ap&r sept 27 new songs
[Photos via Stereo Jane, Single By Sunday, Drax Project, UNITYTX]

AP&R: Drowsy electro-emo, nostalgic pop-punk, and reimagined ’80s hits

You’re welcome: We’ve made finding new songs by rising bands easy. Each week, we’re gathering the best from the underground and offering it to you in one concise AP&R list. Scroll below and check out our Spotify Discover playlist, featuring these tracks and more!

In return, we want to hear your favorite. Let us know what track you’ll be spinning for the rest of the weekend in the comments!

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1. Taller Tales – “Bloodlines”

Baltimore’s Taller Tales have produced yet another instant hit with “Bloodline.” Since their inception in 2017 with their single “Deja Vu,” they’ve continued to create music that embraces both a hard-rock sound and fragile, personal lyrics. “Bloodline” begins with rapid, one-chord strumming that establishes and builds upon a beat so infectious, you’ll be headbanging in no time. The band’s upcoming EP, Kalorama, drops Oct. 18.

2. Midoca – “Dry The Rose”

Los Angeles-based producer and composer Chaz Treharne has grown a small but devoted fanbase under the moniker Midoca. His ambient tunes are only heightened with the gloomy lyrics sung in his drowsy, somber voice. Treharne’s new single, “Dry The Rose,” includes vocals that sound like he’s in an induced stupor, his words seeming so blurry against the raging electronic backsound of the track. You can stream it here

3. Stereo Jane “Holy Hell”

Sisters Sydney and Mia Schmier of Stereo Jane channel their juxtaposing inspirations, such as twenty one pilots and Amy Winehouse, seamlessly in their latest single, “Holy Hell.” Centering on the anger from a broken romantic relationship, you can easily hear the raw power exuded in Sydney’s vocals against the strong heartbeat-like pace of the song.

4. Single By Sunday “Dear John” 

Referred to as the love child of blink-182 and Green Day, Single By Sunday are all about reimagining the angsty, pop-punk sound that was ubiquitous in the early 2000s. “Dear John,” the band’s latest single, incorporates the fast-paced energy so central to the genre, along with incendiary guitar solos and even some ’80s synth. 

5. Saving Vice “Never Knows Best”

Saving Vice dig deep into the faltering emotions one can have when it comes to love. In their latest track, “Never Knows Best,” they express insecurity, resentment and pleading within the nearly four-minute track. It’s a complete roller coaster, with lead singer Chase Papariello breaking out in screamo verses sporadically, giving the song a constant element of surprise for listeners. 

6. UNITYTX “RUCKUS”

Rock/hip-hop group UNITYTX just released their new EP, MADBOY, via Pure Noise and with it, “RUCKUS.” The short track begins with eerie, ghost-like whispers before breaking into its drum-smashing, snarling electric-guitar sound. And while lead vocalist Jay Webster sings for roughy 30 seconds of it, he delivers his don’t-fuck-with-me message in the allotted time period. It’s terrifying, but absolutely exhilarating.

7. MissYou “Notthatdeep”

MissYou are an act to keep your eyes on. The band’s new single “Notthatdeep” combines the moody, vulnerable elements of emo anthems with an electronic backdrop that leaves listeners debating whether they should cry or dance. MissYou’s sophomore EP is slated to be released in 2020.

8. Colony House “Looking For Some Light”

With the release of their latest track, “Looking For Some Light”—a song mixing synths, echoing vocals and lifting lyrics set to pulsing melody—Colony House seem to be going in a direction for success. The single comes from their upcoming album, Leave What’s Lost Behind.

9. Wyatt Blair “Fear To Fight”

Wyatt Blair goes old school with “Fear To Fight,” a song from his soon-to-be-released EP, For The First Time. Sporting a sound reminiscent of the ’80s biggest hits, its guitar-pop sound is an endearing, energetic spin for lyrics focusing on the fear of embracing mental health help. Blair’s new EP is out Dec. 6.

10. Drax Project “Holiday” 

Off Drax Project’s debut album, “Holiday” exudes the R&B, jazz and pop hybrid the Australian group have come to be known for. It’s upbeat and extremely hopeful in its message, sounding like a radio hit in the making with its pop-driven synth layers.