London three piece KHARTOUM releases the fresh new banger, ‘Some Days’ ahead of their Glastonbury performance this weekend.
Self-produced by the band and mixed by multi-Grammy award winning mix engineer Eduardo De La Paz (Peace, TheHorrors, NoelGallagher), the adventurous anthem oozes indie-rock to get down and dirty to.
Sounds like: The Beatles, Beck, Harry Styles, OK Go, Sunflower Bean, Wolf Alice, Black Honey
common goldfish – Shout Louder
common goldfish – Shout Louder
London-based common goldfish channels 90’s indie rock in his new track, ‘Shout Louder’.
Inspired by the Get Back documentary, the summery single uses a mix of 90’s break samples and psychedlic guitar riffs that are making a come back of late.
Bay city beaut, Magsy releases his new EP, ‘Brite Nite’ and you can listen to ‘Midnight Blue’ below.
Magsy has been writing since he was 14 years old and has used it to answer his questions of belonging, perfectly reflecting his personal experiences. As well as music, he also works in construction, which has helped him hone his creative side.
Celestial North’s luminary new single ‘The Nature Of Light’ is inspired by her studies as a Herbalist and by the concept of The Light Of Nature.
Surging with a pulsing life force of wonderful cosmic pop: woven with bubbling beats, sci-fi keys, fragments of arpeggio and imbued with a euphoric rush of dreamy melodies that invoke the spirit of pagan folklore and our connections with nature and inner hope.
Sounds like: Niki & The Dove, Bat For Lashes, Kate Bush, Oh Land
Worthing lads NOISY release ‘Put A Record On’ – a frenetic techno-infused indie banger with friendly combatant energy, perfect for a well deserved mosh in the music venues when they open up again, or one in your living room, if you can’t wait that long.
British alt-rockers Psyence shares their bold new single ‘Tusk’. It’s been a moment since their release, and it’s a great return – a radio-friendly, expansive and modern take on psychedelia, full of swagger.
Margot Polo is back, with a softer approach to his usual electronica infused pop. His new song ‘This Old Thing’ is as nostalgic and emotive as anything we would expect Ben Gibbard to write, and reflects on Polo’s emo roots from back when he was growing up in California.
Manchester’s favourite neo-jazz son Jude the Obscure is back with a feel-good single, ‘Chapter 8’, once again combining elegant hip-hop poetry with jazz-soul infused compositions.
Ignore everyone else and walk your own path is the message that Kat Meoz is sharing in her new single, ‘Somebody Else’. Her swagger-rock single channels the darker and more electrifying side of pop.
James Blake releases the atmospheric ‘Are You Even Real?’, in partnership with Apple’s Behind The Mac campaign. Another contender to the evergrowing back catalogue of comforting masterpieces from the British producer and multi-instrumentalist.
We all know a Daniel, or perhaps we even are one – the one that gets “lost in the sauce, stoned, lost in some existential fear or lost his way in some VR game”, yet has so much to prove. Declan McKenna gives us a delicious taste of his forthcoming album, ‘Zeros’.
Sounds like: HUNNY, Sea Girls, Peach Pit, The Night Café, Chaz Cardigan, The Beatles, Circa Waves, The Magic Gang, Vistas, Love Fame Tragedy
Refreshing alt-pop artist Connie Constance bares all and dives into “an ocean of narcotics” in new single ‘James’, summing up how we all want to feel and act right now – to get a bit squiffy and then crawl back to bed.
Sounding particularly Glass Animals, and more instrumentally upbeat than previous releases, duo Tom Higham and Ben Fletcher – aka Aquilo – return after a two-year hiatus with the ‘Sober’ EP, featuring ‘Moving On’.
Singer and producer MAX RAD takes a positive stance with new single ‘It’ll All Be Fine’. Comparing the track to an out-of-body experience, he advises to look at the bigger picture, and stop internalising. Wise words.
Sounds like: Tash Sultana, Foals, Chet Faker, Honne, Ben Khan
Ambient grunge-pop band Crush will be your latest just that.
Their latest single, ‘All My Plants Are Dead’ exhales Millenial dilemmas, of struggling to look after your houseplants, and yourselves in a bittersweet yet discordant offering.
Alt-pop band Sarpa Salpa always strive to create upbeat, danceable tracks with unexpected changes and hidden meanings. The new video for their single ‘Lost Time’ aptly features a selection of tour clips showing this.
With support from Jack Saunders and Bombay Bicycle Club, definitely tune into these guys.
Sounds like: Island Club, Larkins, FEET, Two Door Cinema Club
Very much up to date with indie-pop trends, UK based trio Cassia, shares latest jam, ‘Do Right’, which talks about waking up to what’s happening in the world and making a conscious decision of wanting to make a positive change.
The video is set in sunny isolation. We love their all round positivity and sun drenched calypso sound.
Sounds like: Dancing on Tables, Vampire Weekend, Bombay Bicycle Club, Still Woozy
R&B artist Chloe Tang shares her latest single, offering a less rosy-colored side of love and youth.
Full of angst, she tells us how it is in ‘Fanning The Flame’. This isn’t a romantic gesture, this is a slow burn about knowing you’re trapped in a bad romance and knowing you’re powerless to escape it.
Magnus Bechmann‘s new release, ‘What Do You Know’ is the first single out from his upcoming album, which chronicles nine awkward situations from everyday life.
Considering a situation where you find yourself in a relationship that is better to get out of than to stay in, this is glistening indie pop that marks a bright new chapter in Magnus’ career.
Sounds like: Two Door Cinema Club, Bombay Bicycle Club
We know very little about experimental pop newcomer, This Boy from Denmark.
The duo’s first single, ‘Heart Is Broken’ drops just a few weeks ahead of their debut album – an unusual and bold move in a single release-dominated pop landscape.
Runrummer – I Like Getting High (But Not All The Time)
Whilt growing up, 25-year old East London-based singer-songwriter Runrummer (real name Livi Morris) faced a struggle to find herself as she came to terms with her sexuality and gender identity.
Addressing serious issues in the juxtaposed context of upbeat, electronic-pop anthems, she aims to inspire and strives to work with other creators in the LGBTQ+ space.
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
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
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
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.
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.
‘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
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.
Stockholm-based, dreamy pop artist Dominique Tey has just shared her highly anticipated ‘Heartstream’ EP.
The five-track release in part sees the artist in an even more tranquil and atmospheric light, as well as channelling more synth-heavy and dynamic electronica.
Dominique has put together a playlist for us, check it out below.
Björk – Yoga I love Björk’s music and her ability to be her own artist. Throughout her career, she has stood her ground and refused to compromise when it comes to her unique vision. In my opinion, her music is as relevant today as it was ten years ago. And this song is one of many favorites.
Tame Impala – Feels Like We Only Go Backwards I really like the euphoric yet melancholic vibe in this song and I’m a real fan of Kevin Parkers melodies and productions. Listening to ”Currents” never gets old.
Moses Sumney – Doomed Sumneys has such a soulful voice, it’s so captivating, calming and silky smooth and the music and lyrics are very touching.
Barrie – Michigan I just discovered Barrie, a indie pop band from Brooklyn. I really like their sound and vibe and this song is a favorite at the moment.
Frank Ocean – Ivy I started listening to Frank Ocean when he first released channel ORANGE and I’ve been hocked every since. He’s a true genius in my opinon.
Nina Simone – Sinnerman Nina Simone has been a big inspiration and I’ve listened to her a lot during my teens. I believe that she was ahead of her time in many ways. Not only did she create some of the greatest masterpieces but she also used her voice to advocate for the civil rights movement and took a stand for what she believed in.
The Beatles – Strawberry Fields Forever This song takes me back to my childhood. The Beatles was a favorite at home and their songs crack open the door to so many cherished memories.
Nancy Sinatra – Bang bang I first started listening to Nancy when I was about thirteen and was captivated by her voice and her storytelling.
The Japanese House – Follow My Girl The Japanese house have a way of combining funky rhythms with modern pop melodies witch I really like. I also have a soft sport for Brains a dreamy sound that really get me.
Halloween has passed, but we are still jamming to Margot Polo‘s spooky new single, ‘Turn You, Baby’.
Margot says that the throw-back number “is for self-professed werewolves and fans of MichaelJackson, FosterthePeople, JustinTimberlake, and TheKillers” and we couldn’t agree more.
Sounds like: April Towers, Tame Impala, Vampire Weekend, CHAPPO, The Beatles
Although the illusive AirplaneMan creates indietronica (think MiikeSnow, MGMT…), you’d be surprised to hear that PinkFloyd and TheBeatles are also of huge influence.
So how do you go about incorporating modern indie dance with 70’s psychedelia? By combining conscious-raising visuals with catchy, soulful vocals and upbeat melodies, of course!
If Katy Perry had a child with Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, it would be called Shallows.
The Los Angeles-based duo was formed by singer, Dani Poppitt, and guitarist/producer, Marshall Gallagher, following a meet at an out of control house party.
Their debut single, ‘Summer Sucks’, is a lament of a tired relationship under the slow crushing weight of last year’s Californian heat wave.
We caught up with the duo and discussed the hot weather in Los Angeles, and the array of their musical influences.
Good to meet you Shallows. Tell us more!
MG: Hi, thanks for talking to us! We’re a brand new band from the heart of LA, just two friends trying to write some killer songs and have fun. We’ve been writing together for awhile now and we’re both involved in plenty of other projects, but when we wrote this song it seemed only fitting that we should keep it for ourselves and build a band around this sound.
You’re a new act. How are you going to distinguish yourselves from the competition?
MG: There are a lot of guy/girl pop duos out there, especially in this city. It’s going to be difficult to stick out, but what we lack in notoriety we make up for in musicianship. I think the songs speak for themselves, Summer Sucks is just a little taste of what we’ve got brewing.
DP: We’re going to distinguish ourselves with well written pop songs. By marrying shoegaze and indie lyrical content with music that Katy Perry could get behind. Our songs will dig their way into the heads of our competitors and live there for weeks.
Your debut single is called ‘Summer Sucks’. Does the temperature in Los Angeles have an negative impact on your music, as well as a positive one?
MG: Haha… it doesn’t affect the music as much as it affects my sleep quality. We did most of our writing in my apartment this summer and it was crazy hot (like, sometimes it would get hotter in there than it was outside, and it was hovering around 90 every day), but that may have actually made our material more visceral. I guess there was this desperate urgency to nail takes and crank out quality stuff as quickly as possible, in order to get the hell out of my sauna. Performance gets better sometimes under pressure, right?
DP: Temperature changes the state of matter; it has an effect on the mind. Hot or cold, we use what we can as inspiration.
Describe your sound in three words.
DP: Moody Glitter Pop.
MG: All the feelings.
Where do you cite your musical influences from?
DP: The Beatles, Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, Katy Perry.
MG: I honestly don’t listen to anything that sounds remotely like Shallows. Dani gives me shit all the time because I have no idea who is killing it in the Pop world right now. I grew up on classic rock, 90s alternative and emo for the most part, and I’m a guitar player by trade… so I’m a sucker for anything heavy and pretty. My favorite band of all time is The Smashing Pumpkins.
We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?
DP: Too much Justin Bieber…
MG: I’m really digging on Basement and Superhumanoids. There’s this Paerish song called “Undone” I’m totally obsessed with. Also just started listening to Schoolboy Q.
‘Summer Sucks’ is self released and available to purchase on iTunes now.
