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.
With ‘The Great Divide’, Celine Cairo delivers an unapologetic, sweeping pop anthem that masterfully bridges the personal and the universal. Built around a vintage Wurlitzer and lush strings, the track leans into early 2000s emotional pop and classic Britpop, offering a bolder, more expansive sound than her previous indie-folk releases. Inspired by a painful breakup, Celine’s soaring vocals navigate the agonizing loneliness of a fractured relationship. Yet, the song’s cathartic, wide-open chorus ultimately transforms into a powerful plea for unity in an increasingly fractured world. It’s a magnificent, mainstream-reaching preview of her upcoming album, Panacea.
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Amsterdam indie-pop duo Ciao Lucifer deliver ‘Do Do Do’, a brilliant, feel-good preview of their upcoming album, Sunset Riders. It’s an infectious, high-energy rush that serves as the perfect summer anthem. On the surface, the track is pure, uncut fun, bursting with fizzy hooks and an irresistible chorus. Underneath its vibrant exterior lies a thoughtful reflection on empathy and boundaries, proving the duo can dress heavy concepts in light clothes. Recorded in just three days to capture their raw live energy, the song features a driving 10-string guitar and a relentless beat.
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Blending contemporary R&B with dream-pop, ‘already know’ is a spellbinding, cinematic slice of late-night vibes that prioritises atmosphere over polished pop. MUANH’s latest track opens with a subdued rhythm and an affected, Prince-inspired ’80s guitar glow. Those up-close, hushed vocals gradually dissolve into a hazy, ethereal echo that induces a profound sense of stillness. The sonic dynamics swell beautifully, building toward a memorable modern hook before closing with a nostalgic saxophone flourish. It is a tender, comforting, and deeply comforting preview of her upcoming debut EP, hush.
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‘Timid’ is a luminous, joyful release that proves that Canadian singer-songwriter Shaina Hayes remains one of folk-pop’s most captivating and quietly confident voices. The track introduces a slightly rougher-edged, live-band energy recorded in Montréal that brings together breezy indie-pop textures with alt-country warmth. Shaina’s silky vocal harmonies float effortlessly over sunlit instrumentation, striking a perfect balance between intimacy and expansion. Rooted in emotional honesty, the song captures the lightness of early summer, gently encouraging vulnerability without abandoning the comfort of introspection. ‘Timid’ is a shimmering, sun-drenched anthem celebrating the richness of the introverted inner world.
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Pittsburgh singer-songwriter Tory Silver shares an equal parts garage-rock burner and exposed confessional. Produced by Jay Som, ‘Boy Disco’ serves as a heavy, compelling mission statement for her upcoming album, In Through the Front with Lasers. Anchored by a weighty, fuzzy guitar riff that erupts into feedback and soaring solos, the song barrels forward with raw, stream-of-consciousness urgency. Yet beneath the sonic static, Tory navigates life’s obstacles to find an unexpected emotional footing. The track beautifully shifts into something tender, giving listeners a powerful reminder of the healing importance of having the right people in your corner.
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Serving as the explosive first single from Swedish six-piece Kallsup’s upcoming fall album Alldeles för nära, ‘Kino’ is a beautiful collision of driving guitars and forward-leaning indie rock. It’s a fast, direct banger that perfectly channels the whirlwind energy of their breakout year. Backed by seamless instrumentation where every member shines, Eline Gustafsson delivers her strongest, most commanding vocal performance to date. Capped off by a clever, TV-studio-inspired outro, ‘Kino’ is a brilliant, high-octane spring standout that proves Kallsup’s democratic creative friction is a powerful force meant to last.
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From Alexander Gallant’s upcoming third album, The Prince Of Birchy Head, is a quiet, deeply reflective single in ‘Fishes for the Seabirds’. Built around a gently patient fingerpicked guitar and a restrained atmosphere, the track embodies intimacy and restraint. The Halifax songwriter captures relatable perspectives from small, human moments, exploring the imperfect ways people look after one another amidst uncertainty. Eschewing easy conclusions, the song stays beautifully present inside its own emotional weight. ‘Fishes for the Seabirds’ is a great introduction to this folk storyteller who deeply trusts simplicity and invites the listener to meet him there.
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With ‘Cowboy Wannabe’, emerging artist Brynja Rán unveils a sharp, addictive indie-pop kiss-off that serves as the lead single for her upcoming debut LP. Shifting from the soulful jazz and R&B leanings of her debut, this track leans into a crisp, modern indie-pop aesthetic to dissect a relationship’s messy collapse. Brynja takes aim at fake personas and brewing mutual resentment with razor-sharp lyricism. Backed by intricate musical arrangements and infusing her songwriting with a touch of dark, Lana Del Rey-esque atmosphere, her commanding vocals shine. It is a bold, fiercely confident preview of a major new talent.
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‘Lookin’ Out’ is a poignant, bedroom-pop triumph designed to close Brandon Leland’s debut EP, Words and Colors. Moving away from the high-octane energy of his alt-punk band Till I Fall, this solo effort thrives in a moody, low-fidelity sonic space. The San Jose singer-songwriter crafts a deeply personal narrative about embracing one’s true identity and passions, even when facing painful rejection and scrutiny from those closest to him. It’s a fine balances of sad, introspective lyricism and comforting, indie-pop vulnerability. ‘Lookin’ Out’ is a beautifully understated anthem of resilience that proves Brandon Leland’s raw songwriting hits hard in any genre.
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From Jean Elliot’s debut concept EP, Butcher, Lover, is the haunting standout single ‘Lennon’. Rooted in the lawless atmosphere of the Hawkesbury bushland, the track masterfully channels Australian gothic-noir. Fusing outlaw country storytelling with alternative grit, Jean creates a cinematic landscape reminiscent of Nick Cave and Ethel Cain. Her raw, evocative vocals guide listeners through a dark, narrative-driven world of survival and vengeance. It is a striking, narrative-heavy piece that brilliantly captures the cruelty and beauty of nature, marking Jean Elliot as an essential new voice in dark alternative music.
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PURPLE MELON 