On the lookout for new tunes to add to your music library?

The music scene has been bursting with fresh talent and new releases. And now that pandemic restrictions have lifted, things are really hopping!

Here’s a few excellent new music picks that merit your attention.

The Sizzo’s – “Cut Loose”

Don’t miss “Cut Loose” by Portland band The Sizzo’s.

It comes from their new “She’s Driving Down” release, and boasts frontman George Zaninovich’s lead guitar sizzle and winning vocals. Singer Emily Beebe’s lovely lilting harmonies are a nice touch.

Cut Loose

“It was one of the last songs I wrote for the album,” says Zaninovich, who also tells us “Cut Loose” is about deep friendships and growing up in Oregon.

“The song is also a nod to Robert Cray building his career in Eugene, and seeing him live.  My friend and I saw him in Eugene one summer as teenager, and just had the best time together…we were sitting on every note he played,” says Zaninovich.

The Sizzo’s are currently working on a new batch of songs.

Watch this space!

Blu DeTiger – “Figure it Out”

This fun, sassy track from rising star “Blu DeTiger” is making waves in the music world.

Blu has been playing bass since she was seven years old and has become somewhat of a celebrity on TikTok. A classically trained musician, she makes her home in New York City.

“Figure it Out”  comes from her “How Did We Get Here” EP and showcases her adept songwriting skills.

We think you’ll agree, her bass-heavy funk pop sound is hard to resist! Have a listen:

Blu’s superb “Vintage” is also on our playlist. Another first-rate track from this promising new artist, it’s already racked up more than a million views on YouTube.

Sarah Jarosz – “Morning”

It’s hard to sum up the music of American singer-songwriter Sarah Jarosz. And it’s nigh impossible to overstate her talent as a musician and songwriter.

Suffice it to say she’s been a Grammy nominee and a Grammy winner for more than ten years.

“Morning” is one of eleven tracks from her latest “Blue Heron Suite” release.

The new album is a work meant to be listened to start-to-finish. It centers on a particularly trying year, “an emotional year” Jarosz says, when her mother was diagnosed with cancer.

In a recent interview she’s quoted as saying: “I like to think of the song cycle (on Blue Heron Suite) as a quiet acknowledgment of life’s many uncertainties. You never know what will be thrown your way, but you can always work to try to face the highs and the lows with grace and strength.”

Last year Jarosz took home the “Best Americana Album” Grammy for “World on the Ground.”

Highest praise for “Morning,” and for Sarah Jarosz, an American treasure.

Hamish Anderson – “Morning Light”

PRP-FM has been playing the music of Australian blues musician Hamish Anderson almost since the station’s inception. This month, we’re loving the spirit of his new single “Morning Light.”

The track became a fan favorite at his acoustic livestream shows during lockdown. His upbeat new electric version includes a fun bass riff.

Morning Light

 

“Morning Light’ came to me when I was on my first European tour in 2018. I remember I was lying in the back of the van with the sun shining on me when the lyrics and melody just popped into my head,” says Anderson.

“I wanted to capture that feeling of hope that a new day can bring by reminding myself that things will get better – and that these everyday moments really do shine through, if you pay attention.”

An artist to watch, Anderson has opened for B.B. King and George Thorogood & The Destroyers.

And in 2019 he toured Australia, opening for renowned blues, rock and soul guitarist Gary Clark Jr.

Let’s hope we see Hamish Anderson play Portland someday.

The Waterfront Blues Festival, perhaps?

Ayron Jones – “Free”

Fans of rock and blues will love “Free” by accomplished Seattle guitarist Aaron Jones.

A highly skilled musician, his unique, compelling guitar style is being compared to Gary Clark Jr. and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Jones’s “Child of the State” album just dropped in May; songs focus on the subjects of adoption and abandonment.

Jones has said he wants his music to “stand for something and prove not everyone has to be a stereotype or statistic.”

Free

Jones (along with Blu DeTiger) has been selected by Fender to take part in the company’s Fender Next  project.

And Guitar World names Jones “One of 2021’s rock guitarists to watch.”

We’ll be watching!

Half Moon Run – “How Come My Body”

Don’t miss tender new “How Come My Body” by Montreal’s beloved indie-rockers “Half Moon Run.”

It’s a touching, melodic track accented with uplifting harmonies and great percussion. Amongst their best works, we’ve got it on our playlist.

Have a listen:

Far better-known in Canada than in the U.S., Half Moon Run won Adult Alternative Album of The Year at the Juno Awards for their “A Blemish in the Great Light” release.

An exceptional indie rock band, Half Moon Run have been known to pass through the PNW on their tours.

Yours truly has seen them play highly memorable shows at both Portland’s Doug fir Lounge – and just prior to the pandemic – the Wonder Ballroom.

Don’t miss them if they come to town!

That’s a wrap

This is a good time to remind you, our loyal listeners, to support local Portland musicians – and all musicians – by buying their music. It’s especially important now, with so many still feeling the effects of the pandemic.

And remember, we here at PRP play a local artist every 15 minutes…so show us some love!

Please consider making a donation today.

 

Cynthia Orlando
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