Back when I did my first “6 Singles” article, COVID-19 was still a newbie we all hoped would be gone in a week or four. Nearly six month later, it’s time for another batch of wonderful music to be thrust into the spotlight. Sequestration may have crippled the live music scene, but Austin artists continue to churn out quality art at an inspiring rate. Check out these seven new singles and fall in love.
NOTE: While everything here can be found on your streaming service of choice, I’ve included links where you can purchase the music on bandcamp (when possible). COVID-19 is crippling Austin’s musical core and the artists that make it sing. Please consider paying for today’s picks. If you bought it all, it would run you $6. Thanks for considering it!
1/ Wood & Wire – Hometown
Grammy nominated Americana played with authenticity and conviction, Wood & Wire scorches stages and banjo strings. “My Hometown” is the 4th single from their upcoming LP “No Matter Where It Goes From Here.” The song is a cautionary picture of the place where they call home. Sporting a catchy groove and a minimalist vibe that gives all four musicians their moment to shine, the track does a little of everything and all of it right. Looking forward to the new record dropping on Aug 28!
While the track isn’t available for purchase, consider snagging the album on Amazon.
2/ The Lagoons – Falling
If ever there was a need for a new song from The Lagoons, it’s now. This is a laid back cruise track, perfect for slow Lake Travis drives with the one you love. “Falling” speaks of the hallucinatory effect growing affection can have. Deeper than puppy dog, but fresh enough to tingle, “Falling” captures the subtle pitter-pat and flush of meeting a potential partner with groove, style, and vibe. Add “Midnight Afternoon” and your next ten minutes is complete.
Purchase this track for the guy/gal of your choosing on Apple Music.
3/ Dossey – This Feeling
With life hurtling in constant overdrive, I need a release. Enter Dossey and some of the best work she’s produced in years. Framed like a late 80’s Robyn tune, replete with punchy vocals, a slick Paula Abdul beat, and a soaring sense of funkified joy, this ATX songstress creates dance parties from the ether.
There’s no shame in seat dancing while wadding through the constant swirl of life’s craziness. Thanks, Dossey, for making life a scootch more palatable with this musical treat.
Buy the song on bandcamp for the low, low price of $1
4/ Kydd Jones w/The Teeta – Checks
An artist I’ve been watching from the sidelines for years is Kydd Jones. His latest track is a slow-and-low burner of subtle power and hip hop bravado. The tracks’s monotone bass drone and look-at-me cash flashing creates an awesome cognitive dissonance.
Jones is sure telling you he’s baller, but the production suggests he’s not that jazzed about it. Even if the effect wasn’t intentional, “Checks” still holds up as a 20 mph cruise track worthy of lazy vehicular escapes from quarantine monotony.
Contribute to Kydd’s talent by buying this track on bandcamp.
5/ Missio – Hoodie Up
Backboned by a tight early 90’s hip hop beat and spiked with vocalist Matthew Brue’s emotionally naked vocals, “Hoodie Up” covers truth with a coating of ear worm production. The juxtaposition of the thoughts of a manic depressive and the track’s dance club vibe creates a see-saw effect I’m super here for. Come for either the emotional weight or the party jams. You won’t be disappointed either way.
Snag the single today on Apple Music.
6/ Abhi the Nomad – Stay
Keep bringing the hip hop! One of Austin’s finest MCs, Abhi the Nomad’s latest track, “Stay,” blends A Tribe Called Quest groove with his prodigious lyrical chops. The type of track best suited for easy-going Sunday afternoon couch chilling, “Stay” creates a summery sweet vibe spiked with top tier rhymes and rhythms. Every Abhi track release is a reason to get giddy and “Stay” is no exception.
Stay home, stay safe, and buy “Stay” on bandcamp.
7/ Capyac – Animal (Greg Houben Remix)
Normally, I don’t include remixes in these articles, but this one bumps so hard, doing so would be a criminal disservice. By taking French trumpeter Greg Houben’s bouncy “Animal” and lightning blasting it with thumping deep bass and late 90’s electronica synth stabs, CAPYAC transforms a lovely jazz dancer into a club banger. This twosome creates magic wherever they touch and this standout track is no exception.
Pickup the track on their bandcamp for $1.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Have a summer jam you’re absolutely in love with? Let us know!
Skeleton’s new album, their first release, last song “Catacombs.” https://20buckspin.bandcamp.com/track/catacombs Don’t sleep on ’em.