"Through Your Eyes", the fourth and final track from Emma Ballantine's Somebody's Story EP, offers a glimpse of the world as seen by 14 year-old James, who has autism. Based on a story submitted by James' mother Nancy, the song credits James as a co-writer and features samples from his own music, created with Baltimore-based producer and beat-boxer Max Bent.

Released ahead of World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April), the track combines elements of James' track "Don't Bore Anyone's Ears" with layered synths and subtle backing vocals to create a powerful and expansive soundscape to conclude the four-track record. Emma adds  "From the moment I read James' story and heard his music, I knew I had to write a song that captured the wonderful way he sees the world. I hope it challenges preconceptions and shows that perhaps people with autism have a clearer appreciation of things and a deeper wisdom than people without. "

The EP, recorded with Brixton-based producer Moseley, was released on March 31st.  Purchase it HERE

Tuffet Bunnies is the alias for Clem Darling's musical whims. Born in Boston, Darling grew up in Albany and played music in the Northeast before moving to Los Angeles to attend film school. After graduating, he moved to Austin and finally returned to Los Angeles because he fell in love with an acrobat and burlesque performer who inspired his debut album of love songs. “Lucky Number" is one of those tunes; it's a charming indie folk love song, that features acoustic guitar, saxophone, and Darling’s soothing, airy vocals. Give a listen to the song below.

RIYL:  Devendra Banhart, Ingrid Michaelson, or Noah and the Whale. 

Due on May 12th, Jake LaBotz's first album in four years, Sunnyside  (produced by Jimmy Sutton) pulls from his incredibly varied life experiences - juvenile delinquent, actor ( including a part in  the classic ‘Ghost World’),  drifter,  apprentice to blues elders growing up in Chicago, self-educated reader, addict,  musician in a gospel church, Buddhist, and songwriter touring a circuit of tattoo parlors nationwide - and synthesizes them in a collection that  recounts his past and present atop undeniable grooves. One of the tracks from the upcoming release, "How I Wish She Was Mine,"  is a fabulously old-school (think 1950's R&B/RockandRoll) tune about desiring your friend's gal (and the length's one may go to get her) that's punctuated by irresistible hand-claps, cowbell, and sweet harmonies that will leave you saying "have mercy."  Give it a listen below. For more information visit HERE.

RIYL: JD McPherson, Pokey LaFarge

​In support of his soon-to-be released album ADIOS  (April 7), Cory Branan launched a new single “I Only Know”, featuring Laura Jane Grace of Against Me! and Dave Hause of The Loved Ones.  

Check out the track below and  pre-order  ADIOS  here:  https://www.bloodshotrecords.com/album/adios

Simplicity is the defining factor of Fanny and the Atta Boys' music. However, this group based out of San Diego, California is also a band who has no issue amalgamating a variety of genres into their music. Their sound is largely centered on American roots, country swing, and depression era jazz, with classic blues styling thrown in for good measure. With driving vocals from Fanny and Natt Wise, the band is known to put on a show that engages the audience with its energy, soul, and sense of humor. At any given Fanny and the Atta Boys show, you are likely to experience a lighthearted, funny, and lively set. 

The band's new album, A Peck of Dirt, was released on March 24th. Stream the album in it's entirety below. And for more information visit: 
​FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/fannyandtheattaboys/
INSTAGRAM:  www.instagram.com/fannyandtheattaboys/
TWITTER:  twitter.com/994_760
BANDCAMP:  www.fannyandtheattaboys.bandcamp.com/releases

The Norman, Oklahoma-bred, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter/pianist Maggie McClure has spent a good amount of her career placing her songs on TV shows such as  Dr. Phil, Cougar Town, The Real World, The Vineyard,  and The Hills,  as well as in feature films like  Cowgirls N’ Angels.  Her smooth, confessional, piano-driven songs empower and inspire listeners with a positive message of hope, love, and faith. 

Maggie’s third and newest album, Time Moves On  --  produced by Justin Glasco, whose work includes Dan Wilson (songwriter of Adele’s hit “Someone Like You”), Gary Jules, and Cary Brothers – chronicles her move from Oklahoma to L.A. and centers on the mental and physical bravery it takes to push yourself in an unknown city and make people pay attention and convince them to be part of your dream. 

 "Coming Home", is a beautiful, nostalgic and uplifting story of returning to a place which is close to your heart. Maggie explains how the song was written in less  than half an hour, whilst visiting Oklahoma after being away for a while. “It was most definitely a scenario of a stream of consciousness writing" Maggie confesses. "Coming Home" fuses  driving drum beats, catchy vocals and melodic guitar rhythms, creating a happy and endearing song that we can all  relate to.  Give the song a listen below.

Mixed this week's list up with some tug at the heart string tunes (Bill Scorzari), some flat out funny/fun ones (CDB, Charlie and the Regrets, Shinyribs) and  some that lie  somewhere in between (The Mavericks). Oh, and yes, there are two  K Phillips  tunes book-ending the list because I flat out love this record and want y'all to listen to it and love it too!