and “Shadow Love,” alternative musician Andreww drops his fiery new track “Crossroads.” A moody, dark, and dangerous offering with a contemporary touch, “Crossroads” is at once emotional and vexed. Traversing treacherous soundscapes that light up the senses, Andreww is an artist who works with intention. Tied together with grungy guitars riffs, badass vocals, and sharp 808 kicks, this catchy rock-inspired joint is one you won’t soon forget.

NIGHTSEASON - NOTHING CALMS MY MIND

Choosing a debut single as a brand new act is probably one of the most difficult decisions in an artist’s career. It’s the first impression, and you never get a second chance at it. Automatically and instantaneously you’re defining your sound and crossing your fingers in hopes that listeners have a meaningful reaction. Nightseason’s “Nothing Calms My Mind” is one of the more exciting and inventive debuts in recent memory, and it feels like this group already has a very developed idea of what their “sound” is.

Somewhere between the alternative/indie rock of bands like Kings of Leon and Sir Sly and the left of center pop stylings of groups like Electric Guest and Alt J, this new duo composed of drummer/producer Patrick Zeinali and singer/guitarist Jordan Caiola has come together as Nightseason to craft innovative yet infectious music. “Nothing Ever Calms My Mind”, which was released Friday by artist-friendly curation platform and label Noon Pacific, has already caught the attention of key industry tastemakers such as Hillydilly and landed on Spotify’s New Alternative playlist. An honest and introspective tune featuring Caiola’s gritty, mature vocal prowess and Zeinali’s slow-burning, forward-thinking production, it’s nothing short of an impressive first offering. What's more impressive is these dudes met over the internet and made an entire EP together over email while across the country from each other. We're eager to hear that EP and can only hope for more Nightseason soon in the weeks and months to come!

Left to right: Patrick Zeinali and Jordan Caiola are Nightseason.

STEPHEN - CROSSFIRE, PART III (FEAT. SABA, RAVYN LENAE, THE O'MY'S & J.P. FLOYD)

Okay so Stephen is one of my all-time favorites. The LA-based artist has 100% blown me away with everything he’s done and to see him collaborating with a whole crew of artists from my home town of Chicago is so cool. Hell, I’ve fucked with Saba since way before his collabs with Chance back when my college’s student-run record label released a compilation featuring him on multiple tracks. If you know Chicago music, you know The O’My’s have been killing it around the Windy City for a hot minute, and while I’m unfamiliar with Ravyn Lenae and J.P. Floyd, they both bring something incredible to this collab, Lenae with her silky pipes and Floyd with the badass brass swagger. All in all, while turning a track into a trilogy could be seen by some as a lazy move creatively or that he’s “milking” the hit, I for one am not at all mad that Crossfire has turned into it’s own little movement. The song’s message, supported by the powerful track artwork, also speaks to the violence that’s continually prevalent in Chicago’s South and West Side neighborhoods and the difficulties local children face growing up there that much of us can’t even imagine. I’ve been told 15 percent of all earnings from this record are going to Young Chicago Authors, a creative after school program serving 10,000 youths per year.The only thing better than dope music is dope music with a meaningful message.

VANESSA ELISHA - FRIENDLY SKIES

R&B may not be my favorite type of music, but there's something to be said for the way it can really set a mood, tug at emotions, and get you feeling some kinda way. Vanessa Elisha is not only the homie (we got late night Mexican food once) but she is also one of the hottest artists coming out of Australia right now that isn't a future bass producer or indie pop/dance group. Her brand of Alt/Future R&B can be seen in the form of massive collaborations with a slew of incredible producers from XXYYXX to Ekali. This cover of the legendary Missy Elliott and Ginuwine's "Friendly Skies" is as close to perfection as you can get for a 2016 tribute to this 1997 classic from Missy's debut album Supa Dupa Fly. The complete rework of the production is so fresh, and her signature vocal delivery doesn't just tug at the heartstrings, it melts them. This comes ahead of her long-awaited debut EP, "It's a Day and Night Thing" due in November, which will boast production from Sweater Beats, Different Sleep, XXYXX and others, and is bound to be a breakout piece of work for Vanessa. 

XYLØ - DEAD END LOVE

Happy hump day! I'm gonna start things off with this awesome new single from XYLØ. The Duddy's are simply getting it done giving us some really great radio friendly tunes, and "Dead End Love" is no exception. The track has a mysterious, but pensive angle to it like much of their other songs. The darker lyricism teams up with the solemn soundscape of the instrumental creating a terrifically moody tune, "If we drive right off a cliff, we can live dead end love forever," Paige sings casting a shadow over the tune. However there's enough ear candy in her melodies, and the vox chop sound in the chorus lightens things up just enough to let this track shine. Add another great song to their growing catalogue. You can purchase on iTunes here and stream the single on Spotify here.