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.
Released on Blue Monday, PHWOAR’s ‘Waiting for the Sun’ is a defiant anthem of resilience and hope, blending raw emotion with their trademark indie-alternative grit. This track turns the concept of despair on its head, reminding listeners that even the darkest days are fleeting. Paul’s thrashing guitar and Helena’s pounding drums drive the song’s energy, while their shared vocals create a powerful sense of unity. With its DIY sensibilities and heartfelt lyrics, the single captures the struggle of waiting for better days while celebrating the strength it takes to endure. A bold, cathartic start to their 2025 releases.
Follow PHWOAR on Instagram.
Anchored by emotive lyrics and a hauntingly beautiful melody, ‘Hold You Home’ captures a wistful yearning for connection and belonging. Marti West delivers a tender, introspective gem that effortlessly marries his signature indie folk sensibility with ethereal harmonies. Its delicately layered instrumentation builds subtly, blending acoustic warmth with modern textures, creating a lush, cinematic soundscape. This artist’s heartfelt delivery shines, inviting listeners into a moment of quiet reflection. A standout from his ambitious third album, Talking To Strangers, ‘Hold You Home’ exemplifies Marti West’s ability to craft deeply resonant songs that linger long after the final note fades.
Follow Marti West on Instagram.
From Later.’s album Golden Bay, ‘The Edge of Light’ embodies both the band’s creative struggles and ultimate triumph. With groovy verses that build into a euphoric, pop-driven chorus, the track radiates energy and passion. Its journey from a challenging production process, complete with five rewritten choruses, to a standout anthem makes it all the more poignant. Later.’s blend of diverse influences, from French touch to pop and soul, shines here with richly layered production and heartfelt delivery. This track encapsulates the band’s ethos; unconventional yet authentic, bursting with spontaneity and the thrill of creation.
Follow Later. on Instagram.
Goldkimono has sparked our radar with ‘Lifetime’, a sun-soaked pop gem that effortlessly blends carefree vibes with deep introspection. Co-produced with Tim Bran (London Grammar, Birdy), the track explores the tension between digital escapism and real-world connection. With shimmering melodies and animated lyrics, Goldkimono reminds us: “this ain’t your timeline, this is your lifetime.” The accompanying CGI-driven video by Cal Bain enhances the message, crafting a vibrant digital playground. Following the success of his album The Legend Of The Goldkimono, this latest single cements his reputation for fusing catchy hooks with profound storytelling.
Follow Goldkimono on Instagram.
Fueled by gritty guitar riffs and impassioned vocals, The Ricters’ new track ‘Sand Castles’ builds like an impending storm, capturing the tension of a love that drags both people down. It’s a raw, emotionally charged anthem about the struggle of breaking free from toxic cycles. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of self-destruction and longing, while the band’s tight instrumentation drives the emotion home. The bridge, a moment of cathartic release, offers a fleeting sense of clarity before the waves crash again. With ‘Sand Castles’, The Ricters deliver a powerful preview of their album Corpus Colosseum, leaving listeners eager for more.
Follow The Ricters on Spotify.
The Jungle Giants break a year hiatus with ‘Hold My Hand’, the first taste of their upcoming fifth album. Frontman Sam Hales’ personal journey, including a relationship ending and a health setback, fuels this emotionally resonant track. ‘Hold My Hand’ marks a turning point, capturing the evolution of love and loss, and opening the floodgates for the album’s introspective themes. The song’s layered instrumentation, including a live orchestra and strings, amplifies the raw emotion. Hales describes the song as a reflection on a decade-long relationship, emphasizing the beauty in change. This release signals a new chapter for The Jungle Giants, whose genre-agnostic sound blends alternative pop, dance, rock, and experimentalism.
Follow The Jungle Giants on Instagram.
‘Mother of Style’ is a nostalgic ode to Nashville’s evolving music scene from dynamic duo The Criticals. Singer Parker Forbes reflects on the city’s bittersweet changes, from basement shows to iconic venues, and the special time shared with friends and bands. The song began with a loop created by Forbes’ roommate, inspiring the band to build a world around it. Cole Shugart notes the rapid changes in the Tennessee metropolis, with new developments replacing familiar haunts, creating a feeling of displacement. ‘Mother of Style’ captures this sense of change, a bittersweet reflection on a vibrant era in Nashville’s music history.
Follow The Criticals on Instagram.
PURPLE MELON 