Latest Alternative/Rock Posts
[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo (February 2019 Round #3)
Thin Lear – The Guesthouse [TMN PREMIERE]
Following a three-year hiatus, Queens-based songwriter & producer Matt Longo, aka Thin Lear, is back with the first release since his self-titled EP. Today we’re bringing you a first look and listen to that release, titled “The Guesthouse.” If you weren’t already familiar with this up-and-coming artist, this is the perfect introduction to his sound and what you can expect from his upcoming album.
A charming ride throughout, “The Guesthouse” is a tasteful blend of organic percussion, playful guitar work, and a splash of saxophone. All of those elements come together well, serving as the perfect accompaniment to Longo’s enveloping vocals. It’s a combination that left us both wanting to throw this into our regular rotation and anxiously looking forward to the full album.
We reached out to Longo to ask him about the inspiration behind this release. Here’s what he had to say:
When I was recording the track, I wanted the production and arrangement to mirror that anxious, but exhausted feeling. You know, the sax is frenetic, but it’s also sleepy. The beat is a jaunty disco, but it’s also heavy, weighing on the song, keeping it tethered. The vocals are pleading, but resigned. The song is restless, and it’s worn out, and it can’t settle itself down. It’s an engine that won’t shut off.
[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo (February 2019 Round #2)
[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo (February 2019 Round #1)
[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo (January 2019 Round #5)
Stay’
Kita Menari – Pretty Sure [TMN VIDEO PREMIERE]
“Pretty Sure” is the first experience I’ve had with Micha de Jonge’s project Kita Menari. And, I’m pretty sure I’m in for the long haul after one listen through. It’s quite charming, drawing on associations of The 1975 and Passion Pit, yet still maintains a well-defined originality and authenticity.
Today, we’re going one click past the single, bringing you a first look at the accompanying music video. Inspired by Natalie Imbruglia’s video for “Torn” Jonge wanted a similar look and feel, including the crew behind the shoot in the final product.
The end result is organic, entertaining, and the perfect pairing for this enveloping tune. Have a look for yourself.
[Event Preview] BUKU Music + Arts Project – New Orleans – March 22-23
Nestled right in the heart of New Orleans, BUKU Music + Art Project is a wildly unique festival experience. It has the culture of a boutique event, coupled with the organization and production of a large-scale event, topped off with a diverse and eclectic line-up. On top of all of that, it’s in one of the best cities for dining, partying, and history. Unlike other festivals, located in remote forests and deserts across the US, this is one event you can definitely plan a full trip around.
We went down last year for the first time and couldn’t quite find the words for our experience. It’s culturally relevant, musically intriguing, brimming with top-notch art, and has a world of opportunities after the lights go off. It’s unlike anything else out there.
With that being said, it should come as no surprise that we’re heading back down this year. As we’ve seen in years past, the lineup is artfully crafted, boasting a thoughtful collection of all sub genres of dance, a dash of Top 40, some killer hip hop artists, as well as guitar-heavy emo rock, with Mayday Parade and Dashboard Confessional.
If you’re still on the fence, we recommend tuning in to Music Ninja Radio on BFF.FM this Friday from 4-7PM PST. We’ll be dedicating the first half of the show to everything BUKU.