Category: Indie

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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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“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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“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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“Some things never change is inevitable” by Former Lives

"Some things never change is inevitable" by Former Lives

Artist: Former Lives

Song: Some things never change is inevitable

Genres: #indierock #shoegaze

Location: Burlington, Vermont, United States

Release date: June, 2024

Comment: Shoegaze pop/rock isn’t for everyone, but if it is for you, then you’re going to love today’s featured song. “Some things never change is inevitable” is a melancholic indie gem for introspective listeners. It delves into themes of loneliness and perseverance, using a childhood asthma experience in Colorado as a powerful metaphor. Its long title might make you think it is a new track from Fall Out Boy, but it is actually the newest single from Vermont-based act, Former Lives.

Former Lives was started by Sean Joseph Klassen and his dog, Bruce Beagle, as a way to cope with a life-altering brain injury. The act itself is a “love letter to overdriven guitars, analog synthesizers, and arcane pop music,” and that’s exactly what you get on their new track. Between the distorted guitars and Klassen’s introspective vocals, listening to “Some things never change is inevitable” feels like floating through a dreamscape of bittersweet memories. It’s a really enjoyable track.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie

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“Mother” by Nolo Grace

"Mother" by Nolo Grace

Artist: Nolo Grace

Song: Mother

Genres: #altpop #indiepop

Location:  Los Angeles, United States

Release date: May, 2024

Comment: Last August, I featured here a catchy summer track from husband and wife duo Grace & Moji. While they keep going strong as a couple, this time, Grace Hong is back as a solo artist with a poignant song inspired by her complicated relationship with her mother, who suffered from mental illness. It’s never easy to be so vulnerable and share your internal struggles with the world. However, this openness can also be a cathartic experience, helping to heal old wounds.

“This is the most emotional song I’ve ever written, about me letting go of my mother and her influence on my life, and is the first song I ever wrote with my husband, Martin. It was a
challenging and healing experience, and it’s a special song for many reasons. I’ve since found a way to feel a lot of compassion for her, forgive the past, and open up to the future,” says Grace. “We all carry the imprint of our early childhood experiences and the ways we were and were not nurtured, but we have the opportunity as we grow up to build awareness around that, heal the past, and leverage what we learn from our struggles to be a force for good in the world.”

The track, produced by her husband Martin Wave (who has also worked with artists such as Post Malone, Steve Aoki, and Chloe Lilac), will be part of Nolo Grace’s forthcoming debut album, “Eyes of the Dragon”. Musically, the cinematic track follows an unconventional structure, with an atmospheric intro anchored by Grace’s voice; a second section that acts like a chorus; and an infectious bridge/outro that brings the energy level up a notch.

Sometimes, the most powerful music comes from our deepest vulnerabilities. I can’t wait to hear the rest of Nolo Grace’s debut album.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Indie
  • Pop

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“Homebound” by SATRE

"Homebound” by SATRE

Artist: SATRE

Song: Homebound

Genres: #indiefolk

Influences: The Lumineers, Bon Iver

Location: London, United Kingdom

Release date: May, 2024

Comment: In 2018, Swedish musician SATRE took a leap of faith, leaving his homeland to chase his musical dreams in the bustling heart of London. He honed his skills as a street performer, belting out tunes in iconic locations like Trafalgar Square (you can even find some videos on his YouTube channel!). His dedication paid dividends, and in 2022, he started releasing his own music. This month, he dropped a gem called “Homebound,” an uplifting folk-pop track that will have you digging into his back catalogue in no time.

“Homebound” evokes the same sun-soaked vibes as Vance Joy, The Lumineers, and The Strumbellas, thanks to its jangly guitars and banjo flourishes. But SATRE’s got a distinct, husky voice and a personal touch that give him his own sound. The lyrics paint a picture-perfect road trip with loved ones, all wrapped in a catchy melody that’s impossible to resist.

If you’re a fan of feel-good folk-pop, SATRE is an artist you need on your radar. “Homebound” is a fantastic introduction, and with more music on the way, he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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“Swayze” by Smallpools

"Swayze" by Smallpools

Artist: Smallpools

Song: Swayze

Genres: #indierock #indiepop

Location: L.A & Nashville, United States

Release date: April, 2024

Comment: Smallpools have been featured here twice before, both times for some exceptional covers. This time, though, they’re here with an original song, the heavily 80s-influenced (as hinted by the track’s name) “Swayze,” and it is a banger.

Using elements from 80s music in modern tracks is far from unique, but doing so to complement an infectious melody and great vocals can really bring everything to the next level, and that’s exactly what Smallpools did here. You don’t have to be a fan of 80s music to enjoy this track, but if you are, it doesn’t get any better than this.

“Swayze” is the opening track of the band’s new EP “Ghost Town Road (East),” with a full-length album expected later this year.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Indie
  • Pop

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“Saw You In A Dream” by Colin Woltmann

"Saw You In A Dream” by Colin Woltmann

Artist: Colin Woltmann

Song: Saw You In A Dream

Genres: #indiefolk

Influences: Elliot Smith, Bob Dylan, John Prine

Location: Alabama, United States

Release date: April, 2024

Comment: Colin Woltmann, a talented singer-songwriter from Alabama, continues to enchant with his latest single, “Saw You In A Dream,” the second track from his upcoming EP, “A Case of the Times”.

Woltmann got inspiration from artists such as Nick Drake, as well as those listed as his influences already. His sound is both soft and raw, creating an experience that feels like stepping into his mind. His first single, previously featured here, had a calming melody and honest lyrics. The same can be said of “Saw You In A Dream,” although each song in its own unique way. Personally, I find the new track even more ethereal, perhaps because Colin wrote it after experiencing a couple of strange dreams that left him in a state of déjà vu.

“Saw You In A Dream” by Colin Woltmann feels like sipping hot chocolate in a cozy cabin in the middle of winter—a warm, comforting song. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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“I Tried” by Lachlan

"I Tried" by Lachlan

Artist: Lachlan

Song: I Tried

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Release date: April, 2024

Comment: In August 2020, I reviewed a charming track called “LAX” by indie Scottish musician Lachlan, marking just his second release as a solo artist. Fast forward almost four years and a few singles later, Lachlan is back on T.A.M with another catchy indie rock song.

The song weaves relatable lyrics about the struggle to move on after a relationship has ended. Lachlan paints a vivid picture with lines like “Every cloud I see in a gray sky takes the form of you and I,” showcasing the constant reminders of a lost love. His voice perfectly captures the internal conflict – the desire to shield himself from memories yet being unable to escape the lingering light of the past.

On “I Tried,” Lachlan retains his signature production polish while exploring a more emotionally charged soundscape. So, put on your headphones, hit play, and prepare to be swept away by good music.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie