There has been so much new music coming our way here at Sounds Local that it’s been hard to keep up with it all. In the past few weeks, some of the area’s favorite musicians have released singles from upcoming albums scheduled to drop this fall. There are a number of excellent new tunes you will want to hear, some of which feature accompanying videos. You can also pre-order the upcoming albums now.
The Suitcase Junket, the one-man band project of Matt Lorenz of Leverett, released “One More Mile” last week. It is the first song from his upcoming seventh album ,“To Go On,” which is scheduled for an Oct. 2 release. Lorenz wrote the songs on this collection after the sudden death of his sister, singer-songwriter Kate Lorenz, in 2022. The press release for “To Go On” describes the album as “an internal conversation and dialogue with the departed, enormously resonant to anyone who ever loved anyone.”
“One More Mile” is the only track from this new collection written before Kate’s passing, dealing with the loss of a friend who was dying in her 90s. The song opens with strings but is soon augmented by rootsy guitar and heavy drums, giving the track something of an up-tempo quality. Despite the heavy subject matter, this is an incredibly catchy song and Lorenz’s vocals have never sounded better. The Suitcase Junket will have a record release show at The Iron Horse in Northampton on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Shelburne Falls native Wallace Field has released the perfect summer anthem with “July,” a bouncy sing-along number with an irresistible feel-good vibe. This is the first single off her upcoming EP “Fantasy,” which is scheduled for a Sept. 22 release. “Fantasy” is the follow-up to Field’s 2023 debut, “All Costs,” which dealt with the loss of her Shelburne Falls childhood home to fire.
The light feel of “July” stands in sharp contrast to the heavier material on her previous collection. The song opens with sounds of a summer evening, crickets chirping and a train approaching in the distance. Field sings “La Li La La, July” before launching into “If I could, I would live inside July” in her clear, distinctive voice. She accompanies herself on acoustic guitar while Michael Lesko adds some nice touches on organ and harpsichord. Lesko recorded, mixed and produced the song, in addition to playing bass and drums on the track. While no formal release show for “Fantasy” has been announced, but you can catch Wallace Field at the North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival on Sunday, Sept. 27.
Earlier in the month, Kimaya Diggs released “I Know That I’m Perfect,” the first song off her upcoming third album, “Green,” which will come out on Oct. 2. Diggs is known for her soulful voice, which shines on this track. She describes the song as a righteous anthem about putting yourself first, no matter how many times it takes. While the track starts as a smooth soul number, it transitions to a snappy pop tune once the chorus kicks in. Diggs is accompanied by some ace musicians here including her husband, Jacob Rosazza of LuxDeluxe, who contributes electric guitar and keyboards. Kimaya Diggs will host a record release show at the Academy of Music in Northampton on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Finally, let’s not forget that Dinosaur Jr. has a new single, “Several Got Away,” off their upcoming 12th album, “There Near,” due Aug. 28. The song is loud, but also melodic, with the kind of guitar sound we expect from the band.
And while we’re on the subject Dinosaur Jr., the band’s iconic bassist and Greenfield resident Lou Barlow is turning 60. To celebrate, the Shea Theater Arts Center in Turners Falls is throwing a birthday variety show in his honor on Friday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. The lineup will include Adam Green (Moldy Peaches), Jeffrey Lewis, Bobby Bare Jr., Black Francis and many others.
The Gaslight Tinkers to perform at The Permaculture Place at the Mill in Shelburne Falls
There is no better band to enjoy on a summer evening than the Gaslight Tinkers, and you can catch them playing outdoors at The Permaculture Place at the Mill in Shelburne Falls on Thursday, July 30 at 7 p.m.
This five-piece group from Brattleboro blends African, Caribbean, funk, reggae and Latin rhythms with old-time and Celtic fiddle tunes, creating music that’s lively and great for dancing.
There’s nothing like dancing outside on the lawn, and The Permaculture Place is the perfect spot for it.
This is the final outdoor show of the season at The Permaculture Place, but they have a busy fall schedule, starting with a performance by Matthew Shippee of Swing Caravan on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The Gaslight Tinkers show will help raise funds for the local nonprofit Permaculture Resource Center, demonstration gardens in Shelburne Falls, native pollinator habitats and a food forest at the Town Park.
The Mill is located at 49 Conway St. Tickets are available at thepermacultureplace.com and admission for children is pay what you can.
Seth Glier to take the stage at the 1794 Meetinghouse
Singer-songwriter Seth Glier will perform at the 1794 Meetinghouse in New Salem on Saturday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. Glier, who grew up in Shelburne Falls, is known for his contemporary folk-meets-piano-pop sound and his thoughtful lyrics. He’s released seven full-length albums, with the most recent being “Everything” where he explored environmental themes.
When Glier’s not writing and recording, he’s busy touring the country, having most recently opening for Dar Williams. He also produces and collaborates with other singer-songwriters, including Crys Matthews and Sophie B. Hawkins.
A pre-show meet-and-greet will take place at 6:30 p.m. and held at the old Academy building across from the Meetinghouse. This event is included with the price of admission.
Advance tickets can be purchased at 1794meetinghouse.org. Children 12 and under are admitted for free.
Sheryl Hunter is a freelance writer who resides in Easthampton. Her work has appeared in various regional and national publications. She can be reached at Soundslocal@yahoo.com.