Sophia Yau-Weeks - "Nobody's Laughing"

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Photo by Cortney Morentin

Oakland's Sophia Yau-Weeks is set to release her debut album, and has an excellent new single from is/ "Nobody's Laughing" is a folk-inflected singer-songwriter track that exists in the worlds of indie rock and pop. Two of her inspirations and Big Thief and Nick Drake, and both are present in this single. It's beautiful, but in a sad and haunting way. There is still an interesting positivity in the song, particularly in Yau-Weeks' voice. It's a soft song that hits just as hard as the heaviest music you listen to. "Nobody's Laughing" is an engaging song that's going to require repeat listens, which you won't be able to resist. (Not that you'd want to...)

Sophia Yau-Weeks says of her latest single:

"I wrote the song over the course of two days -- my 26th birthday, and the day following. I was reckoning with the social isolation I was experiencing as an immunocompromised person and also pondering questions of who am I when I’m alone, who am I when I am forgotten, who am I when my self-concept is separated from how others perceive me? It was the first birthday I spent without friends to celebrate with, and songwriting was the best way for me to process a changing life and changing body.”

You can watch the video for "Nobody's Laughing" below. Misty Mountain is due out April 3 on Lavasocks Records, and is available for pre-order through Bandcamp. For more on Sophia Yau-Weeks, check out the artist's website.

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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