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.
This week’s Indie Kids playlist kicks off with Billianne’s ‘Future Emma’, a poignant, emotionally rich ballad that showcases the Canadian singer-songwriter’s stunning vocal depth and lyrical maturity well beyond her 22 years. With a voice that commands stillness and evocative of a young Adele, she navigates themes of uncertainty, growth, and hope with effortless grace. The track’s gentle build leads to a cathartic climax, echoing the quiet resilience of someone learning to carry the weight of early adulthood. Inspired by real conversations and grounded in future-facing optimism, ‘Future Emma’ is both intimate and universal. It’s a soul-baring anthem for anyone seeking light in life’s darker, transitional moments. A future classic.
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‘Nothing At All’ captures the bittersweet ache of almost-but-not-quite. Dundee band Vienna channels a Boygenius-esque vulnerability with their seamless male and female vocal harmonies, layering a poignant emotional depth onto the indie-rock foundation. While the lyrical theme of right person, wrong time resonates with a familiar pang, Vienna elevates it beyond simple heartbreak. Their sound, reminiscent of Noah Kahan’s storytelling and Fleetwood Mac’s melodic sensibility, creates a spacious sonic landscape where growth and wistful reflection intertwine. It’s a compelling glimpse into Vienna’s introspective and expansive musical world.
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Inspired by the quirky charm of ‘Doodle Bob’ from SpongeBob SquarePants, Barbara’s ‘so this is living?’ is a dreamy, groove-laden journey that portrays the surreal wonder of suddenly becoming alive. The track blends nostalgic indie rock with swirls of psychedelic vibes. A hypnotic bassline anchors the song, locking in perfectly with off-kilter drums and airy guitar licks to create a soundscape that feels both intimate and otherworldly. With the hopeful refrain “since I’m alive, might as well try,” Barbara turns existential curiosity into a lush, emotional anthem. It’s vibey, heartfelt, and effortlessly cool, perfect for feeling your way through life.
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‘Brand New’ bursts with an infectious retro-pop energy, an undeniably uplifting anthem of personal reinvention. Bradley Denniston’s bright vocals soar over a driving rhythm, culminating in a truly expansive and hook-laden chorus that sticks with you. The track beautifully charts a course from adversity to triumphant return, making it a perfect soundtrack for anyone embracing a fresh start. Its feel-good soul resonates deeply, injecting playlists with a dose of positive energy and resilience. A vibrant testament to the power of a comeback.
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Capturing the emotional push-pull of falling into a new relationship while feeling mentally overwhelmed, ‘Overstimulated’ is a smooth, melancholic gem from Gulliver. With a laidback groove and dreamy bedroom-pop textures, the track floats between vulnerability and euphoria. Gulliver’s gentle vocals ride over mellow synths and subtle electro-funk influences, creating a sound that’s both intimate and expansive. It’s a song for late nights and quiet thoughts, where love feels electric, yet just a little too much. ‘Overstimulated’ resonates with anyone who’s ever been caught in the beautiful chaos of new emotions, offering a sonic sigh that’s tender, introspective, and irresistibly chill.
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While possessing an elated, boppy sonic quality, Geepers!’s latest track ‘Lint’ reveals a deeper lyrical landscape that demands close attention. Beneath the surface of its joyful tone lies a thoughtful exploration of life’s complexities. The track exemplifies Geepers!’s ability to pair seemingly lighthearted melodies with intimate and raw reflections, creating a compelling duality that rewards in-depth listening. It’s a testament to his knack for embedding profound observations within an accessible and engaging sound.
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Draped in nostalgic atmosphere and subtle cinematic textures, Gemma Hayes’ ‘Central Hotel’ conveys a fleeting, ghostlike encounter with aching clarity. Her signature ethereal vocals glide over delicate guitar work, swooning cello, and eerie synths, conjuring a dreamlike state that lingers long after the last note. The alternative mix by Marius de Vries adds a lush, filmic quality, amplifying the song’s emotional depth. With ‘Central Hotel’, Gemma Hayes proves she hasn’t missed a beat – it’s an intimate, timeless piece that highlights her unmatched gift for evocative storytelling and mood. It’s a hauntingly beautiful rendition from one of Ireland’s most poetic voices.
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‘Popstar Of Your Dreams’ is a shimmering, self-aware pop explosion with surprising emotional depth. Beneath its maximalist production and catchy hooks lies a poignant exploration of the pressures of the music industry and the internal conflict of chasing success. Written from the perspective of a fearless alter ego, Kai Bosch’s track captures the push and pull of ambition versus authenticity, imposter syndrome versus self-worth. It’s a glitter-drenched identity crisis in the best way, proving Kai Bosch can deliver both pure pop escapism and raw, relatable storytelling.
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Built on a slow-burning groove, ‘We Don’t Know the Ending Yet’ blossoms into a rich, organic arrangement, featuring pedal steel, sax, and lush harmonies, that feels both intimate and quietly anthemic. Dylan Perkons’ lyrics balance self-deprecating wit with genuine hope, mirroring the bittersweet contradictions of life’s in-between moments. It’s a warm, reflective indie-folk gem that gently navigates the terrain between resignation and resilience. Produced with care across Canada, the song feels rooted yet expansive. Paired with a charmingly everyday video, ‘We Don’t Know the Ending Yet’ captures the quiet beauty of not having it all figured out and choosing to keep going anyway.
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Co-produced with Gwen Buord and Arnaud Paolini, Mary Middlefield’s new track ‘Will You Read My Mind’ unfolds with cinematic grace: pulsing guitars, delicate textures, and ethereal vocals that teeter between dream and desperation. This a breathtaking deep-dive into love’s quietest moments—where glances replace words and longing hangs in the air like smoke. It’s intimate yet expansive, a sonic meditation on vulnerability and the ache of unspoken connection. With a growing list of accolades and her sophomore album on the horizon, Mary Middlefield proves once again she’s a singular voice in indie rock unafraid to feel deeply and sing bravely.
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PURPLE MELON 