She’s young, talented, and not afraid to branch out. Maude Latour has been making music she could vibe to since high school, starting out with a passion to create and a piano she bought herself. Having moved around a lot growing up, she cites music as a place where she felt at home and understood. After releasing a short project of bedroom pop songs in 2018 and receiving more support than she expected, Latour decided to pursue music as a side gig during her freshman year at Columbia University. Her studies of philosophy and political science are subjects already evident in the last couple of singles she’s released. In “Plans,” Latour not only showcases her abilities in sonic complexity but also in sonic beauty. This song fits perfectly with her idea of being understood through music—those moments of realness that bring about a connection. By means of synth and lyric, she is able to interweave her interests with her own life experiences to create a realness that is magnetic. On the record, Latour said that she’s realized the track is more about her own experience—how she loves and what that means to her. An inner look at her new love affair and how it’s changed her, something every listener can relate to despite the subjective nature of her experience. In terms of production, Latour is not afraid to play around with varying tones and cadence, leaving the listener in awe with the vibe that flows on by. “Plans” is an infectious, heart-baring song that will help you take on this summer. Photo Credit: Lola Lafia

The newest single by Friendship Park, "Growing Boy" is a wonderfully enchanting departure from the sound of their self-titled 2016 EP. Where the duo once relied on vocal effects to blend with their dancy synth-pop, the authentic vocals and plucky strings immediately brings you into this picturesque folk track. Though they’ve switched up their sound, the two have lost none of their charm and this single immediately has you wanting to grab a partner and go dancing around the room in pure exuberance. You would think that a song about convincing someone to stay with you because of the pure potential would be sadder, but they’ve turned that trope upside down and created a song worthy of a Zooey Deschanel indie rom-com. With a debut LP on the horizon, “Growing Boy” gives listeners a tantalizing taste of what is to come.

Portland singer-songwriter Matt Dorrien takes us back to the days of crooners singing in dimly lit nightclubs with his new single "Baby I'm So Lost". With a jazz-infused piano playing, muted horns and a soft confessional voice, Matt tells us how without his lover he's "moping the hours away." The beauty of this song is seen in the mixing of a universal feeling with a classic sound in a world that hasn't shown much appreciation for this style in recent times. "Baby I'm So Lost" shows us that these songs are more than just backing tracks in the montage scenes of our favorite rom-coms, they're living and breathing works of art by themselves. So if you're already starting to feel the "I'm single on Valentine's Day blues," just trust that Matt Dorrien gets it. 

Jersey native indie-pop singer Sidney Gish put out a quirky and expressive new album in December displaying her killer musicianship and crafty songwriting. "Where the Sidewalk Ends" takes us back the days of Juno and The Moldy Peaches. While happy-go-lucky and euphoric, “Where the Sidewalk Ends” has some attitude to it which is probably one of the reasons why we love it so much. Make sure to check out the entirety of No Dogs Allowed on all music platforms.

If you're a fan of Daughter you definitely need to check out UK singer-songwriter Fenne Lily. At just 21 years old, she has self-released a collection of gorgeous songs on Spotify that gained her a ton of fans and millions of plays. Her latest release "For A While" features mellow guitar tones tangled with her whisper-like voice and lonesome lyrics making it a perfect go-to for the days when you're missing someone or somewhere. Look out for her debut album due this year!

Early on in the music video for “Beige,” a faceless stagehand rips Adrian Galvin’s (aka Yoke Lore) banjo from his hands. Shy Girls’ “Beige” remix jettisons the banjo from the song entirely. Whereas the original version lingers in ballad-zone until the one-minute mark, this remix (the single off a six-song Goodpain Remix EP) pumps and climbs from the gun.

In true fashion, The Oh Hellos' new single is one that you’ll want to have on repeat for a while. But while this song falls in line with their typical repetoire of great music, it’s also a new kind of song for them. This anthem urges its listeners to choose growth over stagnancy, bravery over fear and resistance over complacency, but in a different way than most songs. The message in this song makes it a new kind of anthem, one that focuses on the need for inaction instead of action. “If you let it alone it will surely grow.” This song is a passionate call to be still and a recognition of how much strength that actually requires. 

Sjowgren, the band whose Scandinavian-esque name and music belies its Bay Area origins, has an enigmatic and insular online presence. Since releasing Demos in 2015, the band’s members remain anonymous. Likely, the sleight of hand means to plop your ears and attention fully into the music. So let’s get to it: rhythmically throbbing and vocally delicate, “Stubborn Forces” struts evolving production choices, but reinforces the simple fact that this band exudes incredibly tender pop refrains.

Swedish indie pop band, Holy Now, ushered in the year with new single “Feel It All." With a sense of nostalgic euphoria, this song is a joyful plea for ease and mindfulness. Keep an eye out for their new album coming out later this year!

Singer-songwriter Helena Deland from Montreal creates sweet, sweet melodies. “There Are a Thousand” is just one of them, her latest since her 2016 EP, Drawing Room. Deland’s voice is light and airy, reminiscent of hazy day dreams. She brings this easygoing attitude to “There Are a Thousand,” giving serenity to any overcast day.

Stef Chura’s debut album Messes was arguably the greatest hidden gem of 2017, and we are so excited for it to resurface this February via Saddle Creek. "Speeding Ticket" shows off Chura's 90s-alternative influences which are not only heard in this song but all over her debut album. There’s no doubt that you should have your eye on this Michigan native indie rocker in the coming months.