Winston Orz – Red Wine
Winston Orz released the single “Red Wine” in 2026, debuting on Bandcamp and promoted via Instagram. The track blends 1960s cinematic pop with a modern spaghetti‑western vibe, diverging from the grunge comparison the reviewer initially imagined. Critics describe the song as a widescreen, emotionally charged soundtrack suited for heroic scenes. The release marks the artist’s continued push into niche streaming channels and visual‑driven branding.
Cindy
Cindy’s sophomore album "Another Country" arrives as a dreamy, lo‑fi continuation of the band’s evolving indie‑pop sound. Building on the lineup solidified during the recent Swan Lake EP, the record leans into folk‑soul textures while preserving the tape‑hiss aesthetic that...
How the Vinyl Revival Fills the Gaps Streaming Left Behind
Vinyl sales have rebounded for 19 straight years, reaching $2.1 billion in 2025 and projected to hit $3.6 billion by 2034. In the United States, revenue surpassed $1 billion last year, driven largely by Gen Z seeking tactile, algorithm‑free listening experiences. Internationally, records serve...
Modern Holiday Share Beware the Robots
Brooklyn‑based band Modern Holiday is releasing its self‑titled debut album on May 14, featuring the AI‑themed single “Beware the Robots.” The track pairs power‑pop production—snappy drums, warm guitars, and sharp vocal delivery—with a cautionary message about artificial intelligence’s growing influence. By...
What Is the Reason BTS Still Sits Atop Their Media Throne?
South Korean supergroup BTS returned after a two‑year hiatus with their first full‑length album, ARIRANG, delivering 739.1 million on‑demand audio streams in its debut week—the largest first‑week total of 2026. The comeback was amplified by a free concert in Seoul streamed...
Track-by-Track: Rua Rí on His Excellent Irish Folk Debut Album Tell Your Mother I Saved Your Life
Irish folk singer‑songwriter Seán Damery, performing as Rua Rí, released his debut album Tell Your Mother I Saved Your Life on Soft Boy Records. Produced by Kean Kavanagh, the record draws on his hometown of Cobh, Cork, and blends traditional storytelling...
Spencer Cullum :: The Aquarium Drunkard Interview
British‑born pedal steel guitarist Spencer Cullum, now based in Nashville, has turned his Coin Collection album series into a multi‑textural exploration of personal identity and the planet’s deteriorating climate. The first installment arrived in 2021, enlisting a rotating cast of...
"If Willie Clancy Festival and All Together Now Had a Baby" - New Festival Kicks Off in West Cork This...
The inaugural Anam Cara Arts festival launches in West Cork over the May Bank Holiday weekend, offering an invite‑only experience for roughly 300 guests. Organized as a non‑profit arts collective, attendees pay a fee that is reinvested into future editions...
Angel in Plainclothes
Angelo De Augustine’s new album *Angel in Plainclothes* dropped on May 1, 2026 via Asthmatic Kitty, earning an 8/10 rating from Under the Radar. The record showcases his signature intimate, confessional songwriting while expanding his sonic palette with Beatles‑esque strings and lush...
Famed NY Bassist, 67
Renowned jazz bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa, longtime collaborator with pianist Kenny Barron, died unexpectedly at 67. Born in Osaka, Kitagawa moved to the United States in 1988 and became a fixture of New York’s jazz scene. He performed and recorded with...
How Francophone Afropop Became A Diasporic Force
Francophone Afropop, a hybrid of Congolese rumba, Caribbean zouk and Western pop, has moved from a niche diaspora scene to a dominant force on French charts over the past two decades. Digital platforms like TikTok have amplified early hits such...
Tracks of the Week: Opus Kink, Greg Mendez, Cusk, Knitting, Real Farmer
Indie‑focused site Indie Is Not a Genre highlighted five new releases that illustrate the scene’s growing diversity. Opus Kink’s sprawling, horn‑laden single “The Head Tree” pushes experimental boundaries, while Greg Mendez’s stripped‑back “No Evil” leans into alt‑country melancholy. Debut act...
Imber – Sunshine
British trio Imber released their new single "Sunshine," delivering a bright, groove‑laden indie track that feels like summer. Critics praised the song’s blend of melodic indie rock with a dance‑floor‑ready rhythm, noting its potential for radio play. The release arrives...
Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas...
The Academy of Country Music announced an expanded performance roster for its 61st ceremony, adding eleven artists such as Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, and newcomer Avery Anna. The awards will be streamed live on Prime Video, reaching over 240 countries and...
Sorcha Richardson Returns with Contemplative New Single “Grenadine”
Sorcha Richardson returns with “Grenadine,” her first single since the chart‑topping sophomore album Smiling Like an Idiot. Written in West Kerry and produced by Belfast’s Chris Ryan, the track blends warm guitars with atmospheric Hammond organ. The release follows over...
A Queer Fledermaus? Vienna Hooks a Eurovision Winner
The Vienna Volksoper is launching a Pride edition of Johann Strauss II’s operetta Die Fledermaus, featuring Tom Neuwirth—better known as Eurovision‑winning drag star Conchita Wurst—in the comic role of Frosch. Director Lotte de Beer says the casting underscores a commitment to questioning gender...
Nils Landgren, Esbjörn Svensson – ‘Swedish Folk Modern’
ACT’s Past is Present series is issuing a newly remastered vinyl of the 1997 duo album ‘Swedish Folk Modern’, recorded by trombonist Nils Landgren and pianist Esbjörn Svensson. The limited‑edition LP revisits eleven traditional Swedish folk melodies plus two originals, highlighting the pair’s sparse,...
Interview: Houses We Die In
Texas metalcore outfit Houses We Die In released their latest EP, "A Brief Glimpse of Solace," in May 2026, showcasing a more melodic yet still aggressive sound. The band’s three‑guitar configuration and collaborations with local artist Lauren Hua give the...
Five Gigs in May 2026 – a Personal Selection
Evie Hill curates five standout UK jazz concerts for May 2026, ranging from Julian Lage’s Grammy‑nominated performance at London’s Royal Festival Hall to Poppy Helmer’s emerging‑artist set at the Vortex Jazz Club. The lineup showcases a mix of established names—Lage,...
Joey Jaey Is All About Honesty On “Follow You”
Canadian‑Nigerian singer‑songwriter Joey Jaey releases “Follow You,” a single that fuses Afropop and amapiano while delivering an unguarded love confession. The track features a bilingual Igbo refrain and a guest verse from Lagos artist Meyar Oti, creating a seamless cross‑border...
"Joan Baez Was the Thunder of Bob Dylan’s Rolling Revue"
A 1976 Daily Herald piece revisits Joan Baez’s commanding presence in Bob Dylan’s rolling revue, emphasizing her role as the tour’s vocal thunder. The article spotlights a Hattiesburg, Mississippi concert where Dylan debuted “You’re a Big Girl Now,” a song...
Johannes Bauer, Michael Griener, Olaf Rupp - Aufsturz (scatterArchive, 2026)
A 2007 live performance by trombonist Johannes Bauer, drummer Michael Griener and guitarist Olaf Rupp at Berlin’s Aufsturz Club has been officially released in 2026 on scatterArchive’s Bandcamp. The original stereo tape, recorded as a demo for promoters, contained technical...
Bob Infinite – “Flying Across Water”
Bob Infinite, a New York‑based indie musician, dropped the single “Flying Across Water” on April 30, 2026. The track blends spacious, lush production with fuzzy vocal bursts, moving from serene verses to anthemic choruses. Lyrical themes of struggle, release, and transcendence are...
The Two Tracks – “Mexico By Friday”
Wyoming‑based folk‑rock quartet The Two Tracks released a new single titled “Mexico By Friday” on April 30, 2026. The song draws lyrical inspiration from songwriter Julie Huebner’s winter retreats in a cob‑built house on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Musically, the track pairs twangy...
Huebline – “Feel”
Los Angeles‑based indie artist Huebline released “Feel,” the lead single from his forthcoming EP *Last Known Rebel*, slated for June 12. The track fuses alt‑rock energy with psychedelic guitar layers and emotive vocals that explore themes of doubt and honor....
Time Parade – “Poor Anselmo”
Charlotte‑based indie outfit Time Parade has dropped the single “Poor Anselmo,” a track that evolves from mellow keys into a twangy, melodic climax. The song serves as a preview for the band’s forthcoming EP *Those Who Do Not Jump Will...
Josey Wails – “Sweet Darlin'”
Baltimore‑based indie rocker Josey Wails has dropped "Sweet Darlin'" as the lead single from his newly released Sweetheart Darling EP. The track was captured in a home studio using vintage RadioShack microphones and a battered Tascam 8‑track recorder, giving it...
Pat Faking – “Back Again” + “Take Me”
Indie band Pat Faking has dropped the “Faking” EP, delivering a blend of alt‑rock, shoegaze, and post‑punk across its six tracks. The opener “Back Again” launches the record with bass‑thumping, soaring guitars, while “Take Me” shifts to a moodier, twang‑laden...
LANNDS – “Hold My Place” + “If the Door Closes”
Los Angeles‑based project LANNDS dropped the EP *If The Door Closes* on April 30, 2026, featuring the singles “Hold My Place” and the title track “If the Door Closes.” The record weaves electronica, trip‑hop, and art‑pop into atmospheric, melody‑rich songs...
Don’t Revolve Around Him
Piri’s solo debut “Cosuluvme” marks her first fully self‑written, sung and produced track, emerging from the breakup of her partnership with Tommy both personally and professionally. The song reflects frustration over clinging to a fading relationship while signaling her readiness...
Kinact ~ Kinshasa in Action
Kinact ~ Kinshasa in Action is a 68‑page zine and accompanying LP that captures a Congolese street performance where trash‑crafted costumes become instruments. The collective fuses industrial sounds—power drills, saws, metal sheets—with ritual chanting to comment on pollution, gendered violence, and post‑colonial...
India Ramey – Villain Era
Country singer‑songwriter India Ramey has dropped her fifth studio album, Villain Era, marking a bold artistic pivot. Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Eric Corne and a roster of veteran studio musicians, the record blends honky‑tonk roots with western‑themed storytelling....
Brick Lane Jazz Festival 2026
The Brick Lane Jazz Festival returned for its fifth edition, spanning three days across multiple venues at the Truman Brewery. The event highlighted a new school of genre‑agnostic improvisation, featuring young artists who blend traditional jazz with gospel, fusion, world,...
PICK OF THE WEEK: "Rodeohead" By Holiday Sidewinder
Holiday Sidewinder released the single “Rodeohead,” which the Weirder Together blog crowns as its pick of the week. The track blends early‑90s Liz Phair grit with Madonna‑era pop, updated for a 2026 soundscape. Its tongue‑in‑cheek lyrics showcase self‑aware storytelling that resonates...
Shaina Hayes – “Flourish”
Canadian indie singer‑songwriter Shaina Hayes has returned with “Flourish,” the lead single from her forthcoming third studio album. The track blends gentle folk‑pop melodies with lyrical themes of love, personal growth, and self‑actualization, drawing directly from John O’Donohue’s Celtic‑inspired book...
Wesley David – “Stop Sign”
Philadelphia‑based singer‑songwriter Wesley David released the single “Stop Sign,” a folk‑rock blend that examines the grind of daily routines and personal stagnation. The three‑minute track opens with warm acoustic layers, builds into a piano‑driven middle, and culminates in soaring vocals...
Trails and Ways – “Young”
Indie rock collective Trails and Ways, operating from home studios in Oakland, San Jose and Samoa, California, has returned from a multi‑year hiatus with the single “Young.” The track, described as an airy blend of indie rock and pop, serves...
Baby Bulldog – “My Mind”
Baby Bulldog, the solo project of Steph Barker, has dropped the EP "Heads or Tails Part 1," featuring the standout track “My Mind.” The song, written during a low point in a personal relationship, explores anxiety, depression, and heartbreak with...
Tommy Patterson – Spending A Dollar
Texas‑based songwriter Tommy Patterson dropped his sophomore album, Spending A Dollar, in April 2026. The 12‑track collection runs about 40 minutes and includes the single “This Little Church I Grew Up In.” Production involved seasoned musicians from Aaron Watson’s band,...
Eliza Edens – “Leash”
Brooklyn songwriter Eliza Edens has broken a period of silence with the new single “Leash.” The track is a tongue‑in‑cheek ode to the “shadow self,” pairing alt‑rock grit with early‑2010s pop‑savvy nostalgia. Its slick production and playful lyricism aim to...
Madeon Reveals Third Album 'Victory,' Shares Slayyyter Collaboration
French DJ Madeon announced his third studio album, Victory, slated for release on June 26 through Mom+Pop. The record arrives seven years after his Grammy‑nominated Good Faith, marking a rare full‑length comeback. Madeon also dropped the lead single “Fire Away,”...
Kerr Lordygan – True Grime
Arizona‑born, Los Angeles‑based metal artist Kerr Lordygan is set to drop his sophomore album, “True Grime,” in April 2026. The 16‑track, 75‑minute record follows his 2025 debut “The Nocturnal Instinct Tapes” and draws on classic influences from Ozzy Osbourne to...
Jacob Brodovsky – Past Mistakes / Colorado Low
Canadian singer‑songwriter Jacob Brodovsky is set to release his new album *Tell The Kids We Tried* on July 10 via Make My Day Records. The record follows his 2022 debut *I Love You And I’m Sorry* and continues his character‑driven...
![Reality Distortion – “Rat Race (Feat. RYISFLY)” [Remix]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://www.obscuresound.com/wp-content/uploads/Rat_Race_Remix_Album.jpg)
Reality Distortion – “Rat Race (Feat. RYISFLY)” [Remix]
RYISFLY’s remix of Reality Distortion’s “Rat Race” captured the top spot in the ADHDBEATMAKER collaborative remix challenge. The new version preserves the duo’s ethereal vocal textures while injecting bass‑heavy synth momentum and dynamic build‑ups. Released through Obscure Sound, the track...
Yard Sale – “Stopping In”
New York‑based indie rock collective Yard Sale has released a new single titled “Stopping In.” The track, produced by Caleb Wright—who has worked with Samia, Hippo Campus, and Annie DiRusso—captures a nostalgic yearning for a fleeting relationship. Musically, it fuses...
Glass Beach Announces Dissolution
Los Angeles emo quartet Glass Beach announced they are dissolving after failing to complete a third album and a viable tour. Frontwoman J McClendon is debuting a solo project under the alias “you are an angel,” releasing the album *It’s Fine to...
Bear McCreary Announces Star-Studded Rock Album ‘The Singularity: Ekleipsis’
Composer Bear McCreary, known for film, TV, and video‑game scores, is releasing a rock‑metal concept album titled *The Singularity: Ekleipsis* on July 31 through Sparks & Shadows Records. The record follows his 2024 release *The Singularity* and assembles a roster of...
Taste – “To Be Young”
Oli Lipton, performing under the moniker Taste, has released his second single, “To Be Young,” ahead of his debut album 1/2 Fantasy. The track blends New Age textures with Bay Area indie‑pop swagger, showcasing Lipton’s evolution from his previous project Now, Cindy. The full...
Premiere: Eric Gabriel Shares New Single “Blinded by the Light”
Brooklyn‑based indie singer‑songwriter Eric Gabriel is releasing his sophomore album Lucky Day Roadrunner on May 1, 2026. The record was captured live with minimal overdubs, featuring a rotating cast of indie veterans such as Meg Duffy and Adam Brisbin. Ahead of...
Linktree Was Never Meant to Be Your Artist Resume
Linktree has become the default link‑in‑bio for musicians, but its simple directory model serves fans, not professional bookers. Artists use it as a makeshift press kit, forcing talent buyers to click through scattered links to assess music, image, and contact...