Our Favorite Singles of June 2026
Hello, here are my top picks for June! A lot of amazing singles just in time for my birthday (June 26th :P); they all felt like personal gifts LOL. Each of these songs has been on repeat since their release, and I can confidently say that since July is almost over… which, sorry but also not because I've been going through it! Anyways, some amazing bands and artists I discovered during the month that I think all of you will like too!
Lobotomize Me - The Rat Utopia Experiment
punk, riot grrl
Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, the woman-fronted group The Rat Utopia Experiment has made a huge splash in the scene with some of their most recent singles. “Lobotomize Me” has been, so far, their most successful, and for good reason. Starting off with energetic, strong vocals and guitars right off the bat, you will immediately feel the anger emanating from vocalist Phia Lane. The lyrics hit you throughout the entire song, as Lane is not afraid to be explicit and say exactly what she means. The verses speak to the public’s tendency to infantilize women in the spotlight, automatically assuming they don’t know what they’re doing. In the chorus, the catchy repetition of “Lobotomize me” and “Surgery! Surgery!” underscores how, no matter what she does, people will assume she has no autonomy. The bass line and guitars follow an urgent rhythm alongside the drums, furthering the rage of the lyrics. The breakdown toward the end almost symbolizes the last straw for women who are constantly made to feel like they have no agency over themselves. Definitely one of my favorite songs of the summer so far, and possibly of the year! You can stream the song here and keep up with them on Instagram @theratutopiaexperiment!
dead at maturity - cat fight
alternative
cat fight has been a recent favorite find of mine, and I put his last single on the May 2026 list as well. His newest single, “dead at maturity,” has been ON REPEAT for me since it came out! cat fight has a way of connecting with listeners, allowing them to truly feel his emotions through both the instrumentation and the lyrics. He writes honestly about the fear of messing up his life so young and not knowing what to do, something I think everyone can relate to. At under two minutes, it feels like a burst of energy, almost like the eruption of a downward spiral that many young people feel when they think they’re running out of time. You hear the sense of desperation in cat fight’s voice, especially during the repetition of the title, “dead at maturity.” The ambient fuzz that runs throughout the song creates a sense of longing, on top of the urgency of the drums, perfectly capturing the sentiment of the song. There’s a change-up during the bridge with softer vocals and bass, as if he’s trying to calm himself down from the spiral. Another favorite of mine this year so far. You can stream the song here and find cat fight on Instagram @catfight5533!
palindrome - Pucker Up!
alternative
Sparkly punk band from Scranton, Pucker Up! always surprises me with their releases because you truly never know what they’re going to do next. Their most recent single, “palindrome,” proves their ability to dabble in any sound they see fit for their message. “palindrome” is much softer, quieter, and slower than most of their previous releases, allowing the band to show a different side of themselves. It’s dreamy and echoey, especially with the delayed guitar effects and the telephone-like effect on the vocals, making the song sound like a voicemail or message being left. The song feels far away, almost, which hones in on the lyrical content of finally letting someone go and leaving spiteful feelings behind. The guitars and bass create a nice rhythm with the beautiful vocals of lead singer Awnshae. Then, during the last 40 seconds or so of the song, the guitars suddenly burst into a faster pace, allowing all the emotions that were bubbling up to explode and dissipate. I’m excited to see where Pucker Up! goes next in their sound, as “palindrome” was such an interesting direction. You can stream the song on all streaming platforms and keep up with the band @puckeruppa!
Photo by @graceanthonysmidt
Picture of Return - Superfan
alternative
I've been anticipating new music from Superfan for a while. Superfan was one of the first artists I discovered at my first local show when I started this magazine, and he never disappoints. His latest single, “Picture of Return,” builds on his previous acoustic sound with intricate, lush string arrangements. The strings open the track, creating a calming yet foreboding sense of sorrow. A beat enters, giving the song an easygoing rhythm. Superfan sings poetically about never forgetting the face of someone who caused you immense pain, even trauma. His voice is beautiful, as always, and this time it's smooth and intimate, making you feel as if he’s in the room singing to you, blending perfectly with the instrumentation. You truly feel his hurt as a listener. There’s a steady build in the strings that erupts during a melody shift in the bridge, creating a magical yet somber atmosphere. The song ends beautifully, with the strings creating majestic tension. I hope we hear more from Superfan soon; he is, in my opinion, one of the most talented songwriters of our generation. You can find “Picture of Return” here and follow him @kaliflanagan.
If It Hurts - Allapartus
rock, alternative, pop punk
New York hopecore rock band Allpartus completes the release of their EP, If It Hurts, with the title track, “If It Hurts.” This single kicks off the EP strong, truly expressing the feeling of grief, something universally part of the human experience. Even though the lyrical subject matter is heavy, the instrumentation is upbeat, creating a melancholy yet optimistic feel. It truly captures the experience of carrying pain and trying to live with it. The song is almost pop-punk, filled with strong power chords in the chorus for two-stepping and crying to. The guitars in the verses build up to the explosive chorus are twinkly, creating a sense of hope and the ability to live freely with the grief of losing someone important to you by embracing the love you had for them. This is such a beautiful song that ties in so well with the other songs on the EP. You can listen to “If It Hurts” and the rest of the EP on all streaming platforms. Follow @allapartus on Instagram to keep up with them!
Cover art by @ryancassata
EVERY TRANSPHOBIC REPUBLICAN JERKSOFF2TRANSP0RN - Ryan Cassata & eevie echoes
punk
Just in time for Pride Month, artists Ryan Cassata and eevie echoes released a politically charged collab single, “EVERY TRANSPHOBIC REPUBLICAN JERKSOFF2TRANSP0RN,” which, if you can’t tell from the title, is an unapologetic call-out to conservative politicians about their perverse hypocrisy when it comes to transphobia, enacted through hate speech and actual policymaking within the United States. Both Ryan Cassata and eevie echoes are trailblazers in the independent music scenes as trans people and activists, and this song encapsulates the power of unapologetically calling out the hate that's pervading the entire government and country. The song begins with a spooky, high-pitched guitar riff that continues throughout the track. It gives it a post-punk sound and also serves as a metaphor for how right-wing politicians use transgender people as scapegoats, making the general population scared of them, when the politicians are just projecting their biggest secrets and insecurities. There’s a nice beat that audiences at their live shows can mosh their frustrations out to. Both Ryan and eevie’s voices are perfect for the song as well, truly complementing each other. The lyrics, like the song title, boldly state exactly what they want to say. The repetition in the chorus of “lies, lies, lies” is catchy and will stick in your head for days, allowing you to truly digest everything the song stands for. A perfect song for Pride Month, not just for celebrating their identity but for fighting for it. You can stream the single on all streaming platforms, and please follow both Ryan and eevie on Instagram @ryancassata and @eevieechoes!
Lilies Weren’t Meant for Dying/I Shed My Wings - athera
post-hardcore
Hailing from Richmond, VA, athera has been consistently making bangers, and their latest singles, “Lilies Weren’t Meant for Dying” and “I Shed My Wings,” are their best work yet. We start with “Lilies Weren’t Meant for Dying,” which hits you with energy the second it starts, as the guitar riff invites you in. The screaming vocals from Jordan Barte are perfect; they’re gritty, passionate, and full of strength. There’s a nice rhythm when Kimmy Rivera comes in with her angelic vocals, perfect for two-stepping. Rivera sounds better than ever in this song; it’s perfect for that 2000s post-hardcore and metalcore sound they’re going for! There’s urgency in the guitars and beat; I can imagine people going harder than ever in the mosh pit for them (and trust me, I saw people going super crazy for them back in March at Stone Circle Theatre; that's saying A LOT). There’s a great breakdown at the end that transitions smoothly into the next track, “I Shed My Wings.’ It begins on a slower note with Rivera’s soft vocals and slowly builds tension. Then aggressive guitars and Barte’s screams explode onto the soundscape. There are nice moments of call-and-response between the vocalists and overlapping vocals, which give the song an interesting texture. The shifts in pace throughout the song keep listeners on their toes. The guitar tone is so satisfying as well. These two singles will continue to be in my daily rotation, and if you like anything post-hardcore, they’ll be in yours too. You can find the song on Bandcamp or any other major streaming platform, and go follow @athera_rva to keep up with them.
The Last Tango In Providence - Told Not To Worry
punk, sasscore
Over the past few years, Rhode Island bands have produced some amazing music across punk, emo, hardcore, and related genres, and Told Not To Worry has been one of the bands everyone on the East Coast has been talking about. Their latest single, “Last Tango In Providence,” proves that their experimentation will be remembered in scene history. We start with a wonky synth and riff that can send chills down your back. Then we’re immediately thrown into a wall of chaos, with screaming, gravelly vocals, guitars, drums, and bass that feel like they’re coming from every direction. There are fun punk influences, then we’re thrown into a crazy breakdown. Then we’re transitioned into tango music; the guitar sounds a bit dirty yet still polka-esque. Then the last minute is this ghostly sound with off-putting, grainy-glitchy noises. It’s truly an insane ride, and I know it sounds weird when I describe it, but trust me, it’s awesome! You can find the track on Bandcamp and other streaming platforms. Follow @toldnottoworry on Instagram to keep up with their releases and upcoming shows!
Cover art by @humanlanterns
Love Bog - BALACLAVA
post-punk, rock
I have been loving this recent revival of post-punk and dance punk, and NYC-based band BALACLAVA is one of the bands really perfecting it. Danceable, fun, and exciting, BALACLAVA’s newest single “Love Bog” is one of their best pieces of music yet. It’s super dynamic, with guitar riffs constantly shifting and repeating, and the drums driving a thrilling rhythm. The guitar tones are fuzzy, giving the song a punk edge. I can imagine this being performed live, with the whole crowd disgustingly sweaty after dancing their hardest to it. There’s a specific ascending guitar run that repeats through the prechorus, making the entire song so exciting! This song is just that good that I don’t have much else to say other than go listen to it! You can find “Love Bog” on all major streaming platforms and follow @balaclava_is_a_band on Instagram for more updates!
Cover art by @spicy.mojo
You Like Me Sometimes - The Scummies
punk, rock
Midwest absurdist queer punk group The Scummies also released a single great for Pride Month, “You Like Me Sometimes.” The bass-and-drum duo channels early ’70s punk, raw and audacious. The rhythm is fun, starting with a driving bassline and then introducing syncopated drums. The bass is so great on its own that on my first couple of listens I didn’t even realize there was no guitar. Lead singer Roe Smelly’s vocals really hone in on the raw punk sound, completely tying the song together. She sings of wanting to love someone who is ashamed of their love for her, only liking her “late at night.” This is something that not only everyone could relate to but specifically queer people, as it is all too common for people who are uncomfortable with their sexuality to still experiment with queer people secretly. Although a short track, this is tactfully punchy and a great listen. You can find the song on all major streaming platforms and follow The Scummies on Instagram @the.scummies_!
Cover art by @ohhwenrodriguez
Bridge Fire - Microcosms
rock
Chicago-based rock band Microcosms just released their debut album Crying Laughing Here With You a couple of weeks ago (which is great and y’all should go listen to it!), but before that, in June, they released a fiery single “Bridge Fire.” Starting with a driving guitar riff, the band sets the stage for a funky, groovy, 70s and 2000s rock n’ roll sound that’ll have you going crazy in the crowd. The guitars are definitely the main event, as they are heavy, gritty, and catchy. The bass, however, drives the verses, which is a nice switch-up throughout the track. Vocalist Andrew Tschilsch is super talented, really bringing out that rockstar energy. He sings of being frustrated with people’s hypocrisy and not knowing what to do about it. The single ends with one of the sickest guitar solos I’ve heard in a while. A great single to rock out to if you like classic-inspired rock with a fresh sound. You can find the song and their debut album on all major streaming platforms and follow them @wearemircosms to keep up with them!
castaway - hostile
indie singer/songwriter
I always love an acoustic jam I can keep coming back to over the summer, and that void has been filled by hostile’s single “castaway.” Although under two minutes, the single is soft and calming. I can almost imagine myself sitting on the beach, listening to this in a melancholy mood. hostile’s vocals are smooth and satisfying to the ear as they sing of betrayal, pain, and picking up the pieces after being left behind. The entire track is just vocals and acoustic guitar, stripped down yet not a bore at all. A cute, sad song to listen to when you're feeling kind of down and want to wallow in it. hostile has also released, within the past month, two EPs and another single that I’m excited to check out. You can find “castaway” on all major streaming platforms, and follow them @beenhostile on Instagram to keep up with them.
Photo by @mr.rawjpeg
Telling You About It - Felton
pop
Brooklyn-based musician Felton knows how to make a good pop song that’s from the heart, not just corporate slop. His latest single from his EP Parasocial, “Telling You All About It,” is a step in a different direction than he usually goes. We start off immediately with an upbeat, groovy bass line. Felton comes in singing about an interaction he had at a show for one of his favorite bands, not believing how real it could be. In the middle of the interaction with fellow musicians, all he can think about is the story he’ll tell to all his friends, which I think we’ve all been there before. The entire song is filled with fun sound bites from synths and guitars, making the whole thing sound glittery and exciting. The track is super danceable, too, and would be great for a party. One of my favorite parts is a verse with an ad-lib that says “hi” and “hello” a bunch of times. This track is pop-perfection, and I hope you don’t only listen to this single but the entire EP! You can find “Telling You All About It” and Parasocial on Bandcamp and other streaming platforms, and find Felton @felton.music on Instagram!
Park Bench (Remix) - Scaffolding
emo, pop, alternative
I love it when a band randomly reaches out with something unexpected. Pop-emo Rhode Island band Scaffolding reached out, asking me to consider their latest release, “Park Bench (Remix),” for our June song list, and I was blown away. They first released “Park Bench” in 2024 on their debut album, Scaffolding, and this recent version only elevates it further. It’s definitely more polished than the original yet still has that grungy grit. The high-pitched, dancey synths combined with the fuzzy guitars are perfect. The synths are definitely my favorite part. It’s so unexpected to hear that type of synthesizer with an emo band, but they truly make it work. The vocals are super energetic and emotional; the lead singer, Daniel Pond, almost sounds desperate as he sings about waiting for someone and seeing if that person would wait for him. A very moshable song, and I hope to see it live someday. In the meantime, I’m definitely taking a listen to their discography. You can find the “Park Bench” remix on all major platforms and find the band on Instagram @scaffoldingmusic to keep up with them!
As always, if you got this far, I hope there was something that piqued your interest! You can always send recommendations my way, with songs, EPs, albums, shows, WHATEVER! You can DM us at @unchartedmusicmag on Instagram or email sofia@unchartedmusicmag.com!! I’ll be posting about some shows very soon and the July list in about a week or two!
