Over 20 New Songs You Need To Add To Your Playlist NOW!

As the new year is approaching, it’s the perfect opportunity to branch out on your music taste or add some new songs to your playlist! There’s always something satisfying about finding that new song you absolutely love — only to maybe get tired of it eventually when you have it on a repeat loop for too long. Just me?? Maybe so!! 

Here are some songs that I currently have on that repeat loop! Most of these songs are perfect for those coffee shop days or long drives on a relaxing night. Check out some of my current favorite “chill” songs, both new and old finds, that I just can’t get enough of. Hopefully you find at least one you love or maybe even see one that’s already one of your favorites too!

20. First Class: Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Rainbow Kitten Surprise is an alternative rock band that has climbed the popularity ranks over the years, appearing at Red Rocks, festivals such as Bonnaroo and soon to be the 2020 Hangout Fest. RKS has also traveled on their own tours, and are you wondering how they got their band name? It’s a phrase one of the bands’ friends kept repeating after surgery and thanks to their friend’s loopiness, it stuck!

19. Yellow Lights: Harry Hudson

Harry Hudson might not be a common household name, but his music is phenomenal. Hudson is an American singer-songwriter with his music falling in “folk rock” and “pop” categories. Yellow Lights is his most streamed song, and Hudson’s vocal talents and the use of piano make it a truly beautiful one! Not only is he talented as a musician, but Hudson has a story to tell as a cancer survivor — many of the lyrics in his “Yesterday’s Tomorrow Night” album coming from his journaling between chemotherapy sessions. Check out more about Hudson’s story in this LA Times article.

18. Groceries: Mallrat

You know those songs with beats that just easily get stuck in your head? This is one of them! Mallrat isn’t a band, but it’s the stage name of Grace Shaw, singer-songwriter from Australia who got her start in the music world at just 15-years-old. Give Groceries a chance and you just might be one of Shaw’s new fans!

17. Die Trying: Michl

Michl is an alternative/indie artist, and his music is most definitely worth a listen! Die Trying was on both my 2018 and 2019 “Top Songs” Spotify generated playlists if that tells you anything. It’s been a favorite for awhile, and there’s just something about it that makes you want to keep listening! Check it out for yourself!

16. Tangerine Skies: Edwin Raphael, Claire Ridgely

I first discovered Edwin Raphael with his song, Queen of Coasts. I was hooked on his sound immediately and Tangerine Skies is no exception! His soothing and calm sound will be sure to leave you wanting to continue listening. What’s even more? Raphael was the opening act once for Harry Hudson! He’s also opened for band Hollow Coves, which I also totally recommend!

15. Cinnamon: Jome

Another song that’s been included in my Top Songs playlists for two years now is Jome’s Cinnamon! Jome consists of duo Jesse Marc and Christoph Andersson, and Cinnamon was enough for me to gain total respect for them both! It’s such a beautiful song that’s perfect for those car rides with the windows down.

14. Imagination: Foster the People

Most alternative music fans are very familiar with band Foster the People! This band has been at the top for years, with all of their releases being great. Imagination is no exception and of course, it has that signature Foster the People sound!

13. Out Loud: Scarypoolparty

Scarypoolparty is the stage name of Alejandro Aranda, who first got his start on the 2018 season of American Idol. He’s growing quickly and is scheduled to play at the 2020 Hangout Fest. His insane guitar skills are also featured in Out Loud and his remastered version of the song slows the song down a bit. You can’t go wrong with either version!

14. Cold War: Cautious Clay

Cautious Clay is 26-year-old Josh Karpeh. Based in New York, he’s a trio of musician, songwriter and music producer. Cold War is his most popular song and I can easily see why so many other people love it too! He has a handful of other singles and albums to check out in addition to Cold War!

13. Sunlight: Yuno

Yuno’s name gained more attention when he was part of Music Midtown’s 2018 lineup. Blending genres such as pop, rock, hip hop and R&B together, Yuno creates a unique sound. The first time I heard Yuno was with his song No Going Back, while his latest single in Sunlight offers that sweet summertime feel. I’m excited to watch him continue to grow!

12. Without You: Oh Wonder

Oh Wonder consists of duo Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West, and their music and sound makes them easy to become fan favorites! While I absolutely love Without You, I also recommend songs Ultralife off their Ultralife album and Drive off their Oh Wonder album!

11. West Coast: Phillip Larue

Whenever I think of my favorite smaller artists, Phillip Larue is always the first to come to mind! I discovered Larue a few years back and all of his songs provided calming, serene vibes. One of his most recent releases in West Coast, though, has a more upbeat sound that isn’t your normal “Phillip Larue!” I still adore it though and think you will too!





50 Years Later: Celebrating the Band’s "Stage Fright"

50 Years Later: Celebrating the Band’s Stage Fright

The 1970s were a time of struggle, change and innovations. It was also a decade of love and music. August 17, 1970. The Band released their third studio album Stage Fright.

The Band is a Candian-American rock band that consisted of Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, Robbie Robertson, and Levon Helm. They were the backing band for Rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins and known as The Hawks from 1958 to 1963.

 Following their time with Hawkins, they started working with Bob Dylan during the mid-60s and this is where they received their recognition. After working with Dylan, they officially changed their name to The Band.

Proceeding Stage Fright was Music From Big Pink (1968) and self titled The Band (1969). Their first album was a huge success. It featured three songs that were co-written by Dylan. After its release, the Band went on tour and even performed at Woodstock. 

“After their first album, The Band, was dubbed as a music template for country rock and said to have paved the way for bands like the Eagles.”

The Rolling Stone magazine praised the Band for their musical talents and the group was the second band (following the Beatles) to land the cover of Time magazine. After their first album, The Band, was dubbed as a music template for country rock and said to have paved the way for bands like the Eagles.

Following their first two albums, the Band went on their first tour as a headlining act. This was a turning point in their music. As they became more famous, their songs' topics started to cover fear and annilnation. This is where Stage Fright came into play.

The Band was an album of firsts all around. It was engineered by an up-and-coming Todd Rundgren and produced by the group themselves. Its cover featured a semi-abstract sunset designed by Bob Cato wrapped in a poster of a photograph by Norman Seeff. Originally, the plan for the album was supposed to be less serious and “goofy” in a sense. However, the band’s anxiety from their new found fame came into play and the songs were slightly darker than intended.

Upon its release, critics praised the album but noted how different it was from the first two records. Major music critics from Billboard and Rolling Stone noted that the lyrics and music just did not quite connect on their album.

On the contrary to the first reviews, some later reviewers noted that the album was one of their greatest - even though it was different than the first two.

Some of the tracks featured on this album are “Strawberry Wine,” “Time to Kill,” “The Shape I’m In,” and “Stage Fright.” In 1970, the album was number five on Billboard's top chart for pop albums. “Time to Kill” also was number 77 on Billboard’s singles chart for pop singles.

In the 2000s, four tracks were reissued: "Daniel and the Sacred Harp (Alternate take)," "Time to Kill (Alternate mix)," "The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show (Alternate mix)," and "Radio Commercial."

Following Stage Fright, the Band released eight more albums.

Author: Chelsea Babin