ANCHR's Artist of the Week: Joy Oladokun

This week’s ANCHR artist of the week goes to singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun, in honor of her recent album entitled Proof of Life, which was just released at the end of April this year.

Photo by Brian Higbee

Joy Oladokun was born and raised in Casa Grande, Arizona, but currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Oladokun has had a mix of musical influences during her life, including growing up in a Christian church and being inspired by artists like Tracy Chapman, Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley at a young age. Prior to releasing Proof of Life this year, Oladokun put out the albums Carry, in defense of my own happiness (the beginnings) and in defense of my own happiness (the latter being a sequel to the second album).

A single from her most recent album, Oladokun’s collaboration with Noah Kahan called “We’re All Gonna Die” has become my own personal anxiety lullaby that reminds me we’re all just doing the best we can with our one life. In contrast to the upbeat, jovial melody, the song’s chorus features the blunt and realistic lyrics we all sometimes need to hear “We’re over our heads so I’ll say it loud/We’re all gonna die tryna figure it out.”

Encompassing a mix of folk, pop, and rock genres, the rest of Proof of Life details both the little things that make life an adventure and the more nuanced experiences of life. The record contains collaborations with multiple artists, including Chris Stapleton, Manchester Orchestra, Mt. Joy and Maxo Kream.

You can catch Joy Oladokun out on the road this year performing these songs. See where you can catch the tour next here, and tune into the video for “Changes” below.

ANCHR's Artist of the Week: Games We Play

Here at ANCHR, we love an “in the wild” artist of the week discovery, and that’s exactly what happened with this week’s featured artist!

I was blessed enough to catch Fall Out Boy at their special show at Metro back in January, and even luckier to discover Games We Play during the opening set. Obviously this show was nostalgic for me because I had FOB CDs (yes, actual CDs) playing in my Walkman CD player between classes in high school, but I wasn’t expecting the support act to also elicit that sense of nostalgia. However, that’s exactly what Games We Play, the moniker for pop-punk artist Emmyn Calleiro, did.

If you’re a Millennial like me, think back to the deep cuts of your pop-punk playlists, or mixtapes in some cases. I’m thinking along the lines of Mayday Parade, The Audition, and Cute Is What We Aim For. Games We Play’s sound has nods to those quintessential artists of our youth while also punching in a refreshing pep in our step, like the sparkling gleam of a new era. Calleiro’s goofy stage presence during the band’s live show perfectly complemented the witty and quippy lyrics of songs like “I Hope You’re Happy,” “Deadbeat,” and “Hey Ben.” Take the chorus of the latter of those examples, where Calleiro sings “Hey Ben, I’m sorry, but I might have slept with your girlfriend/I was under the impression she was my girlfriend/Don’t worry, it won’t happen again.”

In my short time of becoming a fan of Games We Play, it comes as no surprise why Pete Wentz has signed him to DCD2 Records, alongside Fueled By Ramen Records. If that’s not enough to convince you, tune into the “Get A Job” EP, and see where you can catch Games We Play on tour to get the full experience!

ANCHR's Artist of the Week: Friko

The first Artist of the Week for 2023 is Chicago’s own Friko!

Photo by Nando Espinosa Herrera

I had the chance to see Friko when they opened up for Horsegirl at Thalia Hall, and their set that night proved that Chicago really does have the one of (if not the) best music scenes in the world as they mesmerized the audience with their dynamic indie rock style.

The trio composed of Niko Kapetan, Bailey Minzenberger, and Luke Stamos are relatively new to the Chicago scene, but Kapetan and Stamos have been friends since their kindergarten years. The pair officially became Friko when they joined up with Minzenberger during their senior year of high school. Now they’ve already made a big impact locally and released a steady stream of singles— most recently putting out their debut EP entitled “Whenever Forever” in March of 2022. Songs like “Half As Far” and “IN_OUT” captivate listeners by exploring quieter lo-fi moments that contrast against crescendoing guitar riffs.

Friko has also recorded an Audiotree session, featuring live versions of the majority of their aforementioned EP, and they kicked off on their first ever tour at the end of November last year, which ended with a hometown show at the legendary Metro. The band shared their excitement for getting out there and playing more shows by saying, “After spending a lot of time in the studio, we feel like we’ve really come into ourselves as a band and what we have to say, and can’t wait to share that with as many people that are willing to listen.”

Be sure to give Friko a follow to see what they get up to next, and tune into their music video for “IN_OUT” below. Also, if you’re in Chicago, catch them at Schubas on January 28th, along with a bunch of other Chicago bands, for an abortion funds benefit show.

ANCHR Artist of the Week: Cola

This week’s Artist of the Week goes to Cola— yet another Fire Talk band that doesn’t disappoint! Cola is a supergroup consisting of Tim Darcy and Ben Stidworthy (formerly of Ought) and Evan Cartwright.

Photo by: Colin Medley

The trio got together in 2019 when Darcy and Stidworthy reached out to Cartwright about collaborating on something new, after they’d met Cartwright on the road with one of his many other projects. Darcy describes the initial period of time working together as very natural, especially one they met for some in-person sessions. “We really just took time to enjoy the process of collaborating and writing songs together,” Darcy says. Once the pandemic hit, the group had to end up working separately from one another, and Darcy describes the solitude work as being a “defining color as well as a barrier” to their debut album called Deep in View.

Sonically, Deep in View is packed with distorted, hazy guitar tones that contrast with bouncy melodies and bright drumbeats. Lyrically, the group comments on wading through the modern world and living with technology. Darcy describes the process of writing the record as solo work combined with team efforts— "Ben and I had a flow writing this record where we would send each other demos every Friday. It was a really motivating way to write, as I would spend the week working on something but then get the bonus of hearing what Ben had written when I sent him my track,” he says.

If you’re a fan of Ducks Ltd., Wet Leg, or of course Ought, you should tune into the new album.

I have yet to experience any of Cola’s songs in person, but luckily they are hitting the road soon, including a stop at Sleeping Village. Don’t miss out on their debut Chicago show on July 21st—grab tickets here.

ANCHR's Artist of the Week: Sunflower Bean

Photo by Driely S

This week’s ANCHR Artist of the Week goes to Sunflower Bean— a trio from NYC consisting of vocalist and bassist Julia Cumming (she/her), guitarist and vocalist Nick Kivlen (he/him), and drummer Olive Faber (she/they).

Sunflower Bean is one of those bands that seem like they were born in the wrong era because they have such an authentic and effortlessly classic sound, but I guess someone’s got to keep rock and roll alive for the next generation! Earlier this month, the band released their third album, entitled Headful of Sugar, as a follow up to 2018’s Twentytwo in Blue. The new album name acts as a metaphor for the constant consumerism, exposure to news and attachment to devices that runs through society— and the band says the album is for those outsiders who are disillusioned with the modern world. “We wanted to write about the lived experience of late capitalism, how it feels everyday, the mundanity of not knowing where every construct is supposed to ultimately lead you,” Nick Kivlen says. “The message is in the title: this is about fast pleasures, the sugar of life, the joy that comes with letting go of everything you thought mattered.”

Sunflower Bean teased the new record with several singles that showcased their versatility— for example, “Roll The Dice” features an enticing, slow fade in that leads to fuzzed-out guitar riffs and layered echoes of Kivlen’s and Cumming’s vocals, while “I Don’t Have Control Sometimes” kicks off with peppy vocalizations from Cumming and a punchy pop drumbeat. Talking about the latter song, Cumming says, “I’ve always thought that my reckless side was both a gift and a curse, leading me to my best choices on stage but my worst choices in life. I don’t have control sometimes is the admission, acceptance, and almost celebration of the parts of yourself that are impulsive or maybe even insane.” While this song is the band’s admission and acceptance of relinquishing control, they claimed full creative control with the making of Headful of Sugar— Olive Faber took on the role of engineering for the first time, and the recording was mostly done at home. “We didn’t have to rely on anyone outside of the band and our producer, Jake Portrait, to get Headful of Sugar made,” Faber says. “Self-sufficiency helped us tell the story we wanted to tell.” 

To celebrate the new music, Sunflower Bean is currently on tour, including a stop in Chicago at The Bottom Lounge on Friday, May 20th. See all of their tour dates here, and watch the video for “I Don’t Have Control Sometimes” below.

PREMIERE: "White Noise" by Martin Van Ruin

Today we have your exclusive first listen of "White Noise" from Chicago's Martin Van Ruin. The track previews the group's upcoming album Current Day, out August 17th.  Frontman Derek Nelson of the band describes the process behind the track below.

Sometimes, songs can come together in a moment and it’s tough to keep your pen moving as fast as your ideas. “White Noise” wasn’t one of those. The chorus melody came first, and then it was written over a bunch of months, almost passively. I listen to white noise (the real thing, not the song) sometimes to focus — it’s meant to calm you down, but if it’s on full blast, it can actually be hard to hear your own thoughts. That’s how the internet can feel sometimes. I guess that’s what the song’s about.

Once the idea came through, the song came together pretty quickly with the band. I love what Sarah [Goldstein] did vocally; and I love [Brian] Sharpe’s guitar solo on the final recording. As soon as we heard a mix, we knew it’d probably be the first song on the release. 

Tune into the song below, and come celebrate the new album with Martin Van Ruin on August 17th; they'll be performing at Fitzgerald's and you can grab tickets here. 

Keep up with Martin Van Ruin on Facebook 

Deeper Announces Debut Album, Plus New Music From Post Animal, The Vaccines, Frankie Cosmos and More!

Photo by Alexa Viscius

Deeper has become a staple in the Chicago music scene over the years, and the time has come for the four-piece to finally release a full-length debut. The band released lead single "Pink Showers" on Monday and also shared the news that their self-titled record will soon be released via Fire Talk Records. Shuga Records is also offering their exclusive white colorway of the record, which you can pre-order here. 

While you wait for the full album, tune into "Pink Showers" via our March Spotify playlist below! We've added some other new tunes this week, like "Gelatin Mode" by Post Animal, "Sha La La" by The Technicolors, and tracks from The Vaccines, Naked Giants, and Frankie Cosmos' new albums. 

P.S- You can snag tickets to Deeper's album release show at The Empty Bottle on 5/18 here. 

New Music Friday: ANCHR x March Playlist

Happy Friday, folks! There's tons of great new music out today, from new albums to new singles. We've added some new songs and some of our favorites from the new albums to a playlist for the month of March, which will be updated weekly. Tune into the first round for March below.

The playlist features a lot of these albums, but the following are all worth a full listen on their own too. Click the link to give 'em a spin!

The Evening Attraction- The End, Again

In Tall Buildings- Akinetic

Jonathan Wilson-Rare Birds

MT. Joy- Mt. Joy

Lucius-Nudes

Lucy Dacus-Historian

Soccer Mommy-Clean

Sonny Smith- Rod For Your Love

Suuns-Felt

New Music Friday 1/26

New Music Friday is here, with new tunes from all all over the place! Chicago's In Tall Buildings released the lead single from his upcoming album, Akinetic. We also have new singles from The Dig, Tenderfoot, The Aces and More! On the album front, the Aussie duo LEYYA return with their sophomore album, while Handsome Ghost has dropped their debut LP. Get your weekend started off right by tuning into all that and more below!

In Tall Buildings-"Beginning to Fade"

The Dig- "Moonlight Baby"

 

The Aces- "Fake Nice"

Lord Huron- "Ancient Names" (Part 1 and 2)

Joseph-"Trust"

Tenderfoot-"Palms"

Mien-"Black Habit"

Allman Brown -"Bury My Heart"

Khruangbin- Con Todo El Mundo

Handsome Ghost- Welcome Back

LEYYA - Sauna

 

 

Josh Jacobson X ANCHR Magazine Playlist

NYC based producer and singer-songwriter Josh Jacobson will be bringing his fusion of pop and soul music to Schubas Tavern on February 2nd! Before the show, get to know Josh a bit better and check out this exclusive playlist he handpicked for ANCHR! As a Northwestern University Alum, Josh of course featured some Chicago favorites on this list. Hit play and see what he has has to say about his song choices below!

Common - "Be (Intro)"

One of my absolute favorite records, with an intro to match!

The Impressions - "People Get Ready"

A Chicago classic!

Stormzy -" Velvet / Jenny Francis - Interlude"

Been really vibing to this Stormzy record lately and this may be my favorite tune from it.

Andrew Bird - "Plasticities"

I'll always remember seeing him play with Mavis Staples at the Hideout Block Party one year in Chicago while I was in school. Such a great performer! The way he loops violin and so many other textures live is unlike anything else I've heard. He and I both went to Northwestern!

Moses Sumney - "Lonely World"

I'm obsessed with this track lately, had to include it here! I love how it builds and the Thundercat bass fill towards the end is next level.

Kanye West - "Good Life (ft. T Pain)"

One of my favorite Kanye songs, this always brings back great memories of when I was in high school. Also love it more because it's a sample of P.Y.T.

H.E.R. - "Every Kind of Way"

D'Angelo and penthouse views. I love everything about this song.

Cajmere - "Percolator"

Closing out with some Chicago house favorites. Everyone knows this one from Cajmere aka Green Velvet.

Frankie Knuckles - "The Whistle Song"

Chicago was the birthplace of house music and these songs never get old.

Chance The Rapper - "Finish Line / Drown (ft. T-Pain, Kirk Franklin, Eryn Allen Kane)"

I love what Chance has been doing bringing together hip hop with gospel. I've been a fan of gospel music for a long time and it's a direct influence on almost all of the music I listen to, but it's cool to hear it brought out in this more direct way! Great song.

Get to know Josh even better by coming out to his show on 2/2! Enter here to win a pair of tickets, or grab your guaranteed tickets here. Get ready for the show by listening to Josh's First Light EP below!

New Music Friday 11/17

This week for New Music Friday, we've been blessed with new music from Tame Impala AND King Gizzard (it's their FOURTH album of 2017). As if that's not enough, we've also got new songs from some of our new favorites, like the LA based BAUM, RÓSA, and Wallows. Chicago's own L.Martin, formerly of The Walters, also debuted his first solo single this week. Tune into all that and more below!

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RÓSA-"Strangers"

Wallows- "Pulling Leaves Off Trees"

L. Martin- "Blue Skies" 

BAUM- "Effortless"

Pumarose- "La Guarida Del Leon"

Aquilo- ii (Side A) EP

Tame Impala- Currents B-Sides EP

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard- Polygondwanaland

Monogold x ANCHR Magazine: An Exclusive Fall Playlist

Although it's been a hot week in Chicago, Brooklyn based trio Monogold helped us get ready for inevitable Fall weather by composing their own Fall playlist, featuring some of their favorite songs of the season. Give it a listen and check out the band's commentary below!

Black Sabbath - "Children of the Grave" - It has grave in the title. 

The Sundays - "You're Not the Only One I Know" - We've always listened to this record on our fall tours. 

Pixies - "Motorway to Roswell" - It has a sci-fi B movie feel. makes us think of Ed Wood

Sonic Youth - "Hoarfrost" - Sonic youth always seems like a band you should be listening to while wearing a flannel. It's flannel season, baby.

Pretenders - "Don't Get Me Wrong" - CVS. 1993. waiting in line holding your mom's hand buying huge bags of candy. 

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Follow Monogold on their social media, and listen to their latest single "Feelers" below! Their new album Babyfood will be out this Friday, 9/29. 

Monogold Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

New Music Friday 9/15

New Music Friday this week bring new singles from lots of our favorites! To Kill a King released a new original single following a few covers, and Space4lease released their final single from their new EP. MUNA and NAO both put out their first singles following up their latest albums, and Cut Worms has also announced a new EP with a debut single. On the album front, Hippo Campus has a new EP out, while Ariel Pink and Angus & Julia Stone put out full LPs. Get your weekend started by listening to all that and more below!

Cut Worms- "Like Going Down Sideways"

The Lemon Twigs- "Why Didn't You Say That?"

To Kill A King- "Spiritual Dark Age"

Space4Lease- "I Tried Calling"

LÉON- "I Believe In Us"

NAO- "Nostalgia"

MUNA- "In My Way"

The Killers- "Some Kind of Love"

Now, Now- "Yours"

King Krule- "Dum Surfer"

Hippo Campus- "Warm Glow" EP

Angus & Julia Stone- Snow

Ariel Pink- Dedicated to Bobby Jameson

New Music Friday: 9/8

So many new albums out today! The National have their first album out since 2013, and Alvvays put out their sophomore album to follow up their debut in 2014. The Belle Game and Zola Jesus's new albums have a dreamy ethereal vibe, while Nothing But Thieves bring on the jamming with their 15-track album. Lomelda and Joseph also have new records out, just to name a few. Even Twin Peaks: The Return has put out a soundtrack following the series finale on Sunday, which features artists like Sharon Van Etten, Nine Inch Nails, and Eddie Vedder. On the singles front, there's everything from the hyped up, long awaited return of Sam Smith to the debut single from a brand new artist, Anna Leone. Local legends Twin Peaks have also released the next double single of their Sweet '17 Singles series. Beck is back with the catchy track "Up All Night," while Spinning Coin released "Sleepless," the lead single from their upcoming debut album. Aquilo, St. Vincent, and Matt Woods also have stunning new singles. No matter what your music taste is, there's something for everyone this week. Tune into it all below!

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Twin Peaks- "Come For Me" and "Fat Chance"

Anna Leone- "My Soul I"

St. Vincent- "Los Angeles"

Spinning Coin- "Sleepless"

Beck- "Up All Night"

The Fluids- "Creatures"

Sam Smith- "Too Good at Goodbyes"

Matt Woods- "Craving" 

Aquilo- "I Could Fight On a Wall"

Nina Nesbitt- "The Best You Had"

Alvvays- Antisocialites

Joseph- Stay Awake

Lomelda- 'Thx' 

The Belle Game- Fear/Nothing

MUTEMATH- Play Dead

The National - Sleep Well Beast

Wild Cub- Closer    

Zola Jesus- Okov

Anna of the North-Lovers

Nothing But Thieves- Broken Machine

Twin Peaks Soundtrack

New Music Friday 9/1

This week's New Music Friday features a few great albums, like The Babe Rainbow and Daughter's new records...but the focus this week is on all the new singles! Bully has made their long awaited return with "Running" to announce their new album out 10/20. Michigander and Benjamin Francis Leftwhich both released heartfelt, mellow singles today, while Zola Jesus, Frida Sundemo, and Skott's new singles highlight their hypnotizing and ethereal vocals. Aussie singer-songwriters Alex Lahey and Courtney Barnett both have new laid back songs out this week, the latter collaborating with Kurt Vile. ROZES gets the weekend vibes going with her anthemic pop tune "Girls on Boys." For all that and more, tune in below!

Michagander- "Stolen"

Bully- "Running"

Zola Jesus- "Siphon"

Benjamin Francis Leftwich- "Rebellion (Lies)"

Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile- "Over Everything"

Alex Lahey- "Lotto in Reverse"

Ten Tonnes-"Cracks Between"

Skott- "Remain"

Galantis & ROZES- "Girls on Boys"

Frank Ocean- "Provider"

Ibeyi & Kamasi Washington- "Deathless"

FRIDA SUNDEMO- "Gold"

Holy Wars- "Back to Life"

Nothing But Theives- "Broken Machine"

Oxenfree-"Caterpillar" 

Rose Gray- Blue EP

Jake Bugg- Hearts That Strain

The Babe Rainbow- The Babe Rainbow

Daughter-Music From Before The Storm

New Music Friday 8/25

Lots of new music out this week; From local favorites to long awaited albums, this week's New Music Friday is all over the spectrum. Chicago's own Lucille Furs and Jude Shuma have both debuted singles from upcoming albums, and new artists BAUM and MK.Gee have both released their second singles. All time ANCHR favorites To Kill a King released a new cover of "Cigarette," and new favorites Space4Lease return with another new track, "If It's True." On the album front, Brand New's surprise album that arrived last week is finally on Spotify this week. Gordi, together PANGEA, Widowspeak and more also have new albums out. Tune in below for all those and more!

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Lucille Furs- "Our Lady of Perpetual Frustration"

To Kill a King- "Cigarette" (Marika Hackman Cover)

Space4Lease-"If It's True"

LÉON- "Body"

Jude Shuma- "Lemonade"

BAUM- "Hot Water"

The Killers- "Wonderful Wonderful"

MK.Gee-"Unaware"

Brother Brother- "Feels Like 1901"

Colouring- Heathen EP

Har Mar Superstar – Personal Boy EP

The War on Drugs – A Deeper Understanding

together PANGEA – Bulls and Roosters

Gordi- Reservoir

Widowspeak- Expect The Best

Brand New- Science Fiction

New Music Friday 8/18

Lots going on for this week's New Music Friday! In addition to new singles from Alvvays, Varsity, Gordi, and Farebrother, Bastille have released an Orchestreal version of Green Day's "Basket Case." On the new album front, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have teamed up with Mild High Club for a collaborative album, and our pals Gang of Youths have released their long awaited album. Listen to all that and more below!

Alvvays- "PLIMSOLL PUNKS"

Rose Gray- "Ring The Alarm"

Varsity- "Settle Down"

Farebrother-"Rewind"

Bastille- "Basket Case" (Green Day Cover)

Julien Baker- "Appointments"

Gordi- "Bitter End"

Blaenavon- Prague '99 EP

Everything Everything- A Fever Dream

Gang of Youths- Go Further in Lightness

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard/Mild High Club- Sketches of Brunswick East

New Music Friday 8/11

Lots of singles out this week from across all corners of the genre-sphere, including releases from JSPH, Space4lease, Skela, Matt Woods, and more! On the album front, The Districts' new record is out today, as well as the long awaited return from Kesha! No matter what kind of song you're in the mood for, this New Music Friday playlist has a little something for everyone. Tune in now! 

Moses Sumney- "Quarrel"

Marlon Williams- "Vampire Again"

Matt Woods- "Nervous"

Skela- "Secret"

Florist- "Glowing Brightly"

The Belle Game- "Low"

Space4lease- "Lately"

The National- "Carin at the Liquor Store"

Daughter- "Burn It Down"

Billie Eilish- "Party Favor"

JSPH-"Better"

Sedgewick- "To Fold"

Canyon City- "Midnight Flight"

Thompson Springs- Fond Regards EP

The Districts- Popular Manipulations

Kesha- Rainbow

Matt Pond PA- Still Summer

New Music Friday 7/28

Lots of singles out this week, including a few long-awaited comebacks, as well as some albums guaranteed to be staples of the summer! Singles include the first release from Company of Thieves in 6 years and the first release from BØRNS this year. We're also really digging the new single and video from the NYC band Late Night Episode (check them out if you like Imagine Dragons and Bear Hands). Coast Modern released their debut album, Arcade Fire released the follow up to their 2015 album today, and Joywave are also back with some new content (pun intended). Tune in to all the new music for this week below!

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Late Night Episde- "Golden Age"

Billie Eilish- "my boy"

The Killers-"Run For Cover"

Alex Lahey- "Every Day's the Weekend"

joan- "love somebody like you"

LOMELDA- "Out There"

Hembree- "Had It All"

BØRNS- "Faded Heart"

Company of Thieves- "Treasure"

Toyko-"Golden Ones"

Space4Lease- "Drifting"

Joywave- Content

Coast Modern- Coast Modern

Arcade Fire- Everything Now

Manchester Orchestra- A Black Mile to the Surface

New Music Friday 7/14

New Music Friday is upon us again! Twinsmith's perfect-for-summer album Stay Cool is finally out, along with albums from some of our other favorites like Japanese Breakfast and Sheer Mag. Billie Eilish and The Sometimes Island also have new singles out! Tune in to all the new releases now...

Billie Eilish- "Copycat"

Space4lease- "Must Be Something"

The Sometimes Island-"Bad People"

Luke Rathborne "Don't Call Me Baby" & "I Wish I Was A Bird"

Zola Jesus- "Soak"

Vance Joy- "Lay It On Me"

Waxahatchee- Out in the Storm

Sheer Mag- Need To Feel Your Love

Japanese Breakfast- Soft Sounds From Another Planet

Oh Wonder- Ultralife

Twinsmith- Stay Cool