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.
Out first Indie Kid of the day is meka whose debut single ‘Temperance’ is a poignant exploration of grief and longing, wrapped in a nostalgic, sun-drenched soundscape. The song’s haunting melody, coupled with the ethereal vocals, evokes a sense of wistful melancholy. The lyrics, inspired by a personal experience of loss and the devastating California wildfires, delve into the haze of memory and the desire to feel something beyond numbness. With its rich tapestry of instrumentation, including piano, bass, and strings, ‘Temperance”‘is a captivating introduction to meka’s unique musical vision. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Joan Baez and Nick Drake, she crafts a timeless sound that is both comforting and unsettling.
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Pentire’s latest single, “Times Change (So Do I),” is a refreshing anthem of self-acceptance and vulnerability, wrapped in infectious indie-pop energy. The Herefordshire-based band has crafted a song that feels both relatable and timeless, channeling the ups and downs of personal growth within a relationship. Jack Morgan’s vocals soar with emotion, blending perfectly with the band’s upbeat, yet reflective sound. You can feel Pentire’s signature storytelling come alive as they explore themes of change and resilience. As a new fan, this track leaves you eager for their upcoming EP Love On TV—Pentire is definitely a band to watch!
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Shawn Fox’s ‘Blame Me’ is a nostalgic indie-pop gem that captures the bittersweet feeling of growing up and leaving behind the carefree days of youth from rising talent. The song’s infectious melody and relatable lyrics evoke memories of teenage dreams and first loves. His vocals are smooth and emotive, perfectly conveying the song’s message of longing and regret. The production is polished and modern, while still maintaining a classic indie-pop sound. ‘Blame Me’ is a standout track that showcases Shawn Fox’s talent as a songwriter and performer.
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Written amidst the lush surroundings of Costa Rica, Chris Jobe’s ‘Talking with Your Eyes’ exudes a raw, organic energy. It’s an intimate, atmospheric exploration of love’s unspoken language framed through hypnotic classical finger-style guitar riffs on jazzy chords set a sultry tone, complemented by Chris’ emotive vocals. The song’s vivid imagery, inspired by vibrant nightlife and fleeting connections, captures the allure and mystery of silent communication. The DIY production adds authenticity, amplifying the track’s intimate mood. ‘Talking with Your Eyes’ really shows Chris Jobe’s talent for transforming quiet observations into beautifully evocative music.
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Wrapped in bittersweet nostalgia, ‘Pretty Darn Pretty’ reflecting on the allure and pitfalls of reliving the “good ole days” through Schmoon’s wistful perspective. Also known as Matt Cascella, this explores the tension between finding comfort in the past and the melancholy of stagnation through these hypnotic refrains. The production blends warm, rustic folk with a modern indie sensibility, offering a poignant reflection on memory and growth. This track is a fitting conclusion to an album rich with introspection and wry storytelling, cementing ‘Pretty Darn Pretty’ as a thoughtful, multilayered offering in Schmoon’s evolving artistic journey.
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Co-produced with Hans Li, Housewife’s latest single ‘Divorce’ captures the raw aftermath of heartbreak, blending introspective lyricism with anthemic instrumentation. It’s a deeply poignant yet euphoric alt-pop triumph that highlights Brighid Fry’s growing emotional depth and sonic craftsmanship. The fast-paced writing process contrasts with its meticulous bedroom-recorded production, creating a sound that’s both urgent and deliberate. Brighid’s distinctive voice shines against lush, layered arrangements, reflecting her journey through heartbreak, self-discovery, and healing. Housewife as a compelling force in indie music, setting high expectations for her forthcoming EP.
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Ethereal vocals, saxophone samples, and layered synths weave a surreal narrative of longing and mystery throughout Ride The Noise’s ‘Lucid Dream’. It’s a mesmerizing fusion of ambient, chillwave, and dream pop, born from spontaneous improvisation. Dan Cavalca’s mastery as a drummer and producer shines as he layers staccato drum beats with lush synth textures, crafting a dreamy, immersive atmosphere. The track’s hypnotic flow and intricate production evoke a vivid, otherworldly journey. Drawing from influences like Shigeto and Apparat, ‘Lucid Dream’ is a rich, electro-acoustic soundscape that blurs the line between organic and electronic artistry.
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The Southern Californian duo Mirrorball (Alexandra Johnstone and Scott Watson) have crafted a sound drenched in dreamy melodies and wistful ambiance, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours era filtered through a modern dream-pop lens. ‘Condo Pond’ shimmers with nostalgia, evoking the faded beauty of fleeting memories and forgotten spaces. The track’s lush instrumentation and evocative lyrics transport listeners to hazy California backdrops, where the mundane transforms into something magical. With influences spanning from Broadcast to Weyes Blood, ‘Condo Pond’ blends seventies AM warmth with contemporary indie psychedelia, making it a standout in their radiant, starry discography.
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Stripped back and hauntingly intimate, Juanita Stein’s ‘Motionless’ showcases her evocative storytelling with a voice that conveys a poignant meditation on the restless urge to move through discomfort rather than confront it. Collaborating once again with producer Ben Hillier, Stein captures the raw vulnerability and quiet strength that define her fourth album, The Weightless Hour. The accompanying video, set against the windswept South Coast, mirrors the song’s moodiness, blending stark beauty with introspection. ‘Motionless’ resonates as a cathartic exploration of stillness, growth, and self-acceptance with minimal guitar arrangements to create an atmosphere both fragile and powerful.
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PURPLE MELON 