Here’s a voice from the singer-songwriter and folky sides of Austin’s musicsphere to watch. Hot Cotton is the name that local musician Eva Mueller’s solo work is released under, and after a couple tracks released a few years ago, Mueller is releasing Hot Cotton tracks again in spades on her SoundCloud page. Mueller’s work is emotional and resonates with undeniable authenticity, and sound-wise it lives somewhere around Jenny Lewis or Neko Case’s more pared-down, folskier stuff, perhaps a bit more bent away from country and toward the acoustic indie of the 90s (Neutral Milk Hotel etc.). Take a listen to one of our favorite tracks from the many Hot Cotton have just put out below, and if you like what you hear, keep tabs on Hot Cotton over at her FB page. From what we can tell, these tracks are just demos, which means there will probably be some other versions and/or more tracks coming soon, which can’t be anything but good news for those of you who dig smart, well-crafted revelatory music.

Vancouver-born Tara Beier is an impressive tour-de-force - actor, director, and one hell of a singer-songwriter. Last year, Beier independently released her debut EP, Purple Trees, which was met with great reception and put her on the map as one of Canada’s unique folk acts. Beier’s combination of styles and sounds, ranging from simple acoustic ballads to catchy pop-like melodies prove that she can take any vibe and truly make it her own. The song Mayan Sun in particular has a sound that just sticks in your head. Earlier this year she recorded her upcoming album,  Hero & the Sage (release yet to be dated), and released the title track. It’s got a smooth and memorable acoustic melody that helps show off Beier’s impressive vocal range and talent. If I were you, I’d make sure to check out Tara Beier along with The Silverthorns at Hugh’s Room on November 30th.

Mike B

 Jennifer Budd brings the flow and mean old school R&B vibes with her debut album “Lip Service”. Hints of gospel, blues, and funk blend together to make a raucous entrance, lit up with slick production and some classic horn stings to drive the point home. From the slippery groove of album opening “Church”, to the rock-n-soul of “The Colonel”, this album brings a full and honest effort of an artist showing her raw physical talent and emotion. Lead single “Don’t Even” starts in the small dark corner of an after hours lounge, and ends centre stage in a flurry of flashing lights. “Lip Service” drops November 13th, with a release party at the Park St Gasworks, Hamilton, November 14th.

- Cody Wright

Melding the innocence of "Imagine" and the force of Radiohead's "Karma Police," Boston singer/songwriter Emily Grogan's "Join Together" (streaming below) off her forthcoming new album 'Strings of Light' is an electric call to arms. Fronting a battalion of hard drums and zinging guitars, the strong-voiced Grogan deflects the ploys of authorities while surging towards freedom with her fellow strivers. Spiked with the warmth that can be heard in pop, though, this rock song doesn't shove but rather nestles the listener to attention. While Emily Grogan doesn't currently have any upcoming shows listed, keep watch on her Facebook for future announcements. - Zach Weg 

It is finally here! Tricycle Records has released the 5th installment of their local music compilation entitled, Friends of Tricycle Records 5! We really like how TR extended their submission invitation to local artists who are not on their official roster, featuring great artists like Lemme Adams, Brasil, The New Up and Analog Dream.

Enjoy this free compilation. It is a celebration of local music and such a great contribution during a time where record labels are all about profit.

Track Listing

The Union Trade, In The Empire of Giants
NRVS LVRS, City Lights
n. Lannon, Another Love
Bobbi Rohs, That’s Bae
Halou, Lean Into The Gravity
The New Up, Future Is Now
Rich Girls, Total Control (Motels cover)
Lemme Adams, Hella
Everyone Is Dirty, Out Of The Blue (Roxy Music cover)
Kitten Grenade, Eighteen
El Terrible, We Know Your Name
Annie Girl and The Flight, Swans
Unconditional Arms, Fever Basin
Analog Dream, Lion’s Share
Garlands, Hallucination Healer
Brasil, Molly
Jordannah Elizabeth, A Prayer for Black America

Compiled by Julie Schuchard
Compilation Mastered by Christopher Reese Daddio at Donut Time Audio
Artwork by Adrian Landon Brooks
See more at: http://www.tricyclerecords.com/friends5/