Keep an eye out for Hel SamWilds and her debut track, Weekend Blues. Recorded in Nashville, TN, the song combines alternative and indie pop influences with a 90s feel.

Weekend Blues draws inspiration from artists like YUNGBLUD, NOAHFINNCE, Noah Kahan, and Gracie Abrams. The song explores the paradox of experiencing conflicting emotions simultaneously, such as feeling both happy and sad or excited and stressed. It also challenges the societal assumption that these feelings make us outsiders or misunderstood.

With its laid-back vibe, Weekend Blues is a perfect fit for Spotify’s Good Vibes and Relax and Unwind playlists. Wild explains, “I never want anyone to feel alone, so I write music I relate to, hoping others realize they’re not the only ones.”

Emerging country artist Cali Tucker has released her latest single, “Urban Cowboy,” a standout track blending pop, electro, and a touch of country.

Tucker explains: “As kids, we grew up believing in fairy tales and mythical creatures. The Urban Cowboy is an elusive love we all long for, something we’ve read about in stories but few have ever seen. The song is about never giving up on the fairy tale because, one day, love will find you.”

The daughter of renowned recording artist LaCosta Tucker and niece of the legendary Tanya Tucker, Cali Tucker hails from Nashville, Tennessee. She gained national attention on Season 6 of The Voice as a member of Team Blake, ultimately becoming a finalist. Since then, she has risen to prominence as a headlining act in Las Vegas and earned the title of “Miss NashVegas.”

Check out Noah Derksen’s cover of Macy Gray’s “I Try,” the second track from his upcoming album Stolen Serenades, a collection of reimagined covers. This rendition transforms the megahit into a folk-inspired centerpiece, showcasing Noah’s unique approach to storytelling through music.

Named Canadian Folk Music’s Emerging Artist of the Year and a SiriusXM Top of the Country Finalist, Noah Derksen has built a reputation as a songwriter’s songwriter. Hailing from the Canadian Prairies, he has spent years performing across North America and Europe, delivering poetic lyrics with a rich and soulful voice

Maudlin Strangers return with their latest single, “Under My Skin,“which leans into ’80s new wave influences while adding a darker, goth-inspired edge.

Hays stated, “I had the idea that I wanted to show the band on an old late-night TV show. Though instead of a wholesome performance, I wanted there to be an eerie edge. The song is about knowing you’re in a toxic relationship and accepting your part in it, yet choosing to stay, so wearing clown makeup felt appropriate to depict that meaning.”

He noted, “I’ve been a big fan of the juxtaposition of 1950s aesthetics with an unsettling edge to it, which is a style you’ll see show up in almost all of the new Maudlin Strangers artwork. It’s something I’ve been drawn to for a long time, so it feels right to place the story of the band within this created retro-future time period.”

Maudlin Strangers began in 2010 as the solo project of Los Angeles native Jake Hays. Following several independent releases, Hays formed a band with close friends and signed with BMG/Vagrant Records, releasing the Overdose EP in 2015. They toured extensively, sharing stages with acts like Bad Suns, LANY, and Cold War Kids. After taking a break in 2016, the band reformed in 2023 with original drummer Richie Gonzales, Alexander “Schmorgle” Morgan on guitar/keys, and Drew Bruchs on bass.

Melanie MacLaren’s track “Bloodlust” is perfect for fans of haunting lo-fi folk like Phoebe Bridgers.

She independently released her debut EP, Kill My Time, in 2022, catching the attention of Tone Tree Distribution. Soon after, she signed with them, secured playlist spots, and released a second EP, Tadpole Emporium, with Dublin songwriter Lorkin O’Reilly, which they toured in the UK and Ireland.

In April 2023, she dropped her second solo EP, Tourist, which earned over 2.5 million streams and playlist features like Spotify Fresh Finds. Following its release, Melanie embarked on her first U.S. headline tour, playing 25 shows. She has opened for artists like Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) and shared stages with Jessica Lea Mayfield and Ciaran Lavery.