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.
Let’s dive into our latest Indie Kids collection with ‘The Reason I Could Sleep Forever’, a haunting meditation on grief, spiritual confusion, and emotional exhaustion. Scarlet Rae’s delicate, elven vocals drift above a dense undercurrent of distortion and synths, crafting a sound both intimate and otherworldly. The track captures a liminal space, articulating the desire to disappear without glamorizing despair. Scarlet’s lyrics are raw yet restrained, offering a glimpse into deeply personal turmoil with poetic clarity. From her upcoming No Heavy Goodbyes EP, the single cements her as a bold new voice in shoegaze-tinged indie. It’s fragile, fearless, and emotionally unflinching.
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‘Amsterdam’ is a sparkling slice of indie-pop, blending dreamy guitars with infectious folk-pop rhythms from Cat Ryan. Written by Mary-Anne Murphy and self-produced with bandmate Dan Wright, the track feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. Its shifting dynamics from buoyant to reflective, which showcases the band’s evolving sound while retaining the charm of their early material. The narrative-led lyrics, paired with carefully layered instrumentation, create a warm, textured atmosphere. ‘Amsterdam’ is a quietly triumphant return that affirms Cat Ryan’s place in the indie scene, and promises more exciting things ahead.
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From Emma Harner’s debut EP, Taking My Side, focus track ‘Yes Man’ delves into the painful realization of a one-sided friendship. Emma masterfully blends the intimacy of folk with intricate guitar work, creating a soundscape that mirrors the song’s emotional depth. It’s a raw, honest reckoning with people-pleasing and the slow, empowering journey of reclaiming one’s voice. The track serves as the EP’s thematic anchor, embodying the mantra of “taking my side” and illustrating Emma Harner’s distinctive ability to fuse technical prowess with profound emotional storytelling. A compelling listen for anyone navigating self-discovery.
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‘love someone self destruct’ is a bold, soul-baring glimpse into Max Pope’s upcoming album PRAISE ANIMAL. Saturated in woozy textures and raw emotion, the track explores the uneasy space between vulnerability and self-sabotage in love. Produced by Riley Macintyre, it pairs jagged, psychedelic production with Pope’s unmistakable warmth and lyrical honesty. There’s a haunting beauty in its repetition, a fractured cycle of yearning and retreat, echoing the album’s themes of primal instinct and emotional fragility. With this release, Max Pope steps confidently into darker, more complex sonic territory, signalling an evolution that’s both brave and deeply compelling.
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Offering a hushed, emotionally precise portrait of love, intricately woven with themes of faith, fear, and difference Bad Self Portraits shares ‘Pensive’. The Omaha-based quartet, known for their blend of theatrical simplicity and psychological depth, delivers a track that exemplifies their unique sound. Ingrid Howell’s vocals ache and soar over shimmering guitar lines and dynamic rhythmic shifts, creating a soundscape that mirrors the quiet negotiations inherent in real relationships. ‘Pensive’ navigates the tension between chaos and clarity, inviting listeners into a deeply felt, unpolished exploration of inner life, characteristic of their indie-rock, shoegaze and dream pop fusion.
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Channelling the vulnerability and defiance of Marilyn Monroe, EERA’s ‘I’ll Stop When I’m Done’ is a shimmering, melancholic pop gem. With breathy vocals and glistening electronic textures, the track blends dream-pop with cinematic introspection, echoing influences like Broadcast and PJ Harvey. EERA’s delicate refrain, “I’m just trying to find someone to love”, captures the aching human need beneath the glamour. It’s a poignant portrait of performance, identity, and longing, wrapped in a hazy, magnetic production. This single is a powerful preview of her upcoming album, which promises to be a quietly radical exploration of womanhood, legacy, and emotional honesty.
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Everything Velvet is the new project helmed by three-time Grammy winner Fantastic Negrito, who is making a captivating debuts with ‘I’m So Scared of You’. Featuring the hauntingly honest vocals of sound engineer Marta Alvarez, the track unfolds as an illustrious soundscape. Airy synths and reverberating guitars create a sonic tapestry that is both unsettling and strangely comforting. Marta’s unplanned vocal performance, described by Fantastic Negrito as having an “honesty and mystery that just froze the room,” elevates this indie-pop meets alternative-rock offering. It’s a debut that promises a unique blend of artistry and raw emotion.
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Reminiscent of The Eagles and CVC, The Sways’ make their mark with ‘I Have Been the Moon’, a quietly anthemic, slow-burning acoustic gem that effortlessly blends indie folk with west coast soft rock. This track foregoes flashy production for old-fashioned songwriting, mood, and captivating melodies. Its relaxed acoustic guitar, vintage-toned bass, tender drums, and subtle organ create a breathable soundscape. What truly elevates it are the well-arranged, unpolished vocals and emotionally intuitive harmonies, complete with melodic refrains, whistling, and humming. The Sways demonstrate a rare knack for timeless songwriting, delivering a track that feels like a sublime, dreamy lullaby.
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‘Dimmuborgir’ is a luminous, transcendent meditation on grief and spiritual continuity. Inspired by the loss of a close friend, the track fuses Eydís Evensen’s delicate post-classical piano with featured artist Ásgeir’s ethereal vocals, delivering a piece that feels both fragile and eternal. Written in a single inspired night, the song channels the sacred energy of Iceland’s landscapes and legends, such as kings returning to stars, souls never truly leaving. With its poetic lyrics and haunting melody, ‘Dimmuborgir’ captures the emotional depth and quiet majesty that defines this project, making it a powerful elegy for what’s lost but not gone.
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‘Free Your Mind’ is a powerful rock anthem from French quarter Reavan that immediately plunges listeners into the heart of an inner battle between fear and freedom. The track showcases the band’s signature dynamic and soaring rock sound, driven by electrifying guitar riffs, passionate vocals, and an explosive rhythm that perfectly mirrors the song’s intense emotional core. More than just a song, it’s a defiant wake-up call, urging listeners to embrace chaos and liberate themselves from mental confines. This latest release solidifies Reavans reputation for crafting strong, catchy melodies and delivering an unyielding, liberating musical experience.
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PURPLE MELON 