Softie may be rooted in the dream pop/shoegaze tradition, but where his forebearers in the genre set their pedals toward achieving a celestial grandeur, Oakland's Nicholas Coleman has crafted something decidedly more urgent and earthbound. The result was the ep Strong Hold, a work that captures the creeping unreality of urban life in a state of decline. Strong Hold does this by sublimating landscape into sound. With a new cast of musicians and a sophomore album on the horizon, Softie strives to continue the fully immersive experience with a bit more rigidity. Life just gets better after listening to Softie.

Luna Ivy is based in San Francisco and varies from different genres such as indie pop/post punk. It was formed by guitarist/ vocalist Lees Akard and currently consists of lead guitarist Louie Buenrostro, bassist Autumn Salvo, and drummer Bex Castillo.