Song of the Day

Song of the Day > All Episodes

May 1, 2024

Emily Shirley: “Morning Light”

By: Jack Anderson

It’s the classic end to an encounter. You meet someone new. Sparks seemingly fly. You have fun for a night. But when you wake up ready to tell your new boo you’d like to see ’em again…they’re long gone. Hell, and in the modern era, that might all happen on just on an app alone. That’s all to say that in the dating world, whether intentions are casual or not, the one who cares the least holds the most power.

A sad truth for sure, but not exactly news to seasoned songwriters like Emily Shirley. On top of membership in both The Belle Sounds and Sister Golden Hair, Shirley’s solo discography dates back to 2010. Her vocal delivery may seem nonchalant, but between expert breath control (seriously, listen to some of those long tones), pitch perfect pipes, and learned lyricism, there’s obviously a ton of passion imbued in this Austinite. And with passion comes pursuit, right?

Well, it turns out Emily Shirley’s no stranger to the ol’ post-connection cease-and-desist in interaction either. Because you don’t need to be a paranormal investigator to have questions arise over the ghosts in our lives, be it self-doubt or just wanting a sense of closure. And that’s all reflected in Shirley’s brand new bittersweet single “Morning Light”, an amorous phantom of multi-tracked vocal harmonies, spectral electric lead guitar, and an almost-incorporeal arrangement. So before you decide to block contact with your latest fling, really get a handle on how the other side feels with “Morning Light”. And for all those who’ve been on the receiving end, this tune’s a perfect approach to taking heartbreak like a champ.

And don’t forget, Emily Shirley graces the airwaves in a solo set with our buds over at KOOP 91.7FM 3PM this Saturday on The Singer & The Song.


Episodes

September 24, 2025

Datura: “Ain’t No Honky Tonks”

“There ain’t no honky tonks in Philadelphia,” laments Jessica Pyrdsa AKA Datura. The latest single from the Lockhart-based artist’s upcoming album, Saint Cecilia, takes a pivot from her piano-driven, jazz-meets-art-pop sound for this equally cinematic, blues-leaden country hall slow dance that feels like a waltz in all but time signature. Here, her skills as a […]

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September 23, 2025

Elijah Delgado: “Hide + Seek” [HAAM Day Re-Heat]

Austin native Elijah Delgado has been releasing his self-proclaimed indie rock lullabies since 2021. In that time, he’s performed with national acts like Sister Hazel and Dayglow and has appeared at Old Settler’s Music Fest and Utopiafest. And today, he’s got a HAAM Day set for your downtime lunchtime listening. “Hide + Seek” showcases Delgado’s continued progression […]

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September 19, 2025

Parker Woodland: “Get Me to the Show”

Austin’s Parker Woodland are back with potentially their rawest song yet, and certainly my favorite one to date. Standing firmly in their vintage pop-punk sound comes “Get Me to the Show,” a punchy tune packed with earwormy hooks and raw, female-led energy fueled by Erin Walters’s signature vocals pivoting between pop harmonies and Sleater-Kinney-like attitude […]

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September 17, 2025

Tear Dungeon: “Kill For Health” [Live In Studio 1A] RE-RUN

It’s Weird Wednesday, and I aim to keep it that way. And what better to stay on theme than to revisit a recent favorite of mine from Studio 1A? Tear Dungeon is truly to be seen. Between the uniform of all-white street clothes paired with leather gimp masks and the perpetual question, “what will hit […]

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September 16, 2025

West Texas Exiles: “Division” (ft. Kelly Willis)

All musical motifs of the Lone Star State converge in Austin’s West Texas Exiles. The quartet, made up of members hailing from El Paso, Amarillo, and Lubbock, draws inspiration from all squares of the Texas music quilt, from Willie to Buddy and everyone in between. Their debut full-length album 8000 Days came out last Friday, […]

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September 12, 2025

Yuno: “Blest” [LIVE IN STUDIO 1A]

Jacksonville, Florida’s Yuno is DIY-defined. The self-taught musician and producer has been fine-tuning his brand of indie-pop mixed with reggae, hip-hop and skate culture influences to boot for some time, and that perfect mix of luck and talent caught the eye of Shabazz Palace member and Sub Pop rep Ishmael Butler, and the rest is, […]

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September 8, 2025

Lola Tried: “Hot Shot Barbie” [PREMIERE]

After several amuse-bouches of singles, Austin’s Lola Tried are ready to let us feast. OG members Lauren Burton and Ray Garza are joined by newcomers Gianni Sarmiento and Austin Norman for the group’s third EP, out this Friday. Perfect for your workout (or rageout) playlist is “Hot Shot Barbie.” She’s got her foot on the […]

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September 5, 2025

Noods: “Slip Up”

As the not-so-great Kyle Cooke once said, “Summer should be fun.” And to remind you that summer doesn’t end until September 22nd is the latest single from Brooklyn’s Noods. The ironically fully-clothed quartet returns with their sophomore album I Never Dream About You next month, and today they release its debut single “Slip Up.” True […]

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