Color Palette, an indie dream pop band based in Washington D.C., released their latest EP, “Pacing Like a Lion,” on April 14. The three-song collection takes the listener on a journey of being lost and found, ultimately leading to a sense of presence. Fans of M83, Bloc Party, and the Killers will love the EP. The tracks could easily fit on Spotify’s playlist Indie & Alternative Mix. Mind you, this is my favorite EP I’ve listen to this year released by an alternative rock act.

The EP’s first track, “Pacing Like a Lion,” (my personal favorite) explores the physical and emotional effects of life on the road for musicians. The rhythm-driven song features the pulse of bass guitar and drums, atmospheric synths, and a solo break that signifies the loss of control over predictable circumstances.

The EP’s second track, “Lightbulb,” has a spacey vibe, suggesting that simplicity exists within complexity if pursued, while The EP’s closing track, “Home,” that sounds very Snow Patrol, incorporates industrial sounds accompanied by a muddy chorus, but still memorable. Although the EP ends with questions rather than answers, the idea of home expands beyond a physical location to the people committed to the journey ahead. Color Palette’s collaboration with Enroute Records allowed them to experiment with new sounds that align with their signature electronic sound. With its timely themes and catchy earworms, “Pacing Like a Lion” is worth listening to.

Max Bennett Kelly, the Seattle-born/LA-based artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, has recently released his new single “Superinlove (Roll Credits),” along with a music video. The song is a preview of Max’s forthcoming EP, “Junk Male,” set to be released this summer. In “Superinlove,” Max reflects on his relationship with a fellow artist in LA and the effect it had on his music career. The song features Max’s signature catchy hooks, unpredictable soundscapes, and cleverly candid storytelling.

Max has already made a name for himself with his previous releases, earning tens of millions of streams and attracting a global fanbase. He gained further attention when a snippet of his song “Happy, Healthy, Well-Adjusted” went viral on TikTok, receiving millions of views and even getting noticed by Netflix. The success of his music allowed him to focus on his music full-time, after going through unconventional means to get by, including participating in clinical trials. CONTINUE READING

There is a lot of talk about Capitol Records’ decision not to renew their contract with Halsey, despite their previous success together. The label had renegotiated Halsey’s deal when she was at the peak of her popularity, but her latest album, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, did not perform as well as expected, leading to an unrecouped position of over $25 million. This, along with a lack of strong streaming numbers, ultimately led to the label ending their collaboration with Halsey.

Halsey’s departure from Capitol, along with Anitta and Miranda Lambert’s free agency, indicates a shift towards major labels parting ways with artists when the relationship becomes untenable. However, it may be difficult for Halsey to secure a new deal with a major label or publishing company.

While Anitta has not achieved enormous success in the U.S., her global success and strong live draw make her a desirable artist. Lambert, on the other hand, has seen decreasing numbers with each release, with her latest album, Palomino, only amassing just over 350k in activity. CONTINUE READING

Bre Kennedy, a singer, songwriter, and producer originally from California, has returned with a new pop anthem titled “Retrospect.” The song boasts indie-folk aesthetics and explores the theme of letting go of the past.

The standout feature of “Retrospect” is Kennedy’s raw and expressive vocals, which blend seamlessly with the rich variety of instruments used in the track.

In “Retrospect,” Bre Kennedy shares her personal journey of growth and acceptance, acknowledging that she has spent too much time dwelling on what could have been and should have been. She emphasizes the importance of living in the present and embracing change, especially in a world that is constantly evolving. CONTINUE READING

Garrett Kato is a singer-songwriter originally from Canada, now based in Byron Bay, Australia, who has been making waves in the music industry with his soulful and introspective brand of folk-pop. His latest release, “Slow Motion,” is a hauntingly beautiful acoustic ballad that showcases his skillful musicianship and emotive storytelling.

Kato’s voice is the centerpiece of “Slow Motion,” delivering each line with a sense of vulnerability that draws the listener in. The lyrics tell a story of heartbreak and loss, with Kato painting a vivid picture of a relationship that’s slowly slipping away. The song’s sparse instrumentation leaves plenty of room for Kato’s raw, heartfelt vocals to shine through, with a simple yet effective melody that perfectly captures the song’s somber mood.

In addition to his remarkable vocals, Kato’s guitar playing is equally impressive. He masterfully weaves intricate fingerpicking patterns throughout the song, creating a hypnotic and captivating atmosphere that lingers long after the final note. CONTINUE READING