Sidi Touré
Sidi Touré has released a new album Afrik Toun Mé, which translates to English as Africa Must Unite. This album radiates pure warmth and hope. Learn more about journey and message here- "Steeped in the Northern Mali music tradition, his work, which has tended towards a blues and rock-influenced take on the traditional multi-faceted Songhaï music, has not only earned him an enthusiastic following in his home country but also wide acclaim elsewhere, including North America and Europe." You will not regret adding this release to your collection.
Afrik Toun Mé is available on Thrill Jockey . It was mastered for all formats by Amy Dragon at Telegraph.
Sam Prekop
Comma by Sam Prekop is out now. Many of you know Sam from Sea and Cake, and as a fan of that band I can say with absolution that all of Sam's solo projects are worth spending time with. The layers of synth composition and performance are truly masterful and utterly gorgeous. Do grab a copy of this record, and take a listen while perusing it's praise on Pitchfork.
Comma is available onThrill Jockey. It was mastered for digital by Taylor Deupree and mastered for vinyl and cut by Amy Dragon at Telegraph.
Cosmic Reef Temple/ Shrinkwrap Killers
What do you get when Santa Cruz's Cosmic Reef Temple psych/surf/metal duo teams up with Greg Wilkinson's Lo Fi New Wave / Punk Shrinkwrap Killers... a fucking killer split is what you get. I mean, come on guys, it doesn't get much more fun than this. Both bands are side projects of truly established musicians. I doubt these last long, so get one while they are still available.
This killer split is out now on Wave Guardian Records. Mastered for vinyl by Amy Dragon at Telegraph.
Ribbon Stage
NYC's Ribbon Stage are out with this fantastic EP "My Favorite Shrine". Recorded to 4 track cassette tape in Brooklyn NY by David Sweetie, mixed by Dave Harvey (Capt. Tripps Ballsington); it is a Lo-Fi ripper so buckle up for 8 minutes of Indy pop joy.
"My Favorite Shrine" is available now on K Records. It was mastered for all formats from tape to vinyl by Amy Dragon at Telegraph.
Neuma
The self titled premier release by Portland's, Neuma, comes in waves of indy pop bliss. This crew knows well what they are doing and are no strangers to fantastic musical art; all hailing from prior successful music endeavors. Neuma explores themes of intuition, truth and settling into oneself. All of which comes folded into gorgeous and detailed sonic production. It is a beautiful ride.
Neuma is available now. It was recorded and mixed by Johann Wagner at Pinewave Studio. It was mastered by Amy Dragon.
Come Holy Spirit
Come Holy Spirit is out with a brand new release "Undiscovered Land". It is the fourth full length album by this Pittsburg band. It's full of grit and original sound that absolutely rips. If you are not familiar with this band, this is definitely the time to jump aboard this avant-garde post-punk train.
"Undiscovered Land" is available now through Water Wing Records. It was recorded by Don Godwin at Tonal Park Studio in 2019, Mastered by Will Dyar, Mastered for Vinyl by Amy Dragon. Cover art/liner notes by Gina Favano (band vocalist/bassist).
Frankie Simone
Frankie Simone graces us all with "Sensitive Creature". Frankie absolutely radiates power and lays bear her heart on this one. They are meticulously involved in all aspects of their art- and you can feel and hear their growth in production, performance and engineering. You cannot help but root for and relate to Frankie as they sift through the messy beauty of life but still make space and time uplift everyone around them in the process. I adore this album and this human.
"Sensitive Creature" is out now on Infinite Companion Records. So many beautiful people collaborated on this release and it shows. It was mastered for all formats by Amy Dragon.
Sally Anne Morgan
Thread is the debut solo release by multi-instrumentalist, Sally Anne Morgan. Hailing from Black Twig Pickers and the duo House and Land, Sally has conjured forth a gorgeous folk release that not only showcases her instrumental performances, but her voice. This release is a simple whimsical beauty that begs a play on a warm summer evening. Her raw talent truly shines on this release. Do take it for a spin...
Thread is available now at Thrill Jockey. It was mastered for CD, Streaming, and Vinyl by Amy Dragon.
Cut Copy
"Freeze Melt", the highly anticipated 6th release by Cut Copy is available now. They've kept us waiting since 2017 and oh how they've delivered. It's an understatement to say that this album is fantastic. "Freeze Melt" comes to us at such a perfect time; a much needed homecoming of heart to ready us for the storms ahead. I think we all could use a pause today to appreciate a timeless message "Love Is All We Share".
Grab any and all formats of this one. Mixed by Christoffer Berg, mastered by Heba Kadry, and mastered for vinyl/cut by Amy Dragon at Telegraph.
Isabeau Waia’u Walker
Isabeau Waia’u Walker has fully self released her first album, Better Metric, and what a stunner it is. The songwriting for each track sends powerful messages that acts as a sturdy foundation for the gorgeous layers of instrumentation and story telling that Isabeau crafts. There is so much relatable content and talent in this album that it is impossible to listen just once. I surely feel so honored to be a part of this one; it is an album that came to me at a time I didn't even know how much I'd be needing it.
Take a listen for yourself, and grab a copy while they are still available. Produced by Ryan Oxford, mastering by Jon Neufeld and mastered for vinyl and cut by Amy Dragon at Telegraph Mastering.
John Bence
John Bence, composer and producer from Bristol, UK is out with his first latest EP- Kill. This new album was written during his residency at Zaragoza's FUGA space in Spain. This three part suite, each movement dazzles and it's darkness dares to invoke the horror of its concept. Thematic, as Bence explains, it "tells the story of a murderer who kills his lover, commits suicide and then accelerates towards God to be judged". It is outstanding.
Grab a copy now. Mastered for vinyl and cut by Amy Dragon at Telegraph.
Yaeji
Yaeji is out with her very first full length: what we drew 우리가 그려왔 . I am obsessed with this record. It sounds like nothing else that I have put my ears to recently and it is incredible. The texture and layering as well as the general feeling of spaciousness juxtaposed with Yaeji's intimate vocal performances results in an undulating sensory experience. It's raw, otherworldly, beautiful and badass.
what we drew 우리가 그려왔 is available in gorgeous limited edition vinyl packages through the ever epic XL Recordings. It was produced in it's entirety by Yaeji. It was Mixed by Christopher Botta, mastered by Heba Kadry, and mastered for vinyl and cut by Amy Dragon at Telegraph.
Donte Thomas
In late 2019, Donte Thomas had rolled out his latest Continuation Of Love Of Real Sound (COLORS) on EYRST. It'd be an understatement to say this album get a TON of play in my home. The album as whole absolutely rules and as a long time fan of Donte's masterful rap flows, this album grabbed me in a different way. The rawness of the journey laid forth felt so apt for the moment and continues to hit home upon each listen with a different facet. If you haven't already, get into it.
COLORS has been available for streaming for some time, but is now out on vinyl. COLORS has a Ft. dream team (Neal, Ki$, Bocha, Caleborate, Scooty & Myke Bogan). It was produced by Corey G, La'Rue, Nice Rec, Big Jerm, CHXZN, Sxlxmxn, TROx, & DJ DD. Mixed by Bocha, mastered by Paul Montes, and mastered for vinyl/ cut by Amy Dragon.
Olivia Awbrey
Dishonorable Harvest is the new album out by Olivia Awbrey. This album builds from past work and lays raw emotion and sincere sentiments within searing alt rock performances. It's meandering messages are steeped in justice, self reflection and confronting institutions of power.
Dishonorable Harvest is available now on Olivia's own Quick Pickle Records. It was was supported in part by the Regional Arts & Culture Council of Portland. Recorded at Destination: Universe and One Cat Studio in London. Engineered by Victor Nash, Elly Swope and Jon Clayton. Mastered for digital, streaming, CD and vinyl cut by Amy Dragon at Telegraph Mastering.
Rose City Band
Rose City Band is unfurling it's sophomore release "Summerlong" and it arrives to us in apt perfection as our summer season blooms forth. This album embodies a long perfect sunny clear sky day. There is just so much to love about this album; it's country twang that meanders into surf, psych, and folk territory. This release is easily one of my favorites of this year. Ripley Johnson's masterful songwriting and performances will put you at ease and roll away the dew in no time. Do yourself a favor, and don't sleep on this one.
"Summerlong" is available for purchase through Thrill Jockey. It was mastered for download, streaming, and vinyl by Amy Dragon.
Jim White & Marisa Anderson
Jim White & Marisa Anderson have released their phenomenal collaboration "The Quickening". This album is an instant classic. It got immediate praise in Pitchfork for good reason; this album is a thing of exceptional beauty. Both White and Anderson's performances dove tail seamlessly together and create a musical experience that feels intimate and conversational.
"The Quickening" is out now on Thrill Jockey. It was mastered for vinyl and cut by Amy Dragon.
Møtrik
Møtrik is out with yet another sonic space odyssey- "Artificial Head". Four tracks, 41 minutes of pure whimsical adventure perfection. Hit play, and be prepared to be transported to another plane- which is pretty much what we could all use right about now. Oh, and the Unifox? Yeah, it's a actual animatronic beast that shares the stage with the band for their set. As if anyone needed yet another reason to go see Møtrik...
"Artificial Head" is out now on Jealous Butcher Records. It was mastered for all formats by Amy Dragon.
Matthew O’Neill
Kyll Time is the third album by Matthew O'Neill. It's a gorgeous and mellow meandering album that has incredible depth and soul. As is consistent with O'Neill's work, this album has a timeless songwriting style with fantastic guest performances and instrumentation. The care and detail of the recording and production is evident in each track. This album is truly worth checking out. Grab a copy now.
Kyll Time was mastered for vinyl and cut by Amy Dragon at Telegraph.
Chris Funk
The Decemberists multi-instrumentalist Chris Funk is releasing a collaborative instrumental album - The Painted Porch - featuring Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Ceramic Dog), Kyleen King (Brandi Carlile, My Morning Jacket) and Josh Sherman (Red Fang); benefitting the COVID-19 relief fund.
The digital edition of The Painted Porch is available today via Bandcamp, with vinyl preorders shipping in mid-June. All profits from Bandcamp sales will be donated to the COVID-19 Oregon Musicians’ Relief Fund through the Jeremy Wilson Foundation.
The Painted Porch was mastered for all formats by Amy Dragon at Telegraph.
The Golden Promise
The Golden Promise has released their debut album, "Long Days, Sleepless Nights". They hail from a classic country sound and the songwriting is witty and fresh. It's taken more than one spin on a Saturday afternoon on our turntable. Grab a copy today and see for yourself.
"Long Days, Sleepless Nights" was mastered for all formats (Download/Streaming, CD, and Vinyl) by Amy Dragon at Telegraph Mastering.