Category: Roundhouse Features

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Bad Luck Brigade share expansive, dynamic new album ‘NOTHING’

Bad Luck Brigade have shared a new album, titled NOTHING. Out of Salt Lake City, Bad Luck Brigade has carved out a sound that feels deliberate, soulful, and intense. The six-piece outfit approaches hip-hop as a living, breathing form, built not on backing tracks but on the vitality of a full band. Drums snap and swing, basslines rumble, guitar and keys stretch the harmonic edges, and horns cut through with sharp punctuation. At the center, the vocals arrive urgent and unfiltered- lyrically dense and delivered with conviction.

Founded in 2022 by Kilow and Ikaika Meatoga, Bad Luck Brigade quickly earned a reputation for explosive, exhilarating live shows. The band balances gripping energy with tight arrangements that leave room for improvisation, as well as moments of chaos that resolve into precision. It’s jazz-minded in spirit, hip-hop in backbone, and truly their own.

On their latest album NOTHING, Bad Luck Brigade stretch the boundaries of live hip-hop, shaping a project that moves with intention, range, and a clear sense of identity. “A LITTLE” is an immediate statement of intent driven by tight grooves and incisive verses that put the group’s technical precision front and center. “FREE CIGS” follows with a looser, playful spirit, folding rugged textures into a rhythm that swerves confidently across stylistic lines. Midway through, “SHADED” settles into a mellow, soulful pocket, offering a moment of clarity and quiet optimism that deepens the album’s emotional range. “JACKPOT!” leans into spontaneity, channeling elements of free jazz and funk into a fluid, inviting performance that balances finesse with risk. “LOVER FIGHTER” stands out towards the end of the track-list for its sharp musicianship and unfiltered delivery, for a resonant listen.

Their latest album NOTHING captures a group operating with trust in one another and conviction in their sound, translating the urgency of their live show into a record that feels immediate, cohesive, and built to last.

Listen to NOTHING on all platforms HERE.

Connect with Bad Luck Brigade: Instagram

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“Licking My Wounds”: Chloe Jobin sings herself back together

Over dreamy guitars and misty, kaleidoscopic cymbals, singer-songwriter Chloe Jobin lays her pain bare.

On her new single “Licking My Wounds,” Jobin stages a quiet fight for growth and personal healing, set against an intense battle with grief and heartbreak.

“You and me, we weren’t built to last/Time moves slow, but also fast/Do you feel the love that I’m sending?” she asks with a hushed plea.

Across the track’s brief runtime (just under three minutes), Jobin keeps telling herself that everything will eventually be fine — even if she sounds only half-convinced.

The instrumentation leaves plenty of room for Jobin’s ethereal vocals to breathe. The guitars begin with a soft hum before cascading into a pronounced crescendo in the final minute, mirroring the emotional swell beneath her delivery.

“Licking My Wounds” pulls no emotional punches. There’s no sense of closure here. Instead, Jobin finds a fragile self-acceptance amid the wreckage:

“It’s okay that the world is ending,” she sighs in one of the song’s opening lines.

Listen to “Licking My Wounds” here: http://tinyurl.com/4be63z9u

(Photo credit/Abigail Mueller)

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On ‘black sheep,’ Brittney Carter moves like a confident outsider

On the opening bar of her new EP black sheep, Chicago lyricist Brittney Carter refers to herself as, well — just that: a black sheep.

“Feelin’ like a black sheep, feelin’ like an outcast / And I ain’t got nothin’ to prove ’cause look who I’ll outlast / not to brag, just a simple observation,” she spits on the opener “pinksweater.”

It’s not entirely clear why Carter views herself that way, but one thing is obvious: she’s creating from a place of confidence and artistic control.

Across four tracks and a brisk 11-minute runtime, Carter delivers a heavy dose of butter-smooth flows and keen, self-aware lyricism over a series of mid-paced, sample-driven beats.

The second track, “doit4less,” is a perfect snapshot of that approach. Over swirling strings and prancing bass, Carter reflects on her headspace at this stage of her career:

“Might just go on a run, might just blow up tonight / I was focused on a show and they was focused on likes,” she rhymes in the song’s first verse

The final two cuts bring more of the same. “urgency” leans into dramatic strings and heavy bass, while closer “untitled” rides an echoey vocal loop and descending piano line.

Carter’s lyrics remain potent throughout:

“And when I step outdoors, headphones on, I’m just tryna block that noise / Tryna filter out the things that I’ve seen so I’m still pure,” she raps on the EP’s closing verse.

Listen to black sheep here: https://tr.ee/AsIVldPRFQ

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Maris O’Tierney finds solace and space on Park Hills Circle debut “Sight of the Moon”

Chicago singer-songwriter Maris O’Tierney has introduced her new solo outfit, Park Hills Circle, with the release of her debut single “Sight of the Moon,” which arrived on Dec. 17.

Formerly a co-leader of the indie-folk outfit Maeve & Quinn, O’Tierney’s move into a solo space finds her expanding her sound rather than retreating inward. On “Sight of the Moon,” she marries Midwest emo–tinged guitar work with Americana-influenced string arrangements, quietly complemented by sparse, deliberate percussion.

O’Tierney weaves the storytelling traditions of her Irish heritage with the vast, mountainous atmosphere of her home state of Alaska, while subtly drawing on her background in classical music. The result is a sound that feels both grounded and expansive, intimate yet windswept.

“‘Sight of the Moon’ is a tender unfolding — a return to myself, and a re-awakening to daily wonders, as my perspective slowly shifted through a disorienting period of change,” O’Tierney said. “I was living alone for the first time, understanding my needs and desires, learning to make a home. The song bridges parts of myself: origins in opera and classical guitar, layered with a loop pedal and nested harmonies. I’ve always centered my spirit through quiet walks in the cold night air, as I did growing up in the Alaska mountains. The song began there.”

Her lyrics are soaked in sorrow and quiet reflection. “I still have the leaf you gave me, the autumn that you left / I still have the grief you gave me, but that’s not all I kept,” she sighs, her crisp, legato vocals stretching effortlessly over the song’s nocturnal instrumentation.

“Sight of the Moon” serves as the lead single from Park Hills Circle’s debut album, All of a Sudden, set for release this spring.

Stream “Sight of the Moon” HERE.

(Photo credit/Maren Celest)

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Friko announce upcoming project ‘Something Worth Waiting For,’ drop “Seven Degrees”

After nearly two years away, Friko is back.

The Chicago indie rock outfit has returned with a poignant new single, “Seven Degrees,” alongside the announcement of their sophomore album Something Worth Waiting For, due out April 24. The record follows their pensive debut, Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here.

Built around a melancholy, descending guitar riff, “Seven Degrees” finds lead vocalist Niko Kapetan at his most poetic. “We’re souls in a line, waiting to meet / Waiting for that summer breeze to throw us in each other’s arms,” he belts on the chorus.

The song’s emotional weight swells in its final minute, as a key change ushers in crashing drums, pushing the track toward a cathartic, slow-burn climax.

Stream “Seven Degrees” Here: https://tr.ee/oLhsT5NhJ9

(Photo credit/Adam Powell)

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Sozi drops new EP, teases upcoming studio album

For Sozi, championship season has arrived once more. 

The Chicago-born, Detroit-based emcee is back with a soulful, concise four-track, nine-minute project, Table For One EP, released on Jan. 21. 

The project kicks off the rollout for Sozi’s next full-length album, Championship Season 2, which is slated for a 2027 release date. 

Both aforementioned projects are companion records to Sozi’s 2020 album, Championship Season. 

Across these four tracks, Sozi delivers smooth yet boastful raps over unwound, sample-driven backdrops. 

“Neighborhood Superstar” utilizes a squeaky, smokey saxophone loop while the intro track, “Stay Clear/Devil Is A Lie” is built on a theatrical string section before transitioning into a vocal loop that coos and stretches. 

As per usual, Sozi’s pen game is on point:

“I guess I’m prime Sozi so I gotta three-peat, “ he spits on “Neighborhood Superstar.”

Stream Table For One EP here: https://tr.ee/q95ukbrjv3

(Photo Credit/Paisley Sutton)

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Maudixi releases vibrant new single “not listening”

Maudixi has shared a new single, titled “not listening”. Maudixi is a Baton Rouge–based alternative R&B artist whose sound blends neo-soul, indie rock, and bedroom pop. With warm, expressive vocals and introspective songwriting, she tells emotionally honest stories centered on healing, boundaries, and self-clarity. Her work shines through tracks like “Alice,” “Blue Mona Lisa,” and her latest release, the potent, vivid “not listening.”

“not listening” brings forth atmosphere drenched in emotion, through its usage of soulful acoustic guitar melodies, layered overtop organic sounding percussion and infectious bass. Maudixi shines vocally, weaving together smooth, poignant lines that build dynamically into an ear-worm chorus. Catchy and genre-bending, “not listening” is a memorable new offering from Baton Rouge’s Maudixi.

With “not listening,” she continues to carve out her own space, delivering a track that feels both intimate and assured while pushing her versatile approach forward. As her catalog grows, Maudixi stands out as an artist to watch, offering work that resonates deeply and lingers well beyond the final note.

Listen to “not listening” here now and further familiarize yourself with Maudixi.

Listen on more platforms HERE.

Connect with Maudixi: Instagram

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O Dawg shines on refreshing new album ‘Electronic Art: Nobody Beats the Rogue’

Brooklyn rapper O Dawg stakes his claim with Electronic Art: Nobody Beats the Rogue, a project that highlights his versatility and command of sound. O Dawg is a New York–based rapper known for his sharp lyricism, stylistic range, and charismatic delivery. Blending classic East Coast sensibilities with contemporary influences, he continues to carve out a distinct lane within the hip-hop landscape. His newest album captures an artist comfortable moving between styles, pairing sharp lyricism with production that ranges from atmospheric and textured to hard-edged and direct.

Across the project, O Dawg shifts effortlessly between boom bap foundations and polished, trap-leaning tracks, maintaining a clear identity regardless of the backdrop. His delivery is precise and expressive, with verses that feel intentional and rooted in character rather than trend. 

“FBGM” is a highlight track early in the track-list, pairing sleek, orchestral production with sharply introspective lyricism and effortlessly smooth flows. “Press Start” injects the project with a renewed sense of momentum, driven by energetic instrumentation, hypnotic grooves, and razor-sharp delivery. On “Shining Force,” the artist pushes their versatility further, blending vibrant sonic textures with slick, drill-influenced rhythms and charismatic rhyme patterns. The album closes on a high note with “THIS ONE GOT IT,” a triumphant finale built on powerful strings, lush grooves, and commanding performances.

Electronic Art: Nobody Beats the Rogue balances elegance and grit, offering a focused statement that emphasizes personality and presence. It’s a project built on clarity and confidence, designed to resonate with listeners who value both style and substance.

Listen on all platforms HERE.

Connect with O Dawg: Spotify | Instagram | X

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Seth Narley continues highly consistent run with new project ‘Welcome to the Show’ (prod. Halal Seeds)

Seth Narley and Halal Seeds have joined forces for a new collaborative project titled Welcome to the Show. Featuring potent, sharply delivered rhymes from Narley paired with Halal Seeds’ soulful, textured production, the record unfolds with a cinematic sensibility that immediately pulls the listener into its world. Welcome to the Show feels immersive and intentional, balancing grit and elegance while maintaining a strong narrative presence throughout.

“Tyler Skaggs (OD)” sets the tone by ushering listeners into the project’s mercurial and stylish atmosphere, driven by eerie piano lines, booming drums, and Seth Narley’s poised, controlled flows. “Roberto Clemente (PR)” follows with glorious guitar riffs and punchy rhythms that create a sleek backdrop for the track’s charismatic, hard-hitting bars, exuding confidence and momentum. Expanding the project’s sonic range even further, “Dinosaur BBQ (125TH)” introduces an orchestral soundscape that supports raw, powerful rhyme schemes, highlighting the duo’s versatility and willingness to explore dynamic textures.

Born in the Bronx, NY, Seth Narley has been on a prolific run, consistently releasing music that reflects both focus and creative momentum. Following engaging 2025 drops such as THE AMERICAN DREAM: SON OF A DEALER and Oceans Mondrian, Welcome to the Show continues to affirm Narley’s reliability and artistic growth. Backed by Halal Seeds’ sharply crafted, cohesive production, the project stands as another strong entry in a catalog defined by consistency, intention, and evolving vision.

Listen to Welcome to the Show here:

Connect with Seth Narley: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter

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Jamal J. shares cinematic, thought-provoking album ‘My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah’

Jamal J. has shared a new album, My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah. The LP follows his earlier release, Babilu (Redition), with another monumental record built with the tension, depth, and world-building of a short film. On My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah, each track is infused with a sense of clarity and dimension, pairing intricate, mind-expanding lyrics with elegant, ethereal instrumentals that give the album a refined, cinematic quality. Moments of rawness and haunting beauty coexist as self-aware, detailed lyrics flow across soulful, boundary-pushing production with calm, collected ease.

The hypnotic, immersive sound of Saint Kay–produced tracks like “Salmonella” and “The Titan Kronos” draws the listener into the album’s ethereal atmosphere early in the tracklist, as Jamal J. demonstrates a unique ability to weave disparate phrases and words into vivid, fresh imagery. “Dichotomy,” produced by Reallyhiiim and featuring ANKHLEJOHN, layers a shimmering, infectious loop with organic production that sits neatly beneath the emcees’ poised, memorable lines. “Mudras & Gang Signs,” featuring Israel Jones, creates a hazy, thought-provoking atmosphere, bolstered by the duo’s richly poetic verses. “Weigh Me Down,” featuring Sol Chyld, stands out near the album’s culmination with reflective lyricism atop soaring samples and organic percussion.

Both meditative and invigorating, My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah is a layered record that draws the listener deeper into Jamal J.’s world. He continues to prove himself as a musician who cannot be boxed in- an artist who follows his own path with conviction while delivering emotive, expressive work.

Listen to My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah here now:

Listen HERE on all platforms.

Connect with Jamal J.: Instagram | X