Music

AP Tobler’s Debut EP ‘Alternate Vision’ Is A Melancholic Grunge Masterpiece

Teenage Grunge poet AP Tobler released her debut EP Alternate Vision on July 14th, just after her 16th birthday. The talented multi-instrumentalist takes a dive into raw, honest songwriting influenced by grunge and alternative rock, and while most people shy away from what scares them, AP Tobler faces her fears in writing about it. The result? A catharsis for both her and her listener.

At its core, Alternate Vision is a project that screams honesty, transparency, and relatability. Through the five song EP, AP dives deep into overwhelming emotions from anger and betrayal to disillusionment and depression. “[The EP] is a collection of my strongest feelings and emotions when I wrote it,” AP says, “so each track is a little piece of my soul encapsulated into a song.” As a result, the listener can feel the emotions as if it were their own. This is a skill that most songwriters strive for throughout their career, but AP’s honest lyricism paired with rock drums and gritty guitars has helped her grasp the skill early.

Alternate Vision is available for streaming now.

AP previously teased the EP with her single “Eye for an Eye,” released on June 23rd. The track utilizes dirty electric guitar, intense drums, and an emotive vocal delivery to describe AP’s experience of being in a toxic friendship. The single is a bold track that demonstrates seething anger, and it is a standalone example of AP’s emotive music. The EP then moves into tracks like “Solemn Farewell” and “Vacant” which epitomize AP’s eloquent lyricism and painfully honest depictions of the darkness so many of us can find ourselves lost in. In “Solemn Farewell”, a song that, at its core, is a suicide note, AP sings, “And I don’t have a choice//Something has to die to feel free//Choking, lost my voice//Who am I supposed to be?” The power in AP’s music is her complete and utter transparency of the intense emotions she describes. There is no downplaying or simplifying; instead, it is incredibly honest in the way AP bears her feelings on topics that many of us shy away from or fail to talk about.

As her debut EP, Alternate Vision is setting the bar high, and as a young teenager, AP has her whole career ahead of her. As she nurtures her obvious talent and continues to create boldly, AP Tobler could play a major role in the rediscovery of grunge and alternative rock.

Connect with AP Tobler: Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Spotify

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Artist Spotlight

Chandra delivers an anthemic dash of festive kindness in its recent single “Christmas Hugs”

The Bristol-based pop-rock quartet Chandra has unwrapped an early gift for music enthusiasts with their new single, “Christmas Hugs.” This upbeat festive bop delight is an auditory representation of a cozy fireside experience, encapsulating an intimate gathering that embodies a shimmering embrace. The track celebrates the joyous spirit of the holiday season with a hint of unapologetic nostalgia, featuring catchy melodic tunes that will resonate with listeners.

Frontman Chandra Nair leads the charge with his spirited vocals and jangly guitar riffs, while Chris Wong’s groovy basslines and Keith Jones’s upbeat drumming keep the song bouncing with holiday joy. Co-produced with their long-time collaborator Aaron Shawt, the track exudes a polished yet playfully energetic vibe, weaving together Chandra’s signature cheeky pop-rock style with a sprinkle of classic Christmas magic.

The brilliance of “Christmas Hugs” is particularly evident in its unabashed optimism. It’s a merry, melody-driven, lyrical anthem that doesn’t just sing about Christmas; it feels like Christmas. The composition radiates with festive cheer and an endearing sense of whimsy. Its infectious hooks and sing-along chorus effectively capture the essence of a holiday gathering, where warmth, laughter, and a little bit of mischief come together in perfect harmony.

Beyond the festive sound that sets this mesmerizing production apart, the song carries a heartfelt message. Beneath the layers of tinsel and festive flair, “Christmas Hugs” echoes the thematic hallmark of the band’s core ethos: celebrating kindness, inclusivity, and shared togetherness of humanity. It consistently reminds audiences that the true spirit of the holidays isn’t in the material gifts or glitter but in the human relationships that bring people closer.

Whether you adore the holiday season or find yourself counting down the days until it’s over, “Christmas Hugs” is the perfect song to lift your spirits. It can brighten even the gloomiest moods and make excellent background music while decking at home, sipping mulled wine, or craving a sonic pick-me-up, seasonal serotonin. It’s a feel-good vibe that wraps listeners in its joyful melodies, which don’t let go, just like the best festive hug for the soul.

For more information about Chandra, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Chandra’s “Christmas Hugs“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Chandra | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

“An Invite” by Carmen Braden stirs an ethereal sonic ode of memory woven in empowering choice

There’s a cinematic feel to “An Invite,” the second single from acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Carmen Braden’s new album, ‘A Hard Light,’ offers an enchanting amalgamation of sound and emotion. This stunning track encapsulates the feeling of looking back on a significant moment in life, eliciting a sentiment of nostalgia intertwined with the strength derived from choices that ultimately define our identities.

The song features a distinctive marimba melody, which Carmen created in collaboration with producer Mark Adam. This introductory sensibility set the stage for a narrative centered on a young woman grappling with essential decisions while being distant from home. The composition evocatively highlights the gravity of those moments and the empowerment they can facilitate, allowing listeners to revisit a personal memory in conjunction with Carmen’s experience.

Carmen’s vocal delivery is spooky yet beautiful, making it feel like she’s sharing a personal tale from the past. She works alongside Cas Palmer from Nova Scotia, creating a warm, friendly vibe that resembles an honest, heartfelt conversation, mirroring the intimate dialogue accompanying profound decision-making. The marimba’s consistent rhythmic beat underscores the cyclical essence of memory while integrating diverse musical styles, generating an enjoyable auditory experience that is both calming and energizing.

Each note reflects her experiences, celebrating vulnerability and courage in the face of life’s crossroads. This song invites listeners to reflect on the importance of our choices and the strength we possess, especially during uncertain times. “An Invite” showcases Carmen Braden’s exceptional talent by merging storytelling with an innovative soundscape. For anyone who has faced difficult decisions, this track is relatable, eye-opening, and profoundly impactful.

For more information about Carmen Braden, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Carmen Braden’s “An Invite“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Carmen Braden | Instagram | Facebook |