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.
Leading the way for this Indie Kids playlist is KATHMANDU with their breezy summer anthem ‘Charlie’, which is equal parts dreamy, nostalgic, and effortlessly catchy. Stripping back their usual indie edge, the band leans into warm pop simplicity – creating a golden-hour soundtrack perfect for beach drives or quiet moments of joy. Inspired by Charlie Burg’s laid-back charm, the track captures the carefree glow of new love without overthinking it. Donna Marie’s songwriting thrives in this sun-soaked space, reminding us that sometimes, sincerity hits hardest. ‘Charlie’ feels like sunlight on your skin and laughter in the background. It’s an indie-pop gem that bridges heartfelt charm with universal appeal. Mission joyfully accomplished.
Follow KATHMANDU on Instagram.
TROPICS returns with ‘Ionian Mirage’, a sun-drenched, emotionally charged single that shimmers with escapist beauty. Anchored by a hypnotic Rhodes loop and layered with brushed drums and dreamy textures, the track captures the ache of wanting to be somewhere else, physically and emotionally. Chris Ward weaves longing and nostalgia into a lush, cinematic soundscape, offering a sonic mirage that feels both intimate and expansive. It’s a standout taste of his upcoming album Reality Fever, which promises a deeper, grittier dive into anxiety and catharsis. With ‘Ionian Mirage’, TROPICS invites us to lose ourselves—and maybe find something in the haze.
Follow TROPICS on Instagram.
Lizzie Esau’s new single ‘Day in the Life’ is a raw and relatable indie-pop anthem capturing the exhausting cycle of modern existence. Lizzie articulates the pervasive feeling of being trapped in routine, where simply “existing consumes everything.” Her poignant choruses, marked by the repeated question, “Is that good enough?”, perfectly encapsulate the quiet desperation of feeling perpetually stretched thin. Blending indie pop, alt-pop, and synth-pop elements, this track resonates as both an observation and a weary resignation to life’s relentless rhythm. It’s a powerful reflection on a universal experience, defining a generation grappling with the overwhelming weight of everyday survival.
Follow Lizzie Esau on Instagram.
‘4th of July’ is a dream-pop confection that embodies S.C.A.B.’s charmingly tongue-in-cheek approach to profound themes. Sean Camargo’s songwriting delves into the interplay of truth, love, and illusion, but never loses its lighthearted touch. ‘4th of July’ has an undeniable, almost nostalgic pull. It feels both deeply personal and universally relatable, capturing the “great comedy” of being “severely and acutely alive.” This track, from their Rose Colored Glasses EP, is sincere, vulnerable, and utterly captivating.
Follow S.C.A.B. on Instagram.
In this stripped-back yet emotionally potent song, Connor McGlave blends tender vocals with soaring melodies and gut-punch lyricism, delivering a track that feels deeply personal and universally relatable. ‘Flowers’ is a raw, aching portrait of self-doubt and the quiet heartbreak of disappointing someone who only wants the best for you. It’s a slow-burning confessional that captures the fear of not living up to love’s expectations, and the haunting weight of broken promises. Following previous track ‘Better Man’, this second glimpse into his upcoming EP cements Connor McGlave as a fearless storyteller.
Follow Connor McGlave on Instagram.
Identical twin duo Tim and Dan, known as The Reflections, invite listeners on a poignant journey with their new song ‘Inner Child’. This track is a heartfelt call to reclaim the unbridled hope and pure intention of youth, often dulled by societal pressures. With a sound that blends catchy ’90s hooks and contemporary indie sensibilities, the Manhattan-based brothers craft a melodious and reflective experience. ‘Inner Child’ is a bittersweet anthem, urging us to reconnect with that core, optimistic self. It’s a testament to their ability to create music that not only resonates emotionally but also sparks deeper thought, solidifying their place in the indie rock and pop scene.
Follow The Reflections on Instagram.
From Jackie Santos’ debut album, ‘Back To You’ is a tender, slow-burning closer that aches with emotional honesty. Recorded in a Brooklyn apartment with producer Quinn Devlin, the track captures the rawness of a complicated breakup through hazy dream pop textures and stripped-back indie rock instrumentation. Jackie’s fragile yet resolute voice guides the listener through heartbreak’s grey areas, where longing and acceptance blur. It’s an intimate snapshot of emotional limbo, marked by lyrical vulnerability and lo-fi warmth. As a closer, it lingers like a late-night conversation you can’t forget. It’s quiet, personal, and beautifully unresolved. A promising solo chapter.
Follow Jackie Santos on Instagram.
‘Socrates’ delves into the profound concept of our unseen legacy and the enduring impact we have on others. Inspired by philosophical musings on planting seeds for the future, Ginger Winn weaves in personal experiences of growth, leaving home, and missing her mother. Her self-described “haunting voice” perfectly complements the song’s reflective depth, creating an intimate and resonant listening experience. ‘Socrates’ beautifully explores how we are shaped by those who raised us and, in turn, shape others, even without witnessing the full extent of our influence. This indie rock-pop track is a poignant and introspective summer anthem.
Follow Ginger Winn on Instagram.
Capturing the quiet unraveling of trust in a deepening relationship, Skinny Dippers’ ‘I Just Can’t Help Feeling Curious’ is a slow-burning confessional. Led by Ryan Gross’s restrained yet emotionally charged vocals, the track builds from moody folk introspection to a cinematic indie rock swell. Guitars shimmer, synths haunt, and the lyrics cut with raw vulnerability, evoking late-night doubt and emotional fragility. Fans of Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens will find resonance here. It’s intimate, aching, and beautifully produced—a song for anyone who’s ever questioned what’s left unsaid. A standout entry in Skinny Dippers’ growing catalog of heartfelt indie gems.
Follow Skinny Dippers on Instagram.
snow shack’s debut single ‘weekend’ is a soulful, lo-fi indie-pop delight, perfectly timed for summer unwinding. The track coasts on a smooth groove, adorned with smooth vocals and reflective verses that build to a refreshing, melodic hook. It’s the sonic embodiment of that blissful moment when the week’s stresses dissipate and freedom takes over. Fans of Still Woozy and Rex Orange County will find a lot to love here, as snow shack crafts a chillwave and bedroom-pop anthem that’s equally suited for winding down or gearing up for a spontaneous adventure.
Follow snow shack on Instagram.
PURPLE MELON 