Song of the Day

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February 15, 2023

Space Tan: “I Don’t Wanna Die”

By: Jack Anderson

Maybe it’s this never-ending relay race of global pandemics, the collective cabin fever many of us endured during the recent ice storm, or just a gentle mist of malaise. Whatever the affliction, if the Milky Way’s main attraction is shining when you’re feeling imprisoned indoors, it’s always worth taking a couple of minutes to soak up some rays if you can. So with brighter days and clearer skies approaching with spring, perhaps it’s best to follow cues from our climate and embrace a sense of clarity.

Well, in the Austin rock realm, few indie-pop acts have managed to keep things as “clear” as Space Tan. Spearheaded by chief songwriter Gianni Sarmiento, Space Tan maintains transparency across both sonics and lyrics, leaving their melodies and messages ripe for in-ear radiance and emotional reflection. And on Friday, following up 2020’s Don’t Worry About Me and 2021’s Inti Raymi, Space Tan champions the obliteration of internal barriers on Prison Planet.

Prison Planet doesn’t want you to rot in a cell of your own inhibitions or deflective tendencies. Instead it incarcerates you in an energetic five-inmate gen pop of unconventionally inspirational indie rock, guaranteed to leave you re-evaluating any reservations you have for the coming year. Space Tan celebrates Prison Planet on March 3rd at Swan Dive for a joint release show with Domestic Tallboys alongside AMA and our January 2023 Artist of the Month je’Texas. And today, like an adorably deadpan indirect response to Youth Brigade’s 1983 call, Space Tan’s handed us a Strokes-esque testament to the value of life, “I Don’t Wanna Die”.


Episodes

October 1, 2026

Das Mörtal: “Drain Me”

While our heads over here are preoccupied with our own back yard, shout out to ACL, I want to take it to Montreal for some spooky, mood setting dark synth jams to start October right. Das Mörtal just released this track on September 30th, and it’s so head boppingly good. Best paired with Erie weather […]

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September 30, 2026

Fatales: “Voices”

New York duo Fatales blend dreamy vocals, rock guitars, and cinematic Western influences on “Voices.” Kaelin Kost’s soft delivery contrasts with David Pattillo’s bigger guitars, creating a really cool tension between fragility and force. Think Fleetwood Mac meets dream-pop meets a classic Western.

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September 29, 2026

lluvii- “Junii (llámame)”

Hot off a recent apperance in an Allstate commerical and ready to make their ACL Fest debut next weekend is Austin Latin R&B quintet lluvii. The new single “Junii (llámame)” encapsulates the group’s genre-inclusive sound, this time blending R&B, jazz, and pop that climaxes into a psychedelic trancendence, creating a well-layered, acid-laced fusion, like making […]

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September 28, 2026

CAPYAC: “Big CrUsh En3rgY”

The new one from nu-Disco aficionados CAPYAC may be a fall release, but at least here in Austin, it’s more like a last hurrah of a summertime poolside track. And a note to your summertime crush. Smooth and low-key, but incredibly bright and upbeat, CAPYAC once again delivers another instant playlist add.

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September 16, 2026

Wild Heaven: “One To Go”

Austin band Wild Heaven’s “One to Go” dives into the noise that can build up in our heads, from media and the internet to other people’s expectations. The song started with a guitar riff before a circular bass line brought everything together, eventually building into a chaotic outro of layered guitars and megaphone vocals. It’s […]

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September 15, 2026

Andrea Bejar: “Te Vas A Arrepentir (Don’t Hurt Him)”

After the success of her EP’s and rotation on Sirius XM, Mexico City-born, L.A. based singer Andrea Bejar is releasing her debut album In Bloom. Bejar’s music is an ethereal chimera of her Mexican roots and American influence, putting a lush, pop veneer on boleros, or, in the case, of today’s Song of the Day, […]

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September 14, 2026

Shannon Hudson: “Black Roses”

The new album from Leander singer-songwriter Shannon Hudson, Cross Stitch, finds him plugged-in. Electric guitars are center stage this time for an album poignantly built around the dissolution of communication, the self-fulfilling prophecy of isolation it creates and perpetuates, and a reckoning with the state of our country and the atrocities wherein. “Black Roses” hits […]

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September 11, 2026

Ruby Dice: “Dress To Impress (ft. Shinyribs)”

Austin-based bassist and Americana songwriter Ruby Dice brings some true Texan honky-tonk vibes with soulful vocals in her new track “Dress To Impress.” Austin legend Shinyribs opens this track to add old-school sizzle. You can find this song on her new album, Take Me Back, which came out two weeks ago today.

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