Richardine Bartee
Dirty Rugs – All Free (Submission)
As life goes on, most people tend to chase what makes them feel free. In this scenario, based on what I’ve heard I believe that Dirty Rugs aspire to be that space of comfort for whoever is in need. Don’t be surprised if every song in this list has a guitar in its DNA. If it isn’t the drums or percussion, it’s the guitar that gets me every time. Check out ‘All Free’ now by Dirty Rugs, a liberating Hard Rock band from Seattle, Washington.
Michael Amon – Sound of Destiny (Submission)
It what sounds like the classic cliché anthem for European music festivals, Michael Amon stays in the pocket by creating within the confines of a formula that most Electronic Dance Music consumers appreciate. Dance your way into the night with the ‘Sound of Destiny’.
Kelsy Karter – God Knows I’ve Tried (Submission)
As the song progresses, we get deeper into Karter’s heart and mind. We love an artist, person who doesn’t hold back what they’re feeling. Trying to achieve the perfect life that others have mapped out for you, never worked, but if we respect who they are, we try anyway. ‘God Knows I’ve Tried’ is all about that: Hearing someone’s critique about your life, and giving you ‘advice’ on how to change. All criticism isn’t “bad”. However, if your heart isn’t into your transformation, it won’t work.
Van Bobbi – Kickdrum Heartbeat (Submission)
‘Kangaroo Court’ is one of my favourite songs by Capital Cities, so when I heard the similarities in the production, right away, I became hooked. It has a chorus that a two-year-old could learn without trying too hard, which is good because simple never hurt anybody in the music business. I guarantee you that you will at least know the chorus by the time the anthemic record comes to its end.
Hamish Anderson – No Good (Submission)
We’ve all been there, right? We have all dated or had an experience with someone who wasn’t good for us. For the most part, I like to look at it as key components to growing pains, learning our value, and understanding what we’d like out of another person. It’s what Hamish Anderson sings about in his new video for ‘No Good’. Watch the official music video below.
XNDR – Open Your Mind (Submission)
I’ll start off by saying that to lead a life with an open mind is the best way to live if it is something you’re able to achieve and access, mentally. If you’re reading GRUNGECAKE, either your mind is wide open, or you’re on your way to the best form of relationship with yourself. Moreover, it is easier to judge others than to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, but I also understand the fear and ignorance behind that thinking. I’ll leave you with another observation, I think when the shoes you want to step into are leather, expensive, comfortable and duplicated in your closet, it’s easier to “see” things–even if it differs from your personal beliefs and merit.
Heartthrob Chassis – Sister (Submission)
Ahead of my upcoming trip to Seattle, in comes a band that takes me back to the authentic early nineties grungy sound. To be frank, the guitar and the drums on ‘Sister’ made the largest impact on me. Moreover, the singing style accentuated my thoughts on genre authenticity, but it wasn’t the main course–as it normally is.
Martijn Krale – Lead Me (Submission)
Consciously, I take my time to give—a group of people who I like to refer to as—”passionate artists” the opportunity to express themselves. When I do use my platform to do so, I look past vocal range and their [current] performance ability to understand the intention and messaging of an artist’s music. I feel that way about the title track from Martijn Krale’s ‘Lead Me’ from his forthcoming EP.
Unhold – Convoy (Submission)
If you’re looking to hear a classic Heavy Metal track, Switzerland band Unhold has gotten you covered. Aside from it sounding like it belongs in a movie, the power, energy, and drive of the record is outstanding. Check out the single from their forthcoming album, ‘Here is the Blood’, out on November 9.
False Heads – Yellow (Submission)
Taking inspiration from the likes of Nirvana, Sex Pistols, Rage Against the Machine, and more, British trio False Heads release a fiery track about the advantages of not knowing it all. The less that people know about you, the less the responsibilities and expectations.
Lasso Spells – Be What You Want (Submission) (Bonus)
Change is inevitable, but it isn’t always seamless. It can bring the ugly out of people. That’s what ‘Be What You Want’ is all about, changing your ways to be what you want. Any musical directors reading this article. Lasso Spells’ music sounds like it is meant to pair with cinema. Help them out why don’t you.
