Stream the Best Local Singles and EPs of 2019

At end-of-year list time, albums tend to get the bulk of the coverage. But just because a release is shorter than nine tracks doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy of recognition. We’ve put together a playlist of top-shelf single tracks and cuts from EPs released by local artists this year, and assembled notes on a few of them below.

Daniella Mason, “Woman Lover Powerful”

Electronic-pop singer and songwriter Daniella Mason is a prime example of why we do this feature. She has yet to release a full-length record, but her work is consistently jaw-dropping. This propulsive single, a preview of the forthcoming Physical State from her State of Me EP series, focuses on Mason’s voice as she confronts the pressure to shape her identity according to social norms.

Soccer Mommy, “Lucy”

The first totally new single from Sophie Allison’s project Soccer Mommy since her well-received 2018 debut LP Clean features a superbly sophisticated lyric tucked into a chiming, driving slice of dream-poppy rock. Who knew that grappling with your inner demons could sound this inviting?

Kyshona Armstrong, “Fear”

Kyshona Armstrong is a phenomenal vocalist and lyricist who has a finely tuned sense of the social and political divide we Americans (and many others) are experiencing. This swampy track from her forthcoming Listen, due in February, calls out the fear that’s at the root of so many issues, and inspires the confidence you need to face it down.

Okey Dokey feat. Devon Gilfillian, “Feels Good”

Okey Dokey, a band that draws from 1940s pop songwriting as much as 1970s pop production, has quietly been releasing a suite of incredible collaborative singles, slated for an eventual collection called Curio Cabinet I. This funky, bouncy standout track encourages you to hold your head high and features ace soul songsmith Devon Gilfillian, whose new LP Black Hole Rainbow is out Jan. 10.

Josephfiend feat. The BlackSon, Reaux Marquez and OGTHAGAWD, “No Issue”

Even though the bars on this cut are about individual strength, it’s the combined power of the MCs and producers involved that makes it pop. That’s the kind of cross-pollination that helps build bigger and stronger scenes, and it’s been great to see more of it in Nashville rap in 2019.

Heinous Orca, “Wishing Well”

Among the many local garage-leaning rock groups to keep your eye on, Heinous Orca stands out for their fresh approach to — well, everything. This single is a helping of propulsive, ominous surfy rock that keeps turning back on itself, and it preludes an album that H.O. has been hard at work on with producers Ryan Hewitt and Joe Pisapia. 

Ziona Riley, Not Too Precious

Heinous Orca bassist Ziona Riley also happens to be one of the finest songwriters working in Nashville. Not Too Precious is a short collection of deeply thoughtful, impactful songs about family and contemporary society. There are only vocals and guitar on the recording, but it doesn’t feel like anything is missing.

Altered Statesman, Tried as Adults

Steve Poulton & Co.’s songs deal in timeless things while reacting to the present. The stories of love, fear, jealousy and weariness on Tried as Adults — rendered in styles from elegiac future soul to cosmic blues and beyond — respond to the challenges of getting along in the world today with a resilience that comes from inside.

Sean Thompson’s Weird Ears, Time Has Grown a Raspberry 

Expert guitarist Sean Thompson’s second solo EP is a masterful gem of rocking folk-pop songcraft. His dream of dropping out of society to work the land is rendered so vividly that you can just about taste the freshly baked pie.

Rashad tha Poet, Jefferson Street Blues 

The expert spoken-word artist, speaker, author and MC’s latest work goes deep on a theme he’s touched on many times before: gentrification. Atop shape-shifting production from The Beat Head, Rashad explores the richness of black culture and the economic, social and political forces that threaten black communities — around the country and right here in Nashville.

Bleary, Gates

Bleary took their time to develop a distinctive melodic sensibility and incisive songs that make their take on shoegaze really stand out. Gates is a gorgeous record that also has a lot to say about self-assurance and the challenges of close relationships.

Lauren McClinton, Dawn 

Lauren McClinton has spent a great deal of time honing her talent. Her debut EP is an extremely pleasant listen — “She lets her syllables linger, and you’re really glad she does,” wrote Scene contributor Kelsey Beyeler when the record dropped. McClinton’s songs about romantic relationships, economic struggles and more make her personal experience universal.