Phantastic Ferniture by Phantastic Ferniture Before Julia Jacklin became one of Australia’s biggest singer-songwriters and released one of the decade’s preeminent indie-folk / alt-country records with Don’t Let the Kids Win, she fine-tuned her craft on a little band called Phantastic Ferniture. For a couple of years, they were best-kept secret in the Blue Mountains, where only those really tuned […]

It’s Friday, and usually we offer anthemic fare. However, for The Matinee ’18 August 10th edition, there’s a bit more melodic numbers in order to ease in to the weekend not to mention to calmly beat the summer heat. Oh, there are still some raucous numbers that will get the adrenaline rushing. Happy weekend everyone! The Dodos – “Forum” (San […]

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 June 7th is an all-women affair. Each of the songs either features a female singer-songwriter or a woman leading the band. The mini-playlist is just further evidence in our long-held belief that women are making the best and more creative music today.   The Beths – “Happy Unhappy” (Auckland, New Zealand)  RIYL: Alex Lahey, Anna Burch, […]

The Matinee ’18 May 18th features some summery and autumn-like tunes. As such, no matter what hemisphere you live in, you’ll find something to fit the weather. Beach Skulls – “Sacred Citrus” (Manchester, England) RIYL: King Tuff, Acid Dad, Magic Potion Beach Skulls have an uncanny knack for delivering killer tunes just when we need it most. We shared their “I’m Not […]

It’s Friday, so we have to share more upbeat, hip-shaking, shoulder-shimmying numbers. From electronic music to pulsating new wave to sugary indie-pop to anthemic pop-rock, The Matinee ’18 April 27th edition will get you ready for the weekend. Artificial Pleasure – “On A Saturday Night” (London, England) RIYL: Talking Heads, Gang of Four, Roxy Music Last year, Artificial Pleasure released […]

The Saturday Sampler February 10th edition is like a day at the amusement park or Olympics. These nine songs will get your adrenaline flowing and make you scream while others let you catch your breath and lose yourself in the moment. We get things started with one of the nicest guys around.   Shakey Graves – “Kids These Days” (Austin, […]

This week’s serving of new music cocktails spans the globe – from Athens, Greece to Athens, Georgia in the US. These six singles offer delicious flavors of indie folk, art pop, indie psych rock, Americana, and even some old-school jazzy torch singer fare. Artists today represent England, Greece, Scotland, Sweden, and the USA. We kick things off with a gorgeous […]

Quit the Curse by Anna Burch When you first don’t succeed, try and try again. Maybe for Anna Burch, the launch of her solo career will result in the success that evaded her previous projects Frontier Ruckus and Failed Flowers. Her debut album, Quit the Curse, is a huge step in the direction of seeing her name atop marquees across […]

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 […]

The Matinee December 7th is rarity – each of the nine artists and bands have previously been showcased before, either on one of our daily playlists or in another feature. Some, however, have not released anything new in a little while others are gearing up for a massive 2018. Anna Burch – “Tea-Soaked Letter” (Detroit, USA) RIYL: Jay Som, Fazerdaze, […]

Old and new favorites collide on The Matinee November 17th edition. The mini-playlist has some sweet melodies and heartbreaking ballads plus a few upbeat numbers to get you in a perky mood. Although we usually list the songs alphabetically, we have to start with the return of a young woman who has amazed us when she introduced herself a little […]

The Matinee October 17th returns with nine more songs as always. There’s quite a bit of variety from somber folk-rock tracks to far-out stoner, psychedelic rock to alternative R&B. Or maybe you want some soul music or a song that takes you back to the ’80s. Whatever your mood, hopefully one of these songs will fulfill your needs.   ABISHA […]

Antisocialites by Alvvays When Alvvays‘ eponymous debut album arrived in July 2014, it represented the ideal summer record. The shimmering dream-pop heightened the optimism and hope that filled the record, and its individual songs (notably “Archie, Marry Me” and “Adult Diversion”) would define memories still to be written. Their sophomore LP similarly arrives at the perfect time. As summer fades, […]

As usual, there is a bit of everything on our daily playlists, and The Matinee August 18th edition is no exception. One thing we always search for are songs that not only sound great but have a personal message or captivating story to tell. Substance over style as they say, but it’s great when a song has both. Well, all […]

With Newport Folk Festival behind us, we’re trying to get back into the swing of things. The Matinee August 1st edition, as such, has the regular nine songs. Unfortunately, exhaustion has set in, so apologies to the artists and bands for the short blurbs. The music, however, is what matters most. Alvvays – “Dreams Tonite” (Toronto, Canada) RIYL: The Pains […]

These five delicious new audio cocktails to get you through your Wednesday. Today’s mini playlist shines the spotlight solely on North American artists for a change. Let’s begin in the Emerald City with this dynamic tune. Zola Jesus – “Exhumed” (Seattle, USA) RIYL: Austra, Agnes Obel, Phantogram The dramatic new single from goth-pop siren Zola Jesus will do one of three things: “Exhumed” will either […]

The Matinee April 27th feels like a playlist for a summer road trip, so each song will be associated with a traveling reference. This journey is the one heading home, so the list is in reverse alphabetical order. Umm – “Black Summer” (Los Angeles, USA) RIYL: The Dig, The Breeders, Communist Daughter Our journey begins on a coastal highway, where […]

Everybody Works by Jay SomMany musicians who self-record achieve a gauzy pastel haze akin to the sounds Melina Duterte, playing as Jay Som, creates in her sunny Oakland studio (which doubles as her sleeping quarters). In another corner of the music world, many aspiring pop craftspeople (the type who unapologetically let ourselves be charmed by Carly Rae Jepsen’s E•MO•TION or drunkenly vow to […]

Today’s mid-week serving of 9 delicious new music cocktails has it all: catchy glam pop, indie folk, lush dream pop, indie rock, and more! Next week the music industry turns its focus to the South By Southwest (SXSW) conference, and many of these bands will be there. The songs featured here come from artists in Australia, England, Portugal, and the U.S. Let’s kick things […]