Groover Radar – Vol. 2

Songs that came through Groover and, for one reason or another, we want someone else to hear. No single criteria, just the fact that something in them was worth it. Ten artists, one playlist.

Orange Animal — “Place for Me”

This Cleveland-Akron trio recorded these songs out in the woods at Suma Recording Studio. They lived and slept there, staying completely immersed in the process. “Place for Me” is the title track of their upcoming EP on Paper Garden Records, and it’s quietly devastating: a slow, sparse folk-rock meditation on a love that’s ending, built around a single question: will you hold a place for me when it’s over? The instrumentation is bare, the writing feels natural. Frontman John Ramsey says it isn’t a fancy or inspired project, just something he heard and needed to record. That honesty is clear in every note.

Beth Reid Bauman — “Clipped Wing”

A Missouri-born folk singer-songwriter now based in Georgia. “Clipped Wing” centers on the image of an angel with a clipped wing. It’s a song about pain, recovery, and the stubborn act of carrying on. The lyrics are honest, the melody feels natural, and nothing is overproduced. She’s been writing and performing for years, and this song shows that settled confidence. She knows exactly what the song needs and doesn’t add anything extra.

Leayh In Light — “Slow It Down”

A multi-genre vocalist with decades of experience in jazz, big bands, and concert stages around the world, she also performed and recorded extensively with her late husband, veteran woodwind musician Kenny Soderblom. “Slow It Down” is an original track that blends ambient calm with a modern groove. Soulful vocals float over a rhythm that moves at its own pace, reminding listeners to pause and return to the present. The song fits just as well in a yoga studio as it does on a late-night playlist, and that versatility seems intentional. She’s also working on a music video filmed in Portland and along the Florida coast.

Hunter Benson — “Last to Know”

This is hard rock Americana from Redondo Beach, California, influenced by Southern rock, grunge, and classic Americana. The song features a droning guitar riff, a strong rhythm section, and vocals that don’t hold back. It faces a simple truth: we don’t know when our time is up, so clean up your soul while you still can. The track is tense and direct, and it lands just as intended.

Dorlana — “Overthinkin'”

This Houston five-piece, led by singer-songwriter Katy Manning, describes their sound as “punktry”: indie pop with a bit of twang, sharp melodies, and dark humor in the lyrics. “Overthinkin'” is a catchy track about not being able to stop replaying every word and memory. It captures the tension between wanting to let go and being unable to. Their debut EP, Rearview, was recorded at Shinytone Recordings and is already getting noticed.

NIHLNØTHING — “Ocean”

This post-metal band draws comparisons to ISIS and Deftones but keeps its own identity. The track shifts between heavy, deep grooves and open, echoing sections, with a pace that feels intentional. The guitars are layered, and the dynamic changes are carefully planned. The result feels more like a slow wave than a sudden impact. It’s heavy music for listeners who want something to spend time with.

A!MS ft. ZieZie, Ramz, Liilz & Brodie — “Wait What”

A British-Cypriot artist with roots in the So Solid Crew era brings together four UK rap names for two and a half minutes of confident, energetic collaboration. Each artist adds something unique, and they all work well together. A!MS has over 155 million streams and a following that reaches from the UK to the Middle East and beyond. “Wait What” is a great way to see why.

Témi ft. Swaggerrite & Blackadadon — “Hoe Phase”

This is Toronto R&B with moody, late-night production and a concept that’s more self-aware than the title suggests. The song explores the tension between living freely and understanding what it costs. It’s not preachy, just honest. Témi’s voice is smooth, and the two featured artists add real dynamic contrast. The track is already getting airplay on Vibe 105’s Made In Toronto Takeover Show, showing the momentum he’s building.

Jenny Gillespie Mason — “Rungs of Love”

After more than a decade making psychedelic pop and electronic music as Sis, Jenny Gillespie Mason returns to the acoustic folk she began with as a teenager. “Rungs of Love” was written on a 1976 Martin guitar and produced by Noah Georgeson, who also worked with Joanna Newsom and Vashti Bunyan, and you can hear that influence. The song follows love as a kind of ladder, moving from conditional love toward something higher, without becoming abstract or preachy. The production feels open and natural. The album is out in June.

I Ya Toyah — “Feelings”

This is industrial electronic music from Chicago, created by a Polish-born artist who writes, records, produces, and even runs her own lights at shows. “Feelings” is a hard-edged response to a culture that feels too loud, too curated, and too performative, but it’s based on real frustration instead of just abstract criticism. She’s worked with members of Stabbing Westward, KMFDM, and Front Line Assembly, and this new single starts a heavier, more cinematic chapter produced with Grammy-nominated Johnny K. The song makes an impact and stands by it.

That’s all for Vol. 2. Check out the playlist below.