Category Archives: New Releases

01.17.23
by

Eric Selby Releases his Latest Folk Single “Horseshoes & Hand Grenades” 

Eric Selby has released the first single “Horseshoes & Hand Grenades” from his upcoming full length release, Dang Fool, which is out via Soul Stew Records. 

“Horseshoes and Hand Grenades” is all about the notion that life is going to happen regardless; you can either accept it and go along with the ride, or observe it and do nothing. Getting really involved in your life and making things happen, Selby writes, is the better option. 

“This song is about the concept that life is going to happen so you can either be an observer or a participant. Action is more important than words, so since participating will ultimately make you happier, get off your duff and take charge of your life. ‘Sh*t happens’ and you can’t always rely on other people that you think are in your corner and when they do let you down, their remorse is fleeting, reflecting the immediate gratification that this social media world delivers in almost faster than real time. Love can be the same way. Protect yourself, advocate and communicate your thoughts and feelings because, ‘hearts get broken with precision of horseshoes and hand grenades.’”

With his style of alternative, contemporary Americana folk, Selby draws his influences from as wide a range as The Beatles, XTC and Phoebe Bridgers. Likewise, he has been compared with The Beatles, as well as Pink Floyd for his psychedelic vocal sound. 

Selby is from the Washington D.C. area, and is a single father to four daughters and a cat. After many years being the drummer of local bands, Selby has finally stepped out to release his first solo music in 2020 which included the EP “Do, Baby” and singles “Anxious Zen” and “Another Page.” 

Stay current with Eric Selby on his website, and social media channels Instagram  and Facebook 

Stream Selby´s music on YouTube, Spotify and SoundCloud

12.16.22
by

Video Premiere: The Flip Phones Debut Their Music Video for “Man Made Moon”

The Flip Phones are the folk rock duo making waves with their debut EP, Better in the Dark, now streaming.

They’ve just released the music video for their thought provoking single “Man Made Moon.” The intimate setting of the video, with Ryan and Lindsey performing for the viewer in a single shot, allows the viewer to really become enveloped in the song. The camera almost acts like the eyes of the viewer, going back and forth between the two. Because the camera never stops rolling and it’s just the one shot, it flows quite well with the atmosphere of the song.

They play with light in the video as well, fitting seeing as the song was initially inspired by a man made moon they read about. The camera being on the move the whole time also adds an interesting effect with shadow, some shots are more lit than others and some shots you can’t really see the artist’s faces. It’s actually quite brilliant in it’s simplicity.

We got the opportunity to speak with the folk rock duo about their video and the song:

Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?   

“Man-Made Moon” was inspired by an article about an artificial moon meant to help illuminate cities and light up the night sky. It made us wonder: Is more light, specifically human-created light, really a good thing? Or should we sometimes embrace the darkness?

This song is the EP opener and lead single, and it asks the question “Are we better in the dark?” “Man-Made Moon” sets the stage for the lyrical themes throughout Better in the Dark, which explore topics such as humans vs. nature and darkness vs. light.

Given the subject matter of the song, we aimed to contrast the natural darkness of the filming location with the artificial lighting behind us to reflect the dark and light themes in the song.

What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

The idea with this video was to capture the energy of our live performance in a studio environment while using light and dark textures to create the atmosphere. 

What was the process of making this video?

We made this video with Luke Justin Roberts from LJR Creative as part of his Amplify events, which provide the opportunity for local artists to shoot videos in music studios in the DC area. This video was filmed at Ivakota studio in DC and was shot in a single take with no post-production editing. Luke did a great job of working with us to capture the energy of the song while showcasing the change in vocalists on each verse before singing the choruses together.

Connect with The Flip Phones

Website / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / YouTube / Spotify

12.12.22
by

The Flip Phones Release “Man-Made Moon” From Their Debut EP ‘Better In the Dark’

The folk rock duo The Flip Phones have released a new single, “Man-Made Moon,” from their EP Better in the Dark, streaming now. 

“Man-Made Moon” was inspired by an article about an artificial moon which was designed to help illuminate cities and light up the night sky. It is the lead single and opening to their debut EP, and gives a sense of what is to come with big lyrical themes, including topics such as humans versus nature, darkness versus light, and the mysteries of life. 

This track has a catchy indie rock rhythm, well crafted lyrics and captures the essence of The Flip Phones´ spirit. With light and catchy overtones, the song also has a slight nod to darkness with some melodica stylings. They tell stories from the world around us and help us to reflect on our own stories of life, loss and hope. 

Based in Arlington, VA, with Philadelphia roots, The Flip Phones have been writing and performing music together since 2008 and were previously known as the “GLEs”. The band includes Lindsey on keyboard, vocals, flute and melodica and Ryan on guitar and vocals. 

Their new EP, Better in the Dark, is a 6 song EP which explores adventuring and homecoming, and asks reflective questions in hopes that listeners will better understand the world around them. Better in the Dark charts the story of a young couple who first connect in the city, and then begin exploring the world together as they draw inspiration from their life experiences and people around them. 

“We finished these songs just as the world was descending into the uncertainty of the pandemic,” shares the duo. “But stories of resilience emerged amid the gloom, revealing splendor despite sorrow. Light and darkness are inextricably linked.”

Stay current with The Flip Phones on their Website and social media channels Instagram , Twitter and Facebook Stream music on YouTube and Spotify.

11.18.22
by

John Trescott Luis Shares His New Country Rock Song “MisUnderstandings”

John Trescott Luis really stepped into music through the side door! 

While setting aside a career in music, he went to work in Hollywood as a sound engineer for ABC where he worked on hundreds of sit-coms, soap operas, dramatic productions, NEWS shoots and Award shows.  He never stopped dreaming of the music that could be and perhaps may be once he was done with his “real job”.  He’s now focused on his long-desired music venture and doing so very successfully with 18k monthly listeners on Spotify.

His most recent single, “MisUnderstandings” is a Country Rock song that sounds like a mix of Tom Petty and Waylon Jennings. His voice has a Jackson Browne style with a sultry and soulful presentation.

During his first trip to Nashville to record songs with the new band, he was understandably nervous and privately hoped these world class players wouldn’t “laugh at this California guy’s songs”. They jumped in with “Stuck”, (the first song that he was to sing) and the band just nailed it. Everyone thought it was a hit, so they jammed ahead with the rest of the sessions feeling like a breeze. The nervousness was unfounded!

Back at his hotel room that night, he pulled out his guitar and started “messing with a few chords” and immediately came up with the opening for what would soon be “MisUnderstandings”.  “I’ve learned that I come up with my most original ideas when I just start playing without thinking, then grab a hold of the first ideas,” shares John.  After working on it, he builds the story of a guy and a girl up in a hotel room arguing about “nothing and everything” but realizing they are just MisUnderstandings.  “I could have searched all day, and not found, where you’re at”.  She’s Miss Understanding and he’s Mr. Understood.

Listening to his wide variety of music you can tell this is someone who has been experimenting with styles for some time and must love them all to create songs with this much depth like the Prog Rock Ballad “Fever Dreams” or the Blues Torch song “I Fell For Those Eyes” or perhaps the simplest yet most moving ballad “DayDream” which is very McCartney-esque…

It seems he is tackling Country/Americana now and after seeing the success of “Stuck”, we are sure “MisUnderstandings” will take him even higher.

John did mention that the next single is even more of a departure and even more of a musical risk…  We can’t wait to see what he comes up with next…

Connect with John Trescott Luis via:
Website / Facebook / YouTube / Spotify

11.07.22
by

Florida Based Rock Band Displace Reveal Their Funky New Alternative Rock Single “Scarecrow”

Tampa, Florida based band “Displace” have released their new single “Scarecrow” out now. 

Displace is a saxophone and electric violin driven funk fusion ensemble who are well known for their improvisation on stage as well as a diverse sound. Displace is a four piece group, with previous album release “Eureka!” back in 2015, their new single “Scarecrow” showcases their introspective alternative rock pop sound blended with complex jazz progressions and funk grooves. 

“They say time heals all wounds, but you are inextricably addicted to a memory that only gets more distant each day. Like a lonesome scarecrow hopelessly looking to the sky longing for the very thing your nature seems designed to repel, you reflect on a past that you will never again be present for, with a bleak outlook on the prospects of a future you´d do anything to escape.”

The scarecrow then is a symbol of a fading memory; something you once longed for which is now sinking more and more into the past. 

Displace originally formed back in 2012, as a strictly experimental improvisation act and the band enjoyed several live performances which led on to their 2015 release, “Eureka!”. Their sequel album, “Undertow” covers new ground in terms of continuing on the musical fusion but with a much more polished and well produced format. Instrumental melodies are richer, and there is a full woodwind section and percussion sound. 

Displace current line-up includes saxophone, electric violin and six keyboards as well as percussion. They have been included in the lineup of several prominent music festivals in the United States, including Gasparilla Music Festival, Blackwater Music Festival, Aura Festival and the Great Outdoors Jam. 

You don´t want to miss them live, as they really put on a show! 

Stay current with Displace on their Website and social media, Instagram , Facebook and Twitter 
Stream music on YouTube , Spotify and  Soundcloud

11.07.22
by

Elizabeth P.W. Shares Her New Folk Single “Brooklyn”

Brooklyn based singer-songwriter Elizabeth P.W. has a new single out now called “Brooklyn.” 

A song packed with meaning, “Brooklyn” came to Elizabeth suddenly after the death of her aunt in Manhattan who was involved in a car accident: 

“With my Aunt Amy´s death, I had a sudden realization: after over 100 years of Brooklyn being the hub of our family, I was the last living person in the Phillipson family who remained. The chorus of the song popped into my head one day and the rest of the song came soon after.” 

With the Americana folk chorus and key instrumental violin and accordion solos, this song is memorable and full of emotion. As a multi-instrumentalist, Elizabeth´s music has been nominated for various composer awards as well as being premiered in films at Tribeca Film Festival, DOC NYC and more. 

“Brooklyn” combines various synth sounds with organic instruments like the folk violin to create her signature sound. 

Elizabeth released her debut folk album “Haven´t Found It” back in 2019, to much critical acclaim and she has been busy ever since composing music for film scores such as the 2021 NAACP Image Award nominated short film “Gets Good Light”. 

Her music influences include Fleetwood Mac, Jackson Browne and Glen Campbell. With such an eclectic sound and great musical talent for both songwriting and performing, we can´t wait to hear more of Elizabeth´s music both on screen and future single releases. 

Stay current with Elizabeth Phillipson-Weiner on her Website and social media channels Instagram ,Twitter and TikTok. 

Stream music on YouTube , Spotify and Soundcloud