Noah Elliott has released his new single ‘Never Feels The Same’. Noah Elliott is a 23-year-old artist based in Los Angeles. In 2018, Noah released a stream of self-produced singles resulting in over 700k listens on Spotify. In fall 2019, he joined forces with producers Dylan Bauld (Halsey, Bea Miller), Rune Westberg (Colbie Caillat, Daughtry) and Jon Santana (SuperM) to finalize his first record. The 7-song project titled Songs for the Optimist will debut as singles over the next 6 months. Along with his artist project, he is putting the finishing touches on a 5-song EP for sync (co-produced by Jordan Frye of Position Music), and writes for other artists such as Mackenzie Bourg (American Idol), Stela Cole and Ben Hon.
‘Never Feels The Same’ is a groove driven dance number doused in cool R&B as Noah Elliott ruminates through dark electronics and honest songwriting. Elliott’s smooth vocals caress the infectious melody with a lonely tenderness as the track ferments through subtle mysterious layers of confusion and turmoil while an elastic bassline coils around a sticky beat and intricate synths. This glossy number is saturated in night time vibes boasting crisp production and a catchy melody and rhythm. ‘Never Feels The Same’ is an utterly irresistible earworm from Noah Elliott.
Kynsy is the solo project of rising 23 year-old multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Ciara Lindsey – who today has released her debut single, ‘Cold Blue Light. Having previously performed on the Other Voices Music Trail and at Ireland Music Week, the Dublin artist kicked off this year with a whole host of 2020 Hot List features.
‘Cold Blue Light’ is a fermenting blitz which evokes a thrilling sense of anticipation while Kynsy carries herself with a vivid coolness through a fizzing raw soundscape. The track is dark with a cold embrace as the song punches with effortless rock stamina through a nonchalant delivery. With sharp guitars saturated in distortion the track ventures into psychedelic territory.There is substance to this track as well, the wry lyrics depict fading chancers and their last grasp at relevance. The soft pop melody has a dreamy delicacy as shimmering synths sweeten the tracks ominous undertone which is provided by the sluggish drum beats and sinister foundation.
‘Cold Blue Light’ exudes a residue of St. Vincent flair albeit with more edgy rock elements as Kynsy builds and creates distinct moments of brilliance within the track which set the bar high. Kynsy is an impressive artist to keep an eye on.
About the track and video, Kynsy said: ‘’Cold Blue Light’ is about the bullies we all encounter in life and looking for meaning in the darkness they create. I wanted to write a song that held some sort of balance between destruction and hope. It’s based on an encounter I had at a new year’s eve party where there was a guy spouting racist remarks at people and it was quite upsetting and stuck with me. The result was a rowdy pop song truck full of sticky anger and synth pop goo. The video was filmed just with a camera on a tripod in my back garden, I wanted it to be direct and simple so people could focus on the music.”
Feuds have released their last ever single ‘Until It’s Done’ and music video as a band. Feuds started in the small town of Kilcoole, Wicklow. After going through many lineup changes they settled on their final lineup in 2016. 2017 saw the band release the single ‘Anything I Wouldn’t’ and playing Electric Picnic after being voted one of the winners of the 2fm ‘Play the Picnic’ competition. 2018 saw the band release their debut self titled ep which was received well on radio. Following the EP the band gigged in venues like Whelans, the Roisin Dubh, the Lighthouse and an EP launch in The Workman’s Club. ‘Until it’s Done’ was recorded and mixed by Eoin Whitfield of Ehco in the Hive Studio, Kilcoole in September 2018.
‘Until It’s Done’ is a bittersweet indie track as Feuds provide us with one last guitar twinkling gem to indulge in. With ethereal soundscapes, light guitar refrains and a punchy rhythmic backdrop, ‘Until It’s Done’ drifts elegantly through a nostalgic and moving wall of sound. The band build the tracks indie rock sonics allowing them to unfold and blossom beautifully becoming more heavy as it progresses. A braided bass groove weaves into the songs tight underbelly as the tracks rhythmic pull remains grounded and elastic for the refined guitar to flourish off and lift the song into an airy, breezy atmosphere.With a biting guitar solo and hair raising refrain ‘Until It’s Done’ allows Feuds to go out with a bang. It’s a tear jerking farewell to a talented Irish band. We wish all the guys all the best for the future.
Bio : Paperflower. is an independent alt pop/ indie rock project formed by Charlie PJ Phillips. Phillips, is 21 year old musician who writes, records and produces all his music in his room. He started writing under the name Paperflowers. recently after starting his BA Hons’ study at Leeds College of Music. Paperflower. has recently released a two track collection ‘I’ll Be Alright / Let Go.’
Track: I’ll Be Alright
Why We Like It: It’s a clean pop number doused in exhilarating soundscapes and sublime production. With twinkling guitar zealously slicing through an eruption on electronics the track has a hyper fun chorus while the verses cool the tone with ethereal moments brooding between sweet melodies and soft vocals. The track has a dreamy atmosphere with soft graceful melodies exuding majestic indie between the steady beat and lush intricacies. ‘I’ll Be Alright’ is a beautiful and comforting piece of bedroom pop from Paperflowers.
About the track Charlie PJ Phillips said : “My latest release titled ‘I’ll Be Alright / Let Go.’ Stems from an event in my life that occurred recently and explores the feelings of losing someone very close,to move on from this I wrote the two songs almost like an explanation to myself.I like to think that people who enjoy my music find comfort and relate to the stories being told.”
Bio : Anna Jane Jackson is a model, actress, and musician based in LA. She was the vocalist in a teen country/Americana band, modelled internationally, and has appeared in many TV shows, commercials, and films. ‘Bittersweet Love’ was written for the soundtrack of the upcoming film Evan Wood featuring Jere Burns (Dead to Me, Breaking Bad), Trevor Stines (Riverdale, Purity Falls), and MacCallister Byrd (NCIS, Strange Angel).
Track: Bittersweet Love
Why We Like It: It’s a catchy number with warm guitar, cinematic soundscapes and emotive vocals. A pulsing beat and dark electronics create the stormy atmosphere of the chorus while the lighter twinkle for the verse provides a sublime contrast. With a raw singer songwriter feel the track is a refreshing number and satisfying listen.
Bio : Up and coming Irish songwriter Owen Rua makes his impressive debut with his new single ‘Do You Ever Think of Me?
Track: Do You Ever Think of Me?
Why We Like It: It’s a powerful indie pop anthem surging with passion while dark soundscapes wisp the backdrop in eerie sultry tones. Jaunty guitars glimmer between thick electronics as Owen Rua injects edgy moments into his indie pop concoction. With an upbeat backdrop of buoyant beats and smooth melody the song has a danceable quality. However there is a darker undertone to the track which oozes from the lyrics and expressed through Rua’s emotive vocals. His vocals caress the velvety melody allowing the bubbling rhythm to create tension in the background. Do You Ever Think of Me? is a bewitching indie pop number and magnificent debut from Owen Rua
Bio : James Jack is a 19 year old musician from Callington, Cornwall, who has been playing guitar for over ten years. Previously he has been the frontman to the Plymouth based band “Echo Chamber” where he has played at festivals such as Boardmasters and Port Eliot festival, as well as playing in front of the likes of Michael Eavis with “The Little Mammoths” at Pilton’s NYE party.He is now working on writing and recording songs for his debut EP, which is planned to come out later this year. Demo tapes from this project, such as “Crush” have been played on local BBC radio. Other works of his, such as “I Should Be In London”, won him The Old Bakery’s Live Lounge Competition recently.
Track: Can We Talk?
Why We Like It: Brimming with shredding indie rock and exhilarating energy ‘Can We Talk?’ is a fantastic debut. A cool laid back vocal display is spread upon a vibrant backdrop of jaunty guitars and punchy drums as the song drives upon a blazing backdrop of alternative rock. With a scorching guitar solo, catchy chorus and swagger dripping from every powerful note ‘Can We Talk?’ displays James Jack’s kinetic songwriting and refined edgy musicianship.
Bio : 23 year old Galway native Brendan Murray is no stranger to the music industry, having been a part of boy band ‘HomeTown’ managed by Louis Walsh, “HomeTown” achieved three chart hits in Ireland, including the number one singles “Where I Belong” in 2014, and “Cry for Help” in 2015. Their debut album, HomeTown, was released in November 2015 and peaked at number four in Ireland. Brendan then went on to represent Ireland at the Eurovision and was one of the finalists in X Factor 2018, mentored by One Direction star Louis Tomlinson. He secured a spot in the semi-final of the series, finishing in 5th place
Track: Let Go
Why We Like It: With infectious melodic hooks, crisp electronics and dance floor summoning soundscapes ‘Let Go’ takes Murray’s sound to an electrifying new level. With heavy beats providing an EDM element the songs rhythmic section pulses through the track with relentless stamina allowing the swirling electronics to build and create tension while the catchy pop melody and soft vocals create that earworm likeability.
Bio : Black Honey have released their new track called ‘Beaches’.The song is the first material to be released from the Brighton outfit since their self-titled debut album, which arrived back in 2018.
Track: Beaches
Why We Like It: This retro tinged indie sizzler struts in on a stomping rhythm while sultry guitar lines provide a desert haze through the bubbling backdrop. It’s a fun summer anthem with jubilous horns adorning the chorus in warmth while Izzy B. Phillips’ sultry coos lull over the blistering backdrop and laid back cheeky, clapping rhythm. With a 60’s vibe spread over a psych hued indie soundscape Black Honey have provided another infectious track sure to get those feet tapping, hips shaking and bodies shimmying.
SODAPOP has released his new single ‘Looking Like That’. SODAPOP is the artist project of Kane Nania, a Santa Barbara, CA native who spent two years abroad working on songwriting and production. He lived in Thailand for 7 months and Serbia for a year in an effort to save money so he could focus solely on music. The first two singles released have picked up traction, landing on Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Bedroom Pop playlists,
‘Looking Like That’ is a catchy laid back gem which drifts effortlessly along SODAPOP’s luscious musicianship. His bedroom pop is infectious and upbeat as he lavishly spreads intricate danceable rhythms over sweet melodies while synths and zesty guitar refrains shimmer and sprinkle the track with sun kissed radiance. His smooth vocals are honey to the ears as he coos the catchy melody over a bubbling indie backdrop. ‘Looking Like That’ is meticulously layered and well produced with relatable songwriting. The mellow earworm melodies display just how talented Kane Nania is. ‘Looking Like That’ is a polished lustrous anthem, sure to brighten anyones day.
About the track Kane Nania said : “While I was living in Thailand honing my skills as a writer, I adopted this mindset that I felt a lot of the locals had, perhaps as a result of the Buddhist influence. For me it’s the idea of not letting negative outcomes in your life affect you too much emotionally. After leaving that beautiful country, I felt that mentality start slip away. This song is mostly a reminder to myself to not worry too much about the past (or the future). You hear that all the time, but the catharsis of writing this song helped me really reestablish that frame of mind.”
Originating from the town of Portlaoise, Chris Conroy has released his debut single ‘Dive’. Conroy presents his passionate and melodically rich musicianship with this single. As a debut it is quite the mature songwriting display. With warm guitar accompaniment the track begins light and breezy as cheery guitar strums bounce behind Conroy’s velvety vocals while wispy soundscapes lead the track into its invigorating chorus. Conroy creates a dynamic pop track with ‘Dive’ which ventures sonically into R&B tones with skittish beats fluttering between strong piano chords and climatic electronics. The song builds in intensity with heavier hip hop elements while the sweet lyrics talk about the excitement and nerves at the start of a relationship. ‘Dive’ is a sublime debut from Chris Conroy.
Leeds indie four piece Ten Hands High have released their new single ‘6 Weeks’.After releasing their debut single in January 2019,Ten Hands High have played several packed out shows in their hometown of Leeds. The band were in creative overdrive, releasing 5 singles in 5 months, selling out their debut London headline at the Hope and Anchor in Islington along the way. Having supported Split Milk Society, The Clause and Luna Bay, Ten Hands High are quickly becoming a live act to be reckoned with.
Saturated in light guitar lines and summer vibes, ‘6 Weeks’ presents Ten Hands High’s tight indie in all its glowing infectiousness. A buoyant beat bubbles in the backdrop providing sweet punchy rumbles while the intricate bass weaves and wiggles creating a spongy foundation.The band use warm guitar refrains to provide subtle bursts of scintillation as the song progresses to the chorus.With a catchy melody and laid back vocals ‘6 Weeks’ is the perfect sing along indie tune.
Ten Hands High are cultivating their sound perfectly. Each track they release shows strong musical growth and impressive musicianship. I can not wait to hear more from this band.
Jack West has released his new single ‘Forever’. The song was recorded remotely from Virginia, New York, Rochester and Seattle using ProTools and Logic with fellow band members and co-writers keyboardist Abe Nouri and drummer Matt Bent (both graduates of the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Jack’s hometown) – along with Barrett Jones [Nirvana, Foo Fighters], who produced West’s debut album ‘For the Record’.
With a nostalgic 90’s alternative pop melody combined with an indie doused backing ‘Forever’ is a tune to treasure. The song shows natural growth and maturity to West’s sound as he builds the track slowly allowing it to blossom into a sweet indie pop delight. With light twinkling guitar and buoyant beat this track flows smoothly into the ears with subtle bursts of jubilation bubbling beneath a dreamy soundscape. West’s vocals are charming and confident as he warmly coos over the earworm melody. The track maintains a soaring guitar refrain that provides an ethereal quality to the song as West surges adrenaline, emotion and youthful bliss into this exceptionally crafted track.
Jack West is building his sound superbly bending and blending his rock origin into a sound that is truly special and passionate. Keep an eye on this dark horse.
Pauric O’Meara has recently released his new EP ‘Looking forward to Hindsight’.Pauric is an independent singer-songwriter from Co. Tipperary, based in Dublin. He has been making his mark on the Irish music scene for quite a few years. His raw, powerful vocal has been known to grab people’s attention, and his previous work has garnered over 150K on Spotify alone. Through the years, he has performed in many top venues around Ireland supporting bands such as Hermitage Green, Hudson Taylor, Billow Wood, Amazing Apples and HAWK but had a breakthrough year in 2019, with 2 headline shows in Dublin in The Soundhouse and Workman’s Club, as well as making his Electric Picnic Festival debut.
‘Looking forward to Hindsight’ presents Pauric O’Meara’s folk-hued musicianship through warm melodies and earnest song writing. With soothing guitar, melancholic tones and soft twinkling soundscapes ‘Is this Real’ kicks the EP in to motion. Instantly Pauric’s rasped velvety vocals exude passion and emotive tones lifting each track and providing a comforting constant throughout the EP. Pauric takes his honest lyrics about heartbreak and places them on a vibrant bed of indie pop with ‘Wasting time’. With sprinkles of zesty radiant guitar, buoyant rhythms and catchy refrains the track sits snugly as the half point of ‘Looking forward to Hindsight’ . Highlighting the importance of staying positive through hard times ‘Beacon Call’ brings the EP to an upbeat finale – a vibrant pick me up the track is an adrenaline inducing gem that will make you instantly press replay.
As a whole ‘Looking forward to Hindsight’ is a journey through a relationship and break up. We get a wonderful glimpse of the heart warming songwriting of Pauric O’Meara as he establishes himself as a talented musician crafting wholesome enjoyable tunes that venture through folk and indie genres with ease. There are sweet tender moments expressed through beautiful melodies and heartwarming guitar as well as fun and golden moments creating a well rounded EP with something for everyone.
Exhilarating Manchester indie-rock band The Covasettes have released their new single, ‘Be Mine’ today. Firm favourites on any indie music fan’s playlists, the four-piece have totted up an impressive 1 million streams on Spotify alone, after being added to ‘The Indie List’ and ‘Summer Indie’ playlists. The Covasettes have already had a game-changing start to the year – previous single ‘Spin’ buzzed through the airwaves in February and in April they made the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition longlist.
With adrenaline pouring from the curdling rhythm, blazing guitars and dirty bass rumble, ‘Be Mine’ is another irresistible anthem from The Covasettes. There is swagger dripping off every note as the band flourish a raw driving indie rock backdrop with scorching guitar refrains and sultry licks while the rampant beat stamps the track firmly into your head. With cool vocals spread upon a catchy blues-hued melody the band present a chilled attitude driven sound brimming with confidence and blazing instrumentation. The Covasettes are building and crafting their sound superbly creating pockets of refined splendour within their blistering indie rock format. These guys write vibrant tunes for you to dance and mosh to. Another absolute smasher from the quartet.
About the track the band said: “Be Mine is one of our favourite tracks ever. As soon as we’d written it, we couldn’t wait to play it live and get it recorded in the studio.Every time we play Be Mine at gigs, it gets such a lively reaction and creates a real buzz in the room, so when it came to deciding our next single, Be Mine was the clear favourite. We think it follows on really well from Spin as it has a raw, gritty sound that is more rock driven than some of our previous releases. We’ve had Be Mine ready to go for a long time now and we can’t wait to get it out there for everyone to hear. We hope that people get behind it like they have with our other releases and come and sing it back to us at the live shows.”
Stream ‘Be Mine’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
