lostboycrow – “I’m a Sailor Not a Salesman”: The growing indie pop underground movement added another name to their list recently – lostboycrow. The red-haired crooner from the west coast adds a bit of old-school soul to the smooth groove and electronic beats the indie pop movement has become known for. A guitar part before the final chorus took me back to being in middle school and hearing “Why Don’t You and I” by Santana and Alex Band (of The Calling) on the radio. Some might take that as an insult, but I’m enjoying the nostalgia and freshness juxtaposition.

Big Bliss – “Contact”: Somewhere between shoegaze and beach rock exists “Contact,” a song by the appropriately named Big Bliss. I’m ready to head to Florida this week, and even though a few days call for rain in the weather forecast I’ll be laying on the couch thinking of the sun as I jam this. Who said music drenched in reverb had to be solemn all the time?

Young & Sick – “The Road”: Zone out to the lush and layered “The Road” by Young and Sick. This song has the right balance of organic vocals and will-timed effects. As far as I can tell, there isn’t a whole lot of autotune here. The synth is dreamy and bright, and the vocals are warm and versatile but not overindulgent. Young and Sick is one to watch at SXSW 2018.

Maggie Schneider – “Chuck Bass”: We’re a little late on telling you about this song, but given the timing of Maggie’s new record Tinted Glasses, out now, we think you should start with this. There’s a trend of solo artists to make sad, honest music, and while that’s super important, I think Maggie reminds us that there’s a place in our listening lives for simple, no frills heartwarming songs. It’s a rough world out there, let’s enjoy something straightforward and cute for a second.