Jerome Matthews Jr. is a singer/songwriter and producer based in Chicago, and has had the distinction of contributing to Michelle Obama's compilation album. We’ll keep him on our radar, as he hasn’t released a debut album yet, but have fallen in love with his latest single, “just a thought (I love you).”

Jerome Matthews Jr.: ‘just a thought (I love you)’

A free weekday download of standout songs, including advance releases, exclusive live tracks recorded at KCRW, remixes, and an introduction to new artists on our radar.

Music

We’re excited to premiere a new song from heavy instrumental dream team Parlor Greens , who have the distinction of recording their debut album at Colemine Records’ brand new studio at Portage Lounge in Loveland, Ohio. This trio celebrates their members with brilliant solos, as you’ll hear on the title track “In Green We Dream.”

Parlor Greens: ‘In Green We Dream’

Soul singer Bette Smith ’s musical adventure was born in the church pews and street corners of Brooklyn. Today, Bette Smith announces a brand new album filled with her signature mix of soul and gospel. “Goodthing,” the title track, hints at the crunchy sound of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Bette Smith: ‘Goodthing’

Back in 2018, LA roots-punk pioneer Dave Alvin and cosmic country slayer Jimmie Dale Gilmore wrote their first album together to great fanfare and kindled their lifelong friendship. The duo have announced a new full-length recording, TexiCali, coming in June that promises to deliver 11 trippy tracks, culled from the hearts of these two storytellers and providing a sonic tapestry across their home states. “We’re Still Here” celebrates their bond.

Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore: ‘We're Still Here’

Motherhood is a game-changer for any artist, but it can also open up a new sonic horizon. Monogem is a new mom to a son, and has spent the last year in her backyard under their lemon tree. Her new ballad “Lemon Tree” carries a lilting melody, coupled with organic production and soothing saxophone peeling back the layers of a heavy world. It reminds us of what Monogem already knows: to appreciate the little things (and little ones) in our daily lives.

Monogem: ‘Lemon Tree’

This June we’ll celebrate the 5oth anniversary of the seminal recording by Little Feat with a new deluxe edition of Feats Don’t Fail Me Now, featuring rare and unreleased versions plus outtakes from album sessions as well as a 1975 concert in Paris. Formed in Los Angeles in 1969, this outfit made a tasty stew of blues, country, R&B, and good ole’ rock n’ roll. We’ll share a song you may recognize, which has been sampled and covered by many — it’s an alternate version of the funky classic “Spanish Moon.”

Jerome Matthews Jr.: ‘just a thought (I love you)’

Download our free app to listen on your phone