“All I Want” by The Heroic Enthusiasts

July 24, 2024July 24, 2024

“All I Want” by The Heroic Enthusiasts

Artist: The Heroic Enthusiasts

Song: All I Want

Genres: #synthpop

Influences: Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Erasure.

Location: Rochester, New York, United States

Release date: June, 2024

Comment: When I first listened to the initial 20 seconds or so of “All I Want” by The Heroic Enthusiasts, my first reaction was that this was a 1980s-influenced musical act that was unlikely to move the needle for me. And then the pre-chorus came on. That started to get my attention. And by the time the chorus exploded, I was already all in. The track is heavily influenced by likes of Pet Shop Boys and Erasure, but you don’t have to be a massive fan of those legendary bands to enjoy it (which was my case). However, I suppose that those who are will go crazy about “All I Want”.

The Heroic Enthusiasts, comprised of James Tabbi and Thomas Ferrara, was initially born from a shared love of Brit-pop, New Wave, and Post-Punk. After achieving hundreds of thousands of streams across a few small releases, the New York-based duo is getting ready to release their first LP album, ‘Illuminate’, on Meridian (ECR Music Group), for which “All I Want” is the first single. The new album was helmed by legendary producer Stephen Hague, who has worked with Pet Shop Boys on several tracks and albums. He even co-wrote 5 of the 10 tracks that will be in the new record.

Colour me intrigued. I’m sure the new album will be full of gems, and I’m looking forward to it.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Pop

July 22, 2024July 22, 2024

“Sia” by The 93

Artist: The 93

Song: Sia

Genres: #dreamrock #alternativerock

Location: Cardiff, Wales

Release date: July, 2024

Comment: I got COVID about a month ago, and it left me with a lingering cough that has been really, really annoying. It has barely let me do anything other than rest due to the headache coughing so often gives me, but I had to come and write about the new single from one of my favorite post-rock/dream-rock acts: The 93. First of all, it had been two years since I last wrote about them (time flies!), and secondly, this track shows how the duo’s sound has evolved without losing the characteristics that define them.

“Sia” does not sound like anything the brothers Mazur have released before, but it still sounds like them. It has the enchanting instrumentation and atmospheric guitar lines we have come to expect from The 93, but with stronger, less ethereal vocals and some traces of a Phil Collins/Genesis influence. They started working on this song in 2018, but they hadn’t been able to finish it until this year. I’m glad they did.

The 93 are planning to release one more song this year, and I, for one, can’t wait to listen to it.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Alternative

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, 2024June 7, 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

May 22, 2024May 22, 2024

“Homebound” by SATRE

Artist: SATRE

Song: Homebound

Genres: #indiefolk

Influences: The Lumineers, Bon Iver

Location: London, United Kingdom

Release date: May, 2024

Comment: In 2018, Swedish musician SATRE took a leap of faith, leaving his homeland to chase his musical dreams in the bustling heart of London. He honed his skills as a street performer, belting out tunes in iconic locations like Trafalgar Square (you can even find some videos on his YouTube channel!). His dedication paid dividends, and in 2022, he started releasing his own music. This month, he dropped a gem called “Homebound,” an uplifting folk-pop track that will have you digging into his back catalogue in no time.

“Homebound” evokes the same sun-soaked vibes as Vance Joy, The Lumineers, and The Strumbellas, thanks to its jangly guitars and banjo flourishes. But SATRE’s got a distinct, husky voice and a personal touch that give him his own sound. The lyrics paint a picture-perfect road trip with loved ones, all wrapped in a catchy melody that’s impossible to resist.

If you’re a fan of feel-good folk-pop, SATRE is an artist you need on your radar. “Homebound” is a fantastic introduction, and with more music on the way, he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

May 3, 2024May 3, 2024

“Saw You In A Dream” by Colin Woltmann

Artist: Colin Woltmann

Song: Saw You In A Dream

Genres: #indiefolk

Influences: Elliot Smith, Bob Dylan, John Prine

Location: Alabama, United States

Release date: April, 2024

Comment: Colin Woltmann, a talented singer-songwriter from Alabama, continues to enchant with his latest single, “Saw You In A Dream,” the second track from his upcoming EP, “A Case of the Times”.

Woltmann got inspiration from artists such as Nick Drake, as well as those listed as his influences already. His sound is both soft and raw, creating an experience that feels like stepping into his mind. His first single, previously featured here, had a calming melody and honest lyrics. The same can be said of “Saw You In A Dream,” although each song in its own unique way. Personally, I find the new track even more ethereal, perhaps because Colin wrote it after experiencing a couple of strange dreams that left him in a state of déjà vu.

“Saw You In A Dream” by Colin Woltmann feels like sipping hot chocolate in a cozy cabin in the middle of winter—a warm, comforting song. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

March 5, 2024July 24, 2024

“morro bay” by sad dad

Artist: sad dad

Song: morro bay

Genres: #indierock

Influences: Alvvays, carwash, DIIV

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Release date: February, 2024

Comment: If you love jangly guitars, this song is for you. Drawing from Alvvays‘ “Blue Rev ” album, this Swedish duo formed by John Dahlbäck and Erik Ljungqvist composed and self-produced a quintessential indie-rock tune that’s almost impossible to get out of your head. “morro bay” is the lead single off sad dad‘s forthcoming debut album and as any good lead single does, it leaves you wanting more.

John and Erik wrote “morro bay” to express the difficulty of a friendship ending when people start going in opposite directions. Despite the sad subject matter, the track comes accompanied by a music video that the duo had a lot of fun recording. Someone once told them they weren’t sarcastic enough, and that inspired them to make the silly video you can watch below.

Check out “Morro Bay” and see if it gets stuck in your head too! Keep sad dad on your radar – their debut album is coming soon!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

January 26, 2024July 2, 2024

“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

Comment: Dea 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:

Everything
Pop

January 3, 2024June 18, 2024

“Shy” by Teo Salfinger

Artist: Teo Salfinger

Song: Shy

Genres: #neoclassical, #relaxingmusic

Influences: Max Richter, Ludovico Einaudi, Philip Glass.

Location: Leipzig, Germany

Release date: December, 2023

Comment: Teo Salfinger is a German composer who crafts neoclassical landscapes with a minimalist touch, where his melodies often carry a melancholic beauty reminiscent of evocative film scores. Just before Christmas, he released “Petite Dances“, his third studio album, with ten little gems encapsulating this. “Shy” is just one example, and the main reason why I chose it as the featured track over the others is that it is cello-based, and I have not written about many cello tracks here. If you enjoy the work of Max Richter and Ludovico Einaudi, two of Teo’s influences, I highly encourage you to check out the whole album.

“Shy” appears to have been crafted specifically for contemplative moments, when the entire world fades away and you are left with your own thoughts. Each cello strum paints a dream, a velvety realm of calmness and quiet understanding. This isn’t a song about grand pronouncements; rather, it’s a composition that celebrates the beauty of introspection. Close your eyes and enjoy!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Relax

December 29, 2023December 29, 2023

Top 25 songs that soundtracked my 2023

The Alternative Mixtapes: Top 25 songs of 2023

Happy Holidays.

Fueled by the fantastic year-end charts of Mr. Keith Law and Eclectic Music Lover, I was inspired to craft my own list of the 25 songs that soundtracked my 2023. To streamline things (and maybe sneak in a bit of personal indulgence), I’m focusing solely on releases after October 2022. It’s not strictly a “most played” list, but that undoubtedly cast a long shadow here. You’ll recognize some familiar tunes that were featured here this year, but I’ve sprinkled in some hidden treasures too. So buckle up and dive into my sonic journey through the past year! (scroll down for the Spotify widget with all these songs).

“We Can Be Anything“ by Baby Queen. This is a total earworm that appeared here in September. Sadly, despite being a high point, it overshadowed everything else on her new album.
“Goodmorning” by Crusoe. Another familiar gem that’s bound to resonate with regular readers. In the realm of wordless electronica, this track sets the bar impossibly high.
“Primary Colors” by Baseball Game. This song snuck its way into my top tracks without me even realizing it. It might not be the one I actively pick to play, but whenever it pops up, I can’t help but get completely drawn in. It’s that subtle magic you know?
“We Are One” by Wild Youth. Wild Youth represented Ireland with “We Are One” in this year’s Eurovision contest. As you can expect from that show, it didn’t even reach the finals.
“When We Were Young” by blink-182. I really loved blink-182’s self-titled album and this song wasn’t even the one I featured on this blog earlier this year. It’s also not the last one from that record on this list.
“Godzilla” by Nanna. This solo offering from Of Monsters and Men‘s vocalist envelops you in a warm embrace of swirling melodies and ethereal vocals, proving that sometimes, the quietest roar can be the most captivating.
“Bug Like an Angel” by Mitski. I didn’t love the Japanese-American artist’s latest album, other than this stunning tune, which I wrote about here before.
“Sunbeams” by Michael FK. I didn’t have time to write about this enchanting song earlier, but I did write about this Moldovan artist back in 2020. I highly recommend checking out his work.
“How Many Dreams?” by DMA’s. I’m gutted this Australian act has toured the UK quite a lot recently and I still haven’t been able to see them live. I mean, this isn’t even the track from their latest album I liked the second-most.
“Childhood Eyes” by Yellowcard. As you can tell, I have a soft spot for punk-rock acts from the early 2000s. This release didn’t grab me initially, but it’s definitely grown on me.
“Girls Are Mean” by Boyish. Lead vocalist India Shore and vocalist and guitar player Claire Altendahl founded this indie rock duo when they auditioned at Berklee College of Music. On “Girls Are Mean”, the mix of pop, rock, and electronic elements created a soundscape that was both familiar and fresh, keeping me engaged throughout the track.
“Egyptian Summer” by Good Strangers. This is a song I raved about back in August, and honestly, my feelings haven’t faded a bit. This stunning debut track from their equally remarkable EP cemented my love for this Irish band. It’s truly special.
“Under The Influence(r)” by The Summer Set. It isn’t all smooth sailing here- lines like “You made me want to call my mom” have me scratching my head. But the sheer energy and infectious melody are undeniable, and it is pure pleasure to have them back making music together.
“Where Do I Sign?” by Weathers. When Weathers dropped “Where Do I Sign?” as their lead single, I expected it to be the crown jewel of their new album. Boy, was I wrong.
“Nothing Is Perfect” by Metric. I feel I could listen to this song’s intro on repeat the whole day. It appears on their latest album, Formentera II, a follow-up to their successful record from 2022.
“Jai Alai” by DMA’s. And there you have it! As I was saying, these guys are quickly climbing the ranks of my favorite bands. They got one more song in this list.
“Trastevere” by Måneskin. I didn’t like this Italian band when they won Eurovision in 2021: their glam rock excess not quite clicking with me. But “The Loneliest” started chipping away at those walls, and “Trastevere” has brought the whole damn building down. This stripped-down masterpiece, with its achingly beautiful melody and Damiano’s raw vocals, is everything I ever wanted in an acoustic rock anthem. This is how you weave storytelling and raw emotion into a sonic tapestry that leaves you breathless.
“Cool About it” by boygenius. It is not a groundbreaking track, but I just love this song. I can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe it’s the comfort it brings? Whatever it is, I keep hitting repeat.
“Nothing To Say” by Weathers. Not quite my top spot on Weathers’ latest album, but “Nothing To Say” comes awfully close. The catchiness is practically contagious.
“Amnesia” by M83. A truly impressive comeback from the French act. I loved it when it was released and I still love it now.
“In One Ear & Out the Other” by Chicane. The eletronic music legend knows how to create ethereal soundscapes to lose yourself in. This one is no exception.
“Kill Ur Vibe” by All Time Low. I just love this song’s rhythm. It’s a punk-infused chill pill. Not mosh pit, but midnight drives and quiet defiance.
“21 Year Vacancy” by DMAs. Unsurprisingly, this was my favorite track from their latest album. A beautiful and emotionally resonant indie rock ballad about revisiting the past, acknowledging lost dreams, and finding peace with the journey taken.
“One of a Kind” by Weathers. Here it is: my most played song of 2023. The soaring melody grabs me every time, and the lyrics pack a punch that keeps me hitting repeat.
“Blink Wave” by blink-182. I never expected blink-182 to drop a synth-drenched, 80s-inspired track like “Blink Wave.” When I heard the rumors about it, I was skeptical, but let me tell you, this song blew me away. Who knew these pop-punk legends had an 80s synth masterpiece in them? It’s so good, the only reason it wasn’t my most played of 2023 is the album’s late November release.