If It's Too Loud...

This Water Is Life is a split EP series that is designed to highlight indie artists from North Carolina, as well as providing a platform for Cape Fear River Watch and Coastal Plain Survival Group. The fifth volume was released yesterday (Earth Day) and features five songs from hip hop artist MoeSOS DC and indie rocker Tracy Shedd. Personally, I love genre hopping releases like this, with MoeSOS DC's tracks showing off his style which brings the golden age of hip hop into the modern era and Tracy Shedd's music which combines classic, vintage indie rock with a more modern style. MoeSS DC has a killer, laid back style which is perfect as we start to edge into the warmer months, and Tracy Shedd is a little more boisterous but still fairly chill. If you went through your younger years equally obsessed with hip hop and indie rock, you're going to love this release. You can listen to This Water Is Life, Vol. V below. The EP is out now on Fort Lowell Records, and is available via B...

Photo by John Ciambriello Wilmington, NC's Tracy Shedd has been releasing music since 1999, had her music appear on  Dawson's Creek and One Tree Hill , and has played with artists ranging from Cyndi Lauper to The Magnetic Fields. Her latest single, "Let It Ride," is this interesting mixture of indie rock, folk, and surf rock. It has a distinct summertime vibe to it, so it's perfect for squeezing out the last couple of weeks of summer. It's a dreamy and somewhat hypnotic sunny single that has just a little bit of a dark edge to it. "Let It Ride" has a slight groove that is going to suck you in and make you need to move, even if just a little. You can listen to "Let It Ride" below. The single is available now via Fort Lowell Records. For more on Tracy Shedd, check out the artist's website . Let It Ride by Tracy Shedd

A fairly busy release week: Artist : Tracy Shedd Album : The Carolinas Quick Description : Dreamy, fuzzy indie pop. Why You Should Listen : Tracy Shedd has a unique voice and presentation overall. Overall Thoughts : I don't know why this caught me so well this week. Maybe it's because of the summery feel to go along with the 80-plus degree weather this past weekend, maybe it's because I was looking for something that felt brighter and more optimistic on the surface? Either way, this was a superlative listen this week and one you would probably enjoy in any week. Recommendation : A definite highlight this week. Artist : Fitz and the Tantrums Album : All the Feels Quick Description : Mainstream dance/soul rock group back for more. Why You Should Listen : If their popular success got you off the bandwagon, this is a good opportunity to get back on board. Overall Thoughts : I haven't stopped being a fan of Fitz, but I can understand why songs like "Han...

Despite having twenty years of indie rock behind her, Tracy Shedd has escaped my knowledge until now. It's especially surprising because she had Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth) playing drums for her last tour. She's also had music featured on shows like Dawson's Creek and One Tree Hill , while playing shows with artists as diverse as Cyndi Lauper, Cat Lower, and The Magnetic Fields. She's about to release a new album, and her new song, "Kissing and Romancing," hits right in my sweet spot. It's a noisy, lo-fi affair with swirling guitars aplenty, but it's also a great and engaging pop song. It's exceptionally rare to find a song that so perfectly melds those two disparate genres, but Shedd does it perfectly with "Kissing and Romancing."  You can watch the video for "Kissing and Romancing" below. Tracy Shedd's new album, The Carolinas , will be out digitally September 20 on Fort Lowell Records. You can pre-order the album over...