New Singles
Heavy Bloom "Woke Up" With a New Single
Heavy Bloom's new single "Woke Up" feels upbeat on the surface, but the wistful lyrics embody the essence of a relationship splitting into two different paths.
Heavy Bloom's new single "Woke Up" is deeply relatable. I've experienced a relationship that I knew had an expiration date. There's that inexplicable feeling of love, but there's always that dread in the pit of your stomach when you know it's on the outs. The band's co-leads Jeannie Marinella and Joji Harada portray increasingly distant lovers on screen for a song that captures the essence of a couple preparing to go their separate ways. The music video, filmed at Marinella's former teen hangout in Capitol Hill, was directed by Jay Jackson.
The single follows "AIEW" (All I Ever Wanted), a pensive R&B song that celebrates the beauty of connection. For their latest release, Heavy Bloom veers in the opposite direction.
"Woke Up" feels upbeat on the surface due to its fast-paced, poppy beat interlaced with a punchy bassline and light-hearted vocals, but its lyrics are more melancholy, indicating the realization that the person you love isn't quite the same anymore. There's always the question of whether it's all in your head, but it rarely is...
"Woke up early Sunday by mistake, never thought I’d feel any better..."
"You used to think that I would be the one for you..."
Heavy Bloom is also made up of Cory Hamada (bass), Demarcus Baysmore (drums), and Jacob Martin (guitar). The band, first formed by Marinella and Joji Hamada, has come into its own over the past two years, appearing at stages at Capitol Hill Block Party, Fremont Fridays, and Bite of Seattle. Known for its funky grooves, retro vibes, and energetic songs, Heavy Bloom is a band to look out for in the near future.
Heavy Bloom plans to release their first LP within the year. They previously released an eponymous EP in 2023.
For more information about Heavy Bloom, visit their website heavybloom.band and Instagram.
Paul Solger and Duff McKagan Team Up for "New American"
Pacific Northwest punk and hardcore icon Paul Solger joins forces with Duff McKagan for "New American," the first single from his timely upcoming solo record, '20 Years M.I.A.'
Punk is alive and well, and a complete necessity under the current presidential administration. While the United States is facing an unprecedented political reckoning, we're seeing new voices emerge as well as some familiar faces who are urging citizens to face the music.
In "New American," the first single from punk and hardcore icon Paul Solger's first-ever solo album, Solger and fellow rock & roll giant Duff McKagan eviscerate the current state of America from the perspective of the Red Pill crowd and MAGA loyalists. McKagan takes over lead vocal duty while Solger lays down the riffs. Meanwhile, Dejha Colantuono performs backing vocals.
Solger throws the lyrical punches with lines such as "Like the Good Book says, 'Earth is flat and snowflakes gotta die,'" and "I got a Facebook ad for some tactical pants... Put it on my credit card, 10 easy payments."
If this is a preview of what's to come, listeners are in for a timely treat.
The single was produced by Josh Evans (Pearl Jam, Brandi Carlile, Soundgarden) and Stone Gossard (Loosegroove co-founder). The accompanying visuals were directed by Regan Hagar (Loosegroove's creative director and label co-founder).
Over the course of his 40-plus-year career, Solger has played for his eponymous band (one of Seattle's first hardcore punk bands), The Fartz, 10 Minute Warning, and the Fags. Surprisingly, 20 Years M.I.A. is Solger's first independent effort. Following a string of losses, illness, and an overall hiatus, Solger is eager to get back to the stage and share his music with equally eager fans who have awaited his return.
Solger and his contemporaries inspired many up-and-coming musicians, including current collaborators Gossard and McKagan. Bands like Solger paved the way for what many people identify as grunge.
In his latest work, Solger is channeling his own inspiration from early punk greats such as the Stooges, The Dolls, The Ramones, The Germs, and more.
The journey to Solger's first album has been a long one, but it's at just the right time.
Paul Solger's new album, 20 Years M.I.A., is set to be released on May 8th, 2026, through Loosegroove Records.
The album is available for pre-order here.
EDIT: An album release show for 20 Years M.I.A. will be held at The Clockout Lounge on May 23rd, 2026. ($24; Tickets HERE).
Loosegroove Records Reintroduces the "Nutty Nut-Meg Phantasy" of Weapon of Choice
Loosegroove Records digs into its archives with a re-release of Weapon of Choice's "Nutty Nut-Meg Phantasy," a trippy smorgasbord of sound and visuals.
Loosegroove Records is in the midst of a revival, but along the way, it's taken an adventure through its catalogue to reintroduce one of its earliest releases. Recently, the label debuted a new rendition of the song "Nutty Nut-Meg Phantasy," from cult favorite signee Weapon of Choice. The song appears on the band's 1994 debut album, Nut-Meg Sez "Bozo the Town."
The Southern California-based band was founded by bassist Lonnie "Meganut" Marshall in 1992 and gained immediate attention through its trail mix of funkadelic grooves, heavy basslines, and lively shows. The collective of musicians garnered comparisons to Fishbone, Sly and the Family Stone, and Parliament.
A more recent description of Marshall's music is "authentic, original alternative funk. Positively playful, humorous, catchy, and magical sound, that soothes, grooves, and moves the soul..." Marshall even coined the term "nutmeg" for the band's signature sound.
In recent years, Loosegroove has collaborated with Marshall for Painted Shield's "Lover Divine," a video which he animated and directed. He also released a single, "Parking Lot," through the label in 2022.
Nut-Meg Sez "Bozo the Town" follows the story of its central character Nutmeg, who is an intergalactic being whose mission on Earth is to encourage people to “live beyond and outside the boundaries of your south-central nervous system."
The latest version of "Nutty Nut-Meg Phantasy" was remixed by Josh Evans (Pearl Jam, Brandi Carlile, Soundgarden).
"Nutty Nut-Meg Phantasy" is a cosmic love song inviting listeners into Nutmeg's cartoon universe filled with "chocolate-covered roses and love in massive doses." A funky frolic through time and space, Nutmeg promises a sensual ride to Cloud Nine, then on to the moon. You never need drugs to take a trip to the funky phantasies of Nutmeg, but you're free to use if you choose...
The single is now accompanied by a brand new music video, a trippy smorgasbord of sound and visuals that brings Nutmeg to life. The video is a combination of archive footage of Weapon of Choice, Marshall's psychedelic animations, and bits of Marshall himself.
For more information about Weapon of Choice and Lonnie Marshall's other projects, visit meganutmusic.com.
Family Worship Center Calls Listeners Forth with "Garden Grow"
Family Worship Center's new single "Garden Grow" is an ode to breaking generational curses and finding love and light within the darkness.
I've had my fair share of run-ins with cult-like establishments and actively avoid them. However, when I first heard of Family Worship Center, I was ready to join. They tease that are a "probably" a cult.
Dubbed by KEXP's Troy Nelson as the "best live band I've heard in years," the Portland-based Family Worship Center plans to lead you to salvation—whatever their version may be. Their latest single, "Garden Grow," is an ode to breaking generational curses and finding love and light within the darkness.
Following "Malibu by Midnight," "Garden Grow" is the second single from the band's upcoming LP, Only Visiting. "Malibu by Midnight" is a neon-soaked drive through Los Angeles, while "Garden Grow" is a pit stop at a church along the way. It forces you to stop and think about your life choices and then wonder, "How did I get here?" or better yet, "How does your garden grow?"
The brainchild of songwriter and keyboardist Andy Krissberg, Family Worship Center transports listeners back to the '70s with their psychedelic sound, rife with influences from gospel and Southern rock, as well as giants such as Leon Russel, The Band, Fleetwood Mac, and more.
The band is described as a "rock-and-soul commune" that "draws its name from a strange, cult-leaning text unearthed during a cross-country field recording journey."
Reveling in the secular, Family Worship Center's songs center on the conundrum of religion, the South, and this strange life as we know it. Many of the songs come from Krissberg's own experiences and his dedication to experiencing and professing the power of the GROOVE.
Well, Family Worship Center is achieving their mission so far.
For more information about Family Worship Center, visit their official website at worshipthefamily.neocities.org.
They are also on Bandcamp and Instagram.
Family Worship Center's Only Visiting is set to be released on June 12th, 2026, from CorpoRAT Records.
Gretta Seabird Debuts New Single 'Goodbye for Now'
In "Goodbye for Now," dreams become a haunting reality. However, Lee McDonnell and Jeremiah Brunnhoelzl reveled in the small joys during their recording sessions.
Saying "goodbye" is never easy, but Gretta Seabird reminds listeners that "it's gonna be fine" after it's all said and done. The Portland and Brooklyn-based duo's (Lee McDonnell and Jeremiah Brunnhoelzl) new single, "Goodbye for Now," is a balm for those enduring tough times. It's also "hello again" from McDonnell, who has returned to singing after losing her singing voice for over a year.
"Goodbye for Now" is the fourth release from Gretta Seabird's upcoming EP Cycling. It acts as a companion piece to the EP's title track. While "Cycling" tackles McDonnell's feelings following a positive pregnancy test, "Goodbye for Now" deals with the emotional toll of her miscarriage. The song itself is a path toward healing, and according to McDonnell, “Even though it was a difficult experience, music has pulled me through in ways I could not with just talking.”
In "Goodbye for Now," dreams become a haunting reality. However, McDonnell and Brunnhoelzl reveled in the small joys during their recording sessions, and it shows in their latest work. Reality is filled with big moments of loss and sorrow, but it still takes time to celebrate life and instances when everything comes full circle.
McDonnell's soothing voice compliments "Goodbye for Now's" catchy lyrics. And Brunnhoelzl's energetic chords make for a song that's easy to member when you're feeling down. Described as "sparkly folk pop," Gretta Seabird's music is poignant and uplifting.
"If you can end the cycle with just one word, I think we'll all be fine. I'm gonna be fine... gonna be fine."
"Goodbye for Now" is now available on all major streaming services as of June 19th.
Greta Seabird is also on tour this summer. For upcoming tour dates, visit gretaseabird.com/shows.
King Youngblood Debuts First New Music Since 'Big Thank'
King Youngblood is ready for a new chapter with the release of "Garden of Conviction," a rousing anthem that encourages people to be the change they want to see.
King Youngblood is one of the most interesting bands in the Puget Sound area. Since I first saw them at last year's Black and Loud Fest in Portland, I was blown away. Lead by vocalist and guitarist Cameron Lavi-Jones (who also founded Black and Loud Fest), and including Samy Garcia (bass), Chet Peterson (cello), and Paul "Styqx" Stoot (drums), King Youngblood is ready for a new chapter.
This week, King Youngblood released their first music since the 2021 album Big Thank. The new release is a song entitled "Garden of Conviction," featuring Justin Harden.
"Garden of Conviction" is a rousing anthem that encourages listeners to be the change they want to see. King Youngblood has been known for their combination of rock and activism, so the band's new music comes as a direct result of the country's current political climate. Through his lyrics, Lavi-Jones encourages mobilization, but maintains an optimistic outlook that the younger generations are going to be alright.
In an interview with KUOW, Lavi-Jones states that the summer of 2025, is the summer of "activation." He continued, "A lof of the music I am trying to make and work on with King Youngblood is trying to shake people from being passive to everything's that's going on. I think all of us are distinctly aware about how the world feels like it's on fire right now. But I think that in all the music I am listening to and all the music I am trying to make, there's an element of trying to get people to re-engage with their spark, to rethink about what they can do to be a part of things and to be hands-on with the changes they want to make."
"Garden of Conviction" has already ignited what already seems to be a powerful summer.
"Garden of Conviction" is now available on all major streaming services as of May 30th.
Additionally, King Youngblood is touring this summer. For upcoming tour dates, visit the band's official website at KingYoungblood.com/tour.
Brittany Davis Debuts Emotional Song 'Amid the Blackout of the Night'
In Davis's debut album, 'Image Issues,' she paints with sound a portrait of her life as a Black and blind artist. 'Image Issues' was the first canvas, and now Davis has unveiled a glimpse of the second.
A compelling storyteller, Brittany Davis always puts her soul into her music. Davis's debut album, Image Issues was described as a "sonic film," where she paints with sound a portrait of her life as a Black and blind artist. Image Issues was the first completed canvas, and now Davis has unveiled a glimpse of the second.
Davis has released "Amid the Blackout of the Night," the lead single of her latest effort, Black Thunder, an improvised jazz album. According to Davis, “Amid the Blackout of the Night” is about questioning whether sight is really needed to see the world for what it truly is."
The nearly 10-minute song contemplates the beauty of the cosmos without being able to see it physically. Davis aptly describes the emotions of the night and its allure. However, Davis ponders what it would be like to experience the stars, the moon, the sun, and more. Davis starts slow, almost thinking aloud through song. As Davis progresses, a jam session breaks out and she improvises on keys while bassist Evan Flory-Barnes riffs with abandon and D'Vonne Lewis gets creative on the drums. Unplanned, "Amid the Blackout of the Night" was conjured in a studio, and then produced by Josh Evans.
In a recent interview with SPIN Magazine, Loosegroove Records co-founder Stone Gossard stated of the project (which was largely improvised in three days), "This record is a fully realized, arranged, amazing story that was basically channeled through Brittany..."
Live, Davis often whips songs out of thin air while tinkering with her keyboard, and, incredibly, this instance was recorded.
"Amid the Blackout of the Night" is now available on all major streaming services as of March 26th.
Davis's upcoming album, Black Thunder, is set to release on June 13th, 2025.
Read the review for Brittany Davis's Image Issues.
Oblé Reed and TeZATalks Get Original With 'Hard Copies'
We know it was a hit from the ringtone flip phones (or smartphones), but we hope "Hard Copies" propels Reed into viral success once again.
Oblé Reed is a talent on the rise and continues to be one to watch. With a distinct visual style, conscious lyrics, and a fervent passion for his city, Reed's ascent in the local music scene and beyond is no surprise. This week, Reed dropped his latest song, "Hard Copies," in collaboration with friend and fellow trailblazing artist TeZATalks (who released the critically acclaimed Black Girl American Horror Story). Produced by fantompower, the release includes a music video directed by Ezra Bantum.
It's "Hard Copies," but Reed is a bonafide original who is cementing himself as part of Seattle's often understated, but rich hip-hop legacy. Following his EP Retrovision, Reed has kickstarted 2025 with a new pair of songs and visuals. Just earlier this month, Reed released the visuals for his song "EN ROUTE," featuring Sol ChYld, and in January, "More Anniversaries." "Hard Copies" looks to be the beginning of a new project set to release soon. Reed has built a reputation for his high-concept, high production values, as his Retrovision and debut album Lindenave! include "full project experiences," which are collections of visual accompaniments to his sound.
As a nod of what's to come, Reed has been building anticipation and hinting that his latest song is only the second in a series. He teased on Instagram, "TRACK 2 of ??🖨️HARD COPIES w/ @tezatalks 3/26."
According to WASH Magazine, TeZATalks and Reed have been friends for some time, but this is the duo's first recorded collaboration. Two of the most exciting acts in Seattle, this was a fateful event. Not unexpectedly, "Hard Copies" is catchy and fun. The song goes hard, and so does its music video.
Ezra Bantum's creative work only elevates the music. Continuing his flair for mixing the retro and the now, the "Hard Copies" video includes Xerox flashes, and corded phones over a plain back background as Reed and TeZATalks rap. Reed continues to showcase his lyrical prowess while TeZATalks becomes a vocal chameleon. Talk about "WHOA."
We know it was a hit from the ringtone flip phones (or smartphones), but we hope "Hard Copies" propels Reed into viral success once again.
"Hard Copies" is now available to stream on all major platforms as of March 25th.
