Tag Archives: indie

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Elina Filice Has Released The Music Video for ‘Thinking of You’

Singer-songwriter Elina Filice has released the music video for her most successful single yet, ’Thinking of You’ which has over 215k streams on Spotify.The video features several distinct locations in Toronto as well as vibrant colours, quick cuts, and creative camera work by Toronto-based filmmaker Phil Kim. The video is co-starred by Ally Cantalini. Born to Canadian parents, Elina spent her formative years in Singapore before moving to Canada to attend University. In September 2017 she moved to Dublin to pursue music more seriously, and completed two diplomas at BIMM Dublin. She has released an EP and several singles, and has gigged extensively both on her own and with her band, the Kicks. She founded Red Vine Music, a coaching and consulting service that helps artists and creative businesses with digital marketing, social media, and content strategies.

’Thinking of You’ is a cool slice of indie pop doused in hip hop elements as Elina Filice takes the listener down a lyrical rabbit hole of thought- provoking content. Her vocal delivery is similar to a scribbling of thoughts on paper or stream of consciousness. The jaunty mellow backdrop creates a chilled easy listening accompaniment while a zesty, funk-filled guitar radiates a sun kissed hue over the buoyant beat and jazz infused piano refrains. With sweet backing vocal coos, infectious vibrant chorus and intriguing storytelling, ‘Thinking of You’ marks Elina Filice as an artist to keep an eye on.

The video follows Elina on an adventure from Kensington Market, to the Island Ferry, to Toronto Island, and then finally back home to the bedroom.

About the track Elina says, “The song discusses themes of movement, travel, and adventure, so I wanted to capture that by shooting different scenes across the city.The song is verbose, rambling, and nostalgic, with thoughts and memories swirling and haunting. I wanted to capture that with the scenes cutting forward and back in time. I want viewers to wonder if the scenes with Ally are happening in real time or if they’re memories and flashbacks, and the journey is really happening alone.The video is pretty gay. It’s a little nerve-wracking to be this gay on camera, but… this is my life, this is my friends’ lives. Queer visibility is important, and as a creator, honest content like this is my way of fighting to normalize queerness and queer love. I think it’s important to recognize that feeling safe enough to be openly out, let alone shooting a music video like this, isn’t possible for a lot of queer people around the world.Queerness, especially between women, is usually blatantly oversexuallized, so I wanted the scenes between myself and Ally to be intimate and loving, and not at all sexual. There’s enough of that on the internet.”

Watch the video for ‘Thinking of You’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music

TOYGIRL ‘Poison’

Dublin-based five-piece TOYGIRL are back with their third single out to date, ‘Poison’.Comprising Cork natives Aran Hopkinson (Bass), Ciaran Whelband (Guitar), Fiachra O’Mahony (Guitar), and Cian O’Leary Hegarty (Drums), and British / French lead singer Hannah Worrall the band have already notched up over 250K streams on Spotify and have been firmly established on the Irish music circuit, TOYGIRL is ready to extend their reach across international borders.

With layered ethereal synths shimmering over a rhythmic soundscape, ‘Poison’ ripples with the mesmerising musicianship of TOYGIRL. The majestic soundscapes fill the crevices of your mind with soft caresses while haunting whispered backing vocals lull in the backdrop creating a tranquil atmosphere for the listener to indulge in while the rich intricate drums build the tense and darker undertone.

TOYGIRL craft and layer their songs superbly so each listen reveals a new sound or hidden sonic delight which makes every replay just as compelling as the first. Chiming guitars delicately meander through the song’s vast pool of musical intricacies. Only for Hannah Worrall’s vocals (which exude passion, soul and rich tones) it would be easy for the listener to become lost within the track. Her sultry coos anchor and guide the listener through the tracks abyssal depths.The song builds in the later half. The intoxicating synths and bass intensify as the dark and sinister undertone bares its teeth and becomes more apparent.

‘Poison’ is an excellent display of the refined and immaculate musicianship of TOYGIRL. With each release TOYGIRL display musical prowess well beyond their years. Their music evokes a myriad of emotions and stimulates every sensory factor of the listeners imagination. ‘Poison’ is a joy to listen to again and again and again…

About the track Hannah Worrall said : “For me, this song is about deep infatuation, platonic, or romantic.The feeling that someone has accepted your purest form and loves you unconditionally. It’s one of the first songs that I wrote where my words felt transparent and straightforward, in some ways that makes me feel more vulnerable but also more connected to the song ” 

Stream ‘Poison’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Graham Mitchell ‘I Don’t Have To’

Graham Mitchell photographed by Zyanya Lorenzo

Graham Mitchell has released his new single ‘I Don’t Have To’. Graham Mitchell is a singer songwriter from the town of Raheny on the Northside of Dublin. Having cut his teeth live on the local pub and club circuit, he recently finished up solo shows with major Irish artists like Damien Dempsey alongside two sold out shows last year in Whelan’s and the Workman’s Club. 

‘I Don’t Have To’ is a catchy ditty, laced in Mitchell’s hearty songwriting and infectious indie rock. With jaunty guitar refrains, cheeky lyrics and buoyant rhythmic section the track will have your foot tapping in no time. Mitchell’s warm vocals melt upon the vibrant melody creating that fun energetic summertime atmosphere. The sheer sing-along upbeat tempo and shredding guitar moments make this track instantly likeable and light hearted. Graham Mitchell is growing his sound and refining his lyrical content superbly. Looking forward to hearing more from this up and coming artist.

Stream ‘I Don’t Have To’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

NÍV ‘Moonlight’

Kildare singer/songwriter NÍV has released her latest single ‘Moonlight’. The single is the newest official release from the solo singer/songwriter. It was recorded and produced in Maynooth by 93 Acres. NÍV is the alias of Irish singer songwriter Niamh Murray who hails from Kildare. She launched her solo career as NÍV earlier this year and has already gained many achievements. In March, Nív sold out her first Single Launch in The Workman’s Club for her single “Silly Voices’ she was also added to RTE Radio 1’s Recommends List and has been shortlisted for Four Star Pizza’s Star Nation Competition as a Leinster Provincial Winner.

‘Moonlight’ is a magical number as NÍV sets her vivid songwriting to delicate earthy musicianship. With elegant piano twinkling through ethereal soundscapes the track has a graceful and romantic tone. The warm strings lament through the track while Murray’s pristine vocals coo and soothe over the nostalgic dreamy melody. With lush harmonies and heart-pulsing suspense provided on cello the track blossoms into a beautiful emotive arrangement. Without any drums or rhythm section NÍV is able to keep the track within a dreamy state allowing the mystical tones create a serene atmosphere. ‘Moonlight’ is a charming track exuding traditional elements wrapped in emotive songwriting and delicate soundscapes.

Stream ‘Moonlight’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Garage Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

TV People ‘Nothing More’

Rising Dublin quartet TV People have released their third single of 2020, ‘Nothing More’ and its accompanying video directed by Robert Clarke. Mixed and recorded at Darklands Audio with Dan Doherty (Fontaines D.C., Vulpynes) and mastered at Abbey Road Studios by Christian Wright (Radiohead, Blur, LCD Soundsystem), ‘Nothing More’ sees the band come to terms with identity and the struggle of finding a purpose in life.Hailing from the heart of Ireland’s capital, TV People are a Dublin four-piece who lace their indie/garage rock sound with punk-infused undertones.

Doused in moody tones of garage rock ‘Nothing More’ sees TV People take a more delicate approach to their sound. Structured and driven by a rooted bass rumble, the tracks underbelly is dark and sinister as the deep almost nonchalant vocals mirror the immersive melancholy of the bass. However the sweet lament on guitar is the light in the darkness – radiating a pure ray of hope as it chimes and twinkles through the depressive soundscape.The band’s attention to detail has always been a compelling aspect of their sound and again they do not disappoint; TV People’s slow paced and deliberate approach to this track stops time. The steady beat ties all the airy, raw and emotive components together within a loose veneer of indie rock allowing the bass and guitar to flourish underneath as the track builds gradually becoming more dramatic and intense before settling on a beautiful guitar refrain for the outro. Displaying lyrical depth, maturity and deft musicianship ‘Nothing More’ marks a significant moment in TV People’s sound and strong musical growth.

Speaking about the single, the band explain: “It reflects on the superficial challenges of finding yourself that you face in adolescence and early adulthood, and contrasts these with a deeper existential anxiety that emerges in their place as you begin to overcome them.The song documents the experience of trying to make peace with the realisation that life may be inherently meaningless and deal with the burden of being responsible for your own life’s purpose. It was written remotely during the lockdown period by sending each other music and mixing a home demo which was a new way of writing for us.”

Watch the video for ‘Nothing More’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Diamonds in the Dark Self-Titled Debut EP

Diamonds in the Dark have released their debut self-titled EP which was recorded between Liverpool’s Motor Museum studio by producer Loic Gaillard and 2flystudios in Sheffield with former Arctic Monkey’s producer Alan Smyth.Diamonds in the Dark have grown from a two-man songwriting project to a six-man energetic live act. Already gaining recognition from UK radio, the Merseyside band have been championed by Dave Monks on his BBC Introducing show. Dedicated to this release, Diamonds in the Dark spent a year perfecting their music and recording in different locations surrounding a live gig schedule.

A full bodied, cohesive body of work – ‘Diamonds in the Dark’ EP is a whirlwind journey through multiple genres and refined songwriting. Through five tracks the band explore themes of detachment, surrealism and romance within a number of styles including alt-rock, dream pop, psychedelia and 80s synth driven music. Shredding guitars, brawny drums and beefy bass grooves create the bands alternative rock assault with the aid of epic builds and punchy moments in ‘Getaway’ and ‘Bliss’. The blending of genres makes the EP fresh and engaging as each track holds its own character with powerful vocals and catchy melodies creating that earworm hook throughout each song. The contrasting 80’s synth driven ‘Humble Remarks’ gives a danceable disco vibe to the EP while the indie pop swoon of ‘Berlin’ wisps the tone of the EP into a romantic nostalgic daze. With twinkling guitars, steady beat and melancholic melody this track is quite the bittersweet gem. The band bring the EP to a close with ‘I Love The Way’. This dream-pop, indie-infused number is an emotional power ballad set to an ethereal backdrop with twinkling piano, 60’s – esque vibes and lush harmonies – it’s a sublime end to an eclectic EP.

Diamonds in the Dark present a powerful EP brimming with emotive tunes and sublime musicianship. Looking forward to hearing more from them.

Stream ‘Diamonds in the Dark’ EP below

https://ditto.fm/diamonds-in-the-dark


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Just A Jester ‘Painted Lady’

Just A Jester has released his new single ‘Painted Lady’. Just A Jester is the solo project of Tim Whitaker. A musician of many talents and with an impressive music background, he plays/ records all of the instrumentals and takes responsibility for all engineering/production. After releasing the “Clear Blue” E.P. in Oct 2018, he secured global radio play and has since added 8 other singles to the Just A Jester project, 6 of which have reached the top 10 in various independent chart shows. Tim has recorded at Peter Gabriel’s studio “Real World”, where some of Peter’s band assisted with bass, sax and drums. Also Tim has had over 10 years of success with ‘The Whitaker Brothers’, a music project with his brother Simon. Their song ‘Good Love’ is still played on Planet Rock to this day and they previously supported Van Morrison at the Ivor Novello Song Awards, not to mention having played Glastonbury Acoustic several times.

‘Painted Lady’ is a sweet sun kissed tune set to a laid back groove, lush instrumentation and delicate musicianship. The smooth reverb vocals caress the dreamy melody while the buoyant rhythm and chiming guitars create little bursts of scintillation through the ethereal soundscape. There are psychedelic elements blended between the tender pop melodies to create quite the vibrant infectious track. ‘Painted Lady’ is another enjoyable release from the impressively talented Tim Whitaker.

Stream ‘Painted Lady’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Rupees ‘Mother Said’

The Rupees have released their new single ‘Mother Said’.The Rupees and their music has been showcased on BBC Radio 1 (Huw Stephens), BBC Radio 6 (Steve Lamacq), and Sky Sports (Soccer AM). The band have played Reading Festival, Glastonbury and Bristol Harbourfest, supporting bands such as Blossoms and The Growlers and selling out numerous headline shows,

‘Mother Said’ is a powerful indie ballad as The Rupees saturate their emotive songwriting in raw biting indie rock. With sharp guitar cutting into the dramatic soundscape the track has an anthemic rock ballad atmosphere. The song builds becoming more epic as the drums kick in while a bass rumbles throughout. Displaying strong growth the band pack a punch with this melancholic tune as they forge another whopping single for us to indulge.

Stream ‘Mother Said’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks – featuring Margot Polo, Garsa, Lyghthouse and Tyson Kelly

Margot Polo

Genre : Indie

Bio :California-based indie electro-pop act Margot Polo is the solo project of David Provenzano, singer/guitarist of Fialta and Sherwood.

Track: This Old Thing

Why We Like It: It’s a sweet emotive number which drifts upon supple instrumentation and tender moments. Soft lush vocals are spread over a nostalgic melody while twinkling guitar and elegant piano grace the backdrop in bittersweet ethereal soundscapes. This melancholic moving track takes Margot Polo’s sound into more ballad-esque territory while enhancing his passionate and immersing musicianship. 

You can follow Margot Polo on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/margotpolomusic

Stream ‘This Old Thing’ below 

Garsa

Genre :Indie pop / indie folk

Bio : Garsa is an Indie pop / indie folktronica solo artist from the outskirts of Manchester. Ghosts is Garsa’s third release following on from his successful debut “Jimmy Sour Highs” and follow up “The Devil’s Own”. 

Track: Ghosts

Why We Like It: It’s an atmospheric upbeat track intricately layered with airy synths and smooth melodies which glide over the bubbling beat and warm guitar refrains. The velvety vocals and lush harmonies drive home the pensive and politically sombre lyric while the tracks intricate composition creates an airy relaxed atmosphere.

You can follow Garsa on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/garsamusicuk/

Stream ‘Ghosts’ below

Lyghthouse

Genre : Indie

Bio : Lyghthouse are an independent Irish rock band originally from Ennis and now based in Dublin. The band comprises Niall (lead vocals, rhythm guitars, bass) and Senan (lead guitars, backing vocals). Rob Kennedy played the drums for this track.

Track: Gold

Why We Like It: It’s a blistering indie rock track which boasts the energetic musicianship of Lyghthouse. With scorching guitars slicing into a mighty backdrop of pounding drums and rumbling bass lines the track packs a hefty punch. The band have created a body pounding track brimming with kinetic energy as the song builds to a powerful crescendo with a shredding solo and sing along vocal line. ‘Gold’ is a catchy adrenaline-inducing piece of anthemic rock from Lyghthouse.

You can follow Lyghthouse on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/lyghthouseband/

Stream ‘Gold’ below

Tyson Kelly

Genre : Indie pop

Bio : Tyson Kelly has released his new single ‘Am I Ever Gonna See You Again’.As the son of renowned songwriter Tom Kelly, known for penning numerous number one hits such as Madonna’s ‘”Like A Virgin”, Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors”, Whitney Houston’s “So Emotional” and The Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You”, Kelly is no stranger to the world of hit making. In addition to his solo project, Kelly has spent the past ten years touring the world and making a living as a highly sought after John Lennon impersonator, performing in such shows as Broadway’s “Let It Be” and currently the UK’s biggest touring Beatles group, The Bootleg Beatles.

Track: Am I Ever Gonna See You Again

Why We Like It: It’s an 80’s hued, feel good-gem. With catchy chorus, lush swaggering vocals and feet shuffling rhythm the track struts in ready to lure you to the dancefloor. It’s upbeat with chiming guitars and danceable synths adding a dramatic rush of adrenaline through the nostalgic longing melody. This free flowing delight is quite the sparkling pop earworm.

You can follow Tyson Kelly on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/TysonKellyMusic

Stream ‘Am I Ever Gonna See You Again’ below 

You can follow our Indie Quick Picks On Spotify Here


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Joe T. Johnson ‘Friends’

Joe T. Johnson is back with his second single, ‘Friends’. The Bristol based Indie / Folk singer-songwriter recorded the track in a couple of wildly productive days. The song was produced by Lewis Bradshaw and mastered by Pete Maher (Patti Smith, Jack White, Rolling Stones, The Killers).Joe performed multiple times at Glastonbury Festival 2019, made his first international TV appearance and with his band ‘Hush Mozey’ performed at Bristol 02 Academy plus numerous plays by Steve Lamacq on his BBC 6 Show.

‘Friends’ is a sweet retro-hued ditty which showcases the smooth melancholic musicianship of Joe T. Johnson. With lush backing vocals, dreamy melody and Joe’s velvety warm vocals the track is a delicate rosy glow of indie pop. The song subtly builds as the 60’s toned guitar drifts through a catchy refrain providing a dash of edge to the smooth melody while the supple beat adds a sway like tempo. It’s an organic and delightfully laid back track from Joe T. Johnson. Looking forward to hearing more from this guy.

Stream ‘Friends’ below


Author : Danu