On today’s menu, you are going to find some delicious new music from Smaller Hearts, Wild Child, Myxi Bun, Butterfly Haus, Michael J. Benjamin, Anna Shoemaker, The Shrugs, Dolores Forever, The Luka State (pictured), and a debut from LOVECOLOR.
Dig in and enjoy!
Myxi Bun – Need My Space
“Need My Space” is a continuation of what makes the Australian artist great: glittery aesthetics, worlds of electronic vibes for days, enhanced soaring vocals, and telling stories simplistically.
“It’s pretty much about wanting to be left alone on the dance floor to enjoy the music and dancing,” Myxi Bun says to Eat This Music on the release of the new song. “All produced and recorded by myself who is living in Sydney’s inner-west. I also created the artwork for this track so I hope you enjoy it!”
Smaller Hearts — Sleeper Agent
Smaller Hearts is Kristina and Ron from Halifax, Canada, and their newest song “Sleeper Agent” is the first release from the duo since 2021. “Sleeper Agent” is about trying to escape reality by sleeping and dreaming—along with the limits of that approach. Visually this is a beautiful song – that kind of reminds me of a calmer version of U.S. Girls’ “So Typically Now” – visually and audibly that highlights a lot of enjoyment from the Ron and Kristina: the lyrics, the calming atmosphere and the simplistic undertone of instruments.
“The title for this song doesn’t appear in the lyrics, but it metaphorically can stand for the song: our agency in deciding what parts of life to engage in versus what parts to tune out,” the duo say about the song, “[A]nd the change that can happen if a person who’s sleeping through their life becomes activated and wakes up.”
Dolores Forever – When I Say So
I am becoming a big fan of Dolores Forever’s style, and ‘When I Say So’ is a perfect example as to why; as their newest sing showcases Dolores Forever’s dreamy pop atmosphere, full of hooks, harmonies and hypnotising chorus.
“’When I Say So’ is about reluctantly growing up,” Dolores Forever reveals about the song’s story. “A song for the curious who want more than they are supposed to expect. There’s the moment when you’re suddenly not the ingénue in the room anymore and everything around you is changing. You’re not sure you’re on the same ride as everyone else.”
Wild Child – End of the World
“End of the World” is the title track from Wild Child’s upcoming fifth full-length album, out in the last week of March. Being distributed through their new self-run label, the newest single continues to highlight the – many – strengths of the album: consistent, alternative instrumentals, and Kelsey’s soothing vocals. This song is an ode to contemporary dangers and the ways in which major fears colour the little things in life. The track’s inspiration comes from the catharsis at the tail end of the deadly Texas ice storm in 2021.
“[End Of The World] was conceived as a reflection or means of trying to make sense of all of the unsettling events unfolding in front of us in real-time and around the world,” says Alexander from Wild Child. “After the ice began to melt and we were able to drive to the studio in Denton, TX, ‘Lean On Me’ came on the radio and added a top-notch layer of levity to the surreal moment. We recorded ‘End of the World’ right when we got to the studio, infused with all of the cabin fever and frantic energy of the previous week.”
The Luka State – Matter of Fact
‘Matter of Fact’, which comes off The Luka States’ upcoming album, sees the British rock band (pictured above) bring together an anthemic hook, vibrant guitars, and pulsating energy. The band further use the platform of the song for singer Conrad to confront his own weaknesses and vulnerabilities in relationships.
“Sometimes when singing these kinds of songs in the studio I get into character to really find the emotion of the song,” Conrad says about the emotional connection to the song. “This video was so fun as I was able to bring that character to life. I always find that alongside a fantastic actor like Tilly Sutcliffe makes things are a little bit easier! I hope people really enjoy the video as much as we did making it.”
Anna Shoemaker – Holly
Anna Shoemaker has kicked off her 2023 with the release of “Holly”, an alternative anthem that sees the Los Angeles native using the song to explore the story of being the boy who cried wolf. “Holly” is a great example of Anna continuing to explore sublime instrumentals and letting her vocals guide the song as a whole.
“[I]nstead of the boy it’s me, and instead of a wolf, it’s an on-again-off-again self-proclaimed art bro who can only find his phone on the weekends – you know what and who I’m talking about… HAHA,” Anna reveals about the story of her newest song. “You can tell who your real friends are when they tell you to shut up about him.”
The Shrugs – Charlie Brown
Indie-rock band The Shurgs have released a wholesome – visually and audible – anthem that brings together multiple elements of power pop and a healthy serving of energy, hooks, fuzz and melodies. ‘Charlie Brown’ is another guitar pop track from the four-piece that further harnesses the best aspects of the band: slick guitar rock energy and smiley, infectious vocals.
“While Charlie Brown was originally written about a particular situation it’s also become a bit of a comment on toxic positivity,” Jed from the band says about the story of the song. “Every time you go through a rough patch, say you get your heart broken or have a bad bout with mental health, there’ll be extremely well-intentioned people who will bombard you with glib, useless platitudes.
LOVECOLOR – Dangerous
LOVECOLOR is the new project of Ryan Carnes and Vanessa Silberman and the duo have released their debut single “Dangerous”, a song that sees the respective artists – actor & singer/songwriter in their own right – take inspired from pop alternative to synth-driven new wave, whilst also exploring the elements of darker undertones. The mixture of vocal range and underlying heavy synth instruments are a nice touch too.
“Director, Cosmos Kiindarius was extremely instrumental in making the music come to life visually,” LOVECOLOR says about the release of the song’s video. “We sent him the song, and he came back to us with a pitch that was very reminiscent in tone and in the spirit of the original BLADERUNNER film, of which we’re both fans. It’s a groundbreaking piece of cinema that has become beloved by so many over the years. We instantly connected with his take, and we thought it fit very well with some of the nascent ideas we had for the piece.”
Butterfly Haus – Masters and Experts (Feat. Audie O.P.M.)
“Masters and Experts” is a beautiful pop ballad that highlights the complexities and toxicity of relationships. Mixing together an assortment of groovy and emotionally dense alternative-pop instruments, digital beats, and underlying atmospheres; Butterfly Haus shines prominently through the vocals – throwing in introspective lyrics and haunting melodies – and visual performance as a whole.
Michael J. Benjamin – The Deal Has Long Gone Down (Acoustic)
Michael J. Benjamin’s “The Deal Has Long Gone Down” is a beautiful western-esq anthem – might have something to do with the acoustic version giving off that feel – that has many strengths: gallant vocals, gental plucking guitar strings, and a perfect introduction to who Michael is as an artist.
“The Deal Has Long Gone Down is difficult to pin down,” Michael says about the release of his latest song. “I guess it expresses my fears for the modern climate we all live in, a changing world in danger of moving towards something dark and despairing. When the fortune-teller at the crossroads loses belief, you know it’s tough times ahead.”
