NVR KNEW
a deep dive into the artists you should know about, before they blow up
click here to stream the playlist featuring all these artists!
August 2024 edition
Hadji Gaviota
standout track: tricky!
Introducing Hadji Gaviota, hailing from Queens, NY. If indie pop, punk rock, and R&B had a baby, it would be Hadji’s discography. Inspired by the acts he grew up with, ranging from Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator to The Clash and The Ramones, Hadji offers a unique musical perspective.
For Hadji, the creative process is anything but linear or routine. Sometimes he wants to tell an entire story, and sometimes it starts with a word of intrigue. Hadji recognizes that the world of music is incredibly saturated, and yet, offers such a distinct and worthwhile sound.
Hadji is a must-listen for anyone looking to experience the feel of an R&B song with the guitar of a punk rock hit. His standout track, ‘tricky!’, can only be described as an earworm that won’t crawl out. It sticks with you, and you find yourself listening to it on repeat.
JR SPECS
standout track: chain link
Hailing from small town Hampden, Maine and living in Brooklyn, JR SPECS is an artist that should be on your radar. JR SPECS is inspired by a nostalgic type of sound put forth by Vic Mensa, Mac Miller, Anderson .Paak, and early Chance the Rapper (Acid Rap you will always be famous).
JR SPECS just released a concept album titled NIGHT SCHOOL, which centers around taking control of your life and the journey of learning how to do so. The universe contained in the cover art and content for the album is heavily inspired by Sesame Street, referencing that learning and inner child that the album captures.
JR SPECS is only beginning, with new music in the works, and stuff you “won’t be able to find on social media.” JR SPECS puts an extraordinary amount of care into building a catalog with replay value, which is hard to find. Keeping the music from the heart and the lyrics vulnerable, he focuses on building a connection with the listener.
um, Jennifer?
standout track: Cut Me Open
Um, Jennifer? began with Fig and Elijah meeting at a fateful party in Brooklyn. Eli wanted to hook up with Fig’s friend, and now they make music together. And lucky us, because they are a group you’ll want to tap into.
Um, Jennifer? is a punk-tinged indie rock duo that makes music for one purpose: the vengeful god, Jennifer, who “thinks their music sucks.” Jennifer might, but we certainly do not. It’s music you can headbang to, scream to, blast on a drive, or in your noise canceling headphones. The guitar and bass on their standout track, ‘Cut Me Open’, is infectious. Their creative identity is solid, unique, and mesmerizing.
Um, Jennifer? brings a sense of fun and honesty to their music that draws anyone in. If you’re looking for a fresh take on indie rock, and to support queer artists, give Um, Jennifer? a listen (unless you’re Jennifer, then you’ll disagree with this review entirely).
Feinte
standout track: comedownlullaby
Meet Feinte, a singer-songwriter based in NYC. Self described as the rockstar at the discothèque, Feinte aims to embody the trickery of being a 20-something year old. Painting over the emotional trip of the experience of early adulthood with a pastel brush, Feinte has a unique take to offer.
Inspired by Damon Albarn, Erlend Øye, and Jamiroquai, Feinte brings a synthy, melodic feel to his tracks. Think crossover between Dominic Fike and the Neighborhood with the feel of R&B vocals.
Feinte is not just an artist, but a complete concept. Creatively, he hits every mark, and is incredibly intentional about his music and the way it will be consumed.
See Plus
standout track : Sleeping Through
In their own words, post boyband See Plus has been contributing noisy indie pop to the New Jersey music scene since 2016. Though they hail from a small town, their sound is anything but small. Their new singles ‘Glow’ and ‘Sleeping Through’ are truly ushering in a new era for the trio, and it’s one you’ll want to see.
Their inspirations have morphed over time, beginning with artists like Alex G and coming to include artists such as Radiohead and The Postal Service.
See Plus is for anyone looking to experience truly well-constructed indie pop with alt rock infused. The band has an upcoming album in the works, which will be their first following a handful of EP releases. Standout track ‘Sleeping Through’ is actually the oldest track included in the album, and if it’s any indication of what’s to come, we’ll be counting down the days until the album is released.
