New Yorkers Friends At The Falls dropped a new track Graffiti. The band makes a distinction between indie and alternative, and they consider themselves alternative. Musically, they want to capture  the essence of pioneers like The Killers, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, and U2. You can hear this in their music and production. Especially in the latest track which is free from loops and over-use of samples that’s been overly exploited. With a stripped down production means a band has to rely on the overall strength of its players. The band will get to reveal their live chops at Bowery Ballroom in NYC on 10/13.

Madonna: The Rolling Stone Interview
“Feeling regret is really destructive. I’ve learned a lot from my marriage – mostly about myself.”

Here we learned everything about Madonna in the 1989 interview with Rolling Stone Magazine. We learned about her marriage, regrets, sleeping habits and run-ins with the police. It was transparent, at least we believe it was honest. It was a good read though, especially for fans of Madonna. Moreover, the biggest female celebrity in the world had a chance to show her human side talking about insecurities and fears.

Today, artists control the narrative. In many cases, the biggest artists won’t even engage in tell-all interviews. Taylor Swift won’t. Drake dropped out from giving any substantial interviews. Here is the difference. In 1989, celebrity journalism made a significant impact in the lives of artists. Consequently, social media replaced it.  Artists are in 100% control of the narrative. Instead of talking with their audience in an interview setting, they “talk-at” their audience by means of scheduled social media posts. Which means? The death of celebrity press.  CONTINUE READING

Leader, a 5 piece alternative act from Oxfordshire & Buckingham drops the alternative rock track Open Skies. The band which is known for its live show has shared the stage with Wheatus, Razorlight, and Lonely The Brave.  Furthermore, they sold out a headline show at Oxford’s O2 Academy. That’s pretty decent considering it’s a 1,000+ capacity-person room.  Moreover, the band released the track Golden earlier in the year (which is good as well), that received support from BBC.  Give it a listen.

ohHeyMy latest track was produced by Chicago dj/producer Goldhouse who is known for artist remixes like Sam Smith, Katy Perry and Gaga. She has built-in fanbase from fronting previous bands.

Recess, is an Ohio alternative pop act that is selflessly promoting their latest track Leaving Home. A video for the track is in the works. Ohio birthed mega act Twenty One Pilots. Could Recess be next?

Lenay releases her debut pop single La La Land. The former MTV host has built-in audience and her Spanish YouTube channel has over 5 million subscribers.

Cape Cub is a UK alternative pop-rock band that released the radio ready Moonglow. Unlike other hipsters, the band knows how to write big choruses.

Alice Gray is an LA based singer songwriter that blends synth and dream pop. Spotify gave it a New Music Friday.

Caly Bevier releases the track radio ready Head Held High. She grabbed some fans during her time on America’s Got Talent.

Riva Taylor delivers a soulful track My Mouth. At 12, she performed at the Farm Aid benefit concert at the Royal Albert Hall that was attended by Prince Charles who praised her performance.

Prove Me Wrong is a great track from Yoe Mase.  Ironically, the chorus is reminiscent of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Use Know”.  Gotye’s mega hit was out for a while, before blogs and celebs starting sharing the track giving it some legs. Furthermore, Prove Me Wrong has signs of life having already clocked 15 soundcloud plays and almost 200 retweets in just three days. With that aside, Yoe Mase is going to have to pop up his head sometime to face success if warranted, because of now, he’s is pretty elusive. Right now, he’s just “Hey. Im Yoe. I like making music sometimes. And I also snap the occasional insta…”.