*photo credit: Zim Zimmerman/Light Monkeys

Gratitude is essentially a virtue. It used to be the norm for bands and solo musicians to have a particular hubris about them-a cocky air craving the praise of their fans for oftentimes no reason at all. Thankfully artists aren't as much like that anymore. Power pop quintet Maurice and the Stiff Sisters show this, demonstrating how farther a good relationship with the audience can take you in addition to talent.

The group hasn't been around for very long. In about a year's time since they've been a band they've already played to masses of people, like at the Kenton Street Fair, as well as to pretty varying crowds like patrons of the southeast country bar Landmark Saloon. Maurice and the Stiff Sisters have a type of accessible sound that's easy for all crowds to enjoy. Their power pop is not only delightfully catchy, but also mixes in romantic soulful notes that make them even more lovable. 

Seeing Maurice and the Stiff Sisters is just as enjoyable as listening to them, which in part helped them become one of our June artists of the month. You can catch their next set at the end of July for an ACLU benefit at Dig A Pony, along with Bubblecats and Snowblind Traveler. Until then, enjoy their performance video for "Our Old Haunts" and an adoring acceptance video for their win.

Already making plans for your post Valentine's Day romantic void recovery? If you're boycotting going out tomorrow to save having romance shoved in your face, consider heading up to Alberta St. Pub on Wednesday where a little bit of folk could sooth your lovelorn soul.

Singer/songwriter Chris Miller pops back up into hearts intermittently as Green Hills Alone, sharing what has been so delightfully described as "California coffee shop acoustic." Moody and not too twangy, Green Hills Alone will bring more of grey folk feel to the night.

In that same vein, Kelly Blair Bauman's last release, 2009's Gomorrah, was cathartic folk if we've ever heard it. More personal than his time spent with Cali bands Deathstar and the North Magnetic, Bauman's solo work intimately shows him coming into his own on his own - a feeling those who are recently single may be discovering about themselves as well.

Ending a brighter, powerpop side of folk, Maurice and the Stiff Sisters will shed a little bit of upbeat light to the night. Despite certain song titles like "Unlucky In Love," the undeniable groovy beat and cheerful use of horns take away any sadness. 

 *photo by Zim Zimmerman/LightMonkeys

Make space in your playlist for every song ever to come from new group Maurice and the Stiff Sisters, especially for the one we're premiering today called "Heart Beats Faster." 

Heartfelt tones come from lead vocalist Maurice Spencer, which only adds an extra element to the jovial, psych tinged heart pop that Maurice and the Stiff Sisters produce.

They've just about a handful of tracks, but based on how well they're already done, there's sure to be more. Fall in love with "Heart Beats Faster" below and check out their other song "Unlucky in Love" over on their Soundcloud page.