Oakland-based alt-pop artist Sun Kin just released the single “IDKY” off forthcoming LP Private Time. Kabir Kumar, the India-born artist behind the music, seeks to point out what he calls the “shallowness of algorithmic music selection” that we’re surrounded by. Kin creates bedroom pop songs heavy on the organs with earnest lyrical inflections. Says the track: “When it’s the date of the show/Just simply act like you know/It’s okay to be admired/And while you’re sharing your screen/You must pretend like you have seen/The confidence of a paycheck.” Where the song really shines is in the composition with special praise to those horns and percussion. The full LP is full of catchy soulful pop songs with special guests sprinkled throughout. Sun Kin releases Private Time on January 17th, where they’ll be playing The Starline Social Club. -Lucille Faulkner 

Photo: Ginger Fierstein

The other night I found myself at Woods, playing cards with a friend and enjoying the finest cider I’d laid lips on in a while. A local quartet had just set up and as the music on the speakers died down, the vibrant sounds of jazz lit up the space and I’m telling you: the room shifted. Bassist Lisa Mezzacappa was killing it, Jordan Glenn snapped away on those drums, the trombone and the alto sax blended beautifully. At one point my card playing partner turned to me with happy shaking head, saying, “Who is this?” Between songs I went up to ask the trombonist (Rob Ewing) who wrote the piece and he pointed to saxist Beth Schenck. “It’s called ‘Dedicated To,’” he told me. Amazing.

I’ve since been digging on more SIFTER and found myself listening to another project led by Ewing, Junior Reggae, who just released their latest album These Lines, off Slow and Steady Records. The band is “avant-dub,” with modern jazz at its core but with—as the name suggests—a marriage of reggae, dub and fluid jazz compositions throughout. Influenced by Augustus Pablo and Lee “Scratch” Perry, the group is a unique find that brings together an inspiring collection of musicians. There’s Max Miller-Loran on trumpet and keys, Steven Blum on keys, Jason Levis on percussions and Rob Ewing on bass, trombone, keys and more percussion. It’s an ear fest. Junior Reggae is playing Woods this Friday December 6 from 5-8. Come on out for an evening and save me a cider. -Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Album artwork by Jesse Rimler. 

To piggyback off today's release of Credit Electric’s sophomore album, the self-titled Credit Electric, the Oakland-based twangy cosmic rock band released the music video for “Every Heart.” The video has an old timey home movies vibe with plenty of sweet shots and behind-the-scenes tour moments that make these boys seem likeable. It feels nostalgic and pairs nicely with this tune we've been diggin on. Here’s to hoping they bring some of that energy to their record release show, Saturday November 23 at The Uptown. -Lucille Faulkner

Our friends at Tricycle Records released their 9th compilation album this month featuring a whole lotta women that we dig on. There’s Kendra McKinley, whose “Asleep in Winter” showcases her connective and empathetic lyrics in funky pop with looping pedal work (Performed by Kendra McKinley, recorded and mixed by Scott McDowell at the Henry Miller Memorial Library).

We dig on Micropixie’s “Dark Sight of the Moon,” with its Pink Floyd inspirations and the powerful push against modern day politics on the home front and beyond. It’s electro psych pop dripping with social justice narratives. If you haven't caught it yet, check out her video for "Como Minimo," shot at our beloved Lovejoy's Tea Room in San Francisco. 

Another favorite is Beckylin and Her Druthers with “You Ain’t Woman Enough”…to take my man. Damn straight. A nice and exciting find for any country fans. Beckylin and Her Druthers are bluegrass and twangin’ and powerfully sassy. -Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

The Deli is pleased to present “Witchhazel,” the new single off Historian’s forthcoming LP, Distractions. The Los Angeles-based psych rock band is always experimenting with sounds and distortions. “Witchhazel” grows and reverberates and glides through the room with some major Deerhunter moments. Chris Karman’s rich vocals call like an incantation and the tune is reminiscent of Magnetic Fields, with experimental realist pop vibes. Distractions will be released on January 17th 2020. -Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor