Music
Under The Rug’s “laugh a lot” delivers cathartic joy in life’s darkest moments
Indie band Under The Rug has shared the second single off Part 1 of their two-part album, happiness is easy. The “laugh a lot” track offers listeners a whimsical yet profound anthem juxtaposing life’s levity with its lurking anxieties.
“laugh a lot” is a masterful piece of storytelling that captures the essence of finding beauty in the bleakest scenarios. Vocalist Casey Dayan opens up about a poignant period spent in a motel, closeted and grappling with their identity. In this unlikely sanctuary, a cockroach on a lamp became a bizarre yet comforting companion, symbolizing how even the most reviled creatures can offer unexpected solace. Dayan’s raw narrative transforms the mundane into something tender and evocative, highlighting the absurdity and resilience of the human spirit.
“So many times I’ve woken up into the worst parts of my life and laughed, and I think that’s beautiful somehow. That tension, between the awfulness and the laughing,” Dayan shares. This sentiment is intricately woven into “laugh a lot,” where self-pity and strength dance together, celebrating life’s rich and multifaceted nature.
The single serves as a tantalizing preview of Under The Rug’s upcoming album, happiness is easy, which promises to delve deep into themes of joy, resilience, and the human experience. Featuring contributions from notable co-writers such as Sam Hollander (Panic! At The Disco, Weezer) and Mason Jennings, and produced by David Peters, the album is set to be another testament to the band’s storytelling prowess.
Over the past decade, the Austin-based trio—Casey Dayan, guitarist Sean Campbell, and drummer Brendan McQueeney—has built a dedicated fan base with their heartfelt indie, folk, and Americana blend. Their unique DIY approach and intimate fan interactions have garnered praise from publications like American Songwriter and Rolling Stone India, and endorsements from The Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle.
As anticipation builds for happiness is easy Part 1, Under The Rug continues to enchant listeners with their deeply personal and evocative music. “laugh a lot” is a beacon of light for anyone who has found humor in hardship, and as the band gears up for their headlining US tour this August, fans can expect an authentic and emotional live experience that showcases their profound connection to the complexities of human emotions.
Artist Spotlight
Cali Tucker Unwraps Christmas Magic With Her New EP “Santa Baby”
Cali Tucker is back in the spotlight this season with “Santa Baby,” a beautifully made holiday EP that captures the heart, warmth, and timeless glow of Christmas classics. Cali is known for singing the National Anthem at NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400 in front of 80,000 fans and more than three million people at home. She brings the same powerful presence and emotional depth to this holiday project.
“Santa Baby” is a great holiday release for music lovers, bloggers, and new artist discovery sites. It has six tracks and lasts 20 minutes. It mixes nostalgia with Cali’s signature smooth vocals. Each song shows off her talent, but “O Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song” are two that stand out as favorites. Both performances show off her range, control, and ability to bring classic songs into modern emotional spaces without losing their original charm.
“O Holy Night” stands out as the EP’s spiritual center, with a glowing performance full of dynamics, warmth, and a cinematic stillness that draws people in. Cali gives the song both respect and a unique touch, breathing new life into a well-known hymn. “The Christmas Song,” on the other hand, makes you feel like you’re sitting next to a fire. It’s soft, heartfelt, and full of stories that make you feel nostalgic. Cali’s voice flows effortlessly through every note, making it impossible not to feel the magic of the season.
The whole EP flows easily and has a mix of fun sparkle, soulful warmth, and classic Christmas music. “Santa Baby” is the perfect song for the season, whether people are making holiday playlists, looking for new Christmas music, or discovering new vocal talents. This EP adds a new but familiar sound to today’s holiday music scene. It has a comforting feel and is easy to listen to repeatedly.
Artist Spotlight
Kalpee Honors Heritage and Heart on His Emotion-Rich New EP Dougla Boi
Kalpee is back with Dougla Boi, a beautiful new EP that is both personal and powerful. It gives listeners a close look at the layers of identity, heritage, and emotion that make him who he is. The Trinidad and Tobago artist is confident in his own space, which is rooted in New Calypso and polished with hints of dancehall, R&B, and afrobeats. In this space, genre bends, but emotion leads.
Named after the Trinidadian word for someone of mixed African and Indian heritage, Dougla Boi is honest, proud, and warm about the complexities of culture. Kalpee opens a window into the dualities that define him across six tracks, turning personal truth into universal resonance. The EP is just under 19 minutes long, but every second is carefully planned to take listeners on a journey through courage, joy, healing, and the quiet strength that comes from accepting all parts of yourself.
The first single, “Under,” stands out right away for its calming yet emotionally charged experience. Kalpee’s voice flows over a beat that sounds both new and old, fitting the EP’s theme of bringing cultures together. It’s one of the best examples of how he can mix soft and hard sounds, which is what makes his New Calypso sound so unique.
“Everybody,” which features Full Blown, is another excellent song that has already done very well. It has a happy vibe and an infectious bounce, making it one of the EP’s most replayable songs. “Everybody” captures the spirit of community and shared experience, which is what Kalpee means when he says that identity is not a box but a rhythm.
Connect with Kalpee: Instagram
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