News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Life
Culture & Art
Hobbies
News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Culture & Art
Hobbies
New Album: Start Forward - 'Breathing Under Water'
Breathing Under Water is the captivating debut album from Start Forward, the project of Miami-based multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter Joshua Sturtevant. The project’s immersive sound draws from ’90s alt-rock staples like Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, and beyond — acts that Sturtevant grew up with. The album melds memorable rock productions with relatable lyrical introspection, capturing a sense of “being overwhelmed and needing to surrender in order to move forward,” per Sturtevant, who based the album title on a poem he read during a time of personal tumult. The opening title track aptly exudes a meditative, atmospheric rock charm —
New Album: Emma Falk Dennis - 'The Dust Up of the Century'
Stirring in its range of twangy guitars, harmonious vocals, and string-laden balladry within a folk/rock intertwining, The Dust Up of the Century is the enamoring debut album from Emma Falk Dennis, an artist based in Southern California, and originally from Derbyshire, England. Production from David J (Bauhaus/ Love and Rockets) infuses Dennis’ fantastic songwriting within a warming, atmospheric glow. Amongst the numerous highlights, “Neon” ascends quickly from sporadic strings, piano, and guitars into a rollicking energy — taking off especially upon the “marks I made” vocal ruminations, where the instrumentation comes together with a breezily emotive passion. Dennis’ suave vocals
Listen: Deep Trees - "Extraordinary" -- Obscure Sound
A memorable pop sound with a radiating sense of adoration, “Extraordinary” comes via Deep Trees, the project of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Summer Redko. “Look up and see all the stars align,” Redko’s vocals let out amidst glistening synths and bouncy bass, absorbing in a synth-fronted initial foray — until the rock-edged “try to run … try to hide” hookiness. “Extraordinary” consumes in its dynamic guitar and synth interplay, also delighting in its melodic vocal entrancement — all combining for a heartfelt and infectious result. The track is described as “about the headrush of meeting someone unforgettable — when your emotional
Listen: Kay Nova - "HAPPENING" -- Obscure Sound
Touting a serene synth-pop emotion, “HAPPENING” is a gripping new single from Kay Nova, an artist based in a Ridgewood, NYC. Coming via the new album UPGRADE YOUR LIFE!, “HAPPENING” showcases the artist’s penchant for atmospheric, affecting pop builds. “HAPPENING” builds into a blissful title-touting closing refrain, following lyrical introspection — I never thought I’d get it out there…” — that melds smoothly with pulsing bass and airy electronic textures. “HAPPENING” is a dreamily inviting success from Kay Nova, who elaborates on the track: “HAPPENING is a reflection of where my life and transition has taken me so far. A
Listen: Melissa Seals - "Medicine" -- Obscure Sound
A haunting dreamy pop intrigue swells on “Medicine,” a track from Melissa Seals. Developing from ghostly initial mystique into a pulsing electro-pop adornment, the track absorbs in the “taste of my medicine” vocal ascent — maintaining a soulful vocal soaring amidst an enveloping dark-pop entrancement. Adding to the fantastic aesthetic is the immersive music video, which was filmed in a haunted house, fittingly. Melissa Seals thoroughly impresses with “Medicine,” which is described as playing “on the metaphor of love as an addiction—where heartbreak feels like withdrawal.” — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating
Listen: Luke Sweeney - "Subsidize Our Rent" -- Obscure Sound
Another memorable track from Luke Sweeney, “Subsidize Our Rent” pairs an playful rock pulse with lyrical insight on true success — playing as a tribute to the working class, celebrating small moments of happiness and connection through music and shared experience. “It’s a little lonely here at the top,” Sweeney’s vocals ring out, referencing the soulless existence of billionaire sycophants, while clanging keys and bluesy guitar touches bolster into the “big time events” rock-friendly hook. “Subsidize Our Rent” is another songwriting success from Sweeney, impressing on past tracks like “Probably Me” and his gorgeous album Rishi. — This and other
Listen: Late Cambrian - "28 Years Later" -- Obscure Sound
A hooky rock sound shines on “28 Years Later,” a new single from Late Cambrian. Lushly inviting guitar pulses and dreamily reflective vocals — “hope I’m dreaming instead” — ascend into a punchy bridge and soaring chorus. A particularly catching sequence enamors in the “life is not what it seems” arrival, leading into delectably twanging guitar lines; an enjoyable rock immediacy flows throughout. Late Cambrian thoroughly succeed with their first track of the year, and we’re excited for the next one. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify
Listen: The Foo Birds - "Just Need To Start" -- Obscure Sound
A soulful gem from UK-based quintet The Foo Birds, “Just Need To Start” struts a magnetic production that melds tender guitars, vibe-y synths, and funky bass traversals. Leading the melodic charge is Kate Lister’s enthralling vocals, moving seamlessly from the “keep falling, again and again” melancholy into the ensuing spirited soul-pop charm — “hope when you need it.” With a production reminding fondly of a cross between The Style Council and Men I Trust, “Just Need To Start” is a clear winner from The Foo Birds. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating
Listen: RIMENY - "Matt" -- Obscure Sound
A vibe-y pop success from RIMENY, “Matt” invokes an ’80s spirit with its punchy guitars, clanging piano, and bass-y ruminations — propelled further by magnetic, melodic vocal immersion. “A love song, for best friends,” RIMENY describes the track. “Matt used to pick me up in an old, red Volkswagen Golf. That car defined him for an era of our relationship, and we spent a lot of time growing up in it.: “Talk about the girls you know, that we wanna get to know better,” the vocals reminisce on youthful rides home, traversing into hooky melding of bouncy piano and ardent
New Album: Grayson Foster - 'Happy Sad Nothing'
The memorable debut album from Nashville-based artist Grayson Foster, Happy Sad Nothing melds consistently hooky pop songwriting with relatable introspection — spanning from ruminations on growing older, and the temptations of hanging onto youth, to experiences with love and relationships. Productions span from orchestral-laden intrigue to ’80s nostalgia and modern pop savvy, maintaining a cohesive enthrallment in its knack for replay-inducement and heartfelt lyrical prowess. “I’m happy, I’m sad, I’m nothing at all,” Foster’s vocals open the album on the emotive title track, reassuring that “at least I got a woman like you” as mellow keys and gliding guitars build
Take Your Music on the Water With These 4 Tips for a Floating Concert
Water-based music events are nothing new, but they’re coming into fashion again. Floating stages provide versatile, visually stunning alternatives to traditional concerts in stadiums and gigs in bars, nightclubs and regular outdoor venues like restaurants and festivals. What should you consider before you take your music on the water and create something special for your audience? Which Artists Have Performed on Floating Stages? While displaying musical talent from floating stages and boats is a unique experience, there have been notable occasions when recognized bands and artists have performed on the water. One of the earliest instances was in 1717, when
New Album: Laeter - 'dreaming of something nice'
Australian-based producer Laeter immerses throughout his new album dreaming of something nice, where ambient and electronic textures span from sun-drenched serenity to rain-set introspection. An emotional, and at times cinematic, sound fully consumes. With a blend of glimmering synths, ethereal introspection, and atmospheric depth, the album evokes the diversity of the natural world and inner landscapes in equal measure. From the tranquil warmth of “he’s in the garden” to the glacial pulse of “looking into the sky, i see it,” Laeter crafts an immersive listening experience that feels both deeply personal and expansively atmospheric. Conceptually, dreaming of something nice presents
Video Premiere: Mia Loucks - "Light it Can Blind You"
Los Angeles-based artist Mia Loucks unveils a dreamy folk entrancement with new single “Light it Can Blind You.” Gentle acoustics, sounds of bird-chirping, and delicate piano lead into Loucks’ lushly enveloping vocal presence. “Keeping a hold on everything I love,” her vocals let out, complemented by caressing backing vocal harmoniousness as the creaking acoustics and sporadic piano continue to intertwine. The production is a riveting, serenely absorbing success. Also immersing is the track’s music video, shot and directed by Mia’s dad and fiancé. Glimmering, hazy colors and double exposure techniques craft a colorful replication of the lyrical themes within —
New Album: PsiloMine Sun - 'Instrumentality' -- Obscure Sound
Chicago-based trio PsiloMine Sun craft an array of dynamic, immersive atmospheres across their new album Instrumentality — ranging from the soul-searching emotion of “In Memories” to the evolving “Darkened State,” which swells from Radiohead-esque guitar trickling into a spine-tingling second half, with multiple vocal layers and orchestral-like flourishes. The album’s aesthetic ventures seamlessly from spacey electronic spaciousness to glistening expanses; its structural unveilings are consistently memorable. “Fables” is especially riveting, enjoyably representative of PsiloMine Sun’s textural evolutions. Murmured, meditative vocals meld with steady percussive pit-pattering for an otherworldly vibe, attaining clarity as gorgeous guitar work emerges with shimmering elegance. The
New Album: Balthazar Mattar - 'Fingerprints' -- Obscure Sound
London-based composer and producer Balthazar Mattar enthralls with an atmospheric electronic sound on debut solo album, Fingerprints. Themes of isolation and identity are explored artfully within inventive electronic soundscapes that range from effervescent to haunting. From the otherworldly opener “Starry Stripy Dreams” to the ethereal “Whisper a Love Song,” Mattar blends textured synths, fragmented vocals, and introspective moods into a compelling portrait of existence in a digitally fractured world. “Starry Stripy Dreams” kicks the album into gear with a spacey intrigue, as twinkling synths meld with steady rhythmic pulses and a deep vocal emergence. Bass-y ruminations compel at the two-minute
Listen: Digney Fignus - "The Emperor Wears No Clothes"
“The Emperor Wears No Clothes” is a memorable new single from singer-songwriter Digney Fignus, who melds a compelling alt-folk and rock hybrid with Eastern European aesthetic inspiration. Thematically rooted in the titular fairy tale, “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” explores the consequences of power, illusion, and resistance. The style also recalls touches of sophisti-pop, reminding me fondly of Danny Wilson’s “A Girl I Used To Know” at times. “This song was inspired by that old fairy tale we all know,” Fignus says. “But the truth is, it’s never just a story. When those in power lose touch with reality—and no
A Guide to Implementing Knowledge Management Tools in Your Organization
Organizations rely on effective knowledge management to enhance collaboration, streamline decision-making, and boost productivity. Implementing knowledge management tools ensures critical information is accessible, organized, and easily shared. However, selecting the right tools and ensuring successful adoption require careful planning. Below, we will explore how to choose the best knowledge management tools, implement them effectively, and measure their success. Keep reading to learn how to maximize their impact on your organization. Choosing the Right Knowledge Management Tools for Your Organization Understanding business needs helps in selecting appropriate knowledge management tools. Assessing organizational challenges clarifies whether tools should focus on document management,
New Album: Darren Sullivan - 'Dreams of the Byzantines'
A suavely melodic rock charm persists throughout Dreams of the Byzantines, the memorable new album from Darren Sullivan. Psych-friendly twangy guitar drives and steady rhythm sections complement an introspective vocal charm, exuding positivity and hope for those undergoing personal tumult. “I tried to write tracks that were uplifting, but also contemplative,” says Sullivan, who recorded the album in his home studio. The release marks an expansion in overall sound, bolstered by the addition of a Les Paul guitar, new Schure drum microphones, and Sullivan’s honing his bass playing over the past year. Highlights are numerous within. Opening track “Bloom” initially
Listen: Ryan Edward Kotler - "Queen of a Small Town"
A twangy rock captivation shows on “Queen of a Small Town,” an engaging new track from Ryan Edward Kotler with an “on the road” disposition — depicting lost highways and a “leave this place tomorrow, if I did not feel so alone” sense of anticipation. Kotler’s vocals emit a conversational narrative styling — honest in moments like “not a perfect person, and never said I was” — alongside suavely poetic sentiments, reminiscent of Bob Dylan in its poetic devices and tonal flow. “The games you play someday will come around to play with you,” Kotler’s vocals let out amidst bluesy
Feature: Sanjay Michael - 'Wall Street Blues' EP -- Obscure Sound
Wall Street Blues is a consuming new EP from Sanjay Michael, embracing the power of electric guitars and melodic piano lines within a bluesy, sincere sound. His 2023 single “Rocking Into Midnight” caught our ears with its nostalgic rock sound, and Wall Street Blues continues to impress with a memorable allure across its three tracks. Rather than the more predictable themes within popular music, Sanjay Michael succeeds in a more no-frills thematic vision here — succeeding in his aim to “bring the focus back to the basics of everyday humanity. Songs about love and money are a good place to
Listen: Muletonic - "Fire the Fox" -- Obscure Sound
An introspective folk success from Australian artist Muletonic, “Fire the Fox” pairs poignant lyrical insight with a steady fusing of acoustic strums and mellowly pulsing keys. Sporadic electric guitars bolster the enjoyable sound, which embraces a folk-forward realm with touches of rock and country. Neil Young is cited as an aesthetical influence, while the track’s thematic focus takes inspiration from Albert Camus’ call to artists to “create dangerously.” The project of songwriter and poet Alaric Jones, Muletonic shows a penchant for timely perspectives; 2023 single “This is what we chose” emitted imagery of bushfires plaguing the Australian landscape, commenting on
New Album: Synthonic - 'Lampin’' -- Obscure Sound
Lampin’ is the enthralling new album from Synthonic, a project based in Sidmouth, UK that excels in a vibe-y blend of funk and soul. The rest is both atmospheric — at times recalling nostalgic city-pop — and infectiously grooving, impressive in its eclectic tonal prowess and intriguing harmonies. Opening track “All Day, Every Day” is exemplary of the project’s dynamic reach — traversing seamlessly from understated funk guitar and piano interplay, to bursting brass with addictive charisma. Riveting saxophone work also captivates as the production reaches a satiating close. The ensuing “Chameleons” builds with similarly artful momentum, this time beginning
Listen: Yas Akdag - 'Home, Anywhere' EP -- Obscure Sound
Melding folk and pop within introspections on the multiple roles of one’s home, Home, Anywhere is the engaging new EP from Yas Akdag, an artist originally from London and now based in Brooklyn. “At its core, Home, Anywhere is about realizing that ‘home’ is not just one place,” says Akdag, who is also a classical pianist and jazz saxophonist. “It’s your hometown; it’s your friends, family, and partner; it’s the guy who makes your bagel exactly how you like; it’s an inside joke only you and somebody else knows about. While making this project, I realized ‘home’ can be anything
Listen: KB-S - "The Calm" -- Obscure Sound
A serene entrancement takes hold on “The Calm,” an aptly titled track from Minneapolis-based artist KB-S that melds flourishing guitar work with caressing ocean waves and string-laden mystique. The production succeeds in audibly capturing the motion of water washing ashore at night, maintaining a nocturnal allure in the subdued rhythms and trickling guitars, while more expressive guitar lines emit a compelling energy with tidal-like pulls. Initial guitar prancing and lush ocean sounds waste no time in establishing the track’s gripping, meditative soundscape. Additional textured undercurrents weave in with sporadic charm throughout, paced with natural-flowing charm — particularly as glimpses of
Listen: David & The Circumstances - "Sunrise" -- Obscure Sound
A serenely captivating folk success, “Sunrise” comes via David & The Circumstances, the project of Dutch artist David Groeneweg. Finger-picked acoustic guitars and lush vocal introspection pair for an enjoyable progression, complementing a narration that depicts a personal journey that culminates in greater appreciation for the world. The track also includes a gorgeous music video, filmed by David’s partner Tanya Gupta — alternating glimpses of Groeneweg’s performance and morning footage from a trip to Norway. “Sunrise on our way home, sunrise as we travel alone,” Groeneweg’s vocals let out, aptly accompanied by the video’s darkened Norwegian open-road journey through twisting
Listen: Frequency77 - "Surf n Spy" -- Obscure Sound
A debonair instrumental rocker from Australian artist Frequency77, “Surf n Spy” invokes a cinematic appeal that resembles both a classic spy film and surf-set feature. The production captivates in its range of guitar tones — from tender, twangy mystique to steady distortion-laden undercurrents. The release is a riveting atmospheric success from the project, which comprises guitarist Cryo Freese, drummer Block, and bassist Max Mink. Another recent single from the project, “If I Fall” succeeded with a stylish vocal-accompanied vintage rock psychedelia. Meanwhile, “Surf n Spy” struts a more approachably direct rock soundscape. Both showcase Frequency77’s penchant for quality songwriting, whether
Listen: Fukushima Dolphin - "Dictator’s Daughter"
A bouncy synth-pop stylishness resonates on “Dictator’s Daughter,” a track from Fukushima Dolphin, a duo based in Brighton, UK. Pulsing synths and reflective guitars complement a hooky vocal prowess, sounding like an enjoyable cross between Of Montreal and Stars in Coma. The “fly little sparrow” bridge is particularly magnetic, injecting a lush introspection into another “so hard to reach you” yearning sentiment. The track’s balance of high-energy infectiousness with dreamier intrigue makes for a consistent sense of compelling momentum throughout. The duo explains: “This song is about a dictator’s daughter, I love her but she is distant and in a
Listen: rune puzzles - "gaffe" -- Obscure Sound
Fondly reminiscent of Panda Bear in its harmonious vocal layers and glistening effervescence, “gaffe” is a memorable track from rune puzzles, coming via the project’s recent EP of the same name. “We are born to make mistakes,” vocals let out amidst twinkling piano and sturdy acoustic strums, building with artful momentum into a grandiose feeling around 01:44, where emotive vocal backings bolster alongside a dreamily enchanting charm. “gaffe” is an inviting, psychedelic success from rune puzzles. Stream the gaffe EP in full, below: — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging
Listen: Mayumi Yamazaki - "Rainyman" -- Obscure Sound
Tokyo-based artist Mayumi Yamazaki crafts an enamoring pop sound on “Rainyman,” where playful synths, lush woodwind flourishes, and magnetic vocal layers combine for a riveting production. Yamazaki’s vocals, sung in Japanese, balance seamlessly between dreamy introspection and hooky backing reflections. A sweetly endearing thematic heart also shines within, detailing the story of a boy who looked forward to the rain — since it meant that his father, who worked outside, would return home early. The track’s title — “Rainyman” — refers to what the boy called him, and in general captures how even rainy days can bring joy beyond precipitation’s
Listen: The Spinning Stillness - "Live It" -- Obscure Sound
A hooky rock success from Orlando-based quartet The Spinning Stillness, “Live It” invokes an early ’00s nostalgia in its breezy guitar pulses and expressive vocal melodics. Quaint guitar strums, pit-pattering percussion, and warming bass traverse into a “staying up too late / living the dream” vocal opening. The initial introspection swells into a punchy, replay-inducing ardency — preceded by Strokes-esque guitar lines, into a “just to live it” soaring vocal catharsis. “Saw you downtown a year ago,” a reflective sense continues into another memorable guitar-based sequence. “Live It” is a thorough success from The Spinning Stillness, featuirng stellar songwriting from
Listen: The Winter Sounds - "Kaleidoscope" -- Obscure Sound
A shimmering rock enthusiasm glistens on “Kaleidoscope,” a resonating track from The Winter Sounds that pairs jangling guitars and radiant synths within lyrical pleas to stand up to control, oppression, and exploitation that runs rampant in today’s world. The track marks the first single from the project’s upcoming album, JUPITER, out this September. The production certainly charms in its title-touting central hook, and introspective verses — “walking on broken glass … holding you close” — that seem to echo prioritizing love and connection even during the darkest of times. As they explain: “The song is about the beauty of diversity,
Listen: Tanner Cundy - "Breathe Deceased" -- Obscure Sound
An emotive standout track out today from Tanner Curdy, “Breathe Deceased” combines twangy guitar comforts and powerful vocal duets for a stirring sound. Across both a riveting guitar solo and synth-laden lush atmospherics, the track’s production builds with enjoyable precision. Guest vocals from Jen Deale (Camp Crush) also feature, consuming during the “finally at peace” dual-vocal ruminations especially — and then into the gripping “what is out, and what is in” soaring theatrics. The final minute’s guitar solo is particularly enveloping, closing it all out with satiating impact. “Breathe Deceased” is a thorough success from Tanner Cundy, based in Portland,
Listen: Jack Kaune - "What’s Left of Me" -- Obscure Sound
Featuring a cathartic rise from folk-set contemplation into rousing rock ardor, “What’s Left of Me” is a memorable track from Jack Kaune, an artist based in LaBelle, Florida. The debut single from Kaune’s upcoming EP, “What’s Left of Me” builds with climactic, emotional sincerity — pondering “maybe it’s just the blood in my veins” in wondering the role of one’s upbringing and relations, while the ensuing “give me one good reason” rock-fueled emotion follows with seamless entrancement. The lyrical perspectives — touching on “anger, identity, and healing” — meld enjoyably within, marking a thorough success from Kaune that has us
Listen: Doom Mutual - "Bored" -- Obscure Sound
An impassioned rock sound stirs on “Bored,” a track from Doom Mutual, a project led by Nashville-based musicians Daphne Browdy and Davis Gestiehr. Quaint guitar twangs escalate into feverish distortion, attaining a grungy intrigue as the “too bored to feel the pain” vocal intensity emerges. “My only friend is my paranoia,” the introspective lyricism exudes, depicting an employer-dependent life where one’s individuality feels at a loss, in favor of societal control. “Bored” is an invigorating melding of alt-rock and grunge, resulting in a thorough success from Doom Mutual. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on
Listen: Sleepers Club - "Freakin Out" -- Obscure Sound
The second single from Seattle-based act Sleepers Club, “Freakin Out” captures a universal sense of tumult within a raucously inviting rock rousing. “Clear the air, clear the mind,” Sydney Ward’s vocals urge amidst pulsing bass and twanging guitars; the beckoning to find inner-peace as lows and undertows threaten feels cathartic, reassuring one will “be just fine” as the “can’t control my time” sense of inner-strength persists. A dreamy synth-laden outro consumes, as well. “Freakin Out” represents another success from the duo of Ward and Damon Moon, also both members of Bathe Alone. Sleepers Club’s debut track “Done Sailing” also caught
Listen: Stiofán Ó Treabhair - "The Song of Wandering Aengus"
An enchanting, beautiful folk sound flows through “The Song of Wandering Aengus,” a track from Stiofán Ó Treabhair that draws from the W. B. Yeats poem of the same name. Yeats’ gorgeous, image-rich balladry combines with riveting arrangements that span from quaint acoustic trickling to heartrending viola and gentle harmonium. Arising from the Yorkshire folk scene, Treabhair enthralls in pairing Yeats’ inimitable lyrical writing with a folk-forward production that injects a similar sort of gorgeousness. “I hope this arrangement breathes new life into its mysticism,” Treabhair says of the release. “Aengus is an Irish mythological figure associated with youth, love,
Listen: Shaker Bloomheart - "Walking Westward" -- Obscure Sound
Seattle-based band Shaker Bloomheart crafts a dynamic allure on the track “Walking Westward,” which expands from ambient lushness into a melodic, heartfelt rock sound. Coming via the new album Not Another Sunrise, “Walking Westward” is amongst many highlights on the release. The track’s aspirations to start anew with “a clean slate” stirs within the steadily evolving guitar tones, jangling with hypnotic immersion into the twangier expressions. The “now you’re safe” vocal reassurances signal a radiant rock ascent, where effervescent guitar lines and calming bass accompaniment traverse into the “traveling for far, far too long” world-weary sentiments. “Walking Westward” compels with
Listen: Thanks Light... - "Costa Rica" -- Obscure Sound
A shimmering, warm sound shines on “Costa Rica,” a charmer of a track from Austin-based act Thanks Light… and their upcoming album, Good Timin’. The “down in Costa Rica” scene-setting is bolstered by effervescent keys to start, then continuing to enamor as a suave guitar-set strumming bolsters the “I’ve found my place of peace, just south of warm Belize.” A more realistic introspection takes hold after, aspiring to “bring Costa Rica to me” if one can’t physically place themselves in paradise. Good vibes is all that’s required to retreat into this sun-set solace. — This and other tracks featured this