Now Hear This is a monthly A&R column showcasing exciting new music discovered through the innovative platform, Groover.
Each month, we present a diverse collection of tracks from artists worldwide, spanning various genres and locations.
This December, we’re introducing a wide range of talented acts, including New York pop singer B. Miles, Brooklyn indie rockers Evil Twin, English post-punk band Pageant Mum, Norwegian singer-songwriter Drea, Matt Baumbach’s solo project, Harrisburg’s industrial death metal band Horror Scene, Australian storyteller Tomi Gray, and Seattle’s soul artist Shelita.
Your next favorite artist might be just a read away.
B.Miles
Sounds like: A modern pop twist on trip-hop, reminiscent of Caroline Polachek produced by Massive Attack.
Interview:
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
I feel incredibly fortunate to create music with my closest friends, Eric Nizgretsky, Jackson Firlik, Rob Seeley, and Matias Quarleri. Our collaborative process allows us to harness each other’s strengths, resulting in songs that resonate deeply. The essence of B.Miles is brooding and dark, capturing difficult emotions in relatable narratives.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
The name B.Miles was inspired by my college email address. Eric suggested it while we were brainstorming, and it just felt right.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
The album “Time Doesn’t Heal. It Hides.” evolved over ten years, influenced by artists like Portishead and The Marías. Specific tracks reflect the impact of FKA Twigs, Tom Waits, and others.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
Saya Gray’s album is a standout, blending vulnerability with bold production. It’s inspiring to see strong female lyricists making waves.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
There’s potential for music to become more machine-generated, but I hope for a resurgence of authentic, human-created art.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Music offers nostalgia and comfort, reconnecting me with safer, more stable times.
Evil Twin
Sounds like: A fusion of shoegaze guitars and indie pop, reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins and Death Cab for Cutie.
Interview:
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
We blend classic alternative rock with modern production, focusing on creating memorable instrumental melodies. Our diverse backgrounds bring unique elements to our music.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
The name was inspired by an Arctic Monkeys B-side. It’s catchy and reflects a deeper connection to our creative process.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
Influences include R.E.M., King Krule, and Robert Fripp. Our music incorporates diverse elements from various genres.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
The return of live shows and the blending of genres are thrilling. The underground metal scene is also evolving in exciting ways.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
The rise of AI poses challenges, but there’s hope for a resurgence in authentic, personal music experiences.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Music provides hope and a sense of community, offering a platform to connect and support each other.
Pageant Mum
Sounds like: A blend of lo-fi riffs and melodic hooks, reminiscent of Hüsker Dü with a Rough Trade vibe.
Interview:
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
Our music is raw and immersive, with bold female vocals leading the charge. We aim to create an experience that consumes the audience.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
The name comes from my mom’s influence on my early performances, and it stuck over time.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
Influences include Paramore, Fugazi, and The Bronx, contributing to our energetic, post-hardcore sound.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
Seeing small bands grow and innovative ideas emerge is thrilling. Ireland’s basic income scheme for artists is a positive step.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
With AI’s rise, we hope for a renewed appreciation for the craft and effort behind music. Social media will continue to help underground bands reach wider audiences.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Music is therapeutic, providing an escape and a means to process emotions.
Drea
Sounds like: Norwegian singer-songwriter Andrea Ådland creates emotionally honest indie pop, praised for her rare songwriting talent.
Interview:
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
My music emerges from emotional chaos. I aim to balance softness with intensity, creating an alternative pop and indie sound.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
Drea is a nickname given by my dad, representing authenticity and creativity.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
Inspired by Phoebe Bridgers and rock/punk-leaning indie music, I admire artists who balance vulnerability and storytelling.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
The shift towards authenticity and less polished music is exciting, allowing artists to share more personal aspects of their process.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
I envision a future where individuality prevails over genre, with artists focusing on sustainable careers and mental health.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Music helps me process emotions and create something meaningful, offering comfort and connection.
M@
Sounds like: Vision of Disorder guitarist Matt Baumbach explores diverse genres under the M@ moniker, showcasing his versatile talent.
Interview:
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
M@ embraces a multi-genre approach, drawing from heavy pop, Brit rock, and indie influences. My goal is to capture the full journey of a song.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
M@ is a modern interpretation of my name, representing a creative persona.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
Influences include Oasis, Brandon Flowers, M83, and Taylor Swift, among others.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
The resurgence of rock songwriting and artists pushing boundaries are exciting developments.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
The rise of independent artists will continue, with a focus on authenticity and creativity.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
The M@ project is therapeutic, offering a way to express and connect with others.
Horror Scene
Sounds like: A fusion of industrial and goth influences, reminiscent of Sepultura and Slipknot.
Interview:
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
Our writing process is collaborative, with a focus on unique, dark sounds. We describe ourselves as Industrial Goth Horror Metal.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
The name reflects our musical style and stage personas, chosen after a careful selection process.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
Influences include Alice Cooper, Rammstein, and Marilyn Manson, among others.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
Our single “Welcome to Your Hell” reaching number 20 on the Metal Contraband chart is a highlight.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
Metal will continue to thrive, with new generations discovering diverse music formats.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Music provides healing and a sense of escape, allowing us to focus on creativity.
Tomi Gray
Sounds like: Spoken word storytelling over garage-style beats, reminiscent of The Streets with an Australian twist.
Interview:
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
I travel with a circus and write music daily, drawing inspiration from my experiences.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
It’s simply my name.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
Influenced by Tom Waits and Beck, I aim for a sound that resonates with listeners.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
The challenge of gaining exposure in a competitive industry is significant, but creativity prevails.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
Bots might become more involved, but the passion for music will endure.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Music provides hope and a sense of purpose.
Shelita
Sounds like: A blend of Jamaican, American R&B, and universal singer-songwriter influences from Seattle’s music scene.
Interview:
Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.
My music is intuitive and intentional, blending pop, electronic, and soul textures for transformation and healing.
How did you come up with the name of your act?
Shelita is my birth name, symbolizing creativity and connection.
What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?
Influences include Sade, Björk, and Frank Ocean, focusing on depth and vulnerability.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
The current era encourages authenticity and genre-blending, offering new creative possibilities.
Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?
Music will become more experiential, integrating wellness and community elements.
How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Music is my therapy, offering healing and connection, reminding me of love’s transformative power.
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