Tag Archives: Alternative Pop

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, 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

Alt- Pop, New Music, Pop Rock

World’s First Cinema ‘Red Run Cold’

World’s First Cinema have just released their hotly anticipated new single ‘Red Run Cold’.The track is the second single from World’s First Cinema who recently released their debut song ‘Can’t Feel Anything’ which saw additions on 2 key Spotify playlists Pop Rock Shot and Fin De Journee. The track has now accumulated over 200k streams. World’s First Cinema is a cinematic alt rock duo from Los Angeles comprised of John Sinclair and Fil Thorpe. Since the project’s inception in early 2020 the duo has aimed to combine cinematic orchestration with melodic pop vocals and unique rock production. Their sonic identity reveals a theatrical tone inspired by film scoring as it clashes with rock. ‘Red Run Cold’ their second single was both written and produced by the duo.

‘Red Run Cold’ is a mouthwatering bite into the luscious alternative pop of World’s First Cinema as they use their first rate musicianship to create a wholly invigorating listening experience. The track ferments and simmers within the bands richly melodic sound; electronics surge through the track creating an intense soundscape while heavy beat eruptions and expanding sonic builds add adrenaline and power to the songs emotive melodies. The strings glide and swoosh through the track with a lamenting stride that at times mirrors the bitter sweet vocal melody. The duo flesh out the track superbly embellishing their full bodied wall of sound with rich percussion and dramatic synth progression between biting alternative pop eruptions. This anthemic song builds to cinematic heights as the band utilize pockets of space in the track to create intense, hair-raising moments while employing a varied range of genres. With soul infused passionate vocals and an infectious melody ‘Red Run Cold’ is a captivating new single from World’s First Cinema.

Stream ‘Red Run Cold’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, New Music

Apella ‘POINT OF VIEW’

Apella return with their brand new single ‘Point of View’. Alongside this they have also announced the release of their debut album “1963” which is set for release on January 29th, 2021.Formed in Dublin in 2016, Apella burst onto the scene with their radio hit ‘We Met At A Party’ and furthered their success with ‘Graceful Dancer’, ‘Logic’ and ‘City Limits’. After touring all over the country – opening for Twenty One Pilots, appearing at all major Irish music festivals including Electric Picnic, Indiependence, Castlepalooza and Sea Sessions – accompanied by UK tours with Keywest and Don Broco, frontman and singer Dara Quilty moved to New York City to work further on his music career. This period saw him playing in venues like Rockwood Music Hall, Bitter End, Pete’s Candy Store and many more in New York City. The Pandemic brought the music industry to a tragic halt with Dara Quilty completing his work on the album at Empire Underground Studios in Brooklyn, NY. 

Exuding cinematic soundscapes, ‘Point of View’ presents the passionate and emotive musicianship of Apella. The track builds superbly boasting lush, diverse instrumentation from warm guitars, spongy drums to elegant strings which creates an uplifting ethereal atmosphere.The dynamic and graceful elements are enhanced by heartfelt songwriting, hair-raising pop production and dreamy melodies. As ‘Point of View’ progresses the guitars and drums pepper the song in indie rock grit. The warm emotive vocals drift over the tracks bittersweet melody with a soaring elegance as the song builds to its powerful crescendo. ‘Point of View’ is a well created new song from Apella. Looking forward to the album in 2021.

Speaking about the album Dara Quilty said: “I had a goal to produce & record an entire album before I was 30 and I did it. I waited for too long to release this but now is the time. This is my life’s work, this is my twenties. I paid for the entire production of the record myself and I am truly excited to put it out into the world!”

Stream ‘Point of View’ below


Author : Danu

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

Noah Elliott ‘Empty’

Oregon native and Pop R&B singer Noah Elliott has released his new single ‘Empty’, the third release from his debut album ‘Songs For The Optimist’.His previous releases already have over 500k Spotify listens from a growing fanbase of loyal music lovers and this is just the beginning.

Honest and infectious ‘Empty’ displays Noah Elliott’s ability to blend intricate electronic pop with emotion to create a wholly consuming number. The track simmers with buoyant subtle grooves while warm guitars lament between a dark R&B backdrop. Elliott’s lyrics are earnest and raw “ I was brain dead, close to the edge” while haunting backing vocals and spacious soundscapes flutter about the track’s expansive wall of sound accompanied by earthy twinkles on xylophone. ‘Empty’ is a sublime engaging song from Noah Elliot.

Stream ‘Empty’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Liam Geddes ‘Christmas In Bed’

After a busy year of releases Liam Geddes finishes 2020 off with a playful yet relatable Christmas single called ‘Christmas In Bed’. This year has seen Liam rack up 336k streams on Spotify alone and peaked at 93k monthly listeners.

Richly textured and boasting witty lyrics, ‘Christmas In Bed’ is a catchy tune from Liam Geddes. The track takes the cheery Christmas song and puts a fun and unique spin on it. Geddes’ velvety vocals cruise along an infectious nostalgic melody which surges with uplifting soundscapes of bubbling synths, buoyant beats and festive sleigh bells ( which adorn the clap along feature ). The lyrics long for a proper Christmas, not the 2020 version we are stuck with, while the lush pop sensibilities, R&B hues and anthemic tones keep the track bright and fun. ‘Christmas In Bed’ is a lively earworm perfect for the Holiday season. Love It.

Stream ‘Christmas In Bed’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Quinn ‘Some Days’

After the successful debut single release of ‘Trespasser’ in July 2020 Belfast local and ‘dootdootRecords’ artist Quinn has released her follow up single ‘Some Days’. Since linking up with Producer Michael Mormecha and John Dynes from dootdoot Music, Quinn’s guitar and piano based lyrical music has taken a massive leap into experimental, hard hitting pop.Quinn has performed in many venues around the world, including touring in New York,Amsterdam, Dublin, Cambridge, Manchester, Dubai, Dublin and Nashville,with the main purpose of getting her music in front of as many people as possible. She has also appeared at multiple venues and events in Northern Ireland


Quinn fleshes out her emotive alternative sound with new single ‘Some Days’; a shimmering pop track with an 80’s synth sheen. The track travels on an upbeat melody and tightly weaved synths which creates a vibrant and bubbling soundscape for Quinn’s expressive vocals to bounce off. As the jaunty guitars spread a sweet radiance through the warm melody the song reaches its comforting power pop crescendo. Exuding quirky, earnest lyrics ‘Some Days’ is an uplifting and richly crafted gem from Quinn. 

The song was written in Amsterdam in January 2020 when Quinn was on tour in Europe. About the song she says…. “I was really struggling with the loneliness of the music industry and not sure what direction to go in. I wrote ‘Some Days’ on an acoustic guitar in 3 or 4 days and used it to help redirect my goals and focus for my career in music.”

Watch the video for ‘Some Days’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Thrillhouse ‘The Tin Man’

Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new strut worthy single ‘The Tin Man’. This radiant anthem prances in on Thrillhouse’s infectious musicianship.The band have created a luscious irresistible tune exuding a hip moving beat, jaunty guitar, and funky bass groove with a vibrant backing vocal and fruity pop melody providing the sugary coating on top. Thrillhouse craft fun, energetic and exhilarating tunes laced in charm which compel you to put the track on repeat. Their tunes will put a smile on your face and coax you to the dance floor. I’m becoming a big fan of these guys.

Stream ‘The Tin Man’ below


Author : Danu

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

Sam Ludlow ‘Summertime Somewhere’

Dublin multi-instrumentalist Sam Ludlow is set to release his new single ‘Summertime Somewhere’ on 20th of November. The song was recorded during the Summer with producer/friend, Mateusz (Shaky Shack), and Andrea Louise Jones on sax in a small house outside Dublin.

‘Summertime Somewhere’ is a wonderfully melodic track as Sam Ludlow spreads mellow alt pop over infectious grooves and intricately crafted soundscapes. The track’s soothing atmosphere and relaxed vibes seep into the listeners ears with ease as Sam’s velvety vocals cruise over the laid back melody and bubbling beat. The sunkissed haze on guitar is perhaps the most interesting aspect on the track, it exudes warmth through a soft beat which ventures slightly into reggae territory without fully committing to the genre. Sprinkles of jazz provided by a sultry sax give that final touch to create an all consuming listening experience.

‘Summertime Somewhere’ is a delight to listen to. Sam Ludlow is honing in on his sound and perfecting his craft. Looking forward to hearing more from this artist.

 ‘Summertime Somewhere’ is set for release tomorrow 20th of November for more you can follow Sam Ludlow on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/samludlowartist


Author : Danu