Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Thom Southern ‘Soul Singer’

Belfast-born Liverpool-based songwriter Thom Southern has released his new single ‘Soul Singer,’ which was produced in collaboration with Peter Kember, a.k.a Sonic Boom.

 ‘Soul Singer’ is a luscious burst of fuzz-pop from Thom Southern. With the aid of Peter Kember, Southern creates a refreshing and vibrant new track laced in rich melodies and refined musicianship. He takes a delicate 60’s-esque pop melody and merges it into a vibrant psychedelic backdrop of bubbling electronics and rich rhythms to create a song full of life and energy. Skillfully produced the song’s sonic wall expands with intricate guitar embellishments and sweet key refrains while the drum grooves and pulsing bass lines, flutter throughout.

Southern’s velvety vocals croon and whisper over the melody creating a dreamy haze throughout. The verses fizz and simmer under his warm coos before the vibrant chorus erupts with clapping rhythms, lush melodies, and uplifting tones as Southern sings, “where ever you go I’ll go there too.”

Thom Southern is crafting his sound meticulously, creating heartfelt vibrant tunes that get better with each new release and ‘Soul Singer’ follows this trend spectacularly.

Stream ‘Soul Singer’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Noah Elliott ‘Never Know’

Oregon Pop-R&B artist Noah Elliott has released his new single ‘Never Know,’ produced by Nashville hit-maker Jon Santana (Phangs, SuperM).

 ‘Never Know’ is a piece of softly glittering pop prowess as Elliott swirls sweet melodies through bubbling electronics to create an ethereal and tender number. With R&B elements weaved through fresh synths and spacious soundscapes, Elliott builds the track superbly. Weaving soft guitar between bubbling beats and a laid-back tempo, the song floats into a dreamy atmosphere allowing the electronics to unfold and create a soothing sense of nostalgia.

Elliott’s soulful vocals coo throughout, creating a melancholic and sweet tone to the track. His lush falsetto and velvety tone adds to the track’s overall sulky yet dreamy atmosphere. As Elliott builds the song, he layers bouncy synth elements into the catchy chorus and airy soundscape. Here the electronics become a little darker and sticky while the R&B elements kick in for the finger-clicking beat and the smooth vocals. 

Elliott’s songwriting excels in setting vulnerable, personal themes and lyrics to his minimal radio-friendly pop. It’s this exposure of his heart that gives the track its power and beauty  “Romeo and Juliet I envy what they had, thought we would have that or was it unrealistic “….. “But your doors are always closing when I keep mine cracked open waiting for you to walk in”. Elliott wears his heart on his sleeve for each song he releases, and ‘Never Know’ is a superb example of this. 

Elliot’s spacious yet intricately weaved musicianship and heartfelt lyrics make each release engaging and utterly compelling. Within ‘Never Know,’ we see this through beautiful melodies, meaningful, honest lyrics, and a gripping wall of sound. 

About the track, Noah Elliott said “The song is about the confusion and heartache that results from having no idea as to why someone left you.”

Stream ‘Never Know’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Arthur Valentine ‘Dream About You’

Arthur Valentine has released his latest single, ‘Dream About You’, the lead single from his forthcoming debut EP, ‘Splitscreen’.

‘Dream About You’ blends Arthur Valentine’s luscious alternative pop with bubbling R&B and hip hop elements to create a cohesive, mellow, and infectious number for listeners to indulge in. The song maintains a sunkissed dreamy soundscape throughout filled with woozy synths and bright glistening indie guitar. As the track progresses sticky beats are added into the mix to flesh out the song’s expansive sonic sound.

Valentine layers the backdrop in thick hip hop beats and rippling bass and contrasts this with a wistful melody. The wispy, light texture of the melody immerses the song in a carefree, laid-back tone as Valentine displays his tight and ambitious production skills. Valentine’s soulful vocals ooze tenderness throughout as his laid back tone and the care-free instrumental backdrop gently paces the listener into the songs hypnotic crescendo.

‘Dream About You’ is an irresistible gem and a fine display of Valentine’s cool musicianship. His alternative pop aches with sincerity over sugary arrangements and deft production. There is a compelling and soothing effect to Valentine’s songs and ‘Dream About You’ follows this trend superbly. Arthur Valentine is an artist to treasure.

Stream ‘Dream About You’ below. 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

FYA FOX ‘Body

Irish Act FYA FOX has released her new single ‘Body’. Inspired by sparse electronic pop with emotive lyrical themes ’FYA FOX is a new exciting artist from Ireland. Her successful debut release of ‘White Lies ‘received radio play across Ireland and the UK with a world exclusive play on BBC Across The Line by Gemma Bradley (BBC Radio 1).

Masterfully crafted and shrouded in dazing psychedelia, ‘Body’ showcases the mesmerising alternative pop of FYA FOX. Blending layered vocals with intoxicating electronic soundscapes, the song builds superbly. Delicate synths ripple between pulsing beats as the track unfolds into a gloriously dark and luring tune. FYA FOX’s sweet vocals coo and whisper with a velvety texture while her sharp yet pristine falsetto echoes through the enticing soundscape.‘Body’ is an enthralling and wholly consuming new single from FYA FOX. Her magnetic sound and compelling musicianship mark her as an alternative pop starlet to keep an eye on. Love it.

Stream ‘Body’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music

Fast Trains ‘I Work In Lies’

Fast Trains is back with new single ‘I Work In Lies’ from the forthcoming EP ‘ourWorld Volume 1′.The song is an attack on the British tabloid newspapers, in particular those involved in the News International phone hacking scandal and their abuse of human rights. Fast Trains is the solo project of songwriter and producer Tom Wells. Combining inventive alternative pop with a cryptic visual space known as ourWorld, the project has received backing from BBC Introducing and BBC 6 Music, and its videos have been shown at film festivals all over the world.

Shrouded in ominous tones and alternative pop soundscapes ‘I Work In Lies’ boasts the expressive and luring sound of Fast Trains. The lyrics with the aid of a precise and refined instrumental backdrop tell the story of a newspaper journalist writing fictitious articles to sell more papers “spread our editor’s agendas”. Driving on a pulsing beat and hypnotic whines on guitar the track exudes a mysterious persona while swirling electronics create a muggy soundscape between the soaring guitar moans and constant plucking groove. The song creeps for the verses accompanied by Well’s vocals which sweetly coo the delicate melody. As the track progresses the song becomes more animated and heavy for the chorus. Oozing dynamic instrumentation from every note ‘I Work In Lies’ is an engaging new single from Fast Trains. 

Stream ‘I Work In Lies’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, New Music

Rat City joins forces with Norwegian pop star Dagny on their new single, ‘BAD’

Super-producers Rat City joins forces with Norwegian pop star Dagny on their new single, ‘BAD’. ‘BAD’ follows on the heels of Dagny winning the Track of the Year on P3 Gold’s annual award show with the song “Somebody,”, also produced  and co-written by Rat City (P3 is the Norwegian equivalent of the BBC Radio 1). Rat City’s debut artist single “Kind of Love”  catapulted to  #1 on Shazam and #1 on Norwegian radio for 7 consecutive weeks. The song has crossed 35 million streams , and spent 20 weeks on Spotify’s top 20 chart. The band has also collaborated with major talents Kiesza and Tungevaag. Dagny sprang to success with the upbeat and contagious single ‘Backbeat’  in 2015, which broke around the world on Top 40 radio, and made her a star.  With acclaim from Billboard, The Guardian and NYLON, Dagny went on to co-write Katy Perry’s smash ‘Never Really Over’ and collaborate with luminaries such as Seeb, Steve Aoki, NOTD, Wombats, and Crystal Fighters. She is now one of Norway’s leading, most respected, and most exciting artists with over a billion combined streams to her name.

‘BAD’ is an infectious slice of pop perfection. Lavished in intricate synths, dramatic beats and power pop, the track is an instant shot of adrenaline. Strings flutter through a driving electronic soundscape and groove riddled bass while elegant keys bounce throughout. Dagny’s warm soul-filled vocals glide and caress the catchy melody. At times her voice is delicate and sweet while at other times her voice is powerful as she controls the bubbling instrumentation with a compelling command and fun spirit. The song erupts with intensity for the chorus however Dagny’s vocals ooze charisma throughout. ’BAD’ is an irresistible well-crafted pop tune sure to be revolving in your head for days. 

About ‘BAD’s empowering message, Dagny states:  

“I wrote “Bad” in Stockholm with Gustav Nyström and Hilda Stenmalm, before I went into the studio with Rat City who really helped bring the song to life. For me, the song is about finally standing up for yourself and being strong and bold in a challenging situation. It’s quite a dramatic song and lyric, which is quite the opposite of what I am, but sometimes it’s fun to be a more extreme version of yourself when you write. When I went into the studio I poured my heart into the song and took on the role of being BAD, I think it worked well and I’m really happy with how it’s turned out.  I’m not one to hold a grudge and sometimes letting it all go in the studio is the way to stop that from happening.”

Stream ‘BAD’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, New Music, Surf Rock

Big Sleep ‘Tall Stories’

Big Sleep have released their new single ‘Tall Stories.’ Big Sleep are a Dublin-based indie-alternative band who have spent the last two years playing to packed out rooms of an ever-growing fanbase until lockdown came along. The four-piece formed when frontman, Rónán, entered a Battle of the Bands as a singer-songwriter. He reconnected with some old bandmates and was introduced to some new ones to form the current lineup: Matteo Poli on percussion, Evin O’Connor on lead guitar, Rónán Connolly on vocals and rhythm guitar, and Dougie Sealy on bass.

‘Tall Stories’ is a mellow groove-driven gem. Big Sleep spread a warm, dreamy melody over a soft bubbling backdrop to create the ultimate hazy day-dream escape. Soothing vocals drift sweetly over the velvety melody, while a groovy bassline and playful drum combination drive the track’s funky foundation. With lush surf-rock guitar adding a dash of zest into the mix, this warm refreshing tune is euphoria to the ears. Big Sleep have created a sunkissed treasure for the listener to enjoy with ‘Tall Stories.’

Stream ‘Tall Stories’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Craig McMorrow ‘These Times’

Edinburgh-based musician Craig McMorrow has announced the release of his new electro-acoustic single, ‘These Times’ on January 29th. The single, which follows McMorrow’s debut ‘Home’ was written and produced over Zoom during the lockdown.

‘These Times’ is an emotive uplifting number of electronic pop from Craig McMorrow. Through his country- esque vocals and motivational lyrics McMorrow oozes charm and emotion and shows strong musical growth from his debut ‘Home’. Soft acoustic guitar and elegant keys chime through a warm ethereal soundscape as beats bubble in the background. The use of pulsing expressive electronics creates a passionate and expansive soundscape that is both soothing and vibrant. With a catchy anthemic chorus and moving verses, ‘These Times’ is well crafted and wonderfully presented.

‘These Times’ is set for release on January 29th for more you can follow Craig McMorrow on Facebook here 

https://www.facebook.com/craigmcmorrow


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Hallie ‘Waves’

Wexford award-winning singer/songwriter Hallie has released her new single, ‘Waves.’ Hallie emerged in early 2019 with her debut single “Familiar Place” to critical acclaim with national airplay on multiple radio stations. The debut song made its way to the RTE Radio 1 Recommends Playlist and got multiple spins on Rising Time with Shay Byrne and Late Date with Cathal Murray.

Filled with rippling dark synths and emotive melodies, ‘Waves’ displays Hallie’s gripping and passionate songwriting in all its glory. This powerful alternative pop track oozes a viscous beat which slaps against a haunting electronic soundscape.

As the ghostly synths wisp about the backdrop, an ominous backing vocal creates a brooding and lamenting atmosphere that is utterly compelling. The song is dripping in lush, ethereal textures allowing Hallie’s earnest vocal delivery to highlight the sweet pop melody.


Through the powerful emotional lyrics, Hallie deals with grief, honestly, as her passionate vocals coo and warm the lonely expansive soundscape. The song builds to a powerful chorus which expresses the emotional turmoil one goes through when dealing with the feeling of loss. A poignant moment within the track.

Hallie’s capacity to create an intimate, heartfelt alternative pop song is impressive. The ability to take dark and complicated emotions and express them in wonderfully evocative musicianship which stirs the listener’s soul is a remarkable feat. Hallie achieves this with ease and astonishing skill. ‘Waves’ is a captivating alternative pop number that displays the immense talent and songwriting prowess of Hallie.

Stream ‘Waves’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Ria Rua ‘Bad Girl

Ria Rua has released her new single, ‘Bad Girl.’ Ria Rua is a modern Irish female electronic art-pop singer, songwriter, and producer. After spending years as a professional drummer and touring the world with orchestras, she decided to take a chance on her own material. Her first three releases received national radio play in Ireland and the UK, and she was nominated for 2020 International Artist of the Year by a UK radio station.

Ria Rua’s first-rate musicianship soars to new heights with her latest track ‘Bad Girl.’ From the well-formed turn of phrase to rich musicianship, this bewitching track is intricately crafted. Crisp vocals swirl around infectious rhythms and dark electronic pulses, while tropical embellishments and edgy indie textures add depth and colour to a tantalizing luring soundscape. Within moments the listener is captivated and in awe of the superb display of skilful production.

Lyrically Ria pulls no punches. She exudes an empowering attitude through witty lyrics, which at times cuts deep like a knife. “Yeah, you’re nice to me now say it’s great to see ya. Where was this year’s ago when I was no senorita. I know it’s a fake, only your mistake fire in disguise, let’s go burn this f*cking snake”. Radiating swagger and sass throughout, Ria’s wonderful, pristine vocal delivery heightens the honest lyrical approach.

‘Bad Girl’ is a fantastic display of production wizardry and deft songwriting ability. I can not wait to hear more from Ria Rua. Ria is a talented artist and one to get very excited about.

About the track, Ria Rua said: “I spent three months creating this song – recording over 500 individual tracks in the process! The lyrics are about being bullied by people you once trusted when you ‘become who you are.’ So in a sense, it’s about betrayal, but more importantly, it’s about standing up to bullies and being brave enough to embrace your potential! “

Stream ‘Bad Girl’ below 


Author :Danu