Our Indie Kids playlist celebrates everything on the indie spectrum, whether that’s rock, folk or pop, because we firmly believe in taking a little walk off the beaten track every once in a while.
Offering a glimpse into the upcoming album A Public Place, set for release on April 12 via Mtn Laurel Recording Co., Helenor shares ‘Suck’. Exploring the ease of justifying a life that falls short of personal aspirations, songwriter Dave DiAngelis reflects on the trap of settling for mediocrity rather than pursuing meaningful change. The track, born from a School of Song workshop with Robin Pecknold, unfolds with poignant lyrics and melodies, embodying Helenor’s signature sonic and visual exploration of metamorphosis and existential questioning. With refined production, collaborative efforts and a limited vinyl run, A Public Place promises an immersive journey through life’s transitional phases.
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‘Brown Eyes’ serves as a heartfelt tribute to Nathaniel Sutton’s beloved pet Shiba Inu, Yuki, who tragically succumbed to Lymphoma. Crafted with love and affection, the song captures the essence of Yuki’s vibrant spirit and the cherished memories they shared together. Nathaniel’s poignant lyrics and soulful melodies reflect the deep bond between human and canine, offering solace and remembrance in the face of loss. Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, Sutton’s musical journey encompasses folk-based indie rock with hints of dynamic alt-country and pop influences. Through ‘Brown Eyes’, Nathaniel Sutton ensures Yuki’s memory remains alive, resonating with listeners as a timeless ode to unconditional love.
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Club Kuru’s triumphant return after a five-year hiatus continues with ‘Gone Like A Flower’ and a captivating DHR Session video. Led by Laurie Erskine, the project showcases his masterful blend of hooks, arrangements, and production. Drawing from diverse influences including jazz and classic rock, the track explores themes of loss and transience with poignant lyricism and soulful vocals. The artist’s revitalized approach, recorded live to tape with minimal overdubbing, breathes new life into the band’s sound. With a refreshed lineup and creative freedom, Club Kuru embarks on a promising new chapter, delivering a raw and emotive musical experience.
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‘Bad Song’ is an infectious anthem inspired by the quirks of house party culture. Set against a backdrop of drunken conversations and lingering gazes, Leona Rue captures the essence of encountering that person you secretly hope to see, despite harboring mixed feelings. With introspective lyrics and unforgettable melodies, the songwriter delves into the universal experience of being drawn to someone who feels like a constant presence in your thoughts, akin to a “bad song” stuck in your head. As she prepares to release her debut EP, All Of London Saw, Leona Rue’s distinctive style promises to captivate audiences with its poignant storytelling and emotive depth.
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Late Hala’s latest single ‘Saints & Sinners’ draws inspiration from the haunting narratives of soldiers in Peter Jackson’s World War I film, They Shall Not Grow Old. Exploring themes of isolation and detachment, the song resonates with the poignant story of a soldier’s struggle to reintegrate into society after the war. Vintage synths intertwine with acoustic guitars, commanding drums, and soulful female backing vocals to create a cinematic sonic landscape. With its hypnotic and profound atmosphere, ‘Saints & Sinners’ showcases Late Hala’s ability to blend diverse musical elements into a captivating and emotionally resonant composition.
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‘Wasted Youth’ is a raw and anthemic alt-pop masterpiece that delves deep into the Chloe Star’s personal journey. With a bold and unapologetic sound, she channels her experiences into a captivating blend of pop, rock, and punk influences. The track opens with an electrifying distorted guitar riff, setting the stage for an exhilarating musical journey. Lyrically, Chloe bares her soul, sharing her candid reflections on her time spent in a wilderness treatment program at 16. Yet, amidst the raw honesty, there’s also a message of resilience and empowerment, as Chloe acknowledges how her past has shaped her into the artist she is today. Hailing from a diverse background, Chloe brings a unique perspective to her music, drawing from her Persian and Indigenous heritage.
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Paper Crowns’ debut single ‘Shrimp’ emerges as a poignant narrative of love and its tumultuous aftermath. Originating as a mere demo, the track evolves into a compelling portrayal of a relationship marred by past wounds and bitter resentments. The song delicately captures the dichotomy of tender beginnings and explosive endings, with verses that juxtapose the euphoria of initial attraction with the raw intensity of emotional fallout. Through soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, Paper Crowns crafts a heartfelt ballad that resonates with authenticity and vulnerability. As the band’s inaugural release, ‘Shrimp’ sets the stage for a promising musical journey, offering a glimpse into their evocative storytelling and dynamic sound.
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In the run up to his upcoming album, The Resurrection of a Thylacine, Dumaresq’s latest single ‘Absent Pixel’. As a versatile vocalist and producer hailing from Queensland and now based in Hobart, the artist brings a unique perspective to the indie-rock scene. With credits including Maison Hall and collaborations with Fletcher Gull and Harper Bloom, Dumaresq has earned recognition from NME and Rolling Stone Australia. ‘Absent Pixel’ serves as the second installment in the record’s narrative, delving into the intricate story of a scientist’s journey with a resurrected Thylacine named Lazarus. Recorded at MONA’s Frying Pan Studios and mastered by Grammy-winning William Bowden, Dumaresq’s multidimensional soundscapes promise an enthralling musical odyssey ahead.
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‘Drown’ is a captivating exploration of intergenerational trauma and mental illness, wrapped in a blend of slacker indie rock, folk, and psychedelia. Atlanta-based artist Rose Hotel, aka Jordan Reynolds, known for her nuanced indie-rock songcraft, delves deep into themes of relationships, feminine rage, and breaking cycles of violence and abuse. The song’s slacker-rock energy channels Jordan’s inner rebellious spirit, offering a raw and sardonic perspective on facing reality and choosing healing. As the second single from her upcoming album A Pawn Surrender, ‘Drown’ showcases Reynolds’ talent for blending introspective lyrics with an infectious blend of musical influences.
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Hailing from Pennsylvania but now based in Austin, Texas, Andrew Savage’s DIY folk roots shine through in his raw and authentic sound. ‘Another Restless Life’ is a heartfelt indie rock anthem that captures the essence of longing and restlessness. With influences ranging from Neil Young to Bright Eyes, Savage delivers poignant lyrics wrapped in playful melodies. The song explores the bittersweet experience of yearning to be with someone while feeling stuck in a rut. Despite its melancholic undertones, ‘Another Restless Life’ exudes an upbeat energy that invites listeners to dance away their troubles while empathizing with Savage’s emotive storytelling.
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Rising Irish indie pop artist Holly Munro blends captivating vocals with distinctive songwriting in new single ‘Dead Ends’. Following a stellar 2023, the songwriter’s track explores the fear of missing opportunities and facing regrets, emphasizing the profound impact of every decision on our future. Accompanied by a mesmerizing music video shot at the very location that inspired the song, ‘Dead Ends’ captures the essence of introspection and self-discovery. Holly Munro’s debut EP, Up Against Your Nature, garnered critical acclaim and established her as a rising talent in the music scene. With influences ranging from electronic pioneers like Bjork to folk icons like Joni Mitchell, this emerging talent crafts a unique sound that resonates with listeners worldwide.
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PURPLE MELON 