On the Griddle is a monthly A&R column offering a buffet-style spread of sapid tracks discovered through the music platform, Groover. Every 30 days, expect an array of songs, diverse and delicious, served hot off the flat-top and waiting to be wolfed down.
Slumber – “Julian Casablancas (I Wanna Rock A Pair Like)”
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Quick Insight: Slumber is a London-based five-piece mastering the art of “mild-mannered hedonism.” I’d put this song on while buzzing in front of the bathroom mirror before a big night out, curling iron in one hand and a cold beer in the other.
Describe your sound/aesthetic in three words…
Indie, party, revival
Tell us about your artist/band name…
It came from one of the lyrics from “Serpentine Pad” on Pavement’s Wowee Zowee album. That was the first album we listened to that kind of sent us down that American ‘90s Indie rabbit hole. We knew we wanted a short name that started with an “S,” so that lyric “slumber” just jumped out.
Which other artists/bands would appear on a playlist with you? What would that playlist be called?
Newer bands would be Been Stellar, Master Peace, Nitefire, Momma, and maybe Wunderhorse. Older bands: Dandy Warhols, Blur, The Vines, CSS. Indie music that works at a house party. The playlist would be called “Slumber Party,” and it’s a playlist that exists on our Spotify already so you should check it out!
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
Honestly, New York. Without betraying London’s honor too much, a lot of the music from New York currently feels more free and fun, which is something that’s missing here at the moment. Fcukers, Been Stellar, MGNA Crrrta, Slow Fiction, The Dare, of course. Maybe, we’re just romanticizing from afar, but that’s part of the fun I think.
Would you rather have the ability to talk to animals or talk to the dead?
Talk to animals 100%. A running commentary of the daily happenings of London’s pigeons is all the entertainment we would need.
October Man – “Vessel”
Quick Insight: Hailing from Asbury Park, New Jersey, October Man is made up of five members, four of which have been playing together for nearly a decade. I’d put this song on if I was handwriting a love letter to my younger self at golden hour, feet swinging from the tailgate of a truck.
Describe your sound/aesthetic in three words…
Classic, earnest, and lively
Tell us about your artist/band name…
We are named after the 1947 film The October Man. During a long brainstorming session for finding a new band name to replace Spanish Pigeon Cheese, an anonymous man walked into our rehearsal room and suggested October Man. The October Man film and the Bill Nelson song were fresh in that person’s mind. We quickly fell in love with the name after hearing about the movie’s story. We tried to ignore the fact that we had made many attempts to watch The October Man but never were successful in viewing the full movie without falling asleep. Additionally, we wanted to stand out from other bands in the area with their beach and summer-themed names.
Which other artists/bands would appear on a playlist with you? What would that playlist be called?
We would appear on a playlist with The Strokes, Vampire Weekend, Modern Baseball, Oasis, Radiohead, and Death Cab for Cutie. It would be called “Dive Bar Indie Rock.”
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
We are excited about the Oasis reunion. We are all pretty big fans of them, and although we were unable to get tickets to their UK tour, we hope they make it to North America so we can see them.
Would you rather have the ability to talk to animals or talk to the dead?
Having the ability to talk to the dead is the way to go. All of life’s biggest questions, like purpose and what happens after death, would be answered by talking to just a few dead people. I’d love to talk to animals, but most of our conversation would probably be centered around food and tiredness.
Koda Corvette – “Back to Your Place”
Quick Insight: Koda, who’s been performing since she was five years old, gained gigging experience at talent shows, fairs, competitions, and busking in downtown Portland, Oregon. I’d put this song on post-heartbreak, driving through the glowing city at midnight with rain slicking the windows.
Describe your sound/aesthetic in three words…
Genre-bending, cinematic, funky
Tell us about your artist/band name…
I wanted to choose a name that would stick out and allow me to step into an artist persona. The name Koda is closely musical to me, yet the full stage name came about by combining flashy options from first and last name lists online when I was 14, honestly. Producers and other collaborators at the time mentioned my real name was hard to pronounce and write, so I started creating artist names and this one landed.
Which other artists/bands would appear on a playlist with you? What would that playlist be called?
For the vibes of “Back to Your Place” and some upcoming singles – Prince, Remi Wolf, The 1975, Mk.gee, MJ, Queen. It would be called “Feels Like You’re in a Coming-of-Age Movie.”
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
I love that timeless music and influences from ‘80s pop/R&B and ‘70s funk/rock are coming back to the pop world. I definitely resonate with the amazing music that artists like Victoria Monet, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter are making.
Would you rather have the ability to talk to animals or talk to the dead?
Hm. I would rather have the ability to talk to animals. I would probably get into it with my dog, because I wanna know where he found the audacity to tear apart the entire Christmas tree with high-hanging chocolate ornaments.
Chill Hill – “Not Like You”
Quick Insight: Drummer, producer, and composer Christopher “Chill” Hill hails from Texas and combines contrasting influences like J Dilla and jazz to generate his distinctive sound. I’d put this song on if I was lounging on a sun-flooded Sunday afternoon, jotting down the final steps of my master plan on the pages of a tattered notepad.
Describe your sound/aesthetic in three words…
Chill. Groovy. Unique
Tell us about your artist/band name…
Honestly it came as a suggestion from my friend Mark Lettieri. The original name of the project was called “Chill.” But I quickly found out that it would be next to impossible to find in a search on any platform. Mark suggested “Chill Hill” since it’s both my nickname and could be a hill that is chill, so to speak.
Which other artists/bands would appear on a playlist with you? What would that playlist be called?
I think some of my songs would be similar to the likes of Jordan Rakei, Braxton Cook, Mac Ayers with some J Dilla/hip hop influences. Other songs would be close to some of the likes of Mark Lettieri, Funky Knuckles, Greg Howe. Some of the more jazzy/fusion material. The playlist would be called “Smooth Beats & Soulful Treats.”
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
The most exciting thing happening in music right now is the sheer amount of it! Recording yourself and releasing music nowadays is easier and more accessible than ever. That is producing tons of wonderful new artists who are pushing music and themselves. There are so many creative artists at this time and it’s inspiring.
Would you rather have the ability to talk to animals or talk to the dead?
I’d rather have the ability to talk to the dead. I think I’d learn so much more about life, what’s really important, what’s next, etc. That would give a unique and fresh perspective.
Henry Aberson – “Rabbit’s Got a Gun” ft. Nariah Taylor (vocals, lyrics) and Brian Hargrove (keys, bass)
Quick Insight: The three contributors on this track hail from Tulsa, Dallas, and LA respectively, but come together seamlessly to deliver a dynamic project that’s cool and calculated. I’d put this song on if I was eating a slice of chocolate cake in a piping hot bath filled to the brim with bubbles and blood-colored rose petals.
Describe your sound/aesthetic in three words…
Minimal, rich, expressive
Tell us about your artist/band name…
My name. It just happened.
Which other artists/bands would appear on a playlist with you? What would that playlist be called?
Cleo Sol, Sault, Erykah Badu Slum Village. Called “Chill Feel.”
What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?
Being able to record a song, and have the potential of sharing it with the world, as well as finding an audience that digs your music.
Would you rather have the ability to talk to animals or talk to the dead?
Love animals!
On the Griddle Honorable mentions:
Leepeck – if you like Leonard Cohen
Stella. – if you like Bruno Mars
Cousin Luke – if you like Silversun Pickups
Dream Pony – if you like Quentin Tarantino
Elea Calvet – if you like Edgar Allen Poe
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