Category Archives: Dream Pop

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

Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Laura Duff ‘Easy’

Laura Duff
Photo Credit: Laya Kenny

Limerick’s Laura Duff has released her new single, ‘Easy’.Following ‘Wayside’ and ‘Good Form’, ‘Easy’ is the final single from her upcoming sophomore EP entitled ‘Heavy Summer’. The EP was recorded and produced by Christian Best of Monique Studios, Midleton, Co. Cork, and mastered by Richard Dowling of Wav Mastering, Limerick. The band lineup features Laura Duff (vocals, keys, acoustic guitar), JJ Lee (bass), Christopher O’Sullivan (drums), Finn Fogarty (lead guitar). ‘Heavy Summer’ is due for release before the end of the year.

‘Easy’ oozes mellow melodies, soft instrumentation and the glorious laid back sound of Laura Duff. The band create an exquisite backdrop of supple beats and warm guitar while Duff’s sweet vocals lull the dreamy melody. ’Easy’ creates a pacifying and soothing atmosphere as the band flesh out the backdrop in ethereal velvety soundscapes and tender harmonies before the beautiful guitar solo kicks in to add a slight edge to the track. Filled with oodles of emotion and warm tones ‘Easy’ is a graceful delight to the ears. 

Stream ‘Easy’ below 


Author: Danu

Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Joe T. Johnson ‘Far From the Sun’

Joe T. Johnson has released his new single ‘Far From the Sun’. In the past, Joe T. Johnson has performed at Glastonbury Festival 2019 and achieved local success in 2020 after three singles. 

‘Far From the Sun’ continues the lush dream-pop sound of Joe T. Johnson. Melting 60’s sweet melodies into supple psychedelic soundscapes, the track creates a soothing atmosphere. Johnson layers the song delicately to create soft prismatic elements within moments of edgy indie-rock. Glistening jingles on guitar exudes a hypnotic quality and desert-esque tones while Johnson’s smooth vocals drift over the dreamy melody as the track unfolds into a mellow and catchy chorus. ‘Far From the Sun’ is a charming and well-crafted earworm displaying the meticulously arranged, and lush musicianship of Joe T. Johnson.

Stream ‘Far From the Sun’ 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

Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Caravella ‘the way that it is.’

Bath-based band Caravella have released their new single ‘the way that it is.’

Shrouded in a bright yet gloomy soundscape while warm nonchalant vocals coo sullen lyrics, “I can hardly feel since she broke me, I’ve not been ideal” over a bittersweet melody, ‘the way that it is.’ is an intriguing display of Caravella’s musicianship. The glum retro- esque soundscape is contrasted by delicate bouncy drums and soft radiant guitar which inject a dash of indie into the track’s mellow dream pop exterior. With glimmers of hope and uplifting tones building in the background for the song’s crescendo, ‘the way that it is.’ is a sublime and tranquilizing new single from Caravella.

Caravella are developing their sound superbly showcasing their refined ability to express emotion through their intricate musicianship. ‘the way that it is’ expresses the journey of acceptance, numbness, and glimmers of hope one feels after a break up through the band’s unique and compelling songwriting. 

Stream ‘the way that it is.’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Macca Taylor ‘How It Goes’

Macca Taylor has released his new single, ‘How It Goes.’Growing up with a healthy obsession for music, Macca started to write and produce original material from his Birkenhead loft in early 2017. He released three singles in 2020 and received support from BBC Introducing via Dave Monks on Radio Merseyside and Tom Robinson on Radio 6 Music, crowned ‘Waters Unknown’ as Macca’s ‘strongest release to date.’

‘How It Goes’ is a soothing lo-fi pop track glittering with the bright and deft songwriting of Macca Taylor. Coating the song in soft, comforting tones, Taylor drifts a sweet, dreamy melody over a cushioned beat, and catchy guitar refrains to create a buoyant and mellow tune. From the laid-back bedroom pop hues to acoustic sounds and electronic embellishments, ‘How It Goes’ is a joy to listen to. Accompanied by ethereal synths Taylor’s velvety vocals provide an airy, light texture to the song allowing the infectious groove on bass and drums to anchor the listener within the song’s breezy atmosphere. With elements of nostalgia and melancholia blended among the cheery foot-tapping instrumentation, ‘How It Goes’ is a well crafted delight for listeners to indulge in.

Stream ‘How It Goes’ 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

Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Caravella ‘Internet bby’

Bath-based band Caravella have released their second single, ‘Internet bby’.

Beautifully crafted and peppered with a light dusting of indie this retro ditty is a dream-pop gem. Mellow guitar lines jangle atop a buoyant rhythmic foundation as Caravella strips back the instrumentation to create a charming persona within the track, aided by the warmth of Jack Spooner’s velvety croon.

Laid back and sweet, there is no denying the intricate element that exudes the track’s effortless appeal – the soothing, funk-esque bass groove which wriggles its way through the track’s fluctuant foundation. Once it starts you can’t help but bop along.

Displaying strong musical growth, Caravella have created an indie- pop delight with ‘Internet bby’. Looking forward to hearing more from Caravella.

Stream ‘Internet bby’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Shoegaze, Singer/Songwriter

Lucy Gaffney ‘Send Me Away’

Hailing from Belfast, the now Liverpool based, Irish songwriter Lucy Gaffney has released her new single ‘Send Me Away’,via Frictionless Music. The track was produced by The Coral’s James Skelly and featuring on the track alongside Lucy is Thom Southern (Electric Guitar, Bass) and Jim Sharrock(Drums).Previously, Lucy was part of Marathon signed band Southern, alongside her brother and consistent collaborator Thom. Her short solo career – with just the one single out so far – has already seen acclaim from the iconic Liam Gallagher (who called her music ‘celestial’), a collaboration with DMA’s and tours with Bill Ryder Jones and She Drew The Gun. Big supporters at radio have come in the form of BBC Radio 1, as well as BBC Introducing Merseyside and BBC Introducing Ulster.

‘Send Me Away’ is a dreamy slice of psychedelic shoegaze as Lucy Gaffney’s delicate vocals drift over an expanding swirling soundscape. The effervescent instrumental backdrop fizzes and swells to create an intoxicating wall of sound. With sweet guitar refrains piercing the thick euphoric bass ripples and driving beat, the track instantly lifts you into an ethereal state of bliss. The melody is saturated in irresistible hooks and syrupy textures. As the song progresses distorted guitars superbly build creating pockets of piercing scintillation through the dazing synths while Gaffney innocently coos over the tense edgy soundscape. Lucy Gaffney is a compelling artist and talented songwriter, showing strong personal musical growth from her days in Southern and MMode. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Lucy Gaffney in the future.

About the track Gaffney explains: “For me the track really encapsulates the dreamy element in the idea of love, getting lost in intoxicating moments and the electric excitement of the unknown. With the recording I wanted to capture the garage band rawness from when I wrote it in the rehearsal studio. There’s an honest naivety to it that fizzes with electric quirks and kinks from start to finish, igniting an in the moment carefree edge.”

Stream ‘Send Me Away’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, EP Review, Indie Pop, New Music

Euan Lindsay ‘You, Boy’ EP

Multi/instrumentalist, singer, producer, journeyman Euan Lindsay has released his debut E.P ‘You, Boy’. Hailing from Cork, Lindsay’s music pulls heavily from a wide reach of genres. Elements of disco, house, soul and hip-hop can all be heard throughout the artist’s first work.The E.P was recorded over a 6 month period by the artist through a turbulent time. 

‘You, Boy’ combines Euan Lindsay’s earnest lyrics with modern pop production to create a distinctive body of work. From darker evening tunes like  ‘Lost my head’  to the Spanish toned ‘Easy’ and R&B hued ‘Sing about me when the craic is done’ each track has a lightness and mellow soundscape. Lindsay embellishes his tracks with tight instrumentation and lush textures transforming songs like ‘Ur Smile’ into a vibrant funk pop song laced in tropical tones and rich rhythms.

The tracks are clean and refined as Lindsay shows off his production prowess. He knows when not to overdo things and keeps the intricacies on guitar and synths within delicate and subtle levels maintaining the easy going atmosphere throughout. Distinctive vocals meander between coos and soulful tones with a Cork twang shining brightly throughout as Lindsay provides a fresh listening experience with a proudly Irish undertone.

Each track grooves and pivots around the meticulously placed guitar melodies. These golden melodies lace the songs in sun-kissed tropical and funk/soul elements creating a balmy hue to indulge in. Although the songs float with a dreamy laid back upbeat vibe, Lindsay discusses themes of loss, illness and self-uncertainty throughout the EP, albeit with a sense of Irish irony and self-mockery

With dazzling electronics and flashing beats on the lofi ‘All I Know’ and the mellow lounge soul elements on closing track ‘I don’t belong’ Lindsay proves his deft ability to create stunning pieces of music while bending genres harmoniously. ‘You, Boy’ is an impressive debut from Euan Lindsay.

Stream ‘You, Boy’ below


Author : Danu