“One For Me” by Dea Doyle

"One For Me" by Dea Doyle
"One For Me" by Dea Doyle

Artist: Dea Doyle

Song: One For Me

Genres: #indiepop

Influences: Katy Perry

Location: London, United Kingdom

Release date: November, 2023

CommentDea Doyle, a West London native, has been creating quite a buzz in the music scene with her clever lyrics and unforgettable choruses. In her latest single, “One For Me,” she showcases her talent and versatility.

“One For Me” is a delightful surprise, much like the unexpected love it narrates. The song encourages listeners to embrace spontaneity and the thrill of the unknown. With its charming blend of light-heartedness and warmth, and a catchy chorus that lingers in your mind even after the song concludes, the track undeniably makes it clear that Dea Doyle is one artist to watch.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

“Only One” by Georgia Hoareau

"Only One" by Georgia Hoareau
"Only One" by Georgia Hoareau

Artist: Georgia Hoareau

Song: Only One

Genres: #indie

Influences: Amy Winehouse, Gracie Abrams, Lizzy McAlpine

Location: Queensland, Australia

Release date: November, 2023

Comment:  Emerging from the Gold Coast, Australia, 19-year-old singer-songwriter Georgia Hoareau is a name to add to our radar. With her latest single “Only One”, released this month, it becomes obvious that Georgia knows how to craft and deliver a catchy indie tune. I think this skill is what truly sets talented artists apart from those who merely have a nice voice.

Georgia’s musical odyssey commenced with her debut single ’17’ in 2021, when she was, you guessed it, just 17 years old. Since then, she has made waves in her local scene, garnering media recognition and leaving a lasting impression with her compelling live band performances. As the young artist gears up to share more new music, her journey is undoubtedly one to watch closely.

If you like indie pop tunes with folksy vibes, ‘Only One’ will be right up your alley.

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“girl in a china shop” by Caroline Romano

"girl in a china shop" by Caroline Romano
"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.

CommentCaroline 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.

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“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.

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“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!

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“Penance” by Nerima

"Penance" by Nerima

Artist: NERiMA

Song: Penance

Genres: #alternativerock #punkrock

Location: Toronto, Canada

Release date: May, 2023

Comment: I have written about the talented Toronto-based band Nerima twice before, but, after listening to their recent single “Penance”, I knew I had to do a third time.  It’s a stunning piece of music that explores the themes of guilt, regret and forgiveness, and I seriously think this is their more mature-sounding track.

The song starts with a gentle acoustic guitar and Alexi delicately singing the first few verses, but by the time the chorus starts, the full band has come in to increase the energy levels. The contrast between the verses and the chorus creates a dynamic and captivating sound that keeps you hooked until the end. The song also features some beautiful harmonies.

“Penance” by Nerima is a song that you should definitely listen to if you enjoy indie rock with a touch of punk-rock. It will make you feel something. Even happiness for witnessing the evolution of such a talented band.

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“Get To Know You Game” by Chloé Sautereau

"Get To Know You Game" by Chloé Sautereau

Artist: Chloé Sautereau

Song: Get To Know You Game

Genres: #indie #acoustic

Influences: Amy Allen, FINNEAS, Julia Michaels

Location: New York, United States

Release date: May, 2023

Comment:  “Get To Know You Game” by Chloé Sautereau is a refreshing and authentic take on the modern dating landscape. Sautereau’s robust vocals and clever lyrics aptly portray the frustration and weariness that come with searching for love in the digital age. Despite her struggles, the Swiss artist remains hopeful, singing about not giving up and holding out for something better.

This powerful and poignant acoustic ballad showcases Chloé’s gorgeous voice and marks her first release under her full name, after previously releasing music under the monikers “Cee” and “sautereau” in 2019 and after she moved to New York, respectively. It’s clear that Chloé is quite talented, and “Get To Know You Game” is a testament to that.

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Gracie Abrams – Amelie

Gracie Abrams
Gracie Abrams

Artist: Gracie Abrams

Song: Amelie

Genres: #indie #acoustic

Location: Los Angeles, United States

Release date: February, 2023

Comment: Gracie is the daughter of successful movie director J.J. Abrams, and she’s currently supporting Taylor Swift on her ERAS tour; so she’s not the kind of artist who would need any help promoting her music. However, she’s so genuinely talented and got such a beautiful voice, that I had to feature Gracie on this humble website. If you like folksy indie music, you are going to love “Amelie”, which is part of Gracie’s debut LP “Good Riddance”.

The track is stripped down to its bare essentials, featuring only an acoustic guitar and an occasional piano melody playing delicately in the background. However, what sets it apart is Gracie’s vulnerable vocals, which convey the emotional depth of the lyrics. “Amelie” centers around the familiar subject of falling for someone you’ve just met, and Gracie’s delivery captures the intensity of that experience. The gorgeous track, which was co-written and produced by Aaron Dessner from The National, is a true gem that should not be missed.

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Still Talk – Headcheck

Still Talk - Headcheck

Artist: Still Talk

Song: Headcheck

Genres: #alternativerock #punkrock

Influences: Avril Lavigne, Smash Mouth, The Hotelier

Location: Cologne, Germany

Release date: March, 2023

Comment: If you’re into alternative rock with a pop-punk twist and catchy hooks, you’ve got to check out Still Talk‘s single “Headcheck”, which will be part of the band’s upcoming debut album, appropriately called “St. Banger”. I love that this 5-piece band, fronted by Tanja Kührer, manages to balance different styles while keeping things fresh and energetic. “Headcheck” is a fun, upbeat song that celebrates the friendships within the band. The track is great from the get-go, but that stripped-down ending with the jangling guitar deserves a chef’s kiss.

If you’re in Germany, be sure to catch their live shows this year – I bet they’ll be a blast!

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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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