Underground Sounds with Chad Miller: August 2024
By Chad Miller - Summit FM Music Director
What's everyone been listening to out there? So much new music coming at us, so little time... However, these songs that might fly under the radar to most are what I've been diggin' these past few weeks!
Like what you hear? Please email me at chad@thesummit.fm and let me know what you think!
Bartees Strange "Lie 95"
Bartees Strange returns with "Lie 95," a searching and longing love song that captures the essence of finding love along the I-95 interstate highway corridor, which runs through his hometown of Washington, D.C.—his "universe," as he calls it. Known for his genre-defying style that blends rock, soul, hip-hop, and R&B, this new single stays true to that vision. The accompanying music video is especially dynamic, featuring a cool car, hotel room smashing, and some fancy cowboy boots. Bartees describes the song as a broader exploration of love—encompassing partners, friends, and community—stating, “This one’s for the highway...and everyone I meet through it.” With a killer hook and a memorable chorus, this track truly resonates with me.
Jack White "That's How I'm Feeling"
Jack White is at it again! No one cultivates the mystique of the rock star quite like him—one of the last of the old-school guitar gods. Recently, he stirred excitement among vinyl lovers at his three Third Man Records locations by casually including unmarked test pressings with each purchase for one day in late July. Those same test pressings soon started arriving in the mail for his Vault Series subscribers, too. On August 2, the album was finally released everywhere, completing this unorthodox approach to promoting his new music. During my recent staycation—where I binge-watched the Olympics—I listened to this album on my turntable, and it absolutely rips! This track, in particular, is a standout, showcasing Jack’s riffs like we haven't heard from him in a while. Many have noted that this album harkens back to his early work with The White Stripes. "That's How I'm Feeling" is the real deal, and the entire "No Name" album deserves your attention for its gritty, bluesy-punk attitude on every track.
Karen O & Danger Mouse "Super Breath"
What began as a potential one-off project a few years ago is now being revisited with a new single from the intriguing pairing of Karen O and Danger Mouse. Karen O, the iconic lead singer of indie rock legends Yeah Yeah Yeahs, collaborates with super producer Brian Burton, aka Danger Mouse, on this track, which picks up right where they left off with their 2019 album, *Lux Prima*. This collaboration brings out the best in both artists and is part of a five-year anniversary reissue of their first album, set for release on September 20. The reissue includes this single as a 7" vinyl, featuring a B-side cover of Lou Reed's "Perfect Day." It’s a fitting way to commemorate such a significant milestone!
Katie Gavin "Aftertaste"
It's always intriguing to see an artist known for a specific style and energy step out with a solo album. Will it be wildly different, or will it comfortably fit expectations based on their previous work? This is the case with Katie Gavin, lead singer of the rising indie-pop band MUNA. The band's popularity over the past few years has been impressive, not just due to their amazing songs and tours but also for inspiring younger audiences to embrace their identities. While MUNA delivers powerful collective energy, this new song from her forthcoming debut solo album, *What a Relief*, set for release on October 25 via Saddest Factory Records, showcases a more intimate side of her artistry. Describing her sound as "Lilith Fair-core," she draws inspiration from '90s female musicians like Alanis Morissette, Sarah McLachlan, and Fiona Apple. This album spans a significant part of her life, with this song serving as a bridge connecting the world of MUNA to her new solo project. It certainly reveals a different side of Katie Gavin.
Kim Deal "Coast"
Quirky, irreverent, and delightful—just as one would expect from this true pioneer of alternative rock—Kim Deal, lead singer and guitarist of The Breeders, makes her solo debut with "Coast." The song unfolds at a leisurely pace, exuding charm as it takes its time. It’s a sun-drenched kiss of optimism, perfect for summer, featuring brass interludes that evoke the sound of The Breeders' debut album, *Pod*, from 1990. After over 35 years as a titan of alt-rock, especially during her time with The Pixies in the late '80s, I hope this marks the beginning of more solo work from her as we move through the rest of the year.
Leon Bridges "Peaceful Place"
Leon Bridges is undoubtedly one of the most admired artists in contemporary music. What I appreciate most about him is his subtle approach to each new album. His latest single, from his forthcoming fourth album *Leon*, set for release on October 4 via Columbia Records, continues this trend. With newfound life experiences, Bridges chose to record this album in Mexico City, a place that has inspired him greatly over the past few years. The album reflects on nostalgia and simpler days from his childhood in Fort Worth, Texas. Following the moody, nocturnal R&B vibe of his previous album, *Gold-Diggers Sound* (2021), this new direction invites listeners to reflect on his roots and the experiences that shaped him into the artist he is today.