Claire’s Pick: “Ruth’s Song” — Bea Bitter
My favorite song by a local is “Ruth’s Song” by Bea Bitter. Brenna Kasis is the 21-year-old behind the emerging project. Born and raised just outside of Nashville, the local scene is second nature for the aspiring artist. Also a member of the girl-rock band Venus and the Flytraps, Bea Bitter showcases Kasis’ versatility, creating a space that is entirely hers.
“Ruth’s Song” was released as the third and last single of her debut EP, The Lull Before the End of the World. The emotive track digests the cyclicality of certain periods in your 20s. In response to the mundanity, she explores the idea of running away from it all. Bea delicately navigates the unknown, reminding the listener that feelings of uneasiness towards the future are universal, beautiful even. The song begins with an acoustic guitar but is quickly met with layers of distorted electric guitar, large swinging drums, and anarchic gang vocals. Dynamically, the piece is conducted by her unrestrained vocal and contemplative lyricism.
Bea is a reckoning force with cathartic songs that will continue to liberate all kinds of life’s sentiments.
Caden’s Pick: “Go Out Dancing” — Boy Named Banjo
For my favorite local artist, I’d like to showcase Boy Named Banjo. They are a country/folk/Americana group of five from Nashville. I first discovered this band, and song, while listening back to Lightning 100’s in-studio session archives. They stood out to me because they feel more authentic and personable than today’s mainstream country.
Their song “Go Out Dancing” is a good starting point if you have never heard their music! The song is part of their unexpected EP entitled Circles that came out in August of 2021. It is an intimate song that brings out more meaning for the band when asking the question, “What would we do if this is really the end?”
Ellie’s Pick: “Where’d She Go” — Juke of June
Embracing my inner flower child, my pick this week is “Where’d She Go” by Juke of June! Released on January 13th, this groovy little tune is a go-to when in need of some good vibes.
I discovered this band a year ago at The High Watt, and they were positively electric on stage (pun intended). A six-piece rock band, Juke of June was formed by Jackson Hahn, Jackson Kilburn, and Ben Ballard at Belmont University in 2017. Later adding Zach McCoy, Bradley Crow, and Emily McCreight, the band was finally complete. Most admirable is their ability to honor a traditional 70’s sound while still feeling innovative and pushing the genre’s boundaries.
There is never a dull moment in “Where’d She Go.” Luring you in with organs and syncopated hi-hats, Hahn’s voice keeps you on your toes with his tone and astounding vocal range. Taking a turn, the bridge suddenly transports you to Woodstock 1969 with dreamy layered harmonies and synth-strings. Driven home by the main melody, “Where’d She Go” brings you summer year round.
Christina’s Pick: “Before We Knew Too Much” — Lauren Weintraub
My pick this week is one of my favorites from local artist Lauren Weintraub, “Before We Knew Too Much.” This track was released in November 2022 off her EP: This Is Your Brain On Love.
Originally from Boston, Weintraub first moved to Nashville to study songwriting at Belmont University in 2017. She quickly began to receive recognition for her talent, and by 2019 had signed a publishing deal with Big Machine Music. In 2021 her songs began to go viral on TikTok, cultivating a following of nearly 500k on the platform. In total, her music has now generated over 30 million streams combined, and she was recently named “One To Watch” in 2022 by HITS Magazine.
Reminiscent of early Taylor Swift, “Before We Knew Too Much” is a nostalgia-driven ballad in which Weintraub reflects on the innocence and sentimentality that come with a first love. The simple acoustic, stripped-down production of the song leaves the listener lost in Weintraub’s powerful vocals and beautifully honest lyrics. The singer tells the all-too-familiar story of two teenagers experiencing love and rebellion for the first time, now reflecting back on the experience years later. This one is sure to leave you debating over texting your high-school ex for sure.
