Jillian Jacqueline, courtesy.
This week, we’ve got folky pop from country artist Jillian Jacqueline and Paige O, rock by Hockey Dad and Fime, hard-edged country from Kezia Gill, Japanese folk rock from Mei Ehara and a laidback samba-infused tune by Sabine McCalla.
Jillian Jacqueline, “Cult Classic” – Jillian Jacqueline seems like one of country music’s best-kept secrets. She’s somehow not a household name, yet she was discovered as a child by Kenny Rogers, and she’s sung with Vince Gill and Keith Urban. “Cult Classic” is all about her relationship with her husband, which she says is her “favorite love story.” Her new album, MotherDaughterSisterWife, is out on Oct. 17.
***
Kezia Gill, “Dublin’s Out of Whiskey” – It’s crazy how much great Americana music comes out of the U.K. Kezia Gill is from Nottingham, but her sound is heavy on Nashville. This bluesy country rocker is a kiss-off anthem full of fire. “If I were you, I’d miss me too,” Gill sings. She’s won several Cross Country Nam and British Country Music Association awards. You might have seen her viral video playing “Rock Me” three years ago at the St. Pancras train station with Brendan Kavanagh, aka “Dr K.” Her new album, All on Red is on the way.
Mei Ehara, “Fuukeiga (Cut Out)” – You might know singer-songwriter, artist, designer and filmmaker Mei Ehara from her collab with Faye Webster, “Overslept.” She sings in Japanese, but you’ll still vibe with this mellow song, even if you don’t understand the words. Her style is a mix of folk-rock and ambient textures, with her delicate voice layered over the top. Her new album, All About McGuffin (great album name!), is out on Sept. 12.
***
Fime, “Burning the Candle” – This L.A. rock band is made up of mostly East Bay transplants, and they have an earnest Guided-by-Voices-esque sound. This very relatable tune, about seeing your friends trying to do it all, against impossible odds, is surprisingly catchy. “Man, you just can’t win/ Burning the candle at both ends,” Maxime Garcia and Beto Brakmo sing. Their new album, Just Can’t Win, is out on Sept. 5.
Hockey Dad, “All Hat No Cattle” – The return of Australian band Hockey Dad is welcome news. Childhood best friends Zach Stephenson and Billy Fleming are back with their signature mix of grunge and surf rock. Stephenson said once he heard this saying, “All Hat, No Cattle,” which essentially means someone who’s all talk, he just had to write a song about it. Hockey Dad’s new EP, The Clip, is out Sept. 12.
***
Paige O, “Thaw by June” – Toronto singer-songwriter Paige O combines alt-rock and folk into hauntingly beautiful melodies. “Thaw By June” is about longing for someone you don’t really know and have merely built up in your mind. The song is reminiscent of Mitski and boygenius. It uses summer as a metaphor for emotional warmth and softening, even as the narrator of the song seems to be slightly delusional: “June 31st, heard it’s coming soon,” she sings.
Sabine McCalla, “Sunshine Kisses” – Sabine McCalla was born in New York, but spending time in New Orleans influenced her new record. This sunny tune combines roots rock and Brazilian samba for a laidback, NOLA-infused groove. She collaborated with more than a dozen New Orleans musicians on her new record. McCalla, the sister of Leyla McCalla (Sons of Our Native Daughters, Carolina Chocolate Drops), attributes her musicality to her open-minded parents, Haitian heritage, classical violin training and Motown. Her new album, Don’t Call Me Baby, is out Nov. 7.
***
Rachel’s pick: I couldn’t get over how good the new one by Jillian Jacqueline is. “Cult Classic” is catchy and has a sweet Taylor-Swift-esque sentiment about appreciating your own love story.
Follow Rachel Alm on Twitter at @thouzenfold, on Instagram at @thousandfold, and on Bluesky at @thousandfold.bsky.social.
About The Author
Rachel Alm does HR by day. She holds a degree in English from Arizona State University. She lives in Orange County with her guitar-playing husband, son and three dogs. She loves the L.A. music scene but she hates standing-only shows with three opening bands. Her happy place is the local farmer’s market. She can crush you at music trivia.