by Jane Lambert

The Flip Phones Strike Gold with Whimsical Indie-Pop Gem “It’s a Sign”

With their effervescent new single, “It’s a Sign,” The Flip Phones have created an indie-pop delight brimming with charm, quirk, and an unexpected dose of introspection.

Inspired by Los Angeles’ iconic Happy Foot/Sad Foot sign – a whimsical podiatry advertisement once used by locals to divine their daily fortunes – the track explores the thin line between taking charge of our lives and surrendering to fate and superstition.

Listen in here:

The duo, Lindsey and Ryan, blend instrumental talent with an unpretentious energy to create a sound that feels as timeless as it is refreshing.

Lindsey’s background as a classically trained pianist and flutist shines through in the lush textures of melodica and electric piano that weave throughout the song. Her lyrical storytelling brims with vibrant imagery and clever wit, while Ryan’s self-taught guitar stylings, steeped in influences like The Beatles and Blur, add a jangly, upbeat undercurrent that grounds the song’s playful tone.

This isn’t the first time Lindsey and Ryan have made musical magic together. Their earlier collaboration in North of Canada laid the foundation for the unique synergy that defines The Flip Phones.

Since forming their new project in 2013, they’ve honed their craft, releasing the well-received EP Better in the Dark in 2022 and building a reputation for vibrant live shows at festivals and celebrated mid-Atlantic venues like Jammin Java and Songbyrd.

Produced by Dave Mallen at Innovation Station Music, “It’s a Sign” radiates the energy of their live performances, while also showcasing a shift toward a more playful sound palette.

Influences from the B-52s and Gorillaz are clear, with the melodica lending a whimsical edge, yet the track retains the narrative depth and layered arrangements that have become their signature.

As the lead single for their upcoming EP Spinning Adrift (set to drop in spring 2025), “It’s a Sign” is both an irresistible and thought-provoking anthem for those caught between luck and intention. With its buoyant melodies and clever interplay between Lindsey and Ryan’s vocals, this is indie-pop at its finest.

Connect with The Flip Phones:

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube Music

12.18.24

by Jane Lambert

Animals In Denial Deliver Pulsing Industrial Rock with Single “Operator”

Animals in Denial’s new single “Operator” is an exploration into heartbreak, wrapped up in a gritty industrial-electronic sound.

The story behind “Operator” is as compelling as the song itself. The beat has been living in the artist Christian Imes’s head since they were 14, back when they were cruising the streets of Canton, NC, and obsessing over The Matrix.

At the time, they didn’t even have a synth – just a guitar and a lot of ideas. Years later, using a lite copy of Ableton Live and some old-school drum samples, the track finally started to take shape. It came together fast at first with the initial demo finished in just 30 minutes, but the final version was elevated thanks to a collaboration with industrial icon Steven Seibold (Hate Dept, Pigface).

Seibold’s fingerprints are all over the production. From tweaking the vocal delivery on the third verse to suggesting subtle backing harmonies in the chorus, he brought a fresh perspective to the track.

Listen here:

The pair even recorded the vocals in Seibold’s home studio, which was a full-circle moment for the artist, who’s been a longtime fan of Seibold’s work. The result is sleek and dynamic, with just the right amount of edge.

Musically, “Operator” is a study in restraint. An earlier version included guitar parts, but the final mix strips them away to let the synths and beats carry the weight. That choice gives the track a sharp, metallic vibe that feels perfectly in line with its themes of emotional distance and digital disconnect. The song pulses with a hypnotic rhythm, pulling you in as layers of sound build and shift. It’s dark, atmospheric, and relentlessly captivating.

But the heart of “Operator” are the lyrics, which draw from a relationship that left its mark. The “operator” in the song is a nod to late-night phone calls and AIM chats with an ex who once felt like a lifeline, but who eventually became a source of pain. It’s brutally honest and deeply relatable especially for anyone who’s navigated the murky waters of young love.

Whether drawn to its cyberpunk aesthetic, its honest lyrics, or its sheer force, this is definitely a song that grabs your attention.

Keep up to date with all things Animal In Denial on the Website.

12.15.24

by Jane Lambert

Video Voyaguer: 3 Q’s with Sarah Pillow

Nestled just steps away from the dazzling lights of Times Square and the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Hell’s Kitchen offers a striking contrast to Midtown Manhattan’s holiday frenzy.

It’s a neighborhood that pulses with history, resilience, and creativity – a vibrant mix of artists, shopkeepers, and locals who form the backbone of its enduring charm.

In her latest holiday single music video, “Hell’s Kitchen at Christmas Time,” Sarah Pillow and the team at Buckyball Music captures the spirit of this unique corner of New York City.

Part love letter, part festive celebration, the video is a heartfelt tribute to the small businesses, quiet streets, and resilient community that make Hell’s Kitchen feel like home. Even as the chaos of the holidays unfolds just a few blocks away.

With playful nods to iconic New York traditions, from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the glittering Fifth Avenue window displays, the video weaves together a narrative that celebrates both the hustle and the haven that define Hell’s Kitchen. Featuring a talented ensemble of musicians, actors, and local shopkeepers, it’s a project that shines a light on the people and places that keep the neighborhood alive.

Watch here:

We asked Sarah to tell us about the inspiration behind the song, the challenges of filming in the heart of Manhattan, and why shopping locally is more important than ever during the holiday season.

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

I’ve lived in Hell’s Kitchen since 1996, and while the neighborhood has evolved over the years, it has managed to retain its unique charm. I was reading about how local businesses are struggling due to reduced foot traffic as more people turn to online shopping.

This inspired us to create a fun holiday video celebrating our neighborhood – the artists, the community, and the small businesses that make it special.

The holidays are an especially meaningful time here, as we’re right next door to one of the busiest places in the world during this season.

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

We were inspired by the juxtaposition of our quiet neighborhood nestled right next to Times Square – the center of the world, especially during the holidays – which led to the lyric, “you’re in it all, but off to the side.”

The storyline follows me navigating the chaos of Midtown Manhattan – Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and Saks – while also highlighting the anchors of my neighborhood: Hudson River Park, Restaurant Row, and long-standing local businesses that have been part of the community for decades.

It’s a celebration of their resilience and enduring spirit.

3.What was the process of making the video?

We invited some actor friends to play the roles of crazy holiday shoppers and collaborated with our colleague Eliane Amherd – also a Hell’s Kitchen local – to play guitar and sing with me. For the horn section, we enlisted three excellent horn players who were students at the time (one has since joined the band of Saturday Night Live). The marching at the beginning of the video is a nod to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

We visited some of our favorite local businesses and asked if they’d like to participate, celebrating the importance of shopping locally.

We also wanted to feature the musicians, highlighting the artists and performers who make New York City so vibrant. Filming took place in our studio, along the West Side Highway, driving through the streets of Hell’s Kitchen, on our rooftop, and even in front of Saks Fifth Avenue (who were surprisingly cool about it). To add to the festive spirit, we included Manhattan holiday window displays in one segment of the song.

Hell’s Kitchen at Christmas Time

Sarah Pillow, vocals

Marc Wagnon, drums, percussion and vibraphone.

Eliane Amherd, guitar and vocals

Summer Camargo, trumpet

Coby Petricone-Berg, alto sax

Cole Palensky, tenor sax

Jonathan Price, bass

Holiday Shoppers:

Carol Scudder

Robert Arthur Altman

Justin Anderson Taylor

Thank you to these Hell’s Kitchen shopkeepers:

Garden Hardware, 10^th Avenue

Westside Animal Hospital, 10^th Avenue

Poseidon Bakery, 9^th Avenue

Sullivan Street Bakery, West 47^th Street

Thriftway Pharmacy, 10^th Avenue

Spoiled Brats, West 49^th Street

Fine and Dandy, West 49^th Street

Ismael Cruz, West 49^th Street Caretaker

Skyline Deli, 10^th Avenue

Find out more about Sarah Pillow on her Website

12.13.24

by Jane Lambert

Thomas Michael Link Swings Into the Holiday Spirit with “I Can’t Wait for Christmas”

Thomas Michael Link’s “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” feels like it was made for that perfect holiday moment. Maybe, when you’re trimming the tree or sharing a warm drink with someone you love.

The track leans into big band nostalgia with a modern spark, blending jazzy brass, a lively rhythm section, and Link’s smooth baritone for a holiday tune that is fresh, catchy and brimming with the kind of joy that makes you want to hit repeat.

The horns pop, upbeat swing, the drums shuffle, and the bass keeps everything bouncing along, laying the foundation for Link’s charismatic vocal. There is a personal touch too – lines like “Every day is Christmas as long as I can hold you near” take the sentiment beyond the season, making the song as much about love as it is about sleigh bells and snowy nights.

The arrangement is where the magic really happens. Collaborating with Studio Pros, Link crafted a sound that’s as full and rich as your favorite holiday spread. The guitar solo, with its Wes Montgomery-style warmth, is a standout moment, while the female backing vocals, added late in the process, give the track a classic 1940s feel that ties it all together.

Link’s musical journey makes this track feel even more authentic. A self-described blender of music genres, he has spent years pulling together elements of rock, jazz, blues, and pop into his own unique sound.

Link says:

“”I Can’t Wait for Christmas” started out as just melody and a chorus and grew from there. I walked around humming it to myself as it grew, and it seemed to organically sprout lyrics inspired by the underlying idea of being in love at Christmas and having that feeling year-round. I was also conceptually inspired by some classic Christmas/holiday songs such as “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and that feeling that you never want the season to end.

He’s not one to stick to formulas, and “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” reflects that spirit of experimentation – it’s a big band tune at heart, with a modern energy that is fresh and inviting.

For fans of Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jr., or even those old Bing Crosby records, this song has all the makings of a holiday favorite. It’s joyful, romantic, and just the right amount of over the top – a perfect soundtrack to the season’s best moments.

Make sure to save this to your holiday playlists now!

Stream “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” on Spotify here.

Find out more about Thomas Michael Link on his Website.

12.11.24

by Jane Lambert

Video Voyaguer: 3 Q’s with The IT City

This holiday season, The It City bring a fresh take on festive nostalgia with their heartwarming music video for “Christmas At Home”.

Known for their blend of modern sounds and timeless appeal, the band re-imagines their original orchestral holiday anthem in an intimate, acoustic trio format.

The result is a cozy stripped-down rendition that perfectly captures the warmth, longing and joy that defines the holiday season.

In this exclusive interview, we take a deeper dive into the inspiration behind the song, the creative vision for the music video, and the magic of bringing their holiday vision to life with the help of the talented Sean Power of Music City Content Kings.

Watch here:

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

“Christmas At Home” is a forlorn little love letter to the holidays. We wanted to evoke the warm feelings of nostalgia that sneak in this time of year.

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

We love the old Christmas specials and all of the unique and interesting performances from them. It was also an exciting musical opportunity to reimagine the original arrangement, replete with full orchestration, as a simplified acoustic trio!

3. What was the process of making the video?

The inimitable Sean Power of Music City Content Kings has a cozy studio here in Nashville. He does incredible work and had the cameras all set up and the stockings hung by the sound baffles with care. It’s always a delight to work with him whenever we can!

About The It City

The It City is a dynamic Nashville-based band known for its eclectic fusion of sounds that blend pop, rock, and soul with the timeless spirit of the city’s musical heritage.

Formed by a group of talented musicians including DJ Phillips (guitar, vocals), Derrek Phillips (drums, percussion, backing vocals), Rich Brinsfield (bass, backing vocals), and Reed Pittman (keyboards, vocals) the band has quickly become a standout act in the vibrant Nashville music scene.

With a string of successful releases and collaborations, The It City has received attention both locally and internationally, sharing the stage with music legends such as Elton John, Lana Del Rey, Sting, and Maren Morris.

The band’s sound is characterized by rich harmonies, infectious melodies, and a deep-rooted commitment to musicianship, evident in their diverse musical influences and creative approach to songwriting.

Their holiday single Christmas At Home is the latest in a series of releases that explore their familiar sounds while staying true to the heart of what makes their music so universally appealing.

Connect with The IT City here:

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube Music

12.10.24

by Jane Lambert

Collin Derrick’s “Holiday Hallelujah” – Indie Pop Meets Festive Cheer in this Holiday Gem

Collin Derrick, the wildly uncool (his words), middle-aged indie pop maestro with a knack for turning life’s quirks into sonic joy, has struck gold with his latest single, “Holiday Hallelujah.”

This track, a centerpiece of his newly released EP Christmas, Vol. 2, is a jubilant celebration of all things festive, bringing classic holiday nostalgia together with Derrick’s signature modern indie pop sound.

Listen in here:

From the first notes, “Holiday Hallelujah” grabs your attention with its vibrant mix of jangly guitars, upright bass grooves, and shimmering sleigh bells. It’s a track that radiates the kitschy charm of Christmas Vacation and the timeless coziness of Burl Ives. The infectious hook, “Holiday Hallelujah,” is impossible to resist, daring you to sing along as the song builds to an exuberant finish.

Derrick wrote, recorded, produced, mixed, and even mastered the track himself, showing his talent as both artist and producer. Notably, Derrick picked up an upright bass for the first time and revisited his long-neglected drum skills to bring this song to life.

Beyond his holiday releases, Derrick has been carving out a unique space in the indie pop world.

He first gained attention with the quirky track “LaCroix LaCroix,” co-written with Grant Michaels (who has worked with Sia, SZA, and Weezer), and followed it up with the synth-laden single “You’re Magic.”

A former member of the prog piano trio The Fire Tonight, he toured the Southeast for 10 years, releasing three full-length albums and three EPs with the band. As a mix engineer, Collin has worked with Grammy-winners Jeff Coffin and Nir Felder as well as prominent artists like Offset, 2KBABY, and Quando Rondo. His production and co-writing credits include collaborations with Allyn Aston (Atlanta), Anne Reburn (Los Angeles), and Ivy Ash (London).

But Derrick’s holiday music holds a special place in his discography – and his heart. Inspired by his wife’s admittedly high standards for Christmas gifts, Derrick began writing her original holiday songs, a tradition that ultimately led to the Christmas series.

With Christmas, Vol. 2, he expands on the themes of joy and nostalgia, delivering a collection that resonates with listeners while still keeping it lighthearted and fun.

In “Holiday Hallelujah,” Derrick captures the essence of what makes the best holiday songs endure – nonsensical yet unforgettable lyrics, unrelenting cheer, and a sense of warmth that can melt even the coldest winter day.

It’s the perfect addition to a seasonal playlist, bringing a dose of indie charm to your holiday celebrations.

“Holiday Hallelujah” and the full EP, Christmas, Vol. 2, are available now on all major streaming platforms.

Connect with Collin Derrick on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Music.