There's no shortage of fantastic local music—more and more is released every day. Everywhere you look there's a new band, and a new adventure to embark on. Here are four more songs you need to add to your music library.
Future.exboyfriend, "Hazy": Groovy, bassy, energetic—all adjectives used to describe this exciting single from future.exboyfriend. It's an addicting track that I imagine you'd hear on a dancefloor that will keep you moving, even when it stops.
This psych-pop trio brings flair and full sound to their music, making it hard not to put it on repeat. "Hazy" really speaks to Utah itself. Whether it's the haze of the inversion in the cold winter months, or the haze of hayfever in the spring, it goes perfectly with the Beehive State.
The band posted on Instagram when the song dropped that it was one of the easiest to to write and produce, and it's clear on the track. There's an ease to "Hazy" that shines through. If you're not able to see the trio live anytime soon, they have very well-produced videos on YouTube that are an excellent stand in.
Future.exboyfriend played at Van Sessions in Ogden back in January and were sure to play this single. Similarly, they have a live in-studio version of the song that sounds fantastic. Whether you're watching the video, or adding this song to a playlist, it needs to be in your rotation regularly.
Bly Wallentine, "My Unkempt Billies": Bly Wallentine is an artist who makes music for everyone. No matter what mood you're in, Wallentine has your back.
They describe themselves as an experimental musician on their Instagram account, and it's perfectly befitting for Wallentine's sound and musical personality. From lush chamber folk to psych-pop to emo indie rock, they always put their heart into their sound.
Wallentine described their latest album "I Found My Foot :)" as "groovy, gritty, trippy, sultry, fun, sexy, wacky, playful, glitchy, glazy art pop/rock." It's hard to imagine all of those different sounds melding together in one body of work, but Wallentine makes it mesh so well, specifically in "My Unkempt Billies."
It's so happy and cheerful that it's sure to brighten your day if you're feeling down. It has some Beatles-esque qualities with how whimsical it is, while having some rock elements in the background.
Wallentine's voice also has some cool effects on it that add to this vibe of falling down the rabbit hole. If you're in the mood for a magical journey and need some happy energy, this should be your go to song.
Dad Bod, "Pastels": SLC rockers Dad Bod have become a staple in the local music scene. Their lo-fi psych-rock sounds have entranced locals and beyond. Their album "Pastels" isn't their most recent work, but it is some of their best; the opening track of the same name to be specific. It's a lovely introduction to the album as a whole, and sets the tone for a pleasurable experience.
It starts with some futuristic effects on top of some reverb soaked guitar and soft vocals. The lyrics really drive the song; they're relatable and a little heartbreaking. "I won't take you for granted / I won't let you down / I won't ask for a reason / If you come back around," vocalist Micheal Marinos sings.
It's worth listening to on repeat as you'll pick up another earnest lyric that maybe you hadn't before, and you'll catch more cool sound effects that lend perfectly to that psych sound.
Christian Scheller, "Nate's Song": Sometimes when you listen to a new, heartfelt love song, there's an instant thought that it could be a wedding classic. While listening, you picture a couple in love, having their first dance after getting married moments before. That's the exact thought I had when I pressed play on "Nate's Song" for the first time.
Ogden singer/songwriter Christian Scheller wrote the song for his husband as an anniversary gift, getting to surprise him with it at Ogden Music Festival. Who wouldn't swoon at that? "Nate's Song" is a beautifully crafted track that exudes love.
Scheller's voice is so well suited for slow affectionate songs; he has a great tone and sings softly in a way that is perfect for ballads. He oozes soulfulness and doesn't need the backing of a full band to create something powerful. Scheller posted a video singing and playing the song while pictures flash on the screen and I'm not crying, you're crying. This is a perfect song to slow dance to, as mentioned earlier, or to send to someone to let them know how much you love them.