Tag Archives: Bat For Lashes

Weekly Gems 77

Posted on August 15, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Margot Polo – Let’s Get Out

Margot Polo (aka David Provenzano) releases his new single, ‘Let’s Get Out’.

A song about breaking out of routine ruts (something he is guilty of), Polo has teamed up with esteemed producer, Brad Wood, and their main goal with the track was to create a fun and huge chorus…and they have definitely succeeded.

Expect a five-song EP out this fall.

Sounds like: Von Sell, Foster the People, Tame Impala, Vampire Weekend, CHAPPO, The Beatles

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Holt – Tower

Holt

We all have safe pillars in our lives and London based self-taught singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Holt is no exception.

Using her father as the reference in her new single, the lyrics tell a non-linear story about that is capable of transporting the listener to another world.

Sounds like: RUNAH, Bat for Lashes, Björk, Enya, Massive Attack, Nils Frahm

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Bokito – Freckle

Bokito

Indie-funk band Bokito releases their new single ‘Freckle Leather’. Often mistaken for a heavy metal band, Bokito bring back their combination of signature hooks, unshakeable melodies and playful lyrics. A tightly-packaged, uproarious mix of indie, rock and perfect pop cadence that hooks listeners in straight at the first beat.

At first, ‘Freckle Leather’ reminds of Vampire Weekend, however, the five-piece stand their ground pretty quick and combine a lot of different styles. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Jeff Buckley and Justin Timberlake, the group created a completely new sound of modern indie regulated by ergonomic melodies.

Sounds like: Vampire Weekend, Two Door Cinema Club, Stereohoney, Shiners

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The Hails – Sugar

Inspired by the cool glamour and fast life of the Miami Vice era, The Hails share their new song ‘Sugar’.

With its danceable beats and 80’s synth pop influence, ‘Sugar’ is a crafty juxtaposition that melds truth and fiction with the lyrics telling the story about a girl who lives life brazenly and recklessly.

The five-piece from Miami have met at Florida University and since then have dedicated their unique sound with classic drum machines to create an irresistible trademark sound of their own.

Sounds like: Sade, Hippo Campus, Kid Bloom

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Halfloves – Polvo

American indie band Halfloves releases their latest release ‘Polvo’ from their forthcoming sophomore album ‘Dazer’, out on August 30.

‘Polvo’ is a fresh new indie addition with melodic riffs and upbeat drums. With its carefree instrumentals and dreamy lyrics, the song is only a taster of what the upcoming album has to promise.

“We recorded this song in a barn in the middle of a cornfield in Iowa where the classic NY studio ‘Magic Shop’ has found a new home, now dubbed the ‘Magic Barn’.”

The band praise themselves on having recorded ‘Polvo’ in the same studio that Bowie, Björk, Coldplay and many others used to make some of the most defining records of our time.

Sounds like: Clinic Blonde, Two Door Cinema Club

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Vacation Club – Always or Never

‘Always Or Never’ is the latest single released by the edgy, yet colourful band Vacation Club.

Written and produced by the band themselves, the laid back and catchy pop song elevates the perfect combination of upbeat beats and Helena Hahn’s beautiful vocals. The band has taken a raw and youthful approach towards the journey of love heightening both the highs and the lows.

Sounds like: LANY, Pale Waves, The 1975, Donna Lewis

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Noble Oak – Evaporate

Noble Oak

Canadian-born, singer-songwriter Noble Oak has released his latest single ‘Evaporate’.

The song features his melancholic, beautiful vocals combined with captivating instrumentals he’s Oak yet again managed to create a dreamy release that will sound even better performed live on a big stage.

Noble Oak’s full-length debut album with Last Gang is set for worldwide release in 2020.

Sounds like: Luna Pines, Tame Impala

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Playlist: Faradays

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Faradays

Faradays is the project of Dutch songwriter and physicist Karindra Perrier.

Her new EP ‘Memories’ is out now and to celebrate the release, Faradays has put together a playlist for us full of honest and vulnerable songwriters, taking inspiration from her fascination for time, the world, and life itself in both music and science.

Maggie Rogers – Alaska

This song grabbed me the first time I heard it because it has very personal vocals and distinct sounds, and yet it’s so catchy, I just wanna dance to it.

Wildhart – We Made up a Dream

The Swedish have such particular pronunciation and vocal timbre, I love it. Beautiful song.

Lorde – The Louvre

I’m a fan of the way Lorde delivers her kind of mainstream yet authentic songs. With this track particularly, I’m just obsessed with the underwater-like bridge with the lush vocals and melancholic melodies.

Flume, Kai – Never Be Like You

This track, it’s such a good hit. Way to ride those faders on the synths! And the variety in drum sounds with the carefully tailored beat, kind of genius to get your track lively like that with few elements. Plus the “never be like you” is just an undeniably good vocal hook.

St. Vincent – New York

St. Vincent has been an inspiration to me since forever. I guess I could have added almost any song by her in this list, and I almost added Cheerleader. But I chose the more recent New York, because it’s so epic and emotional.

ANIMA! – Moving Mountains

I really love that ascending melody in the chorus, and then how the groove takes off after, and back to the darker sounding verse with the lively synth bass. Contrasting parts that come together so harmoniously. Really good.

Frank Ocean – Solo

I was kind of late to discover Frank Ocean. But now I cannot go without. His songwriting is so inspiring, his lyrics, his imagery, the way his hooks work in surprising ways.

Ásgeir – Higher

I don’t listen to this song so often anymore, but when I was writing for our EP Memories I often went to this song for inspiration on a straightforward approach that leads to a magical warm vibe. The way the piano chords are elegantly dragging behind the beat makes this song doesn’t become inert or clunky.

Katie Dey – Fleas

This is so radically uncompromising. It’s strange. It’s sweet. It’s the weirdest bedroom pop, completely out there. I love it.

Klangstof – Sleaze

I’ll end with a fellow Dutchman, because I’m proud of all the beautiful music and awesome artist we have here in the Netherlands. This track of Klangstof is subdued and excited at the same time. And I highly recommend listening to more of their tracks.

Sounds like: CILVR, Bat for Lashes, The Japanese House

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Weekly Gems 62

Posted on April 15, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

FUSHIA – Dreams & Stardust

FUSHIA

Meet intriguing twin sister duo FUSHIA. Both feminists and musical artists in their own right, their music pulls otherworldly inspiration from various continents.

Their highly vulnerable new single ‘Dreams & Stardust,’ is full of empowering messages daring you to believe in yourself and turn your words into actions.

Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Kae Astra, Kate Bush, Björk

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Augustine – A Scent of Lily

Stockholm-based Augustine follows up his debut single with ‘A Scent of Lily’ – a cinematic and melancholic interpretation of Ariana Grande‘s ‘Into You’, and the powerlessness of losing yourself in a relationship.

Once again, Augustine takes us on a journey through a future-retro, bombastic-pop soundscape.

Sounds like: PNAU, Foster the People, James Blake, Maggie Rogers, Phoebe Bridgers, Tame Impala, Phoenix

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Drinker – Wave

Drinker

Drinker returns with their latest offering called ‘Wave’.

The partnership of bicoastal NY/LA duo of songwriter Aaron Mendelsohn and producer Ariel Loh, Drinker provides a sonic realm of enlightened experimental-pop and ambient productions.

Listen to the addictive ‘Wave’ below, taken from their upcoming debut LP, ‘Fragments’, released on May 3rd via B3SCI Records.

Sounds like: Yoke Lore, Thom Yorke, James Blake, Trentemoller, The Acid, Fever Ray, Sevdaliza, Tame Impala

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Abby Wolf – Change Your Mind

Abby Wolfe

Sometimes the best pop songs are the most simplistic, allowing them to be catchy and emotive.

One of these contenders is ‘Change Your Mind’ by New Zealand-based Abby Wolf. An effervescent track which depicts the internal struggle faced when you’re unsure of the right path. Something we all can relate to.

Sounds like: Bri Clarke

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Sam Feldt & Yves V – “One Day” (feat. ROZES)

ROZES

Exciting EDM and pop vocalist ROZES features on Sam Feldt & Yves V‘s new tune, ‘One Day’.

Sam Feldt fell in love with the vocals of ROZES when he heard it on the track she made with The Chainsmokers. So he decided to work with her on a new track, together with Yves V.

Their studio session resulted in a track with the perfect balance between Yves V’s pop dance sound, the uplifting summer tunes of Sam Feldt and the airy vocals of ROZES.

Sounds like: The Chainsmokers

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2SH – Good Time.

2SH

Norweigan duo 2SH is on a quest to blend their analogue upbringing with forward thinking, digital music-making.

Slotting into the nu-funk realms, their music can win the hearts of dance floor enthusiasts, for fans of Calvin Harris. and the like.

Listen to ‘Good Time.’ below.

Sounds like: Jungle, Chic

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MIG50 & FRANK E MADDOX – Fearless (Gimme The Light)

MIG50 vs FRANK E MADDOX - “Fearless (Gimme The Light)

Finally, to finish the gems off, is the frenetic ‘Fearless (Gimme The Light)’ from a new collaborative project between MIG50 & FRANK E MADDOX.

Both Chicago natives, the track loops in Chicago house basslines with as if it was Sofi Tukker on speed, combined with the fiesty originality of Georgia.

It’s a perfect way of the duo expressing their own artistic style outside of their work with other artists including SIA, NVDES and Empires.

Sounds like: Georgia, Kanye West, NVDES, Sofi Tukker

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Faradays – Snow

Posted on February 26, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Faradays

Dutch physicist and musician Faradays (aka Karindra Perrier) shares her effervescent new electro-pop single, ‘Snow’.

Much like the title suggests, it has glacial tendencies with an upbeat energy encouraging the listener to dance away the vulnerability.

Speaking about ‘Snow’, Faradays explains,

“All of us are here temporarily, like snow falling from the sky. So now that we are here: let’s dance before we touch the ground.”

Sounds like: CILVR, Bat for Lashes, The Japanese House

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Weekly Gems 29

Posted on February 10, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Hansaa & Soso – Nights Feat Emma Sameth

Hansaa & soso

Australian outfit Hansaa & Soso shares the new video for ‘Nights’ featuring the delicate vocal tones of Los Angeles-based Emma Sameth.

The visuals, directed by Julian Pircher, watch a young man follow his desires for a lady as she is laid out right in front of him.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Kuru Blue, Banks

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Sunan – Faster

Sunan

Introducing Sunan, the vibrant new project from Pete Robertson.

Despite taking himself away from the music scene after departing The Vaccines, Sunan has had a “controlled explosion” of ideas from “minimalist string quartets to maximalist 80s-style prog pop.”

One of these results is ‘Faster’, which covers a kaleidoscope of unshackled themes and variations.

Sounds like: LCD Soundsystem, Everything Everything, Alt-J, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads

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MATTIS – The Chain

MATTIS

We absolutely love Copenhagen-based viking soul MATTIS.

His new single ‘The Chain’ is written about the demise of a failed relationship (we’ve all been there). Ultimately life is tough but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sounds like: Rationale, Ben Pearce, James Blake, Sampha, Thomas Azier

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Xie – Habits

Xie - Habits

We’ve all got ‘Habits’ but none are as positive as Los Angeles-based producer and singer Xie.

Taking a fresh perspective on pop music, Xie is paving the way for female producers with her new song!

‘Habits’ is out now via Seeking Blue Records.

Sounds like: Sofi Tukker, Crystal Fighters, The Knocks, Charli XCX, CHLØË BLACK

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Kuzo – Luna

Kuzo

This laid-back duo have big dreams in their heads. Meet Kuzo.

The video for ‘Luna’ explores nature during the day, epitomising a dream-like state, waiting for the moon to come out.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Noosa

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Shadowlark – See Each Other Right

British trio Shadowlark single ‘See Each Other Right’ blends sounds similar to that of Goldfrapp and Fleetwood Mac.

It’s another hypnotic song to add to their synth-tinged roster, further showcasing front woman Ellen Smith’s mysterious vocals.

Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Lykke Li, Goldfrapp, Fleetwood Mac

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More Giraffes – Basement

More Giraffes

Futuristic pop duo More Giraffes (aka Mark Hadley and Keeley Bumford) are pinned to grab your attention with their short and snappy production techniques, colourful vocal loops and fresh melodies.

Listen to their debut single, ‘Basement’ below.

Sounds like: Charli XCX, Manila Killa

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Josh Jacobson – Sideline Feat. Gigamesh

Josh Jacobson

Josh Jacobson is effortlessly combining modern R&B with dance-pop in his new single ‘Sideline’ featuring co-production from Gigamesh.

On the subject of the song, he explains,

“Sideline is a song about growth and building in new directions, learning to let go when it’s necessary to move forward. It’s about those inner voices at times of transition that are at once exciting but so challenging emotionally. I think these lyrics will resonate with a lot of people in different ways, so I’m excited to hear how people relate to the song.”

Sounds like: Le Youth, Drake, Justin Timberlake, The Weeknd

Josh Jacobson
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Gigamesh
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Weekly Gems 25

Posted on January 11, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

LKA – I’m Fallin’

LKA

Finnish artist LKA has teamed up with HANNAH on her new single, ‘I’m Fallin”. It’s a welcome retreat from the cold weather.

Written about a crush, the stripped-back song showcases LKA’s fruitful vocals, and swirling, tropical production.

Sounds like: MØ, Grimez, Paperwhite, Calypso

Nat Reed – Flow

Nat Reed - Flow

Boston-based Nat Reed is an exciting new R&B artist.

Her ethereal sensuality works magic with the minimal electronic production used in her music, which creates an otherworldly experience for the listener.

Listen to ‘Flow’ below.

Sounds like: Beyonce, Solange, Banks, Jorja Smith, FKA Twigs, Mabel

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SUMif – In With Me

SUMif

San Francisco-based electro pop up-and-comer SUMif sets off 2018 alight with her new EP called ‘Pretty Cage’.

SUMif has already opened for indie and electro-pop darlings such as VÉRITÉ, Lauv, Ella Vos, Kučka, and Little Boots, and hopefully a headline slot will be hers very shortly.

‘In With Me’ is the lead single.

Sounds like: REMMI, CAPPA, Monogem, Evvy, Noosa, Sizzy Rocket

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namaka – Cellophane

namaka - Cellophane

We don’t hear very much Swiss indietronica, but namaka‘s new song ‘Cellophane’ proves we should be listening to more.

Their music is both feminine and masculine; production both analogical and digital, as the band tackle the conflict of man vs machine in the most delicate and rough ways possible.

Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Daughter

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Western Scene – Strange But True

Do not be deceived, ‘Strange But True’ by Western Scene is not a Christmas song, despite the countless bells and chimes in the song. Instead, it is a call for decent music.

Formed by front man Tom Pritchard in Los Angeles, Western Scene is an indie rock band through and through, spending years self-producing music that has been written and recorded in bedrooms and studios across the coast.

‘Strange but True’ is out now via Grand Jury Music.

Sounds like: Band Of Horses, Midlake, Lake Jons

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Interview: Amanda Merdzan

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Amanda Merdzan

Australian-born and London-based, Amanda Merdzan, has been gearing up to release her ‘Commands’ EP, which is finally out today.

We had a chat with Amanda about its release and her music, in general.

For those of you who don’t know you, tell us a bit more about yourself and how you got into music.

I started playing guitar when I was really young, and spent a lot of my younger years at all ages gigs after discovering the world of grunge and pop-punk music! I formed a few bands back then and would always be jamming with them in my parents garage or at one of the other kids houses. One thing lead to another, a punk rock EP, a few folk records later and here I am! It’s been an interesting progression.

Describe your sound in three words.

Dark Electro Pop.

Your EP, ‘Commands’, is coming out on the 25th July. Tell us more about the meaning behind it.

Leading up to writing the EP there were a lot of significant changes taking place in my life, which became the focal point of the songs. The title ‘Commands’ comes from the feeling of having very little control in the situations I was experiencing.

A close friendship of mine was on it’s way out the door, and I was learning that people can change very quickly when being guided by the will of others. I’d also just revealed the relationship with my girlfriend that I had been hiding from everyone for a long time, and I was trying to navigate my way through all the challenges that came with that.

Where do you cite your musical influences from?

I’ve always had a large folk influence, but when I was writing this EP I was listening to a lot of Broods, Grimes and Fever Ray.

We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?

Bat For Lashes, Haux, Anna Of The North and Amanda Bergman.

Order ‘Commands’ on iTunes here.

Sounds like: Leena Ojala, Rhye, Emma Louise, MUNA, Shura, Chinah, Wet

CHELAN – Beams

Posted on July 3, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

CHELAN by Matt Drenik

CHELAN (pronounced sh-lan) is a band comprised of classical music teacher Jennifer Grady, film/TV music composer Justin Hosford, and drummer Chad Austinson.

‘Beams’ is the lead single from their latest album, ‘Vultures’, which the band say has more of a synth pop sound than their previous endeavours.

‘Vultures’ is out on 26 August.

Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Susanne Sundfør, White Sea, First Aid Kit

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Pumarosa – Cecile

Posted on April 3, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Pumarosa

It’s nearly the end of weekend, so time for some lush indie pop for your ears, courtesy of London five-piece, Pumarosa.

Pumarosa originally started as a duo when drummer Nick was to only musician to turn up to a new project rehearsal in London. After moving to a warehouse in Manor House, they met Henry, Tomoya and Neville and began a period of intensely hot rehearsal in a 10′ x 10′ chipboard room. In the summer of 2015, the band was offered a residency in the cavernous disused cinema of an Italian surrealist, situated within the cliffs of Calabria. Scraping together a van and driving non-stop to Italy, the band worked on new material, and it was in Italy that they settled on the name Pumarosa: in part reflecting Isabel’s Chilean roots, but also the jungle fruit of the same name.

Their new single is a psychedelic disco number called ‘Cecile’, produced by Dan Carey (Kate Tempest, Bat For Lashes, Toy).

‘Cecile’ is out via Chess Club/Mom + Pop.

Sounds like: The Editors, Lucius, Goldfrapp, Karen O, Bat For Lashes, Talking Heads

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Tradiio Exclusive: Interview With Britt Daley

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Britt Daley

Britt Daley has been causing quite a stir with her single ‘Move Me’, so we decided to find out more about the songstress from the US.

For those of you who don’t know you, tell us a bit more about yourself and how you got into music.

Music was always playing in our household and as I grew up musicality was highly encouraged. For my 5th birthday my grandmother bought me an upright Baldwin, insisting on lessons. I think my grandmother had this dream of me becoming a concert pianist… the ‘female Liberace’, but that was thwarted when I began performing professionally with the Orlando Youth Opera. I continued piano lessons but I loved to sing so I was taken under the wing of Linda Ronstadt’s former vocal coach.

Describe your sound in three words.

Dreamy. Electronic. Synth-pop.

We discovered you on Tradiio after listening to your track ‘Move Me’, which has received thousands of plays. Were you expecting such a positive response to your debut?

I wasn’t expecting it to garner this much attention because it’s so hard to cut through the noise as an independent artist. But ‘Move Me’ did pretty well, which I can attribute in part to the blog attention it received early on, Soundcloud shares/playlists, and it’s presence on the Tradiio platform. Super pleased that it reached as many people as it has because it’s one of my favorites.

You’ve also collaborated with Morgan Page. How did that come about?

I was originally connected to the project through Jay and Nick of The Oddictions, who also co-wrote and produced, “Running Wild”. They heard a song I had worked on with mutual friend, producer/DJ Nicademass, and got in touch with me via Twitter. Despite the three of us living in the same town we didn’t meet in person until a couple months into the project. I’ve become pretty accustomed to working with other artists and producers remotely, and it can have it setbacks, but it’s mostly been positive because it allows me to work with people from all over the world, which has been truly rewarding. Many of the people I work with are based in L.A., but I’m also working with a producer based in Portland on my debut solo album, and I have another collaboration with a producer who lives in the Netherlands. There are a few pretty cool projects down the pipeline that I’m very excited about.

Where do you cite your musical influences from?

Gosh… where to start… as a kid… Björk, Madonna, Tori Amos, Jeff Buckley, and later rediscovering 80’s New Wave bands like Depeche Mode, Tears For Fears, The Cars, Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys… (I could go on).

In more recent years, I’ve been influenced by Bat For Lashes, Sia, Com Truise, James Vincent McMorrow, Imogen Heap, Miike Snow, Marina & The Diamonds…

I also draw upon influences from my classical and theatrical training… and of course my personal life experiences. Every song on my album is very personal and each one captures a different moment of my life over the past few years.

We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?

I have pretty eclectic taste and I’m constantly finding amazing artists that might not be very new, but they’re new to me… good music is good music. Right now I’ve been listening to Kidnap Kid, Tame Impala, Jason Isbell, Nikki Lane, Taylor McFerrin, and Broods… Check out Kidnap Kid – Moments ft Leo Stannard it’s stunning.

We’ve invested in Britt Daley. Have you? Listen to more of their songs and support them at tradiio.com/britt-daley.

Sounds like: Miike Snow

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