Cameron Bethany-YOUGETONMYNERVES

Cameron Bethany’s upcoming album YOUGETONMYNERVES isn’t out yet, but the lucky few who heard his recent preview performances at the Green Room and at the MOSH planetarium know it is going to be something special. Bethany has long been celebrated for his blend of soulful vulnerability, experimental R&B, and meticulously crafted soundscapes, and this long wait for a follow-up has only heightened the anticipation. The new material he shared feels both more intimate and more daring, showing an artist who has grown in the years since his 2017 debut YOUMAKEMENERVOUS. If these early glimpses are any indication, YOUGETONMYNERVES promises to be a rich and immersive next chapter from one of Memphis’s most distinctive voices, fully worth the patience it took to get here.

Dead Soldiers-CivilWarLand

Although commercial country radio is still sadly in the grasps of dude bros and even chart-topping AI “artists” gag, there has been a real and welcomed resurgence of the type of country and Americana that speaks truth to power and that isn’t afraid of breaking some rules. Memphis’ own Dead Soldiers is one such group, and they’ve never been better or more insightful than on their urgent new album CivilWarLand. It’s a powerful commentary on how old wounds still shape today’s world and a must-listen for fans of thoughtful, character-driven Americana.

HEELS-We Look Happy Here

HEELS, the local punk band with a blue collar folksy side, is back with both a new album and a new member. For their newest full-length We Look Happy Here, founding members Josh McLane and Brennan Whalen welcomed bassist Buddy Forbess to the party, resulting in a more robust and full sound. The album’s title, which I initially took as a dark joke (the group’s previous album was Pop Songs for a Dying Planet, for some context), seems to be sincere, as the project is filled with moments of sincere warmth. Fans of the group’s previous efforts need not fret, though–there is still plenty of introspective gloom here, if that’s your thing.

Optic Sink-Lucky Number

Lucky Number, the third album by the excellent synth-punk trio Optic Sink, was released on Halloween, an exceptionally fitting drop date for an album that is equal parts gloom and party. You know the video from the original Addams Family series when Wednesday absolutely kills it on the dance floor? Yeah, it kinda sounds like that. In all seriousness though, the group has never sounded better, allowing their minimalistic grooves to build and morph into something cosmic. Pro tip: If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the band’s hypnotic live show as soon as you can.

Joe Restivo-A Beautiful Friendship

Joe Restivo, a Memphis-born guitarist steeped in the city’s rich jazz and soul legacy, pours his deep love of mid-century swing into his stunning new album A Beautiful Friendship. Recorded at the iconic Sam Phillips Recording Studio, Restivo channels a bygone era of great Memphis jazz, reuniting organist Charlie Wood and drummer Renardo Ward to evoke the warm, intimate grooves of ’50s-’60s Beale Street. Across seven beautifully crafted tracks, his lyrical guitar lines and tight ensemble create a vibrant celebration of timeless friendship and sound.

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Qemist – “Make U Please U”

Michael Ivy, aka Qemist, has long stood as one of Memphis’s premier voices in EDM and house music, consistently delivering flawless vibes to the city’s clubs. His latest project, THE NEW JUKE TAPE, drops October 10th, led by the first single “Make U Please U.” Clocking in at a rapid 160 BPM, it’s the perfect high-energy track to carry you through the early weeks of fall.

Kennedy Ray – “One Night in Paradise”

Stax Music Academy alumna Kennedy Ray, one of the latest breakout talents from the legendary school, returns with her new single “One Night in Paradise.” Recently featured in FEMI Magazine, Ray now calls Los Angeles home, but her soulful sound remains deeply rooted in Memphis. She’s an artist whose rise is impossible to ignore.

R.U.D.Y. – “Hold On”

Local rapper R.U.D.Y. dropped one of the city’s most exciting hip-hop projects this year with his album Proof of Life. While the entire project deserves attention, the hard-hitting track “Hold On” has been on repeat, showcasing the chest-thumping energy and lyricism that have made R.U.D.Y. a longtime favorite in Memphis hip-hop circles.

Talibah Safiya – “The Message”

When we saw that Talibah Safiya had teamed up with South Memphis Jeff and Ari Morris, a standout track was inevitable. “The Message” delivers sensual, exotic, and liberating vibes that quickly make it a contender for one of the year’s best local singles. It’s a perfect showcase of Mrs. Safiya’s artistry and creative vision.

Cameron Bethany – “TBU”

Just ahead of his performance at MOSH’s Laser Live Concert Series on October 11th, R&B talent Cameron Bethany drops his new single “TBU” (Thinking Bout U) from his upcoming album YOUGETONMYNERVES. Featuring his signature smooth vocals over an airy, emotive production co-created with CmaJor, the track leaves us eagerly anticipating the full album.

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