Lou Emery, a one-to-watch artist in the alt pop space, has just released her latest single, House Of Cards. The stunning, rock-forward track combines synth-pop instrumentation, dramatic vocals, and frenzied electric guitar licks, creating a multi-faceted sonic experience that anyone can tune into. House Of Cards is now available to stream worldwide.

Flowing with tense lyrics, building instrumentals, and vibrant basslines, House Of Cards describes a complex but equally toxic entanglement dynamic. In creating House Of Cards, Emery focuses on instability, both from a sonic and lyrical perspective. Relationally, the track describes a relationship heading toward the brink, with Emery scathingly commenting on a relationship that she's been "tossing aces away" in the meantime. The double entendre hints at her continued frustration, alluding to both potential new partners she could move on with and the "aces" she can play to overcome her own battles. A breezy guitar punctuates her potent words as she asks, "Who needs love when you're around?" Pop-rock rhythms glide across the recording, punctuating her near-desperate refrain with elevated sonic depth. She and songwriter Sean William Merlin composed the piece, accidentally introducing an unorthodox time signature. "It's almost poetic how the jerky rhythm matches the instability of the toxic relationship described in the song," Emery explains. "The chorus can fall apart just as easily as that House Of Cards. It's like both sonically and lyrically, we're standing on this precipice." Alexander Arnout, who has produced tracks with more than 10 million streams on platforms such as Spotify, joins Emery once more on this recording, adding bass, electric guitar, and acoustic guitar touches. The result is a complex song from both a lyrical and technical perspective, featuring dynamic production and effervescent polish.

Lou Emery is a pop-rock powerhouse based in Los Angeles, CA. Driven by rhythmic grooves, big choruses, and powerful vocals, she crafts music meant to pull people out of their seats. Lou was raised in a big family that pushed her to constantly explore new places and experiences, an attitude that inspires the confident diversity of her songs. In line with the genre-bending of today's top artists, her style brazenly explores the broad landscape of pop-rock, delivering everything from infectious, dance-worthy pop tracks to gritty, angst-filled rock anthems. She infuses this with passionate storytelling, exploring the complexities of life's relationships, young womanhood, fun escapism, and the hidden vulnerability that goes along with it all. Drawing from influences like Sammy Rae & the Friends, Paramore, and Olivia Rodrigo, she creates songs that linger both in the mind and the heart. She's been praised by outlets like antiMusic, Jammerzine, and VENTS Magazine.

With addicting, twisting dynamism, House Of Cards once again proves Emery's lyrical wit, delivering an emphatic, ever-changing performance. Keep up to date with releases and upcoming performances by following Lou Emery on Instagram at @heyyou.itslou and visiting LouEmery.com.

Sophie Gault reveals Unhinged, the title track and third single from her high-voltage album, out January 23rd via Torrez Music Group. Written as a swaggering, foreboding anthem with fiery licks and a rebellious heartbeat, Unhinged, now out on all digital platforms and spinning on SiriusXM's Outlaw Country, is fit to soundtrack your favorite dive's weekly brawl.

Unhinged introduces listeners to a feverish, late-night soundscape where country twang meets unbridled rock energy. A thumping bass drum draws listeners to the evocative single as the crooner sings, "Doubling down on a 17 / You're off the script, that's what I need," a clear reference to her own penchant for a game of high-stakes blackjack. An acoustic guitar undercuts the tune with a nostalgic, country twang as her late-night refrain resonates. Later, a fuzzy, spark-driven guitar overtakes the sound, knocking the wind out of sound seekers as it scrambles across the cut. Sophie Gault predicts that luck is on her side when she reverberates, "King and Queen of a Maker's kiss / And if winning was whiskey, we'd be on a binge." The jam first came to fruition when Alex Torrez (Torrez Music Group), producer for Gault's album, heard her rumbling vocals on Stop Breaking Down. He told the wired songwriter that she sounded 'unhinged,' thus cementing the title for the Nashville twanger and upcoming body of work. Gault took the opportunity to include some of her creature comforts in the lyrics, embedding the cut with a sense of reckless abandon. Discussing the number, she echoes the sentiment: "I'm going to crash the party at the Outlaw Cruise, double down on a 17 at the blackjack table, and win. And nobody's gonna stop me..." The raw, restless energy of the earworm couples with Gault's unapologetic, growling refrain as she humbles those who question her tenacity and gall. She basks in the glow of her own intuition and personal strength. "Stop telling me what to do and watch me win. I am who I am, and I trust my gut," Gault adds.

Due in January, Sophie Gault's electric record UNHINGED explores the beauty in chaos and the pulse in the backroom of a bar. The punky, mischievous recording was produced by Torrez and David Dorn (Braxton Keith, Gabe Lee, with mixing and mastering from Grammy-award winner Brandon Bell (Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Billy Strings). Diving into authentic confessions and wildchild card counters, Gault pairs her midnight thoughts with barking riffs, creating a masterful album for audio connoisseurs worldwide. Her past work has garnered praise from outlets like Billboard, Holler, Saving Country Music, The Bluegrass Situation, and Rolling Stone. She's also toured alongside artists like Zach Meadows, Sister Hazel, Jason Eady, Gabe Lee, and Margo Cilker. Gault performs regularly within the Nashville circuit, including performances at the iconic Bluebird Cafe.

With the fierce heart of Americana, country, rock and roll, and blues baked into its very composition, Unhinged is a joyride through the misfit, troubadouring life of a woman gone wild, now available on all streaming platforms. For updates, live dates, and more, follow Sophie Gault on Instagram @Sophie_Gault, TikTok @sophiegault_, and visit SophieGault.com and sophiegault.komi.io. 

Sarina, an upcoming alt-rock artist from Tokyo, dropped her new single If You Need Me To Be The Villain (Then Maybe I Am), a song that outlines the remorseful, contrite feelings an abundance of women undergo, particularly in relationships. Between passionately compelling lyrics and prominent outlooks, Sarina displays wicked, encapsulating themes of surrendering as well as rallying cries. If You Need Me To Be The Villain (Then Maybe I Am) is now available for streaming, and a music video for the song will be released on August 20th. Sarina is also announcing her long-awaited EP, The Fool, out on September 12th. If You Need Me To Be The Villain (Then Maybe I Am) marks the first single from the upcoming EP.

Produced by Kevin Thrasher (Panic! At The Disco, Blink-182, Avril Lavigne), the tune promotes confidence and tenacity, setting the scene for a ferocious and unapologetic vindication. Sarina explores relationship conflicts alongside internal dilemmas and adversities, highlighting emotional health. "If You Need Me To Be The Villain (Then Maybe I Am) is about an experience so many women have, especially in relationships, where we are made to feel like everything is ours to take responsibility for," she explains. "No matter the issue, we feel like we have to apologize regardless of who was in the wrong. We reassure and apologize despite being the ones hurt." At the heart of the track is Sarina's acceptance of the villain role being cast upon her. This is exhibited throughout the bridge and chorus, coming to the revelation that it's alright to claim your authority and own your strength. "The song is a surrender just as much as it is a battle cry. In the same breath, I embrace my role as villain in your story, I question whether or not I'm the villain in my own story," Sarina confesses. The eloquent and high-powered energy fills up every melody, leaving audiences wanting more. With thunderous instrumentation and roaring vocals, Sarina creates the ultimate feminist anthem, grabbing the attention of those who have been equally cast as the bad guy in their own lives. The single was mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Maor Appelbaum, known for his work with metal icons like Faith No More, Dream Theater, Sepultura, Rob Halford, and more.

Growing up in Tokyo with artistically gifted parents, Sarina developed an interest in music from a very young age, leading her to chase a career in the industry. The bilingual artist, who was born in Hawaii with a Japanese father and Lebanese mother, became immersed in different cultures, which guided the orchestration of her music. Diving into personal challenges and mental health, her music leads listeners into profound reflection and relatability. Under the Sony RED label, Sarina released multiple singles, music videos, and an EP titled Foreward. After working with Sony, she teamed up with her mother, a flourishing music business entrepreneur in Japan, to launch a new label, SyrenSong, and earlier this year, she signed a distribution deal with Warner/ADA. With infectious, tuneful melodies and provocative lyrics, she has gained coveted playlist spots on Spotify's "New Music Friday," Ones To Watch's "Now Watching," Apple Music's "New In Rock" and "New in Alternative" and features in New Noise Magazine, Music Connection Magazine, Tokyo Noise, antiMusic, V13, Lock Magazine, and more. Sarina has also been involved in a video game company, Square Enix's JRPG Triangle Strategy, in collaboration with eminent composer Senju Akira.

Blending feral alt-rock with a dash of pop-punk, the track serves as a call to arms and tells listeners to embrace being the villain to feel powerful, even when they're not the one in the wrong. If You Need Me To Be The Villain (Then Maybe I Am) is now available to stream and download. Subscribe to her YouTube channel and stay tuned for the accompanying music video on August 20th  and the release of The Fool EP on September 12th. Follow along with Sarina's career on Instagram @SarinasMusic and TikTok @sarinamusicofficial.

Rising alt-rock artist and mental health advocate AVATARI returns with Hold On, a sweeping, emotionally charged single born in the sacred stillness of Joshua Tree and forged in the chaos of political unrest, wildfires, and pandemic isolation. Just released on all platforms, the song is both a battle cry and a balm, a reminder that even when the sky is falling, there's still something worth holding onto. 

Navigating new fatherhood and the trials of long-term sobriety, AVATARI crafted Hold On as both an urgent call and a source of solace: "Even in the darkest night, there's always a sunrise." Blending cinematic alt-rock energy with haunting lyrics and aching vocals, the track captures what it feels like to be right on the edge of grief, burnout, and letting go. Co-written and produced by longtime collaborator William C. Carpenter, the song begins with a restrained pulse before erupting into glimmering guitars, crashing drums, and comforting vocals that balance raw vulnerability with defiant power. Championing mental health and emotional resilience — both his own and his listeners', AVATARI conveys images of perseverance in treacherous times through themes of struggling with addiction and fear, advocating for unity, and building connections. "I believe the job of an artist is to feel what the world is feeling and turn it into something people can hold onto," AVATARI explains. "Hold On is that lifeline, a cry for hope and a reminder we're not alone in the dark." At its core, Hold On is a reminder that even when the world feels like it's falling apart, we're never truly alone. It's about being seen, felt, and carried, even in the darkness. The song calls us back to the small things that keep us grounded: a breath, a memory, a connection, a flicker of faith. In the middle of the storm, it's not about having all the answers, it's about refusing to let go of the light.

AVATARI is an electrifying alt-rock force whose mission is to use music as a catalyst for transformation, unity, and personal awakening. Rising from the shadows of addiction and Hollywood's darker underbelly, he emerged with a bold new sound, anthemic, soulful, and emotionally raw, meant to revolutionize modern rock. Inspired by legends like Bowie, Mercury, and Prince, and modern acts like Imagine Dragons and Yungblud, AVATARI channels his pain and resilience into cathartic live performances and deeply personal songs like Legacy, licensed by Rolls-Royce, and High Like This, praised by Melody Maker. His music has been championed by outlets like New Noise Magazine, Wonderland, and We Found New Music. Currently building and orchestrating his podcast, Mental Health and Music, AVATARI takes insightful knowledge from other artists regarding creativity and healing, advocating for mental health in the industry.  With each release, AVATARI invites listeners to confront their inner darkness, embrace self-discovery, and join him in creating a more connected world, one face-melting show at a time.

Known for blending visual storytelling, emotional depth, and anthemic rock, AVATARI continues to carve out space at the intersection of music, mental health, and self-transformation. "Hold On" is more than a song, it's a soundtrack for anyone weathering the storm and a rallying cry for those choosing to rise from it. Stream and download "Hold On" on all platforms worldwide. Stay tuned for the music video dropping on his YouTube channel later in July. You can follow further adventures of AVATARI on Instagram @avatariworld and via his website avatariworld.com.

Gritty rock artist Eric Sleeper has released his debut album, Beautiful Lies, a collection of 10 introspective anthems laced with a rebellious edge, exploring the complexities of human nature and the seductive allure of chasing false hopes. With Sleeper's "keeping it real" attitude, bold lyricism, and alternative soundscape, he dives into the pool of society's annoying tests to diverge our ability to become our truest selves, exposing their fakeness.

Beautiful Lies is an expressive, modern take on grunge rock, utilizing electrifying instrumentals and engaging production. Eric Sleeper emphasizes, "The album follows the idea that if things look too good to be true, they usually are, and the consequences we pay for following false hopes are not as often shown. 'Beautiful lies are never modest,' as the lyrics say in Ghost, reflect how attractive certain lies are blurring the lines of what is really in our best interest." Familiar fan favorites White Fences and Killer Eyes feature 90s rock and grunge influence, containing mesmerizing and emotional lyrics. Sleeper reveals, "White Fences explains this story of not buying into all these narratives and finding yourself rather than looking out for answers. Killer Eyes is also representative of this, in how ugliness can be found in the most beautiful people." Newer tracks such as Lotto, featuring guest bassist Kevin Persaud, Waste, Run!, and What You Do To Me showcase his ability to create his own distinct sounding rock music laced with captivating melodies and stirring lyrics highlighting all-too relatable themes. Sleeper also includes his previously released single Midnight Robber, a pulsing punk rock anthem that captures the adrenaline-fueled chaos and seductive complexity of the human experience. Burn notably encapsulates Sleeper's tonal quality that incorporates a 90s head-bobbing feel, but with deep lyrics reminiscing about past events. Sleeper explains that the track Hypocrite calls out the hypocrisy of it all in the lyric, "Not sure who is wrong or right, but I'll take their word as long as they're dressed up in suit and tie. This captures how individuals often witness lies dressed up as bold truths, and are more focused on the appearance of things than the harsh realities."

Beautiful Lies was written by Eric Sleeper and produced by Simon Ficken, who also played the drums on the album. This engaging record was recorded at Backroom Studios in Rockaway, NJ, defining Sleeper as he continues to carve out a place for himself in the rock music industry.

Beautiful Lies represents Eric Sleeper expressing himself through music by giving a nostalgic story-like feel with a punk aesthetic, telling stories that resonate with listeners.

Come and immerse yourself in the dynamic musical world of Eric Sleeper by streaming and downloading his debut album, Beautiful Lies. Stay connected on Sleeper's musical journey by keeping up to date via Instagram @EricSleeperMusic.

22-year-old rock artist Emi Grace has released Heart In A Cage, the first single from her upcoming debut EP, out this summer. This hard-hitting track describes a pivotal moment of recognition when the singer ultimately realized she was the one who held the power to escape from a toxic relationship. Emi Grace turns the page from her previous pop/dance sound to making her presence known in the rock world with Heart In A Cage, now available to stream and download via her label, Platoon.

Produced by Matt Squire (Panic! At The Disco, Simple Plan, All Time Low) and written alongside Kanner (Katy Perry, Blackbear, Set It Off), this single sets the tone for Emi Grace's debut EP with a new sound that is sure to captivate audiences while still showcasing her guitar skills. From start to finish, Heart In A Cage is a rollercoaster, both musically and emotionally. Sonically, the track's foundation lies in Emi Grace's driving guitar riff that drives the entire story forward. At the core of the single is a punchy electric solo that's accompanied by Grace's rich vocals. With lyrics like, "I got your heart in a cage / I hear you screaming my name / Baby make no mistake / I'll look the other way…," and, "I know that it's a little twisted to let you feel the things I don't / But baby I just can't resist it you really should've known…," Grace takes listeners on a journey through the ups and downs of one-sided relationship, as they hear in real time how she gains back control of herself.

Emi Grace was raised in Southern California and eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she currently resides, to further pursue her musical journey. She has pulled from numerous influences, such as Tom Morello, No Doubt, and Van Halen, blending rock, electronic, and guitar elements to craft her unique sound. Founder of Trashy Tone Thursday, weekly social media snippets of the singer jamming out and freestyling on the guitar, Grace's talent has helped her garner millions of views and build a name for herself as a musician. Her head-banging riffs have landed her praise from Guitar World Magazine, Guitar Girl Magazine, and more. Additionally, the artist has opened for the Fitz & the Tantrums, Winnetka Bowling League, and K.Flay as well as performed shows at School Night, Red Rocks Amphitheatre alongside it's murph, and The Troubadour. 

"Heart In A Cage is the start of a very exciting new chapter for me," explains Emi Grace. In support of her new single, Emi Grace will also be touring alongside Ava Maybee on the Gold Star Sticker Tour, playing in Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Phoenix, and more. Heart In A Cage is now available to stream, and stay tuned for her EP out this summer on Platoon. To hear more from Emi Grace and keep up with her US tour dates, follow her @EmiGrace on Instagram and @emigracew on TikTok.

Rock quartet The Modbeats have just released their latest single, The Passers-Bye, a thought-provoking reflection on the routine nature of modern society. The track challenges listeners to consider the inner lives of those we pass daily; are they lost in thought, chasing ambition, or simply existing without question? Now available on all major streaming platforms via Mayleen Records, The Passers-Bye is a striking addition to the band's growing catalog.

Co-written with J. Vincent Vassallo and featuring The Gaslight Anthem's Bryan Haring on piano, The Passers-Bye explores the everyday movements of people from all walks of life. The Modbeats pose a thought-provoking question: "What is really going on in the minds of regular people just moving about their business? Perhaps there is nothing there, but maybe there is? For some, there is bliss in not questioning anything or perhaps wanting more or thinking deeper about life…just being a passerby…" Described by the band as a collection of "musings and observations of daily life in the modern world," the track took shape at Lake House Studio in Asbury Park, New Jersey. As the lyrics and soundscape fell into place, it became clear they had something special. Engineered by Nick Semanchik and featuring Santo Rizzollo on drums (before Fizz joined the permanent lineup), the song came to life with a rich, moody intensity. Drawing inspiration from legendary English rock bands like The Kinks and Oasis, the song's chord progressions contribute to its rich, layered sound, seamlessly blending vintage influences with a modern perspective. With a bridge inspired by The Doors, The Passers-Bye carries an overarching darkness, particularly in its introspective midsection. Lines like, "The passersby don't blink their eyes / When on the way to the nine to five… The passersby never wonder why…" challenge listeners to break free from autopilot and consider the why behind their daily routines.

A New-Jersey based, four-piece band, The Modbeats first got together in 2023, when Scott Matison (bass), Fizz (drums), Joe Mandia (guitar), and Philip Dunn (vocals, guitar) decided to begin recording original music. With foundations in rock and roll and mod stylings, and influences of surf, jangle-pop, power-pop, folk, psychedelic, blues, rockabilly, alt-country, and soul, The Modbeats beautifully captures the essence of revival rock, adding their own unique twist. The quartet has quickly carved a path in the music scene, making waves with Ballad Of A Starving Artist, their June 2024 debut single that was featured on WXPN Radio's Power Pop Extravaganza. Their most recently released original singles, Fairweather Friends, and The Setting Sons, earned numerous accolades in outlets such as The Philadelphia Inquirer, Rock at Night, Powerpopaholic, and Digital Tour Bus. The Modbeats has also made the cut onto Music Connection's Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists and Bands of 2024 list.

Filled with psychedelic guitars, piano, and vintage analog-sounding vocals, The Modbeats' new track is sonically packed from the 0:00 minute mark, leaving fans begging for more. The Passers-Bye is now available on all streaming platforms. To keep up with the band's musical journey, follow them @TheModbeats on Instagram and visit their website TheModbeats.com for their upcoming live dates throughout the Northeast. 

In the middle of July 2023 in a Los Angeles studio, Deep Sea Diver mastermind Jessica Dobson took a guitar solo but somehow felt nothing. Just days earlier, her Seattle band played a series of semi-secret shows for devotees at a hometown bar, de facto rehearsals for cutting a new record. The sets had gone well, but, almost immediately, the sessions didn't. The songs' essence seemed muddled, Dobson's conviction lost somewhere in the 1,000 miles between Southern California and the home studio she shares with partner, drummer, and frequent cowriter Peter Mansen. On that first night in Los Angeles, she broke down, wondering what she was doing there, what her band could do to fix it. For the first time ever, Deep Sea Diver retreated, heading home without an album. Did they need to scrap it all, to begin again with new material?

Not at all: Following a brief break, Dobson found a renewed sense of self, a trust in her vision for her band and songs and her ability to capture them. After that Los Angeles hiccup, longtime collaborator Andy Park asked Dobson how the new stuff was going over an early fall dinner. She admitted she needed help. In that humbling confession, she soon found ways of working that helped her reimagine and reinvigorate Deep Sea Diver and led directly to the power and brilliance of Billboard Heart, Deep Sea Diver's fourth album and first for Sub Pop. It is a coup, a triumph over self-doubt in which what first felt like failure became an opportunity to find new freedom, belief, and strength. You can hear it in each of these 11 songs, the beating heart that makes everything here feel like a new anthem for finding your own way forward.

The cocksure Bad Seeds swagger of Shovel, the tender mercies of Loose Change, the serpentine machinations of Let Me Go, where Dobson tangles with fellow guitar dynamo Madison Cunningham: Billboard Heart immediately puts Deep Sea Diver in the company of St. Vincent, TV On The Radio and Flock Of Dimes, bands that have found newly ornate and magnetic ways to make indie rock by discarding notions of how it must sound or what it must say. Dobson punches through her past here. As she howls during Billboard Heart's rapturous title track, she is "welcoming the future by letting go of it."

From end to end, the material on Billboard Heart is astonishing. The title track is the one song Deep Sea Diver actually finished in Los Angeles. It's a radiant and magnificent thing, the billowing synths of member Elliot Jackson and tunneling pedal steel of guest Greg Leisz pushing up an anthem for fearlessly advancing into the future, as best you can. Emergency links hardcore's famous vim to electroclash's instant allure, Dobson's italicized voice racing like a gust of wind. Her brief guitar solo at the end is an all-timer, a few hiccupping notes suddenly moving like a sports car in terrifyingly tight corners. Tender and vulnerable, Tiny Threads is a sweeping anthem for anyone trying to hold anything together—life, love, themselves.

Billboard Heart is the best Deep Sea Diver album yet, a defiant and brilliant exclamation mark at the end of a long period of wandering.