LET'S DANCE at The Underfront Co. in Wilmington NC on Saturday, Sept 6th

LET'S DANCE is a Vinyl DJ Night hosted by Fort Lowell Records, featuring a variety of music — Pop, Disco, Boogie, Indie, Hip-Hop, R&B, Electronic, etc. — including the latest hits and spanning the past five decades. 

LET'S DANCE is held monthly at The Underfront Co. on the Saturday following every First Friday — AKA: RizzyBeats' Hip-Hop Fridays. Dancing starts at 8:00pm and goes all night. A $5.00 cover charge will be collected at the door upon entry paid via Cash, Credit Card, or Venmo.

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE for September 6th

Blase: Your new favorite Dream Pop artist!

Are you a fan of any of these artists: Beach Fossils, Cigarettes After Sex, Color Temperature, Day Wave, Mac DeMarco, Ducktails, The Flaming Lips, Goth Babe, Hoops, Lauds, Men I Trust, No Vacation, The Radio Dept., Stray Fossa, Surf Rock Is Dead, Swimming Tapes, Tame Impala, TV Girl, or Wild Nothing?

If so, check out Blase, and be sure to reserve your copy of his new album Somewhere Out There, which is due out on October 24th.

PRE-ORDER VINYL RECORD

Tracy Shedd live concert videos from Bourgie Nights in Wilmington NC; Friday, August 22, 2025

Tracy Shedd performed live in concert at Bourgie Nights in Wilmington, North Carolina on Friday, August 22, 2025 as part of their 'Good Vibrations: A Songwriter Showcase honoring the music of Brian Wilson' event.  Here are the video recordings of those three songs that Tracy Shedd played that evening in order of how they were performed.  Enjoy! 

"In My Room" (by The Beach Boys)

"How Your Eyes Affect Me"

"God Only Knows" (by The Beach Boys)

REVIEW: Blase "Finding myself in you"

[Repost from Sloucher; by Orestes P. Xistos, August 13, 2025]

‘Finding myself in you’ is the new single by Blase. Starting with a synth heavy atmosphere, it swirls into a dream pop territory, where it can roam freely. There’s moment, near the 2:27 mark of the song, where the electronic drum swerves the mood into a solemn denouement. Somewhere out there is out on October 24th. Pre-order with Fort Lowell Records.

REVIEW: Blase “Finding Myself in You”

[Repost by The Deli; Jason Behrends, August 11, 2025]

Blase recently released the third single, “Finding Myself in You”, from his forthcoming album, Something Out There, which is due out on October 24th via Fort Lowell Records. 

This is the heartfelt bedroom pop of Chicago-born and Wilmington-based multi-instrumentalist Blase Settecase.

REVIEW: Blase "Finding Myself in You"

[Repost from Here Comes the Flood; by Hans Werksman, August 7, 2025]

Wilmington, NC based multi-instrumentalist Blase might have found the cure for aging on his new single Finding Myself in You. As long as he is together with his significant other "the days never grew old", because each day comes with a new way to find himself as part of the equation. Drenched in synths and guitar flourishes he created a dream pop maze for the listener to wander around in.

Finding Myself in You is released via Fort Lowell Records. The Somewhere Out There album is available for pre-order here (translucent blue vinyl, digital). Release date: October 24.

Live date:

• 10/24 Wilmington, NC @ Satellite Bar & Lounge

» Blase on Facebook

HCTFreview of Under the Same Stars

Blase Unveils New Single ‘Finding Myself in You’ Ahead of LP

[Repost from PopFiltr; August 5, 2025]

Chicago-born and Wilmington-based multi-instrumentalist Blase unveils his most expansive and heartfelt project yet with Somewhere Out There, released through Fort Lowell Records. Known for merging shimmering synth layers with warm indie pop foundations, Blase has evolved from his early days as a Chicago drummer into a solo artist who transforms fleeting feelings into vivid musical worlds. Inspired by a transformative journey traveling across the entire United States, the album captures the essence of wide-open landscapes and the quiet revelations found on the road.  With Somewhere Out There, he invites listeners on a journey that feels both personal and universal — an exploration of solitude, connection, and the unexpected places where we find meaning. The record balances quiet vulnerability with uplifting energy, making it his most immersive and captivating work to date.

The opening track, "Middle of Nowhere," embodies the heart of the album, born during a reflective moment in Joshua Tree National Park. It celebrates the idea of finding true presence and belonging far from the noise and chaos of everyday life. "Under the Same Stars" leans into the bittersweet ache of distance, capturing the tension between holding on and letting go, and the comforting thought that loved ones are never entirely out of reach. These songs speak to the tension between isolation and connection, suggesting that meaning often emerges in the spaces between what we leave behind and what we hold close. Rather than focusing on external escape alone, they examine the internal journey of coming home to oneself through shared experiences.

"Finding Myself in You" offers a tender exploration of love as a mirror, revealing unexpected depths and a sense of renewal. It channels the excitement and vulnerability of discovering new parts of one’s identity within a relationship. In contrast, "Dirt Into Gold" reflects on resilience and transformation, celebrating the quiet strength it takes to turn life's uncertainties into moments of growth and hope. Written and recorded after returning home from his cross-country travels, these songs capture the album’s essence: turning wandering into understanding, and distance into deeper connection. Each track invites listeners to step inside Blase’s world of subtle revelations and emotional landscapes, encouraging them to see their own journeys with fresh eyes.

With Somewhere Out There, Blase has created an album that feels like a trusted companion during quiet drives or moonlit evenings, a soundtrack for those seeking moments of peace beyond the familiar. This record confirms his place as a musician capable of blending heartfelt storytelling with lush, genre-spanning arrangements. It reminds us that even in life’s most remote and uncertain moments, beauty and connection are always within reach. In this new chapter, Blase invites us to wander alongside him — and perhaps discover new parts of ourselves along the way.

Blase Unveils Widescreen Dreamscape with ‘Somewhere Out There’ – A Cross-Country Journey Pressed to Vinyl

[Repost from The Pop Blog; by Rome Rodriguez, August 5, 2025]

The open road hums through every groove of Somewhere Out There, the luminous new album from Wilmington-based sonic architect Blase, set for release on October 24, 2025 via Fort Lowell Records. Born from windshield meditations and desert sky revelations during a transformative American odyssey, these eleven tracks crystallize into what might be the Chicago transplant’s most fully realized work yet – a 12-inch vinyl daydream that bridges jangly indie pop, hazy synth explorations, and the wistful ache of alt-rock. Those who’ve followed Blase’s evolution from Chicago drum circles to solo auteur will recognize his signature alchemy of textured nostalgia and forward-thinking arrangements, now expanded to widescreen proportions with production that alternately shimmers like heat waves on pavement and crashes like Pacific breakers.

From the sun-bleached optimism of lead single “Middle of Nowhere” (recorded after a Joshua Tree epiphany) to the twilight intimacy of “Under the Same Stars”, the album maps emotional terrain as diverse as the landscapes that inspired it. There’s a particular magic in how “Finding Myself in You” refracts Mac DeMarco’s slacker romanticism through Tame Impala’s psychedelic lens, while “Dirt Into Gold” channels The Flaming Lips’ resilient whimsy into an anthem for personal reinvention. Side B’s “Where Only We Know” and “Reflecting Time” showcase Blase’s gift for transforming existential wandering into radiant pop – the musical equivalent of watching a thunderstorm roll across the Great Plains from the safety of a roadside diner.

Critics are already hailing the project as “dream pop with a sunny disposition” (AnalogueTrash) and “a sparkly track with somehow both a retro, yet modern sound” (Mix It All Up). The vinyl release (available for pre-order now) promises to be a tactile companion to these highway hymns, with artwork that mirrors the album’s balance between vastness and intimacy. Fans of Beach Fossils’ coastal melancholy or Men I Trust’s slinky grooves will find kindred spirits here, though Blase carves his own path through familiar influences – these aren’t just songs about movement, but artifacts of motion itself, recorded in motel rooms and mixed with road dust still clinging to the tapes.

Mark your calendars for the October 24 record release party at Wilmington’s Satellite Bar & Lounge, where Blase will translate these widescreen compositions to the stage. In the meantime, let the already-released singles serve as postcards from the journey: “Middle of Nowhere” (out March 21), “Under the Same Stars” (May 29), “Finding Myself in You” (August 1), and “Dirt Into Gold” (September 19) collectively trace an arc from departure to homecoming. What makes Somewhere Out There extraordinary isn’t just its evocative blend of analog warmth and digital clarity, but how it transforms solitary miles into shared experience – proof that the best road trips always lead back to human connection.

Somewhere Out There tracklist:

Side A: Middle of Nowhere / Finding Myself in You / Under the Same Stars / Directions / Dirt into Gold

Side B: My Mind Set on You / Where Only We Know / No Other Place / Only With You / Don’t Want This to End / Reflecting Time

Pre-order the vinyl now and prepare to soundtrack your own wanderings when the full album arrives this autumn – because as Blase proves, sometimes you need to cross a continent to discover what was inside you all along.

OUT NOW: Blase "Finding Myself in You" [Digital Single]

Chicago-born and Wilmington-based multi-instrumentalist Blase unveils his most expansive and heartfelt project yet with Somewhere Out There, released through Fort Lowell Records. Known for merging shimmering synth layers with warm indie pop foundations, Blase has evolved from his early days as a Chicago drummer into a solo artist who transforms fleeting feelings into vivid musical worlds. Inspired by a transformative journey traveling across the entire United States, the album captures the essence of wide-open landscapes and the quiet revelations found on the road.  With Somewhere Out There, he invites listeners on a journey that feels both personal and universal — an exploration of solitude, connection, and the unexpected places where we find meaning. The record balances quiet vulnerability with uplifting energy, making it his most immersive and captivating work to date.

"Finding Myself in You" the third single from Somewhere Out There by Blase is out now on all platforms.

LISTEN NOW | PRE-ORDER VINYL RECORD

REVIEW: Blase "Under the Same Stars"

[Repost from Here Comes the Flood; by Hans Werksman, July 20, 2025]

Wilmington,NC-based multi-instrumentalist Blase mixes his synths textures with multi-layered to create a psych-pop mood that is invitation to look at the sky in wonder on his Under the Same Stars single, a track from his forthcoming Somewhere Out There album. While he is away from his loved ones, the fact that they can see the same distant suns at night offers some consolation.

Under the Same Stars is released via Fort Lowell Records. The Somewhere Out There album is available for pre-order here (translucent blue vinyl, digital).

Live date: 10/24 Wilmington, NC @ Satellite Bar & Lounge

Click here to watch Blab School live concert video from Flicker in Athens GA on July 18, 2025

Click here to watch Naïm Amor live concert video from La Ferme des Pibouls in Montauban, France on June 6, 2025

Discover: Blase – Middle of Nowhere

[Repost from Mix It All Up; by Nikki, April 12, 2025]

North Carolina based multi-instrumentalist Blase released his latest single taken from his forthcoming album a few weeks ago! ‘Middle of Nowhere‘ is has warm, road trip vibes thanks to its lush, nostalgic synths and wistful vocals. It’s a sparkly track with somehow both a retro, yet modern sound. Blase’s brand new, full-length album is set for release this summer!

Listen to ‘Middle of Nowhere’ by Blase below and keep up with them on social media via the links below:

| Facebook | Instagram | Spotify |

New Music: Blase – Middle of Nowhere

[Repost from AnalogueTrash; by Mark Buckley, May 29, 2025]

Dream pop with a sunny disposition and bright outlook, Middle of Nowhere finds Blase looking at how, with love, you are never truly alone.

The vocals have a cosmic sheen in the vein of Empire of the Sun, and the song references similar influences, though here the indie side is more to the fore. This is perfect for your summer playlists, though when you’re with the right person, every day is like a summer’s day, right?

“Middle Of Nowhere was a song written in Joshua Tree, California,” says the artist. “It’s a song about being far away from everyone in the middle of nowhere, but feeling somewhere because you’re with that someone that makes you feel alive.”

You can stream Middle of Nowhere and more music from Blase on SoundCloud and Spotify. For details of other listening options and upcoming live appearances, follow Blase on Instagram or Facebook.

Blab School to Embark on Summer Mini-Tour

[Repost from V13; by Aaron Willschick, July 13, 2025]

North Carolina post-punk band Blab School is getting set to embark on their summer mini-tour in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Blab School is getting set to begin their summer mini-tour, kicking off this week in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The post-punk quartet from North Carolina released their self-titled debut LP on Fort Lowell Records last year. Taking philosophical cues from American post-punk bands like The Wipers and Talking Heads, also incorporating the goth-adjacent tones of bands like Joy Division and Killing Joke, and adding the often danceable and joyfully nihilistic aesthetic of 21st-century punk, the band makes music that is simultaneously urgent and fun, upbeat and crooked, loud and thoughtful.

Tour Dates:

July 16 – The Cave – Chapel Hill, NC

July 17 – The Milestone – Charlotte, NC

July 18 – Flicker – Athens, GA

July 19 – Tiger Bar (Private House Show) – Knoxville, TN

July 20 – Fleetwood’s Chapel – Asheville, NC

Sept 4-6 – Hopscotch Festival – Raleigh, NC

LISTEN: Blase Crafts Welcoming World Of Bright Synth-Pop On “Middle of Nowhere”

[Repost by Glide Magazine; May 28, 2025]

Blase is a Multi-instrumentalist from North Carolina. He started his musical journey in Chicago, IL, on the underground indie scene, playing drums with a handful of bands before debuting his self-produced project. The foundation of a Blase record or song will likely be built out of synths, lush reverbs, warped guitars, and thoughtful lyrics. Blase doesn’t limit himself to any genre, but loves to lean into psych, dream pop, synth pop, folk, and rock characteristics. He is currently residing in NC, where he continues to record, compose, produce, and perform.

On his latest single, “Middle of Nowhere,” Blase blends palpable longing with danceable tempos, offering a kaleidoscopic look into his hectic, indie-pop world. The artist’s latest release embodies the refreshing individuality that breathes new life into pop tropes, as he combines soaring modern vocals with nostalgic love balladry. The ethereal vocal performance radiates with lush, gentle energy, while the energetic arrangement shifts and moves with groovy synths and neck-breaking drums. This sonic juxtaposition creates an immersive atmosphere for the listener to explore, giving “Middle of Nowhere” its freewheeling infectiousness. With a new album set to be released this summer, Blase releases a statement piece of a single. “Middle of Nowhere” is an explosive modern pop anthem with vibrant textures that burst out of the speakers and burrow into your ear, creating an enticing single with unlimited replay value.

“‘Middle Of Nowhere’ was a song written in Joshua Tree, California,” explains Blase. “It’s a song about being far away from everyone in the middle of nowhere, but feeling somewhere because you’re with that someone that makes you feel alive.”

Blab School | SUMMER ‘25 MINI-TOUR

July 16 - The Cave - Chapel Hill NC
July 17 - The Milestone - Charlotte NC
July 18 - Flicker - Athens GA
July 19 - Tiger Bar (Private House Show) - Knoxville TN
July 20 - Fleetwood’s Chapel - Asheville NC

Sept 4-6 - Hopscotch Festival - Raleigh NC

• “One of the coolest band names in the world, and a sound to go along with it” ~ Small Albums

• ”Noisy and dynamic, where nostalgic vibes and fresh energy go hand in hand” ~ Add to Wantlist

• ”Fire-and-ice combination of unattainable coolness and simmering rage” ~ Swim Into the Sound

REVIEW: Blase "Middle of Nowhere"

[Repost by buffaBLOG; by Nick Sessanna, April 10, 2025]

North Carolina multi-instrumentalist Blase is coming at us with the indie-pop pulse of latest single, “Middle of Nowhere.” Leaning heavy into ethereal vibes, “Middle of Nowhere” channels Tame Impala with its far-off vocal presence, bell-tone guitar riffs, and bevy of atmospheric synths. Just barely psyched-out, “MoN” sounds like it’s in between every genre and also every genre at once. Blase’s super pleasant almost-falsetto vocals are the cherry-on-top here, bringing all the elements together into this cloud scraping new single.

LET'S DANCE at The Underfront Co. in Wilmington NC on Saturday, July 5th

LET'S DANCE is a Vinyl DJ Night hosted by Fort Lowell Records, featuring a variety of music — Pop, Disco, Boogie, Indie, Hip-Hop, R&B, Electronic, etc. — including the latest hits and spanning the past five decades. 

LET'S DANCE is held monthly at The Underfront Co. on the Saturday following every First Friday — AKA: RizzyBeats' Hip-Hop Fridays. Dancing starts at 8:00pm and goes all night. A $5.00 cover charge will be collected at the door upon entry paid via Cash, Credit Card, or Venmo.

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE for July 5th

Here are some new artists you might like for your vinyl record collection

We are very excited about the last round of artists we've had the pleasure of working with these past twelve months for vinyl records we've released on Fort Lowell Records, so we thought to take a moment to highlight a few of them, just in case their awesomeness slipped through the cracks you and didn't quite catch how fantastic these musicians are.  Check them out using the information provided below, and if you happen to agree... pick-up a record or three or six to enjoy with your own vinyl collection at home.

JPW + DAD WEED — FOR FANS OF: My Morning Jacket, Steely Dan, Wilco
"Folky psych pop that meets melancholic alt-rock, in a timeless kaleidoscope of sound and sentiment—solid but surprising" ~ Add to Wantlist

        

        LISTEN TO FULL ALBUM  |  ORDER VINYL RECORD

KICKING BIRD — FOR FANS OF: Cheap Trick, The New Pornographers, The Pixies
"Quirky indie rock with pop sensibilities and classic rock roots" ~ Faster and Louder

        

        LISTEN TO FULL ALBUM  |  ORDER VINYL RECORD

FUZZ JAXX — FOR FANS OF: Common, GangStarr, Nas
"The best freestyle rapper the Port City has ever known" ~ StarNews

        

        LISTEN TO FULL ALBUM  |  ORDER VINYL RECORD

TERCEL — FOR FANS OF: Broken Social Scene, Pavement, Superchunk
"A musical aesthetic that juxtaposes jangly indie-rock/post punk with jangle rock/punk" ~ Janglepophub

        

        LISTEN TO FULL ALBUM  |  ORDER VINYL RECORD

FOREST FALLOWS — FOR FANS OF: Mac DeMarco, Real Estate, Stereolab
"The warmth but never overheat of summer air blows gently as Mike Barnett and Alex Morton strum soft chords, and sing like the fur of a rabbit in a straw hat" ~ Small Albums

        

        LISTEN TO FULL ALBUM  |  ORDER VINYL RECORD

NAÏM AMOR — FOR FANS OF: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, JD McPherson, Roy Orbison
"Late 60s Nouvelle Vague soundtrack vibe, spiced up with a bit of noise, a dash of post-rock and Tex Mex" ~ Here Comes the Flood

        

        LISTEN TO FULL ALBUM  |  ORDER VINYL RECORD

FEMALE GAZE — FOR FANS OF: Broadcast, Sugar Candy Mountain, The Velvet Underground
"Tender Futures explores the desert using empty space and towering nothingness as its language, intentionally evoking haziness and disorientation through psychedelia, post-rock, and even a bit of jazz-rock" ~ Rosy Overdrive

        

        LISTEN TO FULL ALBUM  |  ORDER VINYL RECORD