Above image via Facebook:Alt Nation

By Josh McCann

We’re in bonfire season—grab the marshmallows! This month’s edition is fire (sorry I had to). But seriously, it’s a good one: surprise number one, song of the year debate, breakthrough act of the month, and more!

New Songs

Lauren Mayberry “Something in the Air”

Royal Otis “If Our Love is Dead”

U2 “Picture of You”

Circa Waves “We Made It”

Chloe Slater “Tiny Screens”

Small Pools “Amelia”

Phantogram “Come Alive”

Cardinals “Get It”

Phoneboy “I look alive”

Backfires “Replace It All”

Cold War Kids “Meditations”

Momma “Ohio All The Time”

Alt-18

The Alt-18 countdown has been interesting lately. It feels like the top spot is up for grabs each week! In a shocking turn of events, Bastille’s “Blue Sky & The Painter” jumped 15 spots in one week, reaching number one! This past month also saw Hozier take the number one spot with “Nobody’s Soldier.” We also had Glass Animals “A Tear in Space” and Beach Weather “High in Low Places” take the coveted number one position. It’s a crazy time! Badflower is holding strong, Coin is keeping steady, and The Dare seems to be getting more popular. Also nice to see Jack White in the top 10. Beabadoobee is doing great, and very cool to see the Killers on the countdown with “Bright Lights.” Maybe they’ll have a new record next year?!?

Fontaines D.C. vs Glass Animals

The other day Madison mentioned the debate of who will be number one for the year end Alt-36 countdown. She said it’ll be Fontaines D.C. “Starburster” or Glass Animals “Creatures in Heaven.” She asked fans to vote on Twitter. I did. I think Glass Animals had an amazing run, but I’m going with Fontaines D.C. I feel like it’s had more staying power. The reason why Glass Animals veered off the countdown was because their new song “Tear in Space” debuted and rose up to number one! Fontaines D.C. was number one at least 6 times, but it also felt like they were in the top 5 for a long time. It’s safe to say Glass Animals will have two songs in the top 5 year end countdown.

Alt Nation Exclusive: Tatiana interviews Bishop Briggs

Alt Nation’s Tatiana interviewed Bishop Briggs for a Sirius XM exclusive! It’s very interesting and funny. They spoke about using the response, “I’m fine,” during therapy and in general. Bishop talked about her new album, Tell My Therapist I’m Fine, which was influenced by “the lessons my sister taught me along the way.” For her upcoming tour, she’s excited to see the crowd reaction each night. She also talked about her dream tour mate. At one point she calls her husband, aka Sir Sly–he answers while at Home Depot! Give it a listen!

Throwback: Neon Trees “Everybody Talks”

I was in my backyard listening to Alt Nation on my phone when this one came on. It sent me back to 2012. I’d hang out with my girlfriend and this song would play. We’d turn it up. We saw them play a club show. A new band called 21 Pilots was the opening act. Insane. As for Neon Trees, what’s amazing about this song is that it was a follow up to their hugely successful debut “Habits.” Their new album “Sink Your Teeth” is out now.

Breakout Band of the Month: Balu Brigada

Balu Brigada’s “So Cold” is so catchy! It has a good beat with a cool guitar riff. The song has been climbing up the Alt-18. It’s great to see a new band getting so much attention from the Alt Nation listeners. Really good jam!

Music Video of the Month: Suki Waterhouse “Supersad”

I feel like Suki is getting really popular. Her album, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin is awesome. I’ll be heading to Cleveland in December to cover her show! The music video for “Supersad” has Suki sitting on her bed feeling depressed. She’s wearing a Marilyn Monroe style white dress, dancing around, telling herself that there’s no point in being super sad. Another thing: you can’t be sad while watching Suki in this video. I was mesmerized. We all know she has the acting chops. She was Karen in Daisy Jones and the Six. Cool video. Amazing song!