“Hard To Please” By Rachel Bochner

August 1, 2023August 21, 2023

“Hard To Please” By Rachel Bochner

Artist: Rachel Bochner

Song: Heavy Objects

Genres: #indiepop

Location: New York City, United States

Release date: July, 2023

Comment: Rachel Bochner is an alt-pop artist who has delivered tracks with funny titles like “If I’m Gunna Be Sad (I Might As Well Look Hot Doing It)” and “Here For The Drama.” These tracks will be part of her 6-track EP, aptly named “It’s Not Me, It’s U,” set to be released next week. “Hard To Please” is the latest single she has dropped from the new record, and I have to say that it is my favorite so far.

It is a dynamic alt-pop track that skillfully blends gritty guitars with graceful melodies. The song delves into the pressures placed on women in today’s society. It begins with Rachel contemplating getting a nose ring, hoping that a simple change in the form of a “shiny piece of metal” might solve her problems. The lyrics then progress as Rachel vents her overall frustrations, expressing lines like: “I’m getting sick of it / Targets I’ll never hit / How can I reach the end of it / When there’s no finish line?” The track takes an unexpected turn just as we anticipate a heavy rock chorus, surprising us instead with sweet-sounding vocals and lively guitar strums. Check it out below!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Pop

July 28, 2023August 18, 2023

“Cool About It” by boygenius

Artist: boygenius

Song: Cool About It

Genres: #indie #indiefolk

Location: California, United States

Release date: March, 2023

Comment: If you are a fan of indie folk and rock, you probably know who boygenius are. The supergroup, formed by Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus released their self-titled debut EP in 2018 and it was full of harmonies, emotions and exquisite songwriting. Since then, each member has been busy with their own projects, but somehow they still found time to release a new album, aptly titled ‘the record’, earlier this year. Even though it probably won’t be released as a single, “Cool About It” is my favorite new track and I’ve been meaning to feature it here for a while now.

The song is a slow-burning ballad that showcases the trio’s vocal chemistry and their ability to create a captivating atmosphere with minimal instrumentation. The lyrics are about trying to act nonchalant in front of an ex-lover, but feeling the pain and regret underneath. It’s a simple yet beautiful track.

Regular readers will probably remember that I’ve written about Phoebe before, but Julien and Lucy are just as talented and compelling, and together they form a powerful and unique musical force.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Indie

July 11, 2023August 14, 2023

“Find You” by New Friends

Artist: New Friends

Song: Find You

Genres: #altpop #indiepop

Location: London, Canada

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: Back in April, Canadian band New Friends released their debut EP Camaro; it contains the catchy “Doomed”, which I featured here last year, and three other tracks. I listened to the EP without expecting to find a song I liked as much as “Doomed” in it, but I was wrong. Even though “Find You”, the closing track, is a different kind of song, it got me hooked just the same. The chorus is really something else. It makes you want to sing along.

“Find You” showcases impressive vocal harmonies and captivating guitar riffs, enhancing the richness of its sound. The production is polished yet tasteful, allowing the song’s essence to shine through. With its universal theme of longing for understanding and happiness, this track strikes a chord. All in all, the song sounds like a radio hit, but with a distinct personal touch. New Friends is unquestionably a band to keep an eye on in the pop rock scene.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Indie
Pop

July 7, 2023August 7, 2023

“Penance” by Nerima

Artist: NERiMA

Song: Penance

Genres: #alternativerock #punkrock

Location: Toronto, Canada

Release date: May, 2023

Comment: I have written about the talented Toronto-based band Nerima twice before, but, after listening to their recent single “Penance”, I knew I had to do a third time. It’s a stunning piece of music that explores the themes of guilt, regret and forgiveness, and I seriously think this is their more mature-sounding track.

The song starts with a gentle acoustic guitar and Alexi delicately singing the first few verses, but by the time the chorus starts, the full band has come in to increase the energy levels. The contrast between the verses and the chorus creates a dynamic and captivating sound that keeps you hooked until the end. The song also features some beautiful harmonies.

“Penance” by Nerima is a song that you should definitely listen to if you enjoy indie rock with a touch of punk-rock. It will make you feel something. Even happiness for witnessing the evolution of such a talented band.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Alternative
Punk-Rock

July 6, 2023August 4, 2023

“Spanish Moss” by Against Me!

Artist: Against Me!

Song: Spanish Moss

Genres: #punkrock

Location: Florida, United States

Release date: June, 2010

Comment: “Spanish Moss” by Against Me! is an energizing track from their 2010 album White Crosses. This punk rock anthem talks about the need to be who you are without feeling ashamed for it, which takes some extra meaning once you learn about the lead singer’s backstory, who back then was not known as Laura Jane Grace.

The music is catchy and powerful, with driving drums, soaring guitars and Laura Jane Grace’s passionate vocals. Given the fact that this great tune turned 13 last month, I thought it would be a good choice for #ThrowbackThursday. So turn up the volume, sing along and let Spanish Moss take you on a journey. You won’t regret it.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Punk-rock

July 4, 2023August 2, 2023

“Simon the Doubter” by Brendan Scott Friel

Artist: Brendan Scott Friel

Song: Simon The Doubter

Genres: #indiefolk

Location: Windor, Ontario, Canada

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: Brendan Scott Friel is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has been making waves in the indie scene with his honest and heartfelt folk songs. His new single, “Simon the Doubter,” is a catchy and clever tune that tells the story of a man who questions everything, even his own faith. The song features acoustic guitar, piano, harmonica, and subtle percussion, creating a warm and organic backdrop for his smooth and expressive vocals. The lyrics are witty and clever, using biblical references and metaphors to describe the protagonist’s doubts and struggles.

“Simon the Doubter” is the first single from his upcoming second album, Summer Moons, which is set to be released later this year. The song showcases his talent for blending folk elements with pop sensibilities, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. If you like artists like Passenger, Ed Sheeran, or Vance Joy, you might want to give this song a listen.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

June 28, 2023August 1, 2023

“Don’t Forget” by Jakliu

Artist: Jakliu

Song: Don’t Forget

Genres: #chillout

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Release date: June, 2023.

Comment: If you’re looking for some chill and atmospheric electronica to soothe your soul, you might want to check out the work of Jakliu, an Irish producer based in Dublin. His debut EP, Don’t Forget, is a two-track record that explores the complex emotions that arise when one realizes their love for someone is temporary, yet profound.

The title track, “Don’t Forget,” is a captivating blend of ambient textures and delicate plucks that create an immersive soundscape. The vocal chops glide effortlessly over the ethereal backdrop, expressing the urgency and yearning not to let the ephemeral nature of their love slip away. The track evokes a sense of bittersweet longing and introspection, allowing listeners to connect deeply with its emotional core. The second track, “Not For Long, But I Know,” is just as mesmerizing.

Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including classical music, nature, and electronic music, Jakliu has developed a unique sound that blends together different genres and styles to create something uniquely his own. Listen to “Don’t Forget” below.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Chill Out

June 27, 2023July 28, 2023

“Pyrrhula” by M. Byrd

Artist: M. Byrd

Song: Pyrrhula

Genres: #indiefolk

Location: Detmold, Germany

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: M. Byrd is a German-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who has been making waves with his debut album The Seed, a collection of songs that blend intimate moments with wide horizons, inspired by the Laurel Canyon sound and shoegaze aesthetics. The album is meant to plant a seed and encourage listeners’ evolution.

One of the standout tracks from The Seed is “Pyrrhula”, a song that showcases M. Byrd‘s ability to create atmospheric and emotional soundscapes with his guitar, synth and bass playing. The song starts with a gentle acoustic guitar strumming and M. Byrd’s soft vocals, singing about a fire in someone’s eyes and a longing for connection. The song is named after a genus of birds, also known as bullfinches, which are known for their bright colors and monogamous relationships. M. Byrd uses this metaphor to express his desire for a lasting bond with someone who can light up his world.

“Pyrrhula” by M. Byrd is a song that will make you feel something, whether it’s joy, sadness, nostalgia or hope.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

June 23, 2023July 28, 2023

“Stardust” by Cary Brothers

Artist: Cary Brothers

Song: Stardust

Genres: #indie

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: January, 2023

Comment: I recently watched the movie A Good Person, written and directed by Zach Braff, who also wrote and directed Garden State, whose award-winning soundtrack has been referred to on multiple occasions here. There is a pivotal scene in the movie in which the main character, played by the scene-stealing Florence Pugh, attends a concert and the song being played when she arrives really grabbed my attention. It turned out to be “Stardust” by Cary Brothers, a singer-songwriter -Brothers is his surname- who was also featured on the soundtrack of, you guessed it, Garden State.

Stardust is a moody indie track that is simply stunning. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

June 16, 2023June 28, 2023

“Tonight, Tonight” by Smallpools & Caroline Kole

Artist: Smallpools & Caroline Kole

Song: Tonight, Tonight

Genres: #indierock #indiepop

Location: L.A & Nashville, United States

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: If you like covers that are not exact replicas of the original song, you’re in for a treat.

“Tonight, Tonight” is a classic alternative rock song by The Smashing Pumpkins, released in 1996 as part of their double album “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness“. The song is an anthemic ode to hope and change, with lyrics that evoke a sense of urgency and possibility. It reminds us that we’re not alone, we’re not stuck, and we can make things happen.

Smallpools, featured here before for another outstanding cover they did, and Caroline Kole are two indie pop artists who have teamed up to deliver a fresh and fun cover of “Tonight, Tonight”. Smallpools is a Los Angeles-based band known for their catchy and upbeat songs such as “Dreaming” and “Million Bucks”. Caroline Kole is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter who has collaborated with artists such as Reba McEntire and ~~Mr. Gwen Stefani~~ Blake Shelton.

Their cover of Tonight, Tonight is a faithful homage to the original, but with a modern twist. They keep the same structure and melody of the song, but add their own flair with poppy synths, electric guitars, and harmonized vocals. They also strip down the song in an acoustic version that showcases their vocal talents and chemistry. Please enjoy “Tonight, Tonight” by Smallpools & Caroline Kole.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Alternative
Folk/Indie