The Melodic Tonic ’18 December 12th edition shines the spotlight on storytelling guitarists. From the indie folk-comedy stylings of Flight of the Conchords to dazzling indie psych-rock and dream-pop, today’s playlist offers plenty of lyrical and musical richness. Flight of the Conchords – “Father and Son” (Live in London) (Wellington, New Zealand) RIYL: Flight of the Conchords What better way […]

The Melodic Tonic ’18 December 5th edition is a bold mix of multiple genres. This year may be almost over but 2019 has lots of great musical treats in store. Today’s playlist begins with a thunderous roar from an indie icon.   Bob Mould – “What Do You Want Me to Know?” (Berlin, Germany via USA) RIYL: Hüsker Dü, Sugar, […]

The Melodic Tonic ’18 November 28th is a mostly American affair, with plenty of strong talents on display. But we can’t pass up a chance to share new tunes from a timeless British band who are one of our favorites.   Swervedriver – “Drone Lover” (Oxford, England) RIYL: Slowdive, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr. Is it too soon to declare 2019 […]

From Greece to Alaska, the Melodic Tonic ’18 November 21st edition is a whirlwind indie journey. Sample lush indie dream pop, soulful tunes, dark mellow rock and more from these six emerging bands. Piroshka – “Everlastingly Yours” (London, England) RIYL: Belle and Sebastian, Cocteau Twins, Lush Amidst all these recent ‘90s band reunions and supergroup formations comes an unexpected gift: […]

The Melodic Tonic November 14th is an all-American affair. These six new music cocktails are slow-sipping delights from established names and newcomers alike. Let’s get started with an indie veteran who also released his memoir this week. Jeff Tweedy – “Let’s Go Rain” (Chicago, USA)  RIYL: Wilco, Woody Guthrie There’s quite a menagerie at play on the new Jeff Tweedy […]

Melodic Tonic ’18 November 7th is a tight five tunes to help you get over hump day. Some are extremely chill while others will leave you dazzled. Andrew Bird – “Bloodless” (Chicago, USA) RIYL: Jim James, Kishi Bashi, The Tallest Man on Earth You may not think of Andrew Bird as a protest artist. After all, violins and whistles are rarely […]

The Halloween edition of the Melodic Tonic is full of tasty treats instead of tricks. These six tunes are the mellow soundtrack to help you relax after whatever ghoulish events are on your calendar. We begin with the arrival of an indie artist who feels like an old friend. Pedro the Lion – “Yellow Bike” (Seattle via Phoenix, USA) Phoenix […]

The Melodic Tonic ’18 October 24th edition will quicken your pulse then mellow you out. Get ready to dance in your chair courtesy of some better-known bands while a few emerging artists dazzle you with their talents. We start with the return of a familiar voice. Beirut – “Gallipoli” (Berlin, Germany via Santa Fe, USA) RIYL: DeVotchKa, Calexico, Fleet Foxes […]

Prepare for a whirlwind of feels on the Melodic Tonic ’18 October 10th edition. From crunchy indie rock to gripping instrumental film score sounds, these tunes come from artists in Italy, Lebanon, and the US. We start with an energetic offering from an old favorite. Cloud Nothings – “So Right So Clean” (Cleveland, USA) RIYL: Iceage, Eagulls Back in August […]

The Melodic Tonic ’18 September 26th edition features some familiar faces and sounds. Most of these six artists are better known for their work in their other bands. The others are emerging talents who should be on everyone’s radar. Let’s get started with an artist who feels like an old friend.   Jeff Tweedy – “Some Birds” (Chicago, USA) RIYL: […]

The Melodic Tonic ’18 September 19th edition serves up sonic warmth on this last Wednesday of the summer. Bask in these sunny tunes courtesy of artists in Australia, Canada, England (via Northern Ireland), and the US. We start with a surprise group that exists as a tribute of sorts.   Goshen Electric Co. – “The Gray Tower” (Goshen, Indiana USA) […]

The Melodic Tonic ’18 September 5th edition offers tasty treats from well-known and emerging artists alike. From cinematic fare to soul, dream pop, and indie lo-fi rock, this mid-week playlist features artists from the UK, US, Norway, and Sweden. We kick things off with something grand yet haunting. Thom Yorke – “Suspirium” (Oxford, England) Add “film score composer” to Thom […]

From reggae to rock, the Melodic Tonic ’18 August 29th edition offers six refreshing musical cocktails. This playlist features songs from two Americans, two Canadians, and one Aussie and British artist alike. We get started with a subtly ferocious collaborative tune. POSTDATA – “Erase Your Heart” (Halifax, NS, Canada) Le’s Be Wilderness by POSTDATA RIYL: Wintersleep, Frightened Rabbit, Manchester Orchestra […]

Your mid-week just got a whole lot tastier thanks to the treats in the Melodic Tonic ’18 August 15th edition. These six tunes feature a bit of everything, from dream pop to gritty blues-inspired rock. First up is another sizzling delight from one of our favs.   Maribou State – “Nervous Tics” (feat. Holly Walker) (London, England) RIYL: Maribou State, […]

From the deserts of Arizona to the mountains of North Carolina, the Melodic Tonic ’18 August 8th edition is an audio tour of America’s best new music. These six tunes are high on variety (from indie folk and dream-pop to post-rock) and guaranteed to move you. Let’s kick it off with a longtime favorite. Guster – “Don’t Go” (Boston, USA) RIYL: […]

Today marks a new month, so it’s time to celebrate on the Melodic Tonic ’18 August 1st edition. These six songs from all North American artists take you on an emotional journey: it starts with a mellow dream-folk warmup and segues into an electronic dance-off at the end. So let these tunes help you shake off the mid-week blahs. Let’s […]

Need a mid-week jolt? Get your fix from the Melodic Tonic ’18 July 25th edition! These four sizzling songs feature strong female voices who demand your full attention. And like a double espresso, this playlist is sure to revive and energize you. Black Belt Eagle Scout – “Soft Stud” (Portland, OR USA) RIYL: Sleater-Kinney, Arcade Fire, Sara Ramirez “Radical indigenous […]

Take a mini mid-week holiday with the Melodic Tonic ’18 July 18th edition. From Seattle to Scotland and Switzerland, today’s playlist offers plenty of sonic variety. We kick things off with the latest from one of indie music’s most powerful groups.   The Twilight Sad – “I/m Not Here [missing face]” (Kilsyth, Scotland) RIYL: The Cure, Mogwai, Editors, Interpol The […]

The Melodic Tonic ’18 July 11th will pull on all your heartstrings. These six songs offer a powerful emotional rush, whether it’s from retro synth pop, cool electronica, or Venezuelan-inspired dream folk. Kiss your midweek slump goodbye with this moving playlist. John Grant – “Love Is Magic” (Reykjavik, Iceland, via Michigan USA) RIYL: Todd Terje meets Father John Misty “Sade […]

The Melodic Tonic ’18 June 27th edition serves up six sonic cocktails with distinctly North American flavors. From indie dream pop to psychedelic roots-rock, these tunes will quench your new music thirst.   Ava Luna – “Deli Run” (Brooklyn, USA) RIYL: Chastity Belt, Frankie Cosmos, The Mystery Lights Before noise-cancelling headphones were de rigueur accessories, an interesting thing would happen while […]