Dirt Road Souls - "Next to You"

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Photo courtesy of the band

We tend to love our country mixed with more than a little rock 'n' roll, so Dirt Road Souls are right up our alley. The Boston Americana trio just released a brand new single, "Next to You." This new song is a pure joy to listen to. It's upbeat and cheery, with roots planted firmly in vintage country and rock. This is the perfect song to listen to in a dive bar or an outdoor venue in the summertime, so Dirt Road Souls have perfect timing as we're just about to get our first pretend warm day up here in New England. Everything in "Next to You" sounds twangy except for the guitar, which has an almost punk tuning. This is a great one, and the perfect soundtrack to start your weekend.

Davis Black (guitar and vocals) says of his band's new single:

“It’s about that pure youthful joy and optimism about going to the dirt road kegger knowing she’s going to be there and anything might happen. It’s a country-fried banger that includes a girl and whiskey but no mention of trucks. They are there, it’s just implied!”

You can listen to "Next to You" below. (The Life and Times of) Johnny Moonshine is due out April 3. For more on Dirt Road Souls, check out the band's website. There will be a release party on April 18 at Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain.

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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