Playlist

Dumpstaphunk

“United Nations Stomp

From the album Where Do We Go From Here

Mascot-Provogue BV

Over its past 17 years, Dumpstaphunk has earned a reputation as the most well-regarded, next-generation New Orleans live powerhouse. The founding members have built upon their family’s iconic NOLA legacy as they’ve transformed Dumpstaphunk into the city’s preeminent 21st-century funk-fusion export.

dumpstaphunk.com

Nik Greeley & The Operators

“Can’t Explain”

Single

Self-released

Nik Greeley is known for being arguably the best frontman and performer in Philadelphia, and his band The Operators has been described as “the new-school Philadelphia soul-sound.” The Operators feature many of Philly’s best musicians, including members of Out of the Beardspace, Muscle Tough and Gnarbot.

nikgreeley.com

Tomás Doncker & The True Groove All-Stars

“People Have the Power”

Single

True Groove Records

Tomás Doncker & The True Groove All-Stars put the Global Soul spin on Patti Smith’s iconic anthem “People Have the Power.” Channeling their inner Sly Stone, the song is a soulful rallying cry, with a powerful groove that would have been as forward-thinking in the late ‘60s or early ‘70s as it is today.

truegroove.nyc

Scott McKeon

“Third Eye Witness (feat. Gavin Conder)”

From the album New Morning

Idaho Records

Scott McKeon has given a lifetime of dedication to his craft as a guitarist, playing with the likes of Sir Tom Jones, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Derek Trucks & Doyle Bramhall II. Scott’s new album New Morning is an earthy, raw, guitar-lead record, showcasing his range and ability as a guitarist.

scottmckeon.co.uk

Hot Jam Factory

“Back Here Again”

Single

Self-released

Hot Jam Factory creates a sonically cinematic and emotionally captivating experience on their forthcoming album Late Night Social. A prom-rock album — beautifully original, while building upon such taste makers as Tears for Fears, The Pixies and New Order. The album sows themes of loss and acceptance.

hotjamfactory.com

Roland Roberts

“Picture on the Wall”

From the album All About the Timing

Happy Life Records

Hailed by Record World Magazine for having “Created a Gold Rush All His Own” in his debut LP All About the Timing, Alaska-based singer-songwriter Roland Roberts puts his own take on the sounds of a bygone era with his blues-folk anthem “Picture on the Wall.”

rolandrobertsband.com

Shulman Smith

“Way Out West”

Single

Self-released

Drinking a strange brew of old-time country, psychedelic-rock and bluegrass, Shulman Smith tells stories that dive through the looking glass of history, biography and fantasy. Variously an instrument-builder, painter, photographer, programmer… Smith will release his debut, Way Out West, in 2021.

shulmansmith.com

Tokyo Tramps

“Flowing Water”

From the album If I Die Tomorrow

Self-released

Satoru Nakagawa and Yukiko Fujii moved to the U.S. from Japan to pursue music, and met by chance in Boston, taking cues from their musical heroes, and creating unique and exciting blues/rock with a Hendrix-inspired guitar sound and a New Orleans funk groove. They have released eight original albums in their 20-year musical career.

tokyotramps.com

Leonie Prater

“Route 74”

From the album Metamorphosis

Self-released

Leonie Prater is a 25 year old singer-songwriter based in Marshwood, Dorset (U.K.). In 2020, Leonie released three singles from her upcoming album Metamorphosis. Her album will be released on March 12, 2021, both digitally and on vinyl. Leonie puts herself into the following genre: singer-songwriter/indie-folk.

leonieprater.co.uk

M.L.B. & CO.

“Raine”

Single

Self-released

M.L.B. & CO. is out of Pensacola, Fla. Matt and the guys have collaborated for years together in a number of different projects. When the time came for a solo release, there were no other musicians Matt could think of jamming with.

reverbnation.com/mlbco

Editor’s Pick: Vampire Weekend & Goose

“2021 (January 5th, to Be Exact)”

From the EP 40:42

Self-released

When Vampire Weekend commissioned Goose to craft a reinterpretation of their song, “2021,” Goose were given one directive: Make their version 20 minutes and 21 seconds in length (as opposed to the short and sweet 1:39 original on the band’s Grammy-winning album, Father of the Bride). Goose’s version is: “2021 (January 5th, to Be Exact).”

vampireweekend.com

Ryanhood

“Appy Returns”

From the album Under The Leaves

Four Miles Music

Once street performers at Boston’s Quincy Market, Ryanhood earned the title of ‘Best Group/Duo’ in the 2014 International Acoustic Music Awards. Their latest album Under the Leaves features the high-energy, twin-acoustic-guitar driven sound they’ve become known for.

ryanhood.com

Fletcher’s Grove

“Waiting Out the Storm”

From the Album Waiting Out the Storm

Self-released

Waiting Out the Storm is the fourth studio and first acoustic album by West Virginia Appalachian rockers Fletcher’s Grove. “Great writing, playing, & singing on this one folks,” said Leftover Salmons’s Vince Herman, while Larry Keel dubbed it “sublime music..Love the haunting landscape they create.”

FletchersGrove.com

Barry Paquin Roberge

Hot Stuff (Wanna Play Rough)

From the album Exordium to Extasy

Costume Records

Barry Paquin Roberge (BPR) is a neo-disco glam squad operating out of Montreal. Their blend of male/female harmonies, infectious rhythms, groovy guitar licks and party-pleaser synths will transport you to a bygone era of neon lights and endless nights. Exordium to Extasy, BPR’s latest album, is out now!

Barrypaquinroberge.bandcamp.com

Reuben and the Dark

“YES”

Single

Arts & Crafts

Reuben and the Dark is the spirited folk-rock outfit whose music blends introspective lyrics with the irrepressible pulse and complicit harmonies of his band. “YES” is a departure in sound and philosophy for Reuben, whose pastoral highway rock balladry has found homes in Breaking Bad and Grey’s Anatomy.

Reubenandthedark.com

Giles McConkey

Sin Mountain

From the album Reason to Feel

Self-released

Giles McConkey aims to find a deeper meaning in the daily slog and rituals that consume most of us. With their full length release Reason to Feel, the band firmly cements their role as bonafide singer-songwriters, while faithfully recreating it’s improvisational, uplifting, high energy live sound.

linktr.ee/gilesmcconkey

Carlin Tripp

“Float Upstream”

Single

PB&J Records

Carlin Tripp began his musical journey in 1999 with a borrowed acoustic guitar and a longing to be a songwriter and performer. After a brief stint in a local band, Tripp hit the road with his guitar for the southwest and truly began his journey to become the balladeer that he is today.

carlintrippmusic.com/

Sean Della Croce

“Catharine Street”

From the album Illuminations

Pasadena Records

Sean Della Croce is a songwriter with a voice powerfully tuned to every story she tells on her debut album, Illuminations, which was released on Pasadena Records this past February. Della Croce has forged a style all her own with a blend of folk wisdom and Americana heart and a truly alternative soul.

seandellacroce.com/

The Cumberland River Project

“Revel In Love Devine”

From the Album The Cumberland River Project

Self-released

German songwriter, musician and producer Frank Renfordt realizes his vision of American country music with The Cumberland River Project. With the help of studio owner Dave Demay and great session musicians from Nashville, a remarkable album has been created.

cumberlandriverproject.com

Pascal Bokar Afro Blue Grazz Band

“The Blues Don’t Like Nobody”

From the EP American Trails

Savanna Jazz/Sugo Music

Virtuoso Guitarist/Vocalist Pascal Bokar brings together the sounds of the banjo and West African balafon in a powerhouse funk-blues laced gumbo of sonic texture that will keep you dancing.

afrobluegrazzpascalbokar.com

John Leslie Hulcombe

“Born of the Fire”

Single

Self-released

The greater part of John Leslie Hulcombe life has oscillated around musical frequencies and travel. Having fulfilled his wanderlust for adventure, he has returned looking to immerse himself in a world of sound and sonics in which he is the musical pivot, creating a soulful blend of country, folk and rock.

facebook.com/freedomandfire

Billie Gale

“Pools”

Single

Self-released

Billie Gale’s atmospheric, dream pop explores the beauty borne out of devastating loss. Taking its name from lead singer Beth Garber’s late mother, the band’s enveloping shoegaze textures blanket Garber’s emotive lyrical outcries.

billiegale.bandcamp.com/