Indie Round-up: From the Inbox (Apr 19, 2021)
It’s a busy week.
There are 34 songs in this edition of From the Inbox so you better get started!
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Tommy Newport ft. EARTHGANG – Stargazer
Wichita, Kansas indie lo-fi pop artist Tommy Newport released a stellar EP not too long ago and has just shared an equally captivating new single featuring hip-hop group EARTHGANG. While Newport’s music has always been heavily groove-orientated,”Stargazer” brings the funk into the world of hip-hop.
Billy Fox – Neighbourhood
Australian indietronica artist Billy Fox took the time during quarantine to focus his attention on his surroundings, reflecting on society and his community. Turning it into music, “Neighbourhood” is the stylistic nu-R&B inspired track that is all about slowing down and taking in your environment.
Chet Faker – Whatever Tomorrow
Since returning to his moniker as Chet Faker back in late 2020, Nick Murphy has officially announced his new album Hotel Surrender will be out July 16th. His latest track from the project is “Whatever Tomorrow” and comes alongside an intergalactic, technicolor TV music video. As we trudge through this seemingly endless pandemic, “Whatever Tomorrow” is a protest about not waiting for tomorrow and living our lives now.
Julian Lamadrid – 15 Minutes
NYC-based indie pop artist Julian Lamadrid has shared his dance-inspired track “15 Minutes”. The neo-disco foundation drives the song forward as he colourfully intertwines melody and sensuality into his style.
Running Lights – Won’t You Stay
NYC-based indie pop trio Running Lights are eager to get back to the days of human connection with their new single “Won’t You Stay”. The glowing indie pop track follows a familiar recipe of a strong chorus hook and glowing instrumentation for an easily enjoyable pop hit.
BabyJake – Do I Fit In Your Shoes?
After going through a hard time in both his personal and professional life, BabyJake wrote his new song “Do I Fit In Your Shoes?”. Things have since smoothed out, but he is still eager to share his experience through his upbeat music.
Bennett Coast – Deep End
19-year old indie pop artist and multi-media artist Bennett Coast has shared his new single “Deep End”. Written back in his North Carolina bedroom, the hazy, lo-fi bedroom pop tune is a continuation of his previously released song “Moonboy” and follows suit both stylistically and geographically, as he revisits some of the same spots in the new music video.
BIIANCO – that’s what friends are for
Fans of “choose your own adventure” style videos are in for a treat (especially Goosebumps fans). LA-based songwriter and producer BIIANCO has shared their new video for the friendship-focused tune “That’s What Friends Are For”. In line with ’90s teen bedroom-pop music and movies, the new track and video turn toxic situations into a zombie short film.
While the music video depicts the story played out, you can make your own choices here.
Lowell – Bloodthirsty
Speaking of horror film, Los Angeles/Toronto-based artist Lowell will was accepting into multiple film festivals for her indie werewolf thriller Bloodthirsty which will be out April 23rd. Alongside the film, she is releasing a 4-track EP as a soundtrack, including the title track “Bloodthirsty”. Inspired by ’90s horror influences such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the Hole-esque, grunge-pop tune fits the film’s aesthetic.
Viewers in Canada can watch the film on iTunes, Rogers, Telus, Shaw, Cineplex, Bell, Vimeo, and in the United States via Apple TV, Amazon, Fandango Now, Google Play, Vudu, Comcast, DirecTV, Verizon Fios, Spectrum, and anywhere else you can rent and buy movies.
Maya Malkin – Congratulations
Montreal/Toronto-based artist Maya Malkin, who was originally one part of the indie group Motel Raphael, has shared her latest solo effort “Congratulations”. Following the end of an abusive relationship and as a commentary about the on-going popularity contest of social media, “Congratulations” is a lush indie pop tune that turns frustration into an upbeat ear-pleasing tune.
Rina Sawayama ft. Elton John – Chosen Family
After releasing one of the best albums of 2020, British-Japanese artist Rina Sawayama has shared a deluxe version of her stellar LP Sawayama, which includes a stripped back piano ballad version of “Chosen Family” featuring the legendary Elton John.
Graeme James – A Sea of Infinite Possibilities
New Zealand indie folk artist Graeme James shared his new EP A Se of Infinite Possibilities over the weekend. The title track is the most personal and heartfelt of the collection, written in the months leading up to the birth of his daughter. His robust vocals and tender guitar strumming give the emotional song a captivating weight.
José González – Visions
Serving as his first bit of new music in over five years, “Visions” is the return of songwriter José González. It is off his upcoming fourth solo record Local Valley, which will be out September 17th. His familiar honey-coated vocals playful move across an intricate guitar pattern as he sings about humans’ connection with nature.
Les Louanges – Pigeons
Francophone singer-songwriter Les Louanges has made his return after two and a half years with the new song “Pigeons”. Written about the comedown following a tour, the Latin-rhythm inspired song keeps with the grogginess of travelling mixed with the subtle hints of lingering excitement. Adding to the otherworldly style, the accompanying music video depicts Lou trying to stay occupied and sane while in an empty hotel all alone.
Justine Tyrell – Warning Signs
From R&B star Justine Tyrell‘s upcoming EP While You Were Sleeping comes “Warning Signs”, a red flag dodging anthem that showcases the Canadian songwriter’s strength as a performer. Subtle dancehall rhythms and Rihanna-inspired confidence help to define Tyrell’s energy on “Warning Signs”.
KWAYE – Runaway
Los Angeles-based, Zimbabwe-born artist KWAYE wanted to explore masculinity and gender roles with his new song “Runaway”. Inspired by the likes of D’Angelo and Thundercat, his stunning croon and R&B flare comes alive against a minimalist bass line.
María Isabel – Buy Your Own Flowers
Maria Isabel has shared two new songs this week, “Love song” and the stand-out tune “Buy Your Own Flowers”. Her angelic vocals effortlessly drip across a sultry R&B-flavoured love song on the latter, as she remains both refreshingly intimate and powerful.
Mndsgn – Slowdance
With his new album Rare Pleasure coming out June 4th, Mndsgn has shared his groovy new single “Slowdance”. A hypnotic funk line is the song’s foundation, as his soulful and reverb-laden vocals give a sultry energy to the song.
BROCKHAMPTON – Count On Me
Following the release of their critically-acclaimed album Roadrunner last week, BROCKHMAPTON have shared the new music video for the hit single “Count O Me”. Featuring Lil Nas X and Dominick Fike, the new music video pushes the boundaries on masculinity and male relationships, drenched in a psychedelic trip.
Jden Ray – sleepless in seattle
20 year producer/rapper Jden Ray has spent the last year and a bit releasing music into the world. His latest addition is “sleepless in seattle”, a laid-back combination of old school samples, Graduation-era beats, and confident flow.
DJ Absurd ft. Doni Rampage – Animal Mode
Paris grime producer DJ Absurd has teamed up with South London rapper Doni Rampage for the drill hit “Animal Mode”. UK garage beats mix with Doni Rampage’s unapologetic delivery for a fast-firing grime hit.
Qliche – Save Me
Before dropping his debut EP I Can Explain on Friday, Seattle-based artist Qliche shared his tunes on our Live Feedback Twitch Stream on Wednesday. While his influences and origins lie in hip-hop, the genre-bending artist also leans into pop punk and alternative on his new record. Becoming another piece in the new wave of hip-hop with his single “Save Me”, Qliche channels the likes of Machine Gun Kelly, Kennyhoopla, and Lil Peep on his debut.
Hand Made House – Like The Weather
Los Angeles based indie pop act Hand Made House have refocused their sound for the new single “Like The Weather”. Embracing the more turbulent emotional journey that is trying to make a name for yourself in California, the new track dabbles in the emo-pop world, as they move from the bright, sunny sounds of inde pop and into the more aggressive side of the genre.
Gilligan Moss – Vibe Check
Brooklyn-based duo Gilligan Moss put out their phenomenal debut LP Gilligan Moss over the weekend. The electronic album meshed together disco, funk, and electronica for a fun and lively collection, including the single “Vibe Check” which explores their more progressive house influences.
ROOTIME ft. Prism – Cool Kids
French electronic artists and friends ROOTIME and Prism have combined their efforts for the dynamic new track “Cool Kids”. With influences ranging from ’80s synth wave to modern prog-house, the pair create a flurry of colour and sound with their latest single.
Beacon Bloom – Nothing Here But You
New Zealand electronic trio Beacon Bloom have just unveiled the visuals for their deep house hit “Nothing Here But You.” The video allows collectors to gain special access to the Beacon Bloom metaverse or to own a unique piece of Beacon Bloom history through NFTs.
Examples of NFT’s include a complete alternate take of the music video in a different location, limited edition physical merchandise and lifetime access to shows. Buyers can also purchase an NFT that includes the band flying anywhere in the world to play a private show for them. 10% of the initial sale of each NFT will be donated to charities including The Orangutan Foundation and Regenerative Agriculture.
LoveLeo ft. blackwinterwells – BUZZCUT
Musician, fashion icon, and TikTok star LoveLeo has shared his new hyperpop single “BUZZCUT” which features vocals from blackwinterwells. The glitchy, surrealist track is matched with an absurdist, existential take on “Youtube makeup tutorial” style content.
Mia Nicolai – People Pleaser
On her new song “People Pleaser”, indie pop artist Mia Nicolai encourages being true to yourself and making yourself a first priority. The song’s bright production and energizing demeanour is a familiar sound in the modern pop genre, allowing Mia to fit effortlessly in with her peers.
Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez – 40 Days
New York City jazz-R&B artist Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez has shared her slow-burning new single “40 Days”. Written about a story of letting go, her piercing vocals escort the song’s minimalist instrumentation straight through the listener. Her new album If They’re Mine will be out this May.
Amy Shark – Amy Shark
Over a decade into her career, Australian singer-songwriter Amy Shark has officially fit into herself as an artist and person. In her new self-titled song, she looks back at the years that built her career and shares her true emotions about the journey. Paired with the heartfelt storytelling, Shark provides some personal shots and rare footage for the accompanying music video.
StorageBlue Music ft. Betty Idol – Too Much Junk
Despite the fact that StorageBlue Music is a product of E! Entertainment TV Founder Alan Mruvka, they have hit the mark on their debut single “Too Much Junk”. DNCE/Jonas Brother-level pop hooks and Bruno Mars ready funk energy makes it easy to enjoy.
Transviolet – Drugs In California
Los Angeles-based group Transviolet have had an interesting journey to get where they are, including lawsuits, catfishing and retweets from Katy Perry. Their new song and music video “Drugs In California” is an ironic and fitting song about chasing fame and adoration and the drug-like highs from it.
Munkey Junkey – Kill My Ego
Birkenhead, UK-based producer and lofi hip hop artist MUNKEY JUNKEY(aka Kurran Karbal) will be releasing his debut album Bitter Chitta on June18th. Leading the way is his new single “Kill My Ego”, and its stop motion music video animated by Cut42 and directed by Karbal’s live keys player Coren Lamb.
After a tragic trip to India for the funeral of his cousin, Karbal had an out of body experience that allowed him to, essentially, kill his ego and tune out the expectations of the past and future. The psychedelic trip-hop and eccentric music video pair well for the hard-hitting track.
TEKE::TEKE – Barbara
Montreal-based seven-piece Japanese psych-punk band TEKE::TEKE have shared the animated music video for their new single “Barbara”. Animated by the group’s guitarist Serge Nakauchi-Pelletier and vocalist/visual artist Maya Kuroki, the one-take song complements the playfulness of the song and their experimental and art-rock style.
The band’s debut album Shirushi will be out May 7th.
Related posts:
Montreal Indie Pop Songwriter Ormiston Shares Throwback Video For “Rebel”
From the Inbox: The Podcast – EP 9 “Who The Hell Is That Guy?” – Jan 25, 2021
Montreal Indie Pop Artist Ormiston Prepares New LP With Latest Single “Step From The Limelight”
From The Inbox: The Podcast – “Coffee, anyone?” EP. 10 (Feb 1, 2021)
