The Scene is BTPM The Bridge’s regional music show hosted by Chelsea O of Stress Dolls. It features all artists who are currently based in Western New York and Southern Ontario and airs from 10-11 AM every Sunday. Check out this week’s playlist below, and click the song links to learn more about these artists and their music!
1. “Body” - I, The Mountain // Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
Known for their “joyous harmonies, high energy performances, and infectious songwriting,” I, the Mountain has built a steady fanbase in their time as a band (affectionately dubbed the “Mountaineers) and show no signs of slowing down. This is their brand new single, one that makes me wonder if the band ever listened to the group 1997 and their debut …a better view of the rising moon - it definitely called it to mind for me!
2. “for you and me” - scary planetary // Buffalo, NY
Bran and Brad have been making music together for over 15 years, and their latest release explores an acoustic “70’s songwriter” vibe. Inspired by the likes of Violent Femmes, CSNY, and Appleseed Cast, this song comes from the new album let me in, let me know.
3. “Lose” - Astronaut Head // Buffalo, NY
Astronaut Head is the dream pop project of Jessica Stoddard, who weaves together ambient sounds with pop-rock across her 2025 EP, Meek Moon. “Lose” strikes me as the most straightforward alternative rock song on the release, while other moments call to mind artists such as Emily Haines (Metric) and Kid Tigrrr.
4. “God Forbid” - Sam Casey & the Middle Children // Toronto, ON
When “God Forbid” first came out, Sam Casey teased it as the song that she and her band, The Middle Children, had been playing live for months, getting the whole audience singing along (“that night at the bar!”) With an anthemic chorus it’s easy to see why this one hits (“Oh come off it, you’re just embarrassed!”) You’ll likely have your chance to sing along at Sam’s show at Rivoli on Aug. 27.
5. “Jet Black Memories” - Michael David Wolf // Toronto, ON
Said to have been “born under the full moon in the heart of the Canadian winter,” Michael David Wolf has been recording and releasing music for “most of his life.” This track calls to mind power rock of the 80’s, so it’s no surprise that the artist’s influences include Iron Maiden and Guns N’ Roses.
6. “When the Big One Hits” - The Steam Donkeys // Buffalo, NY
The Steam Donkeys are a Buffalo staple. With a long-running residency at Nietzsche’s (every single Tuesday) and six albums, the band has been performing and recording for over 30 years. I’ll admit that there are times where it’s hard not to feel doom and gloom about the future, but the clever writing of Buck Quigley puts a quirky smile on my face, even in the face of tumult.
7. “Matches” - Matthew Ryan Jacobs // Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
Described as an “indie folk gem,” Matthew Ryan Jacobs began playing music in the early 00’s, mostly performing with alternative bands before making the switch to being a solo artist in 2019. Since then he’s released several singles, “Matches” being his latest.
8. “Instant Coffee (Loud)” - Home Videos // Rochester, NY
I’ve always thought this was a creative concept for a release: put out one version that is more rock-based, and another that is pulled back, acoustic, low-key. That’s exactly what Home Videos did for their song “Instant Coffee,” and while I enjoy both imaginings this was the one I felt like today.
9. “Town Line” - The Water Dogs ft. Noah Lee // Buffalo, NY
The new single from The Water Dogs features none other than Noah Lee, a local country artist who has been making a name for himself over the past year playing shows with his band, The Stetsons, and releasing his own tunes. Noah and Maria’s (of The Water Dogs) voices blend well together, and I can only assume that they both grew up on the border of Lancaster and Alden. Was this collaboration years in the making?
10. “Superhero Theme Music” - L-Biz // Buffalo, NY
This song was on my Top Tracks of 2025 list, and I realized recently it had been a while since it was spun on the show. Today that has been corrected.
11. “I Will Never Leave Your Side” - Grosh // Buffalo, NY
Grosh are already killer as a 4-piece, so to see them as a 7-piece (AKA “Grosh Prime” ft. Alex McArthur, Harry Graser, and Zak Ward) is sure to melt your face. You can catch this very special edition of the band when they play Larkin Square on Wednesday, August 26th. Learn more at our regional music concert calendar.
12. “Hit the Wall” - MILLO // Rochester, NY
MILLO’s bio has gotten a lot more interesting since I last checked. Now a string of “corrupted code,” the only decipherable details of the project are being the brainchild of JD Laird and described as “backrooms synthrock” that is “currently trapped between floors.”
13. “Killjoy” - Little Liar // Buffalo, NY
9/10 when Little Liar shows up in my IG feed it’s about them relentlessly touring, which it seems they’ve been doing their entire lifetime as a band… and it also seems to be paying off. Self-described as “all gas, no brakes,” the band will be bringing their show to The Flipside in Strykersville, NY on Aug. 27.
14. “Phantom Lover” - Dover Lynn Fox // Toronto, ON
While Dover Lynn Fox likes to write about life’s hardships, she also draws just as much inspiration from the natural world. This particular single calls to mind artists such as Michelle Branch and Sara Bareilles.
15. “Reap the Whirlwind” - Ravenswalk // Buffalo, NY
Described by the band as a musical “high point,” Ravenwalk’s new single comes from their latest album Emberflight. The instrumental features gothic choirs, heavy guitars, and an organ solo meant to mimic Bach.
A Spotify playlist is available to stream here, but we encourage you to purchase these artists’ downloads, CDs, or vinyl; buy their merch; or go see a show. If you’re an artist who is currently based in Western New York or Southern Ontario and are interested in submitting your music for consideration, fill out our submission form here.
