Tag: Music

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“Sia” by The 93

"Sia" by The 93
"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

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“Maya” by Rushkeys

"Maya" by Rushkeys
"Maya" by Rushkeys

Artist: Rushkeys

Song: Maya

Genres: #chillout #downtempo

Location: Vilnius, Lithuania

Release date: June, 2024.

Comment: Lithuanian downtempo artist Rushkeys first appeared here last December. On that occasion, he was featured for a remix he did of another artist’s track. This time, he’s here with a completely original song that is just as good, if not better. “Maya” is a reflection of Rushkeys evolution as a musician, drawing from influences such as Bonobo and incorporating his passion for nature and organic soundscapes.

“Maya” is a word with multiple meanings depending on the language and the context. In Sanskrit, it can mean magic or illusion, and that is the meaning Rushkeys had in mind when he named this enchanting track, as that’s the experience he wants listeners to have. With its stunning fusion of ambient layers, global music influences, rhythmic beats, and natural textures; it’s easy to see why.

Rushkeys, real name Domas Ruškys, is talented enough to become the next Parra for Cuva or Bonobo, making “Maya” a must-listen for any downtempo enthusiast.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Chill Out

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“Some things never change is inevitable” by Former Lives

"Some things never change is inevitable" by Former Lives
"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

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“Homebound” by SATRE

"Homebound” by SATRE
"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

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“Swayze” by Smallpools

"Swayze" by Smallpools
"Swayze" by Smallpools

Artist: Smallpools

Song: Swayze

Genres: #indierock #indiepop

Location: L.A & Nashville, United States

Release date: April, 2024

Comment: Smallpools have been featured here twice before, both times for some exceptional covers. This time, though, they’re here with an original song, the heavily 80s-influenced (as hinted by the track’s name) “Swayze,” and it is a banger.

Using elements from 80s music in modern tracks is far from unique, but doing so to complement an infectious melody and great vocals can really bring everything to the next level, and that’s exactly what Smallpools did here. You don’t have to be a fan of 80s music to enjoy this track, but if you are, it doesn’t get any better than this.

“Swayze” is the opening track of the band’s new EP “Ghost Town Road (East),” with a full-length album expected later this year.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Indie
  • Pop

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“Next Semester” by Twenty One Pilots

"Next Semester" by Twenty One Pilots

Artist: Twenty One Pilots

Song: Next Semester

Genres: #alternativerock #punkrock

Location: Columbus, Ohio, United States

Release date: March, 2024

Comment: I’ve mentioned before that I like Twenty One Pilots, but when I listened to the lead single off their forthcoming album “Clancy,” “Overcompensate,” I got worried that I wouldn’t like any of their new songs. Thankfully, those worries went away when I listened to their second single, “Next Semester,” because I think it’s probably their best track since “Heathens.”

I love how it starts as an old school punk song, only to switch to a catchy pop track in the chorus. Then, you have anthemic chants in the bridge and an unexpected acoustic outro. Add in some lyrics with a dark, nostalgic feel that contrasts with the music, and you end up with a musical gem.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Alternative
  • Punk-Rock

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“Ignition” by Mark Driver

"Ignition" by Mark Driver
"Ignition" by Mark Driver

Artist: Mark Driver

Song: Ignition

Genres: #chillout #downtempo

Location: Seattle, United States

Influences: Bonobo, Kisamos, Emancipator

Release date: March, 2024.

Comment: There’s a certain tranquility to driving down a highway with no traffic in sight. You’re alone with your thoughts, the open road stretching before you, and the perfect soundtrack blasting through your speakers. That’s the feeling Seattle-based artist Mark Driver aimed to capture with his four-track downtempo electronic EP, “Ignition.” While the opening track, also called “Ignition,” is the one featured here, the entire EP is worth a listen.

“Ignition” itself perfectly embodies that peaceful highway drive. The downtempo beat lays the foundation, a steady pulse that mimics the rhythm of the tires on the pavement. Layered on top are textured soundscapes and ethereal vocals, weaved throughout the track, evoking a sense of human warmth amidst the digital elements. The overall effect is one of deep immersion, transporting you to that perfect moment of solitude and sonic bliss.

This captivating debut EP hints at the immense potential Mark Driver possesses. “Ignition” is a strong foundation, and it will be fascinating to see where his musical journey takes him in the future.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Chill Out

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“Saw You In A Dream” by Colin Woltmann

"Saw You In A Dream” by Colin Woltmann
"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

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“morro bay” by sad dad

"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

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“Like a Painting” by Head Sound

"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