Alt-pop duo Waking April, based in Nashville, deliver synth-driven, vocal-forward songs infused with lush, atmospheric textures and rhythmically engaging arrangements. Their single “Rules” has been well received on Triple A, college, and independent radio stations nationwide, and was named Song of the Day by Austin’s KUTX 98.9, which praised the single’s “moody, alternative dreamscapes” and highlighted the “drum-and-synth-driven elements” of the track.
Drawing frequent comparisons to Phantogram and CHVRCHES, Waking April released their debut album Fear of Failure in late 2024 on Polychromatic Records. Produced by Mark Watrous (The Shins, Raconteurs) the record showcases the duo’s emotionally rich songwriting and immersive production style, marking their arrival as a rising voice in both the indie-rock and alternative-pop landscapes.
Whoop
On sophomore album Just What? North Carolina’s Whoop traverse indie-pop, rock, reggae, and jazzy hip-hop with instinctive musicality, rare chemistry, and palpable joy.
Due on Porcelain Records on April 1 st , the foursome’s second full-length in as many years evolves an innately diverse palette channeled through force-of-nature vocalist Fal and shaped by Grammy-winning guitarist/producer Steve Bigas.
“Music is supposed to bring people together, shake things up, cause a ruckus, and make a mark,” said Fal. “I always want Whoop to leave a lasting impression in someone’s mind/heart/ears.”
Formed in 2020, Whoop evolved organically from Friday night jams in Bigas’ barn studio in Raleigh. Consisting of musical moments captured, distilled, and tastefully shaped into songs, the band’s celebratory yet introspective eponymous debut emerged to rave reviews just a year later.
Since then, the prolific quartet, completed by bassist Nick and drummer Will, has been performing electrifying live shows – including Carolina Indie Fest and the NC State Fair – between the writing/recording sessions that ultimately spawned Just What?
