• About
No Result
View All Result
OkSessions
  • Home
  • Live Music
    • OKC Live Music Calendar
    • Skirvin Jazz Club – Downtown OKC’s Immersive Live Jazz Experience
    • Othello’s Sessions – The Jazz Capital of Norman
    • Saints Sessions – Best Live Jazz Show in Oklahoma City
    • Chisholm Creek Rooftop Hop – May and June 2019
    • Submit Your Event To the OkSessions Calendar
  • The Hotsheet
  • Blog
    • OKC Music News
    • OkSessions News
  • OKC Music Industry
  • Home
  • Live Music
    • OKC Live Music Calendar
    • Skirvin Jazz Club – Downtown OKC’s Immersive Live Jazz Experience
    • Othello’s Sessions – The Jazz Capital of Norman
    • Saints Sessions – Best Live Jazz Show in Oklahoma City
    • Chisholm Creek Rooftop Hop – May and June 2019
    • Submit Your Event To the OkSessions Calendar
  • The Hotsheet
  • Blog
    • OKC Music News
    • OkSessions News
  • OKC Music Industry
No Result
View All Result
OkSessions
No Result
View All Result
Home Blog
Top Oklahoma releases of 2019 (so far)

Lincka

Top Oklahoma releases of 2019 (so far)

by Zoe Travers
July 25, 2019
in Blog, Music Reviews, OKC Music News
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

2019 has been a huge year for Oklahoma music. Festivals, releases, new artists, and tons of enthusiasm for the local scene. We put together a list of some of the top releases of 2019 so far! And we’re barely scratching the surface.

P.S. – We fully acknowledge there have been some incredible moments in Oklahoma music recently, and so we welcome feedback! Let us know what some of your favorite releases have been!

1. Lincka’s Blank Slate of Mind

Lincka is a Mexican-American pop/alternative artist based in Oklahoma, and she’s a talent you just can’t miss.

Lincka has a message in her music – activism, pride, and symbolism. And that’s exactly what her new mini-album Blank Slate of Mind encompasses. She’s an artist, simple and complex as that.

In an article with the Oklahoma Gazette, Lincka said, “I’m always pretty open and unapologetic in the fact that I am Latina in all my music, not only just by singing and speaking Spanish, but also in the lyrics.” 

A stand-out song from the EP is “Sprinkle Your Love (Gotta Give it Up)”. Audiences can’t help but move to this beat. It’s infectious, soulful, and musically-intelligent. To get an even better feel of this song, we would highly recommend checking out her NPR Tiny Desk Concert submission (shot by local videographer Nathan Poppe).

The album name came from the freedom and the collaborative spirit she felt while working on the songs. 

“Whenever those tracks were sent over to me and I heard them for the first time, it’s a blank slate in the sense of like, ‘I can go anywhere with this. I can write whatever I want on this beautifully produced track,’” Lincka said. “It was just so inspiring to be able to write on something that’s already so beautiful, and it was a challenge because I wanted to make sure my lyricism and my melodies match the quality of the sound of the instrumentation and the samples.”

Lincka’s music is poignant, but not at all preachy, and her mini-album is definitely a showcase of her talent – musically and lyrically. Oh and her live performances? An absolute blast. 

2. M. Lockwood Porter’s Communion in the Ashes

Max Porter (M. Lockwood Porter) returned to his home state of Oklahoma recently and released one of the best albums to come out of the state. 

His album Communion in the Ashes is just brilliant. It’s folky, but it’s got a great rhythm. It’s rock n’ roll, but it’s smooth and contemplative. Communion in the Ashes is genuinely an extremely fun album.

His lyrics focus around political apathy and outrage, with a highlight of the album being the anthemic “The Dream is Dead.” This song is like a party for the end of the world – like an outcry of frustration and a joyous celebration, a modern Sisyphus. 

In an interview with Billboard Magazine, Max said the song is a hopeful sentiment. 

“In a lot of the song I am detailing problems in our society,” Max said. “When a lot of people realize that the American Dream they thought you might achieve may not exist, it’s traumatic. But afterwards you’re kind of freed up to imagine all sorts of other ways of living. It’s kind of like a first step to imagining a whole new way we could organize society.”

Black Mesa Records (the studio that produced the album), wrote that Communion in the Ashes is “a rallying cry for the hopeless and heartbroken, its lyrics set to a soundtrack of anthemic heartland rock & roll.” 

The album is centered around hope in the face of political distress, even touching on frustrations with the southern Baptist church. 

This is the perfect album for fans of other local artists like John Calvin Abney or Samantha Crain, but it’s just different enough from those artists – offering listeners a sort of celebration of frustration.

3. Kat Lock’s You Again 

Kat Lock is quickly establishing herself among the indie scene in Oklahoma music. How does Lock describe her musical career? In her OkSessions feature, she said,  “it started more as a meme than anything.” 

But all jokes aside, Lock’s new music is daring and sentimental, writing about things she’s never written before. Kat Lock is the perfect music for fans of Rilo Kiley, indie rock, girl power, and Real Housewives of New York. 

She just celebrated the release of her debut album You Again in July, and it’s already receiving a lot of positive feedback. 

Caity Robb of Starcatcher Magazine said it’s the hit of the summer and called it “powerfully emotional and a light listen.” Robb wrote, “there’s no flurry of instruments to back her up – just melodies that perfectly complement the strong vocals of Lock.”

To read a rundown on each of the songs, check out the full article from Starcatcher! 

Our friend John Schlenner said, about the album, “filled with clear-eyed lyrics about the shortcomings of past relationships and set against extremely catchy guitar and piano riffs, it’s an excellent introduction to her work, and a fantastic listen while driving around with the windows down on a warm summer evening in OKC.”

You can read the rest of John’s review right here! 

4. Spinster’s self-titled album

OKC-based indie band Spinster released their highly-anticipated self-titled album in June, and it’s very quickly become one of the best albums in the OKC indie scene. I mean, holy cannoli. Every song is incredible. 

Spinster began with the release of their single “Achilles,” a strong intro to an even stronger album. Some stand-out tunes include “Good to Me” and “Sisyphus.” 

This is perfect for fans of powerhouse indie artists like Angel Olsen or even some slightly more hardcore local bands like Skating Polly. 

Spinster is fronted by Annie Oakley’s Jo Babb, so you’ll definitely hear some folky and melodic influence, but make no mistake – Spinster goes hard. You can read more about Jo’s transition from Americana to Indie in her OkSessions blog post. 

Jo did an interview with the Oklahoma Gazette’s Jeremy Martin, in which she said, “all of us together are growing into the sound of what Spinster is. I came to the band with so many songs already written, and they added their part, but now we’re thinking about, What can we do together as a group?” 

Spinster was set to part ways this summer, but, due to a change of plans, they’re still rockin’, and their debut album is hopefully just a start to an incredible journey. 

5. Cavern Company’s So This is Happiness 

OKC indie band Cavern Company made waves with their 2019 EP So This is Happiness. The band describes themselves as an “epiphany induced by sugar high,” and that’s exactly what this EP exemplifies – an excited contemplation, a rush of sentimentality. 

About the EP, frontman Zach Shomaker told the Oklahoma Gazette that it’s a step closer to where they want to be as a band. 

So This is Happiness ranges across emotions with some songs upbeat and poppy, focusing on the positive, and other songs addressing alcoholism and addiction. 

A stand-out from the album is definitely the single “Enough.” Hunter Sanders of Honey Punch Magazine called it the “perfect jam.” 

The song touches on feelings of anxiety and raises the question – am I enough? But it’s not pessimistic by any means. In a way, it’s a hopeful tune, encouraging listeners to stop and breathe. 

Shomaker said he wants their live shows to be a party, a chance to let go and have fun. And their recorded music definitely delivers that vibe as well. At the same time, though, the music is contemplative – comparable to Walk the Moon or The Bleachers. 

Now check out some honorable mentions – some more incredible tunes that have dropped from Oklahoma artists in 2019!

Mad Honey 

Grand National 

Blake Burgess 

Steelwind 

Tony Foster Jr. 

SoufWesDes

Hungry for more OKC music? We’ve got you covered! Check out this recent playlist all about OKC indie! 

Share370Tweet50

Related Posts

OkSessions

Othello’s Emerges as Live Music Venue

by Reece Carmen
October 30, 2019
0

Othello’s of Norman has long been a Norman landmark, primarily known for their excellent Italian food, recently they have emerged as the premier venue for live jazz and...

Read more
Artist Profiles

Mad Honey discusses new EP

by Reece Carmen
December 16, 2020
0

Mad Honey is comprised of Tiff Sutcliffe on vocals and guitar, Branden Palesano on bass and synths, Keegan Ball on guitar, and Austin Valdez on drums. Earlier this...

Read more
Music Reviews

The True CW releases new single “A Night Out”

by Reece Carmen
October 21, 2019
0

Earlier this month Oklahoma City rap artist The True CW released his third single titled “A Night Out”. You can check out the track below! https://open.spotify.com/track/20tQiUtHhEECxkCOUasW7H?si=8ZQO3EjURW-p0AqVHG8hAw This track...

Read more
Next Post
Vote for your faves in “Best of OKC”

Vote for your faves in "Best of OKC"

No Result
View All Result

OKC Live Music News Straight to your Inbox

Categories

  • Amplify (17)
  • Artist Profiles (27)
  • Blog (132)
  • Deep Deuce Sessions (15)
  • For Artists (14)
  • Music Reviews (11)
  • OKC Music News (85)
  • OkSessions (88)
  • OkSessions News (27)
  • Rooftop Hop (1)
  • Saints Sessions (17)
  • Sessions (30)
  • Venue Reviews (11)
  • Video (16)
  • Video Clips (15)

Instagram

  • 93
     PLEASE SHARE From our friends at Red Dirt Relief Fund Red Dirt Relief Fund pledges 50 000 to aid Oklahoma music people affected by COVID-19 While we cannot know how COVID-19 will spread or how long this crisis will last we do know that this virus has universally devastated our working music community In the past week a majority of gigs and festivals for the coming weeks and months have cancelled or postponed While some Oklahomans are fortunate to have paid leave remote-work options and other safety nets working musicians without gigs are left without income to pay their bills As an organization that provides a safety net of emergency assistance to Oklahoma music people we cannot imagine a more critical time to come to their aid In this spirit Red Dirt Relief Fund will provide up to 50 000 to working music people in the form of one-time emergency grants of 250 on a first-come first-served basis We believe this small act of solidarity can help everyone better weather this storm At the same time we know it won t be enough Can you help us help more musicians OkSessions is not affiliated in any way to Red Dirt Relief Fund All donations and donation requests should be made directly to reddirtrelief
  • 68
    Stop what you are doing and check out what live music is going down tonight Brian Gorell Jazz Company at the UCO Jazz Lab Dark Matter at the OKC Farmer s Market Kestrel Kite at Ned s Starlite Lounge Cody Abbott at JR s Pub Grill Lilac Kings at VZD s Pocket Change at Othello s in Norman okcmusic okc localmusic livemusic livemusicokc okclivemusic okcevents
  • 88
    Friday and Saturday nights are rocking with live music shows in OKC Here s just a few of the shows going down Check it out Friday Johnny Manchild at Stockyards Central Shortt Dog at UCO Jazz Lab Lauren Daigle at the Peake Reckless Kelly at Tower Hari Kondabolu at the Paramount Mystery Dates Band at Ned s Starlight Lounge Scott Cook at the Blue Door Adam Aguilar with Sidney Adams at VZD s Electric Okie Test at 51st Street Speakeasy Tandem at Hudson s Public House Saturday The Church Band at Sanctuary Kamasi Washington at Tower Josh Roberts at Ned s Starlite Lounge 36 Inches at Whiskey Chicks Jipsi Live at Parlor Spaghetti Eddie at the Block Party at Chisholm Creek Heather Mae K C Clifford at the Blue Door okcevents okcmusic okc localmusicokc localmusic livemusicokc livemusic okcband oklahomaband okcmusician oklahomamusicians
  • 53
    If you do one thing for the OKC music scene this week tag oksessions in your music event posts and stories so we can share them Not an artist or musician Support the scene by tagging us when you re at a live local show Also stephensalewon is madi rae jones livemusic localmusic okc okcmusic okcmusicscene okcmusicians okcartists oklahoma oklahomamusic oklahomamusicians keepitlocalok okcevents
  • 146
    These powerhouse female artists are making waves in our city and we know there are so many more Tag your favorite female Oklahoma musician in the comments womenshistorymonth femalemusician femaleartist okc okcmusicians livemusic livemusicokc okclivemusic music vocalist bassplayer guitar
  • 65
    This weekend is lit with live music in OKC Here s just a taste of what s going down tonight and tomorrow Friday Dameon Allenswort with Noah Engh at VZD s The Lunar Laugh at the Speak Spencer Bannister and Sam Vaughn at Othello s for Othello s Sessions Tyler Smith at Kamps Zach Baker at The Union Kestrel Kite at Ned s Starlite Lounge Jason Aldean at Chesapeake Katie the Elements at Rococo Dweezil Zappa at Tower Theatre Austin Duplantis at Saints Pub The Toasters at 89th Street Wallis Brann at Parlor OKC Minnesota Subsonic Disco Donnie at the OKC Farmer s Market Saturday Kyle Kendon The Musical at OKC Improv Dresden Bombers at Drunken Fry Atom Ray Funktet for Leap at the Speak Chanda Graham for Deep Deuce Live at Bistro 46 Jared Lowry Group at Stockyards Central Saintseneca with Madhoney at Poneyboy livemusic okc okcmusic okcevents livemusicokc okcband okcmusicians music localmusic localartist
  • 41
    Got a show this weekend OkSessions fans need to know about Tag us so we can blast your event to the shamelessselfpromotion okc okcmusicians okcband music okcmusic livemusic okclivemusic localmusic okclocalmusic
  • 63
    New Music Friday TFJ released his album Kaleidoscope on all streaming platforms today Follow tonyfosterjr and give his album a listen on spotify or wherever you stream your favorite music Soulful and deep Kaleidoscope is just what you need to hear as you head into the weekend Congrats TFJ newmusic tfj tonyfosterjr okcmusic okcmusician oklahomamusic oklahomamusician singer rnb
Instagram Twitter Facebook Youtube

OkSessions

We are working to bring you the music news and events of Oklahoma City. Good people, a great show, and the perfect song, that’s what it’s all about.

© 2018 OkSessions - An OKC Startup That Thrives On Community

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Live Music
    • Oklahoma City Live Music Calendar
    • Saints Sessions – Best Live Jazz Show in Oklahoma City
    • Othello’s Sessions – The Jazz Capital of Norman
    • Skirvin Jazz Club – Downtown OKC’s Immersive Live Jazz Experience
  • The Hotsheet
  • Blog
    • OKC Music News
    • OkSessions News
  • AMPLIFY: An Accelerator For The OKC Music Industry

© 2018 OkSessions - An OKC Startup That Thrives On Community

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Fill the forms bellow to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
X
X