“I'm so dumb / I don't think before I speak,” proclaim the opening lines of “Cool Me,” the first track off the self-titled debut LP by Stamford, Connecticut’s Chousand. The rest of the 10 track debut follows the same route of self-deprecation so blunt that it inexplicably makes you smile, in true pop punk fashion. From the aggressively careless “Subaru” to the anxiety-ridden “I’m All Gums,” this album is a triumph — a tongue-in-cheek salute to shouting with a beer in your hand and a smile on your face. They will be playing their album release show at The Shamrock in Waterbury, CT on June 16th at 7 pm. Until then, stream all of Chousand below. - Lilly Milman

Connecticut-based americana singer-songwriter Kerri Powers has seen it all, and she intends to tell you about it on her debut album Starseeds. Her experience is obvious from her simple, yet earnest way of storytelling; her confident, yet not overzealous vocals; her subtle, yet astute reworking of age-old tales like that of Lady Godiva. Take lead single “Mine the River” (streaming below), where she is able to blend the seemingly overused combination of bluesy guitars, a soulful voice, and Americana storytelling to create something original. She is currently touring and will be playing her next show on May 18 at Washington DC’s The Hamilton. But fear not, she’ll be back in Connecticut in June to play a show at Bridge Street on June 24. - Lilly Milman