Tag Archives: David Bowie

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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Spazz Cardigan – S.O.S.

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Spazz Cardigan

Spazz Cardigan is another exciting artist from Nashville who leans on the slight left side of pop, and it’s no surprise considering his wide array of influences spanning Queen, NSYNC, Kanye West to Björk, David Bowie to Sun Ra.

A classically trained piano player, Spazz Cardigan is also self-taught at guitar, bass, drums, and production. His new single ‘S.O.S.’ is catchy indietronica with popular vocal chants and a steady and highly contagious clap that ticks gently throughout the song.

Listen below:

Expect his ‘Vulnerabilia’ EP out on 22 March.

Sounds like: FUN, Myylo

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Karim – Dance

Posted on October 29, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Karim

Karim is the solo electro pop project of Italian-born singer, songwriter and producer Karim Afas.

Combining ancient cultures, art and music, Karim’s latest endeavour, called ‘Dance’, explores the complexities of modern love within an alt-pop ballad.

“‘Dance’ is the love, pop song I’ve always wanted to write and then sing at the top of my lungs.
It’s gloomy yet so vivid, it celebrates a triumph filled with melancholy – ‘Dance’, among other
things, is a song about the fickleness of love and life.”

Sounds like: Sampha, Tobias Jesso Jr., David Bowie

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An Indietronica Preview of NOS Alive 2018

Posted on June 3, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

NOS Alive

We do like a good festival, and after hearing that NOS Alive in Lisbon, Portugal is up there as one the world’s best music festivals, we decided to plan a trip in July to find out what all the fuss is about!

In the mean time, buckle up and check out our ones to watch within the indietronica genres (looks like we’ll mainly see you at the Sagres Stage then!).

THURSDAY 12 JULY

Friendly Fires, Sagres Stage

Energetic Brit boys Friendly Fires return to the festival circuit after a hiatus.

Having already had massive success with hits such as ‘Paris’, ‘Jump In The Pool’ and ‘Skeleton Boy’, their new single ‘Love Like Waves’ doesn’t disappoint and continues the theme of tropical-tinged synth sounds.

Expect a highly fun and bold performance at NOS Alive.

Sounds like: Fenech-Soler, Two Door Cinema Club

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Jain, Sagres Stage

Jain

Jain is a multi-cultural singer/songwriter and self confessed beat-maker, originally from France, but who has also spent time in Dubai and The Congo.

Jain means achieving liberation of the soul, and that’s exactly what this music embodies with its flecked sounds of African rhythms with simple, yet vibrant vocals.

Watch the video for highly recognised song ‘Makeba’ below and catch Jain at the Sagres Stage on Thursday.

Sounds like: Brigitte, Santigold, L.E.J, Yodelice, Lilly Wood & The Prick

Khalid, Sagres Stage

Khalid

One artist we are super stoked to check out live is Khalid.

The American singer/songwriter originally started writing music during his college years, where he was also declared prom king. Amalgamating an array of sounds from classical, pop to hip hop, Khalid shows a real sense of urgency in his music.

We can’t get enough of his track with Billie Eilish, and can’t wait to see him perform at NOS Alive.

Sounds like: Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Father John Misty, Frank Ocean, Chance the Rapper, Lorde, James Blake, Billie Eilish

Wolf Alice, Sagres Stage

Indie rockers Wolf Alice have been our firm favourites from the UK for some time now. They never disappoint at a live show, fronted by a fresh-faced Ellie Rowsell’s seemingly blasé but endearingly nervous attitude.

Expect a set full of their most brilliant tunes…so that’s all of them then!

Sounds like: Black Honey, Peace, Superfood, Foals, Circa Waves, Harry

Sampha, Sagres Stage

Sampha

Sampha is to be one of the UK’s best musical exports in 2018.

He has a knack for writing songs with deep and personal lyrics of pain and reflection, some of which have unfortunately has stemmed from health hardships suffered with his family at home, and we can’t help but think we are supporting him on this journey.

Truly thought-provoking stuff, definitely worthy of a slot at NOS Alive.

Sounds like: Jessie Ware, Frank Ocean, Solange, Moses Sumney, James Blake, Chet Faker, SBTRKT, Dallas Green

FRIDAY 13 JULY

Two Door Cinema Club, NOS Stage

We have watched Irish electro-poppers Two Door Cinema Club play live countless times, and that’s why they’ve made this list.

It’s hard to believe these youngsters have been around for over eight years. Still full of energy and banging tunes, catch them on the Friday!

Sounds like: Phoenix, Hot Chip, Passion Pit

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Future Islands, NOS Stage

Future Islands‘ front man Samuel T Herring’s dancing is reason enough to go watch these guys at NOS Alive. And of course, the US synthpop band are wildly brilliant in as many unique, refreshing and inspiration ways possible.

Expect big things on stage!

Sounds like: Arcade Fire, Perfume Genius, Twin Shadow, Sylvan Esso, Austra

CHVRCHES, Sagres Stage

CHVRCHES

Feisty feminist attitudes and catchy lyrics is what CHVRCHES brings to the table.

Lauren Mayberry has faced her fair share of trolls online, but to her testament, the Scottish trio continue to go from strength to strength. We are very much looking forward to this show!

Sounds like: Kate Boy, Avec Sans, Purity Ring, Vogue Dots, R.A.B.B.I.I., Kaleida, Gems, IYES, For Esmé, ALMA, Pale Hands, Acre Tarn, Prinze George, Leitbur, Monogem, PALMEDO, NONONO, Still Corners, MUNA

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Portugal. The Man, Sagres Stage

Bold American rock band Portugal. The Man have been making serious waves of late, and if you haven’t heard of them, you soon will.

An iPhone soundtrack waiting to happen; expect goosebumps, sway inducing vocal harmonies and a fist pumping bass line.

Sounds like: Foster The People, Broken Bells, Grouplove, Circa Survive, MGMT

Surma, Coreto Stage

Surma

Imagine if M83 and Joanna Newsom met one day and decided to make some music. The result would be the quirky and ambient tones of Portuguese Surma (aka Débora Umbelino).

Working with loop pedals, the solo artist works with analogue and digital sounds creating a primal yet sonic environment.

Sounds like: Yellerkin, Yoke Lore, M83, Joanna Newsom

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SATURDAY 14 JULY

Lotus Fever, Coreto Stage

Kicking off Saturday’s ones to watch are Lisbon natives, Lotus Fever.

They fit somewhere in-between Alt-J and Pink Floyd and it’s really refreshing to hear. We are expecting a super tight performance, thanks to their longstanding stint together since 2011 and it being their local city.

Sounds like: Alt-J, Pink Floyd

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Mighty Sands, Coreto Stage

Mighty Sands is a Lisbon-based quintet.

Their music has tendencies to sway in the 60’s, psychedelic market – imagine riding on a surfboard in space. However, we expect their set at NOS Alive to be a relaxed affair, where you can chill out and have a cider…or ride a surfboard in space, whatever takes your fancy!

Sounds like: Father John Misty, Tame Impala, MGMT

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MGMT, NOS Stage

MGMT

Less under the radar than the counterparts in this piece, but still worthy of a slot on one’s to watch at this year’s NOS Alive. The mighty MGMT!

The eclectic US-based duo are known for their otherworldly take on modern indie rock music, often combining psychedelic synths, crunchy guitars and stodgy vocals with fun videos.

Sounds like: Empire of the Sun, Foster the People, Tame Impala, Portugal. The Man

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Perfume Genius, Sagres Stage

Covering topics such as sexual abuse, suicide and alcohol abuse, Perfume Genius (aka Mike Hadreas) is one such musical role model we want to be more involved with.

His music represents such struggles and recoveries in a camp but delightfully magnificent way.

Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, St. Vincent, Kate Bush, M83, David Bowie, Future Islands, Fever Ray

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Bernado, Coreto Stage

Bernardo

Wow, Bernado‘s vocals have blown us away after watching her live performance of ‘The Boy Is Mine’.

The London based British/Portuguese singer/songwriter effortlessly combines modern attitudes from London attitude with a jazzy flair.

Sounds like: Amy Winehouse, Jorja Smith

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Real Estate, Sagres Stage

With a warming lo-fi sound, Brooklyn-based dream team, Real Estate is our last act to consider watching at NOS Alive.

Run by childhood friends who played in their backyards during the summer months, Real Estate write simple and endearing songs full of luminous guitar riffs and delicate synths.

We envisage this show to be a perfect end to a perfect weekend.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out, MGMT

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Find out more info about NOS Alive and purchase remaining tickets here.

The Fluids – Creatures

Posted on September 14, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

The Fluids by Jordan Kuyper

We don’t often feature rock music on the site, but The Fluids have blown us away with their debut single, ‘Creatures’.

It’s a glimpse into the frenetic offerings featured on their debut album ‘No Kidding!’ – witty lyrics and thrashing synths, laced together by lead singer Mike Tony’s punchy yet endearing vocal tone which we find quite reminiscent of David Bowie, Brandon Flowers or David Byrne.

Fuck, this is good!

‘No Kidding!’ is out on 27 October via Axis Mundi Records and available for pre-order here.

Sounds like: David Bowie, Talking Heads, The Killers

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Inner Tongue – Dig Deeper

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

Inner Tongue by HELMUT BERGER

Inner Tongue is a solo project that almost didn’t happen.

In 2013, its exponent was diagnosed with a vocal cord disorder so severe that only a handful of specialists throughout the entire world were capable of treating it. He worked day and night to raise the funds necessary to pay for the required operation, followed by a period of silence.

Luckily the procedure worked and the result is a vocal tone that fits somewhere in-between Tame Impala and SOHN.

The video for ‘Dig Deeper’ is like a party, and even includes footage of Inner Tongue dancing to David Bowie records.

Much like the project, there is a little confusion about where the track might take you as gentle jazz drums lead you into a false sense before it takes a moodier, more electronic turn towards its end.

‘Dig Deeper’ is taken from Inner Tongue’s forthcoming debut album, which will be released early next year.

Sounds like: Tame Impala, Phoenix, Chet Faker, The Weeknd, SOHN

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One Week Wonder – Free As A Bird

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

One Week Wonder

Iceland has a reputation for producing some magical and forward-thinking music.

However, there is something quite familiar about ‘Free As A Bird’ by trio, One Week Wonder. It might be because of the serious Pink Floyd sounds going on, or the fact that member, Arni was a founding member of Of Monsters And Men and Helgi was a touring member of Asgeir’s live band.

Put the kettle on, sit back and listen to the sweet twangs of folktronica and velvety vocals on the track.

Sounds like: Neil Young, Pink Floyd, Air, Tame Impala, Of Monsters And Men, David Bowie

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Sloan Peterson – 105

Posted on April 26, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

Sloan Peterson

Introducing Sloan Peterson (aka 24 year-old Joannah Jackson).

Based in Sydney, Sloan Peterson has grown up recording songs, filming music videos and playing vintage records with her sister and friends. Her music is a nod to the garage rock music of the 50’s.

The video for her single, ‘105’ is the first to be shot in the historic building of The Strand Arcade since scenes from David Bowie‘s music video for ‘Let’s Dance’ and features Sloan Peterson as well as a cast of alumni dancers from the Australian Ballet School and Sydney Dance Company.

This is her debut single taken from her upcoming debut self-titled EP, out on 14 July via Mirror Records.

Sounds like: Marika Hackman, Wolf Alice, Fazerdaze, Laura Marling, Lucy Rose, Courtney Barnett, OH Wonder

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Playlist: Alluri

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

Alluri

Classical meets alt-indie. Indian musician, Alluri, is pushing the boundaries of modern music as he merges two worlds.

We asked him to put a playlist together for us. With a name like Alluri, how can you not be enticed?

Francobollo – Wonderful
A dream you want to sink into.

The Beatles – Free As A Bird
Deceptively simple. It is as if you are flying.

JJRM – Aldecide
A song worthy of starting a cult.

Iggy Pop – Sunday
A cure for POST POP DEPRESSION.

Radiohead – Identikit
A cure for people who cant dance.

The Cure – Catch
A warm hug of a song.

Cate Le Bon – Duke
Pure joy. Like the sun in shining through the clouds.

Wolf Alice – Moaning Lisa Smile
Leonardo Da Vinci meets head banging.

Anoushka Shankar – Crossing the Rubicon
A divine intervention.

Nick Cave – Jesus Alone
Thank God for Nick Cave. Makes you travel to the darkest aspects of the human condition.

Neil Young – Don’t Let it Bring You Down
Gets you right in the gut. Unexpected for a song with such clean production.

David Bowie – Alternative Candidate
Bowie at his cheeky best.

William Onyeabor – Atomic Bomb
The most honest dance music.

Jay Munly – Spill The Wine
A song that you can dance to at any time of day.

Roxy Music – Mother of Pearl
The best outro ever. Bryan Ferry at his lyrical best.

Sounds like: Arcade Fire, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Smiths, Tears For Fears, Bon Iver

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Playlist: Hudson Scott

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Hudson Scott

We wrote about London based, multi-instrumentalist, Hudson Scott, a few months back.

Since then, Hudson’s been in the studio with Rodaidh McDonald (Låpsley, King Krule, The xx).

Lucky for us, Hudson has taken a little bit of time out of his busy schedule to put together one hell of a playlist for Indietronica.

Talking Heads – Born Under Punches

This is one of my favourite opening tracks of any record for sure- the perfect blend of groove, adventure and hooks.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – First World Problem

I’m an album listener, I like a body of work to sink my teeth into, but its sometimes nice when a band you love throws you a loose bone as good as this.

Chris Cohen – In A Fable

This song is so good. I love how warm and meandering it is and how the form has hardly any repetition but every melody is beautiful.

Shuggie Otis – Special

Shuggie has been a proper hero of mine for a while now but this one is pretty new to me. Its real bouncy.

Arthur Russell – You And Me Both

Another of my hero’s. This song is another meanderer, loads of breathing room. Arthur Russel has this amazing ability to balance romance and groove without it ever being cheesy and I think I’ll listen to him for my whole life.

Orange Juice – Rip It Up

Two things I wanted to get on this list was some 80’s tunes and some synth nerdery so I ticked both boxes with this song. Amazing song and inspired use of what I’m pretty sure is a Roland TB-303 (the synth that birthed acid house) for the bass- you hardly hear that synth in this pop context and it works so well.

Blood Orange – Desiree

Definitely his best record so far- I love it right now and this track is a standout.

Little Cub – Intent

These guys are my best pals an they’re gonna do big things in the next few years. Huge beat at the end.

David Bowie – Ashes To Ashes

Needs no introduction.

Gwen Guthrie – Padlock (Larry Levan Mix)

I’m telling you to never doubt the triangle as an instrument- you’ve got to be pretty confident to have it pretty much on its own for almost 30 seconds though! This song’s chorus kills it.

UK Tour Dates

September 4 | We Are Your Friends, The Bullingdon, Oxford
September 15 | The Victoria, London
October 14 | What Became Of Us Festival, The Cookie, Leicester
October 15 | What Became Of Us Festival, The Bullingdon, Oxford
October 28 | Beacons Metro Festival, Headrow House, Leeds

Sounds like: The Maccabees, Foals, Morrissey, Prince, Simply Red, Simple Minds, Miles Davis, Chet Baker

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