Inspired by his coast-to-coast travels with the upbeat-yet-downhearted takes on American life, as well as the clever lyricism of Jason Isbell and Ryan Adams, the Sonoma County-born troubadour plays a gritty blend of Americana complete with double bass, mandolin and strings on his 12-song record mixed with Karl Derfler (Dave Matthews, Tom Waits).
Contact: Allen Nguyen
The ten-time GRAMMY winner releases her first solo album in nearly a decade, co-produced by son Alvin Love III and long-time collaborator Tommy Sims. The multiplatinum artist has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America and others; sold more than 12 million records; and placed five No. 1 albums on the Billboard R&B, Christian and Gospel charts.
Contact: Jaclyn D. Carter
The San Francisco musician ponders life, death and “California noir" on his upcoming album, named after the “I Fought the Law” singer, with timely tributes to David Bowie and fellow Bay Area native Alex Nieto.
Contact: Max Lefkowitz
The hard-swinging vocal trio’s new album guest stars Anat Cohen and Wycliffe Gordon and features beloved songs by Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, Duke Ellington and Ray Charles, as well as lesser-known numbers.
Contact: Amy Bailey
On his highly anticipated follow-up to 2014’s HEAL, Tim Showalter confronts the struggle between overindulgence and accountability. He invokes the sounds of Creation Records, Trojan dub tapes and Jane’s Addiction on his most fearlessly honest release yet.
Contact: James Rainis
From her bold, sequined dresses to her hairstyle, this LA native is every inch a contemporary dancing queen. Her five-song collection draws from the R&B, soul and spirit of Studio 54, Chaka Khan and Giorgio Moroder while rooting itself in modern themes with an undeniable energy.
Contact: Allen Nguyen
This 21-year-old Australian phenomenon has gone from busking on the streets of Melbourne to headlining major venues around the world with her beat-boxing vocals and guitar looping. Her debut EP, originally released on her own Lonely Lands Records, is being issued by Mom + Pop to coincide with a sold-out, debut US tour. The EP has earned praise from Rolling Stone Australia, Viceland and national Australian radio Triple J, which named Sultana Unearthed Artist of the Year.
Contact: Spencer Foster
Asa Taccone and Matthew Compton’s first album together in five years, recorded in their hometown LA, is the duo’s most confident and fully realized blend of electronic, pop and R&B yet. Expect ‘80s synths, iPhone drum machines, Latin and Caribbean percussion, and hidden touches from Joanna Newsom, HAIM and Justin Young from The Vaccines.
Contact: Amy Bailey
Vampire Weekend drummer Chris Tomson makes his solo debut, a 10-song collection offering Arthur Russell-esque takes on early-30s ennui and domesticity. Produced by Patrick Carney of the Black Keys, the album was written entirely by Tomson, who plays virtually every instrument.
Contact: Amy Bailey
The prolific D.C. MC, producer and musician pleads for humanity to dig deeper in search of understanding and common ground on his third release in 12 months, recorded and produced by the MC with live instruments and members of his band, Good Compny. These 12 tracks challenge hip-hop's stereotypical tropes while exploring the complexities of individuality and identity, how we see ourselves and how others see us.
Contact: Chris Taillie
Beyoncé’s inescapable, one-of-a-kind pop and R&B-infused sound takes on a new form with relaxing nighttime arrangements, from Destiny Child hit “Say My Name” to “Crazy In Love,” “Countdown” and “Hold Up.”
Contact: Allen Nguyen
The Montreal singer-songwriter returns with this lush and devastating record, inspired by Nick Drake’s Pink Moon and endless nights on the road.
Contact: Max Lefkowitz
The second LP from “the most mysterious man in music” (Ones To Watch) chronicles Rayman’s retreat to an isolated cabin in the woods of Lost Springs, where he wrestles with his demons in the form of a rebellious alter ego, Mr. Roadhouse. Zane Lowe, VICE Noisey and Pigeons & Planes are already vocal fans of Rayman’s fusion of R&B, hip-hop and folk with dark, seductive storytelling.
Contact: Liz Quinlan
