You might recognize Kianna White from her time in seminal indie rock act Tilly and the Wall… But today, we’re actually psyched on her debut solo single, “Homecoming Queen.” The experience from her storied career comes through clearly here; “Queen” is an electric mix of indie pop sentiment, hypnotic guitar, and hazy vibes with a touch of psychedelic influences. We love the mood this one puts us in – check out the haunting video treatment below.
We’re digging on the latest indie-pop jam from Natalie McCool. “Devils” is a synthy jangler with urgent vibes and a driven bassline, all of which act as a backbone for Natalie’s smooth and powerful vocals. About the lyrical content of “Devils,” Natalie says: “Devils is essentially about allowing yourself every once in a while to give into emotions that are traditionally seen as negative, and that’s okay, because we are only human and need to experience and accept these feelings to be whole…” Well said, Natalie. Check out “Devils” below or on Spotify. Natalie McCool · Devils
Loving this gloomy and gauzy indie rocker from Brooklyn sextet, Glom. “Fungus” is full of starry-eyed synths and downtrodden, guitar-driven vibes; it tackles the awful feelings that make you struggle after being rejected in a relationship or otherwise. We love the dark vibes but, conversely, be sure to stick around for the big chorus – “my friends they all hate me” comes at you with a surprisingly sticky pop hook. Check it out below or on Spotify. Glom · Fungus
There’s something sugary-sweet about Californian act The Habits’ latest jam, “Amelia.” Pairing super tight drums with radio-ready indie pop vibes, the Habits’ music brings to mind indie pop superstars like The 1975 or The Killers. If you’re feeling it, their new EP, What’s The Worst That Could Happen, will be out this October – until then check it out below or add it to your Spotify playlist. The Habits · Amelia
Walboom are a trans-continental duo consisting of Canadian native Andrew Shier (vocals and guitar) and Australian Rhys Lintern (drums). They caught our American ears with their latest indie-pop offering, “Vultures.” Like many musicians, Walboom began writing and recording songs before global lock-downs forced them apart – but the distance doesn’t seem to be affecting the quality of their output. Vultures is swimmy and catchy in all the right ways – check it out below or on Spotify.
Marc Scibilia was born and raised in Buffalo, NY – needless to say, we were inherently drawn to his latest offering, “Good Times.” Since spreading his wings, the singer/songwriter has since had lots of success, racking up 125 million streams on his music and scoring the most Shazam’d moment of 2015 with his rousing rendition of “This Land is Your Land.” “Good Times” is more excellent content from Scibilia, showing off a warm, down-home acoustic backbone underneath his soulful baritone croon. Check it out below and be sure to swing by his Spotify if you enjoy what you hear. Marc Scibilia · Good Times
Brisbane quartet DOLLY ZOOM are genre-defying masterminds whose “Rabbit Hole” recently snagged our ears. Falling somewhere between synthpop, psychedelic rock, and dream pop, “Rabbit Hole” is a swirl of synth arpeggios, catchy pop hooks, and dark vibes. This one is full of introspective lyrics and melancholy melodies, perfect for gloomy and moody fall listening (but still catchy enough for any-season jamming). Check them out via Soundcloud below or Spotify if that’s more your speed. DOLLY ZOOM · Rabbit Hole
We like this indie rocker from Columbus duo Bird and Byron. “Life is a Bore” finds the duo exploring different sonic territory, stretching their blues rock wings into something a bit more jangly, sunny, and upbeat. “Bore” is full of chiming guitars, upbeat melodies, start-stop rhythms, and a perfect bedroom-pop mix that gives this one a subtly vintage tinge. Check it out below and be sure to visit them on Spotify too. Bird and Byron · Life Is A Bore
Finnish act Sätilä caught our ears with his latest offering, “4AM.” Full of gauzy synths, infectious melodies, and a great airy mix, “4AM” could appeal to fans of anyone from Tame Impala to M83. We’re particularly drawn to the neon aesthetic in the music video (featured below), full of impressive dance sequences that mirror our own bodies when we listen to this one. Check it out below and be sure to add “4AM” to your Spotify playlist as well.
Super clever wordplay on this indie rocker from Jason Matu. “All the Pieces Fit” brings to mind Flaming Lips, Manchester Orchestra, and other indie rock greats on this cool, bombastic jam. We’re particularly drawn to Matu’s excessive use of alliteration in each of the verses. It brings a satisfying quirkiness to the overall tone of the song. Not to mention the sweet synth layers and Matu’s yearning vocals. Check it out below or on Spotify. icantwaitforsummer · Jason Matu – “All The Pieces Fit”
Sharing this super quirky electropop jam here from Edwin Organ. “Self Alarm” is a jerky, nu-disco tinged jam that combines the fun of 1980s synth pop with a bit of 2020 flavor and flair. Organ said it best himself – about “Self Alarm,” he says: “We’ve all been there. The relationship you know is no good but you keep going back to them only to be chewed up & spat out. It never works out, listen to Self Alarm, it’s looking out for you.” We agree with Edwin – listen to “Self Alarm.” Soundcloud link below, Spotify link here. Edwin Organ · Self Alarm
Liking these fun, yet mysterious bedroom vibes from from Stevie Zita – “Neon Niko” is a super swimmy indie pop jam awash in reverb and urgency. Nimble and driving fuzzed-out basslines, chorus-laden guitars, and Zita’s far-off vocals all come together in perfect dream-pop fashion here. If you’re digging “Niko,” Stevie’s got a pretty robust Spotify selection too. Listen first below and then check out his discog. Stevie Zita · Neon Niko
Digging this jam from Nashville-based songwriter Natalie Schlabs. “Don’t Look Too Close” is a new direction for Natalie – she’s veered away from her country roots into something more akin to indie rock. “Close” is full of cool delayed guitar stabs, driving drums and bass, and of course Schlabs beautiful vocals… Not to mention the cool, start-stop music video treatment that she’s given this one. This one goes down smooth – watch the vid below and keep an eye out for her next LP, also titled Don’t Look Too Close, due out October 16.
Low Key Crush are a duo from Melbourne writing super jangly, surf-tinged music. “Been Waiting” is a perfect end-of-summer jam – full of wistful vibes, lovely oh-ohs, and plenty of reverb, “Waiting” is the kind of nostalgic song that makes you yearn for better times (or maybe just appreciate the times you have now with your main squeeze). Fans of Best Coast, Tigers Jaw, or An Horse will dig this one a lot. Check it out below and be sure to pick it up on Bandcamp if you’re feeling it. Low Key Crush · Been Waiting
Vibing hard to this cool jam from 18-year-old Oklahoma City-based Josh Fudge. “When She’s Gone” is full of big nu-disco basslines, astral synth splashes, and Fudge’s super-smooth vocal delivery. This one is very funky but still feels low-key in a relaxing way a la Tame Impala or Mac Demarco. Check it out below and if you’re feeling it, add it to your Spotify playlist too. Josh Fudge · When She’s Gone