“Better to You” by Elkvilla

September 27, 2023October 25, 2023

“Better to You” by Elkvilla

Artist: Elkvilla

Song: Better To You

Genres: #indiefolk

Influences: Ólafur Arnalds, The Tallest Man On Earth

Location: Australia/Germany

Release date: August, 2023

Comment: In the realm of folk-infused serenity, “Better to You” by Elkvilla stands as a radiant testament to the power of musical introspection. With its heartfelt lyricism, masterful instrumentation, and the warm embrace of Elkvilla‘s soulful vocals, this song takes us on a contemplative journey through the intricate landscapes of self-empowerment.

The journey begins with the opening line, “I am the salt in your wound,” a poignant declaration that sets the tone for the entire composition. It’s a song about enduring pain within a relationship, choosing to stay, and ultimately finding strength through personal growth and introspection. The resilience of the human spirit is poetically portrayed through Elkvilla‘s evocative lyrics.

The instrumental canvas of “Better to You” is both minimalistic and richly textured, an artful balance that is influenced by the work of folk artists such as The Tallest Man On Earth and neoclassical ones such as Ólafur Arnalds. The musical backdrop feels as comforting as it is profound.

Elvilla is the moniker of Australian singer-songwriter and producer Adam Dudek. He often crafts his songs on his own in his apartment in Berlin. He started this musical project, which is named after a beloved childhood toy, in 2020 but took a break to improve his producing skills. “Better To You” marks his return, and you can see that he has done a great job producing it. Expect to hear new songs from Adam every 4 to 6 weeks. It will be quite a treat!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

September 19, 2023October 17, 2023

“Worse Than This” by Me Nd Adam

Artist: Me Nd Adam

Song: Worse Than This

Genres: #indierock #altrock

Location: Austin, Texas, United States

Release date: July, 2023

Comment: Me Nd Adam, the dynamic duo hailing from Austin, Texas, has carved an impressive path through the music industry, captivating audiences with their heartfelt anthems, engaging accessibility, generous merch giveaways, and their spirited, unapologetic demeanor. They’ve earned the moniker of pioneering trailblazers in the genre they call trash-wave.

Their latest offering, “Worse Than This,” is a standout track from their album “American Drip Part II (ADP2).” This sophomore release marks a significant evolution in their musical journey, weaving a tapestry of influences into a sound that’s unmistakably their own. The duo deliberately shifted towards a more organic instrumental approach, toning down the electro-pop elements that adorned their debut album, obviously: “American Drip Pt. I (ADP1).”

Back in November 2020, Me Nd Adam caught our attention with the release of “The More I Grow Up,” a single that swiftly amassed over two million streams. It also piqued the interest of the underdog indie label, Handwritten Records, based in Las Vegas. Since then, they’ve continued to garner acclaim and support from devoted fans and even rock icons like The Killers.

I highly recommend giving “Worse Than This” a listen. If you want to check out their new album afterwards, you can find it here.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Alternative
Folk/Indie

September 8, 2023October 11, 2023

“Burning Under Water” by Under Delusion

Artist: Under Delusion

Song: Burning Under Water

Genres: #altrock

Location: Moscow, Russia

Release date: August, 2023

Comment: After a brief break, I’m back with a thrilling and immersive track from Under Delusion, the first Russian band or artist featured on T.A.M. What immediately captures your attention when listening to “Burning Under Water” is the distinctive, low-pitched voice of her female vocalist (whose name I was unable to find). However, that’s not the only thing that makes this track stunning. The band took care of every little detail, including a climactic guitar solo.

The song is inspired by a real-life near-death experience that a band member had while scuba diving in the Pacific Ocean. Feeling like burning under water, they managed to write the lyrics immediately after surviving, but they were lost in the backlog until resurfacing by chance. The band then decided to turn this traumatic event into a powerful and emotional song that reflects their resilience and courage.

“Burning Under Water” is the fourth single from Under Delusion’s upcoming second album, which is expected to be released later this year. The band has already gained over one million streams with their previous singles, which showcase their versatility and creativity. They clearly have the talent to deserve our attention. We should look forward to that sophomore release.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Alternative

August 21, 2023October 2, 2023

“Athene” by The Velveteins

Artist: The Velveteins

Song: Athene

Genres: #indierock

Location: Edmonton, Canada

Release date: July, 2023

Comment: “Athene” by The Velveteins is a laid-back track that was inspired by Homer’s Iliad. The track emits an easy and relaxed tone with warm, effortless vocals, breezy guitars and a steady beat, creating an overall comforting atmosphere. The song also reminds me a bit of Augustana (songs like “Meet You There”, for example), which is never a bad thing. It’s easy to get lost in the mesmeric sounds of The Velveteins, where you’ll find yourself hitting repeat and staying along for the journey.

Nestled at the crossroads of past and present, The Velveteins emerged onto the scene in 2014, anchored by the creative partnership of frontman Spencer Morphy and co-songwriter Addison Hiller. “Athene” emerges as the third jewel from their forthcoming sophomore album, and it comes accompanied by a cool music video that features an excellent choreography and performance by Anya Allegra Saugstad. You can watch it below!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

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

August 7, 2023September 19, 2023

“The 4th of July” by Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band

Artist: Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band

Song: The 4th of July

Genres: #alternativerock

Location: Boston, United States

Release date: August, 2023

Comment: If the name Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band sounds familiar, that might be because almost exactly 3 years ago, I featured his single “Razor Wide Heart” on this website. “The 4th of July” is my favorite track from the band’s new album, Lower County Outlaw, and it showcases how Kristian and his bandmates keep getting better and better at what they do. The track is a delightful blend of country and rock that narrates a heart-warming love story.

From the very beginning, Kristian Montgomery’s masterful composition and emotional vocals take listeners on a captivating ride, mirroring the excitement and anticipation of that special moment when he and his wife, April, first connected. The lyrics beautifully capture the comfort and chemistry shared between the two, as if destiny had finally brought them together in the right place and time.

The song’s peak moment comes with a gripping guitar solo and a final chorus sung with an urgent passion that’s impossible to ignore. If you listen to this track and feel nothing at all, do you even truly feel alive?

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Alternative

August 4, 2023September 15, 2023

“Egyptian Summer” by Good Strangers

Artist: Good Strangers

Song: Egyptian Summer

Genres: #indie #indiefolk

Influences: boygenius, Wolf Alice, The Cure

Location: Mullingar, Ireland

Release date: August, 2023

Comment: Some songs are truly special. From the moment you hear them for the first time, you know that they will become a fixture of your daily soundtrack for months to come. That was the case when I listened to “Egyptian Summer” by Good Strangers. The mind-blowing thing is that this is the band’s first ever single, released ahead of their forthcoming debut EP, ‘Adult Teenage Novels’, coming out this fall.

Good Strangers came into existence as a collaboration of Irish musician friends, united by their shared passion for music and a history of playing together in various bands and projects. The band’s two lead singers, Niamh Kirby and Conor Quinn, who are best friends since they were 3, formed the group in 2022 after returning from Berlin, where they were inspired by the vibrant indie folk scene in the German capital. They chose the act’s name as a celebration of community and the many good strangers the band has met throughout their time touring, travelling and attending festivals.

In “Egyptian Summer,” the Irish band paints a raw and poetic portrayal of the moment when a beautiful relationship begins to unravel. Connor wrote it after going through a tough breakup, reminiscing about a summer in Egypt and searching for signs that everything would go downhill afterwards. Musically, the track has a similar vibe to Of Monsters And Men‘s debut album, without sounding exactly the same. What it really sets it apart for me are two things: first, how well Connor and Niamh’s voices fit together, and second, the emotion that they are able to transmit with their heartfelt vocals.

In conclusion, “Egyptian Summer” by Good Strangers is a sublime testament to the power of storytelling through music. It delves into the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery, wrapped in an indie soundscape that feels both familiar and fresh. I honestly can’t wait for the debut EP!

“Remember that Egyptian Summer
The fork lightning over the bay
When we forgot everything
We forgot our troubles
When love was kind
And the silence was noise
But Underneath a marble sky
I never seen you look so happy
In your life.

And you were always cracking jokes
And laughing at my funny ways
And as the thunder rolled
Well so did my sorrow
We told lies
We told them all the time
But underneath a marble sky
Nothing mattered.

I need a thunderstorm
To distract from the pain
Cause tomorrow might be the same damn sorrow
I need something to happen
The heavens to burst
The sky to tear open
The passion to run and flow like a river
Out of my eyes
Once it’s out of my heart
It’s such a cold and desolate
Happy ever when
It’s such a cold and desolate
Happiness never came.

We sat at the bar and we talked
about the things we used to like
And romanticised the pain
Always remember it’s a crying shame
Like reaching for the heavens
but the heavens never came
And I’ve played the victim long before you arrived
These are not my people
It’s not my scene
not my style
So I’m going back
I’m going back to the city
Please forgive me”
Good Strangers, Egyptian Summer

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Folk/Indie

August 2, 2023September 8, 2023

“Aquamarine” by Kirsten Agresta Copely

Artist: Kirsten Agresta Copely

Song: Aquamarine

Genres: #Instrumental, #relaxing, #harp

Location: Brooklyn, United States

Release date: July, 2023

Comment: Kirsten Agresta Copely is no stranger to this blog. I have featured her stunning harp music before, in Sweet Disposition and Tableaux, and I’m happy to report that she has a new album, Aquamarine, released in July.

Aquamarine is a deeply personal and emotional album, dedicated to Kirsten’s late mother, who shared her love of the ocean and music. Each of the nine tracks has a water theme and a special meaning for Kirsten, reflecting her memories of her mother and her own artistic vision. The album is a beautiful tribute to the woman who inspired and supported Kirsten’s musical journey from an early age.

The title track, “Aquamarine”, is a perfect introduction to the album. It starts with a gentle harp melody that evokes the calmness and clarity of the sea. The song gradually builds up with layers of sounds created by the mixing engineer, Kirsten’s husband: Marc Copely, creating a rich and dynamic soundscape that captures the power and mystery of the ocean. The song is both soothing and uplifting, inviting the listener to dive into Kirsten’s deep blue world. If you are looking for a song that will soothe your soul and inspire you, here it is:

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Relax

August 1, 2023August 21, 2023

“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!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Pop

July 28, 2023August 18, 2023

“Cool About It” by boygenius

Artist: boygenius

Song: Cool About It

Genres: #indie #indiefolk

Location: California, United States

Release date: March, 2023

Comment: If you are a fan of indie folk and rock, you probably know who boygenius are. The supergroup, formed by Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus released their self-titled debut EP in 2018 and it was full of harmonies, emotions and exquisite songwriting. Since then, each member has been busy with their own projects, but somehow they still found time to release a new album, aptly titled ‘the record’, earlier this year. Even though it probably won’t be released as a single, “Cool About It” is my favorite new track and I’ve been meaning to feature it here for a while now.

The song is a slow-burning ballad that showcases the trio’s vocal chemistry and their ability to create a captivating atmosphere with minimal instrumentation. The lyrics are about trying to act nonchalant in front of an ex-lover, but feeling the pain and regret underneath. It’s a simple yet beautiful track.

Regular readers will probably remember that I’ve written about Phoebe before, but Julien and Lucy are just as talented and compelling, and together they form a powerful and unique musical force.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Everything
Indie