MusicFreaks

Tag: Music

  • Fiddlehead announce new EP ‘Baby I’ll Change,’ share title track

    Fiddlehead is hitting the road with a fresh wave of sound, dropping their brand new three-song EP Baby I’ll Change this Friday (June 26) via Run for Cover. This release follows their acclaimed album Death is Nothing To Us and marks a deeply personal chapter in the band’s creative journey.

    The genesis of this new material was rooted in a moment of shared vulnerability. The songs were developed with producer Alex Farrar and guitarist Alex Henery following a difficult time for vocalist Patrick Flynn, who experienced the death of his mother in 2024. As one member put it, they sought solace and creative expression together during that period. “We went to Pat’s house just to support him in a dark time and then we ended up writing music,” Henery shared, noting how this spontaneous collaboration freed them up to experiment with their sound.

    For Fiddlehead, making music has always been less about chasing career goals and more about pure artistic necessity. Flynn emphasizes that they approach every record with the notion that it might be the last thing they ever create, positioning their work as a deeply personal and unhurried endeavor.

    The EP’s opening track is a majestic, impassioned anthem that immediately sets an emotional tone for the project.

    Building on this powerful new release, Fiddlehead is kicking off a dynamic tour across Europe and North America. The journey features a diverse lineup of collaborators and partners, including Narrow Head, The Sissy Boys, Elliott, Self Defense Family, Pity Sex, Knumears, Destiny Bond, Febuary, Purest Form, and Posición Unida. The tour brings their unique sound to new audiences across the continent and the Americas.

    In North America, the momentum continues with shows scheduled next month, kicking off a major run featuring artists like Turnstile, providing an exciting platform for Fiddlehead’s music. The band is also set to open a show for Turnstile, adding another layer of energy and anticipation to their upcoming performances.

    Fans can look forward to experiencing the full depth of the new material, including tracks like The Dogs, Porchlight, and the title track, Baby I’ll Change, as Fiddlehead continues their journey into new musical territory.

    The tour dates span from June through September 2026, offering a concentrated opportunity for audiences to connect with this heartfelt new EP on the road.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • The Tubs announce new album and North American tour, share “Who’s Gonna Love You Now?”

    The Tubs Unleash New Sound with Hard Life

    Get ready to dive into some deeply felt, soulful pop. The band The Tubs have just announced their latest offering, the album Hard Life, set to drop on September 11 via Merge. This new project marks a significant step for the group, featuring contributions from longtime collaborators and former bandmates, including Lan McArdle on vocals, George Nicholls on guitar, and Rachel Kenedy on keyboards.

    The inaugural single, “Who’s Gonna Love You Now?”, immediately sets a tone of thoughtful introspection. It’s an earworm steeped in self-doubt, perfectly capturing the group’s knack for delivering emotionally resonant lyrics. Owen Williams, the singer and guitarist, describes the track as a blend of sounds, noting it’s a kind of Northern Soul, Royal Headache influenced pop number rich with organ textures.

    Lyrically, the song explores themes of anti-sexual freedom and pro-monogamy. The lyrics from Williams’ scold persona sermonize that the other “Owen” risks loneliness by pursuing fleeting, uncommitted relationships, suggesting that true contentment lies elsewhere rather than in chasing an elusive ‘grass is greener’ approach to life.

    The album Hard Life offers a full journey through these complex emotional landscapes. The tracklist features ten tracks, including “Hard Life,” “If You Don’t Love Me,” and the poignant “Heaven or London.” It provides listeners with a complete picture of the band’s mature sound.

    As anticipation builds for the release, The Tubs are gearing up for a major North American run this fall. Their tour schedule is strategically bookended by major stops in the New York City area, promising an immersive experience for fans eager to connect with their music live.

    Fans can catch the band live at Tubby’s Kingston on October 15 and Le Poisson Rouge on November 11. Tickets for all dates are going on sale Friday, June 26 at 10 AM local time. The full schedule includes stops across the continent, including shows in Toronto, Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles, making this a must-see event for music lovers across North America.

    The journey into Hard Life is more than just new music; it’s an invitation to explore deep emotional truths wrapped in a wonderfully soulful package. Prepare to experience the depth of The Tubs as they bring their sound and stories to a live audience this autumn.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Album Of The Week: Tasha You Are Spring!

    I found myself lost in a landscape of pure, unadulterated beauty this May. It was a journey where the rhythm of the earth provided the soundtrack, and the visual feast was undeniable.

    I spent the month exploring a sprawling state park, letting my footsteps guide me along dirt paths that wound through billowing meadows. The air hung heavy with the scent of wild growth, and the trails led me through woods rich with life, offering an immersive experience punctuated by the buzz of insects—a reminder that you are truly alive in nature.

    The reward for these long, sun-drenched walks was a stunning vista: a stretch of beach, glittering just two miles from the parking lot. It felt like discovering a secret haven, a glittering destination earned after the exertion of the journey.

    This sense of astonishing yet humble beauty provided the perfect backdrop for a deeper experience—the auditory landscape created by Tasha’s new album, You Are Spring!.

    When I let the gentle, sunlit songs wash over me, the memory of those walks instantly resurfaced. The music acted as an anchor, pulling me back to those moments amidst the blue skies, subtle breezes, and quiet revelations found only in the wild.

    It is this fusion—the raw experience of nature meeting the melodic serenity of new music—that truly defines a perfect escape. It reminds us that the greatest treasures are often found when we pause long enough to simply breathe and listen.

    Buy on Amazon

    Credit: Stereogum

  • Julia Holter Announces New Album ‘Materia’

    Prepare your playlists, music lovers, because the acclaimed songwriter Julia Holter is gearing up for a new creative adventure. On August 21st, she will be releasing her highly anticipated album, Materia.

    This upcoming release isn’t just another body of work; it is framed as a companion piece to her earlier, critically acclaimed album, Something In The Room She Moves. Fans who were captivated by the powerful and striking sound of the first record can expect an evolution of that same emotional intensity.

    The connection between the two albums suggests a deep exploration of Holter’s musical voice. While the first project set a high bar with its distinctive sound, Materia promises to delve deeper into her artistic vision, offering fresh perspectives and new material crafted through collaboration with her band.

    The concept of Materia positions itself as a sequel, building upon the foundation established by her previous work. It’s an invitation to explore new sonic landscapes while retaining the signature depth that defines Julia Holter’s music. Mark your calendars for August 21st and get ready for what promises to be an engaging journey into the world of Materia.

    Credit: Clash Magazine

  • Brandon Flowers Turns Rootsy On Solo LP

    photo: Chris Phelps

    Brandon Flowers is ready to trade the neon glow of Las Vegas for the warm embrace of Americana, announcing the release of his first solo album in over a decade, THRASHER. This new project isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s an intimate journey that pulls Flowers deep into the heart of American tradition, delivering what he describes as some of his most personal and vulnerable material yet.

    The sonic landscape of THRASHER is steeped in the country-western sounds that have long informed Flowers’ life story. While his public persona has often been defined by arena rock grandeur, this album steps back to explore the heritage that shaped him, tracing a path from his adolescence in Nephi, Utah, where he absorbed post-punk influences alongside the sounds of Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings.

    This deep connection to the American landscape informed every note recorded. The sessions were held in Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, providing an authentic backdrop for Flowers to weave tales rooted in family and history. He brought together an impressive group of Nashville heavyweights to help craft this earthy sound, including guitarist David Rawlings, pedal steel master Bruce Bouton, and the legendary harmonica player Charlie McCoy, whose unmistakable voice echoes through Bob Dylan’s Nashville albums.

    The album is a tapestry woven from real-life narratives. Tracks like “Plans” prompt contemplation on cosmic luck, while “One Of Us” honors a lost family member, and “Miss America” explores the complicated memories of childhood milestones. Other songs delve into the bittersweet realities of life in Vegas casino environments with wry humor, as heard in “Paradise.”

    The thematic range is expansive, moving seamlessly between rural landscapes and glittering city dreams. Tracks like “Red Ground” introduce mariachi flourishes, while “Tiger’s Blood” blends the album’s raw textures with Flowers’ signature arena-rock energy. The sprawling closing track, “An American Dream,” serves as a surreal meditation on memory, family, and fleeting moments of eternity.

    The first taste of this journey arrives on June 26th with the single “Plans.”

    Credit: Spin

  • Jim James Announces New Album Wowed Out: Hear “Come Again”

    Musician Jim James, the frontman of My Morning Jacket, is currently navigating a whirlwind schedule of performance and tribute, but a significant creative shift is just on the horizon.

    In the immediate future, James will be taking center stage for a unique musical celebration. He is set to participate in a three-day event at the Hollywood Bowl, joining others in honoring the works of director Wes Anderson with a special performance. This musical salute runs from July 10th to 12th and features a stellar lineup, including Bill Murray, Beck, Jackson Browne, and Spoon’s Britt Daniel.

    While these engagements keep James busy, allowing him to connect with an eclectic group of artists, it has meant delaying his own solo artistic project. Now, the time for that solo work is finally arriving.

    Jim James is preparing to release a brand-new album, Wowed Out”>Wowed Out, which features the track “Come Again.” This new release marks a welcome return to solo music for the frontman, offering fans a fresh perspective from James’s creative world.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • James Brandon Lewis Is Here To Testify

    James Brandon Lewis embodies the restless energy of an artist constantly seeking new horizons. While he carries an air of youthful wisdom, his journey is defined by continuous exploration—a winding path that has taken him from the heart of Buffalo, New York, to the vibrant, unpredictable landscapes of international art and music.

    Born into a lineage connected to ministry, Lewis’s early life was rooted in Buffalo before he pursued higher education at Howard University. This foundation provided the groundwork for a life spent navigating diverse cultural waters.

    His artistic curiosity soon led him away from traditional paths. After graduating in 2006, Lewis traded the familiar setting for Colorado, immersing himself in the world of gospel music and cultivating a unique perspective on sound.

    The next major pivot came when he began studying at CalArts in 2010. This was more than just an academic pursuit; it was an apprenticeship in avant-garde expression, where he studied alongside titans of contemporary music, including Wadada Leo Smith and Charlie Haden. During this period of intense creative development, Lewis released his independent album, Moments.

    The journey didn’t pause there. Seeking deeper sonic connections, Lewis moved to New York City, where he further honed his craft by collaborating with some of the most influential figures in modern improvisation and composition. He worked alongside artists such as Matthew Shipp, William Parker, and Gerald Cleaver.

    This intensive collaboration resulted in another notable release, Divine Travels, in 2014. Lewis’s career is not defined by staying put; rather, it is a testament to an ongoing commitment to movement, constantly chasing the next creative frontier wherever it may lead him.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • The Maccabees Seem To Be Working On New Material

    The Maccabees: Reigniting the Flames of Reunion

    The buzz surrounding The Maccabees is building, suggesting that this celebrated band is not just reminiscing about their past glories but actively forging a vibrant new chapter. Following a much-anticipated reunion last summer, the group has been busy reconnecting with audiences and engaging in fresh musical exploration.

    Their return to the stage was marked by some memorable performances. They kicked off the renewed excitement by playing a humble charity show at North London’s Boston Arms, setting a warm tone for their journey back to full-scale performance.

    This initial reunion phase quickly escalated into major headline appearances. The reunited group took center stage at All Points East in Victoria Park, showcasing the enduring power of their sound to a large audience.

    The energy from these events clearly signals more than just nostalgia; it points toward creative momentum. This summer, the reunited Maccabees are on the move, taking their renewed energy outdoors and playing a number of outdoor shows across the region.

    Buy on Amazon

    Credit: Clash Magazine

  • Nectar Woode Shares Potent New Single ‘Roses In The Dark’

    Nectar Woode Brightens the Scene with New Music and Iconic Collaborations

    The musical landscape is buzzing with fresh talent, and none more so than Milton Keynes riser Nectar Woode. The songwriter has been in high demand lately, delivering a series of compelling tracks and cementing his place as an exciting voice in contemporary music.

    Recently, Nectar Woode shared a potent new single, ‘Roses In The Dark’, which is already catching attention for its emotive sound. This release signals a period of intense creative activity, as the artist has been deeply engaged with the music scene.

    Beyond studio work, Woode has been keeping the momentum going through a busy schedule packed with potent live shows. These performances have allowed him to connect directly with audiences and showcase the raw energy behind his songwriting.

    Adding further sparkle to his recent endeavors is an exciting collaboration with the legendary Sir Elton John. This high-profile partnership underscores Woode’s growing reputation and bridges the gap between emerging talent and established musical icons.

    As the creative momentum continues, Nectar Woode is also preparing a major release. His new mixtape, ‘Naturally’, is set to hit streaming platforms this Friday, June 26th. Fans can look forward to a collection that truly captures the youthful talent speaking from his unique perspective.

    Credit: Clash Magazine

  • Nana Osei Twum Barima Takes Us on a ‘Journey to the Unknown’

    In the world of music, there are artists whose work doesn’t just enter your ears—it settles in your soul. Nana Osei Twum Barima is one of them, delivering an auditory experience defined by profound, understated beauty.

    There is a wonderfully guileless quality to the softness of his voice that sets his music apart. It is a sound that doesn’t demand attention; rather, it invites you to lean in and discover something deep and honest within the melody.

    The steady rhythm and warmth embedded in his delivery create an atmosphere that is both incredibly touching and deeply lovable. It is this unique blend of sincerity and exquisite musicality that elevates his albums beyond mere recordings, transforming them into evocative journeys.

    Listening to Nana Osei Twum Barima is an exercise in finding tranquility. His artistry speaks volumes through quiet tones, offering a soothing presence that resonates long after the music fades. It is a testament to the power of genuine expression and gentle storytelling.

    Credit: PopMatters