Welcome one and all to the debut edition of the SONIC NOMADS podcast. We exist to bring you the FINEST in alternative music from every nook and cranny of the earth. On this show, we feature 16 incredible bands and artists and hope that you'll enjoy our offerings.
Read MoreCredit: Daniel Topete
LISTEN/WATCH: BLONDSHELL reveals new single 'Event of a Fire' from new album 'If You Asked for a Picture' OUT NOW
Blondshell (Sabrina Teitelbaum) released her eagerly awaited sophomore album, ‘If You Asked For a Picture’, on 2nd May via Partisan Records and has now shared the final pre-release track, “Event of a Fire”.
It’s Blondshell at her most cinematic, both sonically and emotionally, offering a slow-burning epic that starts in a hush and ends in a howl. Written in the haze of tour-life burnout and sparked by a real 4 a.m. hotel fire evacuation outside Boston, the song begins with a lone guitar arpeggio, intimate and unguarded, before piercing vocal harmonies flicker in and the whole thing ignites.
“It’s not really ‘what if I’m burnt out from touring,’” Teitelbaum says. “It’s like, ‘what if I’m burnt out from just existing?’”That existential fatigue builds into one of the most anthemic moments on the album, all crashing drums and towering distortion, as she threads together body image, family tension, and the psychic weight of just trying to hold it together. It’s a confessional torch song for the end of your rope. Listen to “Event of a Fire” HERE.
The song’s video stars up-and-coming French actress Ghjuvanna Benedetti and was directed by Emilé Moutaud. The video takes us into the day of a diving team and the internal burnout of one of the divers. It captures the moment when the ordinary aspects of her life clash with the weight of what she’s feeling inside.
WATCH VIDEO FOR ‘EVENT OF A FIRE’
Today’s single follows the metaphorical beating heart of the album “23’s A Baby”, the stripped-back introspection of “Two Times” and the album’s crushingly catchy “T&A” which Blondshell played on Jimmy Kimmel Live! - watch the performance HERE.
‘If You Asked For A Picture’ sees Teitelbaum once again teaming up with producer Yves Rothman to craft a collection as potent and emotionally charged as her acclaimed 2023 debut. The upcoming album brims with an urgency, ambition, and devastating potency hinted at on Blondshell’s 2023 self-titled debut, the specificity, self-examination, and nonchalant humor of which turned her into one of the most lauded new artists in recent memory. Pre-order ‘If You Asked For A Picture’ HERE.
LISTEN/WATCH CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SINGLES FROM ‘IF YOU ASKED FOR A PICTURE’ “23'S A BABY”, “TWO TIMES”, “T&A” & “WHAT’S FAIR”
Blondshell will celebrate the release of ‘If You Asked For A Picture’ with a sold out underplay on Friday 2nd May at Los Angeles’s Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, complete with freebies including stick & poke tattoos, a photo booth, and more.
On 28th May Blondshell will hit the road for her world-wide headline run. The tour includes a UK + European leg in September, featuring a sold-out night at London’s Electric Brixton, with a second on sale now. Ahead of this, she is set to support Fontaines DC at London’s Finsbury Park on 5th July and will embark on her US headline run, which includes sold-out shows at The 9:30 Club in DC and Brooklyn Steel in Brooklyn, NY. For tickets and more information please visit https://www.blondshellmusic.com/tour
‘If You Asked For A Picture’ tracklisting
Thumbtack
Arms
Change
Toy
He Wants Me
Man
Model Rockets
‘If You Asked For A Picture’ borrows its title from a 1986 poem by the cherished American writer Mary Oliver, titled “Dogfish.” In it, Oliver grapples with the idea of telling one’s own story: how much to share, how much to keep for oneself — all questions Teitelbaum asked herself while writing the forthcoming LP. “There’s a part of the poem that says: ‘I don’t need to tell you everything I’ve been through. It’s just another story of somebody trying to survive,’” Teitelbaum says. “Something I love about songs is that you’re showing a snapshot of a person or a relationship, and showing a glimpse into a story can be just as important as trying to capture the entire thing. Sometimes it’s even truer to the entire picture than if you tried to write everything down.”
In the studio, Teitelbaum found herself confident and at home like never before, trusting her instincts as she developed an almost telekinetic shorthand with producer Yves Rothman. The result is a record of astounding sonic range – including sky-scraping ballads and colossal hooks that soar over waves of distortion, mixing layered textures and harmonic flourishes, or making unexpected hairpin turns between them. Primary among her production touchstones were unexpected curveballs like Queens of the Stone Age’s ‘Rated R’ and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ ‘Californication’. Teitelbaum reveled in appropriating those hyper-masculine aesthetics for her uncompromising examinations of young womanhood, playing with performances of gender in rock. “It’s empowering for me to use sonic references that feel reserved for men,” she explains..
In the time since ‘Blondshell’, the image of Teitelbaum’s life has changed considerably. As the accolades accrued she spent more time on the road than at home. This rootlessness naturally impacted Teitelbaum’s relationships with others and with herself. “When you travel a lot, you see different possibilities for who you can be,” Teitelbaum says. “So there were a lot more questions coming up. What do I want my life to look like? Maybe it’s just the nature of being two years older, but I’m more comfortable with nuance now, and I’m more comfortable with gray areas.” There’s an open-endedness to where ‘If You Asked For A Picture’ lands: it’s a no-skips, triumphant sophomore record that captures the unresolved process of figuring out who you are, too wise to suggest that it has a definitive answer.
EU/UK TOUR DATES
7/5/25 - London, UK @ Finsbury Park @
7/10/25 - Madrid, ES @ MadCool Festival
7/12/25 - Trancin, SK @ Pohoda Festival
7/13/25 - Vienna, AT @ Wiener Stadthalle &
9/2/25 - Dublin, IE @ Button Factory + (Venue Upgrade)
9/4/25 - Manchester, UK @ New Century +
9/6/25 - Glasgow, UK @ QMU + (Venue Upgrade)
9/7/25 - Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club +
9/8/25 - Bristol, UK @ SWX +
9/10/25 - Brighton, UK @ Chalk +
9/11/25 - London, UK @ Electric Brixton + (2nd Night Added)
9/12/25 - London, UK @ Electric Brixton + SOLD OUT
9/14/25 - Lille, FR @ L’Aéronef#
9/15/25 - Paris, FR @ Le Trabendo #
9/17/25 - Brussels, BE @ Botanique #
9/18/25 - Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso Tolhuistuin #
9/20/25 - Hamburg, DE @ Reeperbahn Festival
9/21/25 - Copenhagen, DK @ VEGA #
9/23/25 - Berlin, DE @ Hole44 #
9/25/25 - Cologne, DE @ Helios37 #
@ with Fontaines DC
& with Queens of the Stone Age
+ support from Westside Cowboy
# support from Francis of Delirium
For more information:
REVIEW: Golden Visions: A sonic journey through Saint Leonard’s latest masterpiece
The Golden Hour is in equal parts cerebral and spiritual. With this otherworldly balancing trick, musician, novelist and world wanderer, Saint Leonard has once again delivered a stunning narrative driven opus.
Read MoreSelf Esteem - From cult favourite to mainstream maverick and the UK tour you can’t miss
Few artists capture the zeitgeist quite like Rebecca Lucy Taylor, better known as Self Esteem. Emerging over the past decade as one of the UK’s most exciting breakout stars, Taylor transformed herself from one half of indie duo Slow Club into a fearless pop icon. Her 2021 smash hit, “I Do This All The Time,” quickly became emblematic of her uniquely candid “trojan horse” or “salad and chips” approach—embedding weighty, heartfelt messages within irresistibly witty pop tunes. This singular track not only appealed with a vast audience but also heralded the start of a career defined by authentic storytelling and artistic reinvention.
Read MoreNEWS: SPARKS set to release new album 'MAD!' on May 23rd via Transgressive Records
Sparks, brothers Ron and Russell Mael announce their new album ‘MAD!’ which will be released on May 23rd via Transgressive Records. The band also reveals full details of MAD!’s artwork, tracklisting, and formats, all available for preorder now.
Read MoreLISTEN: SKUNK ANANSIE carry on their incredible run with a new single 'Animal'
‘ANIMAL’
THE BRAND NEW SINGLE OUT TODAY
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
TAKEN FROM THE FORTHCOMING ALBUM
THE PAINFUL TRUTH
RELEASED MAY 23RD
PRE-ORDER HERE
HEADLINING THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER STAGE
@ THE GREAT ESCAPE ON MAY 16TH
VERY SPECIAL ALBUM RELEASE SHOW ON MAY 23RD
+ SUPPORTING SMASHING PUMPKINS THIS SUMMER
Credit: Carlos Cruz
LISTEN/TOUR: CAR SEAT HEADREST announce new song lifted from forthcoming long player 'The Scholars' out on May 2nd
CAR SEAT HEADREST RELEASE NEW SONG
‘THE CATASTROPHE (GOOD LUCK WITH THAT, MAN)’
NEW ALBUM THE SCHOLARS OUT FRIDAY
US HEADLINE DATES THIS SPRING
Read MoreVIDEO/RELEASE/TOUR: WHEN RIVERS MEET release official video for new single 'Never Change'
WHEN RIVERS MEET
RELEASE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE ‘NEVER CHANGE’
WATCH HERE
ADDICTED TO YOU
THE BRAND NEW ALBUM OUT MAY 23RD
PRE-ORDER HERE
FULL UK HEADLINE TOUR AUTUMN 2025
SPECIAL HEADLINE SHOWS IN MAY
+ SUPPORTING BLUE OYSTER CULT
AT LONDON PALLADIUM – MAY 25TH
Credit: Sion Waters
RELEASE/LIVE: GETDOWN SERVICES release new single 'Eat Quiche, Sleep, Repeat' - Listen here
New EP ‘Primordial Slot Machine’ to be released 6th June By Breakfast Records
UK & Europe Headline Tour Announced
Including Islington Assembly Hall on 10th November
Read MorePhoto by Wendy Wei
Festival Season & Mental Health: Finding harmony amidst the madness....
As the UK and Europe burst into festival season with some amazing live music, breathtaking performances, and an undeniable buzz in the air, many of us find ourselves riding a rollercoaster of excitement and exhaustion. Behind the sounds of our favourite artists lies a pressing reality—excessive traveling, being away from home, raging hangovers and late nights on the road can leave us feeling unmoored. While festivals are a time for unbridled joy, they also risk tipping the balance between the magic of the moment and the practicality of everyday life.
Read MoreNEWS: 25 years after its original release, the sophomore album by MONACO is being re-released
LIVE: Let the jazzy vibes of SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA wash over you as they embark on live dates this May....
Prepare yourself for a journey through sound as Submotion Orchestra takes over the live stage this May. Known for their kaleidoscopic fusion of earth-shaking bass, intricate drums, entrancing vocals, and ambient layers of jazz and dub, this band reshapes live music into an immersive experience that’s both delicate and heavy, spacious yet densely packed with atmosphere.
Read MoreRELEASE: SKINNY LISTER sail into spring with “Song From The Yonder” - Gig & Festival dates available
Skinny Lister have a knack for capturing both the rowdy spirit of live punk and the reflective warmth of folk traditions. Their latest single, “Song From The Yonder,” perfectly encapsulates that blend. As the title track from the upcoming album Songs From The Yonder—due for release on 9 May 2025 via Xtra Mile Recordings—the track steps neatly into spring with a burst of energy and soul.
Read MoreRELEASE: HANNAH ROSE PLATT releases new album 'Fragile Creatures' via Xtra Mile recordings....
“Fragile Creatures definitely feels like a new creative milestone for Platt. Her most adventurous album; the most interesting her writing has been; and just the straight-ahead best thing she’s done to date.” - - THE SOUNDBOARD REVIEWS
“fantastic storytelling - hilarious, heart breaking & with dark twists & turns” - ED HARCOURT
Read MoreRELEASE: ESKA unveils “The Ordinary Life of a Magic Woman” and empowering anthem “Daddy Long Legs”....
Today, 25th April 2025, marks a transformative moment for genre-defying powerhouse ESKA. The visionary artist, celebrated for her bold creative spirit and unapologetically personal narratives, has launched her long-awaited album The Ordinary Life of a Magic Woman on vinyl and CD via Earthling Recordings, accompanied by the spellbinding new single “Daddy Long Legs.” It’s a homecoming, a reclamation of narrative, and an unreserved invitation into ESKA’s multifaceted world.
Read MoreLISTEN: REGENT Unleashes "I Feel For You": A raw, liberating ode to lost love
Southampton’s own indie-rock mavens, REGENT, are back with a bang. Following the momentum of their sophomore album and a string of singles last year, the band now offers “I Feel For You” — a searing tale of lost love, liberation, and the bittersweet nuances of breakups. With its euphoric drums and Britpop-indebted guitar twangs, the track immediately captivates, setting the stage for what promises to be one of their most emotionally charged releases yet.
Read MoreRELEASE: Krooked Tongue bloom with “Marigold”: A tender journey through missed connections
Bristol’s very own rock trio, Krooked Tongue, have set hearts aflutter once again. Today, April 25, 2025, they release “Marigold”—a single that marks a graceful evolution in the band’s musical journey.
Read MoreEVENT: JAM ON THE HORIZON returns to St Judes in Bristol for its 3rd year, expect vibes, food and merriment!
14hrs of Music across 4 venues in St Judes - The Jam Jar & Lost Horizon host the 3rd edition.
Read MoreNEWS: Øresund Space Collective’s 34th Odyssey: A sonic expedition through funk, space, and psychedelia
Few bands can claim a legacy of constant transformation like Øresund Space Collective. Emerging from Scandinavia in 2004, this improvising space rock collective has long blurred the boundaries of genre and expectation. Their 34th studio album is not merely a continuation but an audacious leap into new musical realms—a journey that transports listeners from the terrestrial woods of funk into the vast, infinite expanse of space.
Read MorePC: Party in the Paddock & Renae Saxby