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.
Our first stop takes us beyond this earthly realm and on an intergalactic journey. VISSIA’s single ‘Doorway’ presents a unique blend of alt-pop and sci-fi Western aesthetics, it’s equal parts compelling and emotionally charged, perfectly complemented by the track’s introspective lyrics and powerful vocals. The song’s production is polished and layered, incorporating elements of folk and pop with a touch of experimental ambience. With a playful nod to vintage pin-up media and pulp magazine covers, the music video adds an extra layer of visual charm. ‘Doorway’ is a direct reflection of VISSIA’s limitless imagination.
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Next up, Guildford-based collective Aqualine brings together explosive and melancholic alternative-rock, whilst also drawing inspiration from other genres like shoegaze, grunge, hip-hop, and experimental ambience. Founded by friends Benski (vocalist) and Patric (lead guitarist) while still in high school, their recent single ‘Seriously Not Done’ provides a calming and uplifting break from daily routines. Between the deft guitars and bold rhythm section, Aqualine translates their energetic and passionate live performances into tracks like this one. We seriously admire their DIY approach, something that extends to album covers, artistic concepts, and who knows what else!
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San Diego four-piece band Peach Cooler’s single ‘You Talk Too Much’ is a vibrant and energetic indie-pop gem, packed with infectious personality, expressive vocals, vibrant guitar work and a lively musical backdrop. It exudes raw dynamism, at times embracing a noisy edge while delivering uplifting emotions. The rhythm is irresistibly contagious, inviting listeners to move their bodies to its infectious beat. With catchy lyrics and multiple hooks, ‘You Talk Too Much’ keeps the attention firmly gripped, creating a cathartic and joyful experience.
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Tomb, a talented producer and songwriter, is quickly establishing himself as an intrinsic part of the Canadian music scene. Known for his production work with renowned and emerging artists like Dom Vallie, Young Lungs, Roderick Porter, and Just Idea’s, Tomb is now ready to explore new musical territories by releasing original songs. With his latest single ‘Sea Sick’, Tomb showcases his versatility as a creator, both in writing and producing, as he traverses gentle alt-pop, introspective indie-folk and electronica undertones. This intriguing new track might be the first in his solo venture, but it sure won’t be his last.
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Drawing inspiration from artists like Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette, and Tori Amos, singer-songwriter Izzie Derry delivers ‘Try’, an ode to the frustration of not fitting in. The song represents her journey towards self-acceptance, embracing her uniqueness and rejecting societal expectations. It’s also a tantalizing glimpse into the artist’s’s debut album, which she successfully crowdfunded and took the lead on production.
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The Astral Bakers, a new musical venture featuring Sage (Ambroise Willaume), Theodora, Nico Lockhart, and Zoé Hochberg, deliver a pure and captivating experience with their debut single ‘One More’. The band members, known for their collaborations with various artists, including Clara Luciani and Woodkid, showcase their musical prowess and heartfelt songwriting. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Big Thief, Supertramp, and Nirvana, the Astral Bakers transcend labels to focus on substance. The accompanying video, filmed in a mesmerizing one-shot sequence, captures the band’s unity and vulnerability as they create an honest and simple musical offering.
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Norwegian trio Orions Belte is set to make waves with their upcoming album, Women, scheduled for release on October 6th via Jansen Records. To set the tone for a summer filled with vibrant energy, they unveil their latest single ‘Jai Alai’. With all songwriting and production handled by the talented trio themselves, it builds on their previous successes and further establishes them as a band that’s got it all. The plush string arrangements create a captivating atmosphere, evoking a sense of adventure and dreams of explorations through the Amazon Rainforest. If ‘Jai Alai’ is anything to go by, then the Women LP promises a grander and more powerful sound.
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Australia’s emerging cross-genre artist iLLy XO is making waves with his unique sound and style, one that blends varying styles and delivers raw emotion through explosive instrumentation and heartfelt vocals. With a no-frills approach and genuine lyricism, iLLy XO seeks to connect intimately with listeners worldwide. His upcoming Fragments EP features the featured track ‘Heart GPS’, which paints a vivid emotional landscape of love and heartbreak. Through evocative lyrics and melodic arrangements, iLLy XO invites listeners into a world of ink-stained memories, resonating with their own experiences.
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Fresh from Sony Music Finland is ‘Take A Minute’, the newest release by Chris Noah. It follows the success of his Red Light EP (nominated for Latvian Music Recording Awards’ Pop Album of the Year), Noah continues to make his mark in the industry. Produced by Kristofer Harris and Nathanael Graham, ‘Take A Minute’ is an indie-pop diamond with scintillating synth textures and catchy vocal hooks that explore the challenges of living in a culture filled with distractions and the pressure to present a certain image. Despite this potentially heavy topic, it maintains a positive and light-hearted storyline.
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In SMILEZ’s single ‘$ex & Money’ the artist takes listeners on a provocative sonic journey. With pulsating beats and edgy lyrics, the song explores the intertwined themes of sexuality and materialism. SMILEZ’s confident and charismatic delivery amplifies the track’s allure, drawing listeners into a world of excess and desire. ‘$ex & Money’ is a bold and unapologetic exploration of the hedonistic side of life, where pleasure and wealth intersect. With its infectious energy and thought-provoking lyrics, the song invites listeners to contemplate the allure and consequences of chasing both physical and material satisfaction.
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Closing out our Indie Kids playlist this week is Julianna Joy’s single ‘DEAD!’, a beautifully haunting track that delves into the depths of emotional turmoil. With her soulful and evocative vocals, Joy brings raw intensity to the song, immersing listeners in a world of introspection and vulnerability. The atmospheric production, filled with atmospheric synths and driving percussion, enhances the dark and brooding atmosphere of the track. ‘DEAD!’ explores themes of inner struggles, heartbreak, and the desire for liberation. Julianna Joy’s expressive delivery and poignant lyricism make this single a gripping and emotionally charged experience that resonates long after the song ends.
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PURPLE MELON 