Kerrin Connolly - "Flowers Pt. 1"

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Photo by Jenna Connolly

It's kind of a cliche of mine to say that an artist makes pop music that will appeal to indie rock snobs, but that has never resonated as strong as it does it Kerrin Connolly. The Boston based musician has a new single out that is unquestionably pop, but has a strong indie rock sensibility to it. "Flowers Pt. 1" is a truly great song. It starts off in the singer-songwriter realm before the pop hooks and melodies kick in. It might be the use of guitars that helps the song appeal to fans more interested in rock based music, plus Connolly has an unmistakable blues side to their vocals. As music continues to move away from strict genres, "Flowers Pt. 1" is going to suck in true music fans, regardless of what genre they typically lean towards. 

Kerrin Connolly says of their latest single:

"There’s also something to be said about just not believing that you’ve done something good, so when people compliment you on it, you can only perceive it as pity. 'Flowers Pt. 1' is mostly about not being able to take a compliment, or not being able to believe in your own accomplishments."

You can watch the lyric video for "Flowers Pt. 1" below. Simpleton is due out February 20, and is available for pre-order through Bandcamp. For more on Kerrin Connolly, check out the artist on Instagram. They'll be playing an album release show on February 21 at The Burren in Somerville, MA.

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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