Artist Spotlight: Discovering Your Next Favourite Synthpop, Roots Rock, and Indie Blues Obsession
By David Weddle
Exploring the raw talent and resonant stories of the independent music scene.
Exploring the raw talent and resonant stories of the independent music scene.
Today we are shining a light on three phenomenal new discoveries that completely throw out clinical, over-polished production in favor of pure sonic force: LANDROID, rock 'n' roll veteran Ken Burgan, and Little Arman.
Cooper Gillespie and Greg Gordon were the driving force behind a ferocious punk outfit in the Los Angeles scene, until they decided to move to a tiny desert town of 2,632 residents.As LANDROID, they are now making vast, cinematic desert music, turning heads with their larger-than-life alternative synthpop anthem 'Hank The Dragon'.
The upcoming album Constellation by the duo will explore mythic stories and the unbalance of human emotions over time. The single features a striking otherworldly male/female vocal trade off with Nigel Roman, singer/songwriter from Joshua Tree, and a lush, ethereal production that’s been unleashed by the duo in the Mojave desert.
Listen here
The upcoming album Constellation by the duo will explore mythic stories and the unbalance of human emotions over time. The single features a striking otherworldly male/female vocal trade off with Nigel Roman, singer/songwriter from Joshua Tree, and a lush, ethereal production that’s been unleashed by the duo in the Mojave desert.
Listen here
At over 80 years old, legendary songwriter Ken Burgan, who spent his high school years in the 1950s playing saxophone in Frank Zappa's early band, returns with his stunning new generational bridge of an album, Somewhere Else. Produced by his son, Hunter Burgan (bassist for the rock band AFI), the record serves as a brilliant distillation of a lifetime spent absorbing rock, soul, and R&B.
The spellbinding lead single, "Down There," is a deeply enticing, restless meditation on mortality. Accompanied by a gorgeous, cinematically shot music video, the track blends wry, weathered lyricism with a raw, adventurous grit that proves Burgan is still beautifully, unapologetically alive.
Listen here
The spellbinding lead single, "Down There," is a deeply enticing, restless meditation on mortality. Accompanied by a gorgeous, cinematically shot music video, the track blends wry, weathered lyricism with a raw, adventurous grit that proves Burgan is still beautifully, unapologetically alive.
Listen here
Independent multi-instrumentalist Little Arman delivers a masterclass in atmospheric songwriting with his magnificent new track 'Hamrah'. The release is an immersive, organic soundscape crafted through raw human performances and a great deal of musical talent.
Driven by his highly distinctive, intensely powerful vocals that are absolutely bursting with raw emotion, the track has no problem grabbing your attention and keeping you fully immersed in the music. As the composition unfolds, an array of gorgeous multi-instrumental elements, including a stunning, soul stirring harmonica solo that draws the listener deeper and deeper into his world, making it a spectacular discovery for fans of honest, unfiltered indie-blues.
Listen here
Driven by his highly distinctive, intensely powerful vocals that are absolutely bursting with raw emotion, the track has no problem grabbing your attention and keeping you fully immersed in the music. As the composition unfolds, an array of gorgeous multi-instrumental elements, including a stunning, soul stirring harmonica solo that draws the listener deeper and deeper into his world, making it a spectacular discovery for fans of honest, unfiltered indie-blues.
Listen here
Keep an eye out for more artist spotlights, and if you have any new music that you think deserves a shout-out, feel free to send it our way.