“Simon the Doubter” by Brendan Scott Friel

July 4, 2023August 2, 2023

“Simon the Doubter” by Brendan Scott Friel

Artist: Brendan Scott Friel

Song: Simon The Doubter

Genres: #indiefolk

Location: Windor, Ontario, Canada

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: Brendan Scott Friel is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has been making waves in the indie scene with his honest and heartfelt folk songs. His new single, “Simon the Doubter,” is a catchy and clever tune that tells the story of a man who questions everything, even his own faith. The song features acoustic guitar, piano, harmonica, and subtle percussion, creating a warm and organic backdrop for his smooth and expressive vocals. The lyrics are witty and clever, using biblical references and metaphors to describe the protagonist’s doubts and struggles.

“Simon the Doubter” is the first single from his upcoming second album, Summer Moons, which is set to be released later this year. The song showcases his talent for blending folk elements with pop sensibilities, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. If you like artists like Passenger, Ed Sheeran, or Vance Joy, you might want to give this song a listen.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

June 27, 2023July 28, 2023

“Pyrrhula” by M. Byrd

Artist: M. Byrd

Song: Pyrrhula

Genres: #indiefolk

Location: Detmold, Germany

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: M. Byrd is a German-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who has been making waves with his debut album The Seed, a collection of songs that blend intimate moments with wide horizons, inspired by the Laurel Canyon sound and shoegaze aesthetics. The album is meant to plant a seed and encourage listeners’ evolution.

One of the standout tracks from The Seed is “Pyrrhula”, a song that showcases M. Byrd‘s ability to create atmospheric and emotional soundscapes with his guitar, synth and bass playing. The song starts with a gentle acoustic guitar strumming and M. Byrd’s soft vocals, singing about a fire in someone’s eyes and a longing for connection. The song is named after a genus of birds, also known as bullfinches, which are known for their bright colors and monogamous relationships. M. Byrd uses this metaphor to express his desire for a lasting bond with someone who can light up his world.

“Pyrrhula” by M. Byrd is a song that will make you feel something, whether it’s joy, sadness, nostalgia or hope.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

June 23, 2023July 28, 2023

“Stardust” by Cary Brothers

Artist: Cary Brothers

Song: Stardust

Genres: #indie

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: January, 2023

Comment: I recently watched the movie A Good Person, written and directed by Zach Braff, who also wrote and directed Garden State, whose award-winning soundtrack has been referred to on multiple occasions here. There is a pivotal scene in the movie in which the main character, played by the scene-stealing Florence Pugh, attends a concert and the song being played when she arrives really grabbed my attention. It turned out to be “Stardust” by Cary Brothers, a singer-songwriter -Brothers is his surname- who was also featured on the soundtrack of, you guessed it, Garden State.

Stardust is a moody indie track that is simply stunning. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

June 14, 2023July 7, 2023

“King of Wands” by Housewife

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

June 13, 2023July 7, 2023

“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

May 19, 2023June 14, 2023

“Primary Colors” by Baseball Game

Artist: Baseball Game

Song: Primary Colors

Genres: #indierock

Location: Nashville, United States

Release date: March, 2023

Comment: “Primary Colors” by Baseball Game is a catchy, upbeat anthem about finding hope in the midst of uncertainty. The song begins with a simple guitar riff that quickly builds into a driving beat. The vocals are clear and powerful, and the lyrics are inspiring and hopeful. The song is a perfect example of Baseball Game‘s unique sound, which blends elements of indie rock, pop, and electronic music.

The band started in 2019 and consists of Adam (vocals, guitar), Jason (guitar, production), and Ben (bass). The name “Baseball Game” came from a story from Adam’s childhood. When he was in T-ball, he played in the championship game. His team lost, and afterward he went to the wrong dugout. The other team sprayed him with red Kool-Aid and told him to get out because he didn’t belong there. Adam and Jason felt like this story was a metaphor for their band. They felt like their songs were very individual and didn’t necessarily fit together or belong.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

May 10, 2023May 31, 2023

Sylvan Weekends – Every Day

Artist: Sylvan Weekends

Song: Outliers

Genres: #indie

Location: London, United Kingdom

Release date: May, 2023

Comment: Sylvan Weekends’ “Every Day” is a beautiful track that explores the scope of tiny details that it takes to truly get to know someone. The song is about the doubts and pessimism that come with getting to know someone. The lyrics are certainly thought-provoking and the song features beautiful harmonies and a catchy melody that draws the listener in.

The track is part of Sylvan Weekends’ debut EP “Outliers” which was released this month. The EP is a whistle-stop tour through the human condition – exploring the human psyche through every track and lyric. Nobody fits perfectly into one box and neither does their music. The EP features four other tracks: “Symmetry”, “Young & Freewheeling”, “Outliers” and “185”, with each one of them exploring different aspects of life and the human condition.

All in all, this is a stunning debut. I feel that if you enjoy bands like The Strumbellas, you will love Sylvan Weekends.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

May 5, 2023May 19, 2023

M83 – Amnesia

Artist: M83

Song: Silent Type

Genres: #indie

Location: Antibes, France

Release date: March, 2023

Comment: M83‘s latest album ‘Fantasy’ is a beautifully crafted, dreamlike soundscape that takes inspiration from ’80s shoegaze and film soundtracks. The album is a huge, fizzing world of sound that’s designed to feel as awe-inspiring as possible. Anthony Gonzalez’s haunting voice invites the listener to embrace the darkness and sadness in the lyrics.

One standout single from the album is “Amnesia,” a nostalgic and upbeat journey that features reverb-laden guitar riffs, soft synths, and the haunting vocals mentioned above. The track is a perfect representation of the album’s overall sound, with its sugary, dreamlike feel that’s entirely welcoming. The dreamy instrumentation creates a captivating and immersive listening experience.

All in all, “Amnesia” is a must-listen for fans of M83’s previous work and those looking for a new, dreamy sound to get lost in. While Anthony Gonzalez may have intentionally turned away from commercialism with this album (after the massive success he had with “Midnight City”), the songs remain as sugary and immersive as ever, drawing inspiration from the music he grew up on and the soundscapes of film and video game music.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

May 3, 2023May 16, 2023

Lost In Japan – Won’t Let You

Artist: Lost In Japan

Song: Won’t Let You

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: London, Canada

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: Canadian band Lost In Japan -whose song “Lonely” was featured here two years ago-are back with a new single: “Won’t Let You”, which delves into the theme of identity and change. With an introspective tone, the band reveals their struggle to stay true to themselves while trying to please others.

Musically, the track features a compelling mix of guitar riffs and drum beats that give it an uplifting energy. It’s clear that the band poured their hearts into this song, especially since they’re parting ways with a key member after their last run of shows. “Won’t Let You” is a testament to the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their sound, even during difficult times. Fans of indie rock will definitely enjoy this new release from Lost In Japan.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Alternative
Folk/Indie

April 28, 2023April 28, 2023

18 by Jonah Kagen

Artist: Jonah Kagen

Song: 18

Genres: #indiefolk

Location: Savannah, Georgia

Release date: April, 2023

Comment: 18 by Jonah Kagen is a heartfelt and emotional exploration of the ups and downs of young love. With his acoustic-driven sound and honest lyrics, Kagen captures the essence of falling in love as a kid and the rollercoaster of emotions that often come with it.

As a talented singer and songwriter, Kagen brings a level of depth and authenticity to his music that is truly captivating. His passion for the acoustic guitar and finger-style technique is evident in his music, and it’s clear that he is dedicated to creating something special for his listeners.

Following his debut EP, ‘georgia got colder,‘ Kagen has already made a name for himself in the music industry, with over 130+ million global streams, a US tour supporting Maisie Peters, and nearly 2 million Spotify monthly listeners. He was even included on Shazam‘s 2023 predictions list, cementing his status as an artist on the rise.

Don’t miss this heartfelt and sweet single.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie