Author: H.G.O.

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“Not Ready Yet” by Sean Magwire

"Not Ready Yet" by Sean Magwire
"Not Ready Yet" by Sean Magwire

Artist: Sean Magwire

Song: Not Ready Yet

Genres: #indiefolk

Influences: The Beatles, Coldplay, Simon & Garfunkel

Location: Worcester, United States

Release date: November, 2024

Comment: I always knew that making a good song people would want to listen to was hard, but having this blog and listening to countless submitted tracks has made me realize that it is even harder than I thought. You could be the best lyricist in the world and have the perfect voice for your type of music, and still make music that falls flat. And that’s especially true for singer-songwriters who play music with a guitar, because that field is so crowded that it’s quite challenging to stand out. It really requires a special song, and that, my friends, is exactly what we have here with “Not Ready Yet” by Sean Magwire.

Sean not only has a great voice for folksy songs and a knack for writing fantastic lyrics, but he can also compose compelling melodies that stick everything together like glue. That’s the first thing that grabs your attention with “Not Ready Yet.” But then you start noticing the details, like a harmonica here and there, and paying attention to the lyrics and the way Sean conveys the message of not wanting to give up despite the feeling of despair that comes from being part of a rat race chasing the American Dream. You can’t help but appreciate what a great tune it is.

Growing up in Indiana, Sean’s passion for music originated from his father, who was also a talented musician, and the music he listened to at home, like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel. However, it wasn’t until he heard Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’ that Sean felt the urge to write his own music. Twenty years later, Sean has garnered attention over the last few years as more and more people have started to notice how talented he is, including winning multiple songwriting contests such as Song of the Year (Lennon Award) for Folk in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Now he’s planning to release a new solo album in early 2025, for which ‘Not Ready Yet’ is the second single.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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“Disconnections” by The Assist

"Disconnections" by The Assist
"Disconnections" by The Assist
“Disconnections” by The Assist

Artist: The Assist

Song: “Disconnections”

Genres:  #indierock #alternativerock

Location: Walsall, United Kingdom

Release date: November, 2024

Comment: I had never heard of The Assist until I listened to “Disconnections,” which immediately caught my attention. It turns out they are one of the UK’s most established underground rock acts. They catalogue themselves as a ‘council-pop’ outfit, which was also the title of their debut album. In the UK, ‘council’ generally refers to local government authorities responsible for various public services, like housing, education, and transportation. When people talk about ‘council housing,’ they mean homes provided by local councils at affordable rents for people in need. So, I guess the term ‘council-pop’ refers to the fact that The Assist‘s music is grounded in the everyday experiences and realities of working-class life. That would certainly fit with what “Disconnections” is all about.

The title track of The Assist’s anticipated sophomore studio album, “Disconnections,” is a compelling exploration of the feeling of detachment from life. Lead singer Mikey Stanton doesn’t mince words as he dissects our relentless quest for ‘bigger and better,’ which has led us to undervalue life’s simplest joys. How often have we seen someone miss a beautiful moment because they were too absorbed in their mobile phones? Musically, the track is a catchy blend of indie rock, hip-hop beats, and pop rhythms.

As a curious note, if you’re familiar with the ephemeral American band The Last Goodnight, who achieved modest success with their single “Pictures of You” back in 2007, you might agree that the vocals of both bands’ lead singers are quite similar in tone and delivery style. I find this very interesting because I doubt Mikey Stanton is even aware of The Last Goodnight’s albums.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to The Assist‘s music, “Disconnections” is a track that’s hard to ignore. Give it a listen and see for yourself.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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“Sing Our Kids to Sleep” by The Easter Parade

"Sing Our Kids to Sleep" by The Easter Parade
"Sing Our Kids to Sleep" by The Easter Parade

Artist: The Easter Parade

Song: “Sing Our Kids to Sleep”

Genres:  #indierock #alternativerock

Influences: Matt Berninger, Salvador Sobral, Tom Waits.

Location: Kettering, United Kingdom

Release date: November, 2024

Comment: “Sing Our Kids to Sleep” is the kind of song that would start playing in a movie when the main character begins a long trip alone, either driving or by bus or train, on a rainy day, reminiscing about better times when their love interest hadn’t left them yet. Released today as the debut single for The Easter Parade, it is a song you won’t be able to ignore.

Matt Steven is a musician, producer, and songwriter hailing from Northamptonshire, UK. After a decade-long break from releasing original music, he’s now using The Easter Parade moniker to create music from his recording studio, Indigo Scala. For “Sing Our Kids to Sleep,” which was mostly recorded this past summer, he enlisted the help of the Betania Hernández String Quartet and mastering engineer Pete Maher. The result is a beautiful track with rich orchestration and honest artistry.

The Easter Parade‘s upcoming debut EP, Raindrops on the Lens, is certainly going to be well worth our attention.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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“Halloweekend” by Sarah Gargano

"‘Halloweekend" by Sarah Gargano

"Halloweekend" by Sarah Gargano

Artist: Sarah Gargano

Song: Halloweekend

Genres: #indie

Influences: Phoebe Bridgers, boygenius

Location:  Nashville, United States

Release date: October, 2024

Comment: Some songs excel at creating a ‘mood’, evoking strong emotions that are often tinged with melancholy or introspection. They set up a pensive atmosphere perfect for those rainy days or quiet nights in, and that’s exactly the case with ‘Halloweekend’ by Sarah Gargano. This talented singer-songwriter has a knack for inward-looking lyrics that resonate deeply.

Born and raised in New York City but now based in Nashville, the 26-year-old has been writing music since she was 15, and released her first EP in 2018. For ‘Halloweekend’, which came out last Friday, she drew inspiration from Phoebe Bridgers, a master of moody songs, both as a solo artist and through her work with boygenius. Sarah’s ability to craft similarly evocative and emotional music is evidence that, as a musician, she’s headed in the right direction.

Sarah Gargano is planning to make a music video too. While we wait for it, please enjoy her standout track here.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Indie

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“Stateline” by Nathan Ball

"Stateline” by Nathan Line
"Stateline” by Nathan Ball

Artist: Nathan Ball

Song: Stateline

Genres: #indiefolk

Location: Cornwall, United Kingdom

Release date: July, 2024

Comment: Nathan Ball is a singer-songwriter whose music strikes a balance between classic songwriting and experimental sounds. Based in Cornwall, his connection to nature deeply influences his work, including within the house genre, as he’s worked with the British electronica act Faithless and is touring with them as their vocalist. He’s also about to release an EP as a solo artist, Lost Track of Time, and if all its tracks are like “Stateline“, we’re in for a treat.

“Stateline” is a beautiful track Nathan wrote while touring in Australia. You can really feel the essence of life on the road in it – the dusty roads and new faces. Nathan’s lyrics draw on the story of Icarus, and the song has this nostalgic, coming-of-age vibe that’s both uplifting and grounding. The music itself is considerably warm with jangly guitars and solid percussion that wraps you up in its atmosphere. Give it a listen, and let me know what you think!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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“It goes” by The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara

"It Goes" by The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara
"It goes" by The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara

Artist: The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara

Song: It goes

Genres: #alternativerock

Location:  London, United Kingdom

Release date: September, 2024

Comment:  I’m coming back from holidays with a new gem from old friends of T.A.M., The Chronicles of Manimal and Samara (if you’re not familiar with their work, I’ve written about them before here and here), which consists of Daphne Ang (Singapore) and Andrea Papi (Italy). The last time they appeared here was 3 years ago, but they hadn’t gone anywhere. They have been releasing new music consistently at an impressive rate, but it was usually a tad heavy for this blog. That changed with “It goes”, which relies on a mesmerizing blend of classical guitar, cellos and the evocative vocals of Andrea (Daphne usually delivers the vocals for their tracks).

The lyrics delve into themes of existentialism and the human condition. As Daphne and Andrea shared, “This song is about working all your life for something that is never going to be yours.” “It goes” comes accompanied by a striking music video, produced by the duo’s visual and video production entity: TCOMAS Studio, that contains AI-generated lifelike scenes of cinematic quality.

“It goes” is the fourth single off ORIGINS, TCOMAS forthcoming new album, the third in four years, which will be dropping in November. If you’re a fan of creative art, particularly if you enjoy heavy guitars as well, you should definitely pre-save it.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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“Morning Light” by Jakob Longfield

"Morning Light” by Jakob Longfield
"Morning Light” by Jakob Longfield

Artist: Jakob Longfield, Finn, Prince of Whales

Song: Morning Light

Genres: #indiefolk

Location: Tübingen, Germany

Release date: August, 2024

Comment: Jakob Longfield, a promising artist from the south of Germany, crossed the Alps in the summer of 2023. The magical experience, which he describes as one of the happiest and most intense times of his life, inspired him to write and record “Morning Light,” featured on his latest EP, “Of Daydreams And Letting Go.” In this track, the talented singer-songwriter conveys the essence of a day of hiking and the tranquility and inner peace transmitted by nature. He used recordings made during his trip, such as the sound of birds, footsteps, rain and waterfalls. Combined with Jakob’s hypnotic vocals, these elements result in a beautiful and entrancing song.

“Morning Light” was co-written by Finn, Prince of Whales, who gets extra points for the clever moniker and also appears on the track. Together, Jakob and Finn recorded and produced the entire EP, and you can tell the care and dedication they put into it. From using real instruments rather than digital tools to writing genuine and heartfelt lyrics about Jakob’s experiences and dreams, the craftsmanship is unparalleled. If there were such a thing as artisanal music, this would be its definition. Listen to this track here:

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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“Mosaic” by Manatee Commune

"Mosaic" by Manatee Commune
"Mosaic" by Manatee Commune

Artist: Manatee Commune

Song: Mosaic

Genres: #electronic #House

Location: Seattle, United States

Influences: Caribou, Four Tet, John Hopkins

Release date: June, 2024.

Comment: Manatee Commune is the brainchild of Grant Eadie, a versatile musician from the Pacific Northwest. He has been releasing music under this moniker since 2012. After some initial success, which included a feature on NPR, the pressure to continue growing his audience, a focus on his professional career, and the impact of Covid meant that his output in recent years hasn’t been as frequent as he would have liked. Fortunately for us, last year, Grant’s creative spark became too strong to ignore, leading to the release of ‘Simultaneity,’ his brand new album, just last month.

Eadie’s music is shaped by his love for field recordings, classical music training, and an interest in the entrancing nature of dance. This blend of influences allows him to create a sound that spans ambient, downtempo, house, and bass genres. His serene yet intricate style offers a unique mix of relaxation and creativity, and a great example of this is “Mosaic,” the second single from “Simultaneity,” a track I could listen to on a loop for weeks..

The song opens with a soft, dreamlike atmosphere that slowly builds into a more upbeat, bass-driven section, offering a varied and immersive listening journey. The contrast between the calm and more vibrant sections makes the listening experience all the more captivating. Check it out below!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Electronic

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“right where you left me” by eaJ (ft. Hindia)

“right where you left me” by eaJ (ft. Hindia)

“right where you left me” by eaJ (ft. Hindia)
Photo Credit: Lucas Mumm

Artist: eaJ

Song: right where you left me

Genres: #altpop

Location:  California, United States

Release date: July, 2024

Comment: Korean-American singer-songwriter eaJ, also known as Jae Park, has been making waves with his solo project. Born in Buenos Aires and raised in Cerritos, California, Jae initially gained industry attention as a YouTube musician. However, he’s best known as the former vocalist and lead guitarist of the chart-topping South Korean rock band Day6.

Celebrated Indonesian artist Hindia joins forces with eaJ on their latest single, “right where you left me.” Hindia’s production expertise and vocals blend seamlessly with Jae’s signature catchy pop melodies. The collaboration was initiated when Jae, a longtime admirer of Hindia’s work, reached out via direct message. The result? A stunning and upbeat rock-pop track whose upbeat and rocky sound contrasts with its poignant lyrics. Written from a flipped perspective, the track portrays someone waiting for a loved one to return from an emotional journey of self-discovery, reassuring the other that they’ll be right where they left them if they choose to come back.

Listen to this move-inducing song below!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Pop

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“All I Want” by The Heroic Enthusiasts

"All I Want" by The Heroic Enthusiasts

"All I Want" by The Heroic Enthusiasts
Heroic Enthusiasts Artist 3/29/2024 Credit: Taylor Ballantyne

Artist: The Heroic Enthusiasts

Song: All I Want

Genres: #synthpop

Influences: Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Erasure.

Location:  Rochester, New York, United States

Release date: June, 2024

Comment: When I first listened to the initial 20 seconds or so of “All I Want” by The Heroic Enthusiasts, my first reaction was that this was a 1980s-influenced musical act that was unlikely to move the needle for me. And then the pre-chorus came on. That started to get my attention. And by the time the chorus exploded, I was already all in. The track is heavily influenced by likes of Pet Shop Boys and Erasure, but you don’t have to be a massive fan of those legendary bands to enjoy it (which was my case). However, I suppose that those who are will go crazy about “All I Want”.

The Heroic Enthusiasts, comprised of James Tabbi and Thomas Ferrara, was initially born from a shared love of Brit-pop, New Wave, and Post-Punk. After achieving hundreds of thousands of streams across a few small releases, the New York-based duo is getting ready to release their first LP album, ‘Illuminate’, on Meridian (ECR Music Group), for which “All I Want” is the first single. The new album was helmed by legendary producer Stephen Hague, who has worked with Pet Shop Boys on several tracks and albums. He even co-wrote 5 of the 10 tracks that will be in the new record.

Colour me intrigued. I’m sure the new album will be full of gems, and I’m looking forward to it.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Pop