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Minneapolis

Spotlight Feature: Kaitlin Cassady – Home Away from Home: A 12-Part Panorama of Indie Folk Rock Candour

Posted on 23 October 2024

Kaitlin Cassady’s inaugural album, Home Away from Home, is an emotive expedition into the heart of indie folk rock, through which she secures her place in the lineage of songwriters who stir souls with their harmonies and strings.

Home Away from Home unfolds over twelve tracks that promise to resonate with anyone harbouring a penchant for profound storytelling wrapped in melodious harmony. It’s an exploration of self-discovery, articulated with a candour that soothes as it sears. Cassady, drawing on the narrative depth reminiscent of Aimee Mann and the tender, plaintive tones akin to Kacey Musgraves, crafted each song as a chapter in an intimate diary of longing and introspection.

The album’s inception, nurtured within the confines of an Oakland apartment, mirrors the personal and unpolished stories that Cassady chooses to tell. Supported from afar by her father, a seasoned songwriter, her work not only explores her roots but also the bittersweet sting of leaving them behind.

With nuances of country, jazz and melodic rock, all adding evocative motifs to the work, the album can’t be acknowledged as anything less than a profound triumph. The inclusion of notable musicians such as Thad Polk and Julia Floberg touches the anthology of growing pains with dynamic tender strokes without overshadowing Cassady’s raw, narrative sonic signature as she scribes through sonic diary entries covering love, loss, addiction and mental health, turning personal plight into universal themes which speak to a generation grappling with similar issues.

As the streams and accolades accumulate, it’s clear that Cassady’s Home Away from Home asserts her as a vital voice in the indie folk-rock scene. Her ability to convey depth, connection, and haunting nostalgia ensures that this album will resonate with listeners long after the final note has played.

Stream Home Away from Home on all major platforms, including Spotify.

Follow Kaitlin Cassady on Instagram to stay up to date with news of her sophomore LP.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Land of Fear: In The Distance slashes the tires of those who aren’t ready with Hollow

Posted on 14 June 2023

Blending powerfully built metal, punk rock and a weighty sound to bust down even the most complex bank safe, In The Distance helps us free ourselves from all fear with the no-love-lost thunderbolt to smash the haters away into the ocean, Hollow.

In The Distance is a Minneapolis-based indie hardcore rock band that packs a punch which might break fragile hearts into two as they certainly mean business.

Displaying decades of knowledge and experience, the family band In The Distance remind us of the destroyed dreams and general mistrust of the world. They slice their way into our inner cores with an honest story to rock out to no matter the weather presented.

Hollow from Minneapolis-based indie hardcore rock band In The Distance is a massive statement of intent. Guiding us through the rubble and into a better mindset appears to be the mission, which has been pulled off rather well on this underground demo.

Rugged and ready to inspire cold hearts, we grab the shovel and dig deeper to find that escape away from this seemingly jail-like current planet.

Listen up deeper on Spotify.

View more vibes on Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Stuck In a Place: Minnesota hard rockers Störmbreaker slice eardrums in half on Left For Dead

Posted on 30 April 2023

Taken off the brand new release called To the Grave, Störmbreaker destroys all innocent minds with a thunderous performance to dig the heartwrenching pain away on Left For Dead.

Störmbreaker is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie rock hard band who are bringing back 80’s hair metal to the core and love performing with a ferociously heavy style.

”Störmbreaker’s resume includes performances at venues such as the world-famous Whisky a GoGo (Hollywood, CA), Rock Fest (Cadott, WI), 7th Street Entry (Minneapolis, MN), the Cabooze (Minneapolis, MN), and SXSW (Austin, TX). We’re honored to have provided direct support to artists including Steven Adler of Guns N Roses, Faster Pussycat, Graham Bonnet, Every Mother’s Nightmare, as well as opening spots for acts including Breaking Benjamin, Five Finger Death Punch, Bad Wolves, Korn, Danzig, Chevelle, We Came As Romans and more.” ~ Störmbreaker

Smashing guitars and shattering strings without a moment’s notice, Störmbreaker is at peak form on this one. If you like roaring music with a superb tone, this is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Left For Dead from Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie rock band Störmbreaker is a song to stoke the flames away as the winds are changing. After feeling like everything is over, this is the elevating story millions needed in this rather lonely world. Heavy to the bone and never letting up, this is one of the best underground rock songs so far in 2023 without a doubt.

Listen up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

You’ll Be Leaving Him: Minneapolis folk artist shugE drops live version for Concrete and Steel

Posted on 19 February 2023

After a decade away from the music game shugE resurfaces and goodness, it was certainly worth the wait on the super single to gain knowledge from inside the eye-opening track, Concrete and Steel.

shugE is a Minneapolis, USA-based indie folk singer-songwriter who is one of those underappreciated musicians who is truly respected on the underground circuit.

”In 2013 shugE went on hiatus to fight a long, drawn out child custody battle & was triumphantly able to return to performing in 2022.” ~ shugE

Rather angry as he wrote the lyrics, shugE shows us the harsh realities where cities are built to be seemingly unhospitable and hard to navigate. Questioning the reality of our current land, this is the story of wondering where a true home really is.

Concrete and Steel from Minneapolis, USA-based indie folk singer-songwriter shugE is a rather real song for so many to ponder on deeply. In a rush-rush world, we find a quality song taken off the upcoming EP I’ll be in love with you until the day I die, which is due out on 13th April.

If this is a sign of things to come, our tired souls will surely reinvigorate.

Listen up on Spotify. View more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Taking Air: Minneapolis alt-pop band Not Ideal has nothing discouraging to share on Thriving

Posted on 4 February 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP1oI_P1Vjg

Shifting away from anything which wasn’t helping the entire expedition blossom, Not Ideal glides through the rainbow of opportunity after the heavy downpours with Thriving.

Not Ideal is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie alternative pop 3-piece act that has a fascinating sound which might remind some of a special time in music.

”Eller and Grage have cemented their Minnesota roots, but Oldham reigns from the fertile crescent of Manchester, England. Together, they reflect the styles, sounds, and essence of both regions.” ~ Not Ideal

With the bridge about to break and creaking open like a rumbling stomach, Not Ideal reminds us of happier times with a monumental performance to revel deep inside. This is top-notch stuff and seems to have the power of change emboldened deep within the veins of our ravenous arms.

Thriving from Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie alt-pop band Not Ideal is a sterling track which deserves all the love possible. Rampant in class and defining quality, we find an experience which will leave many previously sad hearts feeling whole again.

View more on YouTube. See more on the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Old Man Sings: Sarah Streitz drops the moody gem to reflect with called Lonely Woman Blues

Posted on 21 January 2023

Executed with that gritty show-like sharpness which will please fans of the illuminated underground, Sarah Streitz sings with a world-class attitude which will soothe many a sad soul with her Lonely Woman Blues.

Sarah Streitz is a Santa Fe, New Mexico and Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie singer-songwriter who makes those timeless-like tracks to play for hours.

Cruising through with her high-heeled shoes on which shall sizzle the airwaves just right, Sarah Streitz is at her supreme best and shall bring many hearts a warm gift to treasure forever.

Gliding so elegantly like a night out with genuine friends who won’t leave you behind, as our speakers sizzle and another sip is consumed.

Lonely Woman Blues from Minnesota-based indie singer-songwriter Sarah Streitz is a must-listen for anyone who likes classic sounding music. There is a real flourishing vitality on offer here, which shall shake many stale cobwebs away. Sarah seems to sing with so much class and desire, with her expert storytelling abilities brought to the fore.

If you want a trip down memory lane, this is the perfect tonic.

Hear this fine song on Spotify. View more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

McCullyCullen Interview: Dropping heat with Slippery Situations lurking

Posted on 9 December 2022

We had the chance to speak to McCullyCullen, and this was a special chat. Showing us the progression in the production department and demonstrating love for Minnesota, we find out what makes this vibrant artist tick.

Thanks so much for your time today, McCullyCullen. Where in the world do we find you?

McCullyCullen: Thank you for taking the time to do this, I really appreciate it. I am based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota!

Slippery Situations is your new 10-track release. Please slide us into the vision behind the release and what the project means to you?

McCullyCullen: I was making all kinds of songs from 2015 to 2018 and a lot of the songs came naturally. In late 2020, when I started to really focus on this, I had all these great ideas for this album about the ups and downs of a relationship, but it was hard to actually make the songs this time around. It took a while, but I am glad with how the album turned out and hopefully some people can find happiness in hearing some of these songs when they are going through something similar.

When you close your eyes and imagine being back in middle school with your band, what does it feel like?

McCullyCullen: Ha, we weren’t very productive at all! We had written a handful of songs in about a year, but I think if we could have continued to work together, we could have made it bigger (at least in the area). Maybe one day we can get together to re-record our old songs.

Do you feel you’ve progressed as a creative since 2018’s Culinary Arts?

McCullyCullen: I definitely do. More so in the production department. A perfect example is my song “top hat”. That is available on both Culinary Arts and Slippery Situations. The song structure is the same but the vocal production is much better so the song is easier to listen to. Other than that, I have a lot of ideas all the time, so I think my next project will be more all over the place, similar to Culinary Arts.

Who or what inspires you most in the world?

McCullyCullen: I don’t have anything in particular that inspires me but sometimes just hearing other music or talking with people inspires me.

What are your personal goals for 2023 and beyond?

McCullyCullen: I am always working on something music wise and I have plans for another project to be released next summer. Going to be experimenting with more genres as well.

To end off, how would you change the music industry for the better if given the opportunity?

McCullyCullen: I want to say that the past decade has made it so easy to get your music on platforms to listen to, so that is a big, positive change already. I think that it’s time to let new artists shine though. The big acts touring and that you hear on the radio have been music’s biggest artists for 10+ years. Some of them, even 40+ years. There’s nothing wrong with that, but at some point, there is going to be a need for new artists to take their spots.

–

Listen up to this emerging artist on Spotify.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Anticipating: Sarah Streitz looks for the right time to make that move on Waiting

Posted on 26 October 2022

In the shadows for too long and taking us into a mysterious ride through the desert, Sarah Streitz rolls through and stares right through the tinted glass on her latest groovy wonder, Waiting.

Sarah Streitz is a Santa Fe, New Mexico and Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie singer-songwriter who makes that nostalgic blend of music made with pure heart.

Pouncing through our speakers with a brave intent and taking us through a complication love affair, Sarah Streitz has dropped a fascinatingly moody single to play loud when you are in a mood to think deeper than ever.

Gritty in nature and packed with a vocally striking performance, this is a striking single to plug in when you need to hear something real to the core.

Waiting from Santa Fe, New Mexico and Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie singer-songwriter Sarah Streitz is a hugely memorable release that shall rattle the core of so many who feel this monumentally riveting experience. Released from the upcoming 4th album Different Space, this is a simply stunning single which shall sharper those eardrums and get you in a dreamy state of affairs.

Hear this fine single on Spotify and see more news on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Doc Rhombus worries about the next step in this cruel world with ‘I’m Afraid’

Posted on 29 July 2022

Taken off the upcoming 2nd album and 9-track sizzler to listen on full volume with called Retroactions, Doc Rhombus sends our soothed palates into overdrive via the new single that tells the truth throughout on I’m Afraid.

Doc Rhombus is a Minneapolis, USA-based indie solo singer-songwriter and music producer who makes that raw sound that opens up your eyes to what the truth is.

”Moved to Minneapolis in April 2020 amidst rising COVID rates and intensifying political turmoil. He turned to music as a primary mode of expression, employing novel songwriting and production techniques as a means to cope with mental health issues and make sense of what’s happening in our country.” ~ Doc Rhombus

Worrying about no answer that call to ask for help is made, Doc Rhombus reminds us to click into action right now to better the moment before everything falls forever. With a head-nodding experience on the cards, this is a sharp single to get excited about, as there is real confidence brewing through our thrilled speakers.

”Every note, harmony, layer, beat, and sound on Retroactions is a direct extension of this artistic process, channeled during late-night sessions in Doc Rhombus’ home studio between summer of 2020 and spring of 2022.” ~ Doc Rhombus

The seriously good new single I’m Afraid from the always-evolving Minneapolis, USA-based solo Doc Rhombus is a real thunderbolt that will take you to an honest spot in your soul which needs to keep it authentic right now. Brimming with a reflective glow that shall immerse your whole heart, this is a hugely contemplative anthem for anyone who needs some guidance throughout this rather odd time of upheaval.

Listen up loud on Spotify and see more via his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Minnesota-based synthpop act Beaut shows us that sweet romance is still alive on, ‘Hopeless Hearts’

Posted on 24 May 2022

Following on from their previous single ‘Foreword‘ and with their debut EP on the way shortly, Beaut is so pure and charming with the holding hand’s anthem of 2022 on their romance-filled new single to truly treasure forever, ‘Hopeless Hearts‘.

Beaut is a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie synthpop 3-piece band that makes that sing-with-me music that will be stuck in your head for days.

Sending our tired minds into a happy glow that feels so right, Beaut is rather fantastic with a smooth single that might have you beaming with joy. The vocals are rather calming like the shooting stars above and remind you that it can really be so simple if you turn the speed down to take in every moment presented.

‘Hopeless Hearts‘ from Minneapolis, Minnesota-based indie synthpop act Beaut is the call to slow things down from going way too fast, as the moonlight shines above and your spirit feels alive again like you are in love for the first time. This is a welcome message that shall help you shine the light brightly, into a whole new world of possibilities.

When you find that special soul who you connect with so naturally, it’s best to try your hardest to make it work.

Listen up to this new single on Spotify and see the story unfold on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen