We Speak Music
Indie Rock Meets Protest: Collin Keller Drops Bold New Track ‘Weed in the Garden’
Collin Keller’s “Weed in the Garden” arrives at a time when the question of whether protest music still matters is increasingly debated. Keller’s answer is clear: not only does it matter, it thrives when reimagined. The Los Angeles-based artist’s latest single merges activism with artistry, packaging resistance in a sound as bright as the California sun.
The track finds its power in metaphor. The weed, unwanted yet resilient, becomes a symbol for enduring hope in the face of systemic decay. Rather than leaning into despair, Keller builds a sonic landscape that is uplifting and defiant at once. It is protest music for the playlist generation — accessible, memorable, and rooted in meaning.
Keller’s multi-instrumental and production skills shape every detail of the track. From the shimmering guitar lines to the rich vocal layers, “Weed in the Garden” reflects his restless creativity and technical precision. The addition of Jenny Giammanco on bass provides grounding, a steady rhythm beneath the song’s blooming textures.
As a touring guitarist and former frontman of the project luhx., Keller has performed on stages from Osheaga to international theatrical productions. Yet this single marks a return to something personal. It is Keller’s voice, unfiltered, carrying the message that in dark times, resistance is both necessary and beautiful.
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What happens when a guitarist decides to write the most brazen rock song he can think of? In Pembroke Tenneson’s case, the answer is “Sex Appeal”.
The title says plenty, but the song goes considerably further. Tenneson throws himself into a world of self-praise and outrageous confidence, with one boast following another. It is cheeky stuff, but there is a real affection for the music behind the joke.
Tenneson has talked about his love of the early-1970s rock sound that inspired the track, and that comes across in the attitude of the performance. He is not trying to make the song subtle. He wants the guitars, vocals and lyrics to have some swagger.
The best thing about “Sex Appeal” is that the humour never takes over completely. There is a brilliant rock song underneath all the showing off, and Tenneson clearly cares about making it sound authentic as well as making people smile.
That makes this an appealing introduction to his forthcoming material. “Sex Appeal” is the first of 14 original songs he has been developing, so there is plenty more on the way to look forward to.
For now, though, Tenneson has picked an entertaining way to reintroduce himself as an artist. “Sex Appeal” has attitude, a catchy refrain and enough cheek to make it stand out. Stream below (via Now Listen):
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