Southern California-based singer-songwriter and producer Joveth has made one hell of a debut. His first release, “Say My Name” combines introspective lyrics about identity with shuffling dance beats and infectious vocal hooks. Anyone with ears will be able to recognize that Joveth has the perfect voice for pop music.

Not only is he an excellent vocalist, but the arrangement on this track is superb as well. He sprinkles little auditory surprises throughout the track, and even surprises listeners in a big way with the song’s bridge. It’s a completely nasty halftime breakdown – one that borrows pop/punk sensibilities without veering even remotely into the genre. “Say My Name” is sick. And I mean that in the best way.

Come for the well orchestrated and oh-so-spooky strings and piano, stay for the immediate juxtaposition into heavy guitars and bombastic alto. Arizona’s Piper Connolly knows how to rock the low end of her vocal range, and her vocals really soar in the chorus.

But she doesn’t coast on her raw talent. The production across the board is also stellar (shoutout to producer Marvin Fockens). The vocal double and delay that enter at 45 seconds is a super subtle and engaging touch, and the guitar solo is absolutely DIRTY.

The lyrics are also worth a close listen. Not only is “I’m pretty when I’m crying” an epic lead-in to the chorus, but it also encapsulates the song’s themes of suffering through unrequited love in order to produce worthwhile art.

Piper Connolly is one of the most exciting young talents in the industry today.

If you miss Taylor Swift’s early days when she was full of wide-eyed youth and country twang, I’ve got something for you. Becca Tremmel is a feisty pop-country artist who’s not afraid to put her dukes up and slug it out. “Average Joe” is a savage takedown of a harsh critic that holds absolutely nothing back. It’s the anthem everybody needs to blast in the face of rejection. It’s equal parts petty and fun, and there are some really great hooks planted throughout the piece.

Tremmel’s vocal quality and delivery – and the way she writes harmonies around her voice – are immaculate. The drums are super verby and lend this song a really distinct and in-your-face texture, and there are some really nice mandolin features that really elevate this track. It’s a cut above the rest, and definitely worth a listen.

Congratulations: you have encountered the most indie of indie artists. Andrew Batcheler is frustratingly obscure. When asked, he supplied zero press photos. Google searches turn up nothing. His YouTube channel contains one auto-generated visualizer video, likely from CD Baby – his digital distributor. And his Instagram features posts of him entirely behind the camera rather than in front of it. I can’t tell if he’s bashful or a fabricated alter ego. Regardless, the music is great and this lack of online persona has us intrigued to say the least.

This song is folk/pop personified. It's feel good, it's organic, but it's produced in an anthemic, slick, and bombastic way that makes you want to get up and dance. I loved the space he gave the second verse. It gave me a chance to catch my breath after the first chorus, and he made great use of snaps and claps to fill the space and keep it intriguing. This is a great late summer anthem that’s perfect for early September nights by the fire with friends.

After penning a balladeering, sweeping orchestral number called “I See Stars” for the internationally successful WEBTOON Original The Kiss Bet, Michael Barrow & the Tourists disappeared for a while. Now, the band is back with a triumphant return to their dusty, folk rock sound.

If you like Sam’s Town or Battle Born by The Killers, you’ll find a lot to enjoy with their new song “Over It.” It’s got rolling guitars; it’s got lead synth lines; it’s got furious drums. While the instrumentation may feel like The Killers, frontman Michael Barrow is a far cry from Brandon Flowers. He feels a little Ed Sheeran, a little Passenger, a little Adam Levine. It’s hard to describe, but you’ll know what I mean when you hear him. Such a smooth pop vocal over Americana-fueled rock is an intriguing combination, and it’s got one hell of a vocal hook in the chorus.