Sound On
WBUR's ongoing series highlights rising local musicians.
Introducing Padma, WBUR’s favorite local Tiny Desk Contest entry
The Southborough singer-songwriter wowed judges with the wry relatability of her song "Good Sign."
In kaleidoscopic R&B, Melo Green reinvents himself
The Providence musician Chris Kazarian releases "Laminar Flow," his debut album as Melo Green. Its songs are raw and personal, rife with musical references close to Kazarian’s heart.
Meet Glasshouse, our favorite local entry to NPR's Tiny Desk Contest
The Lawrence hip-hop trio won over our judges with a charismatic performance of their song "Slum Village."
Trash Rabbit's daredevil punk rock channels grief, joy and jazz
Tragedy bonded the members of Trash Rabbit and fueled their furious, complex rock 'n' roll. Now the band is a favorite in the Boston basement rock scene with a new...
Cloudbelly returns with intimate songs and a maximalist sound
Lead singer Corey Laitman reckons with the demise of past relationships on the Western Massachusetts band's new album, "i know i know i know."
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These Massachusetts musicians are killing it in the local scene
A spotlight on rising local musicians, from folk experimentalist Anjimile to Brockton’s rap rabble-rousers Van Buren Records and indie rock poet Squirrel Flower. Read more about the musicians defining Massachusetts’...
Boston rapper Pink Navel makes a case for playing games
Devin Bailey, who performs as Pink Navel, crafted an homage to their love of video games on the recent album "How to Capture Play." It's also about the value of...
Rapper kei embodies freedom through rage and hip-hop
The Dorchester artist is making a name for herself with her unique aggressive sound, pushing against expectations. "As a young Black woman, there's this stigma behind what a woman in...
Singer Ali McGuirk blends the serious and playful to create her signature sound
The New England musician pulls inspiration from '90s pop divas, classic rockers and jazz legends. And on her latest album, "Til It's Gone," she doesn't shy away from complicated issues.
Berklee's buzziest band puts a fresh spin on pop convention
On its debut album, "Girls at Parties," Little Fuss brings to life complex female characters in songs designed to fill a stadium.
South Shore singer Lee Zangari is our local Tiny Desk favorite
The artist won over our panel with a mesmerizing performance of "A Man Is A Man" played on the mountain dulcimer.
Dorchester musician Eph See channels teen angst into buoyant pop
Their 2021 debut EP, "g*rlhood," captures the romance of adolescence from the perspective of someone (slightly) older and (regretfully) wiser.
Bubblegrunge band Mint Green refreshes heartache anthems
The Somerville band, named for the lead singer's favorite color, debuted their first full-length LP earlier this month. Their music brings a mix of emotions — light and airy, but...
Singer Miranda Rae is intent on emerging from her cocoon
The neo-soul artist is coming into her own. “I think sometimes I play it a little safe with my lyrics. But on my next project, I really just want to...
Raging at the patriarchy, Lady Pills forges a new musical path
After a breakup and the near-dissolution of her band, Ella Boissonnault decided to make Lady Pills' third album on her own terms.
Local Tiny Desk favorite HEESU takes her cues from K-pop and soul
Growing up in Seoul, HEESU (the stage name of Heesu Yu) loved to belt K-pop at the city’s nuraebangs (karaoke rooms). She brought that same infectious energy to her Tiny...
Future Teens Make Sadness Sound Like Fun
The Boston-based emo band has its heart in pop music and wears its sadness on its sleeve.
Brockton Rap Collective Van Buren Records Is Making A Name For Itself And Its City
Van Buren is charting new terrain for a city which must also adapt to the tides of development. They’re the rap game’s best kept secret, but like most good things,...
Indie Jazz Band Really From Is Reframing Its Origin Story
Really From’s upcoming self-titled album doubles as a freshly focused declaration of the artistic direction the band has honed over the past seven years, unpacking the complexities of identity and...
Hip-Hop Broke $ean Wire's Heart, And Healed It
The Boston rapper is an artist at once tormented by and in love with the act of self-expression. “Music was always the medicine to what I was feeling," Wire says....