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.

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Artist Spotlight

Lana Crow turns a dream inspiration into pop anthem with “In Spirit”

Lana Crow’s new single, “In Spirit,“ arrives as a high-energy pop anthem that blurs the line between subconscious inspiration and studio refinement. The song’s backstory, based on a real dream, adds an interesting emotional weight that’s easy to hear in the music.

“In Spirit“ has a retro-modern look, featuring elements of old-school texture and a modern pop structure. Made with Tristan Boston, the production feels simultaneously considered and organic. The record is based on four rigorously selected sample signatures that establish a soundscape both familiar and foreign.

“In Spirit“ was initially conceived as a laid-back, beachy song before it expanded into something more dynamic and wide-ranging. The gradual crescendo toward the chorus builds excitement, which is fulfilled by a catchy, almost hypnotic hook, tamped down by “Eeeeeooo,“ an unforgettable sound. Lana Crow’s singing is well-balanced between control and expression.

There is a compelling reflective quality beneath the surface energy, as though the song sits somewhere between an inner monologue and a celebration. What holds “In Spirit“ together is the contrast between peaceful intention and enterprising execution. “In Spirit“ is a testament to the value of following your creative instincts. Lana Crow transforms a daydream into a realized crunch of pop that makes clear she has lots of confidence in her art, and the next chapter could be exciting.

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Artist Spotlight

“Boom” by Chandra explodes with energy and in-depth storytelling

“Boom” is Chandra’s second single of 2026, and it’s the kind of moment when emotion, energy, and cosmic interest collapse into each other, delivering you a pop-rock sensation that is at once intimate and grand.

“Boom” settles into a steady sequence with the driven bass of Chris Wong and lead-guitar fireworks from Mike Paul. The production plays back-and-forth, the verses are cool and collected, and in the choruses, everything bursts into high, emotional sounds. The lead singer, Chandra Nair, sings in a way that feels quite personal yet speaks to everyone. He sings with a sense of wonder that matches the song’s central idea of soulmates wandering through an infinite cosmos to meet. It has a spiritual nature underneath all that, a sense of fate wrapped in heavy metaphor.

“Boom” is a song you think about and sing along to. The band leans into celestial and elemental imagery, contributing to a resonance. Chandra continues to make a name for themselves in contemporary pop-rock by balancing self-reflection with energy. Beyond being a song you want to hear, it demands you feel it, and the echo lingers well.