Something for the Weekend: New Bands, TV and More
If You Listen to Three New Artists This Weekend, Make It This Shimmering Trio
Shower Curtain – New Single – “wish u well”
Embedded in New York City’s vibrant underground music scene, Shower Curtain ( pictured in main image) , led by the charismatic Brazilian Victoria Winter, is set to release their debut EP, Words from a Wishing Well, on October 18 via Angel Tapes/Fire Talk Records. The lead single, “wish u well,” is already available and comes with a captivating music video.
“Wish u well” is a lush, swirling track that explores the complexities of early adulthood. Victoria, alongside her bandmates Cody Hudgins on bass, Ethan Williams on guitar, and Sean Terrell on drums, crafts a sound that merges their early bedroom pop roots with dreamy, gauzy guitar riffs that perfectly underpin Winter’s evocative and wistful vocals. As Victoria describes it, “‘wish u well’ is about the feeling of having the rug swept from underneath you…”
Siobhán Winifred Releases Title Track From Her Forthcoming Debut EP “Don’t Do Well Alone”
For music that blends raw honesty with anthemic soundscapes, check out London-based artist Siobhán Winifred’s debut EP, Don’t Do Well Alone, releasing on September 27th via Chess Club Records. Winifred’s work stands out for its unflinching vulnerability, showcased perfectly in the EP’s title track, “Don’t Do Well Alone,” which is accompanied by a music video directed by Chaz Rudd.
Siobhán’s songwriting is deeply personal, capturing the anxiety and imposter syndrome many face. As she explains, “I feel alive when I’m performing on stage, but when I’m by myself, the anxiety and overthinking crawl back in, and I can become very self-critical.” She hopes the song will remind listeners they aren’t alone in their struggles and encourage them to reach out for support rather than suffering in silence.
With a debut headline tour set for October, Winifred is already making waves, with shows in London and Glasgow sold out and Bristol and Birmingham expected to follow suit. The EP also features her recent singles “Lungs” and “Killer,” further showcasing her talent for capturing raw emotion through music. Reflecting on the EP’s theme, Siobhán notes, “I wanted ‘Don’t Do Well Alone’ to be the EP title because it encapsulates the feeling running through each song. They all address mental health, feeling lost and alone, and the decisions we make in those moments. It’s a reminder that no one should navigate these feelings alone; a support system is essential.”
Sunday (1994) Trade Darkness for Dreaminess on New Single ‘Softly’
VPME favourites Sunday (1994) are back with an evocative, tender new track titled “Softly”. It’s a shimmering exploration of early love and the inevitable heartaches that accompany it.
As ever, Sunday (1994) deftly weave jangle-pop textures with lush, ethereal melodies, crafting a soundscape that’s as intimate as it is expansive. The band once again mix vulnerability and longing, with darkly witty lyrics, describing the catalysts for the track as “the first time he left for the airport or the dreaded moments alone while she’s at the grocery store. Being apart can feel like ‘my neck to the knife, softly’”. Heartbreak never sounded this good. You can read my interview for Under The Radar HERE ( which they tell me was their first ever interview so it must be true.)
If You Watch One TV Show, Make It “Under The Bridge”
Under the Bridge is a harrowing true crime drama that delves into the tragic murder of a 14-year-old girl. Set in the seemingly idyllic community of British Columbia, Canada, the series reveals the dark secrets hidden beneath its tranquil surface.
The show focuses on a group of troubled teenage girls accused of the crime, offering a complex and nuanced portrayal of their lives. Through the eyes of a novelist, (who has her own demons), returning to her hometown—hauntingly played by Riley Keough—the series explores themes of bullying, abuse, peer pressure, race, generational culture clashes and the devastating consequences of violence as she becomes increasingly entangled in the lives of those involved.
Be warned it is harrowing, but it’s so well-crafted and the acting is absolutely top-notch. Oscar-nominated Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon) delivers a compelling, thoughtful performance as Cam Bentland, the police officer investigating Reena Virk’s (portrayed brilliantly by Vritika Gupta) 1997 murder, . However, it is Chloe Guidry, as the deeply disturbed and John Gotti-obsessed wannabe teen gangster and ringleader Josephine ‘Jo’ Bell, who steals the show.
And If You Listen to One Playlist This Weekend, It Has to Be Mine, Right?
Enjoy the weekend