Swaying between the punchiness of modern rock and the nostalgic tones of ’90s alternative, June Body‘s rawness and forthright lyrical delivery throws back to the likes of Death Cab for Cutie and The Weakerthans.
“Take Our Time Back” is the latest single from the trio’s third album,Last Everythings(June 7, 2024); a snow globe of the scenes before, during, and after a breakup. It is a venture into the subtle, heartbreaking domestic details of an ending.
“I ended a year-long relationship that I realized I wasn’t ready to be in from the start,” lead vocalist/guitarist Connor James elaborates about the new track. “I fell in love with a great person, but a voice in the back of my mind kept telling me it wasn’t meant to be. ‘Take Our Time Back’ is about the guilt of having to break their heart, and wondering if they’re wishing they could take back the time we had together.”
Introducing Hearsing, the brainchild of Avery Murphy and Jordan Taylor, a musical project deeply rooted in their shared journey from high school to professional stardom. Their musical odyssey began within the confines of high school corridors, where they co-founded the surf punk ensemble SUBPAR alongside Lukas Henderson and Austin Corona. Since then, these talented individuals have embarked on their own notable ventures in the music scene, spanning projects like LILACS, Jean Dawson, and Lizzy McAlpine.
Their collaboration within SUBPAR bore fruit with the release of the band’s eponymous album, which garnered over 3.5 million streams on Spotify and maintained a robust monthly listenership of over 21.5k. This early success laid the foundation for Hearsing to germinate, drawing upon their surf punk origins while infusing it with a tapestry of nostalgic melodies and a diverse array of newfound influences, ultimately crafting a unique brand of western music that is distinctly their own.
In March of 2021, Hearsing unveiled their inaugural offering—a self-titled collection of home-recorded tracks that served as a precursor to their burgeoning musical expedition. However, it is in the year 2024 that they truly come into their own, as they unleash their debut professional studio EP, aptly titled “Pastoral.” Recorded under the meticulous guidance of producer and singer-songwriter Henry Chadwick, whose impressive repertoire includes collaborations with esteemed acts like Jesse Daniel and Coffis Brothers, “Pastoral” encapsulates the essence of Hearsing’s artistic evolution. Additionally, the EP features the deft drumming of Ellington Peet, known for his work with bands like Runnner and Babehoven, adding a layer of dynamism to the sonic landscape.
Accompanying the release of “Montauk,” the lead single from “Pastoral,” is a visually captivating music video that serves as a visual companion to the ethereal soundscape of the track. Directed by the brilliant Diego Diaz Lundquist, the video transports viewers on a cinematic journey through landscapes both familiar and otherworldly. With mesmerizing imagery and evocative storytelling, the video offers a glimpse into the boundless creativity and artistic vision of Hearsing, promising an immersive experience that perfectly complements the introspective mood of the song.
Listen and watch here:
Hearsing reveals of the track:
“We wrote Montauk back in 2022, and it was one of the first songs I wrote where I realized not everything had to be directly about real things in my life. Everything gets interpreted so allegorically anyways, real or not, so for Montauk we got to really have fun making up characters and a world that the song could live in. Montauk is really rooted in metaphors concerning the natural world, the chorus “I feel like a star now, look at the way look at the way that my hair shines, I feel like a star now, just look up in the sky tell me if I’m right” is really exemplary of that. On its face it gives this kind of upbeat optimistic reading of feeling like a superstar or something shiny, but in reality I feel like it would be pretty lonely to be a star out in space, shining millions of miles away for others to see. And I think there’s kind of a double meaning there too because I imagine being some big famous star on earth could also feel similar.
The song is accompanied by a music video made by our brilliant friend, Diego Diaz Lundquist. The video was filmed on 8mm film and is so imagistically rich, it feels really immersive, like it allows you to live in the world that the song exists in. But the video contrasts the made-up lyrical content of the song in that it was filmed in very real areas that are personal and special to us, and it features us, as well as a bunch of our close friends. So the video feels very grounded in something real, which in turn grounds the song and ties it to the way we feel it will live in the world once it’s released, not as something made-up or far off, but something very personal that will be present and will serve to soundtrack important moments in people’s lives, whether those be moments of nostalgic past, pressing present, or longing future.”
What sets “Pastoral” apart is not just its impeccable production or the pedigree of its collaborators, but the sheer depth of emotion and creativity that permeates each track. From the wistful nostalgia of “Montauk” to the infectious energy of “Hearsing,” the EP traverses a diverse sonic terrain, seamlessly blending elements of surf punk, indie rock, and Americana to create a sound that is both timeless and refreshing.
As Hearsing prepares to embark on the next phase of their musical journey, their sights set on conquering new horizons and captivating audiences around the globe, they invite listeners to join them on this exhilarating ride. With “Montauk” serving as the harbinger of their sonic expedition, Hearsing is poised to make an indelible mark on the musical landscape, one soul-stirring melody at a time.
Paul Hashemi, the frontman of Faint Halos, has released his new single “Skyline Hill.”
This is the second single from his forthcoming album I Can See a Million Lights, due out in August 2024.
This track beautifully captures the tranquility of a summer evening at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, and reflects Hashemi’s inspiration drawn from the city’s unique blend of intimate locales and expansive views.
During his time at the Mann Center, Hashemi observed the city from a distance, gaining a fresh perspective. He remarked on how Philadelphia’s small, familiar places contrast with the vast, unified view seen from afar, which inspired the song’s lyrics.
“Skyline Hill” features a deliberately simple arrangement with acoustic and electric guitars, keys, bass, drums, and vocals. Lead guitar, played with an eBow, highlights Hashemi’s innovation, using a “fluttering” technique to create a unique sound.
This technique involved playing a trill with his left hand while manipulating the eBow to control volume, a process that required extensive experimentation and multiple takes to perfect.
“Skyline Hill” was recorded, produced, and mixed in Hashemi’s home studio in Berwyn, PA, with additional vocal recordings in North Carolina. As one of the first pieces written for the new album, it stands out with its airy, minimalist arrangement and haunting guitar melodies.
Paul Hashemi’s musical journey spans classical training, touring with rock bands in the ’90s, followed by a hiatus to focus on career and family.
The pandemic really reignited his creativity, leading to the formation of Faint Halos and the creation of I Can See a Million Lights. This debut album delves into introspective themes with poignant lyrics and dynamic arrangements, marking an exciting new chapter.
Galactic Monk has released his ethereal new single, “Secretly Admire,” out now!
The track invites listeners to embrace self-love and overcome insecurities, delivering a powerful message wrapped in an ethereal pop sound with hints of Tropical House.
“The inspiration for writing and recording this song stems from my anticipation of a relationship with my Twin Flame. My intuition tells me we will have a fiery relationship supported by the divine. This song is a manifestation of the reality I want to create. As a writer and artist with roots in Hip-Hop, exploring singing vocals was a new venture for me,” says Galactic Monk.
He adds, “Recording, mixing, and mastering the track myself was crucial in achieving the ethereal and upbeat energy I envisioned.”
The story behind “Secretly Admire” is one of true perseverance. After prioritizing his mental health with a leave of absence from work in 2015, Galactic Monk rebuilt his recording studio from scratch in 2022.
“Secretly Admire” is the first song completed in his newly equipped studio, symbolizing a return to his creative roots.
Accompanying the single is a new lyric video. Galactic Monk plans to release one song each month until the full album is unveiled. The aim is to empower listeners to step into their authentic power and shine unapologetically, blending ethereal pop, catchy beats, and lyrical magic.
Galactic Monk has dedicated himself to an unwavering pursuit of self-mastery, honing his skills in recording, mixing, mastering, writing, and producing to develop a unique sound.
Starting as a recording engineer, he wrote and recorded his songs during studio downtime, creating each track as a vessel for powerful mantras, affirmations, and manifestations.
At the heart of his art is a profound commitment to his “Star Mission” – a crusade to save planet Earth and activate enlightenment in all who encounter his work. Galactic Monk’s music is a vehicle for transformation, awakening dormant potentials and unlocking inherent power within each listener.
In an increasingly disconnected world, Galactic Monk stands out as a beacon of hope, showcasing art’s transformative power and the human spirit’s limitless potential.
When not in the studio, he shares daily doses of motivational wisdom on social media platforms and plots world-changing initiatives with fellow truth seekers.
Based in Victoria, BC, Jesse Roper is a blues/Americana artist with a penchant for writing modern indie-infused blues music and delivering bombastic live performances buoyed by his virtuosic guitar playing. His innate and impressive musical talent has served him well, giving him the flexibility to play with soul icon Booker T. Jones, rock veteran Colin James, blues belter Beth Hart, and Canadian legend Burton Cummings.
“Way Down In The Valley” is a song about the house that Jesse lives in. It started out as a classic rock song and evolved into a funky, soulful tune with the help of JUNO-nominated producer, Gus van Go (Metric, Arkells, Sam Roberts, Whitehorse).
“I’ve wanted to live in this valley since I was a little kid,” says Jesse Roper. “I still can’t believe I actually live here. The ground grows tasty vegetables. The deer, wolves, bears, cougars and even the odd elk roam the surrounding hills. There’s old growth trees and the smell of the ocean freshens it up around here year round. I’m truly lucky to call this place my home.”
Solo artist and singer-songwriter Tataetanoannounces the release of his debut full-length album “MaloKhali Rising.”
Hailing from the Bay Area in California, Tataetano is the stage name of Antonio Palazzo. This new album of songs features a blend of Indie and Adult Alternative music.
The concept of “Malokhali Rising” revolves around the theme of awakening and inspiration:
“I wanted the concept of this album to have a recurring theme of some version of an awakening or an inspiration to achieve something with new possibilities. I decided to name the album “Malokhali Rising.” Khali means space, silence, or empty, as used in Northern Indian music philosophy to describe the pause between two beats. It’s the moment of space (the khali) where rhythm is born. Malo in Tongan means “thank you.” MaloKhali to me, means finding and embracing the empty space between when one part of life (usually negative) ends and another one (positive) begins and being grateful for that. So, Malokhali Rising is the state of mind in which this occurs.”
Most of the tracks on the album have hints of this concept, but the second track on the album, titled “Down Here,” is the most prominent:
A great wide darkness swallows me
There’s a trillion stars above every tree
I’m not yet tame, but I am small
The voice I lost shouts “fuck” em all
A strange new breath I feel
Down here
A sunrise spills light on the night
A spirit’s shook by a thunder strike
Above the ocean of oxygen
Lives worlds our minds have never been
In the first verse, the song depicts a person overwhelmed by the pressures of modern society. They glimpse the awe-inspiring “trillion stars above every tree,” igniting a desire to leave behind their known world in search of something deeper.
The second verse describes the realization of this search, celebrating nature’s beauty with lines like “sunrise spills light on the night” and the awakening of a spirit “shook by a thunder strike.” It ends with recognizing the vast, unexplored realms of existence, expressed in “above the ocean of oxygen, live worlds our minds have never seen.” The chorus reflects a sense of wonder and renewal, presenting a breath of fresh air that feels entirely new to them.
Throughout all of the tracks, Tataetano brings together a delectable blend of alternative rock elements, synths, and electronica. He stands out for his pleasing melodies and thoughtful lyrics, which together create a unique California sound.
Tracks “You Are My Friend” and “A Day In Harmony” carry a more mellow electronica sound, while “The Pain I Take” is punchier, with rock beats and percussion.
“The Joy Will Be Restored” is a standout track on this album for its vocal harmonies, strong rhythms, and catchy refrains.
The album’s overall instrumentation blends modern electronic sounds with organic hand drums and sometimes ancient percussive instruments, creating a really unique sound.
Alongside the album, Tataetano has also released a book of poems titled “Borrowed Eden.” The book echoes the themes of his music’s emotional richness, and the album and poetry work together to show artistic versatility and talent for combining different creative expressions.
Malokhali Track List:
The Next Thousand Thumps
Down Here
Let the Sky Cry
You Are My Friend
Peter Pan Parable
The Pain I Take
Santa Monica
A Day in Harmony
Blossom of Desire
The Joy will be Restored
Wild Freedom
Tataetano wrote and arranged all the songs and lyrics, working with producer Tal Ariel, an incredible musician who helped develop the songs and ensured they sounded their best!
Modern Mystery 
You must be logged in to post a comment.