Originally posted on February 27th, 2026

As we close out the second month of 2026, there is a lot to be excited for. February has been a very active month in music. From the Grammys to the iconic Super Bowl Half Time Show by Bad Bunny, to some of the best releases of 2026 in mainstream music and independent music. I wanted to take a moment to share some of the standouts of February:

75 Jag by Menna (Single)

Nashville-based indie sensation is amping up the anticipation ahead of her upcoming debut album. After dropping two insanely good singles in Wicked Love and Daredevil, she released 75 Jag on February 10. The thing that’s so great about Menna is her ability to be so dynamic. With Wicked Love and Daredevil, she showed us two very diverse alt-pop songs. Then, with 75 Jag, we get a completely different groove. Here, the beat has been slowed down and there are several moments where the instrumentals back off to showcase her ridiculously good voice. The instrumentals have such a driving R&B swing to them. It’s a truly contemporary sound. Bass and percussion heavy.

After several listens, I think my favorite thing about this song is the attention that is paid to Menna’s vocals. They’re always a focus but there are a few moments where the instruments really drop off and we have these moments where the listener is alone with her voice. It is a production choice that is an absolute win.

We’ve heard 3 songs, and I think her album’s going to have somewhere around 19. I’ve been waiting to hear this album for a year and these little appetizers are truly setting the stage for greatness.

Love of Your Life – Vivi McCracken (Single)

Another Nashville artist, independent country artist Vivi McCracken is a roots singer originally from Texas. After a year featuring two lovely singles, she has given us her first listen to what’s in store for 2026 with the sweet country ballad, Love of Your Life.

Released on February 12th, Love of Your Life is a very gentle, organic song that features acoustic and bass guitar, piano, light percussion, a violin (fiddle for those who get pissed about that) and a slide guitar all accompanying McCracken’s vocals.

I think this is the best that Vivi McCracken has sounded. The performance is given as if this were a lullaby and the sweet, romantic theme was just in time for Valentine’s Day. This is a beautiful song.

Counting Backwards – Dave Thomas Jr. (Album)

It’s like Nashville’s the music capital of the world or something. Another independent singer, songwriter, and producer out of Nashville, Dave Thomas Jr, is a recent discovery of mine. I came across his music as he started to unveil a social media campaign in promotion of his 9th studio album, Counting Backwards. This mellow indie folk artist has a style that can be compared to Sufjan Stevens and Bon Iver, as he incorporates layers of vocals delivered in a light falsetto, behind ambient, organic acoustics. This album is a must listen for fans of the genre.

Shout – Sprawler FU (Single)

UK-based indie pop singer/songwriter, Sprawler FU is turning a corner. I don’t know any way of putting it more clearly. After the release of her debut album, Fēn Shēn, she is leveling up with some of her new singles. Last summer, she put out one of my favorite songs of the year with the stellar pop song, Something Real.

Now, following the release of January’s Little Bird, she gives us the single Shout, which released on February 26th. Shout is all Sprawler FU, but with a little sprinkle of House influence. I love the different percussive instrumental programming that’s incorporated in this song. It serves dual purpose as it emphasizes the rhythmic and melodic accompaniment. Sprawler’s vocals are getting more complex and better with each release. No knock against Shout. I really love this song. I don’t know if I love it as much as I loved Something Real, but I will say that the production is getting scary good from when she released the album last year. And fast. This is the kind of production quality that will see radio or playlist placement.