Author Archives: Clayton Warwick

HighSchool Jacob – Nobody But You [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - November 20, 2018

HighSchool Jacob
Nobody But You

LA-based HighSchool Jacob has been making some waves as of late, releasing a handful of tracks in only a few months time. It’s not hard to understand the magnetism to this curious alt-pop act. His style is truly unique, which is getting increasingly more difficult to say anymore.

“Nobody But You” is a testament to his talents, and the most recent release that grabbed my attention. Lead in by soft, humming synths, and a warm, treated vocal, this fresh single doesn’t take long to build up intrigue. A vocal harmony wanders in next, brought in tandem with some spattered percussion, building to a big, beautiful, choppy lead synth. The eventual crescendo is powerful, spiraling upwards with an intense, passionately sung lyrics.

When I wrote this song, I wanted to experiment with unusual sounds (such as the sound of my mouse clicking) to provide an intimate and vulnerable atmosphere, and it was when I reached the chorus however that I discovered I wanted to express the other side of those intimate emotions with an energetic and big expression of that previously mentioned desperation. – HighSchool Jacob

The end result is something oddly nostalgic, though inevitably difficult to cite why. It just feels familiar. My best explanation? I don’t have one. Just sit back and drink it in.

[Indie Rock] Suns Up – Love You Back

Posted by Clayton Warwick - November 19, 2018

Suns Up
Love You Back

Soundcloud

It’s the middle of November. For a Colorado resident, that means we’re looking at snow on the ground, scraping ice off our windshields, and spending a great deal of our time indoors. While that may be my reality at the moment, Sussex-based Suns Up has my mind fully engulfed in daydreams of road trips to beachside towns, late nights by campfires, and rocking nothing but flip flops for months on end.

In just their second release, this brand spankin’ new outfit has the sound that’s extremely polished, calling on associations of The 1975, Phoenix, and Vampire Weekend. It’s bright, sunny, and about as catchy as anything I’ve heard over the past year.

‘Love You Back’ is this first song we wrote as a band, so it feels great to share it with the world” the band explain. “It was recorded in a beautiful old chapel in the countryside which lent to the depth and character of the recording, but also gave us the space and freedom to experiment with different things to really have fun with the track. – Suns Up

Don’t take my word for it, though. Press play above and get ready to boogie.

[Funky] Little People – Tonight

Posted by Clayton Warwick - November 18, 2018

little people
Tonight

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Aside from a spattering of remixes here and there, it’s been quite some time since I’ve had something from Little People to sink my teeth into. Luckily for me, and everyone else who’s familiar with him, his two full length LPs and a handful of EPs have kept his fans at bay.

That’s one of the beautiful things about Laurent Clerc. His body of work, especially Mickey Mouse Operation and We Are But Hunks of Wood, is so thoughtfully planned and crafted, that it’s allowed fans enough slack to curb their appetite. But, with a full four years since his last EP, it’s easy to say that fans across the globe will be ecstatic to add another collection into the mix, especially if he decides to release on vinyl again.

“Tonight” marks the announcement of his next full-length, Landloper, which is due out on January 11th via Future Archive recordings. While it’s dubbed as future bass on soundcloud, this tune is far from the droves of bedroom producers that ambiguously blend together. A playful vocal sample is spattered throughout, layered in with waves of intricate synths, all set to a laid back, groovy beat. It’s warm and thoughtful, but not overbearing at any given moment. In short, it’s the perfect teaser to the upcoming enveloping experience we’re about to enjoy.

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[Alternative] Golden Parazyth – Forbidden Fruit

Posted by Clayton Warwick - August 12, 2018

Golden Parazyth
Forbidden Fruit

Soundcloud

There’s an undeniable swagger that drips from each note in “Forbidden Fruit.” The enticing rythym, the vocal hums, and the subdued percussion all create the perfect backdrop to introduce you to unforgettable vocals. It’s quite the listening experience, and one I’m slightly ashamed I hadn’t been hadn’t come across earlier.

Hailing from Lithuania, Golden Parazyth has churned up quite a bit of success opening for acts like Underworld, Lana Del Ray, Hurts, Nicolas Jaar, SOHN, We Have Band and GusGus. With vocals like these, and a true knack for composition, it absolutely makes sense that those aforementioned acts would happily showcase this intriguing duo. And, as they did in the past, we’ll falling in-suit with a little showcase of our own.

[Indie] No Kind of Rider – “Autumn/Distinct”

Posted by Clayton Warwick - August 12, 2018

Portland-based 5-piece No Kind of Rider caught our attention earlier this year with their sticky single “Distinct.” With a deep and ethereal soundscape, this tune couldn’t be shook from my mind. Haunting vocal hums carry along in the background, harmonizing perfectly with glowing synths and singular guitar notes, all of which are counter-balanced by enchanting vocals. At times, it beckons on old school Minus The Bear, which is a tall order. But, these cats pull it off well.

While that tune is top-notch, I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t call “Autumn” to your attention, as well. Another somber take on indie rock, it’s definitely a keeper for the colder weather that’s approaching. Buzzing basslines and a high-pitched synth are the biggest driver in this one, leading you down an introspective journey.

Be sure to keep an eye on this act moving forward by following them on Soundcloud.

’Autumn (Single)’

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’Distinct (Single)’

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[Indie Pop] Duets and Stuff – Serve Somebody

Posted by Clayton Warwick - July 24, 2018

Sometimes, serendipity occurs. When it does, you never feel disappointed that those two paths hadn’t crossed previously. It’s actually quite the contrary. You’re always pleased when the time comes. And, that’s exactly how I feel today, coming across Greta and Raimond.

Hailing from Sweden, Duets and Stuff is a shiny new indie pop outfit who’s debut stirred up quite a bit of attention just six months back with their debut release “Serve Somebody.” While I do feel a bit behind the curve catching on a half of year later, I’m actually quite please I discovered this shimmery tune in time to enjoy it during the summer months. The beachy vibes are perfect for these warm-weather days, driving around the city with your sunroof open and a grin across your face.

In addition to “Serve Somebody,” we’re also showcasing their most recent release, “Hold On.” It’s less upbeat than the previous, but still offers up the same catchy, indie pop goodness we fell for with their debut.

’Serve Somebody’

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’Hold On’

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Indie

Nightseason – Strangers [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Clayton Warwick - June 28, 2018

Nightseason
Strangers

Soundcloud

With their debut single hitting the blogosphere just three months ago, Nightseason is an act you probably haven’t caught wind of just yet. After today, though, you should have them fully on your radar.

Comprised of Jordan Caiola and Patrick Zeinali, this duo wrote their debut EP over emails, without ever having met in person. It all began when Patrick (drummer turned producer) was scanning through Spotify for a voice that fit his vision for this new project. Stumbling across Jordan from the indie rock outfit Mo Lowda and the Humble, this new duo was born, bonding over recent break ups, and a love for doing something unique in the alt-rock space.

Today’s offering is their second release and it doesn’t take long for it to crawl under your skin. “Strangers” comes to life quickly with a glowing lead riff, playful claps, and slow-n-steady percussion, followed by lyrics that are easy to bank and sing along to. It quickly makes a lasting impact, one that you’ll find yourself reaching for shortly after the first listen.

‘Strangers’ was written during a major turning point in my life. I was in between jobs, my 3+ year relationship ended, and I moved from my hometown into the city of Philadelphia. It was the first time in a while that I really had the chance to fully experience the single lifestyle. ‘Strangers’ revolves around the concept that two people who could eventually end up in a very intimate, meaningful (or sometimes superficial and fleeting) relationship at some point… ALWAYS start the same way – as strangers.” -Jordan

As of right now, you’re on the Nightseason train early. Per usual, we recommend you follow these cats across all channels — Spotify, Soundcloud, and Facebook.

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