We’re only a few weeks into 2026, and it’s already hard keeping up with all of the excellent releases by our local artists. Here are a few more to add to your listening lists.
NADEZHDA, “Busy Being Bored”: “‘Busy’ started with a swingy, punchy riff that instantly conveyed such attitude, like how it feels to realize you’ll never get a summer vacation again, halfway through the last one you’ll ever have,” NADEZHDA vocalist Brighton Ballard said. “It was written out of a sort of stunted nostalgia, and is a thin critique of the way we waste time in small intervals of thinking we have enough of it.” This new single from the grunge group is equal parts nostalgia fuel and gritty angst. As Ballard stated, the song yanks you into this feeling of not knowing where the time has gone and of contemplating whether or not the way you’ve spent your life has been a bit of a waste. Accompanying the new track is a music video depicting these feelings to a T. “When we first met with our director, Rylee Syme, to discuss video ideas, the image of a sort of delinquent, degenerate kid came to mind, like T2’s John Connor in the modern world,” Ballard added. “We were very lucky that Rylee’s younger brother already fit this role, and was willing to star in the video in exchange for getting his car out of the impound lot.” “Busy Being Bored” and its video are streaming everywhere now, but consider purchasing the track on NADEZHDA’s BandCamp page.
floatinground, “Tea”: Indie/alt band floatinground have been on a roll with their releases, having dropped an album back in November, and now with their latest single, titled “Tea.” Floatinground offers a charming sound that’s present in all of their releases and “Tea” is no different. This one also offers a bit of edge with lyrics like “I find myself in everything / I find myself in everyone / Recently I’ve been fucking up just to get the edge off.” Most of the time floatinground play with a more stripped-back sound, utilizing acoustic guitar or light effects on electric guitar. “Tea” on the other hand has a heavier, crunchy sound, taking a page out of the punk playbook. This single feels like a cathartic release that was written during a time of strong emotion, which is always tough, but which also makes for the best music. “I am the Etch A Sketch and the aluminum powder / I am the delete button and the do-over / I am the ending / And all that comes after / Every breath I take is the fucking rapture,” the lyrics continue. If you’re looking for some hard-hitting words and pumping guitars, check out “Tea.” The single is streaming everywhere now.
Joshua’s Opera, Act 1: Prodigal: SLC and the surrounding area boasts incredible musicians who stick around and continue to make music and play the local shows. Some, however, move to other cities to spread their talent and gain a bigger audience. Such is the case with Americana group Joshua’s Opera. Fronted by singer/songwriter Joshua Claflin, the project has grown and flourished, leading to this latest release. This four-track EP marks the first significant release in Joshua’s Opera’s many years of touring and performing. “Every night in Nashville, I would come home to these songs with new ideas sparked by my friends in town,” Claflin remarked. “I feel extremely blessed by the wisdom they shared during Prodigal’s development, and even more so to have them join me on some tracks.” Nashville is definitely a place to gain inspiration for Americana tunes, but this EP also infuses emo elements throughout—with its sound as well as lyrics. Both Americana and emo music lean heavily on storytelling, even though the genres might seem antithetical to each other.
“Prodigal focuses on character introduction and world-building; characters and a world that reflect a world intimately familiar to the listeners’ own. Exaggerative phrases, comedic quips, and recognizable interpolation welcomes listeners to the edge of a world that has gone too far,” the band explained. Seeing as this EP seems to be setting the stage for a larger story, it’ll be exciting to see what happens next. Check out Act 1: Prodigal wherever you listen to music.
As we creep further into 2026, the great releases will keep on coming, so be sure to keep an eye out to see if your favorite locals have something new. As a caveat, because many artists post their music on platforms like BandCamp, consider purchasing the releases from there. If you do so on BandCamp Friday, all of the funds go directly to artists and labels. There is a BandCamp Friday each month, the next one falling on Feb. 6. Mark your calendars, then, and be sure to grab your favorite tunes while supporting local music!
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.cityweekly.net ’
