The Ampwall App

posted 5 hours ago #

If you're a regular reader here, you likely know that I've been enjoying Ampwall for a few years. It's an alternative to streaming platforms that is akin to Bandcamp but taking a different approach. One of their biggest differentiators is just how much they ship. For those of you not in tech, that means they are adding new features, improvements and optimizations to the platform all the time.

Their latest launch is the iOS app. Just like how Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp have apps to help you listen and discover music, now Ampwall does too. The experience is, obviously, not exactly same as those destinations because their catalog is different but it's provides a pleasant way to find new music, support that music and then enjoy that music. If you aren't on Ampwall yet, I think this may be the thing that gets you to finally check it out.

If you do sign up, here's some free music for ya: Bleary "bug", Fetching Pails "Duchenne Smile". That should get you started!

The Pyramid Of Inequality

posted January 15, 2026 #

Reminder that you should be subscribed to Damon Krukowski's newsletter - Dada Drummer Almanach. His latest transmission, Revisiting the Pyramid of Inequality that is Streaming Music, is an excellent reminder on the state of streaming media. I'm going to regurgitate several of the facts here but please go subscribe. The free version is very worthwhile and the paid version is even better. A few facts from the article:

88% of all streaming tracks on Spotify do not quality for royalties - this means despite being played, Spotify does not pay those artists
The RIAA calculates that streaming accounts for 84% of all recorded music revenue - but streaming is only paying 12% of its tracks!
If you are lucky enough to qualify for payments, it's a third of a penny per play. In many cases less than that if you do not own your music.

Spotify gets the majority of ire in write-ups like this because they are the biggest offenders but please remember, all streaming platforms are interested in not paying artists. There may be an exception here and there but, by and large, capitalism is not trying to support the arts! To me, if you want to continue enjoying recorded music, you should buy stuff on Ampwall, Bandcamp and the like. His piece doesn't say that explicitly but given how dire that streaming situation is, it's a sensible conclusion.

Oh, there's also the Living Wage for Musician's Act that would help to level the playing field. My faith in politics to do the right thing is at an all time low at this point but I'm in full support of the Act and hope they can make some traction!

AI and The Bandcamp Community

posted January 14, 2026 #

Gotta give props when props are due! Bandcamp recently announced they are banning AI on the platform. They are specific in their guidelines:

• Music and audio that is generated wholly or in substantial part by AI is not permitted on Bandcamp.

• Any use of AI tools to impersonate other artists or styles is strictly prohibited in accordance with our existing policies prohibiting impersonation and intellectual property infringement.

That policy leaves plenty of room to integrate AI tools into the creative process but not entirely.

Happy to see it but also curious how they are detecting AI generated content? Is it completely community driven and Bandcamp validated? Do they have their own internal magic for detection? Many questions!

While we're on this topic, it's worth checking out Ampwall's content policy in regards to AI. They have a similar policy (and have had it in place for some time) but with more nuance.

I am not an anti-AI person but I also understand the need to protect human creativity. I am happy to see these platforms taking a stance.

Update: Experimental AI artist Holly Herndon has an excellent rebuttal to all this. It's worth reading and, moreso, worth having a nuanced conversation about. I don't disagree with her about the future but I think Bandcamp is making rules for the present; things will change over time.

Goodbye Spotify

posted January 5, 2026 #

Throughout 2025 I've been contemplating ditching Spotify. They pay artists terribly, including authors. It removes podcasts containing music, even if that music is licensed. They advertise working for ICE. Their CEO Daniel Ek invests your Spotify money in military defense. That's certainly not all of the reasons but that's enough of the reasons. So, I'm out!

My Spotify subscription has been cancelled but I'm not so naive that I think any alternative is that much better. Royalty rates on Apple Music, Amazon and Tidal are the top 3 but they're still abysmal. There are some alternatives like CodaMusic that look interesting but are unvetted (to me) at this time.

The majority of my listening happens via Bandcamp and Ampwall; two platforms that are decidedly not streaming services but benefit artists much more directly and sustainably. As I previously mentioned, I picked up about 208 releases last year on Bandcamp alone - paying for each one. That's not a brag, its a conscious choice!

All that said, I am not ditching streaming entirely. I already pay for YouTube Premium, so that makes YouTube Music my new platform of choice; simply because I'm already paying for it. I'll be keeping a playlist of 2026 Enjoyables over there, as well as albums I'm trying out. I think if I can get the embeddable playlist to be a little nicer, it won't be such a bad option.

In longwinded summation, there's no perfect choice. I'm not shaming anyone for sticking with Spotify. They're bad because they're vocal about how bad they are. Every single other streaming platform - even the beloved Tidal - is negotiating to pay less. Pick your battles and support artists where you can! Your choice of streamer is not your 100% participation in the arts. Just make sure you go see a live show every so often or pick up a t-shirt.

YK Records 2025 In Review

posted December 29, 2025 #

This is a re-post from the YK Records site. I can't assume that if you're reading this site that you're also reading that site but if you do - apologies on the redundancy.

Here we are in the “dead zone” of 2025; that one week between Christmas and New Year’s that, quite frankly, should be a national holiday. I hope you’re getting some rest and relaxation and recharging for 2026. I like to take this time to button up any projects that have been lingering and reflect a little bit on the previous year.

Before I get into that reflection, let me start with a hearty THANK YOU. If you’re reading this, I can’t begin to express my gratitude. I’ve been running yk Records for 16 years as a labor of love and it continuously blows my mind that people are following along and enjoying the fruits of that labor. Don’t get me wrong, I know the music is good – I just know there are a lot of choices out there. In a world where small indie record labels have a lot to contend with, I sincerely thank you for tuning in.

I’m going to include a list of all of our releases from 2025 with a little blurb for each below. If you’d like to listen along, check out this YK 2025 Sampler.* It's also available on Bandcamp, Spotify** and YouTube Music - convenience wins!

Along with the playlist, you can also just jump into the deep end with a playlist of everything from 2025. That's on Ampwall, Bandcamp, Spotify and YouTube as well. Dive in. Enjoy.

* Did you notice Dave Paulson on that sampler and think – “hey, that record came out in 2018!” That’s true! But it only came out on vinyl this year. So it gets included. ;)

**Note that the Spotify playlists do not include everything because we do not put everything on Spotify!

The Robe
MMXXIV + MRYUCK (2024 BEEZ)

Throughout 2024, The Robe released a mind boggling amount of music; two new songs every month and sometimes more. I’m honestly unsure how he did it.

To commemorate that, we kicked off 2025 with two compilations of all of those songs. MMXXIV is all of the A-sides from the releases, with MRYUCK (2025 BEEZ) containing all of the b-sides.

Listening back to both compilations, they’re both fantastic. Clearly I’m biased but Rollum’s songwriting and arrangements never fail to captivate and immerse me. Technically these songs are from 2024 but if you missed them then, be sure to get them into your ears in 2025. There’s still time.

General Trust
“Apologia”

We only got one official release from General Trust in 2025 and it’s a damn good one. That said, accomplishments should not be measured simply by digital output! General Trust went out on a mini-tour with More Is Not Enough, played Spooky Ghoul Fest, played Fascination Street and worked on plenty of new music.

I’d also like to note that in the 2025 Grimey’s Staff Picks, “Apologia” made it to Bekah’s Singles I Replayed An Alarming Amount of Times list. That’s a huge win imo.

I’m told new music is being prepared for 2026. I’ll let you know as soon as I know more.

phiz
“i lost my fkn mind” b/w “If I Had Known”

Tristen and Cortney Tidwell are incredibly talented in their own solo endeavors. If you’re unfamiliar with either you’ve got some homework. Finding out that they had recordings together was a shock and delight. I jumped at the opportunity to be involved.

These two songs were revived from an old hard drive. They capture a very unique time and place, physically, emotionally and otherwise. Regardless of the context, the songs and performance are downright moving.

Be sure to watch the video for the lead track and then consider picking up a Flexi.

Fetching Pails
“Ruiner”

Another YK artist with just one song released in 2025 but also another YK artist with a stellar offering regardless of the volume. If you haven’t been paying attention, “Ruiner” is actually one of three new singles over the past two years. Make sure you hear “The Witching Hour” and “Shattery” as well!

Prepare yourself for more new music in 2025. Being prepared now!

Matt & The Watt Gives
Matt & The Watt Gives

One theme you’ll see emerge throughout these blurbs is astonishment. I’m astonished that I get to work with all of these artists. I’m astonished by the work that they create.

Matt Pelham’s project Matt & The Watt Gives falls right into that category. I’m dumbfounded that I get to work with an artist that I’ve been a fan of for nearly 30 years but moreso I’m blown away by the work itself. This record is both a fire-y rock record and a vulnerable introspection.

We got some very nice press on this one from the Nashville Scene (even a Best of Nashville!), WNXP, WRLT, Ampwall and many others. Write-ups and coverage are not why we do this but they certainly feel good.

It’s a fantastic record with wonderful artwork, two very fun videos and a live show that can’t be beat.

Talking with Hands
The Coin

Matthew Smith is Talking with Hands – a pseudonym for his solo work that he’s been using since 2013 (with the debut on YK). His work is layered, thoughtful and intentional. I love hearing him talk about his process because he is always actively exploring new sounds and techniques.

Part of that exploration is listening to the feelings that he can not be quiet about happenings in the world around him. Our turbulent political times call for commentary. The Coin is that commentary; a brief and compelling EP exploring frustration and revolution. It’s also pretty damn poppy with a outrageous music video.

Cody Uhler
Gluggle Jug

If you don’t know, Cody Uhler was one half of Kindercastle – a band that made ELO style pop in Nashville and played a large part in YK Records existing in the first place. He’s released several albums under the name Nahnee Bori and many under his own name; all exploring sound techniques and blending of styles. I’m biased but he’s brilliant.

Gluggle Jug is somewhat of an extension of his previous release Darbo’s Island. Where the latter felt like an unreleased SNES soundtrack, Gluggle Jug expands that sonic palette into a layered dance party. It’s a delightful listen; buoyant, gummy and visceral. We said in the press you can “feel it in your jaw and mouth” and I think that’s an absolutely apt way of putting it.

Alex Caress
i’m always here (2005)

What happens when you post a song to the Internet in 2005, someone puts that song on a mix CD with no credit and then tries to find you 15+ years later? That’s the story of Alex Caress and the song “Don’t Get Over Me.”

The Lostwave community spent years looking for him and was actually successful in 2025! That’s the impetus behind putting out this record that Caress made way back when. It’s a wild ride.

Read more about it here on WPLN and then listen to Alex speak in detail about it on this podcast episode. There’s an incredibly uplifting lesson to having your music discovered decades after you made it; it does matter and does reach people. Keep making it.

YK WORLD

Back in January of 2025, I started a podcast! I am using this as a place to talk about new releases, have more in-depth conversations and generally talk about literally whatever seems worth talking about.

I’ll note that I have zero metrics on this thing so I have no idea how many people are listening but despite that, go subscribe. ????

Tower Defense
“Fit for Purpose”

This may be the first time we’ve released a single exclusively to YouTube. It’s a full blown new Tower Defense song AND full blown video but you won’t find it on streaming or download, only YouTube.

This is the first taste of lots more Tower Defense coming our way in 2026. I’ve heard the demos and can confirm you should be excited.

Chris Crofton
I’m Your Man

To most, Chris Crofton is a comedian and satirist. His writings as The Advice King are hysterical and always poignant. While humor is the primary draw, there’s always a significant amount of self-reflection and introspection.

Crofton’s musical endeavors embrace that self-reflection and introspection with just a dash of the comedy. In the liner notes for I’m Your Man, he remarks that for 20-years he’d been battling a prescription induced brain fog. Remedying that balance unlocked a wave of creativity (listen to “Side Effects”) and prolific abundance.

For me, I’m Your Man is a melancholy record. It’s heart heavy at times, it’s wry at others. It’s lovingly sweet and it’s self-critical. Crofton’s delivery is sincere, vulnerable and uniquely his own.

I implore you to watch all three music videos; each their own perfect short film.

sugar sk*-*lls + Coupler
The Great Oxidation Event

This 30-minute EP was inspired by the techniques of Miles Davis and his producer Teo Macero. sugar sk–lls performed an improvised set and then handed it off to Coupler to with the instructions of No Overdubs. Edits and mutations are encouraged but don’t add instrumentation.

The final result is 3 movements of sound that evoke a primordial event. The title of the record is a nod to exactly that – a time when our planet mutated into being oxygenated; destroying nearing everything in its wake.

sugar sk–lls and Coupler always create with great intention. This EP is fascinating in how it came together and the events that it evokes. Watch the video for “Part 1” and really let that concept sink in. Then be sure to listen to both artists speak on the creation and that intention behind it all.

Trash Man
Cool Until It’s Not

The second EP from Alex Mojaverian’s Trash Man is kind of a perfect sophomore offering. His songwriting continues to get stronger – it’s pop/rock but it’s existential pondering. The recordings are stronger – done his hometown buddy Dave Lawson. The two videos are even a step up.

These songs always hit me just right. They’re loud and unbelievably catchy while still capturing real concerns about yourself and the world.

We got some honorable coverage from a lot of outlets, including Bandcamp Daily. Again, getting press is not the goal but it does feel good. Speaking of that, be sure to listen to Alex talk about the record on this YK World episode.

Jessica Breanne
Electric Heart

Right here at the top let me express my delighted fascination with Jessica Breanne’s voice. It has a cadence and a quality to it that no other human has. This may be true for all of our voices but Breanne is able to use it in a way that is heart heavy, melancholy and bursting with boiling strength all at once. If you’ve ever heard any traditional country artist that could sound both broken and defiant, you are in the right ballpark.

Electric Heart is Breanne’s second full-length album under her own name and it serves to expand her sonic palette from her previous (wonderful) debut, Rosebud Queen. Where that record has a more country-induced flavor, Electric Heart weaves together the psychedelic, Southern rock and even a touch of roots.

Through it all, Breanne’s voice carries the songs. Her songwriting is deeply personal and often downright Southern gothic in the stories she shares. The record has three fantastic videos – start there and then immerse into the rest.

Zook
Evaporating

I have been a fan of Zook since I first stumbled on his work back in 2018. Every album, standalone single and experimental EP was a rewarding listen for a variety of reasons.

Evaporating does not sound like what I first heard in 2018 as the project has evolved and changed with each release (as it should). Fortunately, the pleasure and reward remains. This is an album that finds an absolutely perfect blend of power pop, shoegaze, synth explorations and just a hint of the off-kilter experimental. All that while being introspective and catchy.

This is not the last time you’ll hear me sing Zook’s praises. This is a record that I am incapable of turning off once it’s started. I think you’ll feel the same. Watch this video for “Disappear” and you’ll be hooked too.

Once again, THANK YOU to everyone who purchased, favorited, streamed or paid any morsel of attention to the label in 2025. It truly means a lot to everyone involved and there's plenty more on the horizon.

2025 Enjoyed Tracks

posted December 29, 2025 #

In 2025, it's fair to say that my consumption of new music slowed. I heard tons of great new creations largely in part to John Paul Bullock's monthly playlists, spending time in the Ampwall community and continuously scouring Bandcamp for #Nashville things. You'll notice in that short list I do not have "finding a bunch of stuff on Spotify." Over the last trip around the sun I have really felt the urge to pull away from that platform and that results in fewer songs being beamed to me from their algorithm. I'm not sad about it.

However, I said things slowed not ceased. I do have a playlist of enjoyed tracks from 2025 that I curated throughout the year. It's not exclusively new releases, it's simply some songs I heard in 2025 and liked. Here it is:

In the spirit of JPB's playlists, here's the same content but available on YouTube Music.

A better representation of the music I primarily consume would actually stem from Ampwall or Bandcamp. Looking at my profile on Bandcamp, it looks like I picked up about 280 releases in 2025! That's a lot of music potentially not represented on Spotify. I'd love to make a playlist of my favorites but playlisting on Bandcamp is a terrible experience (mobile only, no thank you). Ampwall has a much better experience but the music isn't there (yet). So, to solve my problem - please tell all your friends to sign up for Ampwall or tell Bandcamp to get it together and add web functionality. Thank you in advance.

That's a lot of rambling just to say - here's some music I enjoyed this year! Put it on shuffle and see if anything piques you interest.

2025 Tab Closure Time

posted December 23, 2025 #

I'm sure I'm not alone in this but my browser has about a hundred tabs open at all times. Generally these are items that I want to read later or, most likely, albums I want to spend more time with and ideally write something about. Well, the time has come! Let's close out those tabs. This isn't my ideal format to do this but better to do something than to do nothing.

This is a smattering of music that's come my way in 2025 that I feel is worthy of a nod. I hope you'll hit play on some of this and let them find their way into your ears.

Hyloxolos - Hyloxolos
I am a big fan of the label Dead Currencies. Everything they release is varied & interesting. They also manage to put together a short run of vinyl for all of the releases that feel hand crafted. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is but each always feel special.

Hyloxolos is a bit of a supergroup that is comprised of Dave Harrington (Darkside), Peter Matthew Bauer (The Walkmen), Dylan Carlson (Earth), Dylan Fujioka (Meatbodies) and Otis Bauer (Trench). If nothing else, having a member of The Walkmen involved in a new project should be enough to hit play. Hyloxolos is a big, sweeping, immersive experience. It's part soundscape, part giant guitar riff and 100% best listened to at maximum volumes. Tracks average 6-7 minutes in length, taking their time to unfold and draw you in to a cosmic wall of sound.

Brandy McMaxwell - You Gotta Start Somewhere, Am I Right Ladies?
I know zilch about Brandy McMaxwell. I stumbled on this release while looking for new music to add to my Halloween mixtape. The opening track, "Evil (The Song)," is a great inclusion for such a mix but the rest of the record is an incredibly enjoyable peek into a musical brain with a lot of different ideas being worked out at once. "Hands Are for Holding" has a haunting and funky style to it. "I Think You're Weird" is like listening in on the Addams Family playing around on a four track. "Lonely in Nashville" is a bass riff heavy pop lament. It's eclectic but not erratic. McMaxwell has a load of great ideas and every one of them cuts through.

There's not been anything released from this particular Bandcamp account since 2024. This album in particular is from 2022. There's no streaming presence, website or Instagram I can find. It's a gem and I'm delighted I was lucky enough to find it. I hope there's more in the future.

Vexagon - Love is Surrender
This red drenched cover art caught my eye when exploring Ampwall and the one line description fully hooked me - "Based on the world of Twin Peaks." Such a conceit could go a number of different ways but Vexagon does not simply ape the styles of Angelo Badalamenti, they channel melancholy and eerieness of Lynch's world excellently. Love is Surrender stands on its own as an immersive collection of heavy synths, drum machines and gothic styles but listening to it with the knowledge that Twin Peaks was a kernel of its creation adds another layer of appreciation. It's not music you'd hear at the Bang Bang Bar nor is it music that is directly referencing characters or plot, it is a spiritual companion. The way it should be.

The Mommyheads - The Mommyheads (1997)
I randomly stumbled upon the recent releases of New York power pop band The Mommyheads and was surprised to discover that they'd been at it since the late 80s. Their self-titled major label debut occurred in 1997 with production from Don Was and some light Jon Brion involvement; not too shabby if you ask me! Not quite as sugar-y as Jellyfish but certainly in the same realm.

Zook, Absolute Misery

posted October 27, 2025 #

Really happy to share that over at yk records we just recently released "Absolute Misery," the first new single from Zook's forthcoming album Evaporating. The song is a blend of psychedelic, power pop, shoegaze and indie rock style all swirled together in a wonderful 4 minutes. Frankly, the entire record fits that mold and I can't wait for folks to hear it. I made this visualizer for the track but just hit play and let it play during whatever you're doing.

The record is out on Nov 7th and will be available on canary yellow vinyl and black shell cassette. The band will be playing a release show that same night here in Nashville (at Soft Junk).

Give it a whirl! It's on Bandcamp, Ampwall, Spotify, etc. Enjoy!

Trash Man, Cool Until It's Not Arrive

posted October 10, 2025 #

I mentioned this quite recently but Trash Man (Alex Mojaverian) has a new EP out today called Cool Until It's Not. It's a big riff blast of rock seeped in existential ponderings.

You can find it on Bandcamp, Ampwall, Spotify, Apple Music, et al. It's also available on blue cassette! We did not make a ton of these, so if you want one - snag one!

Trash Man is also playing a release show here in Nashville on Oct 15th at Vinyl Tap. It's gonna be good and it's totally free!

Enjoy!

Over The Bayou

posted August 22, 2025 #

Last week, yk Records released the newest single from Jessica Breanne entitled "Over the Bayou." The accompanying video was shot in Caddo Lake and Uncertain, TX - a real place.

Breanne's voice is soulful and a bit rootsy, quite a contrast from a 30-minute experimental electronic, high concept sugar sk*-*lls EP but I see that as a good thing! YK Records maybe suffers from not having one aural identity but I'm happy to be involved with good music, in all forms. I hope you enjoy.

Sone 2025

posted July 22, 2025 #

Back in 2023, I mentioned some Bandcamp alternatives I was researching after BC was acquired by Songtradr (and laid off loads of the staff, least we forget). Two of the three platforms in that post have gone from early beta to open access and continue to grow - namely Ampwall and nina. The third, Sone, was always a bit of a mystery to me.

Recently, they relaunched their Sone website and have provided a little clarity. I think. According to the site, Sone is both a physical space - a venue, a print studio, and meetup spot - and a community publishing website. I take this to mean they make the software for tone (more on that in a moment), as well as host a place online discussion and highlight people using their software.

Tone is an "open source, artist & listener owned music listening service." It is very much still in development but seems to be like an Ampwall or Bandcamp but with a focus on supporting artists through streaming. An idea that many independent thinkers (myself included) believe is the obvious way forward. I often cite this as the User Centric Payment System aka Fan Powered Royalties. Two ideas that Deezer and Soundcloud have floated in the past but I've no idea how successful they were (I am guessing, not very).

Very long story short - Sone updated their site. It's a glimpse into what they've got planned. Tone seems a little further off but I am still in the Discord for both of these and they are still very much active. A labor of love to this scale takes a long time. I think they're closer than ever now.

Ampwall: Building Community With Chris Grigg

posted July 15, 2025 #

I've been a fervent fan of Bandcamp since 2008. When it sold to Epic in 2022, I was surprised and a bit worried. A year later, when it was sold to Songtradr and a large chunk of the staff was let go, I was quite convinced the end was nigh.

Around the time of that Bandcamp sale, Chris Grigg felt similarly nervous. But instead of hand wringing, he realized there was no other place to go beyond Bandcamp and got to work. Over the ensuing years, Ampwall emerged - a platform for folks to add their creations and sell them to a fanbase. At least, as a core mechanic.

I am fascinated by Ampwall because it is consciously trying to become another platform but striving to be a better platform. Not everything in their system is designed to drive a user to a sale; there are many tools that exist simply to help a creative person do the things they need to do. I'm straying from the word "musician" because Ampwall has tools in place for visual artists to create a place for themselves; something I don't think Bandcamp would ever consider.

So, I asked Grigg if I could talk to him about the history of the platform, the principles that are guiding it and where things are headed. He obliged and we had a very nice chat. It's in the embed above or Apple Podcasts or Spotify, etc etc.

My interest in Ampwall does not mean that I am now somehow anti Bandcamp. I am a big believer in both platforms. I'm happy that Bandcamp has not shriveled up or starting embracing tactics that are not in favor of the independent musician; as many of us feared when it was acquired by SongTradr. I am glad there are more places to go and I'm excited to see them both grow!

I also am aware that there are plenty of other alternative platforms but that's a topic for another post. For now, give Ampwall a look and listen to Grigg explain what they're doing over there.

New YK Music, May 2025

posted May 23, 2025 #

The first part of 2025 was a little quiet on the yk Records front but it's starting to warm up a bit. Hopefully you've already been listening to the phiz release that was previously mentioned. Now, dive into these!

Matt & The Watt Gives - "'Til You"
If you are not familiar, Matt & The Watt Gives is the new solo project from Matt Pelham of The Features - truly one of my favorite bands from the mid-90s through the mid-2000s! This is the third (and final) single before the full album is announced and maybe my favorite of all three. This single is, intentionally, a different vibe from the previous two. It's a bit melancholy but, for me, it's also unbelievably sweet and loving.

It's on Bandcamp, Ampwall, all the streaming services and even my own YK shop. Spend some time with it!

Fetching Pails - "Ruiner"
With her first album, Jill Townsend's Fetching Pails was created in a silo - written and recorded solo. In 2024, she started on new music and paired up with Dillon Smith and Andrew Core; two likeminded musicians to help collaborate on new music. "Ruiner" is the third single from the new trio setup and it's a rather epic offering! It's a slow burn but it really unfurls into a giant wall of sound.. a cathartic listen and lots of very interesting movements throughout the track.

It's also on Bandcamp, Ampwall, streaming and in the YK Shop. It's all there! Hope you enjoy.

Bandcamp Playlists, 2025

posted May 22, 2025 #

When Bandcamp was sold to Epic, people were worried. A year later when Bandcamp was sold to Songtradr, people were downright nervous. Rightfully so, I would add. Since that second acquisition in 2023, Bandcamp has been stable and even continues to embrace Bandcamp Friday, albeit a little less frequently. But what of the other features? As a tech company, there is a constant need to be announcing new stuff and in Bandcamp's case, a dash of good news would go a long way to quell the concerns around the ownership.

They very recently announced Bandcamp Playlists - a native way to showcase your favorite songs from a variety of artists. The staff powered sample playlists are great. The feature is smart about how it places limits on the user if you don't own the music - you can't add a song to a playlist unless you own it and you can't listen to a song you don't own more than 3 times. This encourages purchasing music, not an easy task in 2025! All and all, great to see them adding some functionality that encourages discovery and some (potential) social presence through playlist sharing.

The thing about the new feature that sorta bugs me is that they already announced it in 2023 - slightly after the Epic purchase but before the Songtradr acquisition. When it launched, you couldn't add songs to a playlist from the web, only the mobile app. This is still true. The only thing that seems to have changed since the initial launch is that there is a web component for listening to playlists. That's great but still a bit underwhelming given the progress of the feature over the last few years.

To be fair, Bandcamp was acquired by Songtradr after the initial feature was announced and many people were laid off. Progress is going to be slower.

This is a lot of text just to say "Hey, Bandcamp moved this feature from the app to the web - sort of" but I'm a big fan of Bandcamp. I want them to survive. I'm critical because I'm rooting for them. I am also rooting for others in the same space because I think it's one of the only paths for an artist to be financial supported in this modern era. Let's hope it all works out!

phiz - i lost my fkn mind video

posted May 16, 2025 #

As I mentioned previously, yk Records released a new two song single from phiz, a collaborative project between Tristen and Cortney Tidwell. Now there's an official video for the first track, "i lost my fkn mind." There's a lot of themes of romance, love and sex in here - so maybe don't watch it while at Starbucks. Or do! Could be a refreshing zing for yourself and those around you.

I can't stop listening to these two songs and am particularly proud of the Flexi we made for them. If you're not into plastic 7"'s, you can stream the songs or snatch them on Bandcamp or Ampwall.

Introducing phiz

posted May 9, 2025 #

A few months ago, Tristen reached out to me and asked if I'd be interested in releasing some collaborative recordings she'd done with Cortney Tidwell years and years ago. Obviously, I jumped at the opportunity. Both Tristen and Cortney have stayed in my regular rotation for the last.. decade plus! So learning that they had performed together was a surprise and a delight.

Today yk records released two songs from phiz, the aforementioned collaboration. "i lost my fkn mind" and "If I Had Known" are very distinctly different songs but they both equally compelling in their presentation and simplicity. And of course the vocal play between the two is wonderful.

For the unique collab, I thought it might be interesting to make a unique physical manifestation of the songs. So, we put together a package for a Flexi 7". If you're not familiar, the Flexi is much like a traditional vinyl 7" but it's etched into thin plastic. Historically, a Flexi might not sound that great but technology has come a long way since the 1980s and I can honestly say this sounds great.

The photos were shot by Miles Price. The sleeves were printed by Risology Club. I'm always overjoyed to get to collaborate with people I enjoy so much and this was a great example of that.

The songs are on Bandcamp and Ampwall. They're streaming everywhere – Apple Music, Spotify, etc. The Flexi is in the YK Shop. Wherever you like to get your music, it’s there. Please enjoy.

Matt and The Watt Gives, The Shade

posted May 2, 2025 #

Running a little indie label means having to figure out inventive solutions with small budgets. Case in point, Matt & The Watt Gives released a new single last week and wanted to make a video without spending a lot. Matt has a zero point turn lawn mower, a GoPro and a family happy to play around in the yard. Swirl all that together and you got yourself a music video!

Matt sent the footage over to me and I chopped it into this sun soaked concoction. It's not redefining the genre of music videos but, in my biased opinion, it's engaging and enjoyable enough to stick with it for 3 minutes! My favorite part happens around 1:40 - at least stick around for that.

The track is available on Bandcamp, Ampwall, my YK Shop and streaming.

Talking With Hands, Unprofessional Artist

posted April 2, 2025 #

Over the last few months I've been slowly chipping away at a music video for the Talking with Hands song, "Unprofessional Artist." It's the first song I heard from his album Organic Machine and it's a song that consistently speaks to me. It's an atmospheric piece musing about the creative process, finding connection and the haunting thoughts that invade our minds. It's also got a killer robo-bridge to it.

The video is out today. I jokingly told people this was my magnum opus - but I'll be vulnerable and admit that it actually is! This was a ton of work and I'm very proud of the end result. I took a lifetime of influences of computer art, videogames, ANSI art, glitch and AI and was able to swirl it all together into something that I think is rather compelling. I don't toot my horn on most projects but this one feels toot worthy.

The album this track is part of is on Bandcamp, on Ampwall and streaming too. I think it's a great album and this song is the midway point, worthy of a little pause and contemplation.

Hope you enjoy it! And, if so, show it to a friend.

Cranked To 11: An Ampwall Community Mixtape

posted March 5, 2025 #

Two quick noteworthy items from the Ampwall team. First, this compilation entitled Cranked To 11: An Ampwall Community Mixtape is an enjoyable introduction to a diverse and growing group of musicians. There may be some misconceptions that the platform is primarily metal and metal-esque music but this comp showcases plenty outside of those genres.

Secondly, they launched a persistent music player. Traversing between pages without music playback being interrupted is a huge feature add. That's just one of several new features launched in the last month. I'm really loving the transparency and the speed of the ampwall platform.

If you aren't signed up to Ampwall's mailing list or following on Bluesky, you really should.

General Trust - Apologia

posted January 29, 2025 #

Last October, General Trust released GT1 – a compilation of all of the music he had released up to that point, along with a cassette only bonus track and a fantastic performance video for “If I Could Change Your Mind.” All good stuff. That release actually closed out the first "era" of General Trust, now begins the second era.

Breaking the seal on 2025, General Trust unveils “Apologia” – a brand new single available on Bandcamp and Ampwall this week (and YouTube, Nina, Artcore, Mirlo and Soundcloud). The track will hit traditional streaming early next week.

The track continues General Trust’s evolution and expansion through dark, foreboding compositions driven by synth and pop sensibilities. Only time will tell how this new era folds but it’s starting off with a gripping offering.