Tag: Alternative Rock

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Everything In Waves – Colors Return

New York-based Everything In Waves is a band with indie, emo, folk, and electronic influences. In fact, they have come up with their own genre, ‘emotronic‘, which is a mix of all those influences. The band, which is signed to Deep Elm Records (just as Lights & Motion and U137, among others), recently released a new single, Colours Return, which aims to provide some comfort to those deeply affected by the pandemic.

It is a nice and soothing track with different layers that add depth to it. Unfortunately, it is not available on Youtube yet, so you will have to visit one of the mixtapes below to hear this message of hope. I don’t have an emotronic mixtape but I think Colors Return will fit in nicely with the other songs in the Indie Mixtape. Hope you like it!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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Alanis Morissette – Smiling

In case you missed it because it didn’t receive the same level of attention as Folklore, Alanis released last week her first album in 8 years: Such Pretty Forks In the Road, and I have to say that it’s possibly her best work since at least Under Rug Swept (2002). Rolling Stone criticised the album because it’s not as edgy and rebellious as Jagged Little Pill, but after 25 years, you cannot expect her to be exactly the same person. People change. Alanis got three kids now as well, and that changes your priorities too. This does not mean that she has lost her knack for great lyrics, she hasn’t. It’s just that she aims it differently know.

The album has several good tracks, including Reasons I Drink and Ablaze. Its first and third singles so far, respectively. My favourite, however, is Smiling, which is one of two new songs written for the Broadway adaptation of Jagged Little Pill (I’m not a fan of musicals but that’s one I’d be interested in watching), and also released as the second single off this new album. It showcases Alanis‘ great vocals and got a similar vibe to Uninvited. You can find it below in the Alternative mixtape.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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Semisonic – All It Would Take

Semisonic - All It Would Take

One month ago, when news broke of Semisonic’s reunion and their release of a new song, I wrote about DND as a Throwback Thursday post. Back then, I mentioned that the song was decent but not exceptional. However, this time around, they’ve released another track, “All it Would Take,” and I genuinely enjoy it. Thank you.

Now, I’m not saying it’s on par with Semisonic’s classics from “Feeling Strangely Fine” like “Closing Time,” “DND,” or “Secret Smile,” but “All it Would Take” has become my favorite song from them since that album. Personally, I’ve missed Dan Wilson’s voice, and despite his solo releases (with “Breathless” being a standout), there’s something truly special about Semisonic.

“In each of our lives, there is the possibility of meeting that one person who will change the way we see everything, a person who will give us a sense of new meaning, a mission, a passion. ‘All it Would Take‘ is our song for that moment, that person, that one voice that can change the world within you. Then you can turn outward and begin to change the world around you, too.“

Dan Wilson, Semisonic

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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Ellinor – By The Seaside

Ellinor - By The Seaside

I don’t know what to write about Ellinor‘s music. It’s not that there’s nothing to say about her, quite the opposite. I could write about how, being the child of deaf parents and discovering music relatively late at 15, she developed such a talent for music so quickly. Or I could talk about the powerful voice this young singer/songwriter has. I could mention as well how she’s been influenced by Joan Baez, the Kooks and Johnny Cash, or how, being French, she released her first EP, River Lee, with all 4 songs written and performed in English. Or I could simply say that I think she’s immensely talented.

Instead, I think I’ll just let her music do the talking. It is that good.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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Kids In Glass Houses – Peace

Kids In Glass Houses - Peace

After a series of mellow songs, it’s time to crank up the volume for this week’s Throwback Thursday entry. This song was released not that far ago (2013) by a band that, unfortunately, broke up one year later. KIGH, in case you never heard of them, were a rock/punk-rock band from Wales that were active for 8 years, releasing 4 studio albums in total. Despite achieving success in the UK, they unfortunately disbanded after just one year, possibly due to the lack of international recognition.

“Peace” served as the lead single from their eponymous final album. While the entire record was fantastic, the standout track was undoubtedly its opening title song—a high-energy, guitar-driven rock anthem with punk-rock elements and an irresistibly catchy chorus. It’s nearly impossible to listen to it without joining in and singing along. I challenge you to give it a try!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Punk-Rock

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Oh Wonder – Don’t You Worry

Don't You Worry by Oh Wonder

I enjoy writing about new, up-and-coming, and unsigned artists because they often need the support the most. It’s rewarding to help them from this humble platform. At the same time, I like to mix in new music from more well-known artists. Firstly, not everyone may be aware of them; secondly, you might not know they have new music out; and lastly, to avoid predictability. After featuring lesser-known acts for several days, it’s time to talk about Oh Wonder‘s beautiful new song: “Don’t You Worry”..

The British duo, who are also a couple, may not be household names yet, but with over 7 million monthly listeners on Spotify, chances are you already know them. In case you don’t, this alt-pop act started in 2014, recording and releasing one song a month for a year, which later became their self-titled debut album. Six years later, Oh Wonder has sold out gigs in cities like London, New York, and L.A., released three full-length albums and several EPs. Their latest EP, “Home Tapes,” was recorded and released from their London home during the lockdown.

“Don’t You Worry,” part of “Home Tapes,” is a lovely indie love song about facing difficult times with your loved ones. It perfectly showcases Josephine Vander Gucht’s delicate yet beautiful voice. Give it a listen below.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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Serenade The Stars – Rewind

Serenade The Stars

Serenade The Stars is a U.K. alternative rock act reminiscent of bands from the late ’90s and early 2000s. While the production of their latest single, Rewind, may have some quirks, the song’s appealing vocals and nostalgic lyrics make it worth a listen. With potential to grow, we look forward to seeing what the band achieves.

Production issues or non-issues aside, I genuinely enjoy the song, and I believe the band’s lead singer has a great voice for alternative rock. The lyrics of “Rewind” explore the concept of revisiting happier times to rediscover our purpose during moments of uncertainty. Overall, I believe Serenade The Stars has significant potential, and we will be rooting for them to fulfill it. Give “Rewind” a listen below and share your thoughts with us—your views on this track are particularly intriguing to me.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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KidEyes – Ready To Go

KidEyes

I can’t recall how I discovered KidEyes, an indie/altpop duo based out of Los Angeles. It was about a month ago, possibly through Instagram, but the specifics elude me. Regardless, I’m grateful for finding them because their music is incredibly enjoyable, and today’s featured song is a perfect example.

“Ready To Go” is the band’s latest single, released in June following their self-titled debut EP from 2019. Despite addressing feelings of being lost and disoriented, it’s a captivating indie pop track that could serve as the soundtrack to our peculiar year. Give it a listen here:

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Indie
  • Pop

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Neve – It’s Over Now

Neve - It's Over Now

I wonder what would have happened to Neve if they had released their first and only album during the social media age. In 1999, they achieved a hit single with “It’s Over Now” after it was featured on the movie soundtrack for The Faculty, reaching #30 on Billboard’s Modern Rock chart. However, due to delays in album release and poor promotion, the record didn’t perform well, leading to Neve being dropped from the label. The band disbanded in 2001, and despite hints of a reunion on their Facebook page, no concrete plans have materialized.

Neve’s self-titled album remains one of my favorites from the 2000s, filled with solid alternative rock songs and the standout track, “It’s Over Now.” If you haven’t heard this song before, you’re in for a treat; and if you have, let’s reminisce about it as this week’s Throwback Thursday, while contemplating the possibilities had they received greater support from their label and fans.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative

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Needtobreathe – Hang On

Needtobreathe - Hang On

Needtobreathe, stylized as NEEDTOBREATHE, is a band from South Carolina, United States, that has been around for nearly 20 years. During that time, they have consistently released strong and often successful albums (the last one debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 album chart) but, nevertheless, they remain a mostly unknown band to the casual music fan outside the US. Their music style lies on the fence between folk, country and alternative rock. In a way, you could say they are an older and lesser-known version of Mumford & Sons.

The band will release their seventh studio album in August but a couple of their new songs have been made available already, with Hang On being one of those. It is a great song that perfectly represents what the band is about. With its upbeat rhythm and extremely catchy chorus, it got all the necessary ingredients to become a musical crush. Enjoy it below.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Folk/Indie