New music from artists and labels affiliated with Washtenaw County – Pulp
In this edition of The Radar, we spotlight some new music by artists and labels associated with Washtenaw County. Our musical journey this week includes Miles Okazaki, Cool and Normal!, Jonathan Killstring, Raw Honey, The Other Steve Horne, Jacob Sigman and Jade Nicole, and Katie Greene.
Starting off our list is Miles Okazaki, an experimental jazz guitarist hailing from New York City but with roots in Ann Arbor. Known for his unique and explorative style, Okazaki recently released “Boomtown,” his ninth album featuring original works. The album, inspired by a drive through Wyoming, showcases his intricate compositions and detailed arrangements, reflecting his belief in the innate creativity of humans and the potential for inspiration to be found everywhere.
Next up is folk pop duo Cool and Normal!, consisting of Enzo Lorenzetti and Naya Loftus, both graduates of Skyline High School in Ann Arbor. Their latest single, “Fancy Car” b/w “In the Back,” continues their trend of lo-fi recordings but with a more focused and quirky acoustic-pop sound. Their debut album, “Play It By Ear,” showcased a range of musical styles, and these two new tracks demonstrate their evolution as artists.
Jonathan Killstring, an electronic music composer based in Ypsilanti, presents “Among These Stars,” a collection of instrumental tracks that evoke imagery of video game soundtracks. His single “Drachenbaum” is a cinematic piece that transports listeners to a fantasy realm reminiscent of epic sagas like Game of Thrones. Killstring’s music is atmospheric, driving, and rich in imagery, making him a standout in the electronic music scene.
Raw Honey, led by Maggie Hopp, delivers “The Key,” a poignant folk-rock single that delves into themes of family dynamics and personal growth. With contributions from Jonathan Edwards, Fred Thomas, and Juliano Bitonti, the song showcases Hopp’s introspective songwriting and emotive vocals. While an EP may be in the works, “The Key” stands strong as a standout track that captures the essence of Raw Honey’s sound.
The Other Steve Horne takes listeners on a sonic journey with “Moog Memories 2023-2026,” a compilation of live, improvised pieces created using Moog semi-modular hardware. As a sound designer and field recordist based in Ann Arbor, Horne’s music spans ambient textures and beat-driven compositions, offering a unique blend of synth-tronica that captivates and transports audiences.
Finally, Jacob Sigman and Jade Nicole, along with Katie Greene, round out our radar with their latest releases, showcasing the diverse and vibrant music scene in Washtenaw County. From experimental jazz to folk pop and electronic soundtracks, these artists and labels continue to push boundaries and explore new horizons in music. Be sure to check out their latest offerings and support local music talent.