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.
Our first Indie Kids round-up of 2025 is off to a flying start with Vacation Manor’s ‘January (Over & Over)’, a reflective indie-rock anthem about insecurity and the pressures of comparison, particularly during the creative process. The track features shimmering acoustic guitars, soft harmonics, and a steady groove that perfectly mirror the vulnerability of the lyrics. Nathan Towles captures the overwhelming feeling of searching for inspiration, with a candid honesty that resonates deeply. The duo’s signature sound, blending vibrant melodies with introspective themes, shines through. ‘January’ is a beautiful meditation on personal growth and the need for creative release, setting the stage for Vacation Manor’s forthcoming album with emotional clarity.
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‘Not The One (I’m Looking For)’ is a high-energy burst of alternative rock with an infectious power-pop core from Atticus Roness. Blending raw emotion with vibrant melodies, the track showcases this artist’s knack for crafting hooks that stick. Its fast pace and punchy instrumentation are balanced by a tinge of melancholy in the lyrics, creating a dynamic contrast that resonates. Drawing from his roots in Atlanta’s underground scene, Atticus Roness injects the song with authenticity and charisma. As the lead single from Power Pop World Domination, it’s a thrilling preview of what’s to come, solidifying this musician as a rising force in modern rock.
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Drawing inspiration from artists like John Mayer and Ryan Bingham, Travis Schroder creates an intimate atmosphere with warm, lo-fi acoustic tones and raw, unpolished vocals that feel deeply personal. This acoustic rendition of ‘Back To You’ is a stripped-down gem that highlights his emotive storytelling and heartfelt delivery. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the poignant lyrics to take center stage, evoking a sense of longing and introspection. With its indie-folk vibe and understated charm, ‘Back To You’ is a testament to Travis Schroder’s ability to connect with listeners on a soulful, human level, leaving them eager for more from his EP, Changing Views.
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David Wimbish & The Collection’s ‘Love Me More’ is a heart-wrenching reflection on the complexities of love and self-worth. Born from Wimbish’s fear that his mental health struggles were eroding a relationship, the song channels vulnerability and raw emotion, grappling with the challenge of loving oneself. The band’s signature sound—rich with layered instrumentation and deep, introspective lyrics, which amplifies the song’s poignant message. As David Wimbish confronts his personal limitations, ‘Love Me More’ becomes both a confessional and a call for self-compassion. The track’s powerful honesty resonates deeply, marking another emotional high point in The Collection’s evolving journey of connection and growth.
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Offering a brooding atmosphere reminiscent of Twin Tribes and Boy Harsher, ‘On The Outside’ by Waves_On_Waves is a hypnotic blend of darkwave, goth, and post-punk. The track is a standout from their Halloween Summer album, marked by lush analog synths, cinematic vocals, and a gripping sense of tension. Echoing the melancholy of ’80s goth icons like The Cure, it evokes feelings of isolation and longing, drawing listeners into a moody, pulsating soundscape. With its nostalgic, haunting qualities, ‘On The Outside’ continues Waves_On_Waves’ mastery of blending retro aesthetics with modern electronic flair, inviting fans into a world of midnight melancholy.
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Blending vulnerability and empowerment into a track that’s as haunting as it is uplifting, ‘Atlas’ is a stunning new single for Filiah. With raw lyricism, she tackles the frustration of creative block and the relief of overcoming it, mirroring her own journey from isolation to renewal. Co-crafted with the collaborative magic of welovemelodies, the song’s lush instrumentation and soaring chorus invite listeners to reflect on their own struggles and triumphs. Filiah’s heartfelt delivery resonates deeply, making ‘Atlas’ not just a song but a testament to resilience. It’s an early gem of 2025—poignant, powerful, and impossible to forget.
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Cat Ridgeway’s ‘Sprinter’ is a deeply moving and introspective track that wrestles with the fragility of life and the silent battles of mental health. Written in the wake of losing a friend to depression, the songwriter uses poetic storytelling and tender instrumentation to convey both grief and self-reflection. The “check engine light” metaphor poignantly underscores the urgency of addressing emotional struggles before they spiral. Cat Ridgeway’s emotive vocals and raw lyricism, refined with input from mentor Livingston Taylor, make ‘Sprinter’ a heart-wrenching yet hopeful anthem. It’s a testament to the power of confronting pain and turning it into something profoundly beautiful.
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Make way for a fiery alt-pop anthem that blends biting lyricism with gritty, live-band energy. Co-produced with indie icon Mothé, Kylie Rothfield’s ‘Old Man’ takes a raw and unapologetic look at falling for an older man, only to uncover his selfish motives. Kylie’s soulful, powerhouse vocals cut through edgy electric guitars, analog synths, and vintage piano, creating a dynamic sound reminiscent of Olivia Rodrigo or Paramore. With its candid storytelling and electrifying production, ‘Old Man’ captures the complexity of disillusionment and self-empowerment. Poised to make waves in the indie scene, this track is as memorable as it is emotionally charged.
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PURPLE MELON 