By Josh McCann

The Alt Monthly edition for April is here! For this month, I decided to spotlight new music. These debuts stood out to me over the past month, courtesy of Advanced Placement. Let’s hope they get some rotation on Alt Nation!

Before I get to the debuts, I’d like to mention all of the cool interviews lately on Alt Nation. Tatiana did a fantastic job interviewing Djo. And Madison’s interview with Bleachers was really great. Regan had a very cool session with Royal Otis. It’s awesome to hear the live sessions, which always includes covers (a Sirius XM specialty). You can find it on the Alt Nation app. Okay, let’s get to the new songs.

Chappell “Good Luck, Babe!”

This track has an 80’s vibe with a fun dance beat. Really crisp vocals, reminds me of Last Dinner Party. Falsetto chorus too. Throw in some HAIM influence as well. The lyrics talk about going to bars. I don’t go out to bars that much anymore. But this song is great!

Wunderhorse “Midas”

This is one of those songs that you want to crank up from the start. The guitars sound really good. Complete with an interesting vocal delivery. It’s a a quick song. I keep playing it over and over!

Been Stellar “Sweet”

It’s always refreshing to hear a new rock band. This song gets me excited for their new album “Scream from New York, NY.” It’s the first time I’ve ever heard them. Yes, the name is pretty funny. I’m thinking this will get more plays.

Jessie Joe Stark “Skeleton”

Okay, this song caught my attention. The eerie acoustic strums and vocals add to the buildup. “My skeleton is freaking me out again,” Jessie sings. It played on my phone while I sat on my couch. The dreary afternoon. The distorted guitars. Felt like I was in a 90’s video. There was nowhere else I’d rather be.

Peter McPoland “Speed of the Sound (of you)”

The opening guitar intro kicks in for a feel good vibe. It’s a love song. A chorus with a cool guitar riff which emphasizes the melody. On a side note, I just watched The Notebook for the first time. I’m a mess. This song has sentimentality but wouldn’t fit the 1940 time period. Maybe it could be in a new A24 rom-com.

Almost Monday “is it too late?”

This starts out with a rush of guitars! You know it’ll be good. I’ll be playing this during the summer. Turn it up! They are so consistent with making songs that will put you in a good mood. “Sun is shining” is a prime example. I’m hoping this song catches on.

Little Hurt “Not That Deep”

I had no idea the lead singer was Colin Dieden of the Mowglis?! And I liked “Alaska.” Quick story: I remember seeing the Mowglis live. During the show, my friends and I jumped up and down and sang every word. Anyway, here’s to new memories with this song!

Pearl Jam “Wreckage”

This song makes me want to see them live. The outro is amazing. I’ve actually seen them before, when they opened for The Rolling Stones at PNC Park in 2005. This song gets so good. Wow, they are still going strong.

Alt 18

Let the battle for the top spot begin! April featured Tatiana hosting the countdown for a couple weeks while Madison was on vacation. I’m glad Joywave has been on it with “Scared.” Twenty One Pilots were number one with “Overcompensate” for a few weeks in a row, dating back to the end of March. But Glass Animals “Creatures in Heaven” took over the top spot! It’s going to be a summer of glass! Is that a thing? Love Fame Tragedy has been in the top 10 all month. Nothing But Thieves have been doing great as well. St Vincent’s “Broken Man” hit number 8. It’s climbing! Good Neighbors “Home” has been steady! Good for them!

Music video of the month

Girl in Red “I’m back”

The video for the opening track off her new album “I’m Doing It Again Baby” features her walking though a huge field. It’s calming and makes me think of summer. Yes, it’s almost here! She eats a flower, lays down, and in what made me literally lol, she sees a cloud that forms the words “ur trash.” We see her riding in a car, Perks of being a Wallflower style. Anyway, it seems like she’s saying that she is forgetting negative energy. Her head is in a beautiful lush green landscape while she rides trough the tunnel. Cool!