Category: Pop

Posted on

“DRIVE!” by Lockyer Boys

"DRIVE!" by Lockyer Boys

Artist: Lockyer Boys

Song: DRIVE!

Genres: #altpop

Location:  Thunder Bay, Canada

Release date: November, 2023

Comment: The Lockyer Boys, a project by brothers Will and Charlie Lockyer, have released their new single, “DRIVE!”, which is now available on all streaming platforms. The song is a vibrant, fast-paced production that brilliantly highlights the duo’s invigorating and uplifting pop style. DRIVE!” revolves around seizing opportunities, conveying themes of confidence, courage, and giving one’s utmost effort.

Hailing from Thunder Bay, Canada, the Lockyer Brothers have been immersed in musical collaboration since their early years. At the youthful ages of 19 (Charlie) and 21 (Will), this multi-talented duo has accumulated substantial studio experience, and that’s evident with “DRIVE!” production-wise. Their future is bright!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Pop

Posted on

“hot girls in hell” by LØLØ

"hot girls in hell" by LØLØ
Photo credit: Luke Rogers

Artist: LØLØ

Song: King of Wands

Genres: #altpop #poppunk

Location: Los Angeles, United States

Release date: July, 2023

Comment: LØLØ, also known as Lauren Mandel, is a talented Canadian singer-songwriter, born in 1996, celebrated for her captivating blend of pop and alternative pop music. Her rise to fame was facilitated by her performances on TikTok, where she breathed new life into iconic music hits. Her musical style is a blend of pop melodies, sharp rock undertones, and angsty vocals that brings forth the bitter sting of heartbreak. Is it unique? No, but it is damn good.

A prime example of her prowess is her latest release, “hot girls in hell,” a fiery track that skillfully balances both fierceness and vulnerability. The track kicks off gently, gradually morphing into a pop-punk anthem that will have you headbanging in no time. This structural evolution mirrors the rollercoaster of emotions one experiences when a relationship comes to an end. In summary, check this song out if you are into indie pop. It is truly enjoyable.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Pop
Posted on

“All I Die For” by SWiiMS

"All I Die For" by SWiiMS

Artist: SWiiMS

Song: All I Die For

Genres: #indiepop #shoegaze

Location: Toronto, Canada

Release date: October, 2023

Comment: SWiiMS, an indie rock group hailing from Toronto, Canada, has unveiled their latest single, “All I Die For.” This dynamic trio, composed of Mai Diaz Langou on vocals and guitar, Colin Thompson on guitar and vocals, and Cian O’Ruanaidh on bass and vocals, has been crafting their musical synergy since the summer preceding the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Their sound is an interesting blend of 80’s New Wave, 90’s Shoegaze, Indie Rock, Brit Pop, and Dream Pop. The result is vividly apparent in “All I Die For,” a composition radiating an infectious, upbeat energy. This single is a precursor to their forthcoming LP, “Into the Blue Night,” a project conceived and recorded amid the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

“All I Die For” revolves around the nascent stages of a romantic relationship – the way we embellish ourselves to captivate the interest of the other person. It encapsulates the emotional rollercoaster of new love, brimming with hope, euphoria, and a relinquishment of control. Production-wise, it’s evident that each element in this song has been meticulously crafted, from the captivating vocals to the finely-wrought clean guitar melodies.

In essence, “All I Die For” stands as a testament to SWiiMS‘ remarkable prowess in crafting auditory delights. With the resurgence of bands like Slowdive, SWiiMS might just be poised to ascend to the ranks of IT indie bands. They certainly deserve it.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Indie
  • Pop

Posted on

“We Can Be Anything” By Baby Queen

"We Can Be Anything" By Baby Queen

Artist: Baby Queen

Song: We Can Be Anything

Genres: #indiepop

Location: London, United Kingdom

Release date: July, 2023

Comment: I had been checking the Youtube app on my smart TV, when I stumbled upon the music video below, which the algorithm was recommending. Baby Queen, a pop sensation hailing from South Africa, now based in London, had somehow eluded my radar until then. The catchy song and video got me hooked from the start, and the funny but relatable lyrics made sure I paid attention until the end. Sometimes, technology truly does deliver.

The relatable lyrics, poignant and unfiltered, delve into the existential turmoil that has been Baby Queen‘s companion for the past five years. However, the chorus, “Open up your mind/Maybe in this life/We can be anything,” delivers a resonant message of liberty and individuality. Musically, it occasionally reminded me of some 90s tracks, such as Republica‘s “Ready To Go,” though not entirely. It’s an alternative pop song that incorporates a bit of everything.

So, in summary, if you’re in the mood for thought-provoking pop tunes, “We Can Be Anything” is the perfect track for you today.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Pop

Posted on

“Monster” by Grace & Moji

"Monster" by Grace & Moji
Photo credits: Steph Montani

Artist: Grace & Moji

Song: Monster

Genres: #altpop #indiepop

Location:  Los Angeles, United States

Release date: August, 2023

Comment: Beneath the sun-kissed melodies of summer, Grace & Moji‘s latest release, “Monster,” the second single from their forthcoming debut album, delves into the heart of our complexities, shining light on the shadows that coexist within us. As the dynamic husband-wife indie duo serenades us with their infectious indie pop duet, they unravel a universal truth – the duality of our beings.

In this enchanting anthem, Grace & Moji‘s harmonious voices dance harmoniously, a true testament to their musical unity. Grace Hong’s words echo in every note, reminding us that acknowledging our “Monsters” is an essential step toward understanding the nuances that make us human. Also, the vibrant instrumentation and infectious beats create a whirlwind of emotions, carrying us through the highs and lows of their melodic narrative.

In short, this groovy track is an indie pop gem.  Its easygoing tone, well-executed vocals, and captivating storytelling make it a standout piece that leaves a lasting impression. Check it out!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Indie
  • Pop

Posted on

“Hard To Please” By Rachel Bochner

“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

Posted on

“Find You” by New Friends

"Find You" by New Friends
Photo credits: Steph Montani

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

Posted on

“King of Wands” by Housewife

"King of Wands" by Housewife
Photo credit: Luke Rogers

Artist: Housewife

Song: King of Wands

Genres: #indiepop #altpop

Location: Toronto, Canada

Release date: June, 2023

Comment: Housewife is a Toronto-based indie rock project led by 20-year-old Brighid Fry (she/they), who has been making waves in the Canadian music scene with their catchy and clever songs. After touring with Paolo Nutini and releasing the hit single “Fuck Around Phase” earlier this year, Housewife is back with another great track: “King of Wands”.

The song is a fiery anthem of female empowerment and intuition, inspired by the tarot card of the same name. Housewife sings about resisting the patriarchal attempts to silence and undermine women’s voices and wisdom, and reclaiming their power and agency. The lyrics are sharp and witty, with lines like “I wish I was the king of wands / But really, I’m Cassandra / The girl that I’ll ignore / When she’s got all the answers”.

The music is equally energetic and explosive, blending pop melodies with rock instrumentation. The song features heavy drums, distorted guitars, and soaring vocals that create a contrast between the verses and the choruses. By the way, the vocals during the verses remind me of Amelia Meath from Sylvan Esso. The song was co-written with Gabe Simon (Lana Del Rey, Noah Kahan) and JT Foley (GAYLE, Maddy Hicks), who helped Housewife craft their mature and intentional indie-rock sound.

If you live in North America and like what you hear, you can catch Housewife live on their upcoming tour dates across Canada and the US.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Indie
  • Pop

Posted on

“Strange Adrenaline” by Nat Vazer

"Strange Adrenaline" by Nat Vazer

Artist: Nat Vazer

Song: Strange Adrenaline

Genres: #indiepop #altpop

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Release date: May, 2023

Comment: Nat Vazer is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter who has been making waves with her confessional indie-rock and dream-pop songs. After a successful US tour and SXSW appearance, she is back with a new single, “Strange Adrenaline”, which also serves as the title track of her upcoming album.

“Strange Adrenaline” is a song that captures the feeling of chasing a vision and having the courage to pursue the unknown. Inspired by a Patti Smith novel, the song combines powerful guitar riffs, drum machines, and Vazer’s striking vocals to create an engaging sound. The chorus is catchy and anthemic, while the verses are introspective and poetic.

The song showcases Vazer’s talent as a storyteller and a musician, as well as her ability to blend different genres and influences. It will appeal to fans of boygenius and/or any of its talented members (Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus), and other young gifted singer-songwriters who are shaping the new generation of indie-rock.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Indie
  • Pop

Posted on

“Sees The Sun” by Velika Velika

“Sees The Sun” by Velika Velika

Artist: Velika Velika

Song: Sees The Sun

Genres: #indiepop

Location: Derbyshire, United Kingdom

Influences: Beck, Sufjan Stevens, Guided By Voices

Release date: May, 2023

Comment:  If you’re looking for a summer anthem that will make you feel good and get you moving, look no further than “Sees The Sun” by Velika Velika. This indie pop gem is the debut single from the solo project of Benjamin Davies, a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Derbyshire. He plays everything on the track, from the funky drums and bluesy acoustics to the screeching electric guitar and the recorder. His vocals are laid-back and cool, reminiscent of Beck in his mid-90s heyday, but with a British twist and a more optimistic tone.

“Sees The Sun” is inspired by a parable and tells a story of workers in the hot sun who don’t envy others but enjoy what they have. The chorus is catchy and memorable, with a hook that will stick in your head for days. The song also features some quirky touches, like the sound of a cat meowing in the outro, adding to its charm and personality. “Sees The Sun” is the first of four singles that Velika Velika plans to release this year, each one promising to be a banger. This is a project that deserves your attention and support, so don’t miss out on this sunny slice of indie pop goodness!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Pop