? Groover is a platform designed to connect independent musicians directly with industry professionals ( like bloggers, playlist curators, radio stations, and label representatives) who can give honest, actionable feedback on new music. Unlike traditional submission methods that often leave artists in the dark, Groover offers a transparent system where every track receives attention, helping emerging artists grow their audience and refine their craft. In this roundup, we highlight some of the standout tracks and artists recently discovered on Groover, showcasing a mix of fresh sounds, creative voices, and promising talent that deserves to be heard. ?
Cypress Key – Monday Afternoon (IYKYK)
Cypress Key is the latest project from New Orleans–born musician Mazz, who, after spending a decade in New York City, has returned home to chronicle his roots through stories of growing up in the deep south. His first single, “Monday Afternoon (IYKYK),” is a nostalgic snapshot of a typical Monday after school, with the comforting aroma of beans and rice filling the kitchen; a simple yet vivid moment of Southern life.
Mazz’s previous work spans genres, from the Hip Hop collective Panda City to the punk/grunge energy of The Pests, as well as producing for Afrobeat label AlfeAde Records. This eclectic background informs “Monday Afternoon (IYKYK),” blending storytelling, rhythm, and melody in a way that feels both personal and universal.
The song itself is a celebration of heritage and home, evoking warmth and a sense of belonging. Elements of the track are reminiscent of American Football, with its reflective tone and meticulous polish, making it an accessible earworm while retaining depth. The production favors intimacy and clarity, allowing Mazz’s vocals to carry a stark, cinematic narrative. The instrumentation enhances the reflective atmosphere without ever overshadowing the story being told.
At its core, “Monday Afternoon (IYKYK)” is built on storytelling. The arrangement leaves space for the narrative to shine, proving that subtlety can be just as powerful as grandiosity. It’s a testament to Mazz’s artistry, painting vivid pictures of childhood in New Orleans through sound, even with restrained instrumentation.
With Mazz handling all instruments and Darren Blanchard and Lisanne contributing vocals, Cypress Key promises more tales of Southern life told with honesty and craft. “Monday Afternoon (IYKYK),” is a compelling first step in the project, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating what comes next.
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Cortez Lake – Where I Come From
Chicago’s Cortez Lake recently dropped a hypnotic, genre-blending anthem with his latest single, “Where I Come From.” Seamlessly fusing hip-hop, R&B, and subtle electronic undertones, the track rides a hook-driven wave of airy melodies, cinematic textures, and chest-thumping 808s. From the very first listen, it delivers a motivational punch, reflecting resilience, pride, and the hustle of rising from humble beginnings.
The storytelling in “Where I Come From” stands out as the heart of the track. Cortez Lake’s verses channel personal experiences while inviting listeners into a cinematic journey of struggle and triumph. The hook, “I know where I come from… Jets, where I come from,” lands like a heartbeat: simple, memorable, and powerful, leaving a lasting impression long after the song ends.
Production-wise, the single is polished and radio-ready, balancing contemporary swagger with introspective vulnerability. Airy melodies float over driving beats, creating a sonic landscape that feels both expansive and intimate. Fans of Don Toliver, Bryson Tiller, and Drake will find themselves at home in this dynamic blend of rhythm, melody, and narrative.
“Where I Come From” is a testament to Cortez Lake’s versatility, his ability to craft songs that are immediately accessible yet rich with depth. It’s a track designed for playlist rotation, live stages, and repeat listens, proving his knack for creating records that resonate on multiple levels. With this release, Cortez Lake continues to solidify his voice as an artist who blends motivational themes, polished production, and cinematic storytelling into a compelling, memorable package.
Terje Gravdal – The Dreamer
Norwegian singer-songwriter Terje Gravdal returns with his evocative new single, “The Dreamer,” a contemplative meditation on the tension between humanity’s primal roots and the demands of modern life. Following the success of his previous singles, Apple Cider Country, Nomadic Grey Spirits, and One Foot, Gravdal continues to explore themes of nature, longing, and the search for simplicity amidst contemporary comforts.
“The Dreamer” captures a personal vision of “the good life,” where Gravdal imagines himself living in harmony with the wilderness of Hardangervidda, Norway, herding sheep, fishing, hunting reindeer, and roaming with his horse, dog, and bird. Yet he acknowledges the impossibility of fully escaping modern civilization, reflecting on the tension between stone-age instincts encoded in our DNA and the stress of high-speed, technology-driven living. These reflections transform the song into both a personal confession and a philosophical manifesto, asking listeners to consider the distance between their everyday lives and the lives they imagine in their dreams.
Produced and recorded at The Norwegian Sound Studio by David Michelsen and Marius Bergseth, who also contributed to songwriting, instrumentation, and backing vocals, “The Dreamer” blends Gravdal’s intimate lyrics with subtle, cinematic folk instrumentation. Peter Michelsen oversaw the mastering, ensuring clarity and warmth that complements the reflective tone of the track. The result is a song that lingers in the mind, inviting introspection and a renewed appreciation for the natural world.
As the sixth of Gravdal’s seven country/folk releases for 2025 and part of his upcoming fourth EP, “The Dreamer” stands out as a poignant exploration of human longing, the beauty of nature, and the delicate balance between desire and reality. It’s a song that resonates, leaving listeners quietly pondering their own dreams of connection, simplicity, and freedom.
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Sierra Levesque – DON’T MAKE ME REPEAT MYSELF
Sierra Levesque returns with “DON’T MAKE ME REPEAT MYSELF,” a fiery modern rock anthem that blends the nostalgic grit of ’70s and ’90s rock with sleek, contemporary production. Following her debut “GET OFF MY STAGE,” this track cements Levesque as a bold and commanding voice in today’s rock landscape that’s unapologetic, musically sharp, and impossible to ignore.
The song bursts with hard-hitting riffs that showcase Sierra’s guitar prowess, recalling the arena-ready sounds of Heart and Scorpions, while the rhythm section drives with a steady, urgent pulse that hooks listeners instantly. Layered vocals balance grit and melody, creating a dynamic sound that feels like the perfect fusion of classic rock power and modern alternative energy. Every element of the track, from vocals, guitar, bass, and drums, works in tandem to deliver a no-nonsense, adrenaline-fueled rock experience.
Recognized by Guitar.com as “Gen Z’s Most Ambitious New Guitarist” and one of “10 Young Shredders Shaping Rock and Metal Today,” Sierra draws on a lifetime of influences, from classic rock and heavy metal icons to contemporary pop-rock acts like Avril Lavigne and Ghost. Her musical lineage shines through in both her commanding voice, often compared to Ann Wilson, and her skillful, catchy guitar playing reminiscent of Nancy Wilson.
With “DON’T MAKE ME REPEAT MYSELF,” Sierra isn’t merely following in the footsteps of rock legends. Instead, she’s carving her own path. It’s a track built for the stage, packed with hooks, riffs, and raw energy that makes a statement: Sierra Levesque is here to lead the new generation of rock ’n’ roll.
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DUPLEXITY – Mercy
Acclaimed sibling pop-rock duo DUPLEXITY, Savannah and Luke Judy, returned with their 13th single, “Mercy,” an unflinching exploration of betrayal, loss, and emotional aftermath. The track delves into the raw, often messy terrain of heartbreak, capturing the hollow ache of being discarded by someone once deeply trusted.
“Mercy” is not your typical breakup anthem. Lines like “Bathed my body hundreds of times–but I feel dirty, out of my mind” convey a visceral struggle to cleanse oneself from the toxic remnants of a failed love. The track lingers in the unhealed wound, exploring self-doubt, rage, and resilience with honesty and nuance. It’s a song that dares to dwell in the chaos of betrayal rather than seeking quick closure, making its storytelling deeply relatable for listeners who crave emotional authenticity.
The production mirrors this intensity. Moody, atmospheric soundscapes provide the perfect canvas for piercing, gritty guitar riffs that drive the song forward. DUPLEXITY’s vocals arrive raw and textured, haunted by pain yet fortified by conviction, bringing the narrative to life and ensuring that every listener feels the weight of the story.
With a growing reputation for powerful storytelling, the Judy siblings have been featured in Rolling Stone, Earmilk, and other leading outlets, performed at SXSW’s Future of Music Festival, and amassed over 1.7 million streams since their debut EP in 2023. “Mercy” continues this trajectory, delivering a cathartic, emotionally charged anthem ideal for playlists focused on introspection, heartbreak, and resilience.
In “Mercy,” DUPLEXITY proves once again that their music isn’t just heard, it’s felt, lingering long after the final note.
Header Photo by Nainoa Shizuru on Unsplash
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