Grandson brings the revolution to Brooklyn on the INERTIA headlining tour at Warsaw, NYC | 11/07/25 | Photos & Review

New Jersey punk rap duo HO99O9 opened the night, bringing intense, hardcore vibes to the stage. The self-identified “Death Kult Mutant Freax” are currently supporting their third album, Tomorrow We Escape. I found myself stuck in the “stank face” for their entire set, impressed with their sick vocals and blend of metal, electronic, and rock. This performance was my first impression of the band, and they quickly made a fan out of me. 


Just a few minutes before grandson’s performance, actor and...

Cage The Elephant’s electric performance at Night One at the Capitol Theatre, NY | 10/28/25 | Photos & Review

The last time alternative-indie rockstars Cage The Elephant performed in the New York/New Jersey area on the band’s 2024 “Neon Pill” headlining tour, frontman and broken boy himself Matt Shultz, unfortunately, performed with a broken foot for the majority of the tour. Nonetheless, he did nothing short of putting on an epic performance, but it was now time for NY/NJ to see Shultz at his fullest potential. 


On this night, we quickly learned that his “fullest potential” was non-stop energy and e...

#TBT – The Happy Fits takeover Montclair’s The Wellmont Theatre in a special Halloween celebration! - WMSC 90.3 FM

Indie-rock project and New Jersey’s own The Happy Fits took over The Wellmont Theatre on October 28, 2023, to celebrate local music, the band’s latest album, and get in the Halloween spirit!
After nearly two months of their headlining tour, The Happy Fits treated (trick or treated, if you will) their home state to a full day of good vibes, spooky costumes, and incredible music, showcasing nine bands across two stages for hours of fun.
As both a standalone festival performance and the conclusion...

“Heaven isn’t quite what it seems:” Bad Omens release powerful new single “Dying To Love” » // MELODIC Magazine

Heavy metal band Bad Omens has released their latest hard-hitting single “Dying To Love” via Sumerian Records, opening the doors to the band’s next chapter. 
Showcasing the stunning vocals of frontman Noah Sebastian, the bold new anthem is both a classic-sounding Bad Omens track, filled with metal, electronic, and rock influences, and a prime example of how the band is progressing their sound.
The new release is accompanied by an eerie music video created by director Nico Poalillo alongside Seba...

Grimes releases haunting AI-focused single, “Artificial Angels” » // MELODIC Magazine

“This is what it feels like to be hunted by something smarter than you” is one terrifying way to start a song. 
Canadian electropop artist Grimes released her thought-provoking new single “Artificial Angels,” a timely song about the rise of technology and the artificial intelligence takeover of the digital landscape.
From the perspective of AI, “Artificial Angels” explores the inevitable demise of Earth and humanity as we know it, as it continues to expand and become smarter than before. 
The ar...

Fall Out Boy treats fans to B-sides, remixes, and more to celebrate 20 years of ‘From Under The Cork Tree’ — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

Recommended Tracks (Disc 2): “Sugar, We’re Going Down (Acoustic),” “Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner (Acoustic)”
Artists You Might Like: Panic! At The Disco, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, New Found Glory
In the past 20 years, Fall Out Boy‘s sophomore album From Under The Cork Tree has received five RIAA Platinum certifications, in addition to the 9x Platinum hit “Sugar, We’re Goin Down,” and Platinum status for the single “A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More ‘Touch Me’” — just to name a...

Baby going worldwide: bbno$ delivers a non-stop party on self-titled album, ‘bbno$’ — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

Recommended Tracks: “hot topic,” “1-800,” “it boy,” “bing bong”
Artists you may like: Yung Gravy, Käärijä, Tommy Cash, Ashnikko
If you’re looking for an album packed with pop culture references, sexual innuendos, and oxymoronic rap atop an energetic beat, you’re in the right place. Canadian rapper and singer bbno$ has released his self-titled album, bbno$. The album is 50 minutes of never-pausing good time, with banger after banger that will have you up on your feet, bopping your head, and maybe...

Ashnikko is living her best life on sophomore album ‘Smoochies’ — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

Recommended Tracks: “Skin Cleared,” “Chichinya,” “Sticky Fingers,” “Itty Bitty”
Artists you may like: Princess Nokia, COBRAH, MARINA
Unafraid to show off her true self, Ashnikko‘s sophomore album Smoochies explores her vulnerability when it comes to heartache and sexual desire, and the mayhem that ensues. Atop a Y2K, one-of-a-kind blend of electronic, alternative, and hip-hop tunes (with a couple of surprises up her sleeve to keep fans on their hairy toes), this album is not only a demonstration...

The Horrorwood saga continues in Ice Nine Kills’ latest homage to Batman ‘89, “The Laugh Track” » // MELODIC Magazine

American heavy metal band Ice Nine Kills brings listeners into Gotham City on their latest crime-ridden single, “The Laugh Track,” inviting psychos everywhere to “dance with the devil in the pale moonlight.” 
Frontman Spencer Charnas steps into the shoes of Jack Nicholson’s Joker from Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman film, recreating the iconic parade takeover through the city. The music video incorporates multiple references known to Batman fans, including the symbolic bat signal, villain-creating acid...

Indie rockers Good Kid debut bittersweet new single, “Wall” » // MELODIC Magazine

Alternative rock group Good Kid has released their newest upbeat single, “Wall,” a catchy, bittersweet tune that looks back on a past relationship that has come to a close. 
About the new single, the band shares: 
“*’Wall’ is a story about running into your ex —*the ex. It’s about putting up walls, pretending you’re fine, even though a simple encounter at a vintage clothing shop can stir up everything you thought you left behind. […] This is the most uninhibited and unfiltered we’ve ever been, w...

Good Neighbours invite listeners into their home of good vibes in debut album, ‘Blue Sky Mentality’ — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

Recommended Tracks: “found u/me,” “Suburbs,” “Kids Can’t Sleep,” “Home”
Artists you may like: Royel Otis, Milky Chance, Fitz & The Tantrums
In just one year, English indie-rock duo Good Neighbours topped rock-alternative charts in 2024, were nominated for multiple British music awards, and their viral debut single “Home” gained multiple certifications worldwide, including Platinum in the US (RIAA) and Gold in the UK (BPI) — all before the official release of an album.
Good Neighbours are taking...

Wipe those tears and dial the phone: Zinadelphia releases the song to pick you up when you’re down in “Call Up Nancy” » // MELODIC Magazine

Philadelphia-based musician Zinadelphia debuted her latest single, “Call Up Nancy,” a jazzy anthem that urges listeners to turn to music and their best friends when times get tough.
The lovechild of Amy Winehouse, Gloria Gaynor, and Tammi Terrell, Zinadelphia is known for her harmonious blend of jazz, funk, Motown, and soul. “Call Up Nancy” is the perfect example of the singer-songwriter’s strength. 
While it’s easy to be frustrated with someone testing your nerves over and over again, to overan...

The Happy Fits will make you dance and cry with their latest album, ‘Lovesick’ — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

Recommended Tracks: “Wild In Love,” “Lovesick #1 (Misery),” “Everything You Do”
Artists you may like: iDKHOW, Phoneboy, Panic! At The Disco
The Happy Fits are back and better than ever: if you’ve been missing badass electric cello harmonies with an enchanting indie-rock sound, Lovesick is here to save the day. Lovesick has something for anyone looking for the classic, upbeat Happy Fits sound, the ballad and slower song enthusiasts, and those who want an album that keeps them on their toes. 
What...

Take a journey with Milky Chance on their latest album, ‘Trip Tape III’ — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

Recommended Tracks: “Camouflage,” “Naked And Alive,” “Bigger Than Us,” “Passion”
Artists you may like: Sofi Tukker, Almost Monday, Young The Giant
If you know and love the German indie-rock band Milky Chance for their distinct blend of folk and electronic sounds, paired with their signature groovy vibe, you’re in luck! The dynamic duo of vocalist/guitarist Clemens Rehbein and bassist/percussionist Philipp Dausch stick to their roots in their latest collection of music, Trip Tape III, supplying y...

Young The Giant presents their latest awe-inspiring EP, ‘In The Open Volume One’ — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

Recommended tracks: “Mind Over Matter,” “Bitter Fruit,” “Apartment”
Artists you may like: Death Cab for Cutie, The Lumineers, Silversun Pickups
Just when you think that Young The Giant can’t get more angelic, they open the sky and a new compilation of ethereal songs descends from the heavens. Young The Giant released the first compilation of their stripped-back songs, In The Open Volume One, on September 2, featuring six reimagined, laid-back versions of previously released tunes.  
Beginning in...

DIAMANTE slays the supernatural in new music video for “Silver Bullet” » // MELODIC Magazine

Glam-rock powerhouse DIAMANTE is a force to be reckoned with. 
The Coming In Hot singer is unapologetically herself in an epic 80s-Thriller inspired music video for her energizing summer single “Silver Bullet.”
Comparable to legendary women in rock such as Bonnie Tyler, Joan Jett, and Lita Ford, the rising rockstar continues her message of female empowerment in this latest head-bang-worthy jam: 
“When she was a little girl / She knew she wanted the world / Nobody could kill her shine / There was...

Silversun Pickups’ epic return to The Wellmont Theater, New Jersey 8/23/25 | Photos & Review

American rock band Silversun Pickups continue to treat New Jersey well. Stopping by what seems to be their favorite venue, the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, NJ, remains a staple on their headlining tours!

While this tour has several different openers throughout its four-month run, NJ was lucky enough to be blessed with the rock throwbacks from Kentucky, Girl Tones!

Sister-duo Kenzie and Laila served as an incredible opener to the night. My introduction to them was their angst-ridden singl...

AJR explore ‘What No One’s Thinking’ in latest EP — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

The wait is finally over: New York’s finest trio AJR finds a way to somehow sound completely different from their usual style, yet produce a project that sounds so authentically them at the same time. All of this is wrapped up tidily with a bow on their latest EP, What No One’s Thinking. 
In this folksy five-song collection, the Met brothers — Adam, Jack, and...

grandson sets the revolution in motion with exhilarating new record, ‘INERTIA’ — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

grandson is pissed (and rightfully so). 
In a time where one can either turn to violence in response to the frustrations of the world or bury themselves under a rock for safety, Jordan Benjamin, better known as grandson, opens up another outlet to deal with the anger: music.
INERTIA is thirty minutes of pure fury at full force. If you’re...

Balu Brigada walk listeners through the ‘Portal’ with captivating debut record — Album Review » // MELODIC Magazine

Recommended Tracks: “Backseat,” “Politix,” “Sideways”
Artists You May Like: almost monday, Beach Weather, Royel Otis
Indie rock band Balu Brigada proves that they are far from one-hit wonders and a true force to be reckoned with in the alternative music scene. Auckland natives Henry and Pierre Beasley released their debut record, Portal, on August 29 via Warner Music. While the brothers gained worldwide recognition by accompanying eclectic rock duo Twenty One Pilots on the worldwide Clancy World...

‘Oh my god, she likеs The Happy Fits!’ Falling in love with the Lovesick single “Do You See Me?” » // MELODIC Magazine

The Happy Fits have done it again: The New Jersey natives spoil fans with another beautiful single off their forthcoming studio album, Lovesick, set to debut on September 19. 
Blending orchestral sounds and dramatic lyrics reminiscent of early Panic! At The Disco and The Brobecks, “Do You See Me?” surprises us as it does a complete 180 from the previous upbeat, 80s-sounding single, “Wild in Love.”
Starting on the much softer side, this song gracefully showcases vocalist/cellist Calvin Langman’s...

Glass Animals feed listeners “Vampire Bat,” a delicious track to sink your teeth into » // MELODIC Magazine

After a summer of teasing fans with hidden USB drives and kiwi keychains placed around New York City, the “Heat Waves” band officially debuted their latest single since their 2024 album, I Love You So F***ing Much.
“Vampire Bat” is a whimsical track that combines the usual sparkle of a Glass Animals song with marching band beats and cheerful synthesizer, with vocals much deeper than expected from the indie rock band. The tone contrasts from the more sinister narrative, which suggests a story of...

3 Dollars perform in Debonair Music Hall, Teaneck, NJ – 3/28/25 - WMSC 90.3 FM

I first discovered 3 Dollars at their performance at Kudo Society in 2023 – WMSC had the pleasure of hosting them for an episode of our live music performance show WMSC Unplugged, and I had the incredible displeasure of being out of town on that date.  Disappointed, I welcomed them BACK to our studio the following year where my partner-in-musical-crime (and now music director) Amber Bintliff asked the inevitable question – Why three dollars? 
The answer to that question is one I won’t spoil – Yo...
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