From Nairobi to Nashville (and plenty of places in between), alt-rockers Lone Tree have a knack for delivering relatable concepts on top of an eclectic sound; one which runs an international gamut of musical perspectives.
Their latest single, “Holding On,” hits the mark yet again. On top of these infectious grooves, funk-influenced guitar shredding, and a potent melody resides a message of two young lovers yearning to make things work — despite the relational challenges they’ve yet to overcome.
“‘Holding On’ is about two broken hearts attempting to repair the love they once had. That love is still very much there, but it’s been damaged by both people in different ways,” said guitarist Patrick Sanders. “Although they’re hurt, their love is eternal, and they will always keep holding on to what they have.”
The band’s palpable chemistry is on full display on this track. It’s no surprise, then, that “Holding On” came to fruition in the studio very quickly.
“‘Holding On’ one of those few songs whose melody, rhythm, and message came together very naturally,” Sanders said. “Largely autobiographical, most of the song was written on the same day. In fact, within the same hour.”
If you’ve ever fought for love, you’ll relate. Check out “Holding On” below!
We’re no strangers to featuring Soheill here at Underground Music Collective. Several of his cuts have made previous editions of our UMC20 playlist, and we even reviewed his 2020 single, “Can’t Stop Thinking,” riiiight over here.
Through the years, Soheill’s sound and affinity for sonic experimentation have evolved. This fall, he took a turn toward the darkness by unveiling his new darkwave project, Leather Baby.
The project’s debut single, “Weapons,” take us on a steadfast march through the perils of the world. A methodical, yet persistent drumbeat underscores ominous, heavy synths which seem to loom larger as time ticks away.
However, underneath many layers of darkness, “Weapons” offers a message of hope. Listen closely to the lyrics, and you will uncover the story of a love and commitment so strong, that it can weather any storm.
We all have those people in our lives who drift in and out. We don’t know when, and we don’t know where, but we know our paths will cross again.
However, that doesn’t make missing them any easier.
Quickdraw Kid visits that topic on “Bittersweet Tennessee,” their final single before the release of their debut, full-length album this Friday, December 1. The song was written after their bandmate Cesar Alva-Cano — with whom they formed Quickdraw Kid as students at Middle Tennessee State University — moved to California. While the single’s wistful undercurrent represents the process of letting go, sweet memories bring about a sense of optimism as the song progresses, as these old friends look forward to reuniting down the road.
“(Bittersweet Tennessee) is the story of missing someone who can’t stay in one place, but always knowing you’ll find your way back to one another again,” the band said.
Sonically, the tune hearkens to 90s and turn-of-the-millennium alt-rock, with guitar tones reminiscent of early Weezer (that outro has “Sweater Song” vibes all over it) and a poignant, Jimmy Eat World-esque melody.
If that sounds like your jam, why not check out “Bittersweet Tennessee” below?
OK, we’re just a little excited. Can you blame us?
Nonetheless, there’s still an entire musical world outside of our hometown at our fingertips, and we want to be sure we remain tapped in to all that is happening elsewhere. Fortunately, we did just re-launch a music blog, and the indie musicians of Earth have responded by giving us plenty of choice cuts to sink our teeth into.
Here are just a few of those selections. It’s time to HEAR WHAT YOU SHOULD!
Artist: Jon Worthy Song: Things Are Looking Up Genre: Alt-Pop Why You Should Hear It: At first blush, it sounds like Worthy is flexing his pop muscles on “Things Are Looking Up.” Keep listening, however, and you’ll behold an artist painting from a multicolored palette. Cosmic keys and a steady-marching vocal cadence give this single the alternative edge you may expect from the likes of MGMT and Grouplove, while funk-infused guitars weave around a pulsing backbeat to give the listener a reason to dance.
As for the message? Worthy had this to say: “It’s a tough atmosphere to be an artist today, with constantly being able to compare yourself against other artists on social media. While it’s a good thing to measure yourself and what you’re doing compared to other people, it can be extremely overwhelming to see people potentially doing better than you, and doing things you wish you were doing. ,Things Are Looking Up, is about trying to cut off that negative energy and look on the bright side; dropping the bad emotions for positivity and reflecting on a difficult journey, but remaining hopeful for the future.
Artist: The MOTOR CONTROL Song: Get Down! Genre: Indie Rock Why You Should Hear It: Have you ever wanted someone you can’t have? The Motor Control’s Eric Deneen has, and here, he captures the hopeless optimism of a man aiming to please the apathetic object of his affection.
Sonically, “Get Down” delivers a strong hook; Deneen’s vocals pack a reverb-kissed punch on top of an infectious groove that captivates from the opening bell. All in all, it’s a fun modern rock offering!
Artist: Ren Richards Song: Myself With You Genre: Indie Rock/Alternative Why You Should Hear It: Built on a foundation of turn-of-the-Milliennium alternative sensibility, and made all the more enchanting with clever dashes of indie pop and Americana influence throughout, “Myself With You” appeals to listeners across a variety of tastes — and to anybody who finds themselves learning to love again.
Got something you think we should hear? What are you waiting for?! Shoot it our way, and you could be featured in an upcoming edition of Songs You Should Hear!
The second weekend of Musikfest is officially underway and, for as hard as it is to believe, we’re coming up on the tail end of the festival’s 40th anniversary.
As we’ve done the whole way, Phillip from Your Next Favorite Band and I are here to give you our can’t-miss selections for this beautiful Friday night.
Apologies for the unexpected gap between UMC20 playlists last week. Ya boy has been on a retreat of sorts, shoring up a few things and gearing us up for the second half of 2023 and beyond.
All that means is that there was more to choose from for this week’s edition of UMC20! So, we’ve put together a quality compilation of some of the jams that have been making their way into our world of late.
How fitting for us, an independent music outlet, to unveil the latest, freshest edition of our independent music playlist to celebrate the Fourth of July?
It’s worth noting that there are some VIBES on this one. It’s rich with R&B and soul, but that’s not all she wrote. This week’s playlist also brings the rock, delivers some bars, and even has some tender, heartfelt Americana to appeal to those tastes.
All and all, it’s a dazzling sonic fireworks show. Jump in!
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