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 […]

We all have contemplated what if scenarios at least once in our lives, and some are truly poignant and others not so much. But what if Lauren Ruth Ward was born in the ’60s and performed in the ’70s? How big would her star be? With her Joni Mitchell-esque folk-rock background and now a bone-jarring, blues- and southern-rock approach that […]

We have finally entered the homestretch of 2017, which also means only a little more than a week left in our daily playlists. Fortunately, The Matinee December 1st edition is a memorable one, featuring reinterpretations of classic sounds and incredibly innovative and brilliant pieces. As usual, we travel around the globe on this mini-playlist, which includes a rare stop in […]

Three years ago, The Wild Reeds made a statement with Blind and Brave, which was a cohesive LP that paid homage to the evolution of folk music. This was a record that was meant to be listened to at the cottage or around the campfire, where the rich harmonies and soothing melodies could be heard in the still air. Given […]

The Matinee March 10th edition features more songs that fall under the category of “instant classic”. Well, at least be in the running for our favorite songs of the year. This batch of nine begins with one of our favorite bands and ends with a song that is one of the funniest of the year. For what it’s worth, Jeanette, […]

It’s Groundhog Day, but on The Matinee February 2nd you won’t hear any repeats. Well, maybe you will because these nine singles will have you hitting rewind. There is a noticeable Australian focus, which demonstrates the country’s thriving music scene.   Ainsley Farrell – “Lady Long Hair” (Sydney, Australia via California, USA) RIYL: Laura Marling, Damien Jurado, Julia Jacklin One […]

It might be the season to re-package gifts, but there is always new music to share as displayed on The Matinee December 8th edition. Not only will you hear new songs, but these gifts come from Greece, Sweden, England, Canada, and, of course, the USA. Be forewarned, all these songs come with side effects, so listen with extreme caution.   […]

It’s difficult to not think about the circumstances and the journey that went into the development of Big Smoke‘s debut album, Time Is Golden.  For years, the quintet was a hidden gem limited to Melbourne and its surroundings. During this time, however, they became one of the most respected bands within the city and they finally got their break when […]

The Matinee October 11th has, for the most part, a nostalgic vibe. Songs that take us back decades to times when music was simpler yet arguably more moving. We begin the mini-playlist with one of our favorites and a tribute to a man whose life was taken way too soon.   Big Smoke – “Best Of You” (Melbourne, Australia) RIYL: […]

The Matinee July 13th goes from six to seven songs because the music this week is exceptional – like really exceptional! We have a wide range of genres today including awesome indie-pop-rock, singer-songwriter, and punk inspired rock. The US and the UK are representing today’s matinee.   Bad Family – “Real Fast Car” (Brighton, England) RIYL: Beautiful Boy, The Crookes, […]

Eight songs occupy The Matinee June 28th edition, which offers a range of music that includes electro-pop, southern rock, art-rock, and even some disco-pop. I’ll keep this as brief as possible so you an enjoy these great new tunes.   ANi GLASS – “Y Ddawns” (Cardiff, Wales) RIYL: Bats for Lashes, Karen O, Goldfrapp You might be familiar with the […]

Saturday Sampler for June 25th has ten diverse and awesome new singles. There are a couple of surprise collaborations, the return of two of indie music’s favorite acts, and a healthy dose of newcomers to sate your appetite for truly new music.   Adam Torres – “Outlands” (Austin, USA ) RIYL: Shearwater, Neutral Milk Hotel, Bright Eyes Indie folk singer/songwriter […]

Favorite bands exist everywhere. We all have our personal favorites. There is the bar on the corner that has its own favorite bands, who play every other week to the same loyal patrons. There are city favorites, where people will gather at the local watering hole, the country fair, or the municipal theatre to see them perform. Then there are […]

Through their first two album, Twin Peaks developed a reputation as a rock ‘n roll party band. From their scuzz rock of their debut Sunken to the intoxicating euphoria of their sophomore album Wild Onion, the Chicago quintet’s music was premised on one thing – having a good time. Their high-energy music translated well to the stage, where their live […]

“What happened to the bands that actually play instruments? And what happened to the southern-rock genre? Where did all the bands go?” These are questions that I often find myself asking. Futurebirds and Drive-by Truckers remain unabashedly southern-rock bands while groups like My Morning Jacket and Kings of Leon have branched out to test new musical waters. Even more troublesome […]

People who grew up with bands like The Black Crowes, Stone Roses, or Led Zeppelin have probably uttered the line, “They don’t make rock bands like they use to.” That’s because they haven’t heard of The Temperance Movement, the southern-rock band from… not Atlanta nor Alabama or even Michigan but from London, England. To be fair, I had not heard […]

Wilder Maker’s 2014 EP Everyday Crimes Against Objects of Desire Vol. 1 was the first of a three EP series. This week, Wilder Maker shared “Fools”, which will be on Everyday Crimes Against Objects of Desire Vol. 2. Which is due out next week. “Fools” is a break-up track full of melancholy and nostalgia. It has a perfect combination of […]

Together with Robert Coronado, Josh Boville is realizing his dream as a singer-songwriter under the project of Beauville. The Los Angeles duo have released, “Letting In”, the first single from their forthcoming, debut album. The mellow folk-southern rock tune resonates with the smooth style of Shakey Graves, who we are fans of. Hear it below and click on the SoundCloud […]

In 2012, Nashville-based Andrew Combs released the fantastic Worried Man, full of great country & folk tracks. Today, the 28-year old songwriter releases All These Dreams, his second LP. Combs has an incredible knack for storytelling and creating atmosphere with his songs. The songs sound like they’re from a time capsule. They’re not quite country, not quite folk, but always […]

Twenty years old. Twenty years old! I’m constantly reminding myself that each band member of The Districts has just completed their second decade of this planet. They’re not old enough to legally consume alcohol in the United States. They have yet to vote in a Presidential election. They’ve been driving for three, maybe four years, assuming they all have their […]