Jayson’s Pick: “Rein Me In” by Sam Fender ft. Olivia Dean

Jayson’s pick this week comes from the English singer-songwriter Sam Fender. His song, “Rein Me In,” is found on Fender’s 2025 album People Watching and features the Grammy’s best new artist, Olivia Dean. The track can be found on the deluxe version of the album and is a remix of the original song, with the addition of Dean. “Rein Me In” is an upbeat anthem with folk, pop, and jazz elements, highlighting both artists strengths. The song is the perfect track to showcase both Sam Fender’s thoughtful songwriting and Olivia Dean’s smooth vocals. The lyrics reflect the struggle of self-sabotaging in love and relationships. Dean’s addition provides the woman’s perspective to Sam’s lyrics. The track is reminiscent of Dean’s musical style, while staying true to Fender’s rock and folk-pop production. The track is Fender’s first song to make it no number one on the UK charts.

Listen to “Rein Me In” on Lightning 100 or using the link below!

Dan’s Pick: “I’m in Love With Everything (Except People)” by Brett Newski

Dan’s DJ pick of the week is “I’m In Love with Everything (Except People)” by Brett Newski. Newski is a singer, songwritier, and author and is also known as the guitarist for the indie rock band NEWSKI. The single came out a few weeks ago on March 19th. This track has both garage rock and Americana influences. Newski’s vocal style has a conversation drawal reminiscent of Lou Reed and Black Francis of Pixies. “I’m In Love with Everything (Except People)” is an cheeky, anti-social anthem about reconnecting with nature, rejecting connection, and and giving into impulses. The track features Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies on piano which adds a warmer tone to the track, compared to his other recent releases. The twangy production and raw sound give a the track a carefree, live energy. Newski is currently on tour with his next stop Kentucky next week.

Listen to “I’m In Love with Everything (Except People)” by Brett Newski on Lightning 100!

Stephanie’s Pick: “Black Boys on Mopeds” by Fontaine’s D.C.

Stephanie’s DJ pick this week is a cover of Sinead O’Conner’s “Black Boys on Mopeds” by Fontaines D.C.. The song was recorded for War Child Records newest compilation album HELP(2) which was released on March 6th of this year. War Child Records is an independent record label. Their first compilation was released in 1995 and features artists like Oasis, Blur, and Paul McCartney. The proceeds from their releases goes towards protecting children from conflict around the world. This year’s record features artists like Cameron Winter of Geese, Arctic Monkeys, and The Last Dinner Party. The 1990s protest song refers Sinead’s reaction to Britain’s corruption, racism, and injustice and touches on topics like Tiananmen Uprising and hate crimes in Britain. Fontaine D.C.’s cover of the song reflects back O’Conner’s song with a darker tone and eery production. Guitar feedback groans in the background throughout the song and distorted electric guitars replace the original song’s twinkly acoustic sound. Fontaine D.C.’s is a modern take on the iconic protest song that reminds the listener that O’Conner’s messages are still relevant.

Listen to “Black Boys on Mopeds” on Lightning 100 or using the link below!

Casey’s Pick: “Loretta’s Last Call” by Moody Joody

Casey’s pick is “Loretta’s Last Call” from the local pop trio Moody Joody. The group consists vocalists Katie Forbes and Kayla Hall as well as producer Andrew Pacheco. This is the group’s second release for their upcoming album which is set to release later this year. The track is made for hopeless romantics and it reflects the anxiety, loneliness, and recklessness of falling in love. The title of the song comes from Hall’s experience on tour in Boston walking past a bar called Loretta’s Last Call. She was going through heartbreak at the time and was inspired by the name of the bar. She wrote it down it in her notes app next to her lyric draft for what would later become “Loretta’s Last Call”. The band initially wanted to save it for a country-leaning track as an ode to Loretta Lynn, but found the original notes app idea fit perfectly into the song’s chorus. The track has an upbeat coming-of-age production with bright guitars, harmonica, and chirpy violins. With lyrics like “I wanna call but am I allowed to,” this song is a beautiful story of longing and the excitement of fantasizing of past love.

Check out “Loretta’s Last Call” on Lightning 100 or using the link below!

Rev’s Pick: “Going Solo” by John Butler

Rev’s DJ pick for this week comes from John Butler with his new song “Going Solo.” Butler is an Australian singer-songwriter and music producer who is also known as the front man of the John Butler Trio, a roots and rock band, who is also featured on this track. He has received praise from both the Australian Recording Industry Associations as well as the Australian Performing Rights Organization. “Going Solo” is an alternative indie song with folk and roots influences from Butler’s 2025 album PRISM. Butler has shared that he took his time from his last album, which was a live album from 2023, to explore new sounds and styles. He shared that he builds all production elements off of his signature finger picking style. Booming basses and layered synthesizers give “Going Solo” a full and warm sound reflect the confident and positive message of the song. The song is about slowing down and giving yourself time to reflect while living in a fast-paced world. To Butler, going solo means trusting yourself to know what you need.

Check out “Going Solo” by John Butler on Lightning 100 or using the link below!

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