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.
Celebrating life’s small victories with a warm, ethereal embrace, Abbey Lane shares her dreamy indie-folk gem ‘Baby Steps’. With shimmering guitar melodies and echoing effects, the track flows effortlessly, like a gentle afternoon breeze. Abbey’s vocals are mesmerizing—soft yet deeply emotive, carrying the reassurance of a comforting hug. Lyrically, the song serves as a heartfelt reminder that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Rooted in self-compassion and quiet resilience, ‘Baby Steps’ is both a sonic escape and an uplifting anthem for anyone navigating the ups and downs of life. With this release, Abbey Lane reaffirms her place as a standout voice in indie-folk.
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‘Public Holiday’ is a compelling blend of anthemic drive and introspective depth from The Scuttlers. Vocals tinged with anxiety and paranoia capture a feeling of elusive longing. The track’s art-rock foundation, infused with jazz and math-rock elements, creates a dynamic, unpredictable soundscape. The band’s live energy, bordering on performance art, promises a captivating experience. ‘Public Holiday’ is both musically complex and emotionally resonant, drawing from the raw energy of CBGB and the contemporary edge of the Windmill scene. With a unique stage presence and thought-provoking lyrics, The Scuttlers deliver a striking, memorable single.
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Showcasing the raw talent of Northampton teens Balter, ‘someday’ is a vibrant jangle-pop gem. Driven by Jake’s rolling guitar and Liam’s steady bass, the track captures the band’s live energy in a tight, three-minute indie banger. Tom’s vocals, detailing youthful love’s turbulence, resonate with a fresh, earnest quality. Produced by Jon Hucks, the song balances youthful enthusiasm with polished production. ‘someday’ marks Balter as a promising new act, building on early support from major radio stations. Their sound is both nostalgic and current, a testament to their potential. This single is a bright taste of their upcoming EP.
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Transforming a harrowing experience into a groovy anthem, ‘Iemand Anders’ portrays REINDIER’s resilience to change. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2021, REINDIER’s journey fuels this track’s infectious vibe. Despite the dark theme, the song radiates lightheartedness, celebrating the art of letting go. His motto, “turn your growth into something groovy,” shines through. The accompanying music video adds vibrant visuals to this powerful narrative. REINDIER’s blend of pop and personal storytelling creates a compelling soundscape. ‘Iemand Anders’ is a celebration of life’s unpredictable turns, delivered with infectious optimism.
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Fueled by soaring vocals and catchy melodies, Owen Coleman’s guitar-driven track ‘Heaven’s Jealous’ delivers high-energy pop-rock with a modern twist. It captures the exhilarating feeling of falling head-over-heels. Inspired by classic rock, the song evokes contemporary pop-rock giants like Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco. Lyrically, Coleman explores the relatable experience of instant infatuation and finding light in darkness. This LA-based singer-songwriter blends classic rock energy with a modern pop sensibility, creating a sound that feels both timeless and fresh.
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‘Squaddies In Hair Nets’ is a bittersweet punch of indie pop irony from Glasgow’s Life Coach – equal parts scrappy charm and emotional depth. With jangly guitars, lo-fi textures, and a wry, poetic lyricism, the track captures the absurdity and quiet heartbreak of modern life. Frontman Jamie Cameron’s sharp observations, rooted in post-lockdown disillusionment, shine through playful melodies that belie a darker undercurrent. It’s this contrast, bubblegum hooks wrapped around existential malaise, that defines the band’s distinct voice. As the second single from A Love Letter To Your Yearning Heart, ‘Squaddies In Hair Nets’ is clever, cathartic, and beautifully rough around the edges.
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Steel Wool conjures a shimmering storm of distortion and longing in ‘Fading’, which embodies the dreamy unease at the heart of their debut EP. The track unfolds slowly, thick with reverb and modulation, before collapsing into a cathartic wall of sound that feels both crushing and strangely tender. It’s a standout moment that captures the band’s knack for balancing atmosphere and urgency. Equal parts shoegaze haze and DIY punk grit, ‘Fading’ showcases the rising LA quartet’s genre-blurring instincts with raw charm. For a band still mapping its sound, Steel Wool already feels like a vital presence in the city’s underground.
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‘OUTSIDERS’ pulsates with urban angst, a raw blend of riot grrrl ferocity and gothic synth’s haunting allure. DEAR TASH masterfully captures the city’s chaotic allure, weaving personal turmoil into a sonic tapestry. The “hauntingly out of tune piano” anchors the track’s emotional core, reflecting the uneasy transition from small-town to metropolis. Her vocal delivery mirrors this tension, gritty yet melodic. This single, a glimpse into her upcoming FATAL EP, promises a deeply personal journey. DEAR TASH’s blend of visceral sound and cinematic visuals creates an immersive, compelling experience.
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The Gromble reimagines Smashing Pumpkins’ ‘Perfect’ with a particular angst through a lo-fi, dream-pop lens. Melancholy washes over the track, transforming its original power into introspective sadness. The chorus highlights this shift, emphasizing vulnerability over raw energy. The Gromble’s signature blend of nostalgic tones and indie charm is evident, weaving in subtle hints of Supertramp and Billy Joel. This cover trades stadium-sized emotion for a bedroom intimacy, offering a unique, tender take on a 90s classic.
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Fueled by Holden Scott’s evocative vocals and layered with gritty guitar tones, pulsing bass, and tight percussion, Modern Alibi’s ‘Somewhere Far Away’ captures the restless spirit of youth with soaring melodies and raw emotional energy. The track channels a modern alt-rock aesthetic that nods to bands like Arctic Monkeys while carving its own path. It’s a road trip anthem for dreamers stuck in place; yearning, driving, and undeniably catchy. As a preview of their debut album American Radio, this single showcases a band hitting its stride, balancing polish with authenticity, and proving that escape can sometimes start with a great hook.
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PURPLE MELON 