Presenting garage rock at it’s finest, LA-based indie artist Owen Hamlin not only writes his lyrics and melodies but also produces, mixes and engineers songs that are boldly raw and true to his own ideas.
“I Don’t Like New Things, Old Things Are Better, Time Breaks Down Most Things, Few And Far Things Ever Find Away To Last”
Track of the week. Only recently just turned 18, Derby born and London based Oliver Keane launches one of the most impressive debuts that I have had the pleasure of listening to so far this year.
Stunningly tender through it’s simple construction, ‘in the morning’ showcases this artist’s mesmerising vocals and beautiful lyricism. Despite his young age, this is a sound that is raw and exceptionally emotive.
Since hitting his teens Oliver was determined to forge his own path, barely pausing for breath. And this debut is a testament to the commitment he has given to his craft.
“I’ve probably written something in my notes or made a voice note every single day for the past six years. We’re talking about thousands of songs. I can’t remember the last time I went without making music, or having some form of an idea just sitting in the back of a train, singing to myself like a weirdo…”
A stunning indie-pop sound from Georgia-based talent míra. Beautifully stripped back yet rich in texture, ‘April’ is the type of song that feels emotive and dreamy in equal measures.
Taken from the album ‘Auburn Bleach’ which is out now.
míra via Before The Data
One of Norway’s most exciting indie-pop exports so far this year, Slopes creates a kind of sound that is universally loveable. With distinctive vocals and rousing melodies, it’s only a matter of time before this talent achieves global recognition.
“Sometimes, if I’ve let someone down, I can feel as if those tears shouldn’t be wasted on me – kind of like, save them for someone better! Tears is about avoiding or escaping relationships in fear of letting people down.”
LiLi Joy creates indie-pop songs that include hints of old-school jazz and modern alternative styles.
The track’s lyrics tell stories, and lead listeners on emotional journeys. When you press play to ‘Dandelion’ you’ll understand just how beautiful her approach to music-making is.
“‘Dandelion’ is a song about growing up and hearing so many different opinions about who you should be and what you should accomplish. Eventually, all the criticism turns to white noise and you have to follow your own path.”
With recognition from the likes of NPR Music and The Line of Best Fit already under their belts, Los Angeles-based outfit Cape Weather’s fabulous style of blending indie and folk is winning them legions of new fans.
‘Get It Right’ is a song about enjoying the moment, feeling free, being yourself, and consequently finally getting it right.
“The chorus came to me while walking through a California native garden at the LA Arboretum. I thought to myself, how can a simple gesture such as walking through wildflowers feel so right? When I got home, I plunked out the chords on the old upright piano in my living room and everything else just flowed out.”
US singer-songwriter Zola Simone wrote her first song when she was just 12 years old, and hasn’t stopped since. She’s used music as a coping method for her struggles with anxiety and bullying, and she’s no stranger to judgment as an LGBTQ+ woman.
On meaningful new single ‘Sideways’, Simone reflects on the current state of the world “…and my experience of it, particularly as a teenager in America.”
Taken from the album ‘Now You See Me‘ which is out now.
With a sound truly like none other, LA-based singer-songwriter Angelnumber 8’s ‘Last Laugh’ is a proclamation of him realising his self-worth in the face of situations and people that tried to diminish it.
This is a bold and conceptual sound that is unafraid to push the boundaries of experimental hip hop to new levels, making Angelnumber 8 an artist well worthy of your attention.
A tremendously exciting project emerging from Grand Rapids in Michigan, Benny Elliot is a new talent who’s creating some of the best blends of indie and bedroom-pop that I have come across this week.
This is a sound that is packed with fun energy and character, all the while feeling relatable and easy to listen to.
“This song is the culmination of over a year’s worth of work in the studio, plenty of late nights, and a TON of failures to reach this point.”
Canadian producer, songwriter, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist French Braids returns today with a song that carries vintage and nostalgic tones of bossa nova, all the while maintaining a modern flair.
When he’s not crafting his own gems like ‘Shady’, he’s busy working as a producer and songwriter with some of the world’d most recognisable names; from the likes of Zara Larsson, Morgan Page, BANNERS, Jazz Cartier and Anjulie, through to Ralph, Ryland James, Savannah Ré and more.
A hugely exciting talent emerging from London, songwriter and rapper James Lamb constructs a style of sound that fuses lo-fi hip hop with a soulful essence.
Performing since the age of thirteen, this artist delivers songs confidently, with thoughtful lyricism over wistful melodies.
“I wanted to create something chilled yet soulful and express my feelings of love and everything attached to it. It’s about not letting past relationships get in the way of a new one and how time heals everything.”
American-Nigerian singer and songwriter Khalei has already seen success through his previous single ‘Life is Good’, which amassed over 200k streams across platforms.
His new single ‘Twin’ is about how love is not always what you expect, especially when you get your heart broken along the line. With a style of alt-RnB that is sboth harp and sleek, this artist is working his way into becoming a significant fixture within the Alternative arena.
With a sound that seamlessly blends UK RnB with afrobeat tones, Liwa has already garnered over 200k views on YouTube alone through his previous releases.
Today sees the release of ‘Bonnie and Clyde’, a song that reminisces of the time he met someone who he is currently seeing. Featuring a finessed production with smooth vocals and relatable lyrics, this track is sure to propel Liwa further into the spotlight.
Shortened from ‘melancholic blue’, this Australian six-piece outfit are delivering some of the most exciting fusions of indie and electro-pop from the continent.
With relatable lyrics on love, ‘Cleopatra’ carries a nostalgic feel that feels sweetly emotive and so easy to fall in love with.
“A lot of our lyrics are about long distance relationships and learning how to move on after a breakup, but ‘Cleopatra’ is about falling in love and being so infatuated with your partner, it’s euphoric. I think everyone has and will feel that way at least once in their life. It’s really like nothing else to be all in!” – Oscar Sharah, Mel Blue
Sydney trio Mesmeriser create a sound that carefully balances garage rock with dreamy pop tones. The result is a collection of tracks that feel distinctively unique and utterly charming.
‘All In Good Time’ is a song that wrestles with the notion of being past your prime in an increasing ageist world.
“I was hearing the news that Billie Eilish had won a whole bunch of Grammy’s at 19. When you hear someone do so well at such a young age, it makes you question a lot of things as 20-something anyone! Let alone a musician.”- Myles Fischer, Mesmeriser
Emerging from the UK, Willow Kayne delivers a punchy and vivid approach to pop, packed with confidence and a playful attitude.
Inspired by real online abuse that she received on TikTok, ‘I Don’t Wanna Know’ is an empowering anthem that deals with real life Gen Z issues in a refreshingly original way.
Delivering a hugely exciting approach to pop, Norwegian talent Sassy 009 creates dark and richly atmospheric soundscapes that are not only conceptual and captivating but also spellbindingly intriguing.
This really is some of the most outstanding electronic music to emerge from Australia this year.
Listening to ‘Silk’ by Moktar tells a story within itself. This is deeply rich piece of music that is thoughtfully balanced and beautifully unique.
“‘Silk’ has a lot to do with my struggles growing up in Australia, navigating racism. I was ashamed of being Egyptian and embarrassed by my culture. I was made to believe that being Middle Eastern only came with negative connotations throughout most of my life. ‘Silk’ represents how I feel today – the luxury of being comfortable and the ability to move around freely, both physically and spiritually.”
Already making an impact thanks to her cover of Drake’s ‘Passionfruit‘ (which amassed over a million streams on Spotify alone), ellie d. delivers a kind of pop which is stripped back and chilled, all the while being relatable and touching to the listener.
‘Reach Out’ reflects on the dilemma we all face after a break up, when we still want to stay in touch with that person yet we are unsure of what to do.
“I had just ended things with someone and wanted to tell them about this new job I got. But I also didn’t wanna be the first to reach out.”
If you have yet to experience the music from emerging UK talent Ella Rose then boy, have I got a treat for you. With an eccentric yet finessed approach to RnB-pop, this is a sound that is immediately seductive to anyone who presses play.
Featuring a verse from 24hrs, ‘Just Me’ speaks of Ella’s struggles with people-pleasing and her youth while living in Reading.
