Latest Posts

ESSY – “Cry For Me”

January 27, 2021

ESSY dropped a big, EDM-tinged pure-pop banger in our inbox and we couldn’t help but bite… “Cry For Me” is everything you’d look for in a bombastic pop jam – big, flashy synth leads, a driving electronic beat, and of course ESSY’s undeniable vocal presence. There’s also a surprising amount of substance in the message here – ESSY exists in a self-proclaimed “happy-sad” mode, writing introspective lyrics while crafting music that makes you want to dance. This one certainly ticks both those boxes – listen for yourself below or on Spotify. Essy · Cry For Me (Single Edit)

Hard Yes – “Council Crest”

January 27, 2021

Here’s a cool debut jam from newly-formed duo Hard Yes. “Council Crest” is just the kind of indie rock we’re drawn to – swimmy, jaunty, jangly, and just a little bit sassy. “Crest” has a mix that sounds bedroom-y and sincere without crossing into demo territory… It’s just an all around stellar debut from this cool new two-piece. Stick around for a chorus of ah-ah-ahs around the two (2) minute mark – that’s our fav. Check it out via YouTube below and swing by Spotify after to add it to your playlist.

Blue Canopy – “Motovun”

January 27, 2021

Portland’s Blue Canopy is here to relax you with the sprawling, shimmering “Motovun.” Multi-instrumentalist Alex Schiff (formerly Modern Rivals) is the man behind the name, crafting chillwave-tinged indie electronica that explores themes of anxiety, self-introspection, and past-self. “Motovun” certainly feels introspective, but it’s also ultra soothing, playing with arpeggiating synths and dreamy guitars. Check it out below and listen for yourself – Blue Canopy also has a Spotify and a Bandcamp. Grind Select · Blue Canopy – Motovun

Florence Rose – “Someone New”

January 27, 2021

Florence Rose is the moniker for singer/songwriter Braden Norris… He crafts indie-pop tunes from his home base in Tulsa. We’ve been enjoying his most recent single, a lighthearted tune called “Someone New.” Jangly guitars, tight production, and a sunny, surf rock aesthetic propel this one forward – fans of Wallows, Islands, or Phoenix are going to love it. Check it out below via Soundcloud or here on Spotify. Florence Rose · Someone New

Cal Rifkin – “Break My Heart”

January 27, 2021

Indie/emo trio Cal Rifkin have a home run on their hands with their latest offering, “Break My Heart.” Awkward baseball metaphors aside, “Heart” takes the best aspects of heart-on-your-sleeve emo (think charming late 90s emo, not mid-aughts emo) and mixes it with tasty elements of surf rock, bedroom pop, and a bit of mathy riffing. It’s wrapped up with a warm and fuzzy, vintage-esque mix that’s perfect for this genre. We think this one is a timeless, indiemo classic – do you? Watch the colorful vid below and decide for yourself. They’ve got a Spotify too, if that’s your preferred streaming source.

Balloon Ride Fantasy – “Easy”

January 27, 2021

We’re loving the big synthpop vibes from Philadelphia-based quintet Balloon Ride Fantasy. “Easy” effortlessly juxtaposes the 1980s and the 2020s – it’s layered lush with synth texture, rigid robotic drums, and lots and lots of reverb. The chorus of “Easy come, easy go” is a surprisingly hooky earworm; with so much pop value jammed into a three-minute package, this one is just as much Michael Jackson as it is M83. Check it out below or via Spotify and hear for yourself. Balloon Ride Fantasy · Easy

The Backstays – “No Hot Cargo”

January 27, 2021

Here’s a fresh one from Saint John, New Brunswick-based quintet The Backstays. “No Hot Cargo” is a dark indie rock jam with touches of dream-pop and light flourishes of synth. Further setting this one off is the lovely blend of baritone male vocals and ghostly female harmonies from guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist Pete Johnston and violinist/vocalist Serenna Chapman respectively. Fans of The War on Drugs, The National, or The Killers are gonna love this one… Check it out below via Bandcamp or on Spotify. No Hot Cargo by The Backstays

CHIVVY – “In Control”

January 26, 2021

CHIVVY is a trio from Gothenburg, Sweden whose “In Control” has been on our playlists as of late. “Control” is a dream-pop song at heart, with darker elements of post-punk and shoegaze that peek through over the course of the song. Dark, chorus-laden guitar pairs up with the three-piece’s moody harmonies to create something we think is pretty special. Fans of Warpaint, Beach House, and Interpol would love this one. Check it out below – they are also on Spotify if you prefer to stream that way. novoton · CHIVVY – In Control

Tripaw’d – “Cagohhongue”

January 23, 2021

What can you say about a band like Phoenix’s Tripaw’d? They’re one of those acts where the music simply speaks for itself. “Cagohhongue” is a slowcore, shoegaze dirge, full of a simple, seven-note melody that sprawls out across its three-minute spread. There’s walls of sound, there’s feedback, there’s guitar noodling… But most importantly, there’s sincerity. This is the work of a band who got in a room and banged something out. It makes us miss sweaty basement shows. Check it out below via Bandcamp, or swing over to Spotify if that’s more your thing. post tense help by Tripaw’d

Olivia Morreale – “NO ANSWER”

January 23, 2021

Olivia Morreale coming out swinging with a vaporwave banger by the name of “NO ANSWER.” Tinges of BENEE, Amy Winehouse, and Sylvan Esso pop through here on “ANSWER;” it’s loaded with chopped-up vocals, buzzy & gauzy synth splashes, and of course Olivia’s lovely vocal delivery. This one is timeless – there’s plenty of 90s vibes here while also nailing a distinct 2021 flavor… It feels both nostalgic and contemporary at the same time. Check it out below (or on Spotify), we think you’ll like it. Olivia Morreale · NO ANSWER

Mira Lu Kovacs – “Stuck”

January 23, 2021

We’ve been digging this indie folk tune from Austrian singer/songwriter Mira Lu Kovacs. “Stuck” trods along with a low-key tempo that truly gives the feeling of being stuck. With jangly acoustic guitar jamming, a bedroom-pop beat, and cathartic, heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics, this one plays with themes of: “release and relief; an ode to crying – as a way to get rid of pain, to release stress, to literally wash something away.” The music video embodies a bit of that symbolism as well – check it out below. “Stuck” is available on lots of platforms – check them all out here. Be sure to keep an eye out for her new album, out in March ’21.

Wy – “Come Here”

January 20, 2021

Here’s a chiming indie rock tune from Sweden’s Wy. This duo is actually the creation of a longtime couple, Ebba and Michel, who created Wy after playing in bands together for years. “Come Here” feels like the work of a veteran act – it’s beautiful and melancholy while retaining a ton of pop melodies. Our favorite aspect of this one is the haunting background noises – they sound like happy ghosts or mischievous sprites. We think you’re gonna love this one – check it out below or on Spotify. Rama Lama Records · Wy – Come Here

Odd Postures – “Gymnasium”

January 20, 2021

Do you remember your first slow dance? Sweaty hair gel running down your face? Glitter  and sequins falling off your dress? We’ve all been there, and Toronto trio Odd Postures has somehow encapsulated those middle school moments into their new jam, “Gymnasium.” While the lyrics paint a beautifully awkward picture, there’s actually nothing awkward about this tune; the low-key tempo and soothing energy makes this one feel ultra smooth and nostalgic. Take your self back 10 (or 20) years and give “Gymnasium” a spin. Better yet – add it to your Spotify playlist. oddpostures_private · Gymnasium

Shadi G – “The Wound is the Place Where the Light Enters You”

January 19, 2021

Get ready to get hypnotized by Swedish singer/songwriter Shadi G. “The Wound is the Place Where the Light Enters You” is beautiful and simple instrumentally… But lyrically (and more importantly, on Shadi’s delivery), it is absolutely soaked with emotion. The song is about the end of a relationship – Shadi G explains the premise of “Wound” with: “In the verse we get introduced with the feelings of curiosity and insecurities. Moving onwards comes the realization of the reality of the current situation, ultimately leading to an awakening and liberation.” “Wound” is the ultimate mood-setter, whether you’re feeling in-love or heartbroken. Check it out below or on Spotify. Shadi G · The Wound is the Place Where the Light Enters You

legwurk – “This and That”

January 19, 2021

Here’s a cool one from legwurk – you might recognize legwurk’s Tani from Still Woozy fame. The wooziness certainly comes through on “This and That,” but it is most definitely it’s own thing. This one falls somewhere between synth pop and contemporary indie-slacker warble. With a decidedly electronic rhythm, “That” plays with a bit of genre-blending flavor by infusing an analog guitar presence and a catchy, squiggly vocal melody. This is an eclectic one that’s best heard for yourself – check it out below or on Spotify. legwurk · This And That