Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Kynsy ‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’

Rising newcomer Kynsy has released her new single ‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’. Kynsy, is the solo project of rising 23 year-old multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Ciara Lindsey.Tipped in 2FM’s Rising 2020 list, Kynsy’s single ‘Cold Blue Light’ picked up plays on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music with Kynsy also featuring on the cover of Spotify playlists including Fresh Finds Rock and An Alternative Eire as well as on the cover of Indie Britain on Tidal. The track was also included in Spotify’s New Music Friday UK, Badass Women, Et Alt and New Alt playlists.

‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’ is a sublime example of Kynsy’s tight, refined songcraft as she swaggers her way through sharp guitar and jolting indie rock to create a raw number that is to die for. A catchy guitar riff reminiscent of The Strokes introduces a lonely, almost spaghetti western vibe while the stomping beat and moody delivery sets the tracks gritty undertone.It’s a punchy, matter of fact tune with both sweetness and attitude oozing through Kynsy’s vocals. The zest-stricken sharp guitar refrains and light buoyant rhythmic foundation create a mesmerising contrast while at the same time blending the light indie tones with sulky, moody moments. There’s striking cinematic beauty to ‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’ as Kynsy paints a mixture of emotions on an almost Tarantino- movie desert backdrop, however she reins it in, not fully committing to the gritty genre and instead introduces and allows the indie pop elements to flourish and thrive. Kynsy is an exciting and talented artist and one to keep an eye on. 

Written and co-produced by Kynsy, she enlisted mixer Claudius Mittendorfer (Interpol / Sorry / Parquet Courts) to buff the finished work. About the track, Kynsy said: “It’s a tug of war between the positive and negative thought processes that occur when a relationship ends. It’s about accepting the fact that sometimes you have to laugh the pain away or look at negativity head on in order to feel positive emotions and have positive thoughts again.” 

The track comes with an accompanying self-directed video, filmed in Dublin by Tim Shearwood and featuring Kynsy and her friends. Talking about the video, she explained “I wanted to try and create the same sort of balance of ideas, it needed to be fun and playful but with moments of emotional vulnerability in there too, a sort of yin and yang of simple fun against complex emotions.”

Watch the video for ‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Someya ‘Da da da da’

Someya is set to release her new single ‘Da da da da’ on October 2nd. Also known as ‘The Sassy Song’, Someya’s ‘Da da da da’ is a brand new track fresh off her upcoming EP ‘Bottle Full of Dreams’. Depicting a brutally honest moment of being tired of someone, Someya brings forward the confidence in acknowledging that really, ‘it’s not me, it’s you’. Someya brought in Nova Noir Productions to work on the song as well as Flipsyde’s guitarist Dave Lopez.Constantly writing and expanding her artistry, Someya grew up in California and became involved with music from an early age. Having several summer programme’s at Berklee College of Music under her belt, a debut EP release at age 16, a UK tour, and after spending the past three years pursuing her music career, Someya is proving to be quite the dedicated pop artist.

‘Da da da da’ is a dark noir rock/pop track as Someya spreads a haunting melody over chilling guitars and ominous soundscapes to create an eerie lulling tune. A melancholic melody soothes while Someya coos with a mysterious undertone. The track travels at a steady, creeping pace as it builds to its intense crescendo. With a shredding guitar solo breaking the song’s hazy state, ‘Da da da da’ is an intriguing well crafted single from Someya. 

You can pre save ‘Da da da da’ here https://ditto.fm/da-da-da-da


Author : Danu

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

Dagny Has Just Released The New Video For Her Latest Single “It’s Only A Heartbreak” Alongside Announcing An Irish Headline Show At The Academy, Dublin

Norwegian singer Dagny has just released the new video for her latest single “It’s Only A Heartbreak” alongside announcing an Irish headline show at The Academy, Dublin on the 10 April 2021. Her long-awaited debut album Strangers / Lovers is also out this Friday the 2nd October 2020 via Little Daggers Records.

‘It’s Only A Heartbreak’ is a catchy pop gem. Dagny uses relatable themes and shimmering musicianship to create an upbeat bittersweet post breakup anthem. In the video Dagny is supported by two women who encourage the singer not to text or think about her ex. With shots in a beautiful hotel and its grounds, Dagny shows off her ability to dance with fun choreography which includes a number of fancy moves geared towards stopping Dagny from picking up the phone and reconnecting with her ex.

Speaking on the new single release, Dagny commented: “It’s Only A Heartbreak is actually partly inspired by the classic movie “Casablanca” from 1942, and Humphrey Bogart’s famous quote: “Here’s looking at you, kid”. Like the movie, the song is about knowing that you will never get someone back, but you can secretly still look at, and admire, that certain someone. The song carries a nonchalant expression, but the undertone makes it pretty obvious that you’re not over that person yet.”

The full Strangers / Lovers album is out on October 2nd until then check out the video for “It’s Only A Heartbreak” below


Author : Danu

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

modernlove. ‘Use Me’

modernlove. have released their new single ‘Use Me’ along with the announcement of their headline show in The Grand Social on Saturday, 5th December 2020. This show will be a socially distant show. Tickets €14.50 are available from tickets.ie. 

Spinning through a progressive electronic spiral of EDM moments infused with melodic pop hooks and indie glimmers, ‘Use Me’ shows modernlove. are a band cultivating their sound into something unique and expressive. The track kicks off with twinkling synths and a longing melody as Barry Lally’s smooth vocals drift upon a gentle soundscape.Soft piano moments create pockets of innocence and melancholic sweetness before the song erupts with dazzling electronics which whirlwind the song’s chorus into a dance banger filled with heavy beats and flashing electronic progressions. The band slide their legendary rapid lyrics over a glossy backdrop for the second verse which adds to the intensity of the song. Boasting silky soundscapes and tight layering,   ‘Use Me’ is a joy to listen to and an impressive new release from the talented four piece.    

About the track the band said: “It is about someone who knows their feelings for another are unrequited but is so desperate that they are willing to settle for even a semblance of affection or love from them. They are willing to let themselves be used to convincing themselves of a false notion of being close and intimate with this person. Even if it “doesn’t mean anything” to them, they can at least “pretend”.”

Stream ‘Use Me’ Below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Soda Blonde ‘Love Me World’ Single Launch

Soda Blonde presented a visually stunning and musically majestic performance last night. With a setlist adorned with their captivating alternative pop tunes along with artistically clever visuals, they pulled out all the stops to provide an awe inspiring livestream which sets the bar high. The band played in a beautiful period house, performing in different rooms throughout the set while changing lighting and clothes for some of the tracks creating almost music-video quality footage for each song.

Soda Blonde meandered through their musically rich and diverse sound with warmer Fleetwood Mac tunes like ‘June’ seeing jazz-hued wizardry on keys while the disco drizzled ‘Motion’ and emotive melodic swoon of ‘Terrible Hands’ sees bassist Seaver O’Leary swagger through elastic grooves and rhythmic hooks with ease. The band make the most of this live stream freedom using various lighting effects to create a sultry, dazzling and atmospheric ambiance to enhance their enticing alternative pop. Each song flows like a scene from a movie as the band use sharp clips and deft use of framing to add depth and perspective to their performance. At times we see the band shrouded in dense lighting which paints their dark silhouettes against a deep red backdrop, each songs visual drizzles layers of mystery into the performance as a whole while highlighting the band’s musical prowess at the same time.

This platform presents Faye O’Rourke as a spectral beauty. She swishes in a red leather-like dress on a raised platform with Donagh Seaver O’Leary poisly placed behind her like a watchful angel for the sumptuous new single ‘Love Me World’ while Dylan Lynch lays down the bubbling beat on drums and Adam O’Regan struts on guitar. O’Rourke’s vocals are something to behold. Her sultry coos, haunting rasps and powerful tones make her voice bewitching and seductive. There is a residue of Kate Bush about her performance while shimmers of 70/80’s icons such as Debbie Harry pepper the bands synth pop gems in panache. ’Swimming Through The Night’ brings the performance to a close. Just as gripping and exhilarating as ever, the song drifts with ethereal synths floating through a rich tapestry of percussion and drums. The chiming guitars and intricate bass tie all the elements together while adding a dash of edge and raw vigor.

Soda Blonde have a timeless enthralling sound that blends warm elements of folk with clean synth pop sensibilities. Their first class musicianship, masterful songwriting and vibrant soundscapes teamed with passionate vocals make Soda Blonde a band to keep an eye on. 

Stream the new single ‘Love Me World’ below


Author : Danu

Check Out Some More Images From The Show Below

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

Bobbi Arlo ‘Signs’

22 year old pop rap artist Bobbi Arlo has released her new single ‘Signs’.This dynamic electronic pop track surges with pulsing beats, exhilarating synths and floor rippling bass grooves. Arlo’s sweet vocals venture from soft coos for the haunting verses and build for the powerful chorus. Arlo has a knack with ear worm melodies and ‘Signs’ is another prime example of this. The track meanders into slightly new territory for Arlo taking the R&B style of her debut radio smash ‘Berries’ and dropping some cinematic production and electronic flourishments to create quite the expressive hair raising number. Arlo spreads a catchy melody over this explosive progressive backdrop while subtle twinkles and passionate vocals exude emotive sweetness. With themes of longing blended with exhilaration ( provided by the darker sultry beat fluctuations and synth swirls ) the track has a gripping and wholly satisfying soundscape that is impressive and irresistible. ‘Signs’ is a musically rich, well crafted piece of electronic pop and another fine example of why Bobbi Arlo is an artist to keep an eye on.

Speaking about the song Bobbi Arlo says: “I’m so excited to release ‘Signs’. It’s a completely new sound for me which is exciting because I have no idea how it’s going to be received. I hope it doesn’t disappoint”.

Stream ‘Signs’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – Sylvan Esso

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sylvan Esso

Sylvan Esso have released ‘Frequency’ the third single from their eagerly anticipated new album ‘Free Love’, which is set for release September 25th on Loma Vista Recordings.  The song is accompanied by a new video directed and styled by Moses Sumney. ’Frequency’ follows two other singles from ‘Free Love’ – ‘Ferris Wheel’ and ‘Rooftop Dancing’ and is the latest proof that, even with the challenges the year has brought, Sylvan Esso are finding ways to creatively thrive like never before. Just last week they released a new version of the ‘Ferris Wheel’ video created entirely in Animal Crossing, prompting the Verge to proclaim “Game of the summer, meet song of the summer.”  Sylvan Esso also recently performed ‘Ferris Wheel’ from a flatbed truck for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. The ‘Rooftop Dancing’ video, released earlier last month, is a freewheeling ode to NYC shot by acclaimed street photographer Cheryl Dunn.

‘Frequency’ is a enjoyable new tune from Sylvan Esso. Light pulsing synths gradually build to create the tracks airy soundscapes; they delicately push and pull in a jittery motion providing a rhythmic throb while Amelia Meath’s sweet warm vocals, coo on a supple dreamy melody. With tight harmony interjecting between the songs synthy bounce Sylvan Esso takes a minimalists approach to this song while still managing to create a wholling engaging and rich number. The light production and sparse use of instrumentation ( there is not any drums) allows the track to maintain an ethereal wispy texture that gracefully enters the listeners ears with a soft and infectiously soothing whisper. ‘Frequency’ is a sweet and uplifting delight from Sylvan Esso.

Shot in an anonymous suburban idyll with choreography by North Carolina-based Stewart/Owen Dance, the ‘Frequency’ video explores the inescapable pull – emotional, physical, and literal – of attraction over a pulsing, phantom beat.

About the video Sylvan Esso said : “We had a fantastic and rewarding time collaborating with our friend and fellow North Carolinian, Moses Sumney, on building a visual world for Frequency. He had such a beautiful vision for the project, one that ran parallel to the song’s initial source in a way that showed us new spaces it could inhabit. It’s a beautiful exploration of being together and apart at the same time – we feel it rings clearly in this moment. “

Watch the video for ‘Frequency’ below 


Author : Danu

90's Grunge, Alt- Pop, New Music

Burning Pools ‘Bang Bang’

Garage rock collective Burning Pools have released their new single ‘Bang Bang’. Burning Pools is the new band led by former Smashing Pumpkins bassist Ginger Pooley. The band’s members share a long list of studio and touring credits and collectively have worked with rock legends like Tom Morello, Siouxsie Sioux, Slash, Morrissey, Liz Phair, Scott Weiland, Tegan and Sara, and bands like Jane’s Addiction and Weezer

‘Bang Bang’ is noise pop perfection as Burning Pools take a smooth melody and douse it in attitude, fuzz and alternative rock. With dark gritty riffs fizzing through punchy drums and 90’s grunge elements the track kicks into motion with swagger, sass and power. A drum beat struts with mighty confidence as Burning Pools create a crashing wall of sound that is just too good to fight. Ginger Pooley’s soft vocal coos glide over the melody with ease creating a sublime contrast to the raw backdrop of squealing guitars and resounding bass rumbles. With a moody dark atmosphere haunting beneath the power pop explosions and alternative backbone, ‘Bang Bang’ is intoxicating and luring new single from Burning Pools.

Stream ‘Bang Bang’ below


Author : Danu

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

Wild Youth ‘Next to You’

Wild Youth have released their new single ‘Next to You’.Already making a major impact across streaming services with pop gems like “Can’t Move On” and “Making Me Dance” racking up millions of plays, the band’s blood-pounding choruses, heart-stompingly gorgeous melodies, and deft lyricism have seen them share the stage with the likes of Mumford and Sons, Niall Horan, The Script, Kodaline and Zara Larsson on arena-sized shows.The Irish quartet is comprised of lead vocalist David Whelan, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Conor O’Donohoe, lead guitarist Ed Porter and drummer Callum McAdam.

Steeped in funky indie pop and an 80’s pop sheen ‘Next to You’ is the glitzy new addition to Wild Youth’s charming repertoire. With a dreamy euphoric melody drifting over a bubbling backdrop the band create another foot-tapping, get up and strut delight. Shimmering guitar hooks entwine a glitter-ball soundscape of scintillating pop as this chic smooth number oozes the panache and passion Wild Youth have become known for. It’s easy to get lost in the lush intricacies of ‘Next to You’ as the track builds into a sing along delight. The band embellish and craft this track beautifully creating a light indie pop number boasting an irresistible funky bass line which will entice you to the dance floor. Wild Youth have knocked it out of the park once again.

Speaking on the track, Wild Youth shared: “Next to You’ is about an immediate connection with somebody; that overwhelming feeling of meeting “the one”, and wanting to spend every single minute by their side. Regardless of whatever that involves, you’ll literally do anything.”

Watch the video for ‘Next to You’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Nathan Mac ‘Carolina’

27 year old Dubliner, Nathan Mac has released his second single ‘Carolina’.‘Carolina’ is the latest link in the chain of the ‘Start of Something Blue’ project. As the second major release, the bar has been set by the success of his first single ‘Better Off Without You’. This song hit 70,000 streams on Spotify in the first two months alone and has received acclaim internationally from the likes of  ‘Buzz music LA’, and ‘The Music Nerd’.

With emotive songwriting laced in pristine ethereal synths and moving melodies, ‘Carolina’ showcases the mature, earnest and poignant musicianship of Nathan Mac. With coiling sticky beats twisting between twinkling synths ‘Carolina’ oozes a dark undertone. The song has a push and pull effect as it flows through darker elements and glimmers of bright scintillation which provide innocent moments of hope. Nathan’s smooth emotive vocals coo and tenderly whisper through the bottomless flickering soundscapes adding a contrasting sweet, velvety tone the the tracks more icy elements. The heavier beats slowly venture into EDM pop without fully committing to the genre as Nathan surges his alternative pop with emotion and passion. With reverb vocals and clean production this wistful gem is a relatable earworm ready for repeat listens. An exceptionally rich and lyrically deep second single from this promising artist. 

‘Carolina’ is a song of second chances. Once again this track is an outstretched hand to anyone struggling with self-worth. Through his lyrics, Nathan explores the power of being seen by a stranger (and artist) by the name of Carolina. They met online when Nathan commissioned a portrait of his little sister. “Back then I was so low that any interaction with a stranger would add to my self-worth. The people who liked my songs or just wanted to say ‘hi’ made me feel like I had value.” Using the metaphor of an artist drawing him back into existence, Nathan set about writing this song as a thank you to Carolina, not just for the wonderful portrait, but for giving him a new sense of self.

Stream ‘Carolina’ below 

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Author : Danu