Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Black Skies ‘Unchained’

The Black Skies have released their debut single ‘Unchained’. Band members James Handley (Vocals) and Luke Falkingham (Guitar) formed the British rock/soul band in 2020 and describe their sound as a mix of melancholy rock and soul. During lockdown The Black Skies decided to work on their unique sound in Reel Production Studios with Ben Hammond and producer Paul Gorry, with the band eventually recording their first release, ‘Unchained’. The single has been mixed by world-renowned record producer George Shilling whose credits include Oasis, Primal Scream, Blur and Ocean Colour Scene. ‘

‘Unchained’ is a powerful tune that boasts the sleek and tantalising sound of The Black Skies. The band weave chic guitar melodies through a gyrating bass groove and stomping beat to create an expressive soundscape throughout while soulful vocals and soft brass elements twinkle in the background. This song unfolds beautifully revealing new sounds and layers with each verse. Showcasing string elements and shredding guitar melodies, the track is an enticing delight with a full-bodied wall of sound that balances alternative pop with R&B/funk flirtations. ‘Unchained’ is an irresistible new song from The Black Skies. 

Stream ‘Unchained’ below


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

modernlove. ‘Islands’

Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. have released their new single, ‘Islands’.The Drogheda band have also announced details of their brand new EP, ‘Oh My Mind’ EP which is set for release on July 29th on Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). It follows the recent announcement of their debut UK and Ireland headline tour which will take place in November this year, including dates at London’s Camden Assembly and Dublin’s Button Factory.

Filled with earnest lyrics, effervescent synths, glittering guitars and slick basslines, ‘Islands’ is an invigorating display of indie pop. modernlove. take a sweet melody laced in melancholic tones and surround it with vibrant soundscapes to create an infectious tune for listeners to enjoy. However, the track deals with heavy subject matter as the lyrics depict the conflicting pressures and aching emotions caused by torn relationships “I don’t know what to say when my brother says is it his? is it hers? are we moving house?”. modernlove. are such an exciting band to listen to. They are masterful storytellers whose powerfully emotive songwriting is encased in upbeat vibrant instrumentation. The result is catchy tunes that pack a punch both lyrically and musically.

About the new single, the band said, “Islands is a classic coming of age story. Trying to cope with the fallout of a family coming apart due to divorce and one’s own romantic relationship coming to an end at the same time. It tells the story of both, blurring them into one at times.

“The song is about the distances between people in their relationships and how for some, it seems too impossible a task to even try to bridge those gaps. 

These people are made into “islands” by the oceans they must travel each day to meet and see each other eye to eye.

“The song explores ways people try to deal with this struggle and this loneliness whether it be drink, drugs or sex but in the end it recognises that they are simply in a painful situation that they must accept and let happen as the song ends with the repeated words: “It’s coming apart and I can’t face it, I don’t wanna break down but I can’t take it”.

modernlove. 2022 November UK & Ireland Tour Dates:

UK

  • 2 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
  • 3 – Manchester – The Castle Hotel
  • 4 – Glasgow – The Garage (Attic Bar)
  • 9 – Bristol – The Louisiana
  • 10 – London – Camden Assembly
  • 11 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club

IRELAND

  • 12 – Belfast, The Deer’s Head
  • 13 – Derry, Sandino’s
  • 17 – Listowel, Mike The Pies
  • 18 – Limerick, Kasbah Social Club
  • 19 – Cork, Winthrop Avenue
  • 24 – Galway, Roisin Dubh
  • 25 – Dublin, Button Factory

Stream ‘Islands’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music

RIA RUA ‘Boss’

RIA RUA has released her new single ‘Boss’. The song is the first single off RIA’s debut EP, ‘chaos/control’ which is being released and promoted by the German indie label MPM. RIA RUA is a modern Irish female electro-grunge singer, songwriter and producer. After spending years as a professional drummer, she decided to take a chance on her own material. Her first three releases received national radio play in Ireland and the UK, and won her the 2021 International Artist of the Year from Nova Radio in the UK. Her last two releases were playlisted on Irish, UK US and German national radio. 

It is difficult not to be enthralled by RIA RUA’s music.‘Boss’ is a fine example of this. The artist’s masterful production skills are on full display within the song and highlights just how talented RIA RUA is as a musician. RIA RUA’s mesmerising vocals ooze attitude atop a wonderful concoction of electronic pulses, grunge undertones and alternative embellishments creating an evocative soundscape that is a joy to listen to again and again. RIA RUA’s talent is boundless. The artist creates wholly consuming tunes filled with gloriously emotive soundscapes that showcase a deep understanding of music production even a seasoned musician would be enviable of. ‘Boss’ is an absolute gem.

Stream ‘Boss’ below 


Author: Danu

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

SAL ‘Bullet in the Heart’

Cork-based singer-songwriter SAL has released her new single, ‘Bullet in the Heart’.‘Bullet in the Heart’ was co-written by SAL with the late Scott English (writer of ‘Mandy’). It is the first release under the SAL pseudonym, as well as the first release since SAL signed a publishing deal with prestigious West Cork-based publishing company, AtSongs, and a management deal with London-based Charlie B Management. Having unveiled a host of new material at Liverpool Irish Festival in 2021, SAL is ready to perform her new songs, with live shows in Ireland (Whelan’s, Dublin 5th May; and Cyprus Avenue, Cork 2nd June) as well as opening for Mica Paris at Woolwich Works, London on 23rd April, and a 12-date tour of Germany through May.

‘Bullet in the Heart’ is a sweet 80’s infused alternative pop tune that surges with rich musicianship and irresistible melodies. SAL drifts her supple vocals over a dreamy melody while punctuated beats and shimmering synths flesh out the glittering backdrop. There is a soft sun-kissed atmosphere within the track as SAL uses rich electronic textures, warm guitar embellishments and R&B tones throughout – highlighting SAL’s deft musical prowess and emotive songwriting. Boasting glorious soundscapes ‘Bullet in the Heart’ is a joy to listen to and a sublime new single from SAL. 

About the track, SAL said: “It’s a song about resilience in the face of loneliness and being in love…while still being fearless of all that life throws at you in the midst of chaos”. 

Stream ‘Bullet in the Heart’ below 


Author: Danu

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

Nathan Mac ‘Broken & Beautiful’


Nathan Mac has released his new single ‘Broken & Beautiful’. In 2012, Nathan injured his back during a Circus performance. This led him on a journey away from his dreams of performing as an acrobat, & towards his passion for songwriting. 10 years later, he reflects on the influence of that injury: “We are more beautiful for the breaks we suffer along the way. They add to our depth. They prove that we’ve gone out there & risked something.” ‘Broken & Beautiful’ is the 6th addition to Nathan’s debut album: Start of Something Blue. The song also features in his upcoming Circus-Musical film: Learning Curve where he returns as an actor and aerial acrobat! Both the album and film are set for release later this Summer.

Filled with lush melodies and evocative lyrics ‘Broken & Beautiful’ is a cinematic alternative pop gem from Nathan Mac. Mac croons tender lyrics “Broken and Beautiful,  treat yourself carefully. Stitches and gold, use your pain to relate to me. The stories I’ve told, they decorate my body. And I wanna show you, every scar suits us perfectly” over a building backdrop of bubbling beats and ethereal synths while subtle instrumental undertones ( alongside elegant piano ) blend between electronic and string elements. ‘Broken & Beautiful’ is well crafted and highlights the expressive musicianship of Nathan Mac in all its Glory.

Stream ‘Broken & Beautiful’ below 

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Author: Danu

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

FYA FOX ‘Hit Me Where It Hurts’

FYA FOX has released her new single, ‘Hit Me Where It Hurts’.FYA has gained major support across Irish national & regional radio stations along with plays on BBC Radio 1, ‘Track of The Week’ features on RTE 2FM, Spin South West and Today FM just to mention a few. Support from HotPress tipping FYA as “2022 Ones to Watch” along with support from Record of the Day. FYA collaborated with Richy McCourt over a zoom call during lockdown, from there the track was produced by Matt Weir & Si Fransis.

‘Hit Me Where It Hurts’ is a masterful display of alternative pop from FYA FOX. The song blends dark undertones with chiming keys while bubbling beats surround the song in danceable grooves. Venturing between lush pop sensibilities and R&B tones the track is a fine example of FYA’s diverse, compelling sound and expressive musicianship. Enhanced by rich percussion and spacious soundscapes, FYA’s immaculate vocals ooze emotion and tenderness as she coos vulnerable lyrics “take me for granted, my kindness for weakness.. you hit me where it hurts“. ‘Hit Me Where It Hurts’ is a joy to listen to again and again. The track highlights the artist’s mesmerising vocals and talent for creating emotive earworm melodies – simply stunning.

About the track, FYA FOX said: “This song came from my experience of people expressing their opinions and doubts of me as an artist in the music industry”.

Stream ‘Hit Me Where It Hurts’ below

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Author: Danu

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

modernlove. ‘Follow You’

Photo credit: Dan Harris

Irish indie-rock outfit modernlove. have released their new single ‘Follow You’ through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). Produced and mixed by Tom Leach (Col3trane, Lewis Capaldi, The Streets) and mastered by Kevin Tuffy (Alfie Templeman, Matt Maltese) the new single is a rousing ode to the anthemic indie bangers of the early 00’s that the boys grew up on. Their debut EP ‘monochrome blue’, released in September 2021, saw modernlove. combine their earliest work into a statement debut offering. Featuring the singles ‘Liquorice’, ‘2 Missed Calls’ and ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’, they received strong playlist support, landing on New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds, Alt-Pop and The Pop List amongst others on Spotify, as well as New Music Daily, New in Alternative and Breaking Alternative on Apple Music. They have also received strong radio support with 2FM, BBC R1, BBC R6, BBC Ulster, XS Manchester, Across the Line, and Radio X.

Filled with sharp guitars and a brisk rhythmic foundation, ‘Follow You’ is an instant shot of adrenaline. In true modernlove. manner the track hurries behind clever, well-crafted lyrics while warm main vocals and lush backing vocals exude a sweet and irresistible charm. The band flesh out their sound with vibrant drums, hook-filled melodies and jaunty guitars that inject a dash of zest throughout. modernlove. are becoming known for their rich tunes and utterly lush production and ‘Follow You’ is a perfect example of this. With a dynamic clap along feature and swirling instrumentation ‘Follow You’ is a catchy banger that evokes images of live crowds bellowing back the lyrics at the top of their lungs. Press play, turn the volume up and enjoy.

Speaking about the new offering, the band said, “‘Follow You’ is a love song about the early stages of infatuation in a relationship. It’s about finding yourself in a relationship so intimate that spending each waking moment together still isn’t enough, hence the lyrics “when you fall asleep I’ll follow you. Musically, we wanted to write a song that resonated with the nostalgia of those same naive infatuations and took us back to when we first started the band as teenagers finding ourselves as people as well as artists. A simple four chord structure that echoed the likes of bloc party, the cure and new order. A song that we could fully jam on together and jump around to.”

Watch the video for ‘Follow You’ below 


Author: Danu

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

Cade Hoppe ‘Hurts’

After closing out last year with his debut EP ‘Tell Me How It’s Worth It,’ emerging indie-pop artist Cade Hoppe is back with his new single, ‘Hurts’.Originally hailing from Sacramento, CA and now based in New York, Cade originally moved to the East Coast to pursue academic and athletic opportunities. He’d been writing songs and playing piano, guitar, bass and saxophone since childhood, but it wasn’t until 2020 that he started to explore the possibility of recording and releasing his own songs to prioritize his true passion. After putting out a few experimental releases with his stepbrother, Nick Adams, Cade connected with producer Harper James — one half of Eighty Ninety — and began to develop his indie-pop sound.

‘Hurts’ is a fine example of Hoppe’s cinematic and luxuriant dream-pop sound. Filled with intricate electronics, soft twinkling keys and an intense bubbling beat the track pulses with moments of suspense throughout while Hoppe’s warm vocals almost whisper over the bittersweet melody. The song broods and simmers within a state of nostalgia enhanced by warm guitar tones that glimmer through the dense electronic backdrop while Hoppe croons “ I would do anything to have you here to see if I still love you”. Well crafted and deftly produced, ‘Hurts’ is a catchy and emotive new single from Cade Hoppe.

 Written from the point of view of someone who has recently broken up with their significant other, “Hurts” grapples with feeling the weight of their absence. Cade elaborates on the track: “‘Hurts’ is about experiencing that strange post-relationship purgatory for the first time and realizing that anyone you love is going to hurt to lose, whether you were both meant to be or not. The thesis of this song is: ‘It’s not easy losing somebody, it always hurts.’ I think we all have to learn that lesson at some point in our lives and this song is about when I learned it for myself.”

Stream ‘Hurts’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music

Lycio ‘I Wanna Know’

Photo Credit : Vanessa Whitaker

UK alt-pop trio Lycio have released their new single, ‘I Wanna Know’ via Lycio Records. Lycio have received significant support from BBC Introducing with presenters Andrew Marston, Alex Noble, Tim Senna and Louise Brierly all giving them radio play, a three-track acoustic session for BBC Introducing West Midlands and twice performing at The Big Feastival. The associations with the BBC continue as Lycio performed at Chris Evans’ CarFest for BBC Children in Need in both 2017 and 2018 and a feature of ‘Evil People’ on BBC 6 Tom Robinson’s Fresh Favs in 2018. Lycio have performed at The Great Escape’s little sister, The Alternative Escape 2019 as well as provided support for YONAKA, Rae Morris and Self Esteem.


Boasting intense, bubbling electronics ‘I Wanna Know’ is an invigorating listening experience. The track is an absolute gem to listen to as the listener is treated to subtle contrasting elements within the tracks dynamic wall of sound: Genie Mendez’s smooth yet powerful vocals coo atop a swirling backdrop of effervescent synths, driving rhythms and explosive choruses while pop laced hooks, sensual bass grooves, and elegant piano smoulder underneath. ‘I Wanna Know’ is a hair raising new addition to Lycio’s repertoire and an exquisite example of this band’s diverse and lush sound.

Stream ‘I Wanna Know’ below 


Author: Danu

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

Alexis Kings ‘Cali Girls’

Alexis Kings are set to release their new single ‘Cali Girls’ on Friday the 3rd of December along with a launch gig at West Kensington’s Nell’s London. Alexis King’s delivery is that of quintessential British rock & roll with a contemporary undertone made up of catchy hooks and melodic vocals. The band consists of Brendan Aherne (Vocals) and Fabio Bocca (Drums). Taking aspects of each members influence and fusing each style with elements of Country, Soul, Hip-hop and Funk sitting on top of a solid Rock n Roll base, they aim to create a sound distinctive to Alexis Kings.

‘Cali Girls’ glistens with feel-good indie as Alexis Kings flesh out their infectious knack for melodies and tight musicianship to create a euphoric burst of alternative pop for listeners to enjoy. Aherne’s vocals exude warmth as he croons over a melodic wall of sound filled with funky bass lines, soul peppered guitars, rich rhythms and shimmering electronics. The song is tightly layered with subtle illuminations on guitar sprinkled throughout to provide an ethereal laid back atmosphere between the funk strutting bass and rhythmic elements. Within ‘Cali Girls’, Alexis Kings present a luscious tune that boasts swagger, refined musicianship and kinetic energy.

‘Cali Girls’ is set for release on Friday, the 3rd of December. You can get tickets for the band’s show at West Kensington’s Nell’s London here https://www.seetickets.com/tour/nells-presents-alexis-kings

For more follow Alexis Kings on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/alexiskingsmusic/


Author: Danu