And down a music video rabbit hole we go…
Team GDW receives plenty of emailed links to new music video releases, which typically direct us to encrypted files, but mostly YouTube. Hitting this site as frequently as we do, those pesky algorithms start to unpack my tastes – and drop subtle hints of music videos you may enjoy onto the page. And of course, I oblige – a click here, a click there, and before we know it, suddenly there’s a bunch of American artists (and beyond) to be discovered.
So, what have I learned? There’s a ton of great new music itching to be found out there – whether you are intentionally looking or not. With our final Video Vault feature for 2025, here are some recent non-Canadian finds courtesy of the algorithms – two months old or less, so hopefully none of those fake AI bands caught me off guard…
Brenn!, “Footing”
Up-tempo Americana tune with indie-rock roots from an emerging Tuscaloosa, AL artist – we can safely check all the correct boxes on this one. RIYL: Mumford & Sons
Tom Frager & Hughes Aufray, “Moi vivant”
Not surprised that a French tune landed in the mix. Having sought out 70s French chanson albums for years, Aufray is well known to us. Frager, not so much. RIYL: Les Séguin
Amanda Bergman, “grasp”
Folk-pop from Sweden – yeah, that will get my attention. The slightly dreamy synth-pop instrumentation is a great vessel for Amanda’s vocals. RIYL: Charlotte Cornfield
Drops Of Indigo, “Mountain Song”
Lesson learned, you click on one Swedish tune, and the algorithms tweak automatically. Another Scandinavian gem – and one added to the listening library: RIYL: Litte Misty
The Lone Bellow, “Night Goes Black”
This Brooklyn, NY band mixes soul, gospel, blues, rock and country – and I am only hearing about it now? Algorithm said, ‘if you like Orville Peck, try me…’ RIYL: The Blue Stones
Snocaps, “Coast”
Okay, so this recently formed US band features Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee) and her sister Allison Crutchfield – and this first cut is an indie-darling gem. RIYL: The Breeders
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
