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.
Pairing theatrical production with raw lyrical vulnerability, ‘Existential’ is a bold statement from a rising alt-pop voice Iona Luke. The track swells with cinematic intensity, echoing influences like Florence + The Machine while retaining a distinctive edge. Iona’s exploration of identity and creative doubt feels both personal and widely relatable, elevated by her dynamic vocal delivery. The chorus lands with cathartic force, making the song as emotionally gripping as it is sonically expansive. Following previous singles, ‘Existential’ marks a clear artistic evolution, positioning Iona Luke as one to watch in the UK’s next wave of boundary-pushing talent today.
Follow Iona Luke on Instagram.
‘Are We There Yet’ is a vibrant, heart-racing slice of indie pop that captures the dizzy tension of early love and all its unanswered questions. Driven by propulsive drums, bright guitar riffs, and Oscar Stembridge’s emotionally unguarded vocals, the track channels the urgency of wanting something real before you’re sure it’s mutual. At just 18-years-old, Oscar brings a seasoned live-band energy that gives the song its punch and authenticity, balancing youthful restlessness with melodic finesse. ‘Are We There Yet’ is a catchy, cathartic snapshot of love in motion and uncertainty in bloom.
Follow Oscar Stembridge on Instagram.
Driven by squiggly synths and chunky, jangly guitar chords, ‘For the Moment’ feels like a warm embrace against an increasingly sharp-edged world. This masterful Midwest dream-pop track conveys the rich nostalgia that has defined Josh Augustin and Sam Winemiller’s decade-long journey as Vansire. It’s an anthem for a generation seeking connection, blending wistful keys with casual, poetic reflections on the passage of time. As a standout from their upcoming LP Taking Solace, the single proves that finding comfort is a radical act. Breezy, intricate and deeply communal, Vansire continues to craft melodies that linger long after the music stops.
Follow Vansire on Instagram.
I Shiver delivers a quietly affecting moment with ‘Backseat’, a soft indie track that pairs gentle acoustic textures with emotional weight. The song’s warm, folk-leaning arrangement contrasts its core theme of helplessness, which captures the unease of surrendering control over one’s own life. This artist’s hushed, layered vocals add a sense of intimacy, drawing listeners into a reflective headspace. There’s a subtle uplift in its melody, but the lingering melancholy gives it depth. ‘Backseat’ stands out as a tender, introspective release that resonates long after its final note fades.
Follow I Shiver on Instagram.
Honey I’m Home channels a heavier confidence while diving into themes of self-erasure and the exhaustion of people-pleasing in their latest single ‘Hyperspace Mountain’. Finished in New York after their SXSW and New Colossus runs, this track pairs bold shoegaze textures with a sharper, more electronic edge. It’s all surging guitars, weighty low end and atmospheric synths create a hypnotic storm that mirrors the emotional tension at its core. Blending dark, VHS-hued aesthetics with modern shoegaze intensity, ‘Hyperspace Mountain’ captures a band evolving fast.
Follow Honey I’m Home on Instagram.
‘Please Be Kind, Rewind’ is a poignant slice of indie folk-rock that finds beauty in the breakdown from Skinny Dippers. Born from a songwriting workshop led by Dr. Dog’s Scott McMicken, Ryan Gross utilises a lush gardening metaphor to navigate the friction of a fading connection. The track’s guitar-driven arrangement, polished alongside collaborators from TOLEDO, balances Brooklyn grit with the breezy, coastal echoes of Ryan’s Maine upbringing. As analog synths and choral harmonies swell, the central plea for patience hits with devastating clarity. It is a tender, relatable exploration of growth and loss, proving Ryan Gross is an expert at turning intimate, quiet moments into expansive emotional landscapes.
Follow Skinny Dippers on Instagram.
Built on breathy vocals and soft acoustic guitar, Shaina Hayes’ radiant folky single ‘Flourish’ unfolds with the warmth of early spring, enriched by glowing pedal steel and tender rhythms. True to its name, this is an intimate meditation on love, self-growth and the quiet beauty of becoming. It was inspired by Irish poet and philosopher John O’Donohue’s notion of “flourishing” as becoming one’s fullest self. Produced with longtime collaborators, the song bridges folk clarity and alt-country warmth, offering a soothing, sunlit first glimpse of her next album. ‘Flourish’ is understated, open-hearted and quietly breathtaking.
Follow Shaina Hayes on Instagram.
Blending the jagged edges of Bloc Party with the melodic sensibilities of Weezer, the London and Paris-based artist bothsxdes explores the idea of eternal romance; this is the addictive cycle of seeking validation while fearing commitment. ‘addict’ is a vibrant, self-aware explosion of indie-rock that masks emotional complexity with high-energy production. As the first taste of his debut EP, wholehearted, the track serves as a sonic diary entry on film, capturing the beautiful angst of modern connection. It’s a bold statement for alternative Black artistry, pairing an infectious beat with honest, vulnerable lyricism. With ‘addict’, bothsxdes proves he is a voice worth hearing very loudly.
Follow bothsxdes on Instagram.
‘No Heaven‘ is a smoky, blues-tinged alt-rock confession that grips from the first gritty guitar line. Under the Poplar blends indie-pop sensibility with rawer rock textures, building a groove that feels both hypnotic and dangerously seductive. As the narrative of a man surrendering to an enchantress unravels, the arrangement deepens with warm organ swells, piano accents and layered vocal harmonies that thicken the spell. The track’s tension lies in its slow descent, each moment drawing the listener further into its dark charm. Entirely self-made, ‘No Heaven‘ showcases Under the Poplar’s sharp songwriting and multi-instrumental prowess in a captivating, shadowy swirl.
Follow Under the Poplar on Instagram.
Building on the momentum of Airmail’s debut, ‘Arterial Hallways’ is a stand-out showcase driving rhythms anchored by lush, three-part vocal harmonies that lend an ethereal quality to the grit. Recorded in the South London trio’s own studio, the sophomore single strikes a sophisticated balance between melancholic indie-pop and high-energy alt-rock. It’s an atmospheric journey that feels both intimate and expansive that’s drawn from the shimmering chemistry between John Sibley, Harriet Sibley and Sam Beard. With ‘Arterial Hallways’, Airmail cements their status as one of London’s most electrifying new acts to watch.
Follow Airmail on Instagram.
PURPLE MELON 