The Hugs push their alternative pop foundation into forward-thinking territory—blending classic song craft with subtle experimentation and modern production choices that feel distinctly 2026 without chasing indie trends. Portland, OR–based alternative pop band The Hugs return with Waking Up In The Future, their ninth full-length album, released June 5, 2026. The record finds the band expanding their brit pop-influenced alternative sound into something more reflective, cinematic, and forward-looking—balancing melodic immediacy with late-night introspection. Across nine tracks, Waking Up In The Future explores time, futuristic themes, romance, and quiet optimism (in an increasingly fast paced digital world), pairing warm guitar textures and hook-driven songwriting with subtle electronic elements, big drums, and lo-fi atmospheres. Songs shift effortlessly between intimate, late-night moments to expansive and cinematic passages. Brites is a Portland, Oregon based, art rock band with post-punk, folk, and electronic influences. Founded in the Flint, MI suburbs, Brites has been a consistent creative outlet for founding members Owen and Michelle Leman from producing their own records to animating music videos. Brites released their 10th album, Oversaturated, in September 2025 and most recently the single “Travelers.” Tradie writes mostly love songs or mostly songs about maintenance, depending on your perspective. Maintenance is about paying attention to the little changes in the things around you, and you can't convince me that's not the same thing as love. A friend said watching Tradie feels like when you got stung by a bee as a kid. I wouldn't know, I never got stung - I'd stay very still.