Tag Archives: Ralph

Weekly Gems 92

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Younger Hunger – Second Best

Younger Hunger

Younger Hunger is making waves with new single ‘Second Best’.

Inspired by 90’s indie-rock guitars, chart-topping pop hooks, and emo lyricism, their sound is quite difficult to pin down, especially when they refuse to make the same song twice.

Musically sitting somewhere between APRE and Sea Girls, the Orange Country-based upstarts present us with a perfect contradiction.

Sounds like: APRE, Sea Girls, Low Island

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Urchin – Without No Fear

Urchin - Without No Fear

Blog-house promoter Urchin (aka London-based producer Leo Appleyard) shares his new single, ‘Without No Fear’, out now on BonFire Records.

‘Without No Fear’ is the third track from the jazz-turned-indietronica musician’s sophomore EP, due out in January 2020, and features luxurious R&B vocals from Black Rose.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Kllo, Two Door Cinema Club, Von Sell, Ratatat

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Birthh – Yello / Concrete

Birthh - Yello / Concrete

Jazz and neo-soul musician Birthh (real name Alice Bisi) was raised in Florence on a diet of Tom Waits and Bob Dylan.

The new video for her single ‘Yello / Concrete’ was filmed between the Tuscan countryside and Milan and, as the visuals suggest, merge two unconventional sounds

Sounds like: Mallrat

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

I AM KARATE – Hey Love

I AM KARATE

Swedish duo I AM KARATE (aka producer and songwriters, Marta Pettersson and Erika Ahlström) shares new single, ‘Hey Love’.

Speaking about insecurity, the girls explain,

“The song is about insecurity and not feeling sure you’re being honest with your love. Like he’s got a secret world when he’s dreaming that you’re not a part of, and you wonder if it’s more than just dreams.”

Sounds like: Ralph, Say Lou Lou, MIYNT, Doe Paoro, Sirena, Susanne Sundfør, Shura, Kyla La Grange

Website | SoundCloud | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

NoMBe – Paint California

NoMBe

German born, Los Angeles-based artist NoMBe shares his vibrant new single, ‘Paint California’, the first single from his sophomore breakup album, ‘Chromotopia’.

The leftfield leaning pop single perfectly encapsulates NoMBe’s butter-smooth vocals over the intricately created arrangement.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Friendly Fires, Jungle, Vampire Weekend, Local Natives

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

Ronika – Solitaire

Ronika - Solitaire

Nottingham-born singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Ronika is back and sounding distinctively disco-noir.

Continuing Ronika’s inclination for all things funk and dream pop, the track features spoken-word contribution from Lee-Ann Curren (a French female pro-surfer and fellow musician) whilst also forming part of Ronika’s latest longer-form project.

Sounds like: ABBA, Chaka Khan, Aeroplane, Breakbot, Ballet School, Ladyhawke, Color War, The Human League, Little Boots, Bananarama, Annie

SoundCloud | YouTube | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

George Eve – One Track Mind

George Eve - One Track Mind

George Eve‘s music is quite frankly a melting pot of different sounds and rhythms.

From bold, expansive and inventive melodies to candid lyrics touching on love, heartbreak and isolation, it’s clear Eve will be forming his own path in the industry.

He has teamed up with Sam Duckworth as co-producer for the brooding single, ‘One track Mind’.

Sounds like: Metronomy, Glass Animals

SoundCloud | Instagram

Constance – Work Hard

Constance - Work Hard

Canadian singer/songwriter Constance shares her effervescent sophomore single, ‘Work Hard’.

With smooth electronic production and lush vocals, her music continues to shed light through her raw and emotional lyricism exploring heartbreak, love, and loss.

Sounds like: Lorde, NEONHEART, Billie Eilish

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Nina Chuba – Lips Shut

Nina Chuba

20 year old Berlin-based artist Nina Chuba shares her most vulnerable release to date.

Written about treating herself better and muting those negative voices in her head, ‘Lips Shut’ is another urban leaning pop hymn from the unique artist.

Sounds like: Lorde, Billie Eilish, Lauren Sanderson

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

KOKO – Freak (Acoustic)

KOKO - Freak

Bristol-born pop three-piece KOKO have a natural wall of energy which they call the “KOKO traingle”.

They’ve just dropped the acoustic version of their debut single, ‘Freak’. Stripping back the electro-tinged original of their debut singl, it’s all about embracing individuality – “It’s a FU to the man!”

Sounds like: Everyone You Know, 10 O’Clock Chemical, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Gigi Rowe – Promises

Gigi Rowe by Chase Leonard

Has Gigi Rowe travelled from the 80’s just to release ‘Promises’? We think so.

The bright and eclectic artist brings the retro/futuristic sounds of that decade to life in the new single, as she boldly showcases her hot pink characteristics.

Sounds like: Ralph, Great Good Fine Ok, LANY

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Weekly Gems 88

Posted on November 8, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Surf Rock Is Dead – Our Time

Surf Rock is Dead by Jacqueline Harriet

Introducing Surf Rock Is Dead (SRiD for short) – aka Kevin Pariso and Joel Witenberg from Chicago and Melbourne.

Their new wave and billowy single, ‘Our Time’ captures the moment where you are forced to face fear head-on and look within.

Expect the band’s debut LP in the spring of 2020.

Sounds like: My Bloody Valentine, DIIV, Day Wave

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Lauren Sanderson – Upset

Fiery LGBTQ artist Lauren Sanderson has incredible drive. That’s clear from her music and attitude (not many people can say they’ve given a TED Talk at the age of 18).

Her new single ‘Upset’ flips the issues of the despondent Generation Z on it’s head.

Sounds like: Post Malone, Rihanna, Sizzy Rocket

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Phoebe Sinclair – OMG

Australian pop artist Phoebe Sinclair is a self-confessed emotional wreck, and this makes for intoxicating music.

Her new single ‘OMG’ is Sinclair taking ownership of her mistakes whilst not letting them define her.

Backed by a four-piece all girl ensemble, oozing confidence and power, and armed with a massive pop vocal, Sinclair smashes out electro pop tunes with an inescapable energy.

Sounds like: La Roux, Robyn, Vera Blue

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Tallsaint – Model Effect

British artist Tallsaint releases the highly chic and addictive ‘Model Effect’.

Taking inspiration from early 2000’s tracks as well as a more modern pop culture of now – born from a visual scene in Killing Eve where Villanelle sees Eve in the bathroom for the first time and makes a comment on her hair.

Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Anna of the North, Stereo Honey, RALPH, St Vincent, Lykke Li

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Hank Compton – Judge Me

Nashville native, Hank Compton, shares his head nod-inducing single, ‘Judge Me’.

Combining his love of classic rock and 80’s pop, Compton’s music and rich storytelling creates a modern sound with a nostalgic feel.

Sounds like: Sam Fender, Bruce Springsteem

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Beau Diako x Jordan Rakei – Flamingo

Self-taught musician Beau Diako shares his new single called ‘Flamingo’, taken from his debut EP, ‘Flutter’.

Featuring neo-soul artist Jordan Rakei, the track is probably his most “pop” song from the EP, which is a glorious fusion of indie, jazz, folk, electronic and soul.

Sounds like: Tom Misch, Bombay Bicycle Club

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

ANDRO – GYMH

ANDRO by Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis

ANDRO may have plenty of experience touring in Jungle‘s band, but now it’s his time to shine.

His debut single, ‘GYMH’ (Give You My Heart) kicks off a new collection of theatrical pop melodies that balance between the ethereal and emotional, perfectly encapsulated by the beautifully shot video below.

Sounds like: Kyri

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Mokita – Colorblind

Mokita

Also from Nashville is singer/songwriter/producer John Luke Carter, aka Mokita.

Known for his lyrical and buoyant electronic-based pop, Carter was classically trained in piano in his youth and first started performing in his church. Later, he taught himself to play guitar and eventually transitioned into electronic music production.

His new single ‘Colorbind’ is an attempt to try and describe depression to someone who has never experienced it.

Sounds like: EXES, Handsome Ghost, joan, FRND, Nick Anthony, Luna Pines

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Penniless Cove – Too Tight

Named after a harbour road that lead to the sea, unique Welsh songwriter based in London Penniless Cove, is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist that writes raw, affecting music drawing from a number of different genres.

The music obsessive shares ‘Too Tight’ – a weird and wonderful array of jazz, blues and folk.

Sounds like: Regina Spektor, Björk, Ibeyi, Alev Lenz, Kate Nash

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

RALPH – Last Time

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

RALPH

We love RALPH and her new single, ‘Last Time’ is distinctly addictive.

The track, inspired by a breakup, grooves with a mid-tempo beat and pulsating synths. RALPH says about the inspiration for the track,

“We all know break-ups are brutal. You miss your ex like crazy and spend so much time and energy trying to get over them, regardless of who broke up with whom. But when you inevitably see them at a bar or at a party, you’re suspended in this dreamy moment where the only thing that matters is touching them again and reliving those familiar moments of tenderness and passion. ‘Last Time’ is about ignoring that inner voice saying “don’t do it” because even though you know giving in will make everything more complicated, the temptation is too sweet.”

‘Last Time’ is the third single from RALPH’s upcoming EP titled ‘Fantasies & Flashbacks’, due 13 November.

Sounds like: Dagny, Sizzy Rocket, Lykke Li, Scavenger Hunt, Monogem, CALICA

Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram

Chandler Juliet – Take It or Leave it

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Chandler Juliet

Los Angeles native singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Chandler Juliet shares her catchy pop number, ‘Take It or Leave It’.

Co-written with fellow artist LeyeT, and co-written & produced by Aaron Blackmar, ‘Take It or Leave It’ showcases her powerhouse vocals.

As feisty as ever, the song comes with a huge slice of sass in the form of a groovy upbeat empowerment anthem.

Sounds like: Dagny, RALPH, Monogem, Katie Perry, LeyeT

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Playlist: Illyin Pipes

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Illyin Pipes

Introducing Illyin Pipes, a blissed-out pop duo from Toronto.

Their mutual affinity for textured soundscapes, layered harmonies and heavy electronic synths, fully presents itself in their melancholic debut EP, ‘Waking Up’.

We asked Illyin Pipes to put together a playlist for Indietronica to coincide with the EP release.

Little Dragon – Feather
Have always loved Little Dragon and Feather feels like a dreamy modern take on 80s synth-pop meets 90s trip-hop. I love a vibey vocal and airy synth over a driving bass line.

Arthur Russel – That’s Us/Wild Combination
I heard this song for the first time two years ago and fell deeply in love with it. I had a challenging couple of months shortly after finding it and truly couldn’t listen to any other song. Just this over and over. And it’s still my very top favourite.

Radiohead – House of Cards
Everything Thom Yorke touches is a dream to me. His solo releases are beautiful and I love his contemporary dance music videos. House of Cards is on this list because it’s so perfectly vulnerable, and my top pick from “In Rainbow’s” which I come back to all the time.

Brian Eno – The Big Ship
I usually listen to Brian Eno’s hour-long tracks, but Big Ship is a cinematic, emotional shorty.

10CC – I’m Not In Love
I discovered this song in high school and burned it onto a CD with a bunch of my other favourites at the time. Still playlisting it a decade later! It’s so soft and I love the weird whisper section partway through.

Hundred Waters – Murmurs
I love Hundred Waters’ quiet vocals and acoustic piano over bold drum choices/effects.

Solange – Losing You
Such a sweet pop song. Dev Hyne’s nails the writing/production.

Talking Heads – This Must Be The Place/Naive Melody
David Byrne’s lyrics are amazing and the repetitive bass line makes me want to listen to it forever. The live version from “Stop Making Sense” is so good.

Jon Hopkins – Open Eye Signal
This song transports me to a dark club fantasy in my mind. I have closed my eyes and danced to this song many times.

Aphex Twin – #3 (Rhubarb)
This song is what got me into ambient music. Airy/calming/sweet/meditative. I often listen to it when I’m writing.

Blood Orange – Best to You Feat. Empress Of
Another Dev Hynes track but a duet with Empress of. So dancy!

Beach House – Sparks
I love the steady shoegaze-y guitar and alto vocals. I’m also a sucker for songs that don’t change chords at the bridge: altering the melody of the vocal for a moment, or going to an interlude is always my songwriting instinct.

Massive Attack – Teardrop
The vocals are an inspiration: so close they’re almost whispered, then building dynamically at all the right times.

Washed Out – Feel it All Around
Dreamy, lo-fi, psychedelic, synth-pop <3

The Cars – Drive
Total 80s heaven. I love the subtle and emotional lyrics. We’ve covered this live a couple of times and it feels really nice to play.

You can listen to the EP below.

Sounds like: Susanne Sundfør, Lykke Li, RALPH, Vera Blue, BANKS, Washed Out

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Continue reading →

Weekly Gems 72

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Hunkpapa – Cappuccino

Northern Irish four-piece Hunkpapa have been kicking up a storm in their native country, as well as across Europe.

Their new single ‘Cappuccino’ is as addictive and energetic as a caffeine high and encapsulates the band’s personal journey from paths of conventional careers to where they find themselves now.

Expect them to play a town near you in the Autumn.

Sounds like: Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Julietta – Stripes + Squares (Penguin Prison Remix)

Meet indie pop alchemist, Julietta.

Her latest single, ‘Stripes + Squares’ has received the remix treatment from producer veteran Penguin Prison (Chris Glover).

Further highlighting Julietta’s independent and spontaneous spirit, the percussive rework from the fellow NYC native injects body-shaking bass and warm tones from marimbas to turn the original rock-influenced bop into a truly anthemic tune.

Sounds like: Sofi Tukker, Ralph, Mating Ritual, Morgan Saint, NVDES

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Sacred Animals – Maya Liminal

Reintroducing the music world to producer Darragh Nolan (aka Sacred Animals).

As the visuals for his new single, ‘Maya Liminal’ build into an electronic-fused, dream-like state, he draws the listener into an intense world, where one is asked to consider what it means to be a spirit living a human existence.

Expect the forthcoming LP, ‘Odin’s Wain’, out later in the year.

Sounds like: Thom Yorke, James Blake, Son Lux, Ry X & Chromatics

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

Felix Sandman – Middle Of Nowhere

Swedish 20 year old singer/songwriter/actor Felix Sandman shares his catchy new single ‘Middle Of Nowhere’.

The track is a delicious slice of pop that describes being stuck in the limbo of love.

It’s out now via TEN Music Group.

Sounds like: Troye Sivan, Charlie Puth, Khalid, Lauv, ALEXINA, Tove Lo

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Noé – ibynoé

Posted on June 13, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Noé

We don’t usually share EPs on the site, but given the fact, we have already featured most of
Noé‘s music on the site, it seems fitting to share the Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter’s debut EP ‘ibynoé’.

It’s a proud collection of work that marks an end in Noé’s current musical chapter of dark and quirky indie, electro and R&B. We can’t wait to see what’s next.

You can listen to the whole EP below:

Sounds like: Noosa, RALPH, Sigrid, Fiona Apple, VÉRITÉ

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram

Continue reading →

Weekly Gems 66

Posted on May 18, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

RUMOURS – Lights Down

RUMOURS

London-based three-piece Rumours ply us with some smooth R&B-themed vibes on ‘Lights Down’.

Often running the length between indie pop, indie dance and contemporary R&B, they fluidly move from one genre to the next whilst maintaining their distinct sonic identity.

Sounds like: Kllo, The xx

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Michael McQuaid – Alone Lonely

Michael McQuaid - Alone Lonely

Nashville-born singer songwriter Michael McQuaid shares his latest track, ‘Alone Lonely’ – a song that stems from bad relationships filled with isolation.

Taking inspiration from blues and soul, the singer singer uses sparse electronics in order to create a smooth yet impactful composition.

Sounds like: Dan Crossley

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Kean Farrar – On a Roll

20 year old Kean Farrer shares his new single about his current city abode, Berlin.

A talent ahead of his years, Farrar has developed a unique approach to alt-R&B that reflects Berlin, a city mixed in hedonistic nightlife and historical isolation. Seems like he might be on a roll…

Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram

Misty Mtn – Drive

Dark mountain pop duo Misty Mtn (pronounced misty mountain) shares new single ‘Drive’, taken from their debut EP ‘Missed Your Call’.

As with the rest of the EP, the song is absorbed with lavish synth-pop productions and effervescent vocals. Using five natural elements – moon, fire, water, mountains, forest – Misty Mtn creates a melancholic soundscape full of reflective storytelling.

Sounds like: Maggie Rogers, Gabrielle Aplin, Kllo, Oh Wonder, Sylvan Esso, HAIM, Ralph

Facebook | SoundCloud | Twitter | Instagram

Sea Girls – Damage Is Done

Sea Girls is smashing it at the moment, getting bigger and bigger gig slots and playing to larger crowds. But perhaps this was the band’s destiny, following front man Henry Camamile’s fateful decision to start a band and play KOKO in London.

The new single ‘Damage Is Done’ is yet another blazing anthem, and perhaps the new soundtrack for the best night of your life.

Sounds like: The Kooks, The Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, Swimming Tapes, Slow Riot, Two Door Cinema Club

Twitter | Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram

Weekly Gems 65

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Noé – Rabbit Hole

Noé

Berklee grad Noé shares her blissed-out new single, ‘Rabbit Hole’.

Whilst the song still contains a glimpse of her limitless energy, the main focus is a more raw and free flowing vibe than we are used to. Call it her Frankenstein song.

Noé’s forthcoming debut EP ‘ibynoé’ is set for release on 21 May.

Sounds like: Yelle, Noosa, RALPH, Sigrid, Fiona Apple, VÉRITÉ, Izzy Bizu

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram

SHY Nodi – Snakes

At just under three minutes long, you’ll be easily forgiven for pressing repeat on SHY Nodi‘s new track, ‘Snakes’.

SHY Nodi, aka Nirob Islam, was born in Stockholm in 1993 after his family emigrated to Sweden from Bangladesh. Since then, he has penned some incredible tracks with his songwriting partner, SHY Martin, and won a number of native music awards.

His new single – out now via BLNK Music – is a frank call out to relationship snakes. You know the ones…

Sounds like: SHY Martin, KIDDO

SoundCloud | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

The Bliss – Happier

The Bliss by Zach Gray

Rising electro-pop duo The Bliss share new single ‘Happier’.

Comprised of pop songstress TYSM (Chelsea Davenport) and hip-hop/electronic producer and guitarist Felix Snow (SZA, Kiiara, Gallant, Icona Pop, Rita Ora, Terror Jr.), their third single is a funky bop number, that effotlessly trailblazes new age synth-pop.

It’s out now via Atlantic Records.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Joe Goddard, Le Youth, ADAL

Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Myo – A Particle

Myo - A Particle

Introducing London-based electro-jazz four-piece Myo.

Curated within a minimal electronic soundscape that includes adventurous songwriting, densely layered harmonies and neo-soul guitar riffs, Myo is on a quest to add a human touch in the world of programmed dance music.

Listen to ‘A Particle’ below.

Sounds like: Kllo, Kudu Blue

Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram

Ed Prosek – So Beautiful

Ed Prosek

Folk singer/songwriter Ed Prosek is a musician that has come to our particular attention and we suggest you take note too.

Using songwriting as a crux, to tap into the things he is too afraid to say to himself, Ed has an array of heartfelt talent that has culminated in millions of streams.

His classically-infused single ‘So Beautiful’ is out now and comes from forthcoming EP ‘Light As A Feather’.

Sounds like: Mumford & Sons, James Vincent McMorrow, Vance Joy, Richard Walters

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

Weekly Gems 61

Posted on April 5, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Low Hum – Strange Love

Low Hum

Los Angeles-based Low Hum shares his new single, ‘Strange Love’.

A low hum, this is not – ‘Strange Love’ is a circulating brawl of guitar riffs and retro-tinted vocals that tell a story of epic proportions.

Sounds like: Jagwar Ma, Liily

Twitter | SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram

Preston Lovinggood – Everything Will Be Okay

We don’t normally feature songs that are reasonably old, but we had to make an exception for Preston Lovinggood and his dreamy take on folk.

You can listen to his song, ‘Everything Will Be Okay’ below.

Sounds like: Ten Fé

SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram

Ro – do you think it’s fine?

Ro - do you think it's fine?

British newcomer Ro shares her self-produced debut, electro-pop tune, ‘do you think it’s fine?’

Looking up to female artists such as Grimes and Robyn, Ro is striving to reach their great heights of artistic control in a modern electronic landscape. Expect an EP later in the year.

Sounds like: Melis, VÉRITÉ, Linney

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Instagram

Dan Crossley – Heal

UK artist and vocal heavyweight, Dan Crossley shares his addictive new single, ‘Heal’.

It has everything that makes a perfect pop banger – sensual vocals, lucious synths loops and romantic guitars riffs.

Sounds like: The 1975, Cat Burns, Years & Years

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Instagram

2CRE8 – Cheater

2CRE8

Dutch production and DJ duo, 2CRE8 returns with a cheeky number called ‘Cheater’.

Giving a wink to misbehaving and making the most of the summer, in a similar vain to the likes of The Him, you’ll be forgiven for having this track on repeat, even when the sun isn’t shining.

Sounds like: The Him, Jonas Blue

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Victoria’s Flight – Paradise

Victoria's Flight

Victoria’s Flight is a Glasgow-based band of childhood friends Matt Robertson and Craig Harkness.

Their new single ‘Paradise’ is the first of three singles that tells the story of summer love and loss, with a combined energy of tropical guitar riffs and contemplative vocals.

Sounds like: SKIES, The Island Club, Blossoms

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Sign up to receive indietronica updates

Indietronica