Author: Ellis Walker

jman & the pigs

jman & the pigs is a solo artist (Jonny Link) based out of Byron Bay, Australia. The project is a post-rock reflection of dreamy alternative electronic music and alternative psych-rock – a tense sound from the depths of the underground scene that is anything but packaged.

The sonic aesthetic of the project is the thick drone of the Kawai e37c, radical synthesizers, and both acoustic and electronic drums.

“Hindsight” is a relatively reflective song with hypnotic drumbeats and layered vocals throbbing with heartfelt emotion. It’s a little peak into the heart of a wandering soul.

The track is about deception and the journey that one goes through as a sobering result. From the beginning stages of denial to despair – all the way to growth and true enlightenment – this enticing track has it all.

The song has a transcendental sound to it which gives the impression of a force larger than ourselves – an overarching cosmic power that seems to give meaning to the universe and beyond.

Give jman & the pigs a follow on Spotify and discover more radical music on our YouTube channel.

James the Weak

Shortly after touring the United States as a guitar tech and stage manager for Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real – James the Weak was born. 

James the Weak is an avante-garde artist, producer (former guitar tech), and creator of his very own eclectic sound inspired by a variety of classic and modern music, the blues, rock, reggae, soul, and funk.

Residing in Northern California, at only 12 years old, the boy behind James the Weak began taking drum lessons, and at 15 years old he borrowed his Dad’s guitar in order to impress a girl at his local high school.

The music of James the Weak is the philosophical paradigm of humility and an expression of harmony through confession and a true need to not only make – but also live high art. Here is “Not My Name”.

To put it more bluntly, this seemingly insignificant event (borrowing his Dad’s guitar) would alter the trajectory of his life and begin the sonic obsession that would drive him to endless nights studying old music, attending concerts, and teaching himself how to construct songs on the guitar. And in an attempt to capture a truly unique and neo-antiquated sound, he started teaching himself production techniques while also attending classes to learn the fundamentals of music theory.

James the Weak music is loyal but most important, the man behind the facade is free. Indeed, the music is honest and steeped in soulful guitar riffs and even mixed in with some modern drum textures and nostalgic melodies.

James the Weak music could be summed up as genre-bending compositions accompanied by melancholic and poetic lyricism – but we simply chalk it up as damn good music. Give James the Weak a listen and follow on Spotify.

Modern Stars is an eclectic post-rock group consisting of Andrea Merolle, Barbara Margani, and Andrea Sperduti. Andrea and Andrea played in several bands of the underground scene, while Barbara is an accomplished soprano.

Modern Stars’ music is from a deep and dark place enshrouded in psychedelic fuzz and drips of the bulwark bands of the underground scene.

“Lord I’m Ready” (a track off Modern Stars’ Silver Needles album) is about the evolving nature of life, getting old and gray, and preparing oneself to die.

Aerial grooviness and a bizarre, yet distorted and dissonant undertone could perhaps sum up this hypnotic track of mystical lore.

A drum machine, driving synths, a bass, and electric guitars complete the sonic ensemble of this deep and driving track.

Follow Modern Stars on Spotify, and be sure to give our YouTube channel in order to discover more fresh music of the underground.

Taylor Hollingsworth is an alternative funkadelic musician from Alabama and recently released his ninth solo album.

Hollingsworth also plays in and has recorded with the Dead Fingers, Dexateens, and Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band. 

“Man Downtown” is from Hollingsworth’s newest lo-fi album entitled “Country Visions.”

Hollingsworth’s natural approach to music is nothing short of unique, and at times he pulls back the electronic curtain to allow the listener to get a faint glimpse of his eclectic genius, but only for a moment.

Hollingsworth is a true psychedelic wanderer with a gritty glow of downhome goodness. An authentic nod to blues legends ZZ Top and Frank Zappa, while still somehow keeping things fresh.

Follow Hollingsworth on Spotify and check out our latest videos on YouTube.

In the current volatile climate with half the world on lockdown due to the global pandemic, every song we hear on the radio seems to resonate with a deeper meaning – and the same is true of Snowapple’s “Simple Things”. 

The vintage track reminds us of the little things in life we too often take for granted – like a tree shedding its autumn leaves, a cool raindrop, or a songbird singing upon a newborn branch. In fact, we oftentimes say goodbye to things much too easily, and never even noticing how much we cherish them until they’re gone forever.

“Simple Things” is an adaptation of Armando Tejada Gomez and Cesar Isella’s famous song Las Simples Cosas, which was immortalized by Chavela Vargas and Mercedes Sosa. Now, please enjoy the track.

Aside from the nostalgia, the track also urges us to enjoy the present moment.

For this flowing cover, Laurien Schreuder and Los Angeles-based producer David Ott assembled a unique line-up of musicians: Mexican harp marvel Malena Duarte and Snowapple members Cynthia Martinez and Osito Morro von Ropi were joined by top LA trombonist Ryan Porter, as well as Leddie Garcia on percussion and Thomas Lea on violin. All the other instruments were played by David and Laurien.

The track was recorded in a tiny studio in central Hollywood.

Because of the world’s pandemic crisis all of Snowapple’s tours and travel were cancelled, so we hoped you enjoyed this in the warmth of your abode. Please stay tuned.