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 […]

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 […]

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 July 5th edition is a global affair. Several countries are represented, and there is a wide-range of genres, too. Be prepared to be dazzled as well as to dance and rock out. Boniface – “Dear Megan” (Winnipeg, Canada) RIYL: Postal Service, The 1975, CHVRCHES While artists with lesser talent play to sold-out shows, Micah Visser continues to […]

The dream of the ’90s is alive… in this week’s Melodic Tonic June 13th edition. Actually, you will hear retro influences from the ’80s and ’90s on these six songs, including the return of two beloved ’90s bands and a few newcomers as well. We kick things off with some floating action of the Space variety.   Spiritualized – “I’m Your […]

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 […]

The Matinee ’18 February 13th rocks. Literally, the nine songs are predominantly rock tunes – or have basis in rock ‘n roll, indie rock, punk rock, or folk-rock. There is one song, however, that’s beyond categorization. For the most part, this mini-playlist will get the blood flowing, so you can skip that second or third cup of coffee and opt […]

The Saturday Sampler January 20th edition brings you nine brilliant new songs from across the globe. Featuring artists from Austria, England, Norway, Sweden, and the U.S., today’s playlist offers a variety of genres to please every musical palette. We kick things off with a stunning Scandinavian artist.   Big Fox – “The Fight” (Malmö, Sweden) RIYL: Lisa Hannigan, Joan As […]

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, […]

As we do every Friday, The Matinee September 22nd has nine songs to help you kick off the weekend. We kick things off a bit differently, featuring one of the great indie-rock artists and arguably the best songwriter of her generation as well as the return of a great UK band.   Angel Olsen – “Special” (Asheville, NC, USA) RIYL: […]

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 […]

For the better part of four years, the UK indie spotlight shone brightly on British art-rock band Blaenavon. Their debut single, “Into The Night”, shot them straight onto BBC Introducing and popular tastemaker The Line of Best Fit. Two more EPs would follow before Ben Gregory (vocals/guitar), Frank Wright (bass), and Harris McMillan (drums) hit their twenties. After a couple of […]

The Matinee March 24th edition is a musical kaleidoscope of colorful sounds from across the globe. Today’s nine songs come to you from Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Greece, Norway, and the USA. These gems sparkle with varying shades of indie genres to help you kick off your weekend. Be sure to check back this weekend for a full playlist of […]

Julia Jacklin has always been a daydreamer. At the age of 12, she wanted to be a pop star like Brittany Spears, and then later in life she wanted to be the best social worker on the planet. The dreams would linger, but they started to come to fruition following a trip to South America during her gap year. The […]

The Matinee August 18th features eight songs that range from the electrifying to sultry. As always, The Matinee spans the globe, featuring artists from Australia, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, England, and the USA.   Honey Lung – “Something” (London, England) RIYL: My Bloody Valentine, Sundara Karma, Wolf Alice The sole group on the list that is not led by a female […]

Saturday Sampler for July 16th features plenty of musicians and bands that we have huge crushes on ummm… we are huge fans of because their music makes us feel really goooood. There are, of course, several newcomers whose music might also leave you infatuated. We’ll try to keep the musical matchmaking brief so you can enjoy the music.   Andrew Keoghan – “Everything” […]