alternative
Alternative music from the underground, straight to your listening device.
My Exclusive Interview With Jana Tyrrell
When Jana Tyrrell produces a track, she doesn't just get it ready for radio play. Instead, she blends her vocals, instrumentals and favorite sound effects into an eerie alien landscape that sounds like a recording from centuries into the future. Luckily, you don't have to be a time traveler to enjoy her work. In fact, you can stream her latest album, Was It Real Or Was It Just Me? , after reading this interview to gain a greater appreciation for her talents—and along the way, you'll realize that she's creating musical landscapes that most of us only dream about.
By Kaitlin Shanks4 days ago in Beat
The Hi-Hat That Changed My Mind.
The first time I heard "Freak on a Leash," I turned it off. I had been playing drums for most of my life by then. I grew up on rock and metal, the kind of music where the singer sings, the guitars hit hard, and the song makes sense from the first verse to the last chorus. I knew what I liked, and I thought I knew what good music was supposed to sound like.
By Overdrive Records5 days ago in Beat
10 Tracks That Showcase the Best of Texas Shoegaze
Texas isn't just the subject of country songs. It's also the birthplace of thousands of underground bands that deserve more exposure, and to celebrate Texas going blue in the 2026 U.S. midterms , I browsed this playlist to find some obscure shoegaze bands from Austin, Houston and beyond. These tracks represent the best of the Lone Star State, and they give you an idea of the experimental music that you'll find in the Southern U.S. If you've ever wanted to be a "day one" fan, here's your chance—most of these bands are still releasing music and performing live.
By Kaitlin Shanks5 days ago in Beat
Compilation Craze: How a Clothing Brand Built the Ultimate Punk Collection
In 2001, Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge of blink-182 founded Atticus with their friend Dylan Anderson. At the start, Atticus functioned as a record label and a clothing line, releasing multiple compilations and a few solo albums from 2002 to 2011. I'm not sure if they're signing artists today, but the brand is still around, selling apparel online and making appearances at music festivals.
By Kaitlin Shanks12 days ago in Beat
My Exclusive Interview With Kiki Liu and Vivian Ning Wei
In the music world, producers and recording artists are incomplete without each other. While the artist brings their charisma and performance skills, the producer has the tools and expertise to turn a rough demo into a radio-ready song that's bursting with hooks. Some artists produce their own records, but Kiki Liu (producer) and Vivian Ning Wei (recording artist) realized that they work better as a team, and they linked up once again for this in-depth interview that exposes the minds behind the magic.
By Kaitlin Shanks18 days ago in Beat
Compilation Craze: Revisiting the Hottest Unsigned Bands of 2003
While I haven't bought a CD in years, I always enjoy checking out the old compilations when I browse a used record store. Many compilations have obscure tracks that you won't find anywhere else, and this Budweiser True Music "Future Icons" album has 11 of them, plus four bonus tracks from bands that already made it big—presumably to get you to buy the record. According to Discogs, this CD came free with a 2003 issue of Blender , and I bet that some music lovers still have a copy lying around somewhere.
By Kaitlin Shanks18 days ago in Beat
My Exclusive Interview With Aestrea
Aestrea takes on a lot of personas in her music—a space explorer, a bedroom pop singer, an abandoned bride—but every release has a distinctly ethereal, luminous sound that complements her delicate aesthetic and soft, angelic vocals. With over 10,000 Instagram followers and nearly 60,000 monthly Spotify listeners, the Internet is waiting to see what she'll do next. Luckily, you don't have to wait for a peek behind the scenes: this interview dives into her aesthetic, her early work and her latest track, offering a look at the artist behind the white veil.
By Kaitlin Shanks22 days ago in Beat
My Exclusive Interview With Alyona Sedliar
Bands are nothing without great management, and Alyona Sedliar has the tools, knowledge and experience to take Septory to the next level. As a metal fan and former musician, she understands the nuances of the music scene and makes connections that help her clients thrive. She's also Septory's biggest fan, and while their audience might appreciate their music, nobody can match Sedliar's drive, enthusiasm and professionalism. When you read this interview, you'll realize that managers are the unsung heroes of the music industry, and your favorite band has someone just like her in their corner.
By Kaitlin Shanks23 days ago in Beat
Record Label Spotlight: Fox Food Records
Based in Mirfield, UK, Fox Food Records is an indie label that signs slowcore, ambient, folk and dream pop artists with a uniquely rustic sound that you probably won't hear on the radio. When you scroll through their discography, you'll see collages, analog photos, original art and other oddities that contribute to the label's DIY vibe. In addition to digital releases, most of their albums come with a physical release that includes a cassette, a thank-you card and a small gift or two.
By Kaitlin Shanks24 days ago in Beat
My Exclusive Interview With Jane Rey
From ghost sightings in Raleigh to photoshoots with gothic metal bands, Jane Rey's had a lot of adventures in her career. Her photography helps local bands get more exposure and relive their best performances, and while not every photographer is up to the challenge, Rey's skills allow her to capture the perfect shot in the midst of the rowdiest crowds and darkest venues. Luckily, she doesn't hide her secrets from the public; in fact, she was willing to go in depth for an interview that may transform the way you think about music photography.
By Kaitlin Shanks26 days ago in Beat
My Exclusive Interview With Lavender Fire
Lavender Fire isn't afraid to let her performances speak for themselves, and when you listen to her music, you can't help but admire her clean, stripped-down production that allows her piano and vocals to shine through. Most of her songs also tell a personal story, turning her albums into a tapestry of lessons and life experiences. This interview explores her background, her inspirations and the recurring symbolism in her work—and once you're armed with this knowledge, you'll never listen to her albums the same way again.
By Kaitlin Shanks26 days ago in Beat
My Exclusive Interview With Mia Van De Loo
open book isn't just the title of Mia Van De Loo's debut EP—it's also a fitting description for an artist who puts her heart into her lyrics, talks freely about the songwriting process and uses her soft yet captivating vocals to cultivate an intimate listening experience. She believes that "anyone willing to get to know my heart through my songs deserves to know it in its entirety," and once you've read this deep dive into her past, present and future, listening to her music becomes twice as rewarding. Don't hesitate to listen to "quicksand" afterward; this is your chance to become a day-one fan before she goes viral.
By Kaitlin Shanks28 days ago in Beat
