Now Hear This: March 2025

Now Hear This is a monthly A&R column that provides you with exciting new sounds we discovered through the innovative new music platform Groover.

Each month, you can expect a varied bouillabaisse of songs from a vast spectrum of artists from all over the globe, regardless of genre or geography. 

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1. IZO

Sounds like: Erykah-esque neo-soul caught up in the African futurism of the Burna Boy and Tems era.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

I try to make and write music in the same way that I design a collection. Start with the sketchbook (building and layering melodies), test some fabric samples, (harmonies) and construct the final garments (lyrics). I would reference my sound as an Afro Urban Jazz/Neo-Soul ‘soundscape’. I would say that my songs stand alone, but my ‘music’ is experienced when paired with the respective HOUSE OF IZO design attributes.

How did you come up with the name of your act?

It’s an abbreviation of my childhood nickname ‘Izzy O’. I came up with it when I founded my brand in 2019…IZO just hits harder! 

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

“If I put this candle in an all-white gallery, it looks like art, if I put it in a garage it looks like a piece of trash” – Virgil Abloh (R.I.P)

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

I think that music is like fashion, in the sense that it’s cyclical. Its cycles just take longer… I’m loving the oldskl and subtle boom-bap comebacks.

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

Honestly, with AI already infiltrating the industry, who knows.. I’m soo ready though!

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

Free Speech.

2. Maddy Byrd

Sounds like: Thoughtful, powerful folk-rock storytelling from the streets of Brooklyn.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

My approach varies song to song, but my favorite way to write is to pick up my guitar and channel whatever feelings are passing through me at the moment. I’d say my sound leans toward Americana and folk rock, but you can tell I have a lot of pop and country influences too. 

How did you come up with the name of your act?

It’s just my name. I thought about going with something different, but at the end of the day, my music is brutally honest. It just wouldn’t match the vibe to use anything other than my own name. 

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

Brandi Carlile for sure. I love all her stuff but especially her album, ‘In These Silent Days.’ I also am constantly inspired by younger artists like Noah Kahan and Joy Oladokun. They are all so open and honest and bring such emotion to their work. 

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

Women in music are killing it. It’s so exciting to watch, and I love all the fantastic music we’re getting out of it. 

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

People think I’m crazy, but I actually see things going back to more old school recording techniques and sounds. I think people get nostalgic for live musicians and minor imperfections in a record. With AI on the rise, I think more and more people will want to go back to a more human sound after more of the same. 

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

Music is my lifeline. The world can be so overwhelming and scary, especially right now and especially for anyone who is different. Music makes me feel brave in spite of it all and reminds me that being different is beautiful. 

3. INTERCONTINEN7AL

Sounds like: A band who has recorded their music on all seven continents, crafting songs rooted in alt-rock but peppered with influences from all over the globe in a bid for world unity.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

Matt Smith here, founder of INTERCONTINEN7AL. I am proud to say that we are the first rock band in history to record music across all 7 continents, and the group is comprised of over 30 musicians from 15 different countries. The band develops our material virtually, writing and recording song concepts using the application BandLab. Our songs “Manor Hill”, “Puerto Aisen”, “Night Shift”, “The Chamber”, and “Butterflies” from the EP World Over are the only original compositions that include instrumentation recorded on all 7 continents – featuring percussion and/or guitar from research stations in Antarctica. While mainly rooted in rock music (folk/acoustic, alternative, hard rock), due to the diverse nature of the band dynamics, our music spans a multitude of other genres including pop, blues, jazz, Latin, funk, metal, gospel, prog, classical, reggae, bluegrass, bossa nova and even showtunes. 

How did you come up with the name of your act?

The name INTERCONTINEN7AL was inspired by Tool’s song “7empest”, with the 7 reflecting the fact that all of Earth’s continents are represented in the music that is created by the band. 

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

With over 30 musicians contributing to this group since its inception in 2020, it’s impossible to cover all of the major artists that have directly or indirectly guided our development. That being said, some of the most influential musicians and bands that have made a massive impact on our sound include Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Porcupine Tree, Tool, Prince, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd — artists that have showcased an ability to branch out and try different musical approaches and explore alternate avenues. The album Vs. by Pearl Jam is just one example of how a rock band can alternate between hard rock anthems and soft acoustic ballads, while keeping the overall record’s theme intact. 

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

I would say the most exciting thing occurring now is the ability of musicians to quickly create music at home with their own personal “at home” studios and DAW set ups, and also effectively collaborate with other artists all around the world. By utilizing technology in this manner, musicians can break down geographical and cultural barriers to find common ground in musical interests and endeavors. It is absolutely remarkable what one can accomplish these days using a free or low cost application on a laptop or cell phone to make music. 

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

While I referenced above the fantastic opportunities that technology affords artists, I also see the music world heading at a major crossroads in the next few years, with the exponentially increasing impact that artificial intelligence has on generating new music. There will come a time when record labels and streaming services will have to emphasize the importance of championing organic and human-made music, instead of saving money on royalties and promotion by relying on AI “artists” to populate playlists and maximize earnings. Otherwise, the music industry as we know it will cease to exist, and it will become much more difficult to find those true artists that are creating groundbreaking art and striving to move music forward, rather than digitally reiterating and repackaging music that has already come before. 

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

Music will always be there to offer us comfort during times of trouble. As I write this response, I am listening to the legendary Sam Cooke to remind myself of a beloved family member who had just passed away. Music is often times the glue that holds connections together, it strengthens our bonds, and it can quickly transport us back to the simpler, happier moments of our life.

4. Haast Hunter

Sounds like: Kiwi metalcore from “Nu Zealand” with a hint of Flying Nun indie pop dashed in to keep things interesting.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others (answered by frontman James Harper).

Our approach has always been to write what we love and enjoy to play, and if others happen to like it…. Well that’s an added bonus! I think in this day and age authenticity is everything. If we truly don’t love what we do, we will quickly be found out! (and hey, what’s the point? Where im at in my life I don’t have time to be anything less than who I am) We are unapologetically us. We channel this mantra into our song writing.

As far as our own goes, we can’t help but be a hybrid of the music we love and grew up with. From everything rock and roll, to the early 2000’s era of Nu Metal to modern metalcore. If you throw all of those references in a pot and let marinate, sooner or later you will end up with Haast Hunter.

How did you come up with the name of your act?

Well… “Haast” was taken…. I always planned (for years) to name the band after the Haast Eagle (The world’s largest Eagle, now extinct, was native to our home country of New Zealand). “Haast Hunter” just felt right for a name.. The “Hunter” is more hunting the greatness that the Eagle stood for (Rather than literally trying to hunt the thing down).”

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

“Oh where do we start and where do we stop on that one.. As a group we all have some many different favourite bands and influences between us (still a lot of common ones too however). Bands from Queens of the Stone Age, Bring me the Horizon, Deftones, Slipknot, System of a down, Architects, Sleep Token, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Bad Omens, A Perfect Circle.. Those are just the first ones that came to me!

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

“First thing that comes to mind is the mystery around this new band “President” that is going to pop up at this year’s Download Festival. If you have not heard, look into it! Its very exciting.

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

It has to keep evolving otherwise we will all get bored quick. I need to keep pushing and evolving my song writing, lyrics and vocals. I’m two years into this “Frontman/ Singing” journey. Forever learning. I love every moment.

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

I can speak for the rest of the guys in the band on this one. Music is our therapy. I think without it we would all be lost. With everything going on in the world, what keeps me grounded most is knowing my band is there to jam and create when needed. It’s the ultimate catharsis to vent everything that’s going on both on a personal and global level.

5. A Case of Mistaken Identity

Sounds like: A jagged slice of buzzsaw guitar punk from LA that grooves like mid-‘80s Sonic Youth when they sang about Death Valley. 

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others (questions answered by group mastermind Paul Dunne).

I’m always aiming for a sort of sonic disaster that’s approachable, malleable. The wall of sound doesn’t cut it anymore — I’m thinking more like a warped tunnel of sound the listener traverses through. It’s all about electricity. I want the guitars to sound like loose wires sparking together, the bass a grooving power line along the moonlit highway. I want the cascading drums and bellowing vocals to disrupt any stagnation in the listener. 

How did you come up with the name of your act?

I wanted the listener to be convinced that it wasn’t just me, that they were listening to an entire band of individuals. Maybe I had some doubts at the start of whether a solo project would be valid. Either way, the band name was a nod to the misalignment of who was behind the microphone versus the projected image. For half of the first few releases I utilized some studio drummers I had met online and the other half I methodically programmed a drum machine – this new album is the first to be entirely me performing every instrument. Since The Waterbed Factory is a concept album about a punk band on the moon, I feel that the artist name reflects the sentiment exponentially.

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

The Stooges’ Fun House is incredibly important to me… it balances so many acrobatic feats of distortion, rhythm, song structure, noise. Ron Asheton definitely shaped my guitar playing, and Iggy, well, who doesn’t want to jump around the studio like Iggy?

Other albums that keep me grounded creatively: Slint’s Spiderland, CSNY’s Deja Vu, Funkadelic’s Maggot Brain, CCR’s The Concert.

Another world of influence for me is the Southern California garage rock scene. When I was in grade school I went to this after-school camp thing and one of the counselors there was Ty Segall. I have this visceral memory of him throwing cooked spaghetti against the wall. When I started writing my own music in high school not only was I drawn to Ty’s music and the rest of that cohort (Mikal Cronin, Wand, Meatbodies, etc) but I couldn’t shake the spaghetti moment. It was a perfect allegory for the creative process: throw it against the wall and see what sticks. I think about it every time I’m recording an album.

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

People are still making great music. It’s a weird time to be making music alongside streaming, label monopolies and the financial cost of creativity, but every week if you look hard enough there’s amazing music constantly being put into the world. Sometimes it’s a major label release, but more times than not it’s some intricate artist crafting their specific vision and placing it on Bandcamp for like five bucks. It’s exciting to me that amidst all the downtrodden luck an artist could face in this day and age there are still people willing to give it a try.

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

I’d like to see the major streaming platforms give the old iTunes effort — have the option to purchase a song or album. There’s nothing stopping them right now from having that feature and I’m certain there are people who would pay for some of their favorite albums or to support local acts. The artist would make more money and the listener would get a more visceral connection to the musicians they admire. But alongside that whole concept: make the rest of the process free. Spotify alone is outperforming their year-on-year sales by huge numbers and it’ll probably continue until they merge with some other conglomerate.

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?
Music is everything to me. It’s a crutch and a backbone, a guiding light for both the good and bad times alike. In creating The Waterbed Factory I’ve given myself an outlet to critique the systems I find weak and manipulative while still having a great deal of fun on the journey. Likewise, finding new music that resonates with my personal values is a stellar way to feel less alone in this gigantic world. Thank you to every artist that has graced the musical universe with their tones and words.

6. Louie Rubio

Sounds like: Tame Impala playing on the deck of a soul yacht sailing the seas of your imagination.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

Depends. I may bring a guitar and pedals to a session to work on songs for an artist or take the role of a lyricist—really filling whatever space needs it. That might come from playing in a church band where my dad was the bandleader. The sentiment was always to add what’s needed and nothing more.

If I’m working alone then I try to stay open and see what happens that day. I try not to get too caught up in genre. The Spanish hook for “Mar Y Sol” came out of nowhere and I just kept it even though the rest of the song was in English. I think part of that is just loving music, but part of that is also working on soundtracks for Film and TV where sometimes a director needs a combination of different styles. For Baz Luhrmann’s The Get Down, I made a song with Nile Rodgers and the approach was very much the same. 

As far as the sound of this album, these are the bands people mention when they describe it: Tame Impala, Pharrell, Peter Gabriel, Phoenix, Poolside, The Marias. Personally I hear indie with a bit of yacht rock, pop, and funk. It definitely has some spiritual themes sprinkled in as well. “Find Your Light” has a hook that almost functions as a prayer. In some ways it’s an ode to my Dad’s musical tastes.

How did you come up with the name of your act?

It’s just my name.

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

I’m a fan of multi instrumentalists who sing and self-produce, like Mac DeMarco, Mac Miller, Kevin Parker, or James Blake. There is something whole about their work, also the stakes are higher when the workload increases.  

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

It feels like we may be heading toward a return to imperfections, even in the mainstream. A deeper appreciation for older genres. 

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

Maybe a response to AI that looks like live albums, layered concept albums, idiosyncratic production and writing choices. I can see music being underproduced as well. Artists live-streaming their writing or production sessions. Lyrics becoming much more personal and specific.

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

Thankfully it’s always been a constant in my life so I don’t really know what the difference would be. I’m sure it’s key, though. 

7. Dread Spectre Council

Sounds like: Chiming guitar fuzz and earnest pop songwriting reminiscent of Sub Pop-era Sebadoh and Mary Timony’s solo material.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others (conducted by DSC brainchild Kenneth Amundsen).

My approach to making music is one of long waits and then sudden binges of writing. Could be weeks of no apparent ideas, then I suddenly dial into a string of them. I hope to catch the core of it before it dissolves back into nothing. More often than not this typically happens while I’m on the subway or somewhere I’m not very comfortable recording myself humming or whistling the melody, In that case I just repeat the thing in my head until I find myself somewhere I can. I like David Lynch’s analogy of fishing for the ideas. And I try to stay true to the original idea and not censor much at first, to see where it wants to go. I do have a lot of 90’s. alt rock, indie references in my sound but I don’t especially try to. Just what my antenna receives I guess. Melodies are what catches my attention the most.

How did you come up with the name of your act?

Firstly it seemed like all else was taken Read More