Full-disclosure, I first met Siergio as a freshmen in high school. Fairly quickly, he established himself as a personality due to his singing, and what I recall as a vehement defense of superstar singer Monica’s vocal prowess.
It’s been a joy to hear him pursue his art these last few years. He seems poised to release another excellent set of tunes, if his latest single, a classic R&B slow burner, “Complicated,” is any indication of what else will show up on forthcoming LP, “Before it’s too Late” (available for pre-order here).
Listening through the song, you can hear his appreciation of Monica shine, albeit, through the prism of a variety of other influences. This allows Siergio to do something that strikes me as fairly unique within the world of modern R&B: call to what’s inspired him, but not so loudly, that his influences overwhelm the specifics of his persistent truth as a vocalist.
In a musical landscape in which it can be increasingly hard to tell singers apart, Siergio has found something that is uniquely his own within his voice.
This has come about as a result of pursuing craft with steadfast dedication.
Outside of gorgeous production that manages to create a sense of cavernous depth, the song is marked by Siergio’s control of his voice. His singing reminds of a guitar player who understands that he’s in the business of handling business, but doesn’t feel like he has to let everyone know all the time. Throughout the song’s run, Siergio pulls off a variety of vocal flexes that on their surface, might appear to be light, but speak to careful consideration, and/or restraint on his part. Where he could easily, pop an octave or hit a run, he instead chooses to make his voice swell or fall accordingly.
It’s an incredibly admirable set of choices and keeps a certain amount on tension in play. When release finally arrives, it shows up in the form of a contemplative, three-guitar over/under interplay that sounds like the R&B equivalent of what you mind find on an 80s King Crimson record.
It’s an inspired choice that adds a nice additional flavor to the song, allowing it to fade out with a blissful release that feels earned.
If you haven’t already done so, head back up to the top of the page, and hit play on the YouTube link.
Happy Valentine’s Day fam – self-designated cupid Classy Cassie back again this year for round two of Hot New Singles For You Hot Singles. Unattached and looking for love, these 14 musical singles hot and ready for your eardrums. Remember, the below dating profiles are for the music, not the artist.
Purple Disco Machine, Sophie and The Giants “In The Dark“
Dating Profile: This single is rebellious, independent, goes to the club alone to dance – don’t join this dance party unless you’re ready for a hot makeout sesh on the dance floor that begins and ends with a touch of the lips. Names? Occupation? None of it matters. Pucker up and get ready, this single is already dancing the night away.
DatingProfile: This “new and improved” single is back and ready to date….again. A messy history of gold diggers and unassuming sugar babies has left this single on a skeptic rollercoaster for the last few years – but who knows, maybe you’re the one to help this single feel trust again? Start off with a more casual date to check the vibe before jumping to high stakes dates.
Dating Profile: Soft and gentle, you can take this single for their word. Genuine and authentic, this single will be happy Netflix and cuddling at home, out for a nightly cruise by the beach, or grabbing cocktails at a sexy low-lit bar. Helpful tip: prep strawberries and chocolate for the end of the night.
Dating Profile: This powerhouse single is willing to fight for the connections they believe are genuine, and don’t hide behind their pride. They hold their heart close, but can recognize when someone is worth taking their guard down for. If this single opens up for you, hold them close and ride the vibe. Expect a romantic dinner and grab that sexy outfit you’ve been saving “for the right night”.
Dating Profile: Put me in coach, this single is reminiscent of a sultry Love & Basketball inspired late night one-on-one match. No shirts needed, meet at the court at midnight. Let’s go.
Dating Profile: This hot single is new to Los Angeles and is trying to navigate through the sea of F-humans who are looking for a one-night stand (but unable to communicate it), and is naturally on a major f*^% you rampage. You might be able to convince this single to go on a date with you, but expect a lot of hesitation and skepticism. Helpful tips: stay off your phone and look them in the eye for a chance of greater connection.
Dating Profile: This single is a former punk rocker who grew up on Avril, has deep nostalgia for the 90’s, spends half their time on @iamthirtyaf instagram and is definitely into Megan Fox and MFK drinking each other’s blood. Dress in grunge, and meet at the local music bar/pub and reminisce on your favorite 90’s artists.
Dating Profile: Says they’re super California chill but actually has high functioning anxiety and will insist that they’re “not trippin'”, although it is very, very clear that they are indeed trippin’. This single loves long walks on the beach, not because they’re a romantic but because they’re working through shit and need the peace. They’re seemingly easy going and you’ll have a nice time with, but don’t be surprised when they go for insomniac smoke walks.
Dating Profile: Sultry, confident…..and a somewhat slowed down and refined version of a recent ex? Do you have a type, or have you been here in another galaxy? Slow down and connect with this sexy single and you might unlock parts of themselves they lock away.
Dating Profile: This hot single is ready to take the lead – one of you will end up in handcuffs by the end of the night, and hopefully the sexy kind. You’re likely to end at their hotel as this hot single definitely has a quiet roster to attend to.
Dating Profile: This single has spent the last couple years of lockdown really working on themselves and pursuing personal growth. Expect deep conversations, sharing tales of personal growth, and deep, passionate *evening moments* – just be careful of overzealous love bombing.
Dating Profile: This hot single is done being single and ready for love and stability after a seemingly never-ending amount of time spent working on themselves and romanticizing love during lockdown. This single has a TikTok “like” page filled with romantic ideas that would give a Pinterest board a run for its money. Expect a home made dinner with candles and rose petals and be prepared to end the evening in the tub together.
Dating Profile: This single is good times and won’t have a plan in advance, but will do their best work on the fly. If you’re down for a “Yes Night” that will leave you with a mental photo album of fun times, meet this single at the grocery store parking lot and see where the night takes you.
Dating Profile: Summertime rooftop rave, let’s goooo. This single keeps the party going year round and has one of those fancy poolside rooftop bars in their home that would give Enes Yilmazer’s showings a run for their money. You might show up for this single, but once those daytime rays get your buzz going, you’ll be floating around and this hot single will end up just being the facilitating cupid.
A couple of weeks ago, artists Brett Millerand Brainheart joined forces again for “As Long As You Love Me“, the most recent banger on a long list of collaborations between the pair. A few months ago in July, Brett Miller joined me on Indie Pong’s Instagram Live for a special interview regarding a previous project (see interview here) and today I am excited to share an interview with Brett Miller and Brainheart (Roi).
How did you two come into existence with each other and decide to start working together?
BrettMiller: We met over Instagram. Roi messaged over summer of 2020 and shared some of his latest unreleased music, and asked if I could write and record over them. I loved his style and sound and we agreed to start working together. In fact, the first track he shared that I wanted to write on would eventually be “Surface”, which we released in February 2021. After our first project, we made plans to create more music and set a goal to release an EP containing all of our work. That EP is set to release in early 2022.
Brett, we learned a lot about you and your musical variety and your Floridian roots earlier this year when you did a live interview with me. Brainheart, can you tell us more about yourself and your background?
Brainheart : I am an independent music producer, songwriter, and DJ from Israel. Over the years, I struggled severely in the school system and felt that I was wasting my time. My first introduction to music was through playing piano at the age of 15. Music started out as a way to distract myself from struggles at school, but it quickly became much more than that. Today, unbound by genres I want to make a lasting impact and be an inspiration for many generations to come.
How does your partnership work together, especially considering the physical distance? Do you have creative brainstorms virtually, or do you send work back and forth to each other?
BrettMiller: That’s a great question. There’s a bit of a challenge to it, but over time, we’ve gotten very fluid with how we make music. having never met each other in person. We both play different roles for each song we make. Brainheart produces, composes, and engineers the tracks, and I handle writing the lyrics and vocal melodies, and recording my vocals, harmonies, etc, with some involvement on piano for certain songs. It’s a partnership that focuses on each of our strengths as music makers. So, to answer your question, it’s the latter. We send things back and forth to each other, while also having facetimes to go over ideas and notes…which we’re doing right now as we answer these questions. This collaboration is totally made possible by Facebook messenger, WeTransfer, and Distrokid. (Not sponsored)
What was the inspiration for the latest song “As Long As You Love Me”?
Brainheart: I heard the song “Hollywood’s Bleeding” by Post Malone and the production blew my mind. I was inspired to make a dark pop/hip hop song. Honestly I produced a full demo in 2 days and sent it to Brett. He loved it and started to write a story over the production.
BrettMiller: Yeah it was awesome! I knew I wanted to write something big over Roi’s haunting production. The production brought a whole new energy out of me, and it dared me to write something revealing to my personality. Some of it may have been dramatized, but I was inspired to stir up an emotion and thought process I’ve felt before in past relationships and even current ones. In an effort to leave enough to the imagination, suffice it to say, I’m always inspired to write about the dynamic between lovers, since it’s always so electric. In my experience, the highs can be euphoric, and the lows can be heartbreaking. I guess this song is just my way of mitigating risk to maximize reward.
What can you tell me about the music video? Where did you shoot it, what was the experience like, etc.? Is this something the both of you work on together?
BrettMiller: So, unfortunately, it’s a whole different obstacle when we want to make visual content together. We did a great job with our song “Wasted Years” with combining footage; me in the US, and Roi in Israel, but some visual ideas like these don’t always work with the song concept. “As Long As You Love Me” was one of those songs. I handled the scripting and directing of the music video with a small team and cast in Nashville, Tennessee. It was a very memorable experience, with just a healthy hint of stress to get things together on time. Gotta love working under pressure. Shoutout to the Nashville crew: Chaz, Chelsea, Greg, and Fiona (the star of the video).
The two of you have released quite a few songs together – have you or would you consider performing live together? How would that look?
Brainheart: Hell yeah, that would be great. I think it’s really important for collaborators to perform together. The connection between me and Brett can create something really special live. The electronic production + Brett’s voice could work really well at festivals.
Bret Miller: Absolutely! We’re obviously anticipating meeting each other one day soon. Roi really wants to come to the US, and I want to start performing worldwide. All this new music in 2021 is setting us up for some big shows in the future! Picture festival stages at Ultra Music Fest or Coachella, Brainheart behind the mix deck, and I’ll grab the mic to pump up the crowds to throw their hands up and sing these choruses with me! It’s gonna be epic!
Do you feel like it’s necessary to work in collaborations these days, or is your relationship more organic?
Brainheart: Honestly, in the beginning I thought we would create just 1 song together, but after we finished the first one and loved it, we decided to keep making music together and create a full EP. Our relationship has grown very organically. We work really well together, and we are very good friends. Our friendship definitely goes past music.
BrettMiller: There’s no right or wrong answer with making music. Some people do really well by themselves. I’ve experienced both: writing and releasing music independently, and with other creators. I do prefer the latter, since we can divide and conquer. I usually get better quality music out faster than if I did it alone. I’ve enjoyed working with Roi. He’s very driven and his talent level is growing fast. It’s been a very fruitful partnership and friendship. I definitely recommend artists team up with other creators, since you can make music better and faster, and forge strong relationships along the way.
How do you feel about the societal importance of social media tied to musicians’ careers?
Brainheart: It’s really tough. I believe that every artist wants to concentrate on making music. It takes a lot of time to build a fanbase and I believe that every artist should be very active on social media. Honestly, I hate being bothered with it, but it’s a great tool to make more fans and spread my music.
BrettMiller: Ditto.
Who are your top 3 most played artists?
Brainheart: 1. Coldplay 2. Illenium 3. Ed Sheeran
Brett: A bit harder for me to list….for now: 1. Kevin Garrett 2. Incubus 3. Leon Bridges
What’s next on the Brett Miller/Brainheart agenda?
BrettMiller: Definitely our EP in early 2022. We are packaging together all our latest releases, with one more new track to release. This EP is the grand finale, and we have a lot of awesome content to surround it leading up. After that, we’ve got our sights set on performing the moment we get the chance to, given the state of the world. Either way, we’re staying patient, staying humble, staying grateful, and can’t wait to share more music and experiences with IndiePong and the world!
I’ve been MIA for a bit, I almost feel like I’ve been speed dating around with music this summer, partially due to absolutely SMASHING IT in the Song of Summer Series: Bangers Only playlist competition we’ve been running. The Drake v Kanye album sitch got me back into the album groove and I finally decided to settle down and commit to a listening session with PawPaw Rod.
He kicked off A PawPaw Rod EP last year with single “HIT EM WHERE IT HURTS” and has since released bangers “Glass House” and “Thin Lines”. Today’s EP release brough “Lemonhaze”. Honestly, if you haven’t listened to HEWIH or Glass House WTF are you doing with your days?!
LET’S GET INTO ITTTTT
I’m all about tunes you can groove to on a rooftop sans clothes, and I feel like PawPaw Rod is the best way to close out the summer. Grab a joint, flower, drink, or any vice of choice and start letting those seaweed arms flow.
Hailing from Oklahoma, PawPaw Rod has a pretty solid following, but he is definitely one of those artists who you either know and love or have no clue who he is. After today’s EP release, I imagine his numbers will soon see a spike as Spotify placed him on the cover of Pollen – no big thang!
We’re just starting to get a taste of what he has to offer, and I can’t wait to what else dear ol’ PawPaw will bring to the table.
Are we still in the point of the pandemic where I’m allowed to pretend like I don’t know what day it is and use that as an excuse for why I haven’t written about a new artist in two months? Yeah? Cool. Let’s celebrate 420, Earth Day and new music (or new to your ears perhaps).
Let’s talk about Psychic Twin, the dreamy, wonderful synth-pop brainchild of songwriter, producer and cool ass human Erin Fein (read more with her interview with VoyageLA). Her latest single is from 2019, so let’s hope that means she is working on a dope new project for us! In the meantime, “Water Meets Land” –
This track has rooftop vibes all over it – again folks, if you have a rooftop, USE IT. Shed those layers, grab a vice or two and get movin’ to Psychic Twin. 2016’s Strange Diary features some of my favorite PT tracks, including “Strangers”, “Stop In Time” and “Hopeless”.
Honestly, I should have told y’all about this album on Tuesday, but I hope your ears found your way to this music anyways. And just like Earth Day, isn’t 420 every day anyways?
I feel so lucky to call this musician my neighbor as she is also the badass human behind the Echo Park Trash Club, one of the coolest clubs in LA that meets Sundays to help clean up our neighborhood. And do I smell a whiff of a future community garden in our neighborhood? Tune in to Indie Pong’s Instagram for a live interview with Psychic Twin tomorrow, Saturday 4/24 at 11am PST!
Welcome to 2+2 with BPMHill and George Folz. Thanks for coming back or joining in for the first time and hope you will continue to check out our posts through the year. We’re expecting a lot of new tracks/albums to come from the summer through fall 2021 as bands start to unleash what they’ve been sitting on during the pandemic. In the meantime, we have terrific new tracks from SION, Svalbard, Insomnium, and Liquid Tension Experiment to discuss.
The Blade- SION
GF: I’ll admit, until the first chorus hit– I was a bit nervous.
Instrumentally, the opening section initially brought to mind some unfortunate characteristics of early 2000s nu-metal, and the parts of, “djent,” music that I don’t especially care for.
That said, when Howard Jones hit the switch, and starts, “singing, singing,” I realized what time it was, and now I love this song dearly.
For the record, I believe Howard Jones to be his generation’s defining voice within metal.
Every vocal theatric that comes with the genre he can do just as well or better than most of his peers. His howls, his growls, and lordy, lord– his singing voice?
Everyone else eats his dust.
His partner in crime here, Jared Dines, was someone whom I was unfamiliar with, until I came across this tune. My cousin, Andy, informed me that he’s a legendary metal musician on YouTube, and I certainly found myself impressed with some of his guitar work here.
His solo towards the end of the song is short but sweet, and does a magnificent job of splitting the difference between melody and shredding.
In constructing it, he effortlessly manages to weave a tapestry that is equal parts Zakk Wylde, Dimebag Darrell, and Eddie Van Halen. Naturally, this means there are a couple of DOG-WHISTLE pinch harmonics in there that probably pulverized a few of my ear hairs.
Brandon, how big of a Killswitch fan are you? Are you jazzed that Howard is pursuing new music outside of the band, or do you wish Killswitch featured a twin vocal attack, now that Jesse Leach is able to perform with his band again? What was your knee-jerk reaction, when you heard this?
BPMHill: That’s a fair point in regards to the start of this song. I’m not a huge fan of the 2000’s nu-metal scene at all BUT I do love both djent and metalcore. Once Howard’s vocals kicked in here though, I was pretty hooked.
Killswitch Engage was actually one of the first bands I began to listen to in the metalcore scene, alongside Unearth and Atreyu. I’ll admit that I got into them with “The End of Heartache” so Howard’s vocals have always been a big part of the appeal for me with the band.
Quick side note, “The End of Heartache” is a special one for me. I left high school early the day of release with some fellow metalhead friends so we could buy a copy at Best Buy. I wasn’t so much into drugs/drinking but new albums could absolutely lure me away from being the “good kid” at school.
Anyhow, The Blade is a banger! I do like what’s going on here instrumentally but honestly Howard’s vocals are what seals the deal for me. He sounds ferocious when he needs to and his clean vocals during the chorus are hooky and really sound great.
To further answer your question, George. Since Howard has been out of KSE for over a decade at this point, I’m all for hearing new tracks from him. I would love to hear more tracks like The Signal Fire from Killswitch Engage’s 2019 album “Atonement” which featured both Jesse and Howard and was a damn good song. If I’m really dreaming here, yes a permanent twin vocal attack with Jesse and Howard would be pretty badass but anything Howard does outside of KSE, I’ll gladly check out. Definitely looking forward to hearing more from Sion.
Silent Restraint- Svalbard
GF: Okay, so two things–
Those screamed vocals in here? That’s a lady throwing those down, so three cheers for women screaming in metal. We need more of it.
Have you ever heard a more perfect fusion of turn-of-the-century At-The-Drive-In and Thursday?
With regards to the second question, I’ll admit that I’m fully and 100% biased towards both of those band’s output from around that time.
I was 13 when I heard both, “Understanding in a car Crash,” and, “One-Armed Scissor,” for the first time.
Both of those songs encapsulate a very, very, particular moment in time that was my generation’s last gasp of air before the attacks on 9/11.
The summer of 2001 was a very special, and very particular slice of time, and this song recalls that time for me in a way that no other modern piece of music has (or, perhaps, ever will).
This is something for the skate park, or late afternoon sessions of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, in your friend’s basement.
This song is a blast of MOLTEN sun, and the pain of the pavement when you crash. It’s the dazed feelings that comes along afterwards, combined with the laughter, and the desire to get up and try again.
I’m super excited to dive into the album as a whole, and I’m so excited to have discovered this band.
The Conjurer- Insomnium
BPMHill: Finland’s Insomnium have been cranking out great tracks since the late 90’s when their first demo was released. I have to say though that their more recent material has really been what’s kept me coming back to the band.
Their creative output since “Shadows of the Dying Sun” has been very consistent and tracks like Pale Morning Sun from 2019’s “Heart Like a Grave” and of course the entirety of “Winter’s Gate” have paved the way for a song like The Conjurer.
The band has been seemingly busy during the quarantine. Not only have they done a few livestream shows but they’ve got at least one new song (and perhaps more to follow).
The Conjurer starts with a beautiful acoustic riff and some delicate piano that makes me feel like I’m wandering through the snowy peaks of Ridnitšohkka at dawn.
Then there’s a terrific break at close to the three minute mark that really makes the song stand out for me. I really like the riffing here and the choral arrangement underneath. Niilo Sevänen’s raspy harsh vocals are always a treat too.
According to Niilo, The Conjurer is a “tragic tale of jealous and searing love…” The new music video that goes with the song certainly showcases this storyline and blends it with some truly stunning and chilling visuals.
George, I’m curious if you were already familiar with Insomnium? What stands out for you. Also, are you looking forward to hearing more from their particular melo-death style and sound?
GF: This is my first introduction to them, and I must say, I’m pretty impressed.
The purely instrumental opening of the song is indeed, truly stunning.
I’ve never been to Ridnitšohkka, but the picture you paint up there sounds right on the money. When the music really kicks into gear after the intro, I imagine one of those hyperspeed ramping things occurring only to slow down when the sun is perfectly peeking over the mountain, extra radiant.
Some Zack Snyder shit, basically?
In any case, I definitely appreciate their particular brand of melo-deth. Strange as it may sound, I actually found myself wanting the vocals to be more harsh? I feel like that’s such a strange thing to say, considering my tastes, but I found myself wanting just a little more scream action– something a bit more intense.
Musically, I thought the song was flawless. There’s a great warmth amongst the guitar sounds, and I thought the solo was a lot of fun. Melodic death metal is not something I’m super familiar with as a genre, but I really appreciate just how stunning some of the music is in here. This is a great song to be enjoying, as spring kicks off.
The Passage of Time- Liquid Tension Experiment
BPMHill: It’s kind of insane that we haven’t had a full studio album or track from Liquid Tension Experiment since 1999 so the hype is at an all time high for the aptly titled “Liquid Tension Experiment 3” coming out in a few weeks.
If you’re not familiar with the Liquid Tension Experiment basically this is a fully instrumental side project with several Dream Theater members/ex-member (Mike Portnoy, John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess) and Tony Levin from King Crimson on bass. They did two albums in a row in the late 90’s and those two albums cemented them as one of the best prog groups of all time. At a minimum, Acid Rain is an absolute MUST listen for any prog fan and a song that has stuck with me since release.
The Passage of Time is the first single released for the new album and it’s a doozy. It took me a few listens to really see what the band was creating here and there are a TON of layers to uncover.
The song feels not only fresh but simultaneously feels like an appropriate follow up to their last album, which is no easy task.
Every member is in peak shape on this track. It seems the excellent John Petrucci solo album featuring Portnoy from last year was just getting the party started. The Passage of Time showcases the incredible chemistry between Portnoy and Petrucci but is spacious and leaves room for each member to shine.
My absolute favorite part of the song is the absolute barnstorming solo at just over four minutes. Petrucci has such a great guitar tone here and I love the jazzy fusion mixed in here. Really stunning. Portnoy also continues to be one of the most tasteful and brilliant drummers around.
This morning brought us the latest single from Navvi Upside “Gas Me Up”, a straight banger and just taste of his upcoming EP FAINT expected later this year.
Hailing from a big family in Chicago, Navvi understands the importance of hard work and a support system – concepts evident in his lyrics.
“Gas me up, sometimes I need that shit”
Don’t we all need that shit? In today’s press release, Navvi says “If you treat me right, I’ll treat you even better. Just pour good into people and understand nobody’s perfect.”
“You keep it classy and savage as shit”
Plus, I’m quite partial anything that combines classy and savage in the same breath. Granted, that line does follow “Got some racks on them b!*@hes” so we’ve got a little bit of that lady in the streets freak in the sheets kinda vibe here.
Out in the world on your own without a partner? Check out these hot, new singles – available for listen in your local area! Unattached and looking for love, listen to see which one of these hot singles is your perfect Valentine’s match. Remember, the below dating profiles are for the music, not the artist.
“Nonsense”, an anthem of the times by Bay Area jam/psych-rock favorites Con Brio. Lyrics “Catfished by the government” says it all. If you’ve had the chance to see Con Brio live, you’ll understand what it’s like to be transformed by a live performance.
DATING PROFILE: You’re likely to meet this single at a protest or your weekly neighborhood trash cleanup with a follow up first date jamming out to their favorite live band. They’re searching for a deeper connection with someone so they can take on The Man with together.
Mysterious outfit Blood Cultures keeps the relationship between the listener and the music as pure as possible by remaining anonymous. This track brought Blood Cultures to my attention, and the video kept me there.
DATING PROFILE: This single is dark and mysterious and has no problem with your true crime fetish. Don’t be surprised if this single bites.
This song makes me want to be in love. I know, starting out with a terrible review but I promise it’s a beautiful listen.
DATING PROFILE: Honestly, I’d watch out for this single. Cuffing season is yearlong with this one, and they are looking to fall in love tonight. This single is a hopeless romantic looking for that special someone to light a candle for. Are you looking for that someone to take the leap with?
Keep marks on this artist, “True To You” is Lucy Park’s third official release and has already landed some good looks, including Spotify’s New Music Playlist this last Friday.
DATING PROFILE: This single is showing up with their phone on Do Not Disturb and ready to give you their full attention. Dedicated, passionate, ready – but that sure is a lot on a first date, no? Why do I get the feeling this single is stuck in a f&#! boy wheel, stuck in that pattern of giving their heart away too fast?
Tastes like a fresh glass of Sunday orange juice, this song is a beautiful love child of Avant Garden acts Emotional Oranges and Chiiild.
DATING PROFILE: This single is taking you out dancing, going for a hike, or anything that will leave you both sweaty by the end. Expect to lean in to your active side while with this single as you’ll most likely never sit still.
Atlanta based artist who surrounds himself with talent, hard work and genuine energy dropped this smooth, buttery single last month and has left me wanting more from Tom The Mail Man.
DATING PROFILE: This single has “club romance” written all over them. Good to get your grind on after you finish your drink – you’re gonna need both hands for this one. Give it all you got with that first dance, they’ll be a ghost in the wind when the grind dies down.
This track has taken playlists by storm since its recent February 5th release, so it’s no surprise it’s sittin’ pretty on this list. As put in his article Listening Party – “Gang Signs” Freddie Gibbs feat. Schoolboy Q, Indie Ponger Daw sums up the track with “Freddie gangster croons, while Schoolboy emphatically punches each line at the start of his verse like a brick over your head just to throw it in double time right as you start to get settled”.
DATING PROFILE: This single is in for a casual night, no strings attached – sliding straight into your DM’s with confidence and that blue check mark. They’ve got it going, and you both know it. Jump in the car and go for a ride.
Throwback to the first time I ever heard of this artist in a work meeting and I wrote down “Chrome Bin”. Khruangbin is actually Thai for “aeroplane” which perfectly encapsulates their Thai funk, spacious, other worldly style.
DATING PROFILE: This single is taking you to a jazz club for cocktails and a light dinner, followed by a long walk on the beach…..with the possibility of mushrooms.
A fun, angsty track from California dreamer Harrison Tinsley who describes his music as “tales of a hopeless romantic”.
DATING PROFILE: This single’s ideal date is a Friday night bonfire on the California coast, burning last semester’s notebooks. Staring up at the stars and waiting to steal that midnight kiss, this hot single has no intentions of having you home by curfew.
This time last year I’d be dancing naked on my rooftop to this jam. Folks, if you have a rooftop, use it!
DATING PROFILE: This single is down to meet you at the park for a picnic followed by a drug induced euphoric dance party. You’re in for a few weeks of heaven and visual stimulation with this single, who will inevitably become nothing more than your drug dealer as the high fades away.
In her Indie Pong interview last year, she referenced unicorn dildo tasers. While I’m still waiting in hope that this will happen someday, this hot pink disco Pisces warrior is focusing on providing microgrants for queer and BIPOC artists by dedicating all Bandcamp proceeds from this track.
DATING PROFILE: This dreamy, sexy single plans to take your breath away in a secret garden, feeding you strawberries and cream while they draw you like one of their French girls.
This song has been playing on repeat in my head since January 7th.
DATING PROFILE: Looking for a long term boo, but not opposed to getting down and dirty on the first date. This single is sensual, energetic, knows how to treat their partner right and will want to take you home to meet Mom.
Inspired by both her Spanish roots and her time as a card dealer in London, this edgy tune reflects on power and money and how they are intertwined with existence.
DATING PROFILE: This single says they’re going for something casual, but just isn’t ready to admit they’re looking for something more serious. They’ve been burned before and have a hard time deciphering when it’s safe to tear down their walls.
While this single is hot hot hot, unfortunately these two artists are both off the market. Would it help if I said it’s with each other? These two married lovebirds are expanding their wealth of knowledge by bringing their talents to Amsterdam for the next year. While both are successful in their individual musical careers, the two complement each other’s musical styles in this sweet single. Learn more about Taali in her recent interview with Indie Pong.
DATING PROFILE: While emotionally unavailable and yet currently unattached, this single is still hooked on their ex and trying to make it work. They know a love worth fighting for when they see it, and aren’t afraid to give it all they got. Steer clear of this one, they have eyes for another.
Or if you’re like me and prefer Spotify playlists, here you go Hot Singles.
I mean….holy shit. Last week’s Subconsciouslyfrom South African DJ/producer Black Coffee is jam packed with talented vocalists, producers and writers like Pharrell Williams, Celeste and Diplo. This really is one of those albums that speaks for itself. Grab your coffee and buckle in for an hour long sonic journey, keep all arms and legs loose and feel free to exit the vehicle to groove.
Taali starts the new year with “When Did The World Start Ending? (Live at Levon Helm Studios“, the first single off her upcoming album of the same name due in March.
This song prompts reflection and inspires a positive outlook in terms of restructuring our lives in a COVID induced world.
“If the world is ending, I’ll build a new one with you”
If you’re looking to be uplifted, doused with beautiful vocals, or to feel inspired by the future – Taali is your gal. She is a multi-talented artist who also runs Rainbow Blonde Records alongside Brian Bender and José James. Plus, she always seems to be baking enough yummy goodness to feed an army in an outfit that will rock your world.
No big deal or anything, Taali was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instruments + Vocals for “Slow Burn” alongside Nic Hard and Becca Stevens.
Want to know the CRAZIEST part about all of this? Taali actually agreed to an interview with Indie Pong. That’s right, tune in to our IG Live tomorrow at 10am PST, 7pm CET to catch this goddess in all her glory. Bring your questions!
