Toronto’s Mickey May has just released the ultra-indie-poppy “Hell of a Night.” Built on a chorus-laden guitar backbone, May plays with a spitfire lyrical delivery, super slick production, and sugary sweet melodies to really suck his listeners in. At just 21-years-of -age, Mickey May seems destined for a career of tightly sprung pop jams… Check it out below or visit his Spotify for more tasty jams.
Jerry, at the Beach resides in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, but their sassy and energetic jam “Summertime” sounds a bit more like an upbeat Southern California tune. With big raucous guitars reminiscent of Wavves and sugary pop melodies that would put Weezer to shame, “Summertime” is sure to get your blood pumping while leaving a lasting melodic impression all day long. Check it out via Bandcamp below – here’s their Spotify if that’s more your thing. Jagerbomb by Jerry, at the Beach
We find the indie folk of “Winter” by Evelyn super relaxing, and we think it will warm your hearts too. Evelyn is the moniker of singer/songwriter Dani Lencioni; the project has been both a band and a solo vehicle for her. “Winter” is an old tune, but has re-emerged in a new form as an anthem for this particularly isolated winter. The lyrical themes are dead on and the gentle acoustic strumming, shuffling drumbeat, and Lencioni’s lilting presence gives the song an energy like it should be listened to in front of a warm and cozy fire. Cuddle up with your loved one and put on “Winter” – you won’t regret it. All proceeds from the sale of “Winter” benefit Food Issues Group (foodissuesgroup.org) who are providing meals to folks in need this winter. Check it out below via Bandcamp. Winter by Evelyn
Here’s a nice indie pop-meets-adult contemporary jam from singer/songwriter Justina Shandler. Lyrically, “Taking Back My Love” is a kiss-off to a troubled relationship. With just enough sassy energy peeking through her otherwise gentle delivery, “Love” finds Shandler re-discovering her voice, telling her freeloading ex like it is. Beyond that, the song straddles a fine line between adult contemporary and indie pop, meaning fans of anyone from Carly Rae Jepsen to Lorde to Sara Bareilles might like this one. Check it out below via Bandcamp – it’s also on Spotify. Taking Back My Love by Justina Shandler
Bubblewands is an ultra-endearing recording project between singer/songwriter Brian Lonsdorf and drummer Andy Miles. The San Francisco duo’s latest effort, “Go Back,” caught our ears for its bedroom-fi sincerity and jangly guitar driven appeal. They’ve managed to blend late 90s emo and slacker indie rock (with a tinge of alt-country) into something heartfelt – think Pavement meets Pinegrove meets The Get Up Kids. Check it out below, we think you’ll like it. Footage by Bubblewands
Denver synthpop quartet Retrofette are going to make you miss the dancefloor with their new single, “Photogenic.” Inspired by a love of vintage synths and irresistibly compelling beats, Retrofette have created something mysteriously timeless and eerily danceable. Full of off-beat bass bumps, a spooky falsetto delivery, and minimalist drum presence, fans of Metronomy, Justice, or Porches will dig this one a lot. Check it out via Soundcloud below – they’ve also got a Spotify for you to enjoy. Retrofette · Photogenic
Loving the silky smooth bedroom-pop stylings from LA-based oramor. “Crisis” is built on a swirly, muted guitar backbone that pairs well with a bunch of swelling synth work, start-stop rhythms, and oramor’s gentle croon. The chorus of “So take your time/You can take what’s mine/We will be just right forever” is a definite earworm that shows off oramor’s nuanced ear for pop melody delivered with vaguely romantic lyrics. “Crisis” appears on oramor’s new, three-song EP, Sunsets. It’s currently available via Bandcamp. Sunsets by oramor
You might recognize solo-act Kevin J.B. O’Connor from his previous role as front man of Buffalo-based indie quartet Coral Collapse – he’s since relocated to Lexington, KY and started up a solo project under the name KO. We’ve been vibing on his latest effort, “Evergreen;” full of folksy drum shuffles, reverb-soaked guitars, and O’Connor’s endearing vocals, this one is a feel-good tune that falls somewhere on the spectrum between Real Estate and fleet foxes. Check it out below, but also be sure to visit his Bandcamp or swing by his website for more info. KO. · Evergreen
Big rock n roll vibes all the way from The Netherlands here on “Belt of Orion.” Fun-filled quartet Spiny Norman takes a bunch of retro rock n’ roll vibes and pairs it with a slick, contemporary production value… Think The Dandy Warhols-meets-Arctic Monkeys. With psychedelic riffs and la-la-las aplenty, this one has plenty of soaring energy to keep you going for days. Check it out below – its also on Spotify if that’s more your thing.
Seattle’s Worse In Person know a thing or two about writing an indie rock gem – just take one listen to the jangly “Mouth Breather” for proof. This one is full of late 90s slacker rock energy with a hint of mid 00s indie rock bombast… Think Pavement-meets-Band of Horses-meets-Built to Spill. With lots of gang-vocal flavor and blue note guitar leads, this one definitely got us going. Have a listen for yourself below and see if it does the same for you… They’ve also got a Bandcamp if you prefer to listen that way.
Here’s a somber indie rocker from Boise, Idaho-based solo act Butch Wifey. Colloquially known as Chloe Ponder, she’s been crafting tunes since she was 15. We’re drawn to the longing of “Wallet” – mining forlorn feelings of loves-now-lost, it’s brought to life with squiggly guitar leads and a jangly guitar backbone. Wifey’s lilting vocals will appeal to any Phoebe Bridgers fans out there for sure. Check it out below, she’s also got a few more jams on Spotify. butch wifey · Wallet
Great energy here on “Knuckle Tattoo” by girlhouse. Driven by simple guitar licks and a pounding rhythm, this one goes down smooth upon first listen, almost like you’ve known it your whole life. With great, rhythmic lyrical delivery and chorus-drenched guitar leads, this has a wide appeal – fans of Girlpool, Hole, or even Men I Trust will all find common ground here. Check it out below, they’ve also got a Spotify. girlhouse · knuckle tattoo
Here’s a dope one from San Francisco’s Ha Vey – does “PYT” really need an introduction? Michael Jackson’s classic gets the indie-pop treatment in Ha Vey’s cover version, featuring sassy vocals, an organic-sounding drum mix, and retro-sounding instruments that honor the song’s origins. Let’s be real… You already know “PYT,” so why not give Ha Vey’s version a chance? Check out the at-home video treatment below – she’s also got a discography to check out via Spotify.
Here’s a dope jam from bedroom-pop solo-act Joe Vann. “Age” is a super gauzy jam, full of swells, vintage synth flavor, and Vann’s tasteful bedroom-appropriate falsetto. With it’s low-key energy and tasteful tape-aged flavor, this one should appeal to fans of Ariel Pink, Craft Spells, and Tame Impala. Check it out below (and on Spotify too). Joe Vann · Age
“Bitter-sweet, which is why it’s called CranMango. Bitterness of cranberries, sweetness of a mango.” Couldn’t have said it better ourselves – there’s just something endearing and heartwrenching about this dreamy jam from Florence, Alabama crew, WILLIS. Combining elements of bedroom pop, shoegaze, and a bit of dreamy jazz, “CranMango” feels soulful and heartfelt without ever dipping into melodrama. Fans of Turnover, Men I Trust, or Crumb are going to love this one… Check it out below or swing by Spotify for more WILLIS action. WILLIS · CranMango