almost monday
Emerging from garage jams and D.I.Y. gigs, almost monday —Dawson Daugherty (vocals), Cole Clisby (guitar) and Luke Fabry (bass)—burst onto the scene in 2020 with a sound that embodies the sun-soaked essence of California. Their debut EP, don’t say you’re ordinary, produced with Mark Needham (The Killers, Fleetwood Mac) and Simon Oscroft (The Naked and Famous, DREAMERS), quickly gained traction with hits like “parking lot view” and “come on come on.” Their infectious energy and empowering anthems, notably “broken people,” along with the Sofi Tukker remix, garnered attention, propelling them into the Top 20 at Alternative Radio. In 2021, almost monday continued to shine with their second EP, til the end of time, and singles like “live forever” and “cool enough,” earning acclaim from Alternative Press, Forbes, People, GQ Australia, Earmilk, Flaunt, Ones To Watch and more. Festival debuts at Lollapalooza, BottleRock and Firefly and sharing stages with Kings of Leon, Dayglow, Walk The Moon and Joywave further solidified their rising status. The momentum surged into 2022 with coastal-inspired singles like “sunburn” and “sun keeps on shining,” earning radio success with the latter a top 10 hit on Sirius XM Alt Nation, a top 20 hit on Alternative Radio, and the official song of the 2022 Vans US Open of Surfing. Festival slots, Governor’s Ball, WonderBus and Innings Festival, alongside touring North and South America with The Driver Era, and headline shows in Japan and South Korea wrapped up the year. In 2023, almost monday maintained their indie-pop prowess with festival appearances including WonderRoad, Wonderstruck, Have A Nice Trip (Korea), and Life is Beautiful and tours with AJR, Weathers, and The Driver Era. 2022 hosted a string of singles led by the infectious “only wanna dance,” which premiered with V Magazine, “coast to coast,” the reflective “life goes by,” and “sweet feelings.” With over 400 million streams under their belt, almost monday’s feel-good vibes continue to resonate globally as they dive into 2024 with new releases like “is it too late?” (world premiered with Australia’s Triple J) and “can’t slow down,” a U.S. tour with Beach Weather, a summer arena tour alongside AJR and MXMTOON, dates in Mexico plus a six-week European tour with The Driver Era, and, on the horizon, a debut album coming later this year. The San Diego band’s music has been featured across various media platforms from ESPN, CBS, Bravo, HBO Max and Netflix, to FOX, TNT and beyond. Website | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify
Mountain Grass Unit
Mountain Grass Unit, from Birmingham, Alabama, is a young quartet redefining bluegrass with a fresh narrative. Comprised of Drury Anderson (mandolin, vocals), Luke Black (guitar, vocals), Josiah Nelson (fiddle, vocals), and Sam Wilson (bass, vocals), they blend tradition with bold exploration. Their journey began with a shared musical passion, forming a sound that merges bluegrass with country, jazz, funk, rock, and metal influences. Their debut EP, “Runnin’ From Trouble,” released in 2024, showcases their original music and inventive covers, inspired by legends like Tony Rice and Billy Strings. Recorded at Nashville’s Hartland Studios, and produced by Mike Harris (Old Crow Medicine Show), the EP captures their live energy. The leading single, “Hey Mama,” explores life’s transitions with inquisitive lyrics, while “Cicada Song” and “Smugglin’” highlight their funk and traditional sides. 2024 marked a turning point with performances at Renewal, DelFest and WinterWondergrass, broadening their audience and deepening their musical exploration. With plans for extensive touring, festival sets, and new music, Mountain Grass Unit is ready to share their luminous sound with the world, each performance a new chapter in their unfolding story. Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify
South Arcade
Rising stars South Arcade are excited to announce two headline shows for March 2025, their biggest yet, seeing ‘North Arcade’ and ‘South Arcade’ go head to head in a battle… The official video for HOW 2 GET AWAY WITH MURDER saw ‘North Arcade’ and South Arcade have their first encounter. The video introduces ‘North Arcade,’ the alien imposter band from the future, who want to replace South Arcade in the present day to make their sound more futuristic, instead of their Y2K influence. In a fun spin, the two headline shows are intended to be the rematch, following the outcome of the aforementioned video. The band will play Manchester’s Academy 3 on Thursday 13th March and London’s iconic KOKO on Friday 14th March. The four-piece said of the shows, “We have got 2 really exciting shows planned for March 2025 where South Arcade and North Arcade get to battle it out as a round 2 of the HOW 2 GET AWAY WITH MURDER music video. These will be our biggest shows so far and look forward to giving the crowd a special night of lots of energy and drama!” Currently on a support tour with pop/punk star NOAHFINNCE and Nashville-based artist Taylor Acorn, on Friday the band were announced to be playing Slam Dunk Festival 2025, continuing a run of successful festival appearances. Speaking of their excitement to play the festival, the quartet said, “We can’t wait to be playing one of the coolest UK festivals out there right now, and alongside bands like ADTR and Neck Deep. Definitely one that’s been on the band’s bucket list for a long time.” Tickets for Slam Dunk Festival are available here. South Arcade have also been announced to be a part of Radio 1’s New Music Live Show in Halifax on 20th November, where they will perform a set at Square Chapel for a live broadcast on BBC Radio 1. They will join Eden Rain, Bea and her Business, and Mercury-prize winners, English Teacher. South Arcade have had solid support at Radio 1, and the huge event is a collaboration with Radio 1 shows Future Artists, Future Pop, New Music Show and BBC Introducing. South Arcade, made up of Harmony Cavelle (vocals), Harry Winks (guitar), Ollie Green (bass) and Cody Jones (drums), released their latest single MOTH KIDS last month, which follows on from previous singles stone cold summer, Riptide and Nepo Baby. In just the last few months, the band have exploded across social media, including TikTok where their top two pinned videos have 3 million views, with their huge online fan base continuing to grow. South Arcade’s most recent releases have been some of their biggest tracks to date, and racked up a whopping 15 million+ plays on Spotify alone. The band are now gearing up for the release of their debut EP, expected in December ahead of the new year, where they are planning for more releases and shows to follow. Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Soundcloud | Spotify
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory
$1 per ticket will be donated to A New Way Of Life: https://anewwayoflife.org. From the off, Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory is sonically different from Van Etten’s previous work. Writing and recording in total collaboration with her band for the first time, Van Etten finds the freedom that comes by letting go. The result of that liberation is an exhilarating new dimension of sound and songwriting. The themes are timeless, classic Sharon – life and living, love and being loved – but the sounds are new, wholly realized and sharp as glass. Reflecting on this new artistic frame of mind, Van Etten muses, “Sometimes it’s exciting, sometimes it’s scary, sometimes you feel stuck. It’s like every day feels a little different – just being at peace with whatever you’re feeling and whoever you are and how you relate to people in that moment. If I can just keep a sense of openness while knowing that my feelings change every day, that is all I can do right now. That and try to be the best person I can be while letting other people be who they are and not taking it personally and just being. I’m not there, but I’m trying to be there every day.” Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory is a quantum leap in that direction. – Lol Tolhurst Website | Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok
Leith Ross
Hailing from a small town near Ottawa, Ontario, singer-songwriter Leith Ross (they / them) channels their honest and emotional storytelling through introspective lyrics and a blend of indie folk with alternative and rock sounds. In 2020, they first introduced their artistry and independently released their debut Motherwell EP. Recorded live, it received widespread praise from tastemakers and fans alike. They continued to evolve with their viral singles “I’d Have To Think About It” and “We’ll Never Have Sex,” while also maintaining their momentum with a rising social presence. Signing to Republic Records in 2022 lead to their long awaited debut album To Learn the following year. As with all of their music, the songs on To Learn are deeply personal and take them to vulnerable places, exploring themes like queerness, love, relationships, and mental health and rendered in folk-adjacent tones—sometimes with a pop beat or a rock riff, sometimes with just their voice and their guitar alone. Closing out 2023, they unveiled the deluxe version To Learn, More, including live versions of fan favorites “(You) On My Arm,” “Orlando,” and “To Learn.” Critical acclaim followed from the likes of NME, CLASH, Them., Ones To Watch, and The FADER, who hailed them as “your new obsession.” Beyond tours with Lord Huron, Bahamas, and Helena Deland, they sold out headline shows worldwide, performed at festivals across North America, and received the inaugural “John Prine Songwriter Fellowship” at 2022’s Newport Folk Festival and a nomination for “Alternative Album of the Year” at 2024’s Juno Awards. Now, with over 450 million streams across their catalogue to date, they return with the new emotionally charged single “Grieving,” heralding a highly anticipated new album helmed by hit producer Rostam [Vampire Weekend]. Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
Bad Suns: Acceleratour 2025
Bad Suns are embracing everything that’s possible. On their joyous fifth album, fittingly titled Accelerator, the Los Angeles trio are taking stock of everything they’ve been through together as a band and pushing into a bright future with a renewed sense of purpose. Together since 2012, Christo Bowman (vocals/guitar), Gavin Bennett (bass) and Miles Morris (drums) started playing together as teenagers and went viral almost immediately with their magnetic blend of indie-rock and ‘80s synth sheen. After four hit albums, the trio reached a point where they needed to recalibrate and recenter if they wanted to continue. Recording their exuberant 2023 EP Infinite Joy was a cleansing experience that recalibrated Bad Suns and set them on a thrilling path forward into making Accelerator, which comprises 12 new tracks brimming with dance-pop hooks and poignant lessons learned. “We saw the Infinite Joy EP as a new beginning for the band. I felt this yearning once again,” reflects Christo Bowman. “Accelerator being our fifth album, our first studio album as a trio, and the first album of my 30s, we knew that this was going to be really important. We didn’t want to take that lightly. We asked ourselves, how do we live up to the occasion? We saw this album as a mountain we wanted to climb.” In planning their elevation, Bad Suns reconnected with their go-to producer Eric Palmquist (Tate McRae, Half Alive), who also helmed their 2014 debut Language & Perspective, plus follow-ups Disappear Here (2016) and Apocalypse Whenever (2022). Going into recording Accelerator, Eric encouraged Bad Suns to channel their sense of renewal into an energetic sonic direction they’d tapped into before, but never quite to this extent. “One of the first times we sat down with Eric, we were talking about what we’d all been vibing with. He said point blank, ‘It would be really cool to mess around with some ‘90s house-inspired music. Right away, the light bulb went off for me. I’d wanted to push in that direction forever.” While tracks like the previously released “Communicating,” anthemic opener “Slow Karma,” the pulsing “Why Am I Like This,” and the shimmering club cut “Just Like Magic” reveal a riveting pop turn for the band, Accelerator is still steeped in the original DNA that made Bad Suns a feel-good viral sensation with early hits like “Cardiac Arrest.” The rushing pop melodies mirror Accelerator’s title, but its lyrics are filled with stop-and-think moments where Christo surveys his past actions and makes the intentional choice to embrace personal growth and impending fatherhood. “My 20s were a challenging time with a lot of peaks and a lot of valleys,” he says. “There’s a lot of joy, a lot of mistakes. This album is ultimately about finding the strength within yourself to assess the damage that’s been done and make the changes that you need to in order to take control of your own life, kind of reckoning with the fact that you can’t control the external circumstances. I can’t control the world around me, but I can control the way that I react to the events taking place and the way that I move through the world.” Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Soundcloud | Spotify
The Brook & The Bluff
Expertly crafted songs and sublime musicianship are the backbone of Nashville-based band The Brook & The Bluff. Originally from Birmingham, AL, the band’s name is derived from the pockets of Birmingham where they grew up—Bluff Park for frontman Joseph Settine, and Mountain Brook for drummer John Canada, keyboardist Kevin Canada, and guitarist Alec Bolton.Their latest release, This Could All Go Nowhere, follows the success of their compelling debut First Place and their sophomore album Yard Sale, which features the anthemic “Halfway Up” alongside fan favorites like “Everything Is Just a Mess,” “Shelby,” and “Misnomer.” Their third record, Bluebeard, further cemented their reputation for heartfelt songwriting and dynamic sound. As with all their previous work, the band continues to captivate audiences, creating music that resonates with fans across the world.Building on their evolving sound, The Brook & The Bluff once again teamed up with longtime collaborator Micah Tawlks (COIN,Jake Wesley Rogers) to record This Could All Go Nowhere. The EP features standout tracks like “Bad Bad News” and “Calling Cards,” showcasing the band’s intricate harmonies and inventive arrangements. The record explores themes of fear and emotional paralysis—all wrapped in upbeat, infectious melodies.Known for their energetic live performances, The Brook & The Bluff have built a strong touring foundation,headlining sold-out shows in major markets and supporting acts like Mt. Joy, Ashe, Stephen Sanchez, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. With 2025 on the horizon, the band is poised for an even bigger year, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter. Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Spotify | Soundcloud | YouTube
Turtle Smash – Live Band Emo Night
Chapel Hill/Carrboro, we’re SO excited to be back! After that incredible sold-out show at Local 506 in February, we knew we had to return to one of our favorite areas – and what better place than the LEGENDARY Cat’s Cradle! 🔥 Get ready for an even MORE epic experience than last time! Picture 200 people packed into the intimate Back Room, screaming every word to “Welcome to the Black Parade,” jumping during “All The Small Things,” and having the time of their lives as we perform My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, Paramore and all your favorite 2000s anthems! 🎸 If you were at Local 506, you KNOW how incredible this is going to be! If you missed us last time – this is your chance to see what all the hype is about! The Back Room’s legendary acoustics + our full production + the best crowd in NC = pure magic! ⚡ Come welcome us back to Chapel Hill in the most legendary way possible! This is going to be three hours of non-stop energy and the kind of night you’ll never forget! 🖤 #CatsCradle #CarrboroNC #BackRoom #TurtleSmash #WereBack #ChapelHill Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
Adam Melchor
Adam Melchor’s journey thus far has been far from conventional. Long story short, this proud Jersey boy picked up a guitar and eventually fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a musician in Los Angeles. But in reality, he got there by singing for mobsters “well-suited insurance guys” at pizza parlors, getting an Opera degree, playing thousands of hours in various dives, churches, and restaurants (sometimes in the same day), and driving across the country to the West Coast in an old Toyota Camry (twice). Moving to Los Angeles during 2018, he had sessions with everyone from Charlie Puth to The Chainsmokers, and has also toured alongside Mt. Joy, Dodie, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, and JS Ondara. Picking up steam, his single “Real Estate” gained impressive traction leading up to the 2020 SUMMER CAMP EP. After racking up more than 40 million streams and garnering acclaim from NPR, Wonderland Magazine, Billboard, Atwood Magazine, and more, he properly made his debut earlier this year with Melchor Lullaby Hotline, Vol. 1. Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Soundcloud | Spotify
Ruston Kelly – Pale, Through the Window Tour
Since making his debut with 2018’s Dying Star, Ruston Kelly has built a catalog of songs that search for transcendence in the most devastating and demanding of experiences: addiction, the strenuous work of self-evolution, the fallout of broken relationships. But in the writing of his latest album, the South Carolina-born artist found himself in unfamiliar emotional territory—a state of sustained joy and inner peace, brought on by a spiritual breakthrough and the dawning of a new love. Brimming with the grit and depth that’s always defined his output, Pale, Through the Window ultimately affirms Kelly as one of modern music’s most astute observers of the human heart and spirit. “For most of my life I’ve felt comfortable writing about darker subject matter with a slight silver lining of hope, asking questions like ‘Why do people suffer, and how can we find communion and joy in the middle of the suffering?’” says Kelly. “Before this album I didn’t quite have the songwriting muscle required to write about joy more directly, which meant that I had to develop some new muscles and find my voice in a whole different way.” The follow-up to The Weakness—a 2023 release that earned major acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone, The New York Times, NPR and led to his appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers”—Pale, Through the Window finds Kelly reuniting with his longtime collaborator Jarrad K, who also helmed production on Dying Star and 2020’s Shape & Destroy. The first body of work he’s recorded with his longtime touring band, the album centers on a singular sonic palette that often merges synth with pedal-steel guitar while fully embracing Kelly’s ardent love of classic pop-punk and emo—ultimately bringing a raw and potent energy to his soul-searching songwriting. Over the course of Pale, Through the Window’s 13 songs, Kelly offers up everything from the somber rumination of the LP’s title track and the rueful longing of “Twisted Root” (an intimate look at his history with addiction) to the radiant open-heartedness of love songs like “Waiting to Love You” and “Wayside” (a euphoric but unvarnished portrait of love against the backdrop of a world in flames). And in sharing such an all-embracing account of his journey to acceptance and peace, he aspires to provide others with the courage to persevere through their own personal chaos. “If someone’s struggling with doubt or hopelessness because of the state of the world or their relationship with God or with themselves, I hope this record leaves them with the sense that it can be okay and that love truly is the most powerful force we have available to us,” says Kelly. “I also hope they feel at least a sliver of the freedom and joy I felt in writing these songs—even if they’re just having a good time bobbing their head to ‘Waiting to Love You,’ I want everyone to be reminded that the world can be a joyful place.” Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Soundcloud
