Underground Sounds with Chad Miller: July 2025
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!
Curtis Harding "There She Goes"
Long one of the great purveyors of modern soul music, Curtis Harding finally returns with his first new release in four years. This killer track further crystallizes his blend of soul with uniquely Southern influences. A native of Atlanta, Harding sharply defines the essence of this song as, in his words, “my poetic description capturing the beauty and duality of the ideal woman.”
As always, Harding brings in outside elements beyond classic vintage soul. In this case, he weaves in garage rock scuzz and subtle psych-rock textures, blending into a perfect expression of longing. A truly interesting and endlessly fascinating musician, I’m so glad he’s back. I’m looking forward to his upcoming fourth album, Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt, set for release on September 5 via Anti-Records.
Girl Tones – “Blame”
Quickly bursting onto the scene in alternative rock and beyond, Girl Tones is a young rock band made up of Nashville-based sisters Kenzie and Laila Crowe. Their new song is a perfect representation of teen angst with a decidedly retro edge.
Part of a new wave of bands who grew up idolizing ’90s alt-rock, these two perfectly capture that energy on this single. Their youthful spirit shines in the music video as well. They just wrapped a European tour opening for Cage the Elephant, whose lead singer Brad Shultz produced their previous single and signed them to his label, Paralell Vision.
“Blame” is a song about taking accountability for your actions. I’m gonna hold you to it—rock out to this one!
Jobi Riccio – “Wildfire Season”
With very little being done to stop it, the harsh reality of climate change is coming for us all. For roots-rock singer-songwriter Jobi Riccio, the issue sparks both rage and grief. But it also brings a clear urgency, rooted in care and concern for how it affects people.
This standalone single has been with her for a while. Originally from Colorado, Riccio began writing it five years ago. Now, at 26, she’s lived through twenty of the largest wildfires in her state’s history.
A passionate climate activist, Riccio channels that drive into her award-winning songwriting. The result is a powerful song of catharsis—a step toward healing the planet through art.
Momma "I Want You (Fever)"
This has quickly become a song I cannot get enough of! It's ear candy of the highest order! Momma, the young alt-rock band led by Allegra Weingarten and Etta Friedman, returns with another riffy, joyful, and sugary sweet anthem off their forthcoming new album "Welcome to My Blue Sky" arriving April 4 via Polyvinyl Records.
Wearing their '90 alt-rock influences on their sleeve, with a sound reminiscent of Veruca Salt meets Smashing Pumpkins, this band separates themselves from those comparisons with these new songs. With hooks for days and a muscular, confident delivery, Momma is well on their way to the next level of alternative greatness.
Little Simz – “Young”
One of the brightest young stars in alt-hip hop, Little Simz from London continues to impress with her unmatched talent and originality. With this track, she defies expectations once again and reimagines what hip-hop can sound like.
Starting off playfully, Simz dials back the intensity of past work and offers a lighthearted glimpse into a typical day in her life—even name-dropping the late, great Amy Winehouse. The sound recalls what UK post-punk band IDLES might do if they cut loose.
Her half-spoken, sing-song delivery makes this track shine, just as you’d expect from the 2022 winner of both the Brit Award and Mercury Prize. Her new album Lotus is out now on AWAL Records.
Say She She – “Cut & Rewind”
I’ve been a huge fan of this trio since they announced themselves with a handful of debut singles three years ago. Since then, Brooklyn’s Piya, Sabrina, and Nya have steadily built their profile—each new release packed with disco-soul and rich harmonies.
They haven’t stopped hustling either. Right after their last tour, they went straight into the studio to record this new album. The title track, “Cut & Rewind,” leads the way. Their third album drops October 3 via Drink Sum Wtr Records.
This absolute banger tells me the rest of the record will deliver exactly what we’ve come to expect from Say She She: shimmering, politically charged anthems that double as dancefloor stunners. Funky, fierce, and impossible to resist.