Tag Archives: indie

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks Featuring -HVNTER, Michael-James, HAVVK, crush and Emma Hynes

HVNTER

Genre : Electronic pop

Bio : HVNTER is an electronic singer-songwriter from Pontypridd, South Wales who found his love for music uploading self-taught acoustic covers to YouTube at 16, where he began to craft his songwriting skills. He soon found his feet and after just 3 years had surpassed over 250,000 views. His debut track “Blood” quickly racked up over 30,000 plays on Soundcloud within the first few weeks of release. Catching the attention of Alex Thompson, Managing Director of Clash Magazine and radio support from BBC Introducing.Over the years HVNTER bloomed as a live performer. Having performed with and supported touring artists Bright Light Bright Light, Into The Ark (BBC The Voice), Let’s Eat Grandma, Gabriel Garzon Montano, Tinchy Stryder and Chris Stark (BBC Radio 1), to name a few alongside landing slots at Young Peoples Village and Truck Festival.

Track: Care For You

Why We Like It: This luscious tune simmers with electronic pop soundscapes to create one infectious summer bop. Hip hop beats weave into the track’s bouncy backdrop alongside ethereal keys that flutter between subtle rhythmic shuffles and catchy refrains. ‘Care For You’ exudes a balmy laid back charm enhanced by HVNTER’s smooth vocals which caress the irresistible dreamy melody. This tune is one enjoyable polished gem for listeners to enjoy.

You can follow HVNTER on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/iamhvnter

Stream ‘Care For You’ below 

Michael-James

Genre : Singer songwriter 

Bio : Michael-James is an Indie Folk artist from Newtownards, Northern Ireland. At just 23, Michael has his listeners seeking more and eager to share. On the back of four singles and an E.P released in 2020, Michael is back and ready for more. His latest release ‘golden’ is a short and sweet sing-along summer song. It’s about no matter how far you may travel, how much money you may have in the bank, it’s all about enjoying the little things in life with the person you hold closest to your heart

Track: golden

Why We Like It: It’s a cosy melodic ditty doused in the heartfelt songwriting of Michael-James. The artist drifts mellow guitar twinkles over a steady rhythmic foundation and bright catchy melody to create an easy listening soundscape for his listeners to indulge in. This song glows with a hazy warmth that is magnified by velvety vocals, elegant piano, and foot-tapping beats. Michael-James has a wonderful ability to create bright and soothing tunes that sparkle with subtle charm and beauty.

You can follow Michael-James on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/michaeljamesofficial

Stream ‘golden’ below

HAVVK

Photo Credit : James Byrne

Genre : Alt-grunge

Bio : HAVVK have announced the date for their upcoming album ‘Levelling’ with the release of their new single ‘Automatic’. ‘Automatic’ follows the success of previous album tracks ‘Home’ and ‘No Patience’, which have received excellent radioplay worldwide on stations such as RTÉ 2fm, Today FM, BBC Radio Ulster, NewsTalk, 98fm and Beat 102103 (Ireland), Radio X, Amazing Radio (UK) and KEXP (USA). DSP support has been excellent with album tracks being added to Spotify editorial playlists like ‘Fresh Finds: Rock’, ‘Melomania / Alt. Rocked’ and ‘Whatevs’.

Track: Automatic

Why We Like It: HAVVK present the perfect balance between heavy alternative rock, sweet atmospheric post-rock and lush shoegaze with their latest release. Boasting brooding verses, ethereal soundscapes that build continuously, and the wonderful vocal delivery of Julie Hough the trio’s musical mastery is on full display within ‘Automatic’. The track is simply divine and proves HAVVK are in a league of their own. Press play and enjoy.

You can follow HAVVK on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/HAVVKmusic

Stream ‘Automatic’ below

crush

Genre : Grunge pop

Bio : Formed in 2018 whilst studying at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute, crush have spent a number of years refining their distinctive sound. During the pandemic, an abundance of free time allowed the band to find their musical feet, leaning into a spacier and darker shoegaze style, far removed from their dream-pop tendencies heard on previous singles such as ‘Glue’ and ‘All My Plants Are Dead’.

Track: Chewed

Why We Like It: It’s a richly textured shoegaze tune that floats upon dreamy melodies and intricately layered instrumentation. Sweet reverb vocals caress a soft melody while chiming guitars and supple beats adorn the backdrop in a soothing ethereal atmosphere. The track is an exciting display of musical prowess from crush – the dense layering and prismatic melodies create a woozy pacifying tone that is utterly blissful and a joy to the ears.

You can follow crush on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/crushbanduk

Watch the video for ‘Chewed’ below

Emma Hynes

Genre : Singer songwriter 

Bio : Dublin singer songwriter Emma Hynes has released her debut single, Don’t Forget. Emma Hynes is an independent artist who brings her lifelong passion for music and writing to everything she creates. As a published and performing writer, and a graduate of literature, drama and film with a love of art and photography, Emma’s work derives from her exposure and openness to multiple forms. This combination makes her an interesting and unique artist. Her solo act gathered momentum in 2019 with opening slots for Brew in The Workman’s Club, and folk rock two-piece Native Harrow in The Underground Venue. In January 2020, she was the sole support to HAIL THE GHOST on the Whelan’s main stage.

Track: Don’t Forget

Why We Like It: ‘Don’t Forget’ is a wonderfully emotive tune steeped in warm melodies and well-placed instrumentation. From steady strums on guitars to driving rhythms, the track glides with subtle yet expressive musicianship. Hynes’ vocals haunt and croon throughout as she injects a soulful tone into this mesmerising tune. There is something hypnotic and thought-provoking about the melancholy within the song that captures the listener’s attention from the first play and lingers for days. Well crafted and showcasing poetic lyrics, ‘Don’t Forget’ is a strong debut single from the singer-songwriter.

You can follow Emma Hynes on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsEmmaHynes/

Stream ‘Don’t Forget’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Brí ‘If I Wasn’t Scared’

Photo Credit :Constance Vance

Irish indie-pop artist, Brí has released her new single, ‘If I Wasn’t Scared’.Hailing from Offaly, Brí has previously released four singles, debut track, ‘Low Supply’, ‘Polite’, ‘Burying’ and ‘More Than’. From the success gained from these releases, she sold out her own Whelan’s headline show, received high praise from a multitude of blogs and radio and was selected to perform at Beatvyne’s Music X Tech Experience. While 2020 saw performances from Brí at the esteemed Whelan’s Ones to Watch, The Ruby Sessions, headliners in The Sound House, Spirit Store and festival line-up announcements such as Vantastival, 2021 sees Brí building momentum for her anticipated debut album ‘Hide’, which is due for release in October.

Brí blends indie-folk tones with mystical earthy elements to create a melodic and bewitching tune in ‘If I Wasn’t Scared’. The song elegantly flows upon a light backdrop of swooping strings, mellow guitar embellishments and wispy soundscapes as Brí soothingly coos throughout. Brí has an incredible ability to craft emotional and moving tunes that display potent songwriting and rich musicianship, and ‘If I Wasn’t Scared’ is a triumphant example of this. The soft rhythmic pulses and lamenting cello exudes a dark undertone through the soft twinkling guitars and subtle instrumental builds as Brí creates an ethereal and musically poignant tune for listeners to indulge in. This track is a joy to listen to. Looking forward to the release of the debut album.

About the song, Brí says ”If I Wasn’t Scared’ assumes a man’s perspective of a relationship as he struggles to balance his feelings with a ‘tough guy’ image, particularly among ‘the boys’. It is a toxic masculinity tale that strips back cold layers of indifference and questions the fear that it uncovers. “

Stream ‘If I Wasn’t Scared’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Synth-pop

Elina Filice ‘Let’s Get Lost’

Singer-songwriter, spoken word artist Elina Filice has released a new single in celebration of Pride Month (June), ‘Let’s Get Lost’. The dance-pop anthem celebrates the coming out experience and getting lost to find yourself. Elina hopes the song can help those struggling to come to terms with who they are, as well as all of those on the lifelong journey away from shame and into love and pride. The single was recorded in Elina’s home studio and produced by Viscose.

Doused in sunkissed melodies and bright instrumentation, Elina Filice presents a shimmering pop anthem with ‘Let’s Get Lost’. The song continues Filice’s collection of irresistible earworms as the artist ventures into a more synth-pop sound for this new tune. This track is a fresh, and glittering gem with warm guitars creating a balmy hue over rich rhythms and disco grooves. Filice coos, “let’s get lost a little, cos I wanna be yours a little” over jaunty guitars and soaring synths as the compelling lyrics mirror the song’s energetic and liberating backdrop – perfectly enhanced by the bubbling verses bursting at the seams with vigor and adrenaline. ‘Let’s Get Lost’ is a sublime display of musicianship from Elina Filice. Press play and enjoy.

About the track, Filice says, “This song was written while reflecting on my own coming out experience. It’s such a unique and painful time, and those first feelings of queer love are so transformative. After dating the wrong gender you’re finally feeling something that feels right to you, things you’ve never felt for another person. At the exact same time you’re realizing who you are. It really is finding yourself through loving someone else, which is why for the queer identity, who we love and who we are are inextricably intertwined.” 

Stream ‘Let’s Get Lost’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

AJ Wander ‘Time Out – The Works’

Following huge signings with the US-based Elevation Group and UK-based BDi Music during the pandemic, AJ Wander has just released ‘Time Out – The Works’ a three-song set of the stunning original version of “Time Out” – which has racked up over 3 million streams –  alongside two beautiful alternative reimaginings of the track. The song was written soon after an explosive breakup and offers an intimate take on a universally relatable topic – relationships. Produced by Brad Mair (Dean Lewis, Jamie Cullum, Kygo, Twin Atlantic), ‘Time Out’ is a prime example of London-based AJ Wander’s type of emotive, substantive pop songwriting.

‘Time Out – The Works’ showcases the diverse nature of AJ Wander’s songwriting.Stripped back from the cinematic production of the original, the unplugged version and piano version highlight the earnest lyrical content and beautiful melodic arrangement within this timeless gem. Furthermore, the alternate versions allow Wander to display the warmth, depth and velvety tone in his voice which is simply a joy to listen to. ‘Time Out – The Works’ is a fantastic way to experience the multi-faceted musicianship of AJ Wander. Love it.

Stream ‘Time Out – The Works’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Kevin Casey ‘The Whole World Is Watching’

Dubliner Kevin Casey has released his new single ‘The Whole World Is Watching’. A long-standing regular in the Irish music scene, Kevin Casey has released several singles, two EPs, and a full-length album since 2014. He has done two European tours and gigged extensively across the country and Germany, the U.K, and the USA, including two consecutive years at Electric Picnic.‘The Whole World Is Watching’ was inspired by the tragic events that led to the Death of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020.

Filled with striking lyrical content, ‘The Whole World Is Watching’ is a passionate and powerful tune from Kevin Casey. With haunting harmonica pines which open up to chilling audio samples, the song hits hard right from the start as the track drifts atop a heartfelt power ballad-esque backdrop filled with lamenting guitars and sparse country elements. Casey’s rasped vocals exude emotion as he questions how our protectors can be those who harm us “A sentence without a crime is how it seems to me…“. With an off-beat drum sample reminiscent of a fading heartbeat and chants panning out the song, Casey presents his most compelling and moving tune yet. 

Stream ‘The Whole World Is Watching’ below

https://open.spotify.com/track/7K85arpo7P7kWdfN0C13Ge?si=8cb967e3e73b438f


Author : Danu

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

Mustafa Sal ‘johnnysixteen’

Alternative pop artist Mustafa Sal has released his new single ‘johnnysixteen’. Under his old pseudonym, Sal the Musician, Mustafa released four singles in 2019/20 to great avail, with the tracks getting plenty of radio play and press buzz. Mustafa also spent the latter half of 2019 playing a number of support shows for touring artists, including Australian alt-rock legends ‘You Am I’. Thus far, he has released two singles in 2021 under his new artist name ‘Mustafa Sal’ and garnered Spotify Editorial playlist support for his most recent track ‘Spaceship Boy’.

‘johnnysixteen’ is a buoyant alternative pop number that showcases the emotive songwriting of Mustafa Sal. This catchy bop rides on a bubbling beat while soft electronics wisp in the backdrop creating a bright soundscape filled with warm guitars and shimmering synths that weave between a catchy chorus and luscious arrangements. Mustafa Sal’s warm vocal coo’s melt into a dreamy melody while his sweet tender lyrics convey emotions of loneliness “we are the stimulation generation. We don’t know how to make real friends, so we fake real friends”. The bittersweet lyrics of isolation are wonderfully contrasted by the energetic instrumentation and crisp production in the track. Mustafa has crafted a meaningful and charming tune ready for repeat plays.

About the track, Mustafa says: “The track itself discusses loneliness in the digital age under this cloud of technology. We are so connected yet so distant from one another- a crippling factor in the development of Generation Z as a whole.”

Stream ‘Johnnysixteen’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Polly Barrett ‘Thinking About You’

Irish folk-pop artist Polly Barrett has released her new single ‘Thinking About You’. Polly Barrett began her music career 15 years ago, writing songs while training to be an actor in London. Her return to Ireland in 2007 brought Barrett into the bosom of the Irish music scene, seeing her release two albums, ‘Mr. Bookshop’ in 2011 and ‘Probably Me’ in 2014, and tour Ireland and the UK extensively. This included touring with artists like Agnes Obel, Julie Felix, Roddy Woomble, Cara Luft, founding member of the Wailin’ Jennys and Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Wadge who wrote ‘Thinking Out Loud’ with Ed Sheeran.’Thinking About You’ is the first of a series of releases planned for the rest of 2021 as Barrett returns to writing and recording new music from her home on the Mizen Peninsula in West Cork.

‘Thinking About You’ is a wholesome folk-pop tune that oozes the rich, emotive sound of Polly Barrett. Softly plucked guitar and minimalist instrumentation drifts over an earnest, earthy melody to create a soothing and engaging listening experience. As the song ventures from lulling verses to the catchy chorus, delicate harmonies and rhythmic guitar strums inject lush undertones and foot-tapping moments into the mix. Barrett’s vocals hold their own within ‘Thinking About You’. The artist’s voice is simply a joy to listen to. Her delicate lilts and charming folk tones aptly express the emotion within the lyrics “You might not think it but I’m crying on the inside”. ‘Thinking About You’ is a catchy and well-crafted gem from Polly Barrett. Press play and enjoy.

Stream ‘Thinking About You’ below. 


Author : Danu

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

Neil Dexter ‘Loving You’

Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Neil Dexter has launched his solo career and released his debut single, ‘Loving You.’ A founding member of defunct indie-rock quintet Spies, and active contributor to Tandem Felix and Royal Yellow, Dexter’s experiences playing with these acts have broadened his sonic palette and informed his artistry today. 

Dexter presents a richly textured prismatic wall of sound within ‘Loving You’ that builds to become one infectious groove-laden bop. The song pivots around an insatiable groove as a pounding beat and bass direct the song’s flow. Dexter layers shimmering synths, clapping rhythms and melodic electronics atop heavy grooves to create a kaleidoscopic 80’s synth-pop backdrop blended with elements of 90s techno-pop. This lush array of textures is a joy to the senses as Dexter’s mesmerising vocal anchors the listener within the song’s ever-growing and immersive soundscape. There is a dark undertone crawling through the track. This is reinforced by Dexter’s deep vocals and haunting wisps on electronics which contrasts the lustrous production and synths, while the lyrics explore the guilt that often comes from not being more present for your partner “I should have spent more time loving you.”

 ‘Loving You’ is an exciting glimpse into the vast tantalising sound of Neil Dexter, and I, for one, am looking forward to what the artist has in store for us next.

Stream ‘Loving You’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Murmurs ‘Not My Girl’

Liverpool band Murmurs have released their debut single ‘Not My Girl’. Murmurs came together through a sheer passion for music. The band is composed of lead singer and guitarist Kieran McKenna, drummer Kevin McKay, John Bradley on bass and Josh Ferrigan on lead guitar,

‘Not My Girl’ is a bright slice of indie rock that displays the catchy and tight sound of Murmurs. The band spread lush harmonies and warm vocals over a sweet radiant melody while weaving light indie guitar jingles through a buoyant drum backdrop to create an upbeat, bop-ready wall of sound that is a joy to listen to. This infectious tune is sure to have you singing along in no time with its catchy qualities and sun-kissed charm. Oozing a 90’s rock undertone and boasting a shredding guitar solo, ‘Not My Girl’ is a satisfying listening experience and strong debut single from Murmurs.

Stream ‘Not My Girl’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

modernlove. ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’

Photo Credit: Marc Shelly

Irish four-piece modernlove. have announced their debut EP ‘monochrome blue’ and share their new single. ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ along with a music video. The EP is due September 1st on Akira Records (Henry Green, Zola Blood, Shura, CHINAH). Each of the 6 radio-ready tracks confronts issues like romance, rejection, 21st-century communication and the daily impact of all three.”lmk (if you wanna see me)” will be the third single on the EP, following on from “Liquorice” and “Bop,” both of which received strong playlist support, landing on NMF UK at Spotify, as well as Fresh Finds, Alt-Pop and The Pop List. Radio has come via 2FM, BBC Ulster, XS Manchester, Across the Line and Radio X.

modernlove. flesh out their sonically lush indie-pop to present a truly mesmerising gem in ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’. Steeped in a pool of synths, the track has a nostalgic and dreamy atmosphere that has a semi-conscious quality to it and creates a slow-motion, out of body effect throughout the verses. The song pivots around this hazy vibe with the mechanical vocal effects inducing a suspenseful tone through the use of soft coo’s. modernlove. have refined and honed their sound to create a tight song laced in interweaved melodies and textures that is simply divine to listen to. The band’s ability to pour emotion into every fibre of a song is masterful. They use a bubbling rhythmic backbone to create an agitated undertone in the soundscape of the track while surges of intense electronics ebb and flow throughout, quickly followed by a brief relief between jittery guitar interludes. The instrumentation is exquisitely designed to mirror the theme of being simultaneously overwhelmed and isolated. This intense instrumentation is greatly enhanced by the eloquent, emotive and well-coined phrases within the track – ”it doesn’t feel like I’m living, it just feels like I’m here” as the band poignantly capture the complexities of the modern lives of twenty-somethings through their earnest and striking lyricism.

‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ is an excellent example of fine musicianship. Everything clicks within this song. The production, arrangement, lyrics and vocals all blend together spectacularly. modernlove.’s sound has blossomed wonderfully. The band’s deft musical ability balances insanely catchy indie-pop with emotive and thought-provoking lyrics to create compelling and impressive music. Love it.

About the song, the band say: “‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ is about a formative period of your life ending. We wrote it during lockdown which inspired the somber, detached feel of the song.”

To celebrate the EP release,  modernlove. will be playing their first London show at The Social on November 12 as well as a Dublin show in The Workman’s Club Cellar on November 5th.

Stream ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ below 


Author : Danu