The music video for Pacifico’s latest single, “Stagnant,” delivers a visually striking narrative that perfectly encapsulates the song’s central themes of inertia and emotional stasis. Shot in black-and-white, the video opens with Matthew Schwartz seated on a chair on a bustling urban sidewalk, surrounded by the ceaseless movement of city life. Cars pass by, and pedestrians weave through the frame, creating a powerful contrast between the external world’s relentless motion and the internal stillness Schwartz embodies. This opening sets the tone for a song deeply rooted in the frustration of feeling stuck despite genuine connections.

As the video unfolds, the setting shifts from the chaos of the city to quieter, more contemplative environments, like a serene park. These transitions highlight the duality between external noise and internal stagnation, reinforcing the song’s exploration of love and life’s complexities. The stark simplicity of the video’s concept places the focus squarely on Schwartz’s heartfelt performance, allowing his raw emotion to resonate deeply with viewers. It’s an artful visual companion to the candid lyrics and infectious indie rock-pop melody that define “Stagnant.”

The track, from Pacifico’s latest EP, Moving On or Standing Still, dives into the tension of a relationship caught in limbo. Schwartz’s earnest vocals and introspective songwriting tap into the universal experience of yearning for progress while feeling trapped. The video’s everyday settings, from busy streets to tranquil parks, serve as poignant metaphors for this emotional push-and-pull, inviting listeners to reflect on their own struggles with love, frustration, and personal growth.

Pacifico, originally a full band formed in 1999, has evolved under Schwartz’s leadership into a dynamic solo project, embracing collaborations and exploring new creative directions. With a history of placements in films, TV shows, and video games, Pacifico has cultivated a loyal following that eagerly anticipates each new release. “Stagnant” marks a compelling chapter in this journey, offering both a deeply personal narrative and a universally relatable message.

As the video for “Stagnant” hits platforms, it serves as a powerful introduction to Pacifico’s new EP. Keep an eye out for more from Schwartz and co. as they continue to explore themes of change, progress, and the emotional weight of standing still.

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

Out of all the songs on our upcoming Moving On Or Standing Still EP this song felt the most commercial and universal with its theme of inertia. It was written in 2008, when I was dating someone and the relationship wouldn’t move forward. I went to the piano and “Stagnant” came out. But rather than it see the light of day, the song had to wait sixteen years until it it was time for it to “Move On” rather than “Stand Still”

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

For this video the director, Michael Friedman, suggested the concept with the chair and the world passing quickly around me to symbolize how sometimes, no matter how fast the world is moving around us, we are stuck. The only creative note I added is for the music video to be black and white to match all the rest of the EP’s artwork and photography. I am very happy with how it turned out.

What was the process of making this video?

We shot it all in one day between filming in downtown College Park, on the Push Push Arts campus, and at the Westside Reservoir park in Atlanta, GA. We filmed the song at half speed and then sped it up in post to match the recording. The only part of the video in true time would be the bridge, in which I donned a guitar and they projected fast stock footage over me. The video was then edited, and color corrected and is what you see today

Vikki Minor, an award-nominated neo-90s alt-rock artist, unveils her latest single, “The Labyrinth.” Inspired by gothic fairytales and the grunge music she grew up loving, Minor delivers a cinematic, emotionally charged track exploring themes of depression and resilience. With its intense melodies and raw vocal performance, “The Labyrinth” marks a powerful evolution in her discography, blending the energy of her live shows with a sound reminiscent of 90s alternative icons like Alice in Chains and Garbage.

Minor collaborated with producer Zachary Zanardo (ZZ) to bring this track to life. The writing process for “The Labyrinth” was deeply personal, using the metaphor of a dark, gothic maze as a way to process her own struggles with depression. The result is a dynamic grunge anthem with dramatic shifts and an emotional journey packed into just over three minutes.

“The Labyrinth” was my way of conveying a dark time in my life through the lens of a mythical place. The metaphorical lyricism and intense melodies I get to belt out in the song is really cathartic. It’s a way to process emotions while creating something that’s deeply personal yet universal. – Vikki Minor

Rose Ranger’s new single “Dear Dad” is a poignant, tender reflection on loss, love, and the enduring connection between a daughter and her father. Written as a letter to her late dad, who passed away unexpectedly on his birthday in October 2022, the song offers a raw glimpse into her personal grief and healing. Recorded in Nashville with a lineup of seasoned musicians including multi-JUNO Award winner Steve Dawson on pedal steel, the song showcases a classic Country-Americana sound with a heartfelt narrative at its core.

Inspired by the memories and sentiments she holds for her father, “Dear Dad” is a testament to the complex emotions of losing a loved one, yet holding onto the hope that their spirit continues to evolve in a new journey beyond. The song’s warm, nostalgic tones are steeped in the timeless sounds of Americana and Country music, with gentle folk influences that echo the love and lessons passed down between generations.

My dad was a fan of country music from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s eras. So this song (and the new collection of songs) I wrote for my dad all have a Country-Americana-Folk sound as a nod and ode to my dad. The lyrics capture a part of my journey and the deep curiosity I still feel about what happens after we leave this earth. It’s about remembering that we are all made of stars, continuing our evolution beyond this stage. This song is also a reminder of how much I miss my dad. It’s an exploration of that relationship, but it’s also about the hope that the ‘show’ doesn’t end when the curtain falls. – Rose Ranger

Blue Pilot, an experimental duo who blend pop and psychedelia, have dropped a new single that’s nothing short of a trip. Inspired by a wild night at Brooklyn’s House of Yes, “Dripping!” fuses the chaos of club energy with unexpected sonic twists, resulting in a listening experience that’s equally mind-bending and groovy. Known for their eclectic influences and genre-bending approach, Blue Pilot deliver their first single with a sample from their friend, Olive, adding an extra layer of depth and uniqueness to the track.

On “Dripping!,” Blue Pilot captures a frenetic club energy that feels both joyful and disorienting. The track gives listeners a taste of the duo’s eclectic style, pushing sonic boundaries while staying accessible. The writing and recording of “Dripping!” was a collaborative process between members Eric Steininger-Frost and Chris Worden, combining long-distance exchanges with obsessive in-person studio sessions.

I think all artists occasionally suffer from an inferiority complex, and when you see someone further along in the journey, it can be discouraging. The idea behind the line, “you can be the artist,” comes from that escapist mindset that I sometimes feel. This song makes me feel like an insane person – hopefully people love feeling insane as well. – Eric Steininger-Frost

MEGGO, the creative project of Montreal-based musician and producer Megan Ennenberg, presents her latest single, “brooklyn pt. 1,” a track that captures both the spirit of New York and the artist’s unique sound – fusing atmospheric layers with raw, acoustic textures. Known for her work with FLEECE and now venturing into an intensely personal soundscape, MEGGO blends indie-folk, jazz, and field recordings, bringing her listeners into a world of delicate observations and heartfelt introspection.

Recorded through an iPhone voice memo on a Brooklyn rooftop, “brooklyn pt. 1” is infused with intimate, found sounds: the murmur of a crowded bar, the intricate chords of a jazz musician, the hum of a busy street. These elements create a textured, nostalgic feel that MEGGO describes as “cathartic as hell.” The track is taken from her forthcoming eavesdropper ;; death stories {chapter1} EP which is set for release in January 2025.

I like naming songs after where most of the collected sounds come from; Brooklyn, New York, where this track was born, feels like its own character in the song. “pt. 1” hints there’s more to the journey – a story that unfolds with time. It’s been a long journey of experimentation. At the end, you’ll hear a raw moment of me working through the song in real time – a reminder that the creative process isn’t always polished. It’s exciting to me to release a song that has an obvious mistake in it. I want people to ask themselves “Why does hearing someone make a mistake make me uncomfortable?” MEGGO is about taking risks and being real, and sharing what that looks like. – MEGGO

Permilla is one of Niagara, ON’s most dynamic up-and-coming bands, bringing a mix of rock & roll, blues, and Americana with a modern twist. Formed by Nicole Cerminara, her brother Joseph “Junior” Cerminara, and close friend Myles Rogers, the group has gained a reputation as a powerhouse in the Niagara/Toronto music scene. After a brief one-off meeting with legendary producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, KISS, Phish), they recently rebranded under the name Permilla and launched into an ambitious record-and-release schedule in 2024.

Their latest single, “It Ain’t Right,” embodies the heartache and introspection of navigating challenging relationships. Written by Nicole Cerminara, the song grapples with the tug-of-war between head and heart, speaking to anyone who’s ever struggled to walk away from love, even when it’s unhealthy. Departing from their usual live-off-the-floor approach, the band took a more nuanced path in the studio with engineer Mark Rogers. Together, they dissected each part to create a textured, layered sound, aiming for a classic, road trip vibe inspired by artists like Sheryl Crow and Fleetwood Mac.

This song was inspired by the difficult relationships I’ve seen loved ones go through. It’s about that inner conflict – wanting to stay and fight for someone while knowing you need to value yourself enough to walk away. Our goal was to make it feel like a road trip – a song you’d play as you cruise down the scenic route with friends. – Nicole Cerminara