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Articles by Ryn Taylor
Reviews Archives - B-Sides
It’s been 19 years since My Chemical Romance released their iconic album, ‘Welcome To The Black Parade’ and the songs…
CONCERT REVIEW: Little Image Returns to Home With a Packed, High-Energy Show in Dallas 6/6/2026
Dallas’ very own alternative band little image returned home for a sold out show at the Kessler Theater on June 6, 2026. It’s been nearly three years since the trio last set foot on a Dallas stage and they made sure to give the crowd everything they had. Under green lights and haze, the set kicked off with “Mr. Cynical” and “NOVOCAINE” from the band’s latest album, KILL THE GHOST.
Lead singer of the indie electronic band The Naked and Famous, Alisa Xayalith changed gears as she moved onto solo work with the release of Slow Crush on April 4, 2025. Full of acoustic guitar, sentimental lyricism, and clear-cut vocals, Xayalith’s debut showcases a fresh side of the artist outside of the band. Her solo story unravels through the album with the doubt-ridden track “Different Light” to mellow yet evocative “What The Hell Do We Do Now?”.
The Japanese rock band ONE ROCK OK consists of Taka Moriuchi (vocals), Toru Yamashita (guitar), Ryota Kohama (bass), and Tomoya Kanki (drums). Formed in 2005, twenty years in a band isn’t a small feat, the band’s image still goes strong with their latest release Detox (2025), which is a follow-up to their previous album Luxury Disease (2022). ONE OK ROCK’s discography ranges from post-hardcore, “Puppets Can’t Control You”, to pop punk, “Re:make”, and emo, “We are”.
Dublin-born Los Angeles-based artist Levi Evans entered the music scene at an early age through songwriting and experimenting with production. His first US tour was in 2023 where he opened for little image on their Self Titled tour. His latest and third single of the year, “Mile High,” is an upbeat ode to appreciating life’s positives. Gearing up for more shows later this fall, Evans focuses on honing his creativity and embracing all music has to offer. “We have a stacked calendar of releases.
Rising alternative-pop artist King Mala aka Areli Castro explores dark, masculine, and edgy elements in her work. Her debut album titled And You Who Drowned in the Grief of a Golden Thing (2025), released a month ago under Handwritten Records, is full of gothic hymns and viral hits such as “DEVOTION” and “ODE TO A BLACK HOLE”. The confidence and acceptance King Mala pours into her songs creates an energetic ambience for listeners.
VIDEO: INTERVIEW - Diva Smith Says The 1975 Dominated Her Tumblr, Talks Finding Confidence in Songwriting and Music
Emerging pop artist Diva Smith’s upbeat ballads explore topics of feminism, mental health, self-reflection, and addiction. On her debut single, “Better in Heaven,” Smith touched on first heartbreaks and healing with a bubbly modern pop beat. Her lyrics transform on her newest single, “I Can See in the Dark,” with a more playful, bold atmosphere.
Inspired by the likes of The Cure, Tom Waits, and Leonard Cohen, English singer-songwriter Sophie Morgan shifted from releasing music under her real name to Luvcat. Her songwriting is built upon whimsical gothic tones and a sense of raw vulnerability. From her first single, “He’s My Man,” released in 2024, to her latest, “Lipstick,” capture the essence of the singer. Unafraid to dive headfirst into colorful, heavy beats Luvcat’s entrance into the music world is remarkable.
Brooklyn-based indie rock band Momma consists of Etta Friedman, Allegra Weingarten, Aron Kobayashi Ritch (multi-instrumentalist), and Preson Fulks (drummer). Known for their 2022 album Household Name, the band returned with their latest release Welcome to My Blue Sky (2025). This album showcases the band’s experimental nature across a variety of tracks such as “I Want You (Fever)”, “Rodeo”, and “How to Breathe”. “At the end of the day, we’re not just writing music for ourselves.
VIDEO: INTERVIEW - Orla Gartland Says Turning Thirty Inspired Her To Assess Her Life, Talks Steady Career Growth
Irish singer-songwriter Orla Gartland is known for her folksy vocals and acoustic introspective songs on adulthood and love. Her second studio album, Everybody Needs A Hero (2024), journeys through Gartland’s personal relationships and confusions on identity. Popular songs “Late To The Party” and “Little Chaos” explore the singer’s anxious thoughts and offer comfort to her devoted audience.
PREVIEW: Austin City Limits - Hozier, Doja Cat, The Strokes, Sabrina Carpenter Lead The 2025 Edition
This fall, Texas’ annual music festival Austin City Limits returns for its 23rd year at Zilker Park. The dual weekend festival will be taking place from October 3-5 and 10-12 with a variety of genres spanning across each night and different stages. The lineup includes returning artists Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, and The Strokes setting the pace for both weekends.
PHOTOS: Hippo Campus - Dallas, TX 05/22/2025
On May 22, 2025, Hippo Campus brought their Flood Tour to The Factory in Dallas, TX. The band’s lively stage presence spread throughout the venue before they even hit the stage as the crowd’s anticipation bounced off of the venue’s walls. Kicking things off with hits from their latest release Flood (2024), the band performed energy boosters “Madman,” “Paranoid,” and “Tooth Fairy” before diving into their “oldies” section.
PHOTOS: Abby Holliday + Imani Graham - Dallas, TX 02/22/2025
Part two of indie singer-songwriter Abby Holliday’s Crack A Smile, Stay A While tour reached Club Dada in Dallas, TX on February 22, 2025. Abby alongside her touring band performed crowd favorites such as ‘Eggshells’ and ‘Think Before I Speak’. The crowd cheered and joined in on singing happy birthday to drummer Kortney Grinwis. Towards the end of the show, Abby and her band performed ‘Andrea’ acoustically in the crowd.
PHOTOS: almost monday + Adrian Lyles - Dallas, TX 02/14/2025
On a cold, rainy Valentine’s night, indie-pop band almost monday performed a lively and bright sold-out show at Club Dada in Dallas, TX. With their enthusiastic stage presence, the band set a high bar with songs like “dive,” “can’t slow down,” and “cough drops” from their debut album Dive (2024). Their song “coast to coast” elicited deafening cheers from those in the venue and even from those on the patio. Love radiated throughout the venue as the crowd danced and sang along together.
TOP 24 Albums of 2024
24 Crumb – AMAMA Crumb - AMAMA [Official Video] Alternative New-York quartet, Crumb, experiments with a new psychedelic sound on third studio album AMAMA. Through the neo-hypnotic elements, lead singer Lila Ramani weaves through relationships, homesickness, and existentialism on “Side By Side,” “Crushxd,” and “XXX”.
INTERVIEW: Kate Vogel talks about friendship, mental health, and her new album 'SOFT'
After three years since the release of her debut album, Someone I’m Proud Of, folk/country singer-songwriter Kate Vogel returns with her second album, Soft, this Friday, September 20th. Based in Nashville, Vogel’s discography strong vocals and her raw, honest lyricism surrounding mental health. She re-entered the music industry with release of debut single “Reasons to Stay” in 2019 after nine years away.
LIVE REVIEW: Wallows & BENEE - Dallas, TX 08/16/2024
On Friday August 16th, Wallows held an energetic show at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas. The Los Angeles-based band is currently on tour in support of their latest album, ‘Model’ that was released in May this year and have been performing at large amphitheaters to enthusiastic crowds across the U.S. To kick off their set, the band played behind a black curtain for the first song “Do Not Wait,” from their debut album Nothing Happens (2019).
PREVIEW: Outside Lands 2024 Artist Recommendations
Next weekend, August 9-11, San Francisco’s annual music festival Outside Lands returns to Golden Gate Park. Top headline acts span multiple genres featuring Sabrina Carpenter, The Killers, KAYTRANADA, Daniel Caesar, and Gryffin. With the best of San Franciso’s local food, drinks, music, and activities, the festival offers something for everyone. There’s a ton to look forward to, here are our favorite emerging artists to look out for.
B-Hind the Lineup: Lollapalooza Recommendations
Later this week, Chicago’s annual four-day music festival Lollapalooza returns on August 1-4. This year celebrates live music with headline acts Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, SZA, Stray Kids, The Killers, Future x Metro Boomin, Blink-182, Melanie Martinez, and Skrillex. Packed in-between these iconic acts are some rising, lesser known artists worth catching if you get the chance. Here are some of our favorite emerging musicians.
ALBUM REVIEW: Griff - Vertigo Exudes Pop-Perfection Highlighted By Dreamy Lyricism, Elegant Production
Following her debut mixtape One Foot in Front of the Other (2021) and her BRITs Rising Star Award win in 2021, singer-songwriter Griff (Sarah Griffiths) has had a steady rise to fame, becoming a supporting act for Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and recently Taylor Swift on The Eras Tour. After years of writing and producing her music in her bedroom, the British artist harnesses all of her self-doubt, heartaches, and potential into debut album Vertigo, released July 12, 2024 under Warner Records.
ALBUM REVIEW: Cigarettes After Sex – X’s
Dream-ambient pop band Cigarettes After Sex (Greg Gonzalez, Randall Miller, and Jacob Tomsky) return with their third studio album, X’s, under Partisan Records on July 12, 2024. Known for hits “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” and “Apocalypse,” the band has established a unique slow, hazy indie rock sound. Their 2017 self-titled album and Cry (2019) were held together by the band’s explicit romantic discoveries and hushed vocals.
ALBUM REVIEW: Omar Apollo - GOD SAID NO
Born Omar Velasco, the singer-songwriter has been creating a unique blend of alternative R&B, soul, latin music, and pop under the name Omar Apollo since 2017. He quickly rose to fame following the release of his first single “Ugotme”, his first EP Stereo, and debut album Ivory (2022). On June 28, 2024, Apollo released his sophomore album, God Said No, an emotional rollercoaster following a complex relationship, under Warner Records.
ALBUM REVIEW: Towa Bird - American Hero
British-Filipino musician Towa Bird went viral on TikTok in 2020 for her guitar covers of artists such as The 1975, WILLOW, and Childish Gambino. On June 28, 2023, she released her debut album, American Hero, under Interscope Records. Her viral status grew after her appearance in Olivia Rodrigo’s 2021 documentary Driving Home 2 U (A Sour Film) and playing for her now-girlfriend Renée Rapp on tour last year.
ALBUM REVIEW: Gracie Abrams - The Secret of Us
Known for her soft, whispery vocals, indie-pop singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams returns with her second studio album, The Secret of Us, released on June 21, 2024, under Interscope Records. The singer’s EPs Minor (2020) and This Is What It Feels Like (2021) introduced the music industry to her twist on confessional songwriting. Over the years, her audience skyrocketed following her debut album, Good Riddance (2023), and her time opening for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour.
ALBUM REVIEW: Charli XCX - brat
Electro/hyper-pop singer Charli XCX returns with her sixth studio album, brat, released under Atlantic on June 7, 2024. The singer rose to fame in the 2010s with her features on Icona Pop’s “I Love It” and Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy.” She began experimenting with the hyper-pop genre on her first EP Vroom Vroom (2016) and mixtape Pop 2 (2017), which further elevated her career. Her refreshing take on synth-pop, techno, and dance resulted in the commercially successful album CRASH (2022).
LIVE REVIEW: Flyte & Fairhazel - Dallas, TX 06/05/2024
On Wednesday June 5th, Flyte’s brief North American headlining tour reached Club Dada in Dallas, Texas. Late last year, the English duo Will Taylor (lead vocals, guitar) and Nick Hill (bass, vocals) released their third record, FLYTE, following The Loved Ones (2017) and This Is Really Going To Hurt (2021). Joined by drummer Ross McReynolds, Taylor and Hill’s live harmonies and melodies effortlessly showcase Flyte’s relaxed indie-folk.
INTERVIEW: Maisy Kay Talks Skyrim, Taylor Swift, Debut EP 'Wonderlust: The Dawn'
From the English countryside, rising singer-songwriter Maisy Kay blends pop and 2000s EDM on her debut EP Wonderlust: The Dawn, released on May 13, 2024. Following the success of her singles “Distance” (2017), “The Storm” (2020), and “Mascara Tears” (2021), Maisy’s talent and light voice are rising within the music industry. Accompanied by a fantasy, video-game influenced aesthetic, Wonderlust: The Dawn’s six tracks follow Kay’s journey of love and discovering herself with all these changes.
FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Bonnaroo 2024 Emerging Artists To Watch
Tennessee’s four-day annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival kicks off on next weekend, June 13-16. This year’s lineup features Post Malone, Fred Again.., Red Hot Chili Peppers, Cage the Elephant, Megan Thee Stallion, Maggie Rogers, and more. Bonnaroo has several activities planned such as Halsey’s About-Face Beauty Shop, a variety of bars and restaurants, water park rides, and their traditional ferris wheel. The festival offers much more than only music allowing for fun weekends every year.
ALBUM REVIEW: The Marías - Submarine
L.A. indie pop band The Marías released their second studio album, Submarine, under Atlantic Records on May 31, 2024. Formed by María Zardoya (lead singer) and Josh Conway (drummer/producer), alongside guitarist Jesse Perlman and Edward James on keyboards, the quartet blends English and Spanish into a unique genre-bending sonic identity.
ALBUM REVIEW: Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft
Billie Eilish returned with her third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, under Darkroom and Interscope Records on May 17, 2024. After five years in the industry, Eilish is known for her breathy — yet well developed, vocals on songs such as her hit first single “Ocean Eyes” and her second album’s title track “Happier Than Ever”. Joined by her brother and producer, Finneas O’Connell, drummer Andrew Marshall, and the Attacca Quartet on strings, Eilish explore new sonics and subtle production.
ALBUM REVIEW: Sunday (1994) - Sunday (1994)
Transatlantic duo Sunday (1994), consisting of partners Paige Turner (from LA) and Lee Newell (Slough, UK), alongside mysterious drummer X, released their self-titled debut EP, under Weakday on May 3, 2024. Independently underground, the band relies on Newell for shooting, editing, and artwork, while Turner focuses on the bittersweet visual aspects, singing, and songwriting in their one-bed apartment.
ALBUM REVIEW: Rachel Chinouriri – What A Devastating Turn of Events
Rising singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri released her debut album, What A Devastating Turn of Events under Parlophone on May 3, 2024. The English singer first entered the music industry in 2018 due to her indie SoundCloud song “So My Darling,” which makes an appearance on this album. In the following years, the singer released two EPs Four In Winter (2021) and Better Off Without (2022).
B-Hind the Lineup: Hangout Fest 2024 - 10 Artists Not To Miss
The Gulf Shores of Alabama mark their 13th year of Hangout Fest from May 17-19, 2024. This year’s headliners include Zach Bryan, Lana Del Rey, ODESZA along with major artists Reneé Rapp, Dominic Fike, Doechii, and more. One of the best things about Hangout is exploring its beach and the local cuisines, and finding a new favorite artist. With all the fun events to discover, the three day festival is sure to be an exciting experience.
INTERVIEW - Rocco Says He's Inspired By The Joy Love Brings And Aspires To Write More Love Songs - B-Sides
Singer-songwriter and producer Rocco entered the bedroom pop music scene after his breakout single, “Spin You Round” (2022) showcased his unique take on the genre. He was introduced to the music industry through SoundCloud rap and Musical.ly, now known was TikTok before he interacted with indie pop. On his debut EP, Her Favorite Flowers (2023), under Young Forever, the 20-year-old recalls young love and heartbreak over acoustic guitars and melancholic strings.
VIDEO: INTERVIEW - Good Kid Takes Advantage of Fortnite Placement, Balancing Tech and Music Career During Success
Canadian indie-rock band Good Kid, consisting of Nick Frost (lead vocals), Michael Kozakov (bass), David Wood (guitar), Jacob Tsafatinos (guitar), and Jon Kereliuk (drummer), rose to fame from within the Fortnite community after several of their songs would often play on the platform. Once the band grew notice of this popularity, they partnered with the platform to include songs such as “Witches” from their debut album Good Kid (2018).
INTERVIEW - Jesse Jo Stark Says She's Working On New Country-based Music - B-Sides
LA-native musician Jesse Jo Stark is known as a new-age rock ‘n’ roll force among the music industry for her electrifying stage presence and alluring discography. Growing up as the goddaughter of the legendary Cher and being influenced by Elvira, Old Hollywood, and Tim Burton, Stark’s grit and vintage atmosphere were destined for stardom.
INTERVIEW - Zoe Ko Remains Confident and Focused After Bullying in High School, Talks New Music, "Dirt" - B-Sides
Alternative pop-rock singer Zoe Ko had been working in the music industry for over two years when everything changed for her overnight with the release of her first single, “Line” in 2022. The 23-year-old completely embraces brutal honesty, cheeky fun, and her own unique thrifted aesthetic in her music and personal life. Her songs resonate most with today’s female youth for their undeniable charm and fierce lyrics.
LIVE REVIEW: Laufey & Grace Enger - Dallas, TX 04/18/2024
Laufey elegantly pirouetted on stage in a golden dress to kick off the second night of her Bewitch: The Goddess Tour in Dallas, TX, on April 18, 2024.
LIVE REVIEW: Torres & Liza Anne - Dallas, TX 04/04/2024
Under a mix of purple and blue lighting, Torres (Mackenzie Scott) with her touring band J.R. Bohannon (pedal steel, guitar), Rosie Slater (drums), and Erin Manning (keyboard, synth) had a mesmerizing show in store for the small crowd in Dallas, TX on April 4, 2024. Georgia native, Torres is known for her raw, reflective lyrics meshed with the singer’s edgy vocals and ambitious production.
ALBUM REVIEW: Lizzy McAlpine - Older
Singer-songwriter Lizzy McAlpine, known for her viral 2022 song “ceilings,” released her third studio album Older under RCA on April 5, 2024. Following the same sonic tones as her previous albums, the 24 year old musician certainly cements herself as a noted artist in the folk-indie pop lane. Across 14 tracks, McAlpine showcases her evolution from five seconds flat (2022) to now underneath the new daring production elements and raw vulnerability of her confessional-like writing.
LIVE REVIEW: Isabel LaRosa + Ari Abdul - Dallas, TX 04/03/2024
On the road for the GOD’S WATCHING tour, alternative pop singer-songwriter Isabel LaRosa put on a powerful and fiery sold-out show at the House of Blues in Dallas, Texas on April 3, 2024. Following the success of her hit single “I’m Yours” in 2022, LaRosa formed a name for herself through her dark distinctive music videos which she self-directs and produces alongside her brother, Thomas.
LIVE REVIEW: Brutus - Dallas, TX 03/31/2024
Belgian post-rock trio Brutus’ ‘Unison Life Tour’ reached a small yet lively crowd at Club Dada in Dallas, Texas on March 31, 2024. Consisting of Stefanie Mannaerts (vocalist, drummer), Stijn Vanhoegaerden (guitarist), and Peter Mulders (bassist), Brutus is known for Mannaerts’ eerie, clipped vocals, crisp guitars, and grim bass catering to their own unique mix of punk, black metal, and shoegaze.
VIDEO: INTERVIEW - Isabel LaRosa Strives Towards Pushing Herself Out of Her Comfort Zone, New Sonics
Rising alt-pop musician Isabel LaRosa’s songwriting journey began with writing songs in elementary school with her brother. Over the years, the duo still continue to write and produce LaRosa’s music, which is heavily influenced by bedroom pop, alternative, and slight reggaeton themes. Her songs revolve around the universally heartbreaking yet addictive coming-of-age experiences LaRosa and her generation often find themselves wrapped up in.
VIDEO: INTERVIEW - Hunter Daily Blossoming With Confidence In New Music And Upcoming Tour
Singer-songwriter and actress Hunter Daily dropped her latest single “Girl Friend”, a sweet danceable track, at the beginning of this year under Flush Records. As the daughter of parents in the entertainment industry, namely her mother actress and singer EG Daily, Hunter’s childhood revolved around music, acoustic guitars, and finding influences within the industry.
VIDEO: INTERVIEW - Chloe George Describes Eclectic Musical Upbringing That Included Ella Fitzgerald + Led Zeppelin , Talks New EP
LA-based pop singer-songwriter Chloe George recently rose to TikTok fame due to her debut solo release “ghost town (voice memo),” on which she slows Kanye West’s “Ghost Town” into a bewitching soft ballad. With a background in writing for well-known artists such as Dua Lipa, Normani, BlackPink, Hayley Kiyoko and more, George’s power of pure, emotive lyricism shines on her latest EP, A Cheetah Hunting In Slow Motion under FADER Label.
VIDEO: INTERVIEW - Ari Abdul Says Chance Meeting In College Led To Music Career Despite Never Singing Before
Brooklyn-native Ari Abdul grew up influenced by Latin music, hip-hop, and classic rock before entering the scene in 2021 through her personal brand of alternative grunge with a pop twist. The following year, Abdul’s debt single “BABYDOLL” reached over 200 million global streams leading to the release of her debut EP Fallen Angel shortly after. Joined by producer Thomas LaRosa, brother of musician Isabel LaRosa, the pair cultivated an alluring, mysterious soundscape.
ALBUM REVIEW: Faye Webster - Undressed at the Symphony
Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Faye Webster returned with her fifth studio album, Underdressed at the Symphony, under Secretly Canadian, on March 1, 2024. She alongside producer Drew Vandenberg collaborated on the album’s production. Her long-time band set the mood with Webster’s familiar smooth blend of indie rock, country twang, folk, and R&B. Each song off the album were recorded live at the Sonic Ranch in Texas.
ALBUM REVIEW: Marika Hackman - Big Sigh
English folk singer-songwriter Marika Hackman returned on January 12, 2024 with Big Sigh, her fourth studio album and first album through Chrysalis Records. Co-produced with Sam Petts-Davies (Thom Yorke, Warpaint) and Charlie Andrew (Alt-J, Benjamin Francis Leftwich), Hackman hones in finding balance while examining deeper into dark corners of her life.
ALBUM REVIEW: Vacations – ‘No Place Like Home’
Australian indie-rock band Vacations comfort themselves over life’s uncertainties with expansive melodies on their new album, No Place Like Home, released January 12, 2024, under No Fun. The New South Wales quartet consists of frontman Campbell Burns, Jake Johnson, Nate Delizzotti, and Joseph Van Lier. Produced by Burns and John Velasquez (Zella Day, Ella Vos, Broods), No Place Like Home explores the challenging yet transformative periods of mental health, sexuality, and moving away from home.
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