Welcome back to Bonus Track, my recap of the month that was. Glad to have you here.
Headliners
- Last month, I mentioned that I started a new job. After a few weeks at the gig, I’m thrilled to say that it’s been a smooth transition back to an office with other, non-virtual people. Very glad I didn’t somehow devolve into an antisocial monster in 11 months.
- One of my most anticipated shows of the year was July 17th, when Deep Sea Diver came to Motorco. They released Billboard Heart in February, which has really grown on me over the last few months and shone throughout their set. It’s hard to follow up a record like Impossible Weight (finally got my vinyl LP, by the way!), but they did a great job with this one and are exceptional live performers.
- The following night, I drove out to The Pour House in Raleigh for a stacked bill: Moving Boxes, blankstate., Found Footage, and ColorMeKrazy!. It was a friendly, intimate crowd for a Sunday. Every band absolutely destroyed it. Look out for a more in-depth show review from our new contributor on Tuesday!
- I caught a screening of How to Save a Milestone at Motorco this past Thursday. It’s a fantastic watch, especially if you’re not familiar with The Milestone and Charlotte’s underground music scene. Shoutout to Andmoreagain presents for bringing it to Durham (and shame on the couple seated next to me who couldn’t shut the hell up).
In Case You Missed It…
This month has been a hype one here at Blank Tapes, thanks to some of my favorite interviews yet.
- New Music NC: June 2025 — Featuring ColorMeKrazy!, Watchhouse, and 46 new releases from North Carolina artists
- Interview: Travis Harrington (Truth Club) — Looking back two years of star-studded touring behind the Raleigh four-piece’s sophomore LP, and how they’ve been evolving along the way
- 10 Years of “New Music Fridays” — Taking stock of what was gained and lost when the music industry established its “Global Release Day” in 2015
- Interview: Patrick Stovall (Kit McKay) — Raleigh’s folk rock songwriter talks creative growth and unexpected success from his intentionally absurd songs
- Interview: Glenn Boothe (Andmoreagain Presents) — How the Triangle’s busiest concert promoter trusts his instincts in an algorithm-heavy, post-COVID music scene
- Interview: Corbie Hill (land is) — How this Pittsboro musician and writer turns his unpredictable lived experiences into lush electronic soundscapes
- Meat & Three is a post-punk act worth savoring — This Durham-based band is made up of members with deep local music scene roots, talent, and influence
This Month in Music
- I’ve been looking forward to the new Petey USA record since I heard he was recording with Chris Walla (formerly of Death Cab for Cutie). The result is a third full-length album that blends synth-driven indie rock with earnest, emotional reflections on growing older, as only Petey can convey. “The Yips”, “Breathing the Same Air”, and “Model Train Town” have been on constant repeat.
- Another album I can’t get enough of is the upcoming Stay Inside LP, Lunger. The Brooklyn, NY band released a killer second album in February 2024, only to sign with Tiny Engines earlier this year and unveil another record in under 18 months. It’s not due out until October, but holy hell, does it blow Ferried Away out of the water.
- For a more folky, singer-songwriter vibe, don’t miss the new Laura Stevenson album. She has such a beautiful voice and reflective lyrical perspective.
- Lastly, the new Tyler, The Creator album is a fun, short, summertime listen.
Overall, here are my top records from the month so far:
And here’s a convenient playlist of my favorite new songs in 2025:
Follow me on Apple Music and/or Last.fm if you feel so inclined.
On My Radar
- This interview with Infinity Knives & Brian Ennals is legitimately one of the best I’ve read all year. Shoutout to RVA’s very own Dash Lewis!
- Friends of the zine at Super Empty. put out a pair of amazing pieces this month, one focused on “the increasingly high cost of getting people to pay attention” and the other recapping an screening of hip-hop documentary, Carolina Noise.
- INDY Week’s Janice Latus put together a spectacular history of the Blue Note Grill in Durham.
- WUNC interviewed MJ Lenderman ahead of his show at Durham Performing Arts Center.
- Steph Stewart of Blue Cactus chatted with WUNC after Tropical Storm Chantal.
- Dr. Nathan Boucher (associate professor of public policy, nursing, and medicine at Duke University) reflected on why he brings his kids to punk shows.
- Beloved local DJ Gemynii received a well-deserved feature from WUNC.
That’s all for this iteration of the column. Thanks for reading! Stay safe, be sane, and support local music. 🤘
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