The music of Chattanooga is evolving and Soundcorps has their finger on the heartbeat. So, we asked executive director Stratton Tingle to pick some of his favorite local tracks released in the past year by Chattanooga artists.

Like what you hear? Soundcorps offers a monthly newsletter called The Pitch Sifter with new from local artists. A subscription to The Pitch Sifter is $5 per month.

Here’s what Tingle had to say:

Behold the Brave
Behold the Brave has a next-level live act that needs to be seen to be believed. Their latest EP, “Sunrise // Sunset,” offers a tamer version of the psychedelia you'll experience at their live show, but it's very listenable and every track is worthy of a place in the “Valley of the Kings.” // Listen: “Be There Now”

Danny Polo
Danny Polo's "Honest With Myself" is a tasty little slice of crooner pop. Catch Danny Polo live at various local venues around town this year. Your ears will thank you. // Listen: “Honest with Myself”

Leebee
leebee. is one of those rare singer-songwriters who can actually capitalize on the intimate charm of a DIY recorded-in-the-bedroom aesthetic. "Reach" melds Ani DiFranco's unapologetic attitude with Sufjan Stevens' subtlety. // Listen: “Reach”

Telemonster
"Opheliac" as a waltz-infused with nostalgia, matter-of-fact self-reflection, and addictive, circular melodies which are perfect companions through the dreary, wet, winter days in Chattanooga. Try playing this one just once – we're pretty sure you'll come back for more. Does that also make you an Opheliac? // Listen: “Opheliac”

Kay B Brown
Kay B Brown has been on a steady come-up, releasing new music every few weeks, winning emcee competitions, participating in Craft Masters, and planting himself firmly in the middle of Chattanooga's blossoming music scene. We predict a bright future in entertainment and community leadership for this local rapper who is serving up exactly what Chattanooga needs: a healthy dose of real talk over a plate piled high with soul food. // Listen: “Soul Food” [explicit]

Ariel Omarzu
Songwriter Ariel Omarzu came out on top at one of the Songwriter's Stage events held at the Camp House last year. Her live performances reveal a deeply passionate, raw, self-admittedly troubled artist who is just beginning to gain traction with local audiences by showcasing her vulnerability. // Listen: “Gold Hands”

The Afternooners
Catching a live show by The Afternooners is such a treat because they channel a ton of young energy into their live set but somehow still seem to care about the eardrums of their audience members. Very unusual for a young band like this to have the maturity to keep volumes at a reasonable level. Their songwriting is nothing to sneeze at, either. Stay tuned in to The Afternooners in 2019. // Listen: “Habitual Jimmy”

Seaux Chill
Seaux Chill is another local artist whose live show you need to experience as soon as possible. If "Feel Good" doesn't make you feel good, you should probably see a physician. // Listen: “Feel Good”

LRNZ.
Chattanooga artist LRNZ. expands his sound with this soulful track that will appeal to fans of R&B crooners and electro-pop producers. Everything we've heard from LRNZ. up to now has been well-executed hip-hop, but this song showcases the artist's wide range of vocal skills and production expertise. // Listen: “Mind Control”

Cloud Caverns
"Ashland" features pop-driven melodies backed by dreamy harmonies and a sing-along hook. The whole album is worth a listen, so step on over to your preferred streaming service or purchase it outright from the Cloud Caverns BandCamp site. // Listen: “Ashland”