“NEED U HERE” by Airports

"NEED U HERE" by AIRPORTS

Artist: Airports

Song: NEED U HERE

Genres: #altpop

Location:  Brisbane, Australia

Release date: May, 2023

Comment: “NEED U HERE” by Airports is a profoundly moving song that delves into themes of loss and grief. The lyrics, raw and honest, vividly depict the pain of losing someone dear.

As the song progresses, it steadily builds in intensity, drawing you deeper into the artist’s emotional journey. That is partially thanks to some skilful production carried out on this track . The simplicity allows his voice to shine, further emphasizing the raw emotion behind each lyric. The vocal styles are different but I think it would be fair to compare “Need You Here” with the work of artists such as YUNGBLUD.

Airports, led by Brisbane-based singer, writer, and producer Aaron Lee, has gained recognition for his unique fusion of punk, drum n bass, and EDM. Beyond his solo endeavors, Aaron has demonstrated his songwriting and production skills working with other artists and collaborating with global brands such as Coca-Cola and Fanta.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

A R I Z O N A – Moving On

A R I Z O N A - Moving On
A R I Z O N A - Moving On

Artist: A R I Z O N A

Song: Moving On

Genres: #indierock #altpop

Location: New Jersey, United States

Release date: February, 2023

CommentA R I Z O N A has returned with their latest single “Moving On,” and the electro-pop trio’s first original music release in four years is a true testament to their meteoric rise since their inception in 2015. The single is marked by infectious pop hooks and a synth-infused beat that is sure to please fans of the genre. It will be part of the band’s forthcoming self-titled album next month.

The band has amassed an impressive following, with over one billion worldwide career streams, sold-out headline tours, and well-received festival sets at major events such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits.

“Moving On” embodies the band’s message of creating a safe space where misfits and outcasts can belong, and it offers a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with life’s ups and downs. To celebrate their love for their namesake state, A R I Z O N A filmed a stunning music video in Round Rock, AZ, which you can check out below.

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Kylo – Rerun

Kylo - Rerun
Photo Credit: Nic Schoppet

Artist: Kylo

Song: Rerun

Genres: #indiepop

Location: Toronto, Canada

Release date: March, 2023

Comment: If you’re looking for a new artist to add to your playlist, let me introduce you to Kylo. She’s an up-and-coming electro-pop sensation from Toronto, Ontario, known for her captivating and innovative sound. Her music blends catchy melodies with experimental elements, creating an interesting musical experience that’s catching the attention of audiences around the world.

Kylo‘s enchanting vocals, enhanced by entrancing, layered echoes, add an extra layer of intrigue to her already mesmerizing tracks. If you’re looking for fresh, innovative pop music, “Rerun” is definitely worth checking out.

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Fudge Dummy – Take Me

Fudge Dummy - Take Me

Artist: Fudge Dummy

Song: Take Me

Genres: #indiepop

Location: Australia/United Kingdom

Release date: March, 2023

Comment:  Fudge Dummy‘s new single “Take Me” is a catchy and upbeat track that combines elements of indie, disco, and rock/post-punk. The duo, who describe themselves as an “internet band,” have a unique and experimental sound that draws comparisons to legendary acts like Blondie and Kraftwerk. “Take Me” follows a familiar plea for company on the dance floor, with disco beats, a carrying synth, and an 80’s electric solo that oozes nostalgia.

The duo wrote and recorded “Take Me” over a weekend in Northern England, locking themselves away in a sleepy town surrounded by rolling fields and stone walls. The result is a track that’s both infectious and charming, with a lively energy that’s sure to get people moving. Fudge Dummy’s success began with their hit track “Rocky Hill,” which received airplay on BBC Radio 1 and landed them a spot on BBC Introducing’s “Best of the Year” list in 2022. With an upcoming EP on the horizon and a sync deal with Stone Rolla Songs, Fudge Dummy’s “Take Me” is just the latest in a string of impressive singles from this exciting and innovative band.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Dottie Andersson – Heavy Objects

Dottie Andersson - Heavy Objects
Photo Credit: Nic Schoppet

Artist: Dottie Andersson

Song: Heavy Objects

Genres: #indiepop

Influences: Bon Iver, Caroline Polachek, Phoebe Bridgers

Location: Småland, Sweden

Release date: February, 2023

CommentDottie Andersson is a unique artist from Sweden with a sound that is both authentic and refreshing. “Heavy Objects”, her promising debut single, skillfully blends electronic and indie elements to create a sound that is both atmospheric and catchy. The cherry on top are Dottie’s vocals, which are just perfect for this type of music.

The song’s lyrics speak to the theme of letting go of emotions and situations that weigh us down, and the accompanying video, filmed as a spontaneous one-take by photographer Nic Schoppet, perfectly captures this sentiment. Without a doubt, Dottie Andersson is an artist to watch in the coming months and years.

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Weathers – Where Do I Sign?

Weathers - Where Do I Sign?

Artist: Weathers

Song: Where Do I Sign?

Genres: #altrock #indiepop

Location: Los Angeles, California

Release date: November, 2022

Comment: What I like about Weathers is that their tracks are quite unconventional, and their new single, “Where Do I Sign?”, is no exception. It is a captivating and energetic song with strong Twenty One Pilot vibes. Weathers‘ ability to blend elements of rock, pop, and electronic music seamlessly is truly impressive and I look forward to listening to their new album, “Are We Having Fun?“, when it drops in May.

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Daniel Etherton – Mona Lisa

Daniel Etherton - Mona Lisa

Artist: Daniel Etherton

Song: Mona Lisa

Genres: #indiepop #singersongwriter

Influences:  Daughter, Lorde, The xx

Location: London, United Kingdom

Release date: February, 2023

Comment: Almost two years ago, I wrote about the debut single of talented London-based artist Daniel Etherton, “Foundations”, where I mentioned that the sky was the limit for him after such an outstanding debut. I think Daniel’s new single, “Mona Lisa”, proves that I was right about him. It’s just as good as “Foundations”, but quite different in style, which shows his range as a songwriter.

“Mona Lisa” is a delightful, upbeat song with a catchy melody and engaging lyrics. The metaphorical references to the iconic painting and its enigmatic subject create a lyrical narrative that is both poetic and playful. The song’s instrumentation is simple yet effective, featuring a bright acoustic guitar and infectious drums that give the track a sense of energy and movement. It’s a track that’s sure to leave listeners humming its melody long after it’s ended.

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Sea Girls – Falling Apart

Artist: Sea Girls

Song: Falling Apart

Genres: #altpop #indierock

Location:  London, United Kingdom

Release date: September, 2022

Comment: When I started this blog, we were in the early phases of the pandemic with plenty of spare time and no kids. It’s safe to say now that whether we are working from home or in an office environment, the work load has gone back to pre-COVID levels, and between that and parenting a soon-to-be 1-year-old, time is getting scarcer by the day. This is why I’ve been so absent this month, as maintaining this website takes considerable time, not just writing the actual posts but also listening to plenty of submissions and new music every week.

I wish I could say this is all about to change in the new year but, in truth, I simply don’t know. In fact, like many bands in the past, I may even go on an indefinite hiatus. Anyway, while I ponder the future of T.A.M., I’ll leave you here one of my favorite tracks from the last quarter of 2022: Falling Apart by British band Sea Girls. Enjoy and have a wonderful New Year!

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Cade Hoppe – Faded Love

Artist: Cade Hoppe

Song: Faded Love

Genres: #altpop #indiepop

Location:  New York, United States

Influences: Jack Antonoff, Coldplay, The Killers

Release date: September, 2022

Comment: Hopefully, you remember New York-based singer: Cade Hoppe, who was featured here in January with his catchy single: Hurts. This time around, he’s back with a new song called Faded Love, about the risks and rewards of getting back together with an ex. Musically, it has most of the same elements that made Hurts such an attractive single, including Cade’s trademark baritone vocals. Indie pop at its best!

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New Friends – Doomed

New Friends - Doomed
Photo credits: Steph Montani

Artist: New Friends

Song: Doomed

Genres: #altpop #indiepop

Location:  London, Canada

Release date: August, 2022

Comment: I hadn’t heard of New Friends before they released “Doomed” in August, but what a great song it is! This is not based on scientific evidence, but I think it is impossible to listen to this tune without feeling elated. The fact that it comes with a hilarious music video is also a plus. Considering the fact that the band members (Stefan Boulineau, Ayden Miller, Cole Wilson, and Conrad Galecki) met each other barely 4 years ago, the fact that they were able to make such a great song so soon is quite impressive. I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with next!

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