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.
Layering introspective lyrics over an experimental fusion of hip hop, alt-rock, and new age African sounds, Papa Mbye’s ‘COMMON SENSE’ is a genre-defying meditation on the contradictions of human perception. The track transforms a cliché into a poignant exploration of youthful clarity versus adult complexity. With playful self-awareness, Papa examines how common sense often dissolves under life’s layered realities. The song’s emotional depth stems from its raw, vulnerable core, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys. A standout from the upcoming EP, titled PARCELLES 16, ‘COMMON SENSE’ solidifies Papa Mbye’s place as a bold and boundary-pushing storyteller.
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Above Moi, the solo project of Swedish songwriter Emil Andersson, delivers a powerful debut album Songs I Might after a decade of self-doubt. This collection of deeply personal songs, born from years of hidden creativity, explores the complexities of heartbreak against the backdrop of modern urban life. Standout track ‘I Will Come and Get Us’ showcases Emil’s ability to craft emotionally resonant music. Influenced by artists like Keane and Travis, the song blends cinematic pop with stripped-down singer-songwriter elements, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Andersson’s raw honesty and conviction shine through, making Songs I Might a compelling debut that promises a bright future for this talented artist.
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‘Wait On This’ is a melancholic indie folk ballad that evokes a sense of wistful longing from Couvo. Featuring a blend of ethereal soundscapes, pitched-down guitars, and evocative piano lines, the song captures the feeling of disillusionment and the search for meaning in a world that often feels stagnant. Couvo’s introspective lyrics explore themes of existential dread and the struggle to find purpose in a society that often prioritizes material gain over genuine fulfillment. ‘Wait On This’ is a poignant reflection on the human condition, leaving listeners with a sense of both melancholy and hope.
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Inspired by the iconic songwriter pop of the 2000s, particularly Sheryl Crow, Hutton weaves gut-punching lyrics with a melody that feels both nostalgic and fresh. ‘5 Stages of Grief’ is a poignant, timeless anthem that navigates heartbreak with raw honesty and emotional depth. The song explores the universal journey of healing, offering comfort to anyone questioning if their pain will ever fade. Hutton’s soulful vocals and candid storytelling make the track an empathetic guide through loss, while its classic yet modern sound resonates deeply. ‘5 Stages of Grief’ marks Hutton as an artist to watch – authentic, relatable, and profoundly moving.
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Essy’s debut single ‘The High Road’ is a captivating introduction to her forthcoming album. This indie-rock anthem showcases her signature sound, blending driving drums, shimmering synths, and gritty guitars with poignant lyrics about coming of age and the complexities of family. ‘The High Road’ is a powerful and emotionally resonant track that offers a glimpse into Essy’s unique artistry and promises an exciting musical journey ahead.
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Anchored by a steady drumbeat, rhythmic guitars, and a ghostly piano motif, FRASER.’s debut single ‘Loving Creature’ minimalist arrangement creates a raw emotional space for the artist’s soaring, melancholic vocals. The poignant lyric, “I am a loving creature, on paper,” encapsulates the internal conflict of longing for change within a flawed relationship. It’s an evocative exploration of vulnerability and self-reflection. With its haunting soundscape and introspective storytelling, ‘Loving Creature’ feels both intimate and expansive, a powerful introduction to FRASER.’s upcoming EP, Comfort Blanket. Drawing from the isolation of its pandemic-era inception, the song resonates with quiet, cathartic intensity.
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Honey I’m Home’s live session of ‘Stop Sign, Wishful Thinking, Happier’ is a haunting, melancholic journey that perfectly marries their shoegaze sound with their eerie VHS horror aesthetic. Recorded in a ghostly deserted mansion in Hampstead, the setting enhances the band’s atmospheric presence, as layered guitars and ethereal melodies swirl through the spectral air. Each track shifts seamlessly between intimate, reflective moments and cathartic explosions of sound, with deeply personal lyrics anchoring the emotional weight. Under Blain Cunneen’s direction, the session feels like a sonic séance, pulling listeners into a nostalgic yet otherworldly realm. A powerful statement from a rising force.
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‘Crashing’ captures the raw emotional aftermath of an intense relationship, blending Americana and pop into a heartfelt, resonant track. With soaring harmonies and poignant, introspective lyrics, Lucciana Costa and Rachel Coats (aka King Margo) deliver a song that feels both personal and universal. The duo’s tight musicianship shines through, pairing a driving melody with a bittersweet vulnerability that mirrors the song’s theme of emotional turbulence. Their chemistry is palpable, and the dynamic arrangement carries listeners through the highs and lows of heartbreak. ‘Crashing’ is a powerful testament to King Margo’s ability to craft deeply moving, high-energy storytelling through music.
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Known for his eclectic career and prolific discography, Drew Danburry strips things back, embracing simplicity in both arrangement and emotion in new single ‘Love’ is a tender reflection on human connection. Delivered with his signature heartfelt authenticity, the track feels intimate and unpretentious, driven by warm acoustic guitar and those soothing, earnest vocals. Balancing his roles as a musician, barber, and storyteller, Drew Danburry infuses his artistry with a grounded sincerity that resonates deeply. ‘Love’ is a poignant reminder of his enduring ability to craft relatable, meaningful music – a snapshot of goodness and warmth in a world that often craves it.
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Wielding her guitar with ferocity, Camille Schmidt delivers lyrics that juxtapose surreal imagery with piercing emotional truths. ‘Stanley’ is a searing indie rock anthem that blends biting humor with raw introspection. Inspired by an overheard plane conversation, the track explores the aching loneliness of unmet expectations in relationships, capturing both the absurdity and poignancy of modern life. Her fiery riffs and dynamic vocals evoke both chaos and clarity, underscored by a propulsive energy that mirrors her stream-of-consciousness writing style. With ‘Stanley’, Camille Schmidt reaffirms her place as a daring and deeply relatable storyteller in the indie rock landscape.
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