After a 20-year hiatus, Florida-based Velvet Sun returns with their new EP Empire, Inspired by early influences like the Pixies and Blue Öyster Cult, the EP channels nostalgic melodies with a fresh, politically charged perspective. In an interview, Scott Weinkle opens up about his DIY approach to songwriting, the evolution of his musical style, and navigating a transformed music industry. From cosmic guitar tones to introspective lyrics and societal themes, Empire is both a personal and sonic reinvention worth diving into.

Alt-rock duo Gardenia are making big noise with just two people. On their new EP Don’t Look Up, Ryan Zakin and Tamir Malik channel thunderous drums, distorted bass riffs, and sharp, storytelling lyrics that reflect daily occurrences as well as the chaos of the world around them. Produced by Jack Shirley (Gouge Away, Deafheaven), the three-song release pushes their sound to new heights. We spoke with the band about breaking through creative blocks, optimizing studio spaces, stoner rock and underrated records. Check out the our interview to learn “6 Things” about New York’s Gardenia.

Pittsburgh shoegaze band Weird Era makes a bold first impression with their debut EP Shrine. It’s a raw, distortion-laced release fueled by a strong DIY spirit and creative chemistry. Shrine is more than just a sonic experience. It’s a product of close friendships, spontaneous songwriting, and a clear love for their local scene. In our interview, the band opens up about capturing lightning-in-a-bottle moments, embracing vulnerability in lyrics, and why they don’t see their music as a business. Plus, they shout out some of Pittsburgh’s most exciting indie acts.

Imagine yourself walking through an eerie and enchanting world scored by the sounds of 90’s alt-rock. That’s what listening to Faint Illusions, the new EP by Austin grunge band Farmer’s Wife, is like. In our “6 Things W/”feature, the band dives deep into their songwriting process, DIY visual aesthetic, and touches on how skate games, horror films, and sad girl Notes app reflections all collide in their music.

Bandcamp Friday is off for the next couple of months. We compiled a list of recommended albums/EPs you should pick up anyway!

Bandcamp Friday is back this month. See our list of recommended albums/EPs to pick up tomorrow!

On their fifth album Poison, French band CATHEDRALE dive into the nuances of ordinary life, drawing influence from traffic jams, solitude, and the poetry of Baudelaire. The record deepens their post-punk sound while holding onto the garage and power pop energy they are known for. We spoke with frontman Jules Maison about the band’s creative influences, writing habits, music sharing, and his take on guitar pedals.

STIGMATA is a sonic journey of healing, resilience, and self-expression. On their debut album, Seattle’s FEM du lit (Francesca Eluhu of Day Soul Exquisite) crafts a world where R&B, alternative, and electronic textures collide—unraveling the emotional weight of identity, judgment, and survival. We spoke with FEM du lit about the sound of STIGMATA, musical influences, and the power of music as a healing mechanism.

Massachusetts-based songwriter and producer Hazel Adeline is a masterful storyteller, channeling raw emotion and introspection into her music. In a bold move, she released two strikingly different albums—Color of Nothing and ego death & nightmares—just a month apart. One is lush and collaborative, while the other is stripped-down and deeply personal, capturing unfiltered moments of self-reflection. In our conversation, Hazel opens up about her creative process, the power of authenticity in songwriting, and the challenges of being an independent artist.

Miami alternative band Ex Monarch blends 90s grunge with modern rock. Their most recent single “Rotten,” which we featured as one of our faves back in October, the band calls “an honest expression of grief.” 

“We want our music to create a sense of empathy, and a space to expand the conversation and destigmatize topics that are hard to talk about,” says vocalist Amanda Pasler.

In our “6 Things W/Ex Monarch” the band touches on sonic influences, creating a balance on social media, guilty pleasures and more.

all under heaven's debut album What Lies Ahead Of Me, highlights the band’s evolution. The New Jersey band is Nick DeFabritus, Michael Cucci, Aaron Brenner, and Jake Rubin. Their new album blends old and new tracks, showcasing themes of loneliness, growth, and introspection through emotive shoegaze music. With contributions from band members and collaborator Wyatt Oberholzer, the album introduces new elements like synths and electronic drums. The spontaneous creation of "Believing," influenced by "Just Like Heaven," adds an energetic touch. The shift towards a more collaborative recording process revitalized their approach, leading to a renewed creative spirit. Read our interview with Nick DeFabritus and Michael Cucci in which we discuss collaboration, X-files, and making magic in the studio.

New York indie artist Speedrun, also known as Nina Lüders, found solace and expression in music during the COVID lockdown. Her debut EP "Love’s Latest News," influenced by early to mid-aughts indie rock, explores various facets of love and draws inspiration from French poet Jean-Michel Maulpoix. In our Q&A with Speedrun, we talk about her DIY journey, evolving the project into a multi-dimensional creative endeavor, balancing social media and mental health, and more.

New York indie Jade. debuted their album Autumn Electric last year. The band, fronted by William States Langham, formed after Langham turned to music for solace. Drawing on influences like Tame Impala and The Smashing Pumpkins, the album melds crunchy distortion with introspective lyrics. Read our Q&A with Langham where we discuss new music, live shows and nostalgia.

Chicago-based trio daarling has emerged onto the music scene with their debut album, "The Deep Within." Recorded in the basement of their old practice space with CJ Melton, the album showcases a mix of alt-rock and shoegaze, tinged with elements of noise and grunge. Tracks like "Metamorphosis" and "Out of Greed" offer introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, highlighting daarling's ability to craft emotive and compelling music. As they embark on a spring tour to promote their album, daarling promises to continue pushing creative boundaries while staying true to their evocative sound. Read our Q&A with the band.

London artist ELI released her debut EP Full Form late last year. The EP showcases her songwriting and production mastery across genres like soul, trip-hop, and electronic. The four-song project explores themes of frustration, doubt, and alienation, creating an elaborate sonic landscape that mirrors its lyrical content. ELI, influenced by diverse musical genres, discusses her musical journey, genre-bending aspirations, and the evolution of her sound in our Q&A.

Austin noise pop band DAIISTAR experienced a sudden rise with their debut album GOOD TIME. The album, conceptualized by vocalist/guitarist Alex Capistran, was released by London indie Fuzz Club Records. In our interview, Capistran highlights the collaborative process with the band and producer Alex Maas. We talk about process, performance, the band’s ambition, and more.

Photo Credit: Janelle Abad

This year we compiled a list of our favorite releases from 2023. Our picks for best songs include poetic hip-hop from LPTHERAPPER and psychedelic rock from Holy Wave. Check out our full list!

This year we compiled a list of our favorite releases from 2023. Our EP picks include post-punk/industrial duo Polevaulter and London indie rock act Peter Xan. Check out our full list!

This year we compiled a list of our favorite releases from 2023. Our pick include shoegaze sounds of DAIISTAR to the bewitching rhythms of Karen y Los Remedios. Check out our full list!

Houston’s La Prave is releasing their debut EP. The post-genre band creates music that pulls from various sounds, from new wave, grunge, pop, and electronic. In our Q&A with the duo, we talk about parallels between different creative outlets, the freedom stemming from being self-taught, the double-edged sword that is social media, and more.