Music Mailbag June 2025 

• Via Instagram
• PIGDOG

As we march steadily through the summer season, it's important to have great playlists for your get-togethers, pool parties and road trips. Here are some recent releases from locals that you'll want to check out and add to your summer soundtracks.

PIGDOG, "DEADWEIGHT": Many of you have probably seen Lucas Olivier rocking out on bass with beloved Provo band, Poolhouse. Last month, he released the debut single for his new solo project, PIGDOG, titled "DEADWEIGHT." "PIGDOG makes music with no silver linings," Olivier said of this new project. "'DEADWEIGHT' is an honest take on modern dating, mixing hard rock with indie guitar riffs." PIGDOG holds nothing back on this debut—the song starts with heavy, crunchy guitar right out of the gate and progresses into an earnest and heartachingly poignant track that's unfortunately very relatable to those struggling in the modern dating scene. I for one always need more songs that lament the state of the world, and there's a lot to lament about right now. Hopefully we get more from PIGDOG soon, but "DEADWEIGHT" will more than hold you over until then.
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Talia Keys, From the Ashes: I'm cheating a little with this one, giving you a whole album rather than just a song or two, but it's been a while since Keys released a full album, so you have to listen to the whole thing. What is there to say about Talia Keys that hasn't been said already? She's SLC's resident rocking badass who has her hands in so many aspects of the local music scene. Every song on From the Ashes is heartfelt and obviously crafted with love. Overall, the album has a jazzy, rhythmic rock feel that's warm, welcoming and smooth. Keys' sound doesn't fit squarely into one box, so you just have to listen to yourself to see what I mean. Any song on From the Ashes will perfectly complement your summer activities.
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John Andrew McCool, "Eureka Rebecca": John Andrew McCool is more than a singer and songwriter. In fact, his online bio describes him as "a musical chameleon that has been everywhere and done everything, and will do it all again." If a "musical chameleon" doesn't pique your interest, I don't know what will. McCool is "a guitar player that identifies as a bass player, songwriter and producer and sometimes singer," the bio continues. "Generally ignoring genre so as not to be stuck in a box, he is self-described as a psychedelic soul punk." Past me would never have thought those three genres would work together, but dagnabbit, musicians like McCool have changed present me's mind. "Eureka Rebecca" is a well-crafted track that's obviously done by a dude who has done this for a long time. It's fun, lighthearted and has a retro vibe that will fit in well on your playlists with classics like Cheap Trick and The Replacements. If I've ever heard a song perfect for a pool party, it's this one.
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Scott Lippitt, "Sorry I'm Late," "Memory Grove": Back with his first release in over a year, singer/songwriter Scott Lippitt is gifting listeners with two new superb singles. Lippitt is doing this release as a "two-song single," hearkening back to the good old days of 7" 45 RPM vinyl. "Record labels wouldn't waste side 'B' of the vinyl, so they added another single," Lippitt explained. "I chose to release these two songs together since they touch on two sides of depression—the unhopeful side and the hopeful side," he said. Lippitt has always had a knack for taking subject matter on the more serious side and turning it into something cheerful and hopeful. He does that well on "Sorry I'm Late." He describes this one as "anything but your typical sad song." This track tackles depression head-on with its upbeat sound and well-placed humor—because if you don't laugh, you'll cry, am I right? "Sorry I'm Late" is able to take something serious and tough, and turn it into something bright and loveable, which is very hard to do.
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On the flip side (get it?), "Memory Grove," Lippitt notes, "is a direct and rational response to the illusion that depression will last forever." This stripped-back track takes a more somber tone, relaying feelings of darkness and depression's emotional weight, but more importantly, the song acts a hopeful lifeline, offering a sense of peace and renewal. "It's a reminder that healing often begins not in grand gestures, but in quiet moments of connection and care," Lippitt said.

As an added bonus, "Sorry I'm Late" has an incredibly creative and unique music video to go along with it. Lippitt uses medications to spell out lyrics and charming props made out of paper. If you relate to this subject matter at all, you'll feel right at home with these new singles. If not, you'll still have a great time with these fun indie jams.

These are just a few suggestions for summer playlists, or for anytime playlists, really; the local scene is full of incredible artists to listen to year-round. Now hurry and go add these to your library.