Finds of the Week - December 4

As we move into December, you might need a break from the constant drum of Christmas and holiday music all around. Here is a list of newly found songs I curated for the week that have nothing to do with the holiday season!

Dollhouse - Grumpy Plum

This song was a “once discovered” song but became a rediscover this week. I often like a lot of songs I hear in passing and then completely forget about them till I come across them. When I hear them again, it’s always like, “Oh wow! I had good taste in music whenever I found this song the first time.

The lyrics in this song really tap into my soul. “Maybe I'm cynical or maybe just real, love's not the only thing we feel,” is a powerhouse of a line and it’s in the first verse. Add the kickass lyrics attop of the solid guitar part - I’m living for this.

A midwest rock band, Grumpy Plum’s entire discography kills. A big shout out to their song “Kia Soul,” which I love too. I’m hoping for some more music from Grumpy Plum within the next year because four songs isn’t enough for me.

State of Mind - JJ Wilde

JJ Wilde’s music calls to me. Her music is for women like me - just trying to navigate this messy world but constantly feeling like there’s something more. Maybe that wasn’t her intention, but that’s how I feel when I listen to her music. I feel seen, which doesn’t happen with a lot of artists.

Her voice has hit that perfect level of raspy. It’s still gentle but finds that edge. I listened to a lot of her 2020 debut album, “Ruthless,” and I think I’m going to be one of her biggest fans. “State of Mind,” while released as a single in 2019, it found a spot on this album as well, which is deserves.

She broke my heart with “Funeral For A Lover.” This really isn’t even a post about “State of Mind,” but instead, her entire discography. Please just listen to all of JJ Wilde. I love her.

Unsaid - Maxband

Kudos to Claire for finding this hit of the week! She wouldn’t be my partner in finding music if I didn’t trust her taste. 

The opening guitar line of this song reminds me of the Strokes a bit, and I think that’s what had me hooked. I’ve been on a post-punk kick lately, and this song is a great example of what I want from my post-punk songs. While I wasn’t a fan of some of the other songs Maxband has out, but “Unsaid” is for sure worth a listen or two.

Straight Ahead - Dom Fera

I wasn’t hunting for this song. This song found me and I’m super appreciative of it. I spent hours looking and vetting new music each week, but it’s wonderful when a new song comes to me. I was just listening to a Spotify radio channel when this song popped up. I hit the “Like” button right away.

Apparently, Dom Fera is also a short film actor, but I’m really happy I found his music. “Straight Ahead” makes me think of the 2015-era of my life, when I first moved to Milwaukee and everything felt so carefree with my entire future ahead of me.

Fera’s voice is also super soothing and the story of “Straight Ahead,” is actually super empowering. I’m excited to see what other songs Fera has out there.

Fuck You - Jordana

When it comes to my roommate Claire and I, we like a lot of the same music, but where I’m more indie-rock, she’s indie-pop. This song is for sure more of a Claire song, but I’m really here for it. Maybe it’s because of the line, “Fuck your shitty tattoos” and my ex had the Thrasher logo tattooed on his wrist…

But that isn’t the only reason I love this song. While it’s quite soft, the lyrics are filled with that anger of a punk song. Music can be angry, even with a soft voice layered with an indie-pop song. 

Jordana is really starting to make it in the indie world and I can’t wait to see what comes next for this young artist!