Good Stuff is a feature franchise on UNXIGNED where we bring you some of the best songs that recently got on our radar. Handpicked for your listening pleasure, today’s Good Stuff features 10 new catchy country-flavored pop rock tunes from The Wonderful Nobodies, Patchwork, Em, and many more artists on the rise. In this Good Stuff issue we rate these songs’ motivator factor with emojis showing how likely you are going to want to come or get to work for the rest of the week after hearing them today. Yeah, right.
The Wonderful Nobodies – “Hallelujah Anyhow”
Artist brief: The Wonderful Nobodies are a trio from the Appalachian regions of Virginia and North Carolina. The group consists of Seth Taylor, Lacy Green, and Aaron Williams. Currently based in Nashville, the three-piece write themes on contradicting emotions and ironic facets of life. Their debut album, A / B, explores the either/or world (Elliott Smith aside), and sees the band brave the question of how to just be both.
Motivator factor: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Key lyrics: “I was 26 and basking in the glory of my doubts/ You were a Kodak-pictured innocence/ Hallelujah anyhow”
Why it’s good stuff: This number captures that nostalgic stripped-down pre-’10s Taylor Swift sound with a poppy knack of sending feel-good vibes. “Hallelujah Anyhow” is the last track off of A / B (excluding the reprise of “Something Worth Singing About”) and is arguably the most summery. As do all of the tracks in the album, this too showcases the band’s warm, soothing instrumentation and polished lyrical bent.
This piece can surely paint a smile on the face of anyone who digs it. It’s the song that’ll make you want to rise excited for the week and will brighten up your every day. Play it.
Wildlife Moon – “Darkness”
Artist brief: New Jersey native Gerald Edward began recording material for Wildlife Moon with Mike Reily, Sydney Price, and Charlie Sztyk just before 2019 ended. Currently based in Brooklyn, the indie alt-rockers are set to drop four more singles this year as follow-ups to their debut offering, “Darkness”. Inspired by the likes of folk artists James Taylor and Paul Simon, as well as by his early punk roots, Edward’s natural genre-bending tendencies are evident in his approach to style.
Motivator factor: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙁
Key lyrics: “My best days feel like a past life now”
Why it’s good stuff: The story behind this piece is a very personal one to Edward. While the song’s structure gives listeners this holistic musical charm that can almost certainly make any day lighter, its lyrics actually make up an ode by Edward to a dear friend who just died. “I wrote this song in memory of my friend and former bandmate. It’s about my struggle to heal after he passed away,” he said in a statement.
You might be wondering how a song called “Darkness” in the first place made this list despite its sad nuance, well, this song isn’t that sad after all if you realize the inspiration that brought it to life. Gerald Edward wants you to genuinely appreciate and be there for the people close to you 24/7.
Em – “In Time”
Artist brief: Over 15 years into her music career, British singer-songwriter Em finally set out to officially release her work for the world to hear. Developing her very own acoustic pop sound since day one, Em looks up to Alanis Morisette, Natalie Imbruglia, and The Corrs as her main influences. “Pursue what makes you happy” is her life mantra, and with that in mind she’s able to write honest and pure lyrics on a vast array of themes.
Motivator factor: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Key lyrics: “The things in life aren’t what you get/ They’re only what you find/ They’re only what you find in time”
Why it’s good stuff: Em admittedly wrote “In Time” almost a decade ago and at long last released the country pop anthem in July. Written by Em about her and a friend’s search for purpose and passion while going through life, the song speaks of the realization that everything will eventually fall into place, all without the need to worry about exactly when. It’s about embracing the present and focusing on what’s on your plate rather than overthinking what’s yet to come.
Em in a press release stated, “‘In Time’ for me is about being happy, and working out what ‘happy’ means to me, and to all of us.” With a singing voice as angelic and sweet as Harriett Wheeler’s, Em inspires you to take on any endeavor or task in an unhurried way.
Sarah Rose, Eric Walker – “Doing It for You”
Artist brief: Hampshire musicians Sarah Rose and Eric Walker started out gigging together around South East England before deciding to collaborate on a project that centers on folk, country, and Americana. Rose, while a newcomer, is no stranger to the music field. She had written commercially for others and had worked with labels in the past. Walker, on the other hand, has been releasing music since 2018 and is best known for his long list of accolades, including the Pride of the South music award he won most recently.
Motivator factor: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Key lyrics: “Driving past the places we went/ We had so much time back then”
Why it’s good stuff: “Doing It for You” is the result of the pair’s natural flair for contemporary country. Combining elements of pop-imbued folk and alternative rock, Rose and Walker together deliver their bright, under-the-sun musical treaty that’s both carefree and joyous. It sees the duo put their unique voicing finesse on full display and their ability to tell a story up front.
This song is what you want put on repeat on your way to visit an old friend or someone really dear to you. Also, it’s a good track to make your morning coffee to. Describing the track, Sarah and Eric wrote in an official statement that “Doing It for You” is a “song about reconnecting with the person you used to be and not giving up on your dreams.”
Sierra Annie Band – “Bad Day”
Artist brief: Sierra Annie Band are a country pop band based in Nashville, Tennessee. Best known for her sassy, blissful pop rock prowess, the band’s lead singer and namesake, Sierra Annie, writes lively thematic music with sunlit punk tinge. Bringing together a variety of influences, including country, rock, and pop, SAB take listeners back to the early ’00s catchy summer music era.
Motivator factor: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Key lyrics: “Life is tough, and so am I/ It’s just a bad day and a good life”
Why it’s good stuff: Though the title once again hints of some downer, this otherwise hooky, sparky song doesn’t really revolve around such a theme, if at all. Instead, it’s a song Sierra Annie wants to send your way if you ever think you’re unlovable, incapable, and unworthy. In “Bad Day” she sings about the petty day-to-day howlers that most people experience and feel immensely guilty about—and gives reassurance that it’s totally okay.
“‘Bad Day’ means so much to me because it encourages self-love, despite being imperfect,” she explained in a statement. “It encourages gratitude, despite maybe not having everything you want, but focusing on everything you do have.” This latest number from SAB is a note to self that will certainly give any listener a lift.
Jess Perkins – “Where the Wild Goes”
Artist brief: Vancouver-raised singer-songwriter Jess Perkins is a promising indie musician who is currently making waves in Canada. Emerging from the city of Victoria in British Columbia, Perkins’ music career is twofold: releasing her original music and luthiery. Yes, she builds her own acoustic guitars and lives off her special woodworking skill. In 2018, she began work for her debut full-length, Living Room, which she released just a few weeks ago. The 11-track album took two years to finish as the creative process faced setbacks on account of the original producer’s death, followed by her mentor-uncle’s loss to cancer shortly thereafter.
Motivator factor: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙁
Key lyrics: “Off in the evergreens/ It’s too dense to see in front of me/ I was chasing dreams and the mystery of you”
Why it’s good stuff: Jess Perkins, foremost, has always been fascinated by the idea of channeling expressions through music. This is why she intended Living Room to be an album that tells a story from start to finish. “Where the Wild Goes” demonstrates Perkins’ untarnished aptitude for writing lush, airy pop-leaning country songs that are readily available for listeners to connect with.
The music video follows the singer’s journey into the woods after stumbling upon a treasure map by chance. Despite her apparently good position in life, she chooses to set out on a risky trek with zeal and dedication. Metaphorically, the story may well be interpreted as representing self-discovery, which does require one to break out of their comfort zone and to overcome their fears in pursuit of realizing their deepest desires.
Patchwork – “Used to Know”
Artist brief: Hailing from Ottawa, Canada, Patchwork formed in late 2019 after Melanie Gridley and guitarists Simon Amirault and Taylor Brooks decided to join forces. Naming themselves after a small restaurant in France where they first met, Patchwork together weave melodious emotive pop songs with country rock-themed veneers. The newcomers put out their first original material in July and have since grown their listeners to over a thousand as of press time. They are huge supporters of the Black community in Canada, donating all their July proceeds to the Black Health Alliance.
Motivator factor: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙁
Key lyrics: “I lose my mind and you waste my time/ Why do I try”
Why it’s good stuff: Just because it’s a breakup song doesn’t mean it’s not catchy. “Used to You” is an acoustic pop piece that tells the story of a Patchwork member’s recent heartbreak. According to the band, they believe it expresses a sentiment many listeners will relate to. True enough, the song is on its face raw and downright clear-cut.
It eats you up as it progresses, but Gridley’s voice—reminiscent of that of Leigh Nash—is just too beautiful to even consider doing anything musically unwarranted. Just… listen. Fusing acoustic-based pop and alt-country rock with a modest dose of soul, Patchwork create a sound uniquely their own. You need their vibe at least once a day.
The Como Brothers – “Tell Me How”
Artist brief: Brothers Matt and Andrew Como began their music career in early 2012 and have never looked back since. Having performed at high profile venues like The Cutting Room, Hard Rock Cafe, Webster Hall, the Warped Tour at Nassau Coliseum, among others, and having their songs featured in numerous TV shows, all while being unsigned, the Long Island natives are easily the epitome of indie music success.
Motivator factor: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Key lyrics: “I think about love and war/ And everything in between about the world and about you”
Why it’s good stuff: Did you know? The Como Brothers actually wrote “Tell Me How” 10 years ago and only decided to record it this year. As if that’s not enough to make your jaw drop, this song was in fact written by accident too. It sees Matt and Andrew toying with the quintessential singer-songwriter feel and tone, as evidenced by the track’s glaring difference from the duo’s other titles—old and new. Fun fact, though: The Como Brothers are pretty genre-fluid, so their releases almost always sounds distinct from each other.
“It’s an anthem for being young at heart and doing what you want,” the brothers in a press release said of the track. Merging influences from Train, Jason Mraz, and teen pop era John Mayer, The Como Brothers blend cheerful country pop with alternative rock sensibilities. Want some light, thoughtful tune today? “Tell Me How” is here for you.
Caitlin Rushing – “Mexico”
Artist brief: Caitlin Rushing is an Orlando-based singer-songwriter who has been active in the music scene since penning her first lyrics in 2014. Over the years, Rushing has worked with prominent producers and mixing engineers like Billy Smiley (WhiteHeart, Johnny Cash, Newsboys, Clay Aiken) and Richie Biggs (The Civil Wars). She is best known for her natural musical and lyrical glamour that exhibits her fine, upbeat take on shaping folk and country-inspired pop songs.
Motivator factor: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Key lyrics: “I’m on my way to paradise/ And I don’t need a beach or a drink or a brand new guy”
Why it’s good stuff: Here’s another breakup song where Rushing assumes the role of a woman who simply doesn’t give a damn about her failed relationship with some guy who’s now in Mexico with another lover. Instead of crying over spilled milk, she turns her attention to a number of things she chooses to be thankful for and proves her worth without seeking validation from anyone or anything. She simply moves on with her head up and lets go of their memories altogether.
This latest offering from Caitlin Rushing makes for a weirdly jolly anger management conference theme song. “Mexico” is a straight-up f*ck you to a cheater delivered in a rather amusing, unconcerned fashion.
Brianna Blankenship – “The Good Guy”
Artist brief: At the tender age of 10, Brianna Blankenship already discovered her strong love for music. Born in Kane, Pennsylvania, she grew up performing in her school choir and starring in various musicals. Country stars Cassadee Pope, Danielle Bradberry, and Kelsea Ballerini all contributed to Brianna’s eventual decision to set out on a musical voyage when she turned 18. She doesn’t just perform—she wants to bring more to the stage than music alone. Her mission? To bring humanity to her listeners’ hearts.
Motivator factor: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙁
Key lyrics: “Why can’t my mind tell my heart that you’re a good thing/ Why is it always so hard to start fallin’/ For somebody who treats you like you do/ Bad boys who are overrated; they ain’t perfect and I hate it/ Why can’t I ever like the good guy”
Why it’s good stuff: It’s penned by Brianna Blankenship and that’s all you need to know to like this summer gem. Displaying her pure country pop finesse with an alt-rock touch, Brianna in “The Good Guy” sings about choosing the wrong people for all the wrong reasons while dismissing and ignoring someone whose traits she’s in fact been looking for. It’s pretty sad and dispiriting but at least it ends with the persona wanting to like the good guy at last. Well, hope she ends up liking him for real.
While this song doesn’t sound like the best fit for your morning coffee jams, its familiar teen country pop charm is just so hard to discount and as such, you gotta reserve a place for this track still. Your workweek will definitely feel more worthwhile with it in the list.
The songs featured in this Good Stuff issue can be found in our new playlist on Spotify: UNXIGNED Finest of: Contemporary Country Pop
Sam is a mediocre artist, musician, and the founder and editor in chief of UNXIGNED. He is a Juris Doctor who leads an excitingly boring life in the confines of his room juggling studies with passion and dreams. He is terrible at finding balance but gets by anyhow. He wants you to follow his artist pages and channels for when he decides to up his game. Pretty open for collabs and will mix your would-be hit song for cheap.