Ava Valianti - "Sophomore Slump"

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Sixteen year old indie pop rock artist Ava Valianti has a new single out that goes beyond being pop. The Massachusetts artist released "Sophomore Slump" today, and it's more on the indie side of indie pop. It's a midtempo track with roots in both rock and country, while still being completely pop. That being said, it's definitely not Top 40 pop music, although the world would probably be better off if more of the genre sounded like this. Valianti has the slightest country twang to her vocals on "Sophomore Slump," and the guitars have a rock edge to them at times. The song is more infectious than catchy, and even the snobbiest indie rock fans are going to love this one despite themselves. Of course, the fact that the song is probably about being a sophomore in high school from someone actively experiencing it is going to make a lot of us feel old, but the song is well worth it.

Ava Valianti says of her latest single:

“I wrote ‘sophomore slump’ in a moment where everything felt way too loud and way too fragile at the same time. It’s about that weird in-between space where you’re trying really hard, still dreaming big, but everything keeps slipping just out of reach. I was feeling embarrassed, overwhelmed, and kind of lost, crying in front of people I wish I had it together for. The song is me admitting that I don’t have it figured out yet, but I’m still moving forward anyway. Everything and nothing feels so important, and I’m learning how to sit inside that without breaking.”

You can watch the video for "Sophomore Slump" below. For more on Ava Valianti, check out the artist on Instagram.

On Repeat...

Sean Thomas Gerard - "Bright Side"

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Photo by Heather DeFoggi Gerard For his upcoming album, Sean Thomas Gerard recorded in the corner of his garage which is also a playroom for his two daughters. Somehow, you can hear that vibe in his latest single, "Bright Side." The song just feels like home. It's a laid back indie folk/singer-songwriter track that is overflowing with warmth. The sing is on the mainstream side of its genres, but when you nail a sound like Gerard has, there's certainly nothing wrong with that. This is the type of song that is pleasant and enjoyable when you first start it, and then you end up liking it more and more as it goes. By the time it's over, you're going to want to listen again. By the third or fourth listen, "Bright Side" is going to end up one of your favorite songs of this young year. Sean Thomas Gerard says of his music: “I think about some day when I'm gone, my kids will be able to put on my records and feel like they can spend time with me again....
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DJ Haram featuring Bbymutha, SHA RAY, & August Fanon - "Fishnets"

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Photo by Sultana Garritano Brooklyn's DJ Haram has a new single out that shows off her trademark boom bap sprinkled with Middle Eastern instrumentation sound. "Fishnets" features verses from Bbymutha, SHA RAY, and August Fanon, and has an intense and almost menacing vibe, despite being an absolute banger of a track. It's hypnotic and immediately grabs your attention, and if you're unfamiliar with the trio of rappers on the song, you're sure to start pulling up their bodies of work. "Fishnets" is one of those songs that just feels cool and makes you need to hear more from all of the artists involved.  DJ Haram says of her latest single: "‘Fishnets’ is for the eclectic bad bitches. The people united will never be defeated." You can listen to "Fishnets" below. Beside Myself is due out July 18 on Hyperdub, and is available for pre-order here . For more on DJ Haram, check out the artist on Instagram and Twitter . Upcoming tour dates a...
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Izzy Heltai - "Father"

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Photo by Joanna Chattman I've been referring to Northampton, MA based Izzy Heltai's music as mainstream modern folk with just enough of a unique spin to keep it appealing to music snobs, too. His latest single, "Father," might be the perfect example of that. It's a quiet, deeply personal song that starts off painfully sparse but ever so slowly builds and builds as it goes on. It walks that line between accessible/mainstream and indie expertly.  You can watch the video for "Father" below. Father , the upcoming debut album from Izzy Heltai, will be out October 9. You can pre-order a copy here . For more on Izzy Heltai, check out the artist's website .
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