We think you’ll enjoy this little ditty from LA duo Ruby Red. Childhood friends Daniel Laner and Fernando Fine have been honing their indie-pop chops since elementary school… Such dedication has led to bangers like “All Night Long.” Layered thick with sexy synths and bouncing, bubbly bass lines, this one reads just as much nu-disco as it does electropop. Enjoy the music video below or add it to your Spotify playlist.
Boston act Elsa Bay are onto something fresh and fun with their newest jam, “Rotten.” There’s some sincere indie rock energy here for sure, but what really takes “Rotten” to the next level are the mathy guitar flourishes tucked in throughout the song. Often layered heavy with oddball effects, they sound like welcome alien artifacts in this otherwise tight and crunchy jam. There are lots of ways to enjoy “Rotten” – check it out via Bandcamp below or visit Linktree for more options. Rotten EP by Elsa Bay
We think Australian creative-type Deena Lynch (perhaps better known by her stage name Jaguar Jonze) is onto something with “DEADALIVE.” Beyond the stunning visual aspect of the video – lush with oranges, reds, ninja imagery, and camera tricks – “DEADALIVE” feels instantly addictive. It’s a mashup of guitar distortion and synthpop bombast – falling in a nebulous area between genres but embodying them all in all their best ways. Check out the video below; if you’re digging it, here’s the Jaguar Jonze Spotify page.
Loving this worldly (or otherworldly) electropop jam from Lazy Tiger. The Jersey City producer recently caught our ears with the sparkly ambiance of “Angel Dark Demon Bright,” a euphoric song full of perfectly vague sounds that you can’t quite put your finger on. We definitely dig the unique use of Asian instruments in this one, set off by a smattering of far-off vocal samples. As always, this one is better heard than read about – check it out below or get more acquainted with Lazy Tiger here. Lazy Tiger · Lazy Tiger – Angel Dark Demon Bright
Here’s a super chill one from LA act Kowloon. Featuring an ultra-funky bassline with a retro drum machine and gauzy synth pulses, this one would be perfect late-night listening or a nighttime driving tune. There is a vintage tinge to this one, but it still feels effortlessly contemporary all the same. We think Kowloon is going to make it onto your playlist – Here’s the Spotify link. Kowloon · Come Over
We’ve really been liking this dope jam from Anchorage, Alaska act Medium Build. Medium Build is often a collective of sorts – a revolving cast of musicians based around the anchor of Nick Carpenter. “Another Man” feels worldly in its great and melancholy indietronica backbone, but lyrically, it also feels intensely personal. This is all besides the otherworldly hooks that are sure to be stuck in your head for days. This is a cool one – check it out below, or add it to your Spotify playlist. Medium Build · Another Man
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.