Tag: singer songwriter

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“Not Ready Yet” by Sean Magwire

"Not Ready Yet" by Sean Magwire
"Not Ready Yet" by Sean Magwire

Artist: Sean Magwire

Song: Not Ready Yet

Genres: #indiefolk

Influences: The Beatles, Coldplay, Simon & Garfunkel

Location: Worcester, United States

Release date: November, 2024

Comment: I always knew that making a good song people would want to listen to was hard, but having this blog and listening to countless submitted tracks has made me realize that it is even harder than I thought. You could be the best lyricist in the world and have the perfect voice for your type of music, and still make music that falls flat. And that’s especially true for singer-songwriters who play music with a guitar, because that field is so crowded that it’s quite challenging to stand out. It really requires a special song, and that, my friends, is exactly what we have here with “Not Ready Yet” by Sean Magwire.

Sean not only has a great voice for folksy songs and a knack for writing fantastic lyrics, but he can also compose compelling melodies that stick everything together like glue. That’s the first thing that grabs your attention with “Not Ready Yet.” But then you start noticing the details, like a harmonica here and there, and paying attention to the lyrics and the way Sean conveys the message of not wanting to give up despite the feeling of despair that comes from being part of a rat race chasing the American Dream. You can’t help but appreciate what a great tune it is.

Growing up in Indiana, Sean’s passion for music originated from his father, who was also a talented musician, and the music he listened to at home, like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel. However, it wasn’t until he heard Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’ that Sean felt the urge to write his own music. Twenty years later, Sean has garnered attention over the last few years as more and more people have started to notice how talented he is, including winning multiple songwriting contests such as Song of the Year (Lennon Award) for Folk in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Now he’s planning to release a new solo album in early 2025, for which ‘Not Ready Yet’ is the second single.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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“Stateline” by Nathan Ball

"Stateline” by Nathan Line
"Stateline” by Nathan Ball

Artist: Nathan Ball

Song: Stateline

Genres: #indiefolk

Location: Cornwall, United Kingdom

Release date: July, 2024

Comment: Nathan Ball is a singer-songwriter whose music strikes a balance between classic songwriting and experimental sounds. Based in Cornwall, his connection to nature deeply influences his work, including within the house genre, as he’s worked with the British electronica act Faithless and is touring with them as their vocalist. He’s also about to release an EP as a solo artist, Lost Track of Time, and if all its tracks are like “Stateline“, we’re in for a treat.

“Stateline” is a beautiful track Nathan wrote while touring in Australia. You can really feel the essence of life on the road in it – the dusty roads and new faces. Nathan’s lyrics draw on the story of Icarus, and the song has this nostalgic, coming-of-age vibe that’s both uplifting and grounding. The music itself is considerably warm with jangly guitars and solid percussion that wraps you up in its atmosphere. Give it a listen, and let me know what you think!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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“Morning Light” by Jakob Longfield

"Morning Light” by Jakob Longfield
"Morning Light” by Jakob Longfield

Artist: Jakob Longfield, Finn, Prince of Whales

Song: Morning Light

Genres: #indiefolk

Location: Tübingen, Germany

Release date: August, 2024

Comment: Jakob Longfield, a promising artist from the south of Germany, crossed the Alps in the summer of 2023. The magical experience, which he describes as one of the happiest and most intense times of his life, inspired him to write and record “Morning Light,” featured on his latest EP, “Of Daydreams And Letting Go.” In this track, the talented singer-songwriter conveys the essence of a day of hiking and the tranquility and inner peace transmitted by nature. He used recordings made during his trip, such as the sound of birds, footsteps, rain and waterfalls. Combined with Jakob’s hypnotic vocals, these elements result in a beautiful and entrancing song.

“Morning Light” was co-written by Finn, Prince of Whales, who gets extra points for the clever moniker and also appears on the track. Together, Jakob and Finn recorded and produced the entire EP, and you can tell the care and dedication they put into it. From using real instruments rather than digital tools to writing genuine and heartfelt lyrics about Jakob’s experiences and dreams, the craftsmanship is unparalleled. If there were such a thing as artisanal music, this would be its definition. Listen to this track here:

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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“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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“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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“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

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“One For Me” by Dea Doyle

"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

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“The In-Betweens” by Colin Woltmann

"The In-Betweens” by Colin Woltmann

Artist: Colin Woltmann

Song: The In-Betweens

Genres: #indiefolk

Influences: Elliot Smith, Bob Dylan, John Prine

Location: Alabama, United States

Release date: December, 2023

Comment: Colin Woltmann, an emerging singer-songwriter from Alabama, draws inspiration from folk legends like Bob Dylan and John Prine for his latest single, ‘The In-Betweens.’ While often compared to Elliot Smith, the contemporary vibe of the song brings to mind the soothing style of British indie folk artist Passenger. With Colin’s comforting vocals and a pleasant acoustic guitar melody, the relaxation is total.

In the heartfelt lyrics of “The In-Betweens,” Colin Woltmann delves into the universal experience of internal conflicts. The sensation of not fully belonging, caught in the transitional space between the past and where we want to be. Woltmann‘s skill in portraying these emotions positions him as a resonant voice for those searching for connection in our sometimes isolating world. Because, in the end, there’s comfort in being reminded that we’re not navigating our struggles alone.

“The In-Betweens” is the first single of Colin’s forthcoming EP, “A Case of the Times”. I’m already looking forward to it.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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“Only One” by Georgia Hoareau

"Only One" by Georgia Hoareau

Artist: Georgia Hoareau

Song: Only One

Genres: #indie

Influences: Amy Winehouse, Gracie Abrams, Lizzy McAlpine

Location: Queensland, Australia

Release date: November, 2023

Comment:  Emerging from the Gold Coast, Australia, 19-year-old singer-songwriter Georgia Hoareau is a name to add to our radar. With her latest single “Only One”, released this month, it becomes obvious that Georgia knows how to craft and deliver a catchy indie tune. I think this skill is what truly sets talented artists apart from those who merely have a nice voice.

Georgia’s musical odyssey commenced with her debut single ’17’ in 2021, when she was, you guessed it, just 17 years old. Since then, she has made waves in her local scene, garnering media recognition and leaving a lasting impression with her compelling live band performances. As the young artist gears up to share more new music, her journey is undoubtedly one to watch closely.

If you like indie pop tunes with folksy vibes, ‘Only One’ will be right up your alley.

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Folk/Indie

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“Sunlight” by RHODES

"Sunlight" by RHODES

Artist: RHODES

Song: Sunlight

Genres: #indiepop

Location:  Baldock, United Kingdom

Release date: August, 2023

Comment: David Rhodes, known by his stage name RHODES (stylized in all caps), is an English singer and songwriter born in 1988 who embarked on his musical journey in 2013. He had a successful duet with Birdy and was featured on Kygo‘s debut album, “Cloud Nine“, but I don’t think he is that well-known yet. Chances are, this is the first time you’ve heard about him.

RHODES has been on my radar for a while, and he recently released a single called “Sunlight” that quickly became my favorite song of his. It’s one of those rare tracks where you might find the verses more captivating than the chorus. From the moment the first note hits, you’re drawn into a world of ethereal melodies and heartfelt lyrics that make you stop and listen. RHODES’ vocal performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. His voice, rich and emotive, carries the song, and the lyrics are relatable yet profound.

In short, I think this song shines as bright as its title suggests. Check it out!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

  • Everything
  • Pop