While a song can absolutely aim to get people moving and more listeners on board, it can also function as a freestyle of sorts for an artist or band to show what they’re capable of. When it comes to these three songs from independent artists, their effortless yet infectious groove results from this approach, making them well-suited to the latter months of summer.
Carter Benjamin “ABOUT A GIRL”
On his new album, WELCOME TO THE SUGAR SHACK, Carter Benjamin (fka Benjamin Carter) is asking himself tough questions on a variety of topics ranging from grief to religion. When it comes to “ABOUT A GIRL,” the LA-based genre-bender kicks things into high gear from the get-go, with the drums moving so fast, it’s like they’re at risk of running away.
True to the song’s title, “ABOUT A GIRL” is all about the pursuit. At the same time, saying the song is just about infatuation would be selling short what Benjamin does with his vocals, with the dynamic nature of his voice making it sound like he’s always pushing himself to his limits.
As the high-energy opening would lead you to believe, the production similarly takes off like a great chase, the velvety guitar cutting through the drums’ crunch. However, Benjamin takes it slow at the end, allowing the guitar to have its moment. It’s a reminder of the softer, more gospel elements to the album that bear more of Benjamin’s soul – proof of his range.
See Carter Benjamin in LA at Gold-Diggers on Aug. 6.
Visit Carter Benjamin on his link in bio to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
Listen to “ABOUT A GIRL” the new single from Carter Benjamin.
This post may contain affiliate links, and Grimy Goods may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our independent, fan-powered media network.
Dana & Alden “Summer Nights”
In the spirit of third spaces and late nights during the hottest months of the year, “Summer Nights” from jazz duo Dana and Alden is an intimate example of how they’re thinking big for their upcoming album, Papa’s Boat, out August 14 via Concord Jazz.
While other songs have taken the two everywhere from Brazil to other states beyond their home in Eugene, Oregon, “Summer Nights” is the sort of song you can listen to just about anywhere and feel a nostalgic or emotional attachment to. Whether it’s the smooth guitar licks or the unapologetically happy lyrics, the song has the feel of an improvisational jazz session.
Still, Dana and Alden’s love for jazz as a whole is on display despite the minimalist approach to this specific song. “Summer Nights” essentially gives you permission to kick back and relax, not letting the present moment overwhelm you. For an album dedicated to the brothers’ late grandfather, that’s a simple yet prescient message.
See Dana and Alden in LA at Echoplex on Sept. 25.
Visit Dana & Alden on their website to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
Listen to “Summer Nights” the new single from Dana & Alden.
brothBoy “Martinez”
It’s easy to call anyone these days a bedroom indie pop artist, but brothBoy has a real stake in that claim, judging by the simplistic yet dreamy sound heard on his second single, “Martinez.”
The UK-based artist initially started as a drummer before transitioning to other instruments, eventually becoming a multi-instrumentalist in his own right. That wide range of talents is evident in the way “Martinez” strings together crunchy drums, smooth bass lines, and shimmering synths throughout.
In a way, “Martinez” is strangely timeless with how it takes after early bedroom pop from 10 years ago. But looking past the genres at work, there’s also the sense of aimlessness in the lyrics that never truly goes away when living through life. brothBoy contrasts that with a locked-in climax, where all the instruments come together neatly like Jenga pieces.
At a point in his career where he’s writing and producing his own material, tracks like “Martinez” are as much of a good groove as they are a showcase of what he can do.
Visit brothBoy on his Linktree to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
Listen to “Martinez” the new single from brothBoy.
