Tag Archives: Alternative Pop

A Chat With, Indie, Indie Pop, Interviews, New Music

A Chat With : Bloxx

We caught up with lead singer, Ophelia (Fee) Booth from BLOXX to talk about the release of their debut album ‘Lie Out Loud’ and their huge UK tour scheduled for spring 2021.

‘Lie Out Loud’ has been a long time coming for the Uxbridge four piece, and follows a glorious ascent since BLOXX exploded onto the scene four years ago with their definitive brand of confessional, relatable indie pop. The album features the huge singles ‘Go Out With You’, ‘Coming Up Short’, ‘Thinking About Yourself’, ‘Off My Mind’, alongside a wealth of new material that showcases the band’s journey so far, which has seen them play huge shows, build an army of fans and amass over 30 million Spotify plays.

You guys have released your debut album Lie Out Loud. You guys burst onto the scene four years ago. Why did it take four years to bring out an album, were you crafting your sound, readying for this release to make it as cohesive as possible?

We really just wanted to build a bit of a name for ourselves with singles and Ep’s. Crafting an album can be a long thing when you’re brand new to the industry. It feels good to not have rushed it all.

Talk to us about the title, why did you choose to call the album ‘Lie Out Loud’?

It came as a bit of a shock when i said it out loud, and I didn’t actually think it made much sense until I dwelled on the idea that it actually does. We spend, as humans, a lot of time convincing ourselves that we’re being honest with ourselves, when we can just be lying. The act of lying out loud is the idea that we’re so unaware that we’re lying, we’re doing it out loud. A lot of the tracks on the record deal with personal things for me, and the feeling of the above. 

It’s an album of cracking energetic indie tunes with shredding guitars, driving rhythmic sections and oodles of energy. How did you guys approach the writing for this album?

I think it’s important for me to write as if I’m trying to write a song for the stage. I love the idea of a crowd in my mind when I’m writing. 

You have a wonderful knack with writing earworm melodies. Talk us through how you come up with these melodies. Do you spend time ruminating on them or does it just come naturally? 

A lot of it is patience, listening and feeling the music. But I am always singing to myself, sometimes around supermarkets I’ll have to grab my phone and record a melody that I’m singing. I listen back most of the time and it’s absolute nonsense.

To coincide with the album release, You have unveiled a new single ‘5000 Miles’. It’s an unconventional love song that perfectly encapsulates the feelings of love, lust and growing up in a British satellite town. Tell us about that song and what sparked you to write it?

It is about my girlfriend at the time whom I met in the US. When I left I was really upset and penned half of the lyrics for this tune on the flight whilst drinking red wine. The music came later in this case, which is unusual for me. 

Do you write your songs from personal experiences? If so do you ever feel anxious that the people you are singing about will know the song is about them? 

Yes sometimes but I usually send a text explaining that there’s no hard feelings. In some cases people think it’s about them when it’s not at all. I find that quite funny, but if the glass slipper fits I say! 

How did you choose which tracks you were going to put on the album?

It was a bit hard but most of them were no brainers. I rarely hate a song that I write. Except for ‘Lay Down’. Bin that one.

‘It Won’t Work Out’ is one of my favourite songs on the album. Tell us about that track and how you crafted it?

Oh right, amazing! Me and Steph Marziano spent a hot hot day in the studio just writing and this happened! The four on the floor really makes that tune for me, and the way it opens up with guitars in the second part. It’s a cool one.

Do you have a track that you are particularly proud of?

 I think it has to be ‘Coming Up Short’. We were totally able to completely capture my energy and my song writing style in that song. I’d love to think that’s my sound down to a T. 

Fee your vocals are strong and emotive while oozing attitude and swagger have you always been a confident singer?

Oh no, I used to be awful really. Confidence is so key to performance, and I didn’t have any, but I’ve taught myself that feeling strong makes you act stronger so I’m not nervous anymore.

You have constructed a solid reputation through touring extensively with the likes of indie giants Two Door Cinema Club and The Wombats, hitting up major festival stages and rapidly churning out anthemic crowd explosive tunes. I bet you were gutted that you haven’t been able to tour the album this year?

Yeah! We’ve been really lucky actually! We were really gutted yeah. Having to cancel loads of shows really hit us hard, and I’m sure it’s hit everyone! Just can’t wait to get back on the road.

What tips have you picked up playing these shows with Two Door Cinema Club, The Wombats and Sundara Karma, as well as the festivals like Reading, Leeds and The Great Escape?

I think it helped us grow up a lot. We got to live on the road for a bit and being away from home and family when you’re young is how you learn to be independent I think. All of the bands we’ve toured with have been amazing to us, and it’s been so great to learn things like etiquette and also how to perform better! 

You are set to celebrate the album’s release with a huge UK tour scheduled for spring 2021. What have you got planned for the shows?

So many great things. We want to make those shows the best we’ve ever played. Getting to play album tracks for the first time in front of people will be the best feeling. I penned some of these tunes to be live anthems, so we want to bring everything to the table next year for all the fans.

Do you have any advice for anyone watching who wants to start a band or career in music?

Keep going, write a load of music, stay true to your ideas and your sound, and never stop dreaming big. 

What’s next for you guys?

More music, more shows, energy and some cool surprises early next year!

‘Lie Out Loud’ is a tight, vigorous album and an impressive debut. BLOXX pack oodles of energy into these passionate tunes and the result is a hook laden album which evokes the raw energy of a live gig as well as providing a refined satisfying body of work locked and loaded for repeat listens. 

BLOXX are set to head out on tour in 2021. Check out the dates below 

APRIL

15 – The Rescue Rooms – Nottingham

18 – Riverside – Newcastle

19 – King Tuts – Glasgow

20 – Brudenell Social Club – Leeds

22 – Academy – Manchester

23 – The Bullingdon – Oxford

26 – Thekla – Bristol

27 – Heaven – London

Stream ‘Lie Out Loud’ below


Author : Danu

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

Dunluvly ‘Something On My Mind’

Dublin-based singer/songwriter/producer Dunluvly has released his new single, ‘Something On My Mind’.The song is the second release off Dunluvly’s upcoming EP, ‘Plethora’.

Exuding a chilled atmosphere, subtle R&B elements and indie pop melodies, Dunluvly crafts ‘Something On My Mind’ superbly. The multitude of textures created through looped guitar and meticulous attention to detail showcase just how talented Dunluvly is as an artist. Each subsequent listen provides a new treat to the ears as it reveals a new melody, rhythmic pull or electronic twinkle within the song’s rich sonics. With warm indie guitar peering behind a lo-fi beat and agitated percussive progression Dunluvly creates a vibrant backdrop for his smooth vocals and hook filled melody to flourish within. ‘Something On My Mind’ is wonderful track from Dunluvly. Looking forward to hearing more from Dunluvly.

About the track Dunluvly says, “I wrote the track when I was in the decision making process of trying to move out. I was going a bit mad living at home with my family, and feeling mounting frustration at the impossibility of moving out in the county that I grew up in. The song expresses the agitation of wanting to fly the nest but feeling chained. It felt impossible to work to afford a place to live and also have the time to pursue creative endeavours.“The main hook of the track is a looped melody that repeats quite a bit in the song. It mimics being caught in a mental loop and being haunted by the same recurring thoughts.” 

Stream ‘Something On My Mind’ below


Author : Danu

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

Nightly ‘night, love you’ Album

Photo Credit :Zach Pigg

Nashville Indie-pop, alternative band Nightly have released their debut album ‘night, love you’. In true Nightly manner ‘night, love you’ overflows with genuine, heartfelt warmth and refined musicianship. These guys write infectious earworms oozing lush intricate arrangements that create wonderfully melodious tunes. 

Synths wisp and soar through the tracks creating an ethereal atmosphere which exudes sweet hues and lush textures that flourish through ‘the car’, ‘mess in my head’ and ‘not like you’. Indie jaunty guitar bursts add a dash of vigor through the tracks as the band allow each song show a new facet of their musicianship. The 80’s shimmering disco ball of ‘time online’ is a lonely bop with elements of auto tune on the vocals. The tracks bittersweet infectious melody is an instant hook which entices the listener into submission while a danceable shuffling beat coupled with cinematic production makes ‘time online’ a memorable track on the album.

A number of interludes embellish the album providing a The 1975 vibe for ‘(howitfeels)’ – exuding sparkling synths, bubbling beats and audio clips, this darker number displays a unique facet to the bands sound while the short ‘turnpike’ showcases Nightly’s heavier electronic side as they layer deft beats over an electronic soundscape. ‘whiskey’ displays the light-hearted and fun element of the album while paving the way for the ultimate summer tune, ‘summer’. This upbeat ditty is the gem. Though all the songs warrant a memorable place on the album there’s something special about ‘summer’. Maybe it’s the nostalgic vibe, radiant atmosphere or dreamy melody, the song emcompasses everything youthful and free. The band continue this knockout melodic flow through their slower ballads. ‘older’ which is my favourite track is an earnest account of growing up and the fear and expectation associated with it. A relatable theme set to beautiful music, it’s the most moving track on the album. The song is honest and filled with weaving electronics, soft beats and bubbling soundscapes which caress Jonathan Capeci’s soft coos as he perfectly delivers the lyrics with passion and tenderness. With warm guitar accompanying his voice this emotional tune is a captivating example of how well Nightly capture emotion within their lyrics and music. 

The band build on natural emotion, expertly crafting it through this album to provide an incredibly powerful collection of sonic beauties. However they keep the tempo bubbly and bright with ‘so sly’ and ‘lose a friend’ while ‘the movies’ returns the album to that dreamy nostalgic melancholy that could make your heart bleed.
The album comes full circle with ‘i got so much to tell you’. A minimalist track with reverb vocals and echoed soundscapes; the song builds tension ever so carefully. Themes of love, confusion and fear all flood through the song’s lyrics while the swirling electronics and lofty soundscapes create space between the clicking and pulsing beats.

There is a magical quality to Nightly’s melodic wizardry. Their ability to pull passion, sadness and love out of every note is masterful. The band have nurtured their sound and allowed it blossom into something beautiful and passionate. Emotion drives this collection of tracks. ‘night, love you’ is a catalogue of life and a journey of the heart set to intricate, cinematic sounds and emotive vocals – a wholesome, wholly consuming listening experience.

Stream ‘night, love you’ below 


Author : Danu

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

BECAH ‘Ghost’

Photo Credit : Joe Laverty Photography

Lurgan based Indie – alternative artist BECAH, is back with her second single and has announced her upcoming debut EP ‘Freaks’, due out Nov 20th. With her debut single ‘Forget’ released in July BECAH grabbed the attention of the industry with her heartfelt lyrics and original writing style. Now back with her second single ‘Ghost’ BECAH brings a new energy and shows off her flexibility when it comes to songwriting.  

‘Ghost’ displays the limitless scope of BECAH as an artist as she dives into the dark electronic and more dynamic side of her mesmerising musicianship. The bittersweet melody drifts atop an effervescent soundscape of punchy drums, distorted guitar fuzz and biting electronics, creating a sweet, innocent contrast to the sinister explosive atmosphere. With heavy synths and sharp guitar this tune is passionate, tender and powerful – the lyrics hit hard as BECAH’s crisp and wonderfully lush vocals coo with soulful tones while a choppy piano refrain accompanies the verses creating an almost jazzy retro element before the chorus consumes the song in a rage of emotion.

BECAH’s debut ‘Forget’ gave listeners a glimpse of her immense talent and sterling sound. However she has turned up the heat for ‘Ghost’. The maturity displayed in her songwriting, tantalizing musicianship, and precise guitar work is impressive. Keep an eye on BECAH.

About the song, BECAH say :”Ghost was the first song I ever sat down and finished when I began writing. Scrawled out in an old notebook on my bedroom floor with a few rough chords as I was only teaching myself guitar at the time. I’ve always noted it as the foundation for everything that has come after, as it gave me the confidence to continue writing. It speaks of those almost loves – the longing to have a person that can never be yours, and the difficulties that surround those kinds of relationships. The sleepless nights, the hope, the disappointment. Feeling as though that person is almost like a ghost in your life because one moment they’re there and then the next they’re gone.”

Watch The Video For ‘Ghost’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Lav ‘Reds’

Lav has released her new single ‘Reds’ which is the first single from her yet-to-be-titled debut EP due in February 2021 on Color Study.The release follows a succession of buzzy singles, “From Me, The Moon”, “Wavvy” and “The Girls Before Me”, which has positioned the LA based artist as one of this year’s hot tips.

There is a slow groove and dreamy quality to ‘Reds’ as Lav coos over a delicately lush instrumental backdrop. Synths fizzle in and out of swirling soundscapes and jazzy warm keys while rippling beats add an R&B element to the tune. The track is a well crafted expression of adolescent romance. Lavs sultry vocals echo and lull over the nostalgic melody, her sweet vocals seduce and draw the listener further into the songs brooding sense of euphoria. ‘Reds’ is another enchanting track from Lav. 

Lav calls the track “a seductive and melancholy tune I whipped up after reflecting on romance in my adolescence. Dreamy and idealistic, without acknowledging the reality of an eventual expiration on the relationship”.

Stream ‘Reds’ below


Author : Danu

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

HEKA ‘Club 1980’

Bristol band HEKA have released their new single ‘Club 1980’. HEKA recently released their debut single ‘Fake Smile’, it reached 20,000 plays on YouTube within the first 3 weeks of release and has been backed by BBC Introducing and BBC Bristol.

Saturated in wonderfully dark and expressive electronic soundscapes, ‘Club 1980’ is a passionate melodically rich number from HEKA. With surging electronics weaving sinister undertones through a sticky beat and consuming soundscape the band build tension from the get go as HEKA blend eerie soundscapes with dark, intoxicating electronics superbly to provide a wholly immersing and rich listening experience.

The listener is treated to a banquet display of musical prowess as HEKA showcase their deft ability to creates pockets of space and brief moments of stillness between the flowing, chiming guitars and synth refrains. These momentary tranquil moments beautifully contrast the fluidity of the track and are a joy to experience.

With lush backing vocal coos and sublime passionate vocals teamed with an infectious bitter sweet melody ‘Club 1980’ is a fine example of why HEKA are an exciting band to keep an eye on. Their ability to blend sinister, brooding electronics, and raw indie with prismatic sparkles of synth pop is masterful.

Stream ‘Club 1980’ below


Author : Danu

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

Dagny ‘Strangers / Lovers’ Album

Norwegian singer Dagny has released the second half of her long-awaited debut album ‘Strangers / Lovers’ via Little Daggers Records. The first half of the album was released earlier this year and documented the blossoming early stages of a new love, while the second half examines the fall out of that relationship.

Dagny’s knack with luscious melodies continues into the second half of the album as she creates beautiful earworms that flourish within the clean dynamic production. There is something more tantalizing and darker about the second half as it subtly slips into a more mysterious and brooding aspect of her infectious pop.

‘Moment’ kick-starts the second half of the album with a buoyant disco vibe as Dagny spreads a sweet pop melody over a breezy electronic backdrop while zesty guitar refrains add a dash of bite between the sugar sweet soundscapes. ‘Please Look At Me’ strides on a more enticing electronic wall of sound filled with bouncy beats and rich percussive elements which flesh out the songs charm. Dagny brings the intoxicating synths and energetic soundscapes to a halt for the emotive ‘Bad At Love (Interlude)’ and beautiful ballad ‘Coast To Coast’. These earnest tunes display Dagny’s emotive songwriting, deft musicianship and striking vocal capabilities. Her ability to express heartfelt, heavy-hitting, and emotional lyrics through a delicate musical arrangement is mesmerising.

In this second half Dagny displays the post breakup emotions through an intriguing lens. These infectious pop tunes slip into the head with ease allowing the second half of the album become just as upbeat, catchy and danceable as the first half while her songwriting prowess meanders through the conflicting, complex, and sombre themes. Propelled by jittery percussion, pulsing synths and dreamy melodies, ‘It’s Only A Heartbreak ’and ‘Bye Bye Baby’ display this superbly. The flashing disco synths in ‘Bye Bye Baby’ reinforce the strength of finally leaving the relationship behind.

‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a cohesive album and a journey of the heart, expressed through passionate, bubbling and dynamic musicianship. Dagny is a wonderful songwriter and her ability to provide a completely satisfying, emotional and refined album is impressive. Her smooth unforced tunes have a glitzy swagger and shimmer about them but dig beneath the catchy hooks and danceable beats and there is a pool of depth and poetic prowess within. ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a sublime album of electronic pop and a fantastic display of expressive musicianship from Dagny.

You can check out our review of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ part one here https://www.indiebuddie.com/dagny-side-a-of-strangers-lovers-album/

Stream ‘Strangers / Lovers’ 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, 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

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