“Halloweekend” by Sarah Gargano

"‘Halloweekend" by Sarah Gargano

"Halloweekend" by Sarah Gargano

Artist: Sarah Gargano

Song: Halloweekend

Genres: #indie

Influences: Phoebe Bridgers, boygenius

Location:  Nashville, United States

Release date: October, 2024

Comment: Some songs excel at creating a ‘mood’, evoking strong emotions that are often tinged with melancholy or introspection. They set up a pensive atmosphere perfect for those rainy days or quiet nights in, and that’s exactly the case with ‘Halloweekend’ by Sarah Gargano. This talented singer-songwriter has a knack for inward-looking lyrics that resonate deeply.

Born and raised in New York City but now based in Nashville, the 26-year-old has been writing music since she was 15, and released her first EP in 2018. For ‘Halloweekend’, which came out last Friday, she drew inspiration from Phoebe Bridgers, a master of moody songs, both as a solo artist and through her work with boygenius. Sarah’s ability to craft similarly evocative and emotional music is evidence that, as a musician, she’s headed in the right direction.

Sarah Gargano is planning to make a music video too. While we wait for it, please enjoy her standout track here.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

“girl in a china shop” by Caroline Romano

"girl in a china shop" by Caroline Romano

Artist: Caroline Romano

Song: girl in a china shop

Genres: #AlternativeRock, #Altpop

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: November, 2023.

CommentCaroline Romano is back with a new single, “girl in a china shop”, and it’s, as they say in the UK, a ‘banger.’ Having written about her twice before, it’s clear that Romano is not just a passing phase, but a force to be reckoned with in the alt-pop scene.

The Nashville-based singer-songwriter has once again demonstrated her knack for capturing the essence of young adulthood in her music. “girl in a china shop” is an emotional rollercoaster, with an explosive chorus that contrasts beautifully with its reflective verses. In the lyrics, Caroline admits to feeling like she breaks everything she touches, and this song is her way of acknowledging that feeling.

With millions of streams already under her belt, and more music on the way, it’s clear that Caroline Romano is an artist whose star will only continue to rise. We can’t wait to see what she does next.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Homes At Night – Texaco

Texaco by Homes at Night
Texaco by Homes at Night

Artist: Homes At Night

Song: Texaco

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: April, 2023

Comment Homes at Night, a duo consisting of Hank Compton and Aksel Coe, have just released their latest single, “Texaco,” and it showcases the pair’s ability to craft catchy yet meaningful tracks that speak to the heart and soul. It is a perceptive single that centers on life’s transitional moments and the need to let go of toxic habits in order to grow. Hank’s personal experiences with addiction inspired the song’s lyrics.

The Homes at Night’s sound is a fusion of alternative pop/rock that is both nostalgic and modern, layered with organic instruments, synth-driven soundscapes, cinematic hooks, and a percussive pulse. The duo is currently on tour with Saint Motel, and they’ll be joining Arts Fishing Club for dates in May and June. With a growing streaming presence, they’re rapidly gaining recognition for their explosive sound, and rightfully so.

One example of that explosive sound is the chorus in “Texaco”, which is enhanced by its contrast with the song’s verses. All in all, this is a really good song that you can check out below.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Goldpark – Covered In Sunshine

Artist: Goldpark

Song: Covered In Sunshine

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: June, 2022

CommentCovered In Sunshine, from Nashville’s indie-rock trio Goldpark, gives me strong 1990s #poprock vibes. Something like U2 from that decade meets Blur. The song is the second single off the band’s forthcoming EP “Lady Lightyear“, and talks about the effect stepping outside has over your anxieties and fear. Who didn’t feel relieved after a long day studying or in an office as soon as you left the building? Yeah, that feeling.

Formed in 2019, Goldpark released their debut EP just last year but in such a short period of time, they have been able to tour the US in solo gigs, as supporting acts, and participating at festivals. They work very hard and will reap the benefits of that sooner than later. Listen to Covered In Sunshine here.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Caroline Romano – Oddities & Prodigies

Caroline Romano - Oddities & Prodigies

Artist: Caroline Romano

Song: Oddities & Prodigies

Genres: #AlternativeRock, #Altpop

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: February, 2022.

Comment: Twenty-year-old Nashville-based artist Caroline Romano was featured here last August (at the age of 19) with her song ‘The Hypothetical,’ part of her new album, ‘Oddities & Prodigies,’ released in February. The album, highly recommended, includes great songs like the aforementioned one and ‘Grocery Store,’ among others. However, my favorite track by far is the eponymous ‘Oddities & Prodigies,’ even better than ‘The Hypothetical.’ If you enjoy catchy #poprock songs, you might find it perfect. Check it out

Featured on the following mixtapes:

June Rosewell – Apologies to an Empty Room

Photo credits: Khaki Bedford, Bre Lesch

Artist: June Rosewell

Song: Apologies to an Empty Room

Genres: #indiefolk #singersongwriter

Location: Nashville, United States

Influences: Julia Jacklin, Faye Webster, Lucy Dacus

Release date: October, 2021

CommentJune Kolentus is a Vanderbilt University student with a passion for music. June Rosewell is her solo project and Apologies to an Empty Room is just the second single she’s released under that moniker. Inspired by the self-doubt she experienced. after a sad breakup, this sweet and soft song is a folksy track hypnotizes you with June’s heartfelt vocals, guitar strums and a lovely cello part (played by Doc. Henry). This tune would fit perfectly in the soundtrack of an indie movie. Don’t you think?

Featured on the following mixtapes:

DBMK – Chains

Artist: DBMK

Song: Chains

Genres: #alternativerock #altpop

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: January, 2022

CommentDBMK is a Nashville-based alt-pop duo that consists of Kyle Knudsen (vocals) and Colton Ward (drums). They have sold out numerous shows in their home state of Florida and managed their own DIY tours all across the States, amassing a dedicated fanbase denominated the “KULT“. That being said, I hadn’t heard of them until I listened to Chains, their latest single released last month, and came out impressed. From the inviting guitar-based intro to the infectious chorus, the whole song got everything it needs to become a staple of your music library in 2022.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Sixpence None The Richer – Kiss Me

Artist: Sixpence None The Richer

Song: Kiss Me

Genres: #alternativerock #poprock

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Release date: August, 1998.

Comment: Kiss Me is a beautiful ballad that made Christian alternative rock band Sixpence None The Richer famous not only across the United States but also around the world. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one in the Australian and Canadian charts. It was all well-deserved because this sweet song is quite a gem. Enjoy this week’s #ThrowbackThursday entry.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Caroline Romano – The Hypothetical

Caroline Romano - The Hypothetical

Artist: Caroline Romano

Song: The Hypothetical

Genres: #PunkRock, #PopPunk

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: July, 2021.

Comment: 19-year-old Nashville-based artist Caroline Romano has just dropped this pop-punk banger that sounds really refreshing. She’s young but wise beyond her years and you just have to listen to The Hypothetical to know that she’s going places. No doubt.

Featured on the following mixtapes: