Predicting stardom for any artist, especially an independent one that shies away from the mainstream and Top-40 templates, is an inexact science to say the least. Some will excel despite the odds, and others will hover below the radar in the pursuit of advancing their craft. One thing, however, is certain. These artists, such as Therese Lithner, will touch […]

The Matinee ’18 May 8th – European Edition features some rocking numbers plus jaw-dropping, gorgeous tunes. There isn’t a better way to spend Tuesday than music that will make you say, “Wow!” The second part of The Matinee (the Rest-of-the-World version) is here.   Drenge – “This Dance” (Sheffield, England) RIYL: Blood Red Shoes, The Music, Royal Blood It was […]

The Matinee ’18 April 24th edition features everything from the bone-chilling to the experimental to the exhilarating to the breathtaking. Each of them has a bit of cinema, so be prepared to lose yourself in each of the nine songs. The Bones of J.R. Jones – “Know My Name” (New York City, USA)  RIYL: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night […]

The Saturday Sampler February 3rd edition has it all: indie pop, cinematic art rock, mellow folk, psychedelic dreamgaze, and vintage-sounding grunge. Brace yourself for nine rounds of fierce music punches, starting with an indie music legend.   Thurston Moore – “Mx Liberty” (London, England) RIYL: Thurston Moore, Sonic Youth When life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness come under threat […]

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 […]

The Matinee October 24th features songs that will have you fist-pumping and rocking out your brains. Then there are tunes that will leave your mouth agape and having you wonder what you just have heard. Another way to consider this mini-playlist is Beauty meets the Beast.   Aisha Badru – “Bridges” (New York City, USA) RIYL: Daughter, London Grammar, Wye […]

In the past twenty-four hours, Radiohead shared “I Promise”, an unreleased song from their seminal album, OK Computer. Phoenix revealed “Goodbye Soleil”. Lorde shared “Perfect Places”, the latest track from her house party-influenced new album. Finally, Arcade Fire unveiled the disco-pop track, “Everything Now”.  We’ve opted to go in a different direction for The Matinee June 2nd, sharing tunes by lesser-known […]

The Saturday Sampler May 13th edition is strongly European for a change, with only two American bands represented. Take these nine new songs for a spin, then check back tomorrow when our Weekend Showcase will include all the music we have shared since Monday.   BAIO – “PHILOSOPHY!” (London, England via New York City) RIYL: Phoenix, Spoon, Todd Terje Vampire Weekend bassist Chris […]

Today’s nine songs combine to form the perfect menu of new music, otherwise known as The Matinee May 4th edition. You may recognize some of the names, and one band will definitely have you thinking about one of the greatest southern-rock bands in history. You’ll have to listen to the entire mini-playlist to find out who that is, though. So […]

It’s Friday!!! To help you end the work week while kicking off the weekend, The Matinee March 31st edition goes a little longer. Instead of the usual six songs, we’ve included nine for your listening pleasure. The extended version reflects the quantity and quality of great new music we’ve been receiving. And we still have the Saturday Sampler to go! […]

The Matinee February 16th arrives with a six-pack of new music. Let’s just get to the music.   Girl As Wave – “Speed Of Light” (New York City, USA) RIYL: The Bangles, Belinda Carlisle, Moving Panoramas It’s been a month since she debuted her first single as Girl As Wave, and we still know very little about the former folk-singer-turned-indie-pop-starlet. […]

As The Matinee January 19th edition demonstrates, women are taking over the music industry. We’ve long purported that female artists are creating some of the most creative, ambitious, and meaningful music today. Eight of the nine songs below are either by a female singer-songwriter or a woman-fronted band. And this is a global phenomenon, as the artists are from Ireland, […]

The Matinee December 1st features 10 songs by artists in seven countries. It’s a more energetic mini-playlist to help you power through the work day and the holiday crowds. For those in the northern hemisphere, the songs will add some heat to the cold, wintry nights. For those in the southern hemisphere, the playlist will add some sizzle to the […]

Assembled for this October 21st edition of The Matinee is a lovely, eclectic collection of alt-rock, dream pop, indie rock, post punk, and garage rock. It’s nice to have options. Which will you choose as your favorite? I pick all six! Anti Pony – “Broken Dreams” (Stockholm, Sweden) RIYL: Springtime Carnivore, La Sera, FURS You’ve read about Anti Pony before, back when […]

As we head towards the end of the month, the Saturday Sampler July 30th edition has ten songs perfect for the summer. Sit back and relax (or dance – because it’s the weekend, so why not?), and take a bite out of this tasty musical menu featuring songs from Australia, Belgium, England, Greece, Norway, Sweden, and the US.   Anti […]

Another day, another opportunity to share some great new music. The Matinee May 5th edition has a bit of everything – gothic folk, indie rock, garage rock, electro-pop, and post-punk-pop.   Esme Patterson – “No River” (Portland via Denver USA) Six weeks ago when Esme Patterson shared “Feel Right”, the first single from her forthcoming album We Were Wild (June […]

Like with every mini-playlist, we try to introduce you to lesser-known artists who deserve your attention because they’re creating some brilliant music. On The Matinee April 7th edition, half the acts have been previously featured while the other half are new entries to the series. Each one, though, will amaze you for their vocals or harmonies, the stunning or mind-bending […]