Tag Archives: indie music reviews

LISTEN: f1oater. Laments Ignoring the Red Flags on ‘Don’t Know Why’

Ever regret ignoring the red flags, even though they were there the entire time?

f1oater. explores that regret — and the associated feeling of frustration — on “Don’t Know Why,” a fire-powered pop punk single dedicated to those times when we’ve known better from the start (and then did it anyway).

“‘Don’t Know Why’ is the epitome of hindsight is 20/20, (and) being caught in the moment is a wonderful thing until you ignore warning signs flashing in your face,” said f1oater. frontwoman Laura Short. “It’s the expression of frustration of not listening to your inner intuition.”

If you’re looking for more, you won’t have to wait too long. “Don’t Know Why” is the first single from the band’s forthcoming album — and serves as the tip of a rather compelling iceberg.

“This single marks the beginning of the story we’re about to take you on,” Short said. “A tale of reaching towards the light and all that you encounter along the dark road of reawakening.”

This Holiday Season, We’re Giving Back!

Last holiday season, our community gave so generously to us during our Underground Rising campaign.

This holiday season, we’re giving the love right back!

Beginning this Monday, December 11 and continuing through the holiday season, the UMC Giving Tree will bear gifts for all who seek to enjoy its splendors. We’re offering giveaways, discounts, and special offers to thank you for another tremendous year of support and growth!

What will you find underneath the Giving Tree?

  • Discounts to our UMC Academy coaching program.
  • Discounted and FREE memberships to our UMC UnderDogs community.
  • Coupon codes for use in the UMC Shop.
  • …and maybe some other surprises (but we’ll keep those under wraps for now!)

Stay tuned here and on Instagram for up-to-the-minute updates from the UMC Giving Tree. Happy Holidays!

On ‘811 Freestyle,’ Donny Apollo is More Vulnerable than Ever

We’ve always known Donny Apollo to share from a vulnerable place. The hip hop artist, producer, and Nashville native has courageously overcome addiction, homelessness, heartbreak, and more; and has never shied away from leaning on his experiences to help others navigate theirs.

With that being said, Donny’s latest single, “811 Freestyle,” sees him open up about his own mental health journey like never before. Through soulful, stream-of-consciousness verses, Donny recalls a traumatic experience involving a relapse — and the recovery process, which includes finding the strength to put out this track to speak on his struggles.

“This is the first single I feel I’ve been this vulnerable within my music. I’ve been through a lot, and harboring this one for a while,” he said in an Instagram post. “I hope you hear me. I hope you understand.”

LISTEN: Lone Tree is ‘Holding On’ Through the Hurt

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!

LISTEN: Brandon Padier Celebrates Re-Birth on ‘Still Learning’

Artwork credit: Meghan Fest

“I used to be a zombie
Strolling ‘round in a haze
My skin a greying pallor
An unrelenting thirst for brains,
But now I’ve seen revival
Like Lazarus come back to life
Yet still I feel uneasy
As I move forward into the light.”

Brandon Padier & Black Gold, “Still Learning”

Ever feel a sense of renewal so strong, that it’s like you’ve come back from the dead?

If so, you might dig “Still Learning,” the latest single from San Antonio-based Americana outfit Brandon Padier & Black Gold. Inspired by the Biblical figure Lazarus, Padier created a narrator “as a person once dead, now coming back to life.” Our protagonist illustrates the process of learning to live again — this time, as a new person with a new outlook.

Sounds like the perfect soundtrack for those getting an early jump on the “New Year, New Me” hype!

“Still Learning” is Padier’s first release alongside Black Gold, and is from the forthcoming album, Kintsugi (Release date: Dec. 15, 2023). It was recorded and mixed at Studio E (San Antonio, TX) by Brant Sankey, and mastered at Civilian Audio (San Antonio, TX) by Chris Cline.

Embracing our ‘Alter Ego’ with Shawney Rainne

Shawney Rainne is a bona fide artist-preneur! The singer, performer, and clothing designer is known for her relentless creative spirit, and her ability to embrace all sides of herself as she continues to develop her artistry.

Shawney’s EP, ‘Alter Ego,’ reflects that embrace, and the choice each of us has to create harmony between our different personas. We discuss this, artistry as a business, and much more!

This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at Helping Our Music Evolve, Nashville, TN.


Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Shawney Rainne
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Join our Monday Night Mastermind Calls for FREE!

A perk of joining our UMC UnderDogs community is the opportunity to connect with independent musicians and creatives all over the world. One way we provide is through our Monday Night Mastermind calls. On the first and third Monday of every month, our Monday Night Mastermind provides you with an opportunity to share your goals, find solutions to your challenges, and develop your ideas in a setting with like-minded, creative entrepreneurs.

We’re starting these up in December. As our holiday gift to you, we want to give you the first month on us!

We invite you to join our Monday Night Mastermind on December 4 and December 18 for the price of on the house. That’s right — you don’t need to pay, and you don’t need to join right away. Just come on in and experience the community first-hand!

Just tell us your name and where to send your invitation below, and you’re in. See you at the Mastermind!

LISTEN: Over a Wintry Soundscape, JASCE Looks for ‘Another Way’ to Love

By this point, we’ve had a chance to get to know Philly-based electronica producer JASCE quite well through her music. Her artful production style — employing rich EDM sounds influenced by her classical training on violin — creates enchanting, thoughtful tunes for the music lover in all of us.

Her latest single, “Another Way,” sets a brilliant tone for this time of year. Hushed vocals sweep in like the winter wind over shimmering, glitchy piano tones and bellowing bass drops, creating an atmosphere as vibrant as holiday lights illuminating the season’s first snowfall.

“The sound is intimate yet large, driving yet vulnerable,” JASCE notes. “It’s a hopeful and determined love song about wanting another way to love you. It’s a celebration of music and living.”

Celebrate life this holiday season with “Another Way.” Get a taste below!

LISTEN: On ‘You, The Devil, and Me,’ Court Taylor Rallies Against Small-Town Gossip

Single artwork for "You, The Devil, and Me" by Court Taylor.

Nobody among us lives a flawless existence. For that reason, Court Taylor wants us to put all of the gossip to bed.

On “You, The Devil, and Me,” the Georgia-born country singer uses her timeless voice to take a stand for everyday people trying to live their lives — even among the whispers of the peanut gallery.

“This song is speaking out against small town gossip. So many times, the rumor mill starts to turn, and people pass judgment on the situations of others around them,” Taylor said. “At the end of the day, everyone is just trying to survive, and provide themselves and their families with the best lives possible.”

The song borrows its title from the Southern phrase, “keep that between you, the Devil, and me.” According to Taylor, the phrase is commonly used “when you’re talking about someone or a situation that is usually none of your business.” From there, Taylor and her co-writers — Kipper Lee Linville, Michael Saleta, and Mike Meiners — built the song around relatable, hypothetical small-town scenarios.

“Everyone has that person they know who maybe had poor relationships, ended up with children, and had to give up their dreams to support them,” Taylor said. “Everyone knows someone who had a promising future, but then got caught up in drugs.”

Which side are you on, as the rumor mill turns? Reflect on that, as you check out “You, The Devil, and Me” below!

Nashville Meets Bethlehem with Brontë Fall

The last time we checked in with Teri Bracken of Brontë Fall was 2020. Touring had come to a halt, and Teri had begun working on the songs that would become her latest EP, Winter, informed by life in transition during the pandemic.

We’ve come full circle, and Teri is hitting the road to join us in Bethlehem, PA at our Nashville Meets Bethlehem songwriter night at SteelStacks. For Teri, this full circle moment brings her back to her college town as an alumna of Lehigh University, whose musical beginnings took place just a few blocks up the street. Check in to learn about the journey that has led here!

This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at Helping Our Music Evolve, Nashville, TN.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

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