Vermont’s music scene is buzzing with new releases, and I can’t help but wish they had dropped closer to Valentine’s Day for some catchy “singles” puns. But alas, here we are, punless yet brimming with excitement.
Leading the charge are two fresh singles from Burlington’s Lily Seabird. With tracks like “How far away” and “It was like you were coming to wake us back up,” Seabird offers a stripped-down sound, a departure from her indie-rock roots. The haunting vocals in “It was like you were coming to wake us back up” recount a personal experience of seeing a deceased loved one outside her window. Seabird shared that both songs are intertwined by a common thread, adding depth to her upcoming album Trash Mountain, set to release on April 4.
On another note, Ian Steinberg out of Burlington teases his upcoming album, The Bleeding Days, with a new single and video scheduled for March 7. Following his dreamy track “Onions,” Steinberg delves deeper into psych-folk with “Wake Me Up,” exploring themes of loss and isolation. The album, due out on April 4, promises a melancholic yet enchanting narrative.
Meanwhile, the collaborative efforts of Portland’s Claud Six and Hardwick’s Wool See give rise to the Greenlit Series. This duo dives into hip-hop territory, addressing modern-day dilemmas from microplastics to surveillance. Their latest installment, “Episode 04: Always Accessible,” paints a vivid picture of battling information overload and corporate pressures through Claud Six’s lyrical prowess.
As music enthusiasts gear up for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, Vermont musicians are making their mark with a multitude of entries. Artists like folk rocker Devon McGarry, bluegrass sensation the Wormdogs, indie-pop group Fawn, and many more are vying for a chance to perform at NPR’s Tiny Desk concert, receive mentorship, and embark on a tour with NPR Music. The Green Mountain State is well represented in this year’s competition, showcasing a diverse range of talent and creativity.
Eye on the Scene
Photographer Luke Awtry captures the essence of live music with his highlights from last week’s performances:
“Story Tellers,” held at Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington on February 27, brought together local DJs Craig Mitchell and Kyle “Fattie B” Thompson for an intimate, unplugged event reminiscent of MTV’s “Unplugged” series. The venue was transformed into a cozy setting, featuring Vermont musicians and benefiting Spectrum Youth & Family Services. From tears to laughter, the event was a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving the audience craving a late-night encore.
As the local music scene continues to flourish, Vermont remains a hub of creativity and talent, with artists like Lily Seabird, Ian Steinberg, and the Greenlit Series pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with their unique sounds and narratives. Stay tuned for more musical delights from the Green Mountain State.
