“right where you left me” by eaJ (ft. Hindia)

July 31, 2024July 31, 2024

“right where you left me” by eaJ (ft. Hindia)

Artist: eaJ

Song: right where you left me

Genres: #altpop

Location: California, United States

Release date: July, 2024

Comment: Korean-American singer-songwriter eaJ, also known as Jae Park, has been making waves with his solo project. Born in Buenos Aires and raised in Cerritos, California, Jae initially gained industry attention as a YouTube musician. However, he’s best known as the former vocalist and lead guitarist of the chart-topping South Korean rock band Day6.

Celebrated Indonesian artist Hindia joins forces with eaJ on their latest single, “right where you left me.” Hindia’s production expertise and vocals blend seamlessly with Jae’s signature catchy pop melodies. The collaboration was initiated when Jae, a longtime admirer of Hindia’s work, reached out via direct message. The result? A stunning and upbeat rock-pop track whose upbeat and rocky sound contrasts with its poignant lyrics. Written from a flipped perspective, the track portrays someone waiting for a loved one to return from an emotional journey of self-discovery, reassuring the other that they’ll be right where they left them if they choose to come back.

Listen to this move-inducing song below!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Pop

June 21, 2024June 21, 2024

“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

June 18, 2024June 18, 2024

“MA!N CHARACTER” by BOYR!OT

Artist: BOYR!OT

Song: MA!N CHARACTER

Genres: #altpop

Location: Los Angeles, United States

Release date: May, 2024

Comment: BOYR!OT is a duo from Los Angeles blending 2000s pop-punk with contemporary sounds in a fun and energetic way. If you liked acts like 3OH!3, BOYR!OT will be right up your alley. The self-proclaimed “edgy chaotic queerdos,” Greg Driscoll and Brendan Eprile, make music that connects with those who feel different, advocating for self-worth and defying social pressures.

This is more than evident in “MA!N CHARACTER”, their debut single, which comes accompanied by a vibrant music video (watch it below) that features drummer Jess Goodwin and Constance Antoinette, the touring guitarist for Demi Lovato. I think it showcases the duo’s attitude and effervescent style.

On talent alone, BOYR!OT has what it takes to make it in show business and top some music charts. Hopefully, they’ll also have the luck they need. In the meantime, the bar has been set very high for their follow-up releases. They’ve already proven they know how to write outstanding hooks.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Pop

June 7, 2024November 22, 2024

“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

February 19, 2024July 22, 2024

“Like a Painting” by Head Sound

Artist: Head Sound

Song: Like A Painting

Genres: #dreampop #shoegaze

Location: New York, United States

Influences: Slowdive, Radiohead, My Bloody Valentine

Release date: January, 2024

Comment: Memorable songs have a distinctive feature that makes them instantly recognizable. “Like a Painting” is one of such songs, and its distinctive feature is mesmerizing guitar line that hooks you from the first note. The incredible part is that this is the debut single of this fresh-faced band straight out of New York: Head Sound. Just imagine what magic they’ll create with more time playing together!

Influenced by icons like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive, this shoegaze quartet crafts melodies that soar atop layers of lush guitars. “Like A Painting” is like their love letter to MBV, inspired by vocalist Richard’s deep dive into their music. But here’s the thing: Head Sound isn’t just about shoegaze: they also explore Americana and Experimental genres, showcasing their artistic versatility through alternate bands featuring the same members.

New Yorkers might recognize this song from local station WEXT, but the rest of us can join the party too! Listen to “Like a Painting” right here!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Indie
Pop

November 20, 2023April 26, 2024

“girl in a china shop” by Caroline Romano

Artist: Caroline Romano

Song: girl in a china shop

Genres: #AlternativeRock, #Altpop

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: November, 2023.

Comment: Caroline Romano is back with a new single, “girl in a china shop”, and it’s, as they say in the UK, a ‘banger.’ Having written about her twice before, it’s clear that Romano is not just a passing phase, but a force to be reckoned with in the alt-pop scene.

The Nashville-based singer-songwriter has once again demonstrated her knack for capturing the essence of young adulthood in her music. “girl in a china shop” is an emotional rollercoaster, with an explosive chorus that contrasts beautifully with its reflective verses. In the lyrics, Caroline admits to feeling like she breaks everything she touches, and this song is her way of acknowledging that feeling.

With millions of streams already under her belt, and more music on the way, it’s clear that Caroline Romano is an artist whose star will only continue to rise. We can’t wait to see what she does next.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Alternative
Pop

November 10, 2023January 3, 2024

“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

October 13, 2023November 20, 2023

“hot girls in hell” by LØLØ

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

October 11, 2023November 10, 2023

“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

August 18, 2023September 29, 2023

“Monster” by Grace & Moji

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