Tag Archives: Leena Ojala

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

Playlist: Maya Payne

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Maya Payne

New-Zealand singer, Maya Payne, has just released her debut EP, ‘The Lucky Ones’.

To mark the occasion, she has put together a playlist together for you lot.

Enjoy!

Ookay – Thief

I heard this song on a Spotify playlist and the chorus had me hooked.

PETIT BISCUIT – Sunset Lover

Perfect chill out/summer song.

Whethan – Midnight in Monaco

Love the sounds in the chorus.

Rüfüs – Innerbloom (What So Not remix)

The instrument they use in this is eargasmic.

Bearson – Pink Medicine

I love the summery feeling, good for road tripping these holidays.

Wheathan – Mssingno

Another from these guys just because i can’t get enough of them. Loove the chorus.

Camikaze – Shadows

This dudes from Melbourne and he’s super talented, this track has a trancy uplifting feel that I love.

Jaymes Young – Parachute (P-Williams Remix)

The vibes of this song are great, and the lyrics are better.

L D R U – Keeping Score

The vocals are awesome, and the chorus is super hooky and gets you in a dancing mood.

ROZES – Everything

This chick doesn’t get enough credit. She featured in The Chainsmokers song ‘Roses’. She’s incredible.

Sounds like: Flume, Lorde, Broods, Leena Ojala, Alpines, Years & Years, TDeL2

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Playlist: Leena Ojala

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Leena Ojala

Disclosure: I am Leena Ojala’s publicist at the time of writing.

London-based alternative electro pop singer, Leena Ojala, has put together a playlist for us of ten tracks she has come across when listening to new music.

Of the playlist, Leena says, “I have gone for tracks that use varying influences and mix different styles in production.”

Oh Wonder: All We Do

I like the repetitive piano riff and the vocal melody. They create a sad yet beautiful feel for the song. The minimalistic approach makes the song memorable – it’s a case of less is more.

Dominique: Good Girl

I like the guitar hook she uses throughout the track. The hip hop beat underneath and the interesting distortion she uses are interesting giving the track a nice character. Big up for Dominique for creating her own lovely production!

Anevo: Electric Heart feat. Ameria

The unique sound of the different instruments used in the track come across nicely. Every section has different influences: the verse is more electronic and dance-like whereas the chorus is chilled. The different styles used give the track a nice vibe.

KINGDM: Say It Again

I like the use of drums with African influences. There is a soulful vibe going on with the vocals, melody and the piano which give the song a romantic feel.

MRGD: Skin Deep

I like the use of call and response mixed with the nice vocal hooks. The chorus incorporates different feels i.e. reggae rhythm and drum sound, synth piano and vocal hooks. This gives the track an unusual but unique crossover of styles.

XY&O: Low Tide

The minimal strumming and picking of the guitar in the verses gives the track a nice relaxed feel. I like the four to the floor drums in the chorus giving it kind of dancing in the summertime vibe. The vocals with an echo and a delay effect finish the track off nicely.

Phoria: Undone

I like the use of unusual blending of styles and rhythmic influences – the type you find with FKA Twigs. The track has a nice atmosphere, delivered by whispery vocals, hooks, dark piano tones and reverb effects.

Tess: Love Gun

I like the use of middle eastern feel in the track created by the vocal movement and the acoustic guitar. I can see influences of “Inna” here, but there are also elements of R&B, Pop and Hip Hop.

Sounds like: Låpsley, Adele, Rae Morris, YUAR, Micky Blue, London Grammar, Dominique, Amanda Merdzan

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Amanda Merdzan – Glow

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Amanda Merdzan

Amanda Merdzan is a London-based artist, originally from Perth, Australia.

An immediately calming and impressive number, the video for her new synth pop single, ‘Glow’, shows Amanda standing under a glowing light in a darkened room, and it’s pretty damn mesmerising!

‘Glow’ is the second single from her upcoming EP, which is due for release in July.

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

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Seaker – After I’m Gone

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Seaker

Meet Seaker (aka Kiran Hungin), the latest addition to the family of home studio producers.

Her current release is called ‘After I’m Gone’. It’s a slow and sombre serenade, but there is something very special in Seaker’s voice that invites us to listen to more.

Seaker says of the track;

“Inspiration for the song didn’t come so much from a particular event in time, but more a deep rooted feeling that you carry in your bones. Having to let go of something that is such a deep part of you, as ultimately it isn’t right. It is about pain and longing and having to feel shit in the short term to feel better in the long. Recent world events have left me with a wave of darkness which has also leaked in to this track, as I felt totally helpless when writing it.”

Sounds like: Jesse Ware, Delaire, Leena Ojala, Monogem, Trace

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Leena Ojala – Little Place

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Leena Ojala – Little Place

Dramatic songstress, Leena Ojala, returns with ‘Little Place’.

Written by Leena Ojala and produced by Benbrick, Aella Jordan-Edge was the obvious choice to direct the video (she also directed the video for Leena’s ‘Why‘).

The video was shot in NYC in freezing temperatures, and explores a young couple’s journey as they grapple with life in a new home, far away from their ‘little place’.

Of the video, Aella explains; “I moved to New York at the age of fifteen, so I knew the feeling well: of being awestruck and overwhelmed in a city that sweeps you up, propelling you forward whether you like it or not.”

Aella’s favourite scene is “the moment on the beach – it represents that frustrating time near the end of a relationship where you’re desperately trying to make it work, fighting the last fight.”

Disclosure: I am Leena Ojala’s publicist at the time of writing.