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Another fresh artist with a debut single. Just wow. I was worried when I saw the band name that it would be some weird music, but I was so surprised. I am hearing it on my headphones and it sounds so beautiful. The guitar parts, vocals, the little sound in the background. Just another great artist on the horizon. It fits so well with the previous single I shared. I am feeling good now…

You can find more music on Spotify.

I always admire artists that start off their music with a strong single. Nick’s track is exactly that case. A fresh artist with a debut single, but it sounds so great. I am so into it, lyrically, musically, atmosphere. Such interesting instruments and vocals. I am really eager to see what this artist creates in the future. I hope it will be even better.

You can follow the artist on Spotify.

Crystal Eternal by Deja Blu transcends into the depths of experimental psyche pervaded by foggy murmurs and hypnotic melodies. The track has this subtle act that relies on many different ways, providing a rather similar airspace as Clams Casino’s “I’m God“. This is a testament of versatility and Deja Blu’s music is a whole new world to explore.

‘Crystal Eternal’ will be the first of a series of singles to follow this aesthetic.

You can find more music here.

“Think of Thelma and Louise, but in a roller rink.”

Kiss It is a single from the upcoming album ‘Jewel of the Desert’ by Yucky Bangs, also known as Los Angeles-based musician Shelly Rose. Despite the track exuding a downcast but upbeat quality, Kiss it has an ability to summon up a freeing response to loneliness wrapped in vocal alluring lightness, perhaps unintentionally giving out an engaging and well crafted momentum of their own sound. This is without doubt an absolute banger that is bound to blossom.

Yucky Bangs recently got signed to queer-run DIY cassette label + arts collective, Genjitsu Stargazing Society and I am stoked for what’s to come.

You can find more music here.

Known for their songs to be heavily inspired by films and nostalgia, Dream Suicides recently released the first single ‘Lost in This World’ off their upcoming album ‘Reflections of Ourselves in Scars Within Others’ which is set to release on October 16 of this year. The song opens up with an airspace of blissful textures and in some kind of way, it falls into that rare bleak sense of moment and it’s the imperfections which make the listening experience otherworldly.

I’ve been a listener of Dream Suicides since ‘Soft Feelings’ came out in 2015, hence I can’t wait for their new album to come out.

You can find more music here.

Confessions of confusion and doubt, Shadows by Found Space exudes a quiet warmth unfolding an intimate sense of vulnerability. The song depicts a riveting possibility of daydreams, certain love and misgivings whose production detracts something complex yet easeful from the moment. Overall, this single is great and it’s certainly something that will make it to the playlist.

You can find more music here.

好吗 (Hao Ma) by Chinese American Bear gives out an impression full of euphorically vibrant retro-like synths in blazing neon colours. Pulsating rhythms of bright flickers that somehow makes you feel glamorous by proxy. The track is splendid so make sure to give it a listen when you’re in the mood for something fun.

You can find more music here.

shn shn is the newest project of ambient electronic pop artist Shanika Maria. When I first listened to “essence”, the second single off of her debut EP “structura”, it heavily reminded me of above water ethereal music from Koda, Pat Moon or even Fever Ray. Its mystical aura embraces an echoing lilt that runs through to some enchanted forest. If I could express it solemnly, I would compare shn shn’s music to a resonance deeply bound into the unknown.

You can find more music here.

Gaspard Eden is Canadian singer-songwriter and I think a really good one. Somehow Canada always produces strong songwriters. I always find Canadian music a little bit more interesting, but to this day I have no idea why. This song is really beautiful and I think it will reach a much wider audience. It should. Just press the play and dive deeper into it.

You can find more music on Bandcamp.

Ryan makes also music I like to share on my blog. I have shared it a couple of times. This one is a little bit different from the other songs I shared. It has also a really nice rap part. I like it when artists try to experiment a little bit in new songs, especially if it works great.

I think I am a little bit biased towards female vocals. I somehow like them always more. This song is a great example of it, I would like it less if there were male vocals. The song has a really nice kick and when you finish it you hurry to press the play button once more. Such a great fresh artist from Austin, Texas. I am excited to hear more music from them in future.

You can follow the artist on Bandcamp.

Equally crushing atmosphere of lo-fi and shoegaze, homemade wine by might delete later clings to me like a memory I thought I’ve forgotten. The song is enclosed in a wall pervaded by a slow, growing intensity and layers of sound. It’s scarcely much reminiscent of the curious and it succeeds amazingly at being that. Though, the only thing I’m frustrated about is this is the first time I’m hearing about this music project and I feel like I missed out a lot on the good stuff.

Expect new music from the artist soon but for the meantime, you can find more music here.

A true ballad about social constructs, transgenderism, toxic masculinity,  and self acceptance. ‘No Hands’ is the second release from indie pop duo silent vices. Known for being hyper-political about their songs, No Hands still remains that catchy ’80s psych-pop tune filled with creativity. It’s a promising track, making everything sound fresh and new.

You can find more music here.

I can’t figure out what this song is really about but there is something comforting, cradle-like nature that brings ‘Not’ by Mila Moon into a serene and meditative listening experience. The sibilance moans of uncertainty that plunges us back into what looks to be illuminating the boundaries of vulnerability. Not gives out a sound that is vaguely only louder than a whisper.

You can find more music here.

Fusing lush production of sparkling guitars and breezy vocals. ‘Little Legs’ by Summer Salt easily uplifts the soundtrack to your midsummer, almost autumn short trip to some world where everything works in perfect harmony. The song beams the feeling of letting your hand slip safely out the window car and letting it gently wave against the wind. They somehow managed to take a typical indie pop sound and make it their own. I liked it.

You can find more music here.

‘weekend’ by wor_kspace cleverly crafts a minimum experimentation towards a stylistic trip within the shifting and clanging synths of sound— to sound. The song can be mistaken as something straightforward but in such way, it morphs into this  beat-driven abstract pop song that is possibly all very future.

Read more about the artist here:

My man is back. A “Better Man”. Foliage just announced a new album out on Dowd Records on vinyl in October. We at Z Tapes are lucky to be doing a cassette release of this newest album. There is a mystery about the whole album, as the tracklist is not revealed yet, but I can promise you will love it. I am so excited!

Listen to more music on Bandcamp.

I am usually sharing music from “bigger” artists, but when I really like it I cannot help myself. This is the case. Somehow the song caught my ears so much I had to relisten to it so many times and still do not have enough. The melody and vocals are just captivating. So good…

Bathe Alone is the dreampop solo project of multi-instrumentalist Bailey Crone based out of Atlanta, Georgia.

Another single I am sharing from Bathe Alone. Even the artworks are worth sharing. I am into them very much (I recommend you to visit the Bandcamp page). This single is a little bit more experimental, but I am still digging it. It’s just amazing as the rest of the music by Bathe Alone. Listen to it, if you haven’t already.

You can find more music on Bandcamp.

Essex/London indie punks Don’t Worry come take influence from throughout rock and pop history and are loved for their distinctly British sensibility, humor and the deft way they navigate anxiety and uncertainty in their lyrics while writing catchy bangers.

Something about this track caught me, I am not 100% sure what. Maybe the vocals are getting to me, maybe the guitars. Either way I happy I can share the second artist from Britain today. Each listening to this song brings me something new. Just try it.

You can find more music on Bandcamp.

This is what I needed this morning. Something chill, soothing, dreamy. A rainy Monday morning at my daily job needs perfectly that. Such an amazing atmosphere this song creates…

Beautiful lo-fi chill music from Chile.

You can find more music on Spotify.

The artist’s name is kind of funny, but definitely unsearchable on google.

Not to be confused with the LA-based band of the same name, The Internet (sometimes stylized as ///Internet) is a Santa Barbara, California-based band specializing in clever, 80s-influenced twists on the pop formula.

What a funky lo-fi pop. I could totally imagine this track in a funny indie teenage movie. I really enjoy the atmosphere this track creates.

You can find more music on Spotify.

Pelican Motel are from Princeton, West Virginia. I do not know more about this band as it is a new discovery for me, but, oh my, I love this track so much. Such interesting vocals with powerful lyrics and the subtle drums. I am so into this one. Just hit the play button and dive into it with me.

You can follow the band on Bandcamp.

I know Matthew’s music because of our seasonal comps, specifically Spring 2020. I love to share new music from artists that were part of our comps. I am so excited about this one in particular because it reminds me a lot of Alex G music, but a little bit darker. Such a great track I had to relisten to it a couple of times before having enough. Just awesome.

You can find more music on Bandcamp.

The feeling of looking back and moving forward. ‘Push & Relax’ by Slowlife is filled with dreamy synths and lo-fi feels that allows you to radiate a sense of stillness. It’s all about letting yourself go and finding yourself. A grasp of how the world can be knowing that you’re here, existing & constantly changing. It’s the yearning desire you get in search for the sublime.

Read more about the track coming from the artist’s perspective here:

A year ago, I moved to the other side of Germany and left my old life & friends behind. So, this song is about looking back & forward, being scared, but ready for the big change.

You can find more music here.

The fragrant sounds of waking dreams and their echoes over stone, water and air.

‘Eternal Spring’ by Pressed Orchid embodies a trace of reverberated vocals and occultly ethereal soundscapes that devours your mind & soul rather gracefully. The track is complex yet exhales a delicate rhythm soaked in an atmosphere that gravitate towards something unlike anything I’ve listened to in awhile.

This is utterly different as night and day.

You can find more music here.

Plinking keys, reposeful vocals & a drum machine. ‘Act Right’ a single from the album ‘Cerulean’ by Peruvian songwriter Iver Arturo Principe fits the dream pop subgenre wonderfully. The song makes the kind of relaxing phantasm music that certainly has a flair of nostalgia. It’s a perfect relatively short track that you’ll have a liking for once you hit the play button.

You can purchase a cassette tape over at Galaxy Train.

Listen to the single and the full album here.

Pipedream by Rory Lyle is like an anthology of stories helmed into one. The track has 3 main sections that prepare you for a journey of breakups, moving countries & self discovery. When I was reading more about the artist, I saw that it took them 10 minutes to write this song and 5 years for it to see the light of the day. It made me realize that art, no matter how contented, can never be fully ready until the creator is. It’s an inspiring take and this is the result.

You can find more music here.

Both Japanese and Chinese by blood, born and raised in Hong Kong, matured in London, and currently based in Vienna – sakura’s music is crafted to tell her colorful story through her own brand of lyrically, and emotionally compelling indie, folk and rock.

I am still surprised Sakura is based in Vienna. I would love to see her play live, it’s just an hour away. Maybe when all this COVID-19 madness is over, I can make it happen. What an amazing indie pop. Strong in melody, strong in vocals and lyrics. I have a hunch this single will blow up because it definitely should. By the time I will enjoy listening to it.

You can find more music on Spotify.

‘Go Slow’ by Melbourne-based indie folk duo Tom Crawford & Jordyn Keating aka East Notion gives out a familiar sound in connection with Taylor Swift’s latest album ‘Folklore’. You somehow get easily swallowed by the keenly snappy & softly spoken vocals this gives. It’s surely a delightful track.

You can find more music here.

While being trapped in a 700-square-foot apartment in San Francisco, California, musician/writer/producer Jordan Baer just released a song called “If It Was Just That Easy”. The track is filled with vocals emerged behind a thin wall of reverb, flourishing with optimism yet gloominess is still evident. Diving deeper, it’s the kind of song you listen to when life seems like it’s all falling apart but you could still envision hope despite it all.

Read more about the track coming from the artist’s perspective here:

The song “If It Was Just That Easy” is an expression of resignation — the aspects of life you struggle with year after year appearing insurmountable. He presents the decision we all face in life: Should I accept what I cannot change or push onward hoping this time it’s different. Giving up becomes the reasonable choice, but is it the right one?

You can find more music here.

Bathe Alone is the dreampop solo project of multi-instrumentalist Bailey Crone based out of Atlanta, Georgia.

I have shared a couple of singles from Bathe Alone before and I happy to share more. This one was released earlier in the summer and I missed it. Bailey’s music is very special. The layered instruments with a dreamy vibe are creating a perfect atmosphere in the song. This is the kind of single that you want to re-listen to get more into it and fully enjoy it. The best way to enjoy is to close your eyes, put headphones on, and turn the volume a little bit up. You will be surrounded by a different world.

You can find more music on Bandcamp.

I have shared Indigo waves’ music before and I am happy to share more. This is the kind of music I imagine having in my imaginary indie dance club. Jangly, catchy, groovy. It makes you enjoy your day a little bit more. I am sitting behind my computer and doing my daily job and this track in my ears makes it so much better.

Indigo Waves are indie rockers from Provo, Utah.

You can find more music on Spotify.

Port Lucian is the lo-fi bedroom pop creation of queer, asian-american sweetheart, Portia Maidment, hailing from Philadelphia, PA.

Writing about our Z Tapes artist feels a little bit weird, but I will still do it. Especially if it is Port Lucian. This latest single is just perfect. I think writing anything about it would just ruin it. Just put the volume up, shut down all tabs and distractions, and smash the play button. You will be feeling something else. Something special.

You can pre-order the album on cassette on Bandcamp.

I have shared music by GOLDEN, a Brooklyn-based artist, before and I happy I can share another single. “Hate” is written about impermanence and the inevitable death and destruction that comes for us all. Stripped down instruments, basic beats and keys, and just mesmerizing vocals. Just close everything, turn the volume a little bit up, and just poor your ears and heart into this. You will not regret it…

You can find more music on Bandcamp.

Do you know what this reminds me of? R.L. Kelly‘s music. For fans of Orchid Tapes, not an unknown artist. Beautiful vocals accompanied with great guitars. I am getting so hooked on the melody. Simple, yet powerful. I hear in the song a lot of 90’s vibes and that makes it even more perfect. I have been listening to it on repeat and not getting enough.

Here is a little to introduction to the artist as well:

Cream with a K is a musician, visual artist and former model.

She is a British artist, based in Tokyo having spent the past 8 years in Tokyo fronting the Bubblegum Japanese Pop band NEKO PUNCH (Universal Japan / ASOBI SYSTEM).

Bilingual in Japanese and English, in Tokyo she is a recognisable media figure and was the TV host of the Japanese Rock music TV Show, NHK’s “Nippon Rocks” Series. She is seen as a link between the UK and Tokyo music scenes.

You can find more music on Spotify.