Ellinor – By The Seaside

Ellinor - By The Seaside

I don’t know what to write about Ellinor‘s music. It’s not that there’s nothing to say about her, quite the opposite. I could write about how, being the child of deaf parents and discovering music relatively late at 15, she developed such a talent for music so quickly. Or I could talk about the powerful voice this young singer/songwriter has. I could mention as well how she’s been influenced by Joan Baez, the Kooks and Johnny Cash, or how, being French, she released her first EP, River Lee, with all 4 songs written and performed in English. Or I could simply say that I think she’s immensely talented.

Instead, I think I’ll just let her music do the talking. It is that good.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Astralign – The First Time I Saw You

Astralign

Astralign is an ambient/cinematic/downtempo project based in Australia, created by Gavin Foo, a passionate sound designer with a love for music. “Fragments” marks Astralign’s debut EP, initially released independently and now available on Spotify.

“The First Time I Saw You” is the most downtempo track in Fragments, making it a perfect fit for the Chill-Out Mixtape. This soothing composition beautifully captures the emotions experienced when encountering someone special for the first time. Enjoy the track below and consider supporting/following the artists through the provided hyperlinks.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Lane 8 & Yotto – I/Y

Lane 8 & Yotto

This gorgeous track is the result of blending atmospheric melodies with elements of house music. Daniel Goldstein, known as Lane 8, is an American musician and DJ active since 2012, while Otto Yliperttula, aka Yotto, is a Finnish DJ who emerged in 2014. Both renowned for their progressive house sound, this marks their first collaboration.

I/Y may not be brand new, but its beauty is undeniable, capturing listeners with its gradual progression from delicate atmospheric sounds to euphoric heights. Take a listen to this captivating addition to the Electronic Mixtape.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Neon Trees – Used To Like

Neon Trees

Unfortunately, I don’t have much time to write anything today, so this entry will be an easy and short one. Neon Trees released a new album last week, I Can Feel You Forgetting Me, and even though its lead single debuted much earlier this year, I still think it’s the best track in the album. The band had a few hits in the early 2010s, like Animal, but hadn’t released any new material in 5 years. They came back with their trademark alt-pop sound but with a bigger 80s influence. Used to Like is a perfect example of that. Enjoy!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Kids In Glass Houses – Peace

Kids In Glass Houses - Peace

After a series of mellow songs, it’s time to crank up the volume for this week’s Throwback Thursday entry. This song was released not that far ago (2013) by a band that, unfortunately, broke up one year later. KIGH, in case you never heard of them, were a rock/punk-rock band from Wales that were active for 8 years, releasing 4 studio albums in total. Despite achieving success in the UK, they unfortunately disbanded after just one year, possibly due to the lack of international recognition.

“Peace” served as the lead single from their eponymous final album. While the entire record was fantastic, the standout track was undoubtedly its opening title song—a high-energy, guitar-driven rock anthem with punk-rock elements and an irresistibly catchy chorus. It’s nearly impossible to listen to it without joining in and singing along. I challenge you to give it a try!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Oh Wonder – Don’t You Worry

Don't You Worry by Oh Wonder

I enjoy writing about new, up-and-coming, and unsigned artists because they often need the support the most. It’s rewarding to help them from this humble platform. At the same time, I like to mix in new music from more well-known artists. Firstly, not everyone may be aware of them; secondly, you might not know they have new music out; and lastly, to avoid predictability. After featuring lesser-known acts for several days, it’s time to talk about Oh Wonder‘s beautiful new song: “Don’t You Worry”..

The British duo, who are also a couple, may not be household names yet, but with over 7 million monthly listeners on Spotify, chances are you already know them. In case you don’t, this alt-pop act started in 2014, recording and releasing one song a month for a year, which later became their self-titled debut album. Six years later, Oh Wonder has sold out gigs in cities like London, New York, and L.A., released three full-length albums and several EPs. Their latest EP, “Home Tapes,” was recorded and released from their London home during the lockdown.

“Don’t You Worry,” part of “Home Tapes,” is a lovely indie love song about facing difficult times with your loved ones. It perfectly showcases Josephine Vander Gucht’s delicate yet beautiful voice. Give it a listen below.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Serenade The Stars – Rewind

Serenade The Stars

Serenade The Stars is a U.K. alternative rock act reminiscent of bands from the late ’90s and early 2000s. While the production of their latest single, Rewind, may have some quirks, the song’s appealing vocals and nostalgic lyrics make it worth a listen. With potential to grow, we look forward to seeing what the band achieves.

Production issues or non-issues aside, I genuinely enjoy the song, and I believe the band’s lead singer has a great voice for alternative rock. The lyrics of “Rewind” explore the concept of revisiting happier times to rediscover our purpose during moments of uncertainty. Overall, I believe Serenade The Stars has significant potential, and we will be rooting for them to fulfill it. Give “Rewind” a listen below and share your thoughts with us—your views on this track are particularly intriguing to me.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Darkfield – A New Beginning

Darkfield

I’m always amazed by the number of talented musicians out there waiting for an opportunity to be heard. Joey Westerlund, a multi-instrumentalist from Portland, Oregon, is the creative force behind Darkfield. The music he creates as Darkfield ranges from heavy to mellow post-rock, with A New Beginning from their second EP, Carry Us Away, falling on the latter side. All of Joey’s tracks, however, can definitely be considered cinematic.

In fact, this beautiful track feels like the score to an epic space travel movie, making it a perfect companion for a Sunday afternoon. Enjoy it here!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

KidEyes – Ready To Go

KidEyes

I can’t recall how I discovered KidEyes, an indie/altpop duo based out of Los Angeles. It was about a month ago, possibly through Instagram, but the specifics elude me. Regardless, I’m grateful for finding them because their music is incredibly enjoyable, and today’s featured song is a perfect example.

“Ready To Go” is the band’s latest single, released in June following their self-titled debut EP from 2019. Despite addressing feelings of being lost and disoriented, it’s a captivating indie pop track that could serve as the soundtrack to our peculiar year. Give it a listen here:

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Oppidum – Genius Loci

Oppidum - Genius Loci

Today is a great day for music (and it is a Friday, which is always a plus). We got new albums from The Naked and Famous, Neon Trees and Neck Deep, just to name a few; and you may have heard about some “folk” artist named Taylor Swift who dropped a record too (and here is what I think about it). This entry, however, is about a little song from a different EP that also got released today without the same amount of fanfare. I hope it does not get lost in the shuffle because it certainly deserves your attention (at least if you are into ambient/chill-out music).

Oppidum, which is Latin for –roughly translated– town,  is the pseudonym of a French musician who creates hypnotic and unique arrangements mixing organic and instrumental sounds. Genius Loci, from Oppidum‘s brand new EP: Amulette, is a perfect example of that. It got some uncommon sounds for music but also a melodic cadence that transports you into places you will not want to return from. Give it a try on the mixtapes below (by the way, please don’t forget to follow them if you like them) and, if you agree with me, then check the rest of the EP out on your favorite streaming service.

Featured on the following mixtapes: