In this month's New Music Spotlight, we take a virtual trip to NYC, Nashville, Los Angeles, and Vancouver and listen to some incredible new music releases from Rynn, Quinn Lewis, Jay Miners, Hunting, Shelter Cover, and Rocky Paterra (feat. Dan Kiernan). Be sure to add these impressive artists to your new music playlists!
Rynn | "For What It's Worth" (new single)
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Rynn releases her new bedroom-pop single, "For What It's Worth," a fresh, edgy electronic gem that features echoing, mesmerizing vocals bathed in soothing, lo-fi layers of bass, drums and synths. Just one listen will etch this rhythmic and melodic earworm into your musical subconscious.
If you're a fan of NBC's Songland, you might recognize Rynn (a.k.a. Kathryn Kempthorn) as one of last season's contestant, where she performed her song "Crowded Places" in the songwriting competition. Beyond Songland, she is probably best known for her single “Islands,” which has been streamed on Spotify nearly 9 million times. In addition to working on her own project, Rynn has been busy writing for other artists, and recently released her sophomore EP, Summer of Tokyo.
Regarding her new single, Rynn comments, "'For What It's Worth' is kind of like the closing statement of a past emotional chapter. It's about being able to finally step back from a situation and see it from a new perspective without it having any power over you anymore. It's combination of being able to lay all your cards on the table in complete honesty with where you once were, but at the same time celebrating that you made it to the other side where the grass is a lot greener."
Quinn Lewis | "Empty" (new single)
In his latest single "Empty," Nashville-based singer-songwriter Quinn Lewis reflects upon the feelings of longing and emptiness that surface at the end of a relationship. In contrast to its upbeat, electro-pop vibe and infectious melody, the song's reflective lyrical theme is expressed by Quinn's heartfelt, impassioned vocals that are truly the icing on the cake named "Empty."
If you're looking for more Quinn Lewis, be sure to check out companion single "Make It Right" (released on the same day as "Empty"), along with Quinn's string of impressive single releases over the past few years.
Jay Miners | "Constantine" (new single)
This one is for the dreamers. New York-based folk/pop singer-songwriter Jay Miners releases her new single "Constantine" - an inspirational, piano-driven ballad with delicate, melodic and heartfelt vocals that remind the listener to dream.
Born and raised in New York, Jay grew up playing classical piano and has written a wide range of songs, including pop melodies, instrumentals, and jazz pieces. Influenced in her childhood by Simon & Garfunkel, Steely Dan, and Joni Mitchell, and later by folk/pop singer-songwriters like Sara Bareilles and Vienna Teng, Jay released her debut EP (This is How You Fight) in December 2016.
Produced and mixed by Harper James at Degraw Sound, along with Charlie Culbert on drums, "Constantine" follows Jay's recently-released The Art We Make EP, a collection of songs that explore the journey of creating art. Jay remarks on the new single, "The song speaks to my inner child and the belief that we can be anything we dream of, and how sometimes that belief can get a little lost and confusing as adults."
Hunting | Whatever You Need (new album)
Whatever You Need, the outstanding new album from Vancouver-based electro-rock band Hunting is the result of several years of work and a few unexpected detours. Originally intended to be a follow-up to the band's 2014 self-titled Hunting LP, songwriter-producer Bradley Ferguson put the project on hold while working with and producing other musical artists. By the time the project was back on track, Bradley added members Dustin Bentall (backing vocals) and Jessica Yliruusi (co-frontman, songwriter) to expand Hunting into its current lineup as a trio.
"We went back and started the album from scratch," Bradley remembers. "We decided to approach it in a more organic way. I had been editing it to pop perfection - but then we breathed new life into it and it came together really quickly."
It was title track and single "Whatever You Need" that put Hunting on my musical radar, immediately catching my attention with its solid, infectious and energized vibe, killer hooks and guitar riffs, and vintage synth embellishments. Whatever You Need (the album) extends that ingenious musical palette throughout its ten impressive tracks. Standout tracks like "Scenes from TV Screens", "Black Shirt", "Devils & Angels", "Falling" and the band's impressive cover of Sparklehorse's "Gold Day" will have you putting this 34-minute album on repeat play - a truly impressive listen from start to finish.
Shelter Cove | "Shut the Lights Out" (new single)
Nashville-based pop/rock outfit Shelter Cove traces its origins back to the summer of 2013 when vocalist Abbie Garrett and guitarist Ethan Forrest first met at a music camp called The JAM in Franklin, Tennessee. Over the next few years of writing and performing music together, they formed their first band, refining their craft and learning valuable lessons. In 2016, the two met Andy Modaff, a drummer from Chicago, who became the final puzzle piece in realizing their voice as musicians - as Shelter Cove.
The band's latest single, "Shut the Lights Out," is an energized indie rock number that features Abbie's dynamic, yearning vocals that soar above an explosive, guitar-driven chorus and delicately-crafted verses. Check out the single's accompanying music video, produced and directed by Astoria Design.
Rocky Paterra | "Icicle (feat. Dan Kiernan)" (new single)
As we head into the cold winter months, the new single from NYC indie artist, songwriter and actor Rocky Paterra seems like an appropriate way to close out this new music post. "Icicle," the stunning lead single off Rocky's original holiday pop album, Naughty List, features the vocals of fellow NYC-based singer-songwriter and performer Dan Kiernan.
"Icicle" sounds larger than life at the outset with its bold, ominous-sounding introduction. Dan's powerful, towering and emotive vocals launch this killer track into sonic orbit. On his Facebook page, Dan remarks, "When Rocky first asked me to sing this song, I said YES before the first verse was even done. This song encompasses so much of what I’m drawn to as a vocalist: The lyrics and melody are complex & deep and it's a big, vocally demanding song. Any chance I can to challenge myself vocally & emotionally, I'm in."
Check out the rest of Rocky Paterra's Naughty List holiday album on Spotify and other streaming services, and make sure you hang this "Icicle" on the tree that is your holiday playlist.