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.
Swiss pop duo Happy For Real introduces the first single ‘News’ from their upcoming Desperate Art EP. The duo, comprised of Olivia Virgolin and Marcus Petendi, navigates the indie phase, evoking the legacy of Bloc Party and similar acts. Recorded in West Wales by Gethin Pearson, the EP blends edgier and rougher elements while preserving the catchy and pleasant nature of their sound. The lead single ‘News’ reflects newfound self-confidence both musically and lyrically, expressing a sense of liberation from constant self-optimization. In a world fixated on improvement, Happy For Real’s music becomes a celebration of personal authenticity and a break from the pursuit of an idealized self.
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Swedish artist Tobias Bergholm, under the moniker NEW ENTMT, unveils the second single ‘Live For the Night’ from his upcoming self-titled EP. With a background in various rock bands, Tobias reinvents himself with a groovy mid-tempo beat, film noir saxophone, and funky bass that echoes French electrohouse influences. The track, at 111 BPM, follows the slow-swinging ‘The Way Love Burns (Out).’ After three years of introspection, Tobias Bergholm crafts a five-song EP exploring life’s complexities, addressing themes of loss, friendship, and relationships. With ‘Live For the Night,’ NEW ENTMT sets a new standard for the slow disco genre, offering a captivating and introspective musical experience.
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‘Vegas’ marks the latest single from LA-based indie trio Polyglam. The band reflects on life’s unpredictable nature, drawing parallels between the unpredictability of a wild night in Las Vegas and the unexpected twists of everyday life. In the song, Polyglam captures the essence of encountering peculiar characters, making risky decisions, and experiencing surreal moments that can alter one’s perception of reality. The track delves into the sensation of living in what feels like a false reality, echoing the sentiments of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Polyglam’s nostalgic and dreamlike sound is born out of shared experiences and a creative connection forged during a summer spent house-sitting for a music producer.
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Subterranean Street Society has released their latest rock anthem ‘Stop Trying’, offering a comically accompanied music video as a precursor to their upcoming album, BLEEP. The song serves as an ode to the perpetual desire for self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of embracing the present rather than constantly striving for an idealized future. Reflecting on societal expectations and personal experiences, the lyrics explore the pressure to define one’s future at a young age. Lead singer Louis, a child of the 90s, draws inspiration from the struggle to reconcile childhood dreams with the demands of adulthood, delivering a thought-provoking commentary on societal norms and the pursuit of authenticity.
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Garvie’s single ‘Boring’ defies its title with a high-energy indie pop sound that is far from dull. The bravely-titled track is a tongue-in-cheek exploration of the universal fear of being perceived as boring. The lyrics display brutal honesty, capturing relatable moments where individuals worry about their own dullness. The song’s infectious energy is fueled by a searing, bit-crushed, chromatic guitar riff reminiscent of acts like Elastica and The Hives. Garvie’s hyperactive and irreverent charm shines through the production, incorporating gameboy-style synths and delivering a refreshing and dynamic sound that captivates listeners. ‘Boring’ is a celebration of the quirks that make us all interesting.
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Elliott Waits For No One marks their return with the release of ‘Sky Walker’, a driving yet contemplative indie rock single. Written by Jenny Franck and featuring her clear, emotive vocals, the song explores themes of reflection and change, offering a sense of resignation and frustration that many can relate to. The track unfolds with stirring acoustic melodies, layered with Franck’s evocative storytelling. ‘Sky Walker’ is part of their upcoming album, Midnight Melody, set for release on February 23. The band’s dynamic sound, blending folk and alternative elements, adds a unique flavor to the contemporary music scene.
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The Carlines, a retro indie-pop-rock project based in Victoria, BC, Canada, shares ‘First Light’, the lead single from their Keep The Light On EP. The track captures the essence of falling in love for the first time, enticing listeners with infectious optimism. Blending modern indie-rock with retro-pop influences, the song features upbeat rhythms, punchy guitars, melodic synths, and catchy vocals. As part of the EP, which also includes standout tracks like ‘Now Or Never,’ The Carlines evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for yesteryear while maintaining a contemporary and efficient appeal for streaming and radio. The band’s frontman, Sjoerd Meyer, brings his expertise from playing hundreds of shows as a side-man, ensuring an energetic and captivating live performance.
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Tom Webber, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter, has released his latest single ‘This Time’. Influenced by artists ranging from Nick Lowe and The Beatles to Arctic Monkeys and Jake Bugg, Webber’s music reflects a diverse range of inspirations. Following a busy year of festivals and a publishing deal in 2022, Webber’s 2023 is filled with writing sessions, recording, and upcoming show announcements. ‘This Time’ is a high-energy track featuring twanging guitars and a “new retro” feel, capturing the essence of a potential anthem. Produced and co-written with James Dring and Jack Kaye from The Magic Gang, the song showcases Webber’s emotive storytelling, infectious guitar riffs, and strong vocals, creating a timeless yet fresh sound.
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Bears in Trees, Croydon’s self-proclaimed “dirtbag boyband”, offer a preview of their upcoming album, How to Build an Ocean: Instructions, with the infectious single ‘Things That Look Like Mistakes.’ Scheduled for release on April 26th via I Sure Hope It Does, the album promises to explore personal conflicts, delivering a love letter to the ordinary moments in life. The band’s whimsical and optimistic melodies shine through in ‘Things That Look Like Mistakes,’ celebrating small moments of joy. The accompanying co-headline tour with The Happy Fits adds to the excitement, promising a lively and entertaining experience. Bears in Trees’ commitment to honest and authentic music shines through, making their journey a celebration of friendship and shared passion.
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PURPLE MELON 