For the past three years, The Beths gradually established themselves as one of new bastions of New Zealand guitar-pop, standing alongside rising artists likes Fazerdaze and Kane Strang. Like their fellow Kiwis, it was only a matter of time before a top-flight indie label signed them, which occurred when Carpark Records got Elizabeth Stokes (guitar/vocals), Jonathan Pearce (guitar/vocals), Benjamin […]

The Matinee ’18 July 24th features new music that will stir every bone in your body. There are intimate and dreamy numbers, raucous punk, spaced-out psychedelia, and boom anthems. So if you need a pick-me-up or something to calm the nerves, you’ll find it in the mini-playlist. Basement Revolver – “Dancing” (Hamilton, Ontario)  RIYL: The Cardigans, The Raveonettes, Lush […]

We once again whirl around the world and across genres to represent some fine new music. The Matinee ’18 July 12th has the usual nine selections. It’s a very diverse group, featuring indietronica, ’90s Brit-wave, film-noir, post-punk, indie folk, indie rock, guitar-pop, and shoegaze. There’s also a retro vibe to the majority of songs. Champagne Superchillin’ – “Gipsy Ferrari” (Brooklyn, […]

The Matinee ’18 May 10th covers a lot of ground geographically and musically. You’ll be fist-pumping, dancing, or sitting back to absorb the tremendous songwriting. The mini-playlist commences with one of our long-time favorites.   THYLA – “Blame” (Brighton, England) RIYL: Estrons, Paramore, Wolf Alice Three years into their careers, Thyla are gradually moving up the popularity charts, but swimming […]

The Matinee ’18 April 10th features ten songs from nine artists / bands (one of them gets a double feature). There are some warm, intimate numbers; fierce rockers; a femme fatale; and one of the most innovative songs of the year.   Chris Crofton – “UFO Hunters” feat. Jim James (Nashville, USA) RIYL: Cass McCombs, Kevin Morby, Fred Thomas For […]

Only a few alumni occupy The Matinee ’18 March 13th edition. The majority are brand new to this space, although you might know them already if you’re more of a music excavator than we are. Regardless, enjoy these tunes, which have a bit of a throwback vibe.   Big White – “Right Before Everything Dies” (Sydney, Australia)  RIYL: The […]

With so many great songs out, we’re offering another two-part playlist. For this one, The Matinee ’18 January 23rd – World Edition features seven songs from artists in six countries outside of North America. The US edition is now out, and you can listen to it here.   DUETS AND STUFF – “Serve Somebody” (somewhere in Sweden) RIYL: Tennis, Peter […]

It’s been an incredible week for new music, and The Matinee ’18 January 12th edition continues the trend. Today’s mini-playlist takes on a more melodic tone, but there are still a few tunes that will get the adrenaline flowing. Acid Dad – “2Ci” (New York City, USA) RIYL: Surf Rock Is Dead, Hockey Dad, Salad Boys Once again, New Yorkers […]

Wendy started the week of with some rockers, and we continue the trend with more upbeat fare on The Matinee December 5th. This is the last week of 2017 that we’ll be sharing new singles, so we may as well go out with a bang.   BEACH RIOT – “She’s a Hurricane” (London/Brighton, England)  RIYL: Queens of the Stone […]

We’ve changed things up today, so instead of the Melodic Tonic we’re sharing The Matinee November 15th edition. The mini-playlist’s tile might be different and the author is the other guy, but one thing is definitely the same – you’ll only find great new music from around the globe. And since we’ve already stirred the pot, the artists/bands are listed […]

The Matinee October 20th bursts with brilliant darkness and splendid brightness. Nine songs occupy the mini-playlist, and some of the song will leave you exhilarated. Others, though, will have you contemplating the present and future. Buckle up or create space in your room because every single song is an experience, and we kick things off with a major bang. Artificial […]

The Matinee October 19th is an all-women affair. Each of the songs is from either a female solo artist or a female-fronted band. There are plenty of reasons for this, but mostly because women are making the best and most creative music today. The nine songs showcase how far and wide the talent and ingenuity extends (and no, it’s not […]

While Halloween is coming, The Matinee October 10th edition actually has a touch of spring and summer, which is just perfect for those recovering from the long weekend. The songs are also largely retro, and this is more of a coincidence. As always, we circumnavigate the globe to find the best new music from indie’s hidden gems. Black Sonic Revolver […]

A European invasion, led by three from Sweden, takes over The Matinee October 5th edition. Some songs are perfect for the fast-approaching spooky holiday and others will just make you smile. Let’s get started with a song by one of the great indie bands of this century. Wild Beasts – “Punk Drunk & Trembling” (London, England) RIYL: Wild Beasts, Metronomy, […]

There is plenty of variety on The Matinee September 26th edition. R&B and soul, ambient electronica, synth-pop, drone neo-psychedelia, twee-pop, bedroom pop, and, of course, indie rock populate the mini-playlist. Each and every single song is worth investing the time because the bands and artists will surprise you with their musical and songwriting talents.   Bully – “Running” (Nashville, USA) […]

The Saturday Sampler September 23rd edition is the soundtrack to your weekend plans. Whether you’re hosting a big party, enjoying an intimate evening on the town, or just chilling at home, these nine tracks (featuring artists from Belgium, England, Spain, Sweden, and the USA) will match every scenario for the first weekend of autumn. Check back tomorrow when our Weekend Showcase […]

It’s time to go gallivanting around the globe in search for new music. The Matinee September 19th has nine songs from artists in seven countries. You’ll recognize a few of them if you’ve been following this space, and there are, of course, some newcomers. You might want to be sitting down for some of the songs because they are absolutely […]

Yesterday, Wendy and Ben featured only two artists from the US on The Matinee August 25th edition. For the Saturday Sampler August 26th version, Hollie and Ben have upped the ante and opted to just have one American band. Do we succeed? Of course we did! The selection on the Sampler is enticing, featuring songs from artists in seven countries. […]

The Matinee August 15th will hopefully get you focused on the tasks at hand. Who are we kidding. The ten songs will have you contemplating the events of the world, reflect on your past, and mostly entertain you. As you listen to each song, hopefully you’ll fall head over heels for the artists and bands like we have. We kick […]

It’s the era of the singer-songwriter. If the radio is your source for new music, you are missing out on artists and bands who continue to one-up each other with their smart and biting lyrics. Even those who occupy the pop and electronica fields are crafting memorably tunes. The Matinee August 4th edition is evidence of how music is changing […]