Youngster Year

Cloud Nothings began more than 10 years ago as the solo project of singer/songwriter Dylan Baldi, and has since grown into so much more. They put out their 8th album earlier this year, and it follows suit with the rest of their releases: spacey and contemplative, with an audible inspiration to allow it to stand on its own. One conversation with Dylan, and the longevity of his band is obvious--Cloud Nothings stop at nothing.

The progression of Lillie West's music career up to now has been anything but predictable, but that's simply how she operates. Despite seemingly needing the perfect setting to cultivate creativity, her new album makes vividly clear that Lillie can find inspiration, collaborate, and thrive in just about any environment. Each individual Lala track takes audible love and effort to produce--a firm belief of mine that has now been reaffirmed by this wonderful conversation. I am SO looking forward to the

PEEL is the reel deel. As once self-described, they're a "whole fruit bowl," and each piece of fruit brings something to the mix entirely different from the next. That stylistic diversity inspires the best kind of collaboration, making the 5-piece shoegaze experience truly unlike any other. Collaboration is the entire foundation of the band, an idea that is ever-present in every track on their explosive debut EP. Therein lies the layered sound of PEEL. PEEL's self-titled debut EP is out worldwide on

Naked Giants embody a list of positive traits as long as my arm (and I have pretty long arms), but first on that list is authenticity, as there is nothing but truth behind their energetic and passionate stage presence. What you see is what you get, and what you get is raw charisma and excitement that is well worth the cost of your ticket, or the hours you drove to get to their show. As of posting, Naked Giants have a new single out called "Regular Guy," which they've been letting marinate for a

Pencil and Mossy truly are aliens with extraordinary talent, come to spoil us with the pure, otherworldly energy that is Le Shiv. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with them about their music and lives, and their charm is unquestionable. One listen, and you're in love. Special thanks to Pencil and Mossy, and Marcus Haney for getting us set up--stay on the lookout for more Le Shiv!