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.

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.

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

New York shoegaze/dream pop project Dead Leaf Echo share the new remix of “Rings” by The Veldt. Listen to the haunting new version now.

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.

There is no Bandcamp Friday this month. See some of our favorite recent releases that you should consider picking up anyway.

Italy’s Flame Parade made their U.S. debut at New Colossus Festival last month. Their diverse musical backgrounds, ranging from classical training to emo bands, fuels their sonic experimentation. We spoke with Flame Parade about music’s power to connect, their songwriting process, and the energy of live performance.

French neo-psych/shoegaze band You Said Strange has been making waves for over a decade, blending dreamy atmospheres with raw energy. Fresh off multiple sets at this year’s New Colossus Festival, we caught up with them to talk songwriting, influences, and standout performances.

Mahogany blends genres including classical, shoegaze & post-punk into their signature “hypercube” style. Their approach to live performance was on full display at The New Colossus Festival’s Shoegaze Party. Read our exchange where they talk songwriting, gear and Kraftwerk.

Savannah-based smalltalk describes their sound as “griddy gaze.” Their set during the annual The New Colossus Shoegaze Day Party, hosted at Arlene’s Grocery, was a captivating experience that left us wanting more. We spoke with the band about staying up late, British ‘80s rock, collaborations and more.

Bandcamp Friday is back! See some of our favorite recent releases that you should consider picking up today.

Today is Bandcamp Friday and it’s the last one of the year!

Sacramento-based art punk band Blous3 has released their third album Synchronized Swimming, showcasing their evolving sound and songwriting. The album features a mix of noise, distortion, and experimental elements. In our Q&A, the band discussed their creative growth, collaborative writing process, working with Cherub Dream Records, and shoutout their favorite Sacramento bands.

Bordeaux shoegaze band Cosmopaark has released their latest EP, Backyard, which features five tracks that blend classic shoegaze with modern noise pop. The EP was recorded in a studio, allowing the band to experiment with new production techniques. Backyard explores themes of resilience and introspection while showcasing their evolving sound. With a limited-edition release that quickly sold out, Cosmopaark's creative journey continues to captivate fans. Read our interview with vocalist Clément Pelofy.

The Noir Dalis is a Los Angeles-based duo featuring vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Carlos Bojorquez and drummer Linda Ventura. The pair is known for their collaborative songwriting, blending influences from psychedelic, garage, and post-punk. Their debut single, "Strawberry Jones," was recorded at Joshua Tree Studios with producer Tommy Dietrick and Jared Artaud (The Vacant Lots). Their self-titled debut album was released earlier this year, followed by additional singles, including the new 7” Rise. In "6 Things W/The Noir Dalis," they share insights about their favorite gear, creative exercises and more.

Bandcamp Friday is on a break until December. We rounded up a list of October releases any way.

Phantom Handshakes explores themes of twilight and emotional depth in their latest album Sirens at Golden Hour. The dream pop duo is Matt Sklar and Federica Tassano. They perform live as a 5-piece alongside Meghan Seeberg, Matt Billington, and Brian Alvarez. Sonically, the release expands on their lo-fi soundscapes, while they touch on themes of hope, despair and the climate crisis. We connected with the pair to discuss instinctual songwriting, measuring success and more.

Pittsburgh post-punk band Valleyview recently released their debut album Still Life. The band, consisting of Jesse Farine, Jared Anderson, Ben Volk, and Ethan Herring, draws inspiration from both contemporary and classic post-punk acts, including Protomartyr and Joy Division.

In our "6 Things W/Valleyview" Farine talks the band's evolving guitar sound, stepping away from music to defeat writer's block, their approach to visual work and the importance of supporting others in the independent music scene.

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.