Tag Archives: dream pop

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

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

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

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

Solly ‘She Can Run’

Solly has released his latest single, ‘She Can Run.’ Infatuated with sounds from a young age, Solly began learning guitar from youtube tutorials. Logic Pro and Ableton became the lens through which he saw the world as he started to push his creativity’s bounds. ‘She Can Run’ was written in a period of grief after Solly’s dog’s passing. Recorded and mixed in his home studio, Solly had friends play the electric guitar and bass, giving this project a friendly collaborative energy.

‘She Can Run’ is a mellow lo-fi indie-pop tune. Solly spreads warm soulful tones over a bubbling backdrop while using buoyant beats and radiant guitar to give the track a bright and soothing tone. The ethereal soundscapes float through dreamy verses, creating a refreshing and freeing atmosphere filled with tropical rhythms and light guitar refrains.

Velvety vocals surge emotion within the track’s laid back dreamy tone while a sense of optimism and freedom is perfectly captured through the use of sharp guitar and emotive instrumentation. ‘She Can Run’ is a sweet and impressively evocative new single from Solly.

Stream ‘She Can Run’ below 


Author : Danu

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

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

Lady Landscape ’25’

Lady Landscape have released their new single ’25’. Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Meath-based five-piece, Lady Landscape embrace a lo-fi sound that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and nonchalant vocals. Their mid-tempo, spacey anthems have led them to play some of Dublin’s top venues alongside bands: Sprints, Bullet Girl, and Isaac Jones.

’25’ is a light velvety coating of Lady Landscape’s melancholic hued dreamy sound as the band delve into their rich creamy musicianship with a striking lyrical content. It’s a silky, smooth number as airy synths wisp about a spongy supple beat to create a soft mousse-like texture. The lo fi vocals caress the sombre melody with a monotonous tone as the moany lyrics discuss the effects of aging. With zesty stings on guitar the band inject a radiant sweet tone with a biting dash of indie into the lush dream pop soundscape. ‘25’ is another sublime mellow track to indulge in from Lady Landscape.

Stream ‘25’ below 


Author : Danu

TOYGIRL ‘Moonlight Velvet’

TOYGIRL have released their second single, ‘Moonlight Velvet’ which was recorded at the legendary Windmill Lane Studios, was produced by up and coming Irish sound engineer and producer Daniel de Burca and was mixed by in-demand producer Cormac Butler (The Academic, All Tvvins, Coronas, Gavin James, Kodaline) and mastered by Deadeye’s Billy Farrell.TOYGIRL was formed by friends Hannah Worrall (Vocals/Keys), Fiachra O’Mahony (Guitar) and Ciaran Whelband (Guitar) in March 2018 with bassist Aran Hopkinson and drummer Cian O’Leary Hegarty finalising the line up later the same year. TOYGIRL have already gained a reputation for their exciting, hypnotic live performances. Despite their relative newcomer status, the band has clocked up a lot of ‘gig-miles’ on the Irish circuit including stints at the Button Factory, Levis’ Ballydehob, the Workman’s, and Roisin Dubh, Galway, to name a few, as well as the much-coveted support slot to Alice Phoebe Lou on Whelan’s main stage.The group has already been named in the line ups for this year’s Indiependence, K- Fest and We’ve only Just Begun music festivals amongst others.

‘Moonlight Velvet’ is a swoony gem which floats on a vintage bed of lush arrangements. TOYGIRL are developing their irresistible sound superbly. With a delicate yet lush backdrop the band twinkle guitars through soft soundscapes, angelic hushed backing vocals and a supple beat as the track softly wisps into an ethereal cloud of dreamy bliss. There is a faint yet deep flourish of jazz as soothing saxophone surges with a sweet loneliness through the hazy backdrop. The band masterfully create a delicate track which has depth and exudes rich rhythms without becoming overpowering.Hannah Worrall’s soulful vocals melt upon the bitter sweet melody with a pacifying comfort. Her voice is longing, sincere yet hopeful all at once.

‘Moonlight Velvet’ is utterly tender and sweet. The band provide comfort through melodic and sultry moments blessed with intricate guitar lines, glistening keys and an overall whimsical romantic soundscape. Presented with class and elegance ‘Moonlight Velvet’ is an immaculate emotive number that totally consumes you in the undeniably lush musicianship of TOYGIRL. 

Stream ‘Moonlight Velvet’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie Buddie Introducing : roves

Independent, Reading based four piece roves have released their new single  ‘i’m on your side’.The track is the first single from their upcoming EP ‘they fall down to earth’ due for release summer 2020.The band comprised of Ethan Morgan (Vocals/Guitar), Connor Coutts (Guitar), Ellis Morgan (Bass/Vocals) and Matt Jamieson (Drums) have enjoyed many opportunities since releasing their debut single ‘Always’ in February 2018, from packed headline BBC Introducing gigs at the Purple Turtle in Reading and Guildford’s Boileroom with bands such as VALERAS, Ivory Wave, China Bears and The Tin Pigeons in cities including London, Oxford and Cardiff. The band had their first festival slot this summer at 110 Above in Leicestershire. roves have also been featured on BBC Radio 6 and had consistent radio play across their local BBC Introducing, recently recording a live session at the legendary Maida Vale studios. 

 ‘i’m on your side’ is a glistening sweet indie pop delight as roves coat their lush laid back sound in dreamy nostalgic tones and progressive passion-filled instrumentation. With a soft melty melody caressed by soothing velvety vocals, this track is a cosy heartwarming indie ditty that provides a breath and space to relax and daydream in. The track holds a dreamy, beach-style, summer sunset vibe with effortless charm as warm twinkling guitar weaves golden threads of scintillation throughout while the buoyant beat and absorbing bass create a dance-able, rhythmic bounce. With it’s upbeat laid back presentation and subtly rich, intricate backdrop – rove have created a wonderful listening experience with ‘i’m on your side’.

Stream ‘i’m on your side’ below 


Author : Danu