Tag Archives: Alternative Pop

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

Fya Fox ‘Numb’

Fya Fox has released her new single ‘Numb’.Fya Fox is the exciting new prospect from Ireland. A classically trained vocalist straying beyond Ireland’s traditional country/folk scene, Fya’s previous singles ‘Body’, ‘Lies’ and ‘Sunset’ have already been supported by BBC Radio 1, 2fm, Today FM and many more.

Earnest, tender and strikingly emotive, ‘Numb’ is a moving display of alternative pop. An intriguing aspect of Fya’s music is her vocals. Her rich tones have the power to ignite emotion within the listener and create a wonderfully hair-raising listening experience. ‘Numb’ is a fine example of this; Fya displays raw emotion within this powerful tune, her immaculate vocals convey a crippling sense of loss “paralysed now that I’m alone should feel more, but I’m scared I don’t” that is enhanced by a lamenting piano feature. The track is an absolute gem to treasure and a wonderful display of Fya Fox’s eloquent songwriting and exquisite musicianship.

Speaking about her latest track ‘Numb’, Fya said:  “I was standing there singing at this funeral watching from the gallery and just couldn’t understand why I was so numb. I kept my composure the entire ceremony but as the coffin was being carried out I suddenly got this feeling, this is it, this is the last time I see you. My Granny who was a major inspiration in my life passed away. A few days later I had a zoom session with an artist in the US who I’d never written with before so didn’t want to cancel. Brompton the legend didn’t know what he had himself in for,  we wrote NUMB and 5 days later I went into the studio with the incredible Matt Weir to record a rough demo.  NUMB is very different from my previous tracks, it’s the most honest! I really didn’t think I was going to release it but I feel so many people can connect and relate with it especially after the year we’ve had!”

Stream ‘Numb’ below 


Author: Danu

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

Ryan Egan ‘Alone For the Last Time’


Critically acclaimed American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Ryan Egan has released his new single ‘Alone For the Last Time’.The song is the second single off Ryan Egan’s debut LP Soft Power which is due out April 8, 2022. The song was produced by Egan and Kevin Basko (Foxygen, Rubber Band Gun). This arrives shortly after the album’s debut single ‘Weeknights’ generated immense buzz, with features including Spotify’s New Music Friday.

‘Alone For the Last Time’ is a brooding slow-burner that boasts the silken, chic sound of Eagan. The song builds superbly, its laid back atmosphere and lush swooning soundscapes are filled with saxophone pines, washes of synths and sharp guitars while Eagan’s soft croons create a tender and soothing tone throughout. The track is a joy to listen to and is a fine example of Ryan Egan’s exquisite musicianship. Blending elements of psychedelia with lo-fi indie, dream pop and 70’s embellishments ‘Alone For the Last Time’ is a bittersweet anthem to immerse yourself in and enjoy.

Stream ‘Alone For the Last Time’ below


Author: Danu

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

Robert O’Connor ‘Been & Gone’

Following his summer trance anthem ‘Save You’, Robert O’Connor returns with a brand new single ‘Been & Gone’.Produced by Gareth Shortland (Steps, Will Young), ‘Been & Gone’ is a break- up anthem that Robert wrote in “ten minutes flat” on his coffee break at work.

‘Been & Gone’ is a sweet electronic pop tune that highlights O’Connors emotional and refined musicianship. O’Connor balances elements of lounge disco with shimmering pop to create a lonely dance tune brimming with passion and chiming synths. Filled with icy keys and pulsing beats, ‘Been & Gone’ is a suspenseful sombre ditty saturated in bright electronics and ethereal sonic embellishments. The tune is pristinely crafted and exudes elegance, while the melody creates a melancholic undertone that emanates from every note. 

Stream ‘Been & Gone’ below


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

LYRA ‘Lose My Mind’

Cork native LYRA has released her new single ‘Lose My Mind’, via Rubyworks label. It is the first new single to come from the as-yet-untitled new body of work due for release later this year.’Lose My Mind’ was written and co-produced by LYRA and Dane Etteridge (former Ordinary Boys guitarist), it was mixed by Grammy-nominated Darren Heelis (Sam Smith, Tom Walker, Liam Payne) in the US. Darren Heelis also worked with LYRA on her previous single release the Jackie Lomax cover of ‘New Day’, which achieved #1 chart positions with iTunes and Shazam.

‘Lose My Mind’ radiates with LYRA’s emotive and cinematic musicianship. Propulsive rhythms and blustery electronics exude dance anthem vibes while powerful vocals soar across a kinetic soundscape and anchor the listener within the tracks alternative pop backdrop. A dark and ominous undertone bubbles underneath, enhanced by tense drums and brooding verses that build to a fantastic hair-raising crescendo. LYRA is a master of her craft. Her striking, dynamic vocal delivery and ability to create thrilling, emotive arrangements that stir the soul is admirable and ‘Lose My Mind’ is a fine example of this.

About the track, LYRA said: “I had so much fun with this single, I wrote ‘Lose My Mind’ in the recording studio, it is a song about losing all your inhibitions, being free of mind, the idea that you can be possessed and yet exhilarated at the same time”.

 Watch the video for ‘Lose My Mind’ below


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music

Jack Rua and Kit Major ‘Vacuum’

Single cover by PureGrand

Irish alternative pop artist Jack Rua and American electro-pop artist Kit Major have released their new single ‘Vacuum’, which was produced by UK based artist Possessive and written by Jack Rua and Kit Major.

Filled with pulsing synths clashing against a tight and muggy backdrop of dynamic beats and kinetic guitars, ‘Vacuum’ sees both Rua and Major reach new earworm pop heights. An intoxicating bittersweet melody chimes throughout as Rua and Major express the tracks dense lyrical content “I lost the part of me that wants to fall in love”. Their vocals perfectly complement each other as they seamlessly harmonise and interplay between bubbling glam-pop electronics and dark alternative pop soundscapes. ‘Vacuum’ is an enticing and irresistible tune that boasts the refined and masterful musicianship of both Jack Rua and Kit Major.

The song is about feeling empty and unable to connect to people in romance due to past traumas. “I sort of envisioned myself as this cold, unfeeling creature while trying to form relationships,” says Jack, who wrote the bulk of the lyrics. “If I ever felt I was connecting with someone, this defense mechanism within me would pop the feeling like a dart to a balloon.” Despite the dark theme, Kit Major contributed to the more hopeful ending. “Jack and I have a shared love for wrapping open wounds in glimmer and Pop”, she said. “We all heal from heartbreak differently, and this song is an anthem to breaking down the barriers of love”.

Stream ‘Vacuum’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Aonair ‘Think Twice’

Off the back of a near sold-out Button Factory show and a headliner show in Sin E this October – Aonair has released his penultimate single ‘Think Twice’ taken from upcoming EP ‘Loveheart Birthmark’. ‘Think Twice’ ft. Caoimhe from Wyvern Lingo (vocals) was written, recorded, produced and mixed by Aonair . Aonair has received praise from Ed Smith on Today FM, Totally Irish on 98fm, Across The Line on BBC Across The Line, RTE 2FM, Nova FM, 8Radio, Flirt FM, and so much more.

‘Think Twice’ is a thrilling alternative pop anthem. This shimmering indie-pop gem surges with mouth-watering melodies and is doused in effervescent synths and danceable qualities. Bright guitar lines sprinkle a dash of zest into the track to create a refreshing and vitalising 80’s soundscape as Aonair wraps this passionate, heartfelt tune in strutting instrumentation and disco hues, leaving the listener craving to hear more. His smooth reverb coated vocals blend superbly with Caoimhe’s emotive, soulful tones as the duo harmonise beautifully while a catchy rhythm pulses within the track, radiating passion and youthful adrenaline throughout. Filled with warm saxophone, chiming keys and lush production, ‘Think Twice’ is a knock out bop sure to brighten any day. 

Stream ‘Think Twice’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

onedaybear ‘Swim (ODB remix)’

Mancunian artist, onedaybear, has released his new single, ‘Swim (ODB remix)’.onedaybear began posting tracks on Soundcloud in 2010 while studying at The University of Manchester. He was inspired by the city’s rich musical heritage to start making music and started out his musical career by uploading demos to Soundcloud whilst being a part of other bands (La Dharma and a few smaller projects). This year, he decided to go into the studio as a solo artist for the first time to record the single ‘Swim’. 

‘Swim (ODB remix)’ is a dark and brooding concoction as onedaybear ferments alternative pop melodies under moody grunge/ post-punk sounds to create an enthralling and mysterious listening experience. The song has a tense wall of sound and is simply a joy to listen to; punchy beats create a sturdy foundation as biting guitars soar through a haunting backdrop while onedaybears nonchalant spoken vocals cut through the tracks eerie soundscape. ‘Swim (ODB remix)’ is a well-crafted tune filled with slicing riffs, moody melodies and exhilarating musicianship, marking onedaybear an artist to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Swim (ODB remix)’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Kynsy ‘Mr Nice Guy’

 Photo Credit: George Voronov

Kynsy has released her new single ‘Mr Nice Guy’. Kynsy is the solo project of 23 year-old Irish multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Ciara Lindsey. The song is co-produced by Kynsy and James Dring (Gorillaz / Jamie T / Sorry).”Mr Nice Guy” is the first new single from Kynsy since the release of her critically acclaimed debut EP, Things That Don’t Exist released in January of this year.  

Surging with tightly weaved instrumentation ‘Mr Nice Guy’ is an irresistible indie-pop tune that boasts the ever-evolving sound of Kynsy. Within ‘Mr. Nice Guy’ we see Kynsy smother a groovy indie foundation with lashings of synths and pop- esque melodies to create a tantalizing tune brimming with sass and vigour.

Skillfully produced the song’s sonic wall of sound expands with zesty stings on guitar and sweet key refrains while drum grooves and pulsing bass lines flutter throughout. The upbeat nature of the instrumentation contrasts Kynsy’s nonchalant vocals as the artist croons out some pretty hard-hitting lyrics “Hey there Mr. nice guy, f*cking with your stuck fly. Have you got no class at all”.

Kynsy is an immensely talented musician who is creating an impeccable track record of invigorating tunes for listeners to enjoy. The artist possesses an unnatural and enviable gift for creating catchy earworm melodies filled with sharp witty lyrics and jubilant instrumentation; the result is a sublime display of musicianship that leaves much to be admired. ‘Mr Nice Guy’’ is a spectacular example of this.

Talking about the new song and video, Kynsy says: “It’s a song about money and working and having one of those horrible bosses who tells you he’s trying to be ‘the nice guy’ while he goes through you outside on the street. It’s mostly based on an encounter I had in a waitressing job. I suppose there is a message in there about the power of empathy and kindness in how you deal with people. The video echoes a lot of the themes in the song just pushed to an extreme level. Working with Dave and Conor we created a surreal world that’s really colourful but eerie at the same time. The master [me!] is on a constant power trip and forces her minions to endure some pretty awful treatment for her own gratification. To honour the positive message in the song we get to see how treating people like this will come back to bite you one way or another. “

Kynsy has also announced a series of tour dates taking place this December with shows at Upstairs Whelan’s, Dublin on 9th December, Kasbah Social Club, Limerick on 10th December and Connolly’s of Leap, Cork on 11th December.

She will perform her debut international live shows this November, with dates at the inaugural Pitchfork Music Festival London at The Roundhouse on Sunday 14th November and Pitchfork Festival Paris on 19th November. 

Watch the video for ‘Mr Nice Guy’ below 


Author: Danu

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

The Crayon Set ‘Downer Disco’ Album

Dublin-based, The Crayon Set have released their new album ‘Downer Disco’.The album was recorded with producer Stephen Shannon at Experimental Audio in Dublin in 2019. The release was put on hold due to Covid ’19.To celebrate the launch of ‘Downer Disco’ The Crayon Set will play their first headline show in over 2 years at The Grand Social, Dublin on 7th October. Tickets are €9 (Students: €7) and are available at www.ticketmaster.ie  

‘Downer Disco’ is a glorious collection of alternative pop gems that ripple with shimmering synths, rich percussion and the irresistible musicianship of The Crayon Set. This band’s ability to whack out diverse earworms while creating a cohesive body of work is simply impressive. They pour sweet melodies and bright instrumentation into opening tracks ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ and ‘Summer Song’ before stirring darker tones and brooding melodies through ‘Out Of Your Mind’ to showcase the versatility and freshness within their sound. 

The band exude swagger within this album as they confidently sashay through the sassy indie drenched ‘Rock Star// Dream Girl’ and country hued ‘Flames’ before using brooding guitar melodies, jazz peppered keys, punchy drums and a sultry soundscape to create a sense of mystery that keeps the listener hooked throughout. The lush musicianship within ‘Downer Disco’ is compelling. The band effortlessly balance light and sweet tunes such as ‘Boring’, ( with its lush harmonies, ethereal twinkles on keys and warm guitar ) with the more dark, obscure and electronic heavy ‘Not the End of the World’; the latter boasts choppy rhythms, spiralling electronics and distorted guitars that creates an intoxicating and luring psychedelic-hued backdrop for listeners to indulge in. 

Alongside oodles of rich, tantalizing instrumentation The Crayon Set display emotive lyrical content throughout the album that depicts themes such as mental health, love and loss to name a few. The lyrics are powerful and evocative on their own however they are greatly enhanced by the band’s artful use of instrumentation; beautiful, poetic and aptly placed turns of phrase are wrapped within bittersweet or brooding melodies, “skimming stones cause ripples that go on”–  ‘Miss You in my Dreams’. The Crayon Set have a wonderful ability to touch the soul with their lyrics, while soothing and comforting with their musicianship at the same time and these moments within the album are a joy to experience again and again.

A real treat to the ears ‘Downer Disco’ is an immersive gem of sweet alternative pop filled with beautiful melodies, opulent instrumentation and utterly compelling soundscapes. The Crayon Set are refining what they do best, providing eargasmic refreshing tunes that beckon repeat plays.

Stream ‘Downer Disco’ below 


Author: Danu

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

FYA FOX ‘Need It’

Returning from a slight breather after the recent release ‘Sunset’, FYA FOX is back with her new single ‘Need It’. FOX’s previous two singles ‘Body’ and ‘White Lies’ have already been supported by 2fm, Today FM and many more. ‘Body’ was added to the BBC Radio Ulster ‘Where Music Matters’ playlist which features ten new tracks across the BBC Radio Ulster playlist each month and her debut, ‘White Lies’ received its world exclusive with Radio 1’s Gemma Bradley on BBC Across The Line. As well as being added by Hattie Pearson to the influential Co-op Edit UK playlist, her music has featured on a number of prestigious Spotify playlists including ‘Fresh Finds’ (750K followers).

‘Need It’ is an impressive tune that pulsates with FYA FOX’s unmistakable alternative pop sound. The song simmers with tense electronics and sultry bass lines as FOX coos over the infectious melody creating an intoxicating heart rushing soundscape for listeners to immerse themselves in. With soft keys chiming between dense electronic palpitations and sticky beats ‘Need It’ blossoms to become a power-pop anthem brimming with vigour. FOX creates expressive tunes that boast irresistible hooks and crisp production. She is an immensely talented artist, and ‘Need It’ perfectly displays her infectious musicianship and deft musical prowess. Press play and enjoy.

Stream ‘Need It’ below 


Author: Danu