Once again, after quite a deep dive, we’re here to present you a diverse list of recent unsigned releases from Bandcamp across numerous genres and locations just in time for Bandcamp Friday. For those still not yet in the know, Bandcamp Friday is the first Friday of every month, when the site waives normal revenue fees and gives all profits directly back to the artists you want to support. Without further ado, here are ten under-the-radar artists worth investing your expendable, musical income in:
Easier by Sad Girls Aquatics Club
I know they say not to judge a book – or an album? – by its cover, but I admit it’s what intrigued me to hit the play button in the first place. Thankfully, the music is as meticulous as the artwork. Sad Girls Aquatic Club are a delightful synth pop duo from Pittsburgh with a criminally small amount of “supported by”s on Bandcamp. Let’s change that.
Various by Neon Imposter
I honestly don’t even know where to start with Neon Imposter. A New York Times bestselling author (apparently) who makes pretty much every kind of music under the sun. Do I recommend the kids-based album about the owl? The ongoing series of short, instrumental vignettes? Or perhaps the cabin-in-the-woods folk stuff at the top of his discography? I’m just gonna throw a dart and see what happens.
Woman on the Verge by Cornelia
Not sure how much country music comes out of San Francisco, but we stumbled across this EP from Cornelia that arrived just a couple days ago. Although it’s tagged as country, it’s got a bit more of a roots-rock vibe. Okay, we’re splitting hairs a bit here. Who cares about genre – whatever this is, get ready to stomp your feet and mutter a few yee-haws with us.
Wherever I Am, I Can Point Towards Home by New Friend
There’s a lot to enjoy about New Friend. Their album cover has a cat on it. They have a song called ‘Dumbfuck’. They’re from British Columbia, the best of all the Columbias. Not sure if we could classify this as folk-punk, but it’s got an upbeat, happy/sad thing going on. Production isn’t the best but it’s easy enough to look past.
Losing Tails by White Bats
White Bats’ last release dates back a bit further than we usually allow for this feature, but these three lads from Madrid were too impressive to leave out. Their blend of alternative rock seems to be influenced by bands like The Smiths, Joy Division and some other Britpop band I can’t put my finger on at the moment. If you’re looking for something dark and brooding that you can dance to, White Bats might be your ticket.
I’m Still Talking to Myself by Connie Campsie
The hipster stereotype of liking something before it gets big is definitely overplayed, but Connie Campsie is someone I already can’t wait to say that about. Impossibly catchy indie-pop hooks, paired with relatable lyrics and super clean production, this is quite a debut release.
Angels Descend From Upon Heaven’s Highest Tower by 4:44
Digging through so many Bandcamp releases, it really gives you an appreciation of the little things bands that aren’t still trying to find their footing do. One of the biggest things I find is a lack of a consistent voice, but that is where 4:44’s album stands out to me. This is an artist that clearly has a vision for the music they are making (acoustic, folky, with some indie pop elements, think Alex G-ish) and is putting their all into making it.
Decider by Grey Dugan
Finding albums that are performed well and are well produced isn’t a hard task, but what usually doesn’t come with that is the “Written, recorded, and produced by me :)” at the bottom, and that was what made Grey Dugan really stand out. I can’t say there is too much happening in this album you can’t find elsewhere in the umbrella of bedroom pop, but seeing it done at such a high level by just one person is always exciting.
My First Pet by My First Pet
While I was searching for albums for this list, I found that my weakness is album art with dogs on it. There is a surprising amount of it out there, and while what you might find behind it might be mixed, My First Pet and their full discography of dog album art doesn’t disappoint. An album full of short songs, blown out amps, wicked sax solos, and it sounds like little else out there.
Six Seasons and a Movie by After School Distraction
It takes a lot of guts to start your album with a Family Guy sample, but it is very midwest emo (at least in execution). A collection of short b-sides and a few live tracks, six seasons and a movie is filled to the brim with references that are aimed right at my old-gen-z sensibilities. Complementing that is a pretty unique mixture of lofi and emo, two of the most gen-z genres. This might just be the most gen z album of all time.
