![NewDad’s Julie Dawson worships at the Altar of “Robert Smith, Karen O, beer [and] Geese.”](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/11cb9b1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5074x2854+0+0/resize/1920x1080!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2F05%2Fa6a29f564efb919ebcd89566244b%2Fjulie-dawson.jpg)
Anthony Scanga
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Studio One
Julie Dawson, lead singer of the dreamy Irish alternative band NewDad, gushes over The Cure, considers a second solo album and finally reveals: What is a Roobosh?
Pre-show nachos in hand, the energetic indie foursome discuss Prima/Vera, Booster Pack and why their single “SOS” could be ‘the one.’
Bleachers' fifth album, "Everyone for Ten Minutes" is a little Springsteen combined with Jack Antonoff's own vibe, but also a bit all over the board.
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![“I didn't expect music would happen, so I don't know what else will happen,” said Xenya Genovese, aka Freak Slug, about being open to universe. “We don't know [with] the state of the world what can happen."](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/59fe4f0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3049+0+92/resize/280x156!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2Faf%2F42cf55be4d1da829a0ec56cb45ab%2Fan0i8632.jpg)
Manchester indie sleazeball Xenya Genovese, AKA Freak Slug, explains her radio habits, favorite Gallagher brother and switching from murals to music: “This is my destiny.” -
Mac Demarco brought his latest tour to Omaha, Neb on May 5. It was a whacky show to say the least. -
Kai Slater, the 21-year-old behind Chicago rock bands Lifeguard, Sharp Pins and Silver Dolls, is also a publisher. His "Hallogallo" zine, now in its 12th issue, is a love letter to doing it yourself.
![“I didn't expect music would happen, so I don't know what else will happen,” said Xenya Genovese, aka Freak Slug, about being open to universe. “We don't know [with] the state of the world what can happen."](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/538d190/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3049+0+92/resize/560x312!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F69%2Faf%2F42cf55be4d1da829a0ec56cb45ab%2Fan0i8632.jpg)
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Weird Nightmare's "Hoopla" bursts with fuzzy hooks and infectious indie‑punk charm. It's a bold new sonic leap for the ex-METZ frontman, Alex Edkins. -
Friko’s "Something Worth Waiting For" has serious heart. This record is proof that Chicago has yet another band leading the indie rock charge in 2026. -
Lime Garden’s "Maybe Not Tonight" has indie charm, dance‑floor nerves, late‑night chaos and big feelings wrapped in glittery, off‑kilter pop confidence. -
Jeff Roalson and Trevor Polk of the Iowa City indie band Halfloves reflect on a decade of bandhood and their landmark self-titled album. -
Lala Lala's fifth studio album, Heaven 2, is her most electronic sound yet. -
The songs on Sam Beam’s sixth outing for Sub Pop (and eighth overall) are bound to thaw the frozen ground. -
Mitski's eighth studio album Nothing's About To Happen To Me is here. It's a love letter to cat ladies and homebodies everywhere, and one of her best albums to date.
