15 SONGS FROM MAY ’15 YOU HAVE TO HEAR

It would be very easy to say that the month of May has been manic…and with good reason. Thankfully, that craziness also means some great new music! Below, check out 15 tracks from this month that you have to hear.

1. The Story So Far – “Phantom”

The short, slow track is beautiful…and somewhat soothing to listen to. In fact, the more I listen to it, the prettier the song seems. It definitely has a cinematic effect to it that just paints vivid pictures in my mind, all in shades of blue.

2. Taking Back Sunday – “Better Homes and Gardens”

You can’t go wrong with a Taking Back Sunday track, even when the subject is as melancholy as the disintegration of a relationship. The video is brilliant, but it’s the raw emotion behind the song itself that make it stand out as a great addition to Taking Back Sunday’s extensive discography.

3. Neck Deep – “Can’t Kick Up The Roots”

Neck Deep have mastered pop-punk storytelling, and it’s wonderful. In some ways, this reminds me of All Time Low circa So Wrong It’s Right. It’s definitely worth the listen!

4. Twin Shadow – “I’m Ready”

Twin Shadow’s new single is a striking listen anyway, but the black and white video, directed by Lance Drake, features Twin Shadow stepping up to a superhero role, facing off against his enemies in an attempt to save the city…and it’s AWESOME.

5. Handsome Ghosts – “Steps”

There is something so spectacular about this melodic pop single. I don’t know if it’s the gorgeous lyrics or the entrancing melodics, but I could listen to “Steps” all day long. It’s the kind of song you listen to 10 years from now and say, “Damn, 2015 was a good music year.”

6. A Promise To Burn – “Broken Bones” 

Broken bones? More like springs in your legs that make you want to jump around. A Promise To Burn have managed to change up their style and put forth a refreshing single that still rings true to their overall sound.

7. Sterling Fox – “Freak Caroline”

Super-producer Sterling Fox has crafted an edgy/retro sound (might I add with some stellar vocals) that leaves me completely entranced. “Freak Caroline” gets better with every repeat.

8. Up The Chain – “Windows Into Worlds”

The video is a beautiful visual to accompany the stunning track, filled with beautiful harmonies, lyrics that read like poetry, the love song is framed by melodic piano. It is perfect. Every piece of it is cinematic and simple all at once, if that makes any sense. It is quite possibly one of the best tracks I’ve heard so far in 2015.

9. The Color Morale – “Between You & Eye“

The Color Morale have crafted an anthemic sound on “Between You & Eye.” I can almost see this on the soundtrack for a superhero movie, and god knows there’s enough of those going around!

10. Taylor Swift – “Bad Blood”

Taylor Swift just released the star-studded video for her single, “Bad Blood,” from her hit album, 1989. The video isn’t quite as in-depth as I thought, but it’s still full of some cool appearances, and the song is ridiculously catchy!

11. Phases – “I’m In Love With My Life”

The unabashedly upbeat track is sure to bring some life back to your playlist, and the video is so clever, it will leave you wondering, “How the hell did they do that?!”

12. Daniel Johns – “Cool On Fire“

I am so glad that Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns has released new music. In fact, “Cool On Fire,” is the perfect new release just because of how it sounds both modern and reminiscent of the 90’s all at once. It’s brilliant and full of such great beats.

13. Rachel Potter – “Jesus and Jezebel”

This is Rachel Potter’s way of standing up for the people that the Baptist Church (which she grew up in) discriminated against. It’s a quirky song and video, and will not soon be forgotten!

14. Leona Lewis – “Fire Under My Feet”

New music from Leona Lewis, and, believe us, it’s catchy as anything and has this really amped up sound to it. I could play this a million times and not get tired of it.

15. Coliseum – “Dark Light of Seduction”

With an interesting title, you don’t really want to skip out on this track. It’s got a very…strange sound. My opinion on it changes every day. Some days, I really like it. Other days, I’m not so sure. Just give it a try.

Rachel Potter Releases “Jesus and Jezebel” Music Video

Rachel Potter just released her new video for her latest single, “Jesus and Jezebel,” which premiered on Entertainment Tonight. After up growing up in a Baptist church, and seeing some of those that she loved discriminated against, Potter was inspired to take a stand and let her voice be heard on this track.

“This is a very sensitive subject in the world of country music, but I think people are ready to hear something like this… something that takes a risk and pushes the envelope,” Potter says. “This song is for those who feel like they have no voice and feel unwelcome wherever they are, especially in country music.” The track appears on her first full length album, Not So Black And White, which was released back in March.

Already featured in such notable outlets as Rolling Stone, Billboard, Taste of Country, The Boot, Country Weekly and more, Not So Black And White features original songs as well as a studio version of “Somebody To Love,” the Queen cover which earned Potter spot as a finalist on The X Factor.

15 SONGS FROM APRIL ’15 YOU HAVE TO HEAR

Four months into 2015, and the spectacular new music just keeps on coming! Here are the 15 tracks you HAVE to hear for April 2015…and the accompanying music videos you have to see:

1. Panic! At The Disco – “Hallelujah”

If you’re looking for incredible, booming vocals, a gospel-esque soundtrack, and, of course, something you can sing along to this spring, check out Panic! At The Disco’s latest single. It carries on the

2. This Century – “Soul Sucker”

A new single from This Century, finally following up to their debut. Featuring plenty of falsetto, pop-anthem flare, and big, sing-along choruses, the single was definitely worth the wait!

3. Refused – “Elektra”

Back from the grave, Refused brought out their first single in 17 years, “Elektra,” leaving many fans jumping for joy. April seems to be the month for bands reemerging. Thank goodness for Spring.

4. All Time Low – “Missing You”

The strikingly different track from All Time Low’s latest album (and UK No. 1), Future Hearts. With alternative rock/indie blends, each line will show you a new side to the band’s already lovable style.

5. The Weepies – “Sirens”

Folk duo The Weepies are back with their amazing new album, Sirens, and the title track is a must hear (for life, not just for April). Stunning, angelic vocals, rich instrumentals, and raw beauty encompass this song in every line.

6. Blessing A Curse – “Down The Rabbit Hole”

The new music video for “Down The Rabbit Hole,” showcases both the band’s musical talents and a dark creativity, with a plot revolving around a murderous villain whose face remains concealed by a creepy bunny mask, and, of course, there’s an awesome plot twist.

7. Lost Element – “Twenty Five”

“Twenty Five” is catchy, perfectly illustrating the emotions of the average “twenty-something.” Lost Element has a nostalgic sound, while also still showing elements of exploratory tones, which only adds to their charm.

8. Redlands – “Adventurer”

“Adventurer” is dedicated to Chase Martinez, who plays bass in Redlands, and his wife Brenna Martinez, whom he lost in a motorcycle accident on March 28th of this year. The track is a beautiful addition to the band’s growing discography, and will make you want to hit the repeat button a million times over.

9. Come & Rest – “Slowburn” 

A new kind of performance video, featuring cinematics, and of course, a track that bares all emotions without hesitance.

10. Rachel Potter – “Tail Lights”

Stunning country vocals, a track worthy to be on a road-trip mix, and lovable as hell. There’s really not much more that can be said for this amazing new single.

11. Brand New – “Mene”

Fans, rejoice! Finally, a new song from Brand New! As of right now, I like it, but I’m not sure whether I’m going to add it to my list of favorites just yet. However, it is repeat-button worthy, and will leave you wanting more.

12. Twenty One Pilots – “Tear In My Heart”

The piano-driven love song utilizes comparisons to slasher films to drive the point home, and the video is no exception. This time, Quentin Tarantino’s style of cinematography plays a heavy hand in brining the love story to life.

 13. The Maine – “Am I Pretty?”

Another extremely catchy track from The Maine’s latest album, American Candy. With fun beats, beachy vibes, and clever lyrics, you don’t want to miss out on this song!

14. Adam Lambert – “Ghost Town”

Adam Lambert is back with his new single, “Ghost Town,” which perfectly fuses catchy dance beats and indie rock style. Of course, Lambert’s stellar vocals still shine, booming throughout the track.

15. Fall Out Boy – “Uma Therman”

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be an assistant to Fall Out Boy, this video shows you just how crazy it could get. Watch as the band’s “assistant” accompanies the guys on a variety of tasks, from Crossfit to indoor skydiving to crushing a truck, all while rocking out to the catchy single from American Beauty / American Psycho.

Honorable Mentions
Running Young – “Did You See

Busty & The Bass – “Models”

The Local Strangers – “Red Dress”

Kaya Stewart – “In Love With a Boy”

Ky-Mani Marley – “All The Way”

VIDEO: Rachel Potter – “Tail Lights”

Rachel Potter recently premiered her new video for “Tail Lights” on CMT, showing off the “polished pep” of the Florida girl’s roots. The track comes from Potter’s latest album, Not So Black and White, which is out now.

Potter gained attention on Broadway (Evita, The Addams Family, national tour of Wicked) and television (The X-Factor), and has since risen to the main stage of entertainment, where we are sure to see her flourish. With stunning vocals, the country vocalist will amaze you with every line.

Find the album everywhere: Spotify // iTunes // Amazon.