Rachel Alm

6 days ago | spectrumculture.com | Rachel Alm

For someone who started out as a DIY artist, Jordan Rakei went unexpectedly big with The Loop (2024). After watching a Bill Withers documentary, the New Zealand-born, UK-based singer-songwriter was inspired, deciding that he didn’t want his fifth album to sound like it was recorded in a bedroom. Recorded at RAK studios with a team of some of the best session musicians, the result was a cinematic record full of lush orchestration and mature songwriting.

1 week ago | spectrumculture.com | Rachel Alm

The burden of expectation on female blues guitarists to play exceptionally well is not insubstantial; it’s the old Ginger Rogers “backwards in heels” principle. Samantha Fish has consistently been an incredible player with great songs (that she has largely written or co-written) since 2009. Her musical virtuosity, while impressive, never seems to overshadow the quality of the songs themselves. Paper Doll is Fish’s eighth studio album, but the first she has ever recorded with her touring band.

2 weeks ago | riffmagazine.com | Rachel Alm

This week on Tuesday Tracks, we’ve got pop from Emily James and Gordi, rock by OSLO and Jawdropped, emo from Arm’s Length and Americana by Caitlin Cannon. Emily James, “Under the Influences” – This soulful song’s got serious Taylor Swift vibes; it’s about when platonic friends catch feelings for each other: “What if we don’t overthink it/ You know it’s already different/ If I get a bit closer/ Put my head on your shoulder,” Emily James sings over piano and a soft, thumping beat like a heartbeat.

4 weeks ago | spectrumculture.com | Rachel Alm

Americana darling Valerie June first met M. Ward when he was producing Mavis Staples’ album Livin’ on a High Note back in 2016. Originally, she was just there to observe Staples recording June’s song “High Note,” but she ended up singing backup for Staples on it as well, impressed by Ward’s respectful way with Staples in the studio. After crossing paths at various music festivals and throwing around the idea of recording together for many years, they finally teamed up for Owls, Omens, and Oracles.

1 month ago | riffmagazine.com | Rachel Alm

Forever is a Feeling is an album made by a woman in love. Lucy Dacus has always brought a disarming honesty to her music, but her fourth album brings a new lightness to her songs. Though they’ve kept it private until now, Dacus recently confirmed that she and boygenius bandmate Julien Baker are in a committed relationship. The warmth of her affection for Baker comes across in many of these songs.