Known Unknowns #7 - Tiny Bands, Big Sounds
Is this the best playlist of underground, unknown artists you'll ever hear? Objectively, mathematically, yes.
In this issue:
1) A recap of how Known Unknowns works
2) Selected highlights from the new KU playlist
3) Enter a double record giveaway before the end of the month
4) The brand new Known Unknowns playlist!
Oh boy, did I wait way too long to give you a new edition of Known Unknowns since the last time I published.
I was kind of hoping this would be a quarterly endeavor, but the last time we did this was April, so I don’t even think I can claim a trimester system. Not even if you squint.
There are thousands (!) more of you here now, so we’ll do a recap/explainer.
TL;DR
Known Unknowns is a playlist that YOU help me compile, filled with unknown, underappreciated artists that deserve more attention.
I use these posts both to share new music AND to get recommendations for the next edition, either through comments or submissions.
Known Unknowns - the Full Explainer
Previously a monthly endeavor, now more of a quarterly “whenever the urge strikes me” brain dump, Known Unknowns is a playlist cobbled together from musicians’ submissions, random songs I discover on my own, and — most importantly — reader recommendations.
My forever favorite part about Known Unknowns is that it’s self-perpetuating.
I post a playlist of small, new, underrated artists. You share your own favorites and latest discoveries. I include my favorites in the next edition. Pretty cool, right?
The “Rules”
Below, you’ll find a big fat playlist of the best small artists all of us could put together since April.
I’ll ask you to add your recommendations in the comments for the next installment, keeping in mind that artists should be fairly small (the smaller the better, but <30,000 monthly Spotify listeners is a good start).
Recommendations should be for new(ish) artists. 2020 is a good cutoff.
Rules are made to be broken (within reason).
Got it? Good. Let’s rock!
Playlist Highlights
I always like to feature a handful of standouts before I reveal the full playlist.
1. Laughing Stock
Somewhere at the intersection of new wave and post-punk sits this exciting Brooklyn band1. There’s a darker tinge here, too, without going full goth. A little treat for the Joy Division fan, if you will.
2. Queen Rodeo
Let’s stick with the strong bass of my last pick but head in a janglier direction. Queen Rodeo borrows the best of ‘90s slacker vibes (Pavement, the Breeders) and sweeter dream pop, mixing them to great effect. A fair warning that this is the heaviest of their tracks; I chose my personal favorite, one with an irresistible motorik beat, naturally.
3. SLOMO SAPIENS
I’m always thrilled to give some airplay to fellow Philadelphians, but it’s that much more satisfying when I can add them to my arsenal of “Actually They DO Make Them Like They Used To” bands, right up next to Thee Oh Sees. Heavy psychedelia and garage rock play homage to the Cream, the 13th Floor Elevators, and other revivalists like The White Stripes.
4. Stargazr
Leeni Ramadan describes her new band’s sound as “celestial soft grunge,” rooting itself in the influence of ‘90s stalwarts like Mazzy Starr, The Cranberries, and The Sundays. I’ve had a preview of their upcoming debut, and it’s positively shimmering with nostalgia.
5. Talon
For a (slightly) more traditional grunge sound, I present Talon for your consideration — a queer Williamsburg foursome that clearly has Veruca Salt and Hole in their lineage (or, more likely, their parents did). The song I’ve chosen for you adds a little je ne sais Cake into the mix.
6. Hachiku
Hachiku may not belong here; she’s a known quantity in the indie/alt-pop world, and her new album may have crossed your inbox already. Still, I find it so joyful and so terribly underrated. A swirling, synthy, glimmering, dreamy, addictive gem. It’s so trite to make this comparison, but I’ll do it anyway: for the life of me, when I listen to the song I’ve picked out below, I can’t help but think of Savage Garden’s “I Want You.” (You know, the cherry cola song.) Am I crazy?
Double Record Giveaway
Before I share the full playlist, a quick aside to remind you that I’m giving away two records this month, Ela Minus and SASAMI:
I wrote about Ela Minus’ new record here, and have talked about SASAMI here (though her sound has really changed since her previous release — she’s gone pop, and it’s fantastic!).
One winner gets ‘em both. Open to paid subscribers ONLY. ENTER FAST - I’m choosing a winner September 30th.
Known Unknowns - Vol. 7: The Playlist
Don’t forget to leave your new small artist recommendations below (any genre, please), and if I didn’t include your suggestion, you can always formalize your suggestion on the official submission form.
Also on Apple, SoundCloud & YouTube.
Ciao for now.
xo
Gabbie
A few that fit the bill.
● Splitsville - power pop goodness.
● Liquid Mike - even better power pop goodness, on the heavier side.
● Oceanator - ok, more heavy power pop, but so good! Great harmonies.
● Jobber - they call themselves sludge-pop.
● Soot Sprite - indie/alt/grungy thing with lovely vocals and great melodies.
● No Joy - a little jazzy, kind of like the Weather Station goes grungy
Also saw you have Dancer on there, that new album is real good!
Ok so Philly. Talk to me about Empath. They were so so great the two times I've seen them. (I'm new here so pardon me if this has been covered)