As the calendar flips to September and the air gets a little crisper, we look forward to new and upcoming independent music releases, offering many sonic experiences, no matter what genre you prefer. This month, let’s look at some notable new music drops that have only begun to grace our ears. Whether you're into indie rock & pop, jazz, or hip hop, September 2023 has something special in store for your auditory senses. Let’s begin!
Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((World War)) by Jaimie Branch
It’s hard to talk about this album without first acknowledging just how great a musician and songwriter Jaimie Branch was - she passed away just over a year ago and just a month after I saw her perform as Anteloper at The Press Room in Portsmouth, NH. She was only 39 years old. International Anthem just released her last album. The entire album is brilliant, but the stand-out track, in my opinion, is Borealis Dancing with Jaimie Branch on trumpet, Lester St. Louis on cello, Jason Ajemian on double bass, Daniel Villarreal on congas, and the incredible and omnipresent Chad Taylor on drums. This track gets into a breathtaking and thumping groove and never looks back. Lean back and enjoy.
V by Follakzoid
For those craving a more electronic vibe, "V" by Follakzoid has released a track from the forthcoming album on Sacred Bones Records. Listen to Chilean artist Follakzoid, who offers a captivating blend of 70s krautrock with electronic and modern ethereal trance mixed along the listening journey. It’s mysterious and sometimes feels dark, but the ongoing pulsating sounds and all its layers make for an incredible sound.
Rêverie by Les Imprimes
This new album by Les Imprimés transports me to that sweet late 60s soul sound from Detroit and Cleveland. Big Crown Records, home to jazz and hip hop superstars El Michels Affair, just released this gem of an album by Morten Martens, the man behind the band. Martens hails from Kristiansand, Norway, and created this highly infectious retro soul record. From what I hear, this album has been in the works for a while, but it was worth the wait. This is not a re-issue, but brand new music.
Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You by Bonnie Prince Billy
Will Oldham is back with a new album on Drag City Records. It’s a 12-track backwoods folk album available on vinyl, CD, cassette, and digitally. I love his songwriting; he’s got a great way of describing things, and his delivery is unique. This album brings me back to the days of Palace Brothers, where it was more lo-fi and about the lyrics and not just the production. Oldham is totally worth seeing live. He’s in Portsmouth, NH, at 3S Artspace on Monday, October 2, with Bitchin Bajas. I’ll be there, will you?
With a diverse array of new music available in September 2023, there's something for everyone to savor. Whether you're drawn to the soulful allure of jazz, the alternative soundscapes of indie rock and pop, or the fresh beats of hip hop, these albums are just a sample of the flood of options coming your way this fall. Support these artists and click the purchase links. Immerse yourself in the independent sounds of fall.
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Thanks for reading - JB
RIP to Jaimie.
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