Cara Louise

Now Spinning: Cara Louise ‘Wholesome Dread’

Check your list for Album of the Year and add Wholesome Dread by Cara Louise to the queue. Soul Step Records drops two exclusive vinyl variants of the folk-inspired indie rock LP this weekend. Subscribe now and don’t miss the chance to check out the Orange Sunburst vinyl, a sweet Wax Mage variant, and a free 45 of “Fragile Heart” by Cara Louise.

St. Louis to Nashville singer-songwriter Cara Louise is the missing piece to your emerging artist vinyl collection. Cara Louise’s vocal style often reminds music fans of Brandi Carlile or Sharon Van Etten. Her indie rock disposition blended with folk roots also draws parallels to folk sisters Joseph and Larkin Poe. Wholesome Dread, released September 30th, pivots on the themes of existential dread and self-discovery. Take a deep dive into the 9-track LP, and you’ll be captivated by Cara’s lyricism and affinity for a genre-bending album.

Subscribe and check out the Wholesome Dread Orange Sunburst variant HERE!

Cara Louise Soul Step Records

// Favorite Tracks //

“Wholesome Dread” encapsulates the ever-present theme of the album with relatable lyrics, “can’t deny we’re all the same, afraid of dying.” This intro track makes you feel like you are experiencing the live version in the same room with Cara Louise.

“Must Be Nice” is a lyrically relatable track for twenty and thirty-somethings trying to navigate adulthood and mental health struggles. Cara’s vocal range on the chorus quickly lands “Must Be Nice” as a standout track on the 9-song LP.

“Empty Me” has an upbeat dance-worthy backtrack yet is starkly contrasted by more profound lyrics of uncertainty. The single has the right amount of push and pull for a well-crafted melancholic hit.

“Julia” has more of a country folk feel with twangy guitars and vivid picturesque lyrics. Cara’s voice remains serene as the instrumentals amplify to a height.

*Soul Step Records upfronts the cost of vinyl production for new artists. For more information on Soul Step Records and their mission, visit their website or follow them on Instagram below.

// FOLLOW SOUL STEP RECORDS // FOLLOW CARA LOUISE //

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best of Raleigh

Emerging Now: Best of Raleigh Music

As Raleigh, NC steadily grows, so does the Raleigh music scene. We’ve zoomed in on local upcoming music artists to create an Emerging Now: Best of Raleigh Music guide and playlist. Local residents of Raleigh can easily catch these artists playing events while exploring the Triangle. Check out our song picks and playlists below featuring Christian James, Paige King Johnson, Heather Sarona, Stray Local, and more!

*POETRY DANS LA RUE strives to promote new and upcoming artists in the music scene all over the world. Our goal is to provide a platform for ‘on the rise’ artists and encourage fans to discover new music.

// SPOTIFY PLAYLIST // APPLE MUSIC PLAYLIST //

best of Raleigh music

Best of Raleigh Music: Top Songs

// “Lately” by Christian James ft. Laith, and Chico //-Alternative/Hip-hop

Christian James, a local Hip-hop/Rap artist, released a more Alternative style single, “Lately,” this May. “Lately” is an infectious earworm that takes us back to the days of streaming “Waves” by Mr. Probz while enjoying a summer cocktail. The single incorporates clever lyrics, “Baby, baby grab the phone seven digits, seven minutes till I land, Amy Winehouse records spinning like a ceiling fan.” The verses hit with just the right amount of diction and flow, leading to an undeniably catchy pre-hook and chorus. “Lately” is one of those songs you listen to once and can easily sing along by the last chorus. Follow Christian James for more new music coming next week!

// “Window to Break” by Heather Sarona //-Americana Singer-songwriter

Holly Springs native singer-songwriter, Heather Sarona, debuted her first album, Head Above Water, this past January. “Window to Break” is a standout coda to the Alternative-folk style LP. Haunting lyrics like “My treasure and my pride, there for you to take, my window’s yours to break” showcase the vulnerability of being unguarded in a relationship. Her folky vocals and southern charm will win you over in this soothing single. You can catch Heather in the Triangle over the next few months with her next appearance on September 17th at Mason Jar in Fuquay.

// “Maybe We’re All” by John Sierra //-Singer-songwriter

“Maybe We’re All” is a pensive, thought-provoking track by Raleigh Singer-songwriter John Sierra. The beautifully written, coffeehouse playlist-type song embodies longing and commonality. Sierra recounts several stories of lonely passersby and links a common ground by singing, “Maybe we’re all looking for love, maybe we’re all looking for home.” Check out John Sierra live around Durham and Raleigh from now until December!

// “Holding Hope” by Jon Ward Beyle //-Folk-rock

Jon Ward Beyle has an Avett Brothers-esque style of vocals and storytelling on the single “Holding Hope” from his debut album Worth Stopping For (2021). “Holding Hope” is reflective and wistful, a perfect folk-rock ballad that starts soft and amps to close. The track is a true homage to songwriting in the sense of being able to connect with listeners and send a powerful message through music. Jon Ward Beyle frequents one of our favorite venues in Carrboro, Cat’s Cradle, and is set to play at The Evening Muse in Charlotte this Friday with Courtney Lynn & Quinn.

// “American Beauty” by Paige King Johnson //-Country singer-songwriter

If you’re looking for an America’s sweetheart country singer in the Triangle, Paige King Johnson is your girl. Her single “American Beauty,” off of her debut album Honky Tonk Heart (released June 2022), could easily land her a few gigs opening for some of your favorite country artists. In fact, Paige has already been an opening act for the likes of Kane Brown, Scotty McCreery, Joe Nichols, and Gabby Barrett! “American Beauty” is a ‘tale as old as time’ classic country song with mature flawless vocals. The story of “American Beauty” is a reminder to young women, as well as a personal anthem to the artist, that you can chase your dreams, and everything will work out.

Paige has several upcoming tour dates in the area. She’ll be playing with local The Voice star Britton Buchanan in Sanford this Thursday!

// “Shiver” by Stray Local //-Indie-pop

Stray Local is an upbeat Indie-pop band that you may stumble upon while out in the Raleigh area. The husband-and-wife duo, Hannah and Jamie Rowen, have several catchy singles, including “Shiver,” an easy-listening pop track. Stray Local are also avid runners, and “Shiver” is a great soundtrack for a scenic jog in the triangle. Catch them live as they hop from breweries to coffee shops in the area.

// “Worthless” by Tiger Beach //-Indie-rock

Raleigh’s own Tiger Beach is on a roll of releasing new music. “Worthless” is our favorite track of their recent releases over the past year. Reminiscent of Wallows Tell Me That It’s Over vocally and The Cure’s Disintegration sonically, “Worthless” defines Tiger Beach’s Indie-rock sound. The key change on the bridge draws you in closer to the melancholic chorus, “Tell me that it’s always just so worthless, tell that I’m wasting all of my time, tell me that I’m never gonna make it.” The defining repetitive bassline continues through the end in a culmination of power-surging sounds. Follow Tiger Beach for updates on upcoming shows!


Check out all of these songs and more on our Emerging Now playlists below

// SPOTIFY PLAYLIST // APPLE MUSIC PLAYLIST //

PREVIOUS NEW MUSIC PLAYLIST

new music weekend playlist

New Music Weekend Playlist Summer 2022

This week PDLR is bringing new music from previously featured fan-favorite artists as well as some brand-new names to us and many of you. We have a short list of stand-out tracks from Dermot Kennedy, FABER, Pale Waves, The Lucky, & more. Our New Music Weekend Playlist is short and sweet, give it a listen, and we bet you’ll save at least one song! Cheers to the weekend, and happy New Music Friday!

*POETRY DANS LA RUE strives to promote new and upcoming artists in the music scene all over the world. Our goal is to provide a platform for ‘on the rise’ artists and encourage fans to discover new music.

// SPOTIFY PLAYLIST // APPLE MUSIC PLAYLIST //

new music weekend playlist

New Music Weekend Playlist

// “Too Little Too Late” by The Lucky //-Pop rock

You may recognize the smooth catchy sound of The Lucky (formerly known as Handmade House) if you followed along with our IGTV music festival a few years back. The trio, composed of Tucker Click (vocals), Maison Thomas (as in, Rob Thomas’s son)-Eudy (guitar), and Josh Nardine (drums), dropped “Too Little Too Late,” the second single under their new moniker last Friday. The Lucky liken themselves to a pop rock band similar to The Band CAMINO or VALLEY; however, we have always found their songs to be more effortlessly captivating. We love how “Too Little Too Late” starts out soft, focuses on the vocals, and builds through the bridge to chorus to more of an alternative rock anthem. Check it out, and be sure to add them to your ‘bands-to-watch’ list.

// “Jealousy” by Pale Waves //-Indie-rock

Indie-rock band Pale Waves (Dirty Hit) released track three of album three, Unwanted, earlier this week. “Jealousy” stays true to Pale Waves’ signature sound of pop-punk style and angsty vocals. In our opinion, they are one of the few female-led bands that never disappoint their genre track-for-track (see also MUNA & Wolf Alice), while also evolving for long-time fans. However, there is something unapologetic about the honesty that “Jealousy” adds to their discography. Heather Baron-Gracie’s easily recognizable voice fits perfectly into this emo-inspired track about wanting your partner all to yourself. Avril Lavigne fans…don’t sleep on this band!

// “Dreamer” by Dermot Kennedy //-Singer-songwriter

WOW!! Dermot stays true to his goosebump-inducing, troubadour style, clear-cut raspy vocals. “Ain’t got a song to sing without your loving, yeah, isn’t that worth something?” Um, okay, hello, Dermot, King of writing the most heartfelt lyrics alongside the most beautiful melodies. Swoooon!! For fans that were worried Dermot’s sophomore album would be more on the side of pop radio, “Dreamer” can be likened to his infamous crowd-silencing ballads such as “An Evening I Will Not Forget” and “After Rain.” If you haven’t caught on yet, those tend to be fan favorites. Sidenote, Dermot is ALSO currently on tour in the US with…SHAWN MENDES!

// “I Just Want You Around” by Marc Scibilia //-Singer-songwriter

Long-time Buffalo singer-songwriter Marc Scibilia always has the perfect tracks to enjoy a sunset or romantic dinner for two. “I Just Want You Around” reminds us of a cool bluesy track with a John Mayer guitar solo. We must give credit where credit is due, though; that’s Marc on guitar, vocals, lyrics, production, and, well, everything on this track. You can check out behind-the-scenes of his songwriting on Instagram.

// “Keep On” by Michael Sanderson //-Rock

Germany-based singer-songwriter Michael Sanderson reflects on life in quarantine in new track “Keep On.” Sanderson pays an ode to friends and family who get each other through difficult times. If we could pinpoint a similar sounding vocal, we would probably lean toward Ben Folds. “Keep On” is Sanderson’s first song he ever composed on the piano. It’s a feel-good early Friday evening kind of tune.

// “Rage” by FABER //-Rock

Our London queen FABER! FABER is another artist that we were lucky to have on our IGTV festival lineup in 2020. “Rage” is the perfect song title for her newest release this past May. The song is just the right combination of capturing the feeling of rage and showcasing FABER’s soft vocals contrasted with amplified screams. She’s been out and about doing amazing things, including features for BBC introducing…and playing live shows. Keep an eye on her!

// SPOTIFY PLAYLIST // APPLE MUSIC PLAYLIST //