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.
Leading the way for this Indie Kids round-up is Elihu Okay with his poignant and relatable ‘Yuck’. The song captures those painful final moments of a deteriorating relationship when all that’s left is arguments and regrets. Over three minutes of slack-jawed indie-rock, Elihu Okay pours out his heart, lamenting his own role in sabotaging a love he wishes he could salvage. His lyrics reflect on the universal longing for kindness and the struggle to keep quiet in the midst of conflict. ‘Yuck’ is a snapshot of raw, unfiltered emotion, serving as a compelling glimpse into the complex dynamics of love and its unraveling.
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Next we have Glimmer of Blooms (fka Amir Saidi) who brings us a heartfelt summer anthem with ‘When I’m with you I feel…’. Born in Vienna to a Ghanaian father and Austrian mother, the musician’s creative journey started early and it’s one that still informs his must today. As you’ll hear, the song beautifully encapsulates the feeling of belonging when you’re with that special someone, transcending physical locations. It’s a stirring reminder to appreciate those moments of togetherness. Simultaneously, it radiates an energetic summer vibe that’s perfect for those sunny days. Glimmer of Blooms has ventured into a more emotional and meaningful approach to his music, and ‘When I’m with you I feel…’ exemplifies this shift. It’s a captivating blend of emotions and a catchy summer sound that’s sure to resonate with listeners.
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Walter The Producer, at just 20 years old, continues to impress with his new single ‘MUST BE THE AIR’. Co-produced with Cowboy Lanksy, this lo-fi pop-rock track showcases his pursuit to keep challenging himself. Here, he steers away from his psychedelic rock roots and explores a fresh sound inspired by the laid-back vibes of Los Angeles, where the collaboration with Cowboy Lanksy began. This renewed style rests on a captivating guitar loop and a cool slide riff that, while Walter’s vocals effortlessly flow with the melody, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of fall school days. It’s a welcome follow-up to his debut project, No Substance Mixtape.
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18-year-old Chicago-based singer-songwriter Huron John is causing a stir with his genre-blending tunes, as you’ll hear in his latest single ‘JUST ME & FRIENDS’. Despite his youth, his music possesses a depth and maturity that promises a bright future. His tracks transport you to the early 2000s, echoing the sentiment of a rom-com soundtrack. It’s bold, evocative, and vividly colorful. What sets him apart is not just his exceptional vocals but also his role as a producer, preserving the authenticity of his sound. He’s a pioneer among the new wave of artists. ‘JUST ME & FRIENDS’ is a vibrant composition filled with lush sounds, inviting textures, and an unforgettable hook. The track is a nostalgic journey, leaving you feeling like you’re floating with every listen. It’s a love letter to life’s intricate beauty beneath the surface mundanity, carried by orchestral strings, bells, rhythmic drums, and acoustic guitars.
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Sundozer’s single ‘Charmed’ is a serenely melodic masterpiece that harks back to the dreamy soundscapes courtesy of Sundozer (aka Christian Luis French). From the outset, the multi-instrumentalist and producer immerses you in its moody ambiance. The combination of lush synths, jangly guitars, and smooth bass creates an inviting soundscape perfect for nocturnal strolls. The lyrics carry a sense of longing, with lines like “We’re not getting any younger,” adding depth to the track. As the song unfolds, it takes you on a journey, building to a captivating chorus and culminating in a blissful conclusion. Sundozer’s ‘Charmed’ is a brilliantly crafted pop gem with a touch of retro allure, offering both familiarity and novelty.
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Since his debut album in 2008, Blaudzun has been a prominent figure in the Dutch music scene, and new track ‘Dreamers’ adds to his illustrious discography. True to his signature style, the song is instantly catchy with an upbeat melody that sets it apart. However, the lightness of the music contrasts with the song’s lyrics, which celebrate the resilience of dreamers and outsiders. Blaudzun’s vocals carry a sense of determination, emphasizing the importance of sticking to one’s dreams despite obstacles. Self-produced and expertly recorded, it’s a promising glimpse of what’s to come from his upcoming seventh album, whether you’re a longtime fan or newcomers to his music.
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James Walker’s ‘Just Love’ is a raw and introspective musical journey, born from the ashes of a tumultuous relationship. This soul-searching anthem delves into the murky waters where love, compulsion, and unresolved attachment issues converge and asked the ultimate questions that has plagued James for a number of years: “If this is just love, why can’t I let it go?”. Sonically, ‘Just Love’ mirrors the gritty underbelly of relationships, unearthing emotions that often go unspoken. The track marks a new direction for James Walker, embracing a grittier and more intense sound, which bodes well for his upcoming European tour.
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Melbourne-based indie dream pop ensemble Manorism presents their latest single ‘Sober’, a melancholic yet euphoric exploration of emotions within the context of relationships. The band’s eclectic influences, spanning punk and indie rock, infuse their music with a diverse range of sounds and emotions. ‘Sober’ captures the essence of emotional release and newfound clarity following the end of a challenging relationship. The track creates a dynamic soundscape of lush instrumentation, featuring shimmering guitars, ethereal synths. It also navigates the fine line between melancholy and euphoria, building to an atmospheric crescendo during the extended outro. ‘Sober’ exemplifies Manorism’s introspective artistry and sonic richness.
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Crafted by Helenor (aka David DiAngelis), ‘Bad2’ is a sublime musical exploration of the struggle to remain present amidst life’s complexities. It’s a rich combination of acoustic guitars and a rhythmic beat with a dreamlike array of shifting synthesizers. The artist also blends poetic lyrics with a distinctive fusion of guitars and synthesizers to great effect. This track captures the weight of existence while maintaining an ethereal quality in its production, which was majorly carried out in DiAngelis’s bedroom, excluding the finishing touch from drummer Vishal Nayak. ‘Bad2’ is just Helenor’s second release since their debut LP, it’s already a reflection of their artistic growth since then.
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Like so many bands that have become regular playlist featurees, alternative band Daytime TV emerged from the tumultuous year of 2020. Now they’re back again with potent ‘Block Out The Noise’. Produced by Ross Hamilton, the track radiates an infectious rhythm, building up to a euphoric chorus tailor-made for electrifying live performances. Vocalist Will Irvine describes it as an anthem for tuning out the chaos, emphasizing the importance of charting one’s own course and resisting negative influences. In a world filled with constant noise and information overload, the song resonates with anyone striving to overcome the voices that say ‘you can’t’ or ‘you’re not good enough.’ With their European and UK tours on the horizon, Daytime TV is poised to captivate audiences with their dynamic sound and empowering lyrics.
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Justus West, the guitar prodigy celebrated for his collaborations with hip-hop giants, steps into the spotlight ahead of his upcoming album Something More. From that record we have ‘Good Brother’, a heartfelt reminder of hope in challenging times. The song, born from personal lows, exudes an authentic sentiment that resonates with anyone seeking solace and friendship in adversity. With Cory Henry joining in, the track reaches new heights of musical prowess. Its infectious energy is elevated further by the inclusion of a local guitarist, once a childhood hero and later a mentor to Justus, and his family, who provide soulful chants. ‘Good Brother’ is an irresistibly fun anthem, uniting listeners in joy and positivity.
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‘L’Amour Fait Mal’ is the attention-grabbing new single from Pol’s self-titled EP, featuring five tracks in total. This Dutch New Wave duo (aka brothers Ruben and Matthijs Pol) are at the forefront of this burgeoning indie scene and it’s clear from this dynamic, elusive and unpredictable track just why that is. Built on a rich analogue soundscape of textured synth lines and driving drum beats, the pair hark back to New Wave’s heydays with this characteristic performance. Their nostalgic vocals portray the feelings of being deep in love, even when that love isn’t a healthy one. Alas, you can’t help get lost in the sway of this modern retro hit.
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PURPLE MELON 