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.
Back again and kicking off our Indie Kids playlist is Litvar, from the unassuming town of Willimantic, Connecticut and emerges as a small-town indie-rock gem. Their second album Eloquently Aimless exemplifies a captivating blend of 00s nostalgia and contemporary indie finesse. The focus track ‘All Those Minutes Ago’ sardonically delves into relationship complexities, offering a fresh perspective. Litvar’s sonic versatility is astounding, effortlessly weaving indie-pop, alt-rock, and indie-electronica into an eleven-track masterpiece. Produced by Charles Newman (known for The Magnetic Fields and The Bones of J.R. Jones), the album was recorded at Elliot Smith’s New Monkey Studio in Los Angeles. Litvar’s journey from their quaint hometown to this creative hub is palpable in the music’s depth. ‘All Those Minutes Ago’ solidifies Litvar’s position in the indie scene, demonstrating their unique sound and songwriting prowess.
Follow Litvar on Instagram.
Stefan Lars takes us on a whirlwind journey through the tumultuous landscapes of love and breakups through his emotive track ‘Make Up/Break Up 41’, which taps into the complexities of relationships with a unique blend of musical elements. The artist’s distinctive sound shines through, with elements of folk, pop, soul, funk, and Brazilian jazz seamlessly interwoven. The bass-heavy groove provides a solid foundation, while soft, introspective vocals add a layer of vulnerability to the song. The harmonies and musical dynamics create a rich and immersive sonic experience. Stefan’s musical prowess is on full display, as he not only wrote and performed the track but also produced and mixed it. The collaboration with talented musicians like Jeff Chappah and Marcelo Effori adds depth to the composition. ‘Make Up/Break Up 41’ invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of love and the quest for freedom within relationships.
Follow Stefan Lars on Instagram.
London’s indie-rock quintet The Horn delivers a powerful anthem with ‘People Like Us’. Produced by Danton Supple (known for his work with Coldplay), this track captures the essence of recognition and solidarity for those on the fringes of divisive debates and societal pressures. The song’s intricate guitar work, subtle percussion, and emotive vocals draw you in, building toward an impactful climax that demands attention. ‘People Like Us’ explores the desire for acceptance without losing one’s individuality. It’s a testament to The Horn’s confident musical character and hints at a promising debut album, set to release soon. This track exemplifies modern British indie-rock at its best.
Follow The Horn on Instagram.
Paris Paloma continues to champion empowering themes with her latest single ‘as good a reason’. Following the success of her breakthrough track ‘labour’, Paris shifts her focus to the strength and camaraderie women discover within their communities. The song’s punchy and infectious nature is evident, with catchy hooks and rallying choruses that showcase the artist’s ability to craft anthems that resonate with her global fanbase. ‘as good a reason’ serves as a spirited testament to the support and encouragement women provide to one another. Paris Paloma’s music not only entertains but also uplifts, reinforcing her reputation as an artist with a message worth listening to.
Follow Paris Paloma on Instagram.
Beautifully capturing the essence of looking back at past loves and the bittersweet emotions that come with it, Vorsen delivers heartfelt track ‘Looking Back’. Entering into the realm of reminiscence, the song’s lyrics encapsulate the universal experience of wondering how things might have been if past relationships had played out differently. His production skills shine through as he creates an uplifting and reflective soundtrack for a summer romance that once was. It’s a poignant reminder that our past experiences, both good and bad, shape who we are today. Vorsen’s introspective storytelling and musical craftsmanship make ‘Looking Back’ a standout track.
Follow Vorsen on Instagram.
In ‘dirty windows’ dark-pop artist leoblu (aka Julia Carlsson) crafts a hauntingly beautiful and introspective track that speaks to the resilience found in the face of depression. The artist draws from her own journey to convey the powerful message of hope and renewal. The neglected, dirty windows serve as a poignant metaphor for life’s challenges, inviting listeners to find meaning in seemingly insignificant details. With her expressive vocals and intricate harmonies, Julia creates a unique sonic landscape that mirrors the complexity of emotions. The accompanying music video set in the Åland forests adds a raw, natural beauty to this emotionally charged composition. ‘dirty windows’ conveys profound human experiences through her music. It’s a beacon of hope for those who’ve grappled with depression.
Follow leoblu on Instagram.
Delving into the dichotomy of wanting to socialize while battling inner anxiety, Movie Night’s release new single ‘My Friends Must Be Dead’. The track effortlessly walks the line between raw introspection and an alternative anthem, showcasing a candid lyrical style and a searing vocal performance. Backed by a vintage drum machine, it evolves into an alt-rock gem that resonates with anyone who’s felt torn between the desire to connect and the fear that often keeps them isolated. This song, previously heard live, has fans eagerly awaiting its release. Movie Night’s musical prowess shines through as they craft a relatable and emotionally charged sonic experience.
Follow Movie Night on Instagram.
From Cap’n Al’s album, The Enchanting World Of…Cap’n Al, is the standout gem ‘4th of July’. This track is a testament to the musician’s incredible journey, as he’s emerged from personal struggles stronger and more creative than ever. The song’s vibrant pop-rock melody is imbued with echoes of classic rock, jazz, funk, new wave, and indie-rock, showcasing wide-ranging musical influences. ‘4th of July’ tells a story of personal transformation, mirroring Cap’n Al’s own journey towards sobriety and healthier relationships. It’s a narrative of redemption and renewal set to a catchy, uplifting tune. Those distinctive vocals and musical craftsmanship shine brightly in this track, making it a standout on an album filled with musical diversity. With ‘4th of July’, Cap’n Al invites listeners into his world, where resilience and creativity triumph over adversity.
Follow Cap’n Al on Instagram.
Co-produced by Aaron Dessner (The National) and Chris Taylor (Grizzly Bear), Gold Lake’s latest single ‘North of Something’ reflects the pressing issue of humanity’s inability to prioritize the planet over personal desires. The composition mirrors the shifts and tremors of our changing world, blending lush, open chords with foreboding tremolo. Ethereal vocals convey the sense of urgency, set against a minimalist backdrop. An arpeggiated guitar and pulsating synth capture the duality of hope and despair. Chris Bear’s drumming adds a yearning to move forward, culminating in a tumultuous crescendo. The accompanying video, featuring the captivating flamenco dancer Eduardo Guerrero, pays homage to Spanish poet Miguel Hernández. ‘North of Something’ is a poignant, visually striking call to confront the impending challenges facing our planet.
Follow Gold Lake on Instagram.
A Catalogue of the Universe and LAD, an unlikely yet harmonious duo, grace us with their latest single ‘Strange goodbyes’. Their unique meeting through a local musicians’ Facebook group led to a cross-genre collaboration that’s pure musical magic. This track, a mesmerizing blend of dream pop and electronic elements, explores the multifaceted nature of farewells. ACOTU’s poetic lyrics, written during a coffee break, provide a heartfelt narrative. LAD’s production work brings the song to life, infusing it with dreamy yet driven melodies. ‘Strange goodbyes’ is a playful, poetic, and intimate journey into dream pop territory, a collaboration that seamlessly merges two distinct musical backgrounds into one captivating sound.
Follow A Catalogue of the Universe on Instagram.
Follow LAD on Spotify.
Munan (aka Peter Lee) gifts us his Tranquillity EP, a harmonious blend of his Korean and Australian roots, with standout single ‘Love Comes in Two’. This debut release showcases the creative’s passion and talent, forged from his experiences as part of the pop duo Chimmi and his newfound solo project. The EP is a product of a year’s worth of musical exploration and introspection, offers five carefully nurtured tracks. Peter’s intimate connection with his home studio shines through, crafting therapeutic, self-reflective music that invites listeners on a humble journey. ‘Love Comes in Two’ melds indie-pop, rock, alternative, and psychedelic influences into a captivating fusion, transcending genre boundaries.
Follow Munan on Instagram.
PURPLE MELON 