Indie Round-Up – 35 Songs of the Week (From the Inbox: Apr 26, 2021)
Another weekend has come and gone, but at least you get to look forward to this.
Welcome to another indie round-up, where I highlight my favourite tracks from the past week before we hit refresh on the music cycle. There are over 35 new songs for you to take in this week!
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Find Dusty Organ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify to stay up to date on new releases. You can listen to the entire collection with our handy From the Inbox Spotify playlist (it’s also embedded at the bottom of the post).
Most importantly, if you enjoy something, share it around!
Cake Pop – Satin Bedsheets
Hyperpop act Cake Pop are releasing their new album Cake Pop 2 on April 30th. The hectic new single “Satin Bedsheets” is a sugar rush of auto-tuned pop that shows the group’s fun and adventurous experimental style.
Moodssupply – All the Way
Dutch production collective Moodssupply have shared their nu-house track “All The Way”. The groovy, soulful funk jam is an instant pick-me-up full of positive vibes.
Aluna x Michael Brun x Alicai Harley – Trouble
Following the success of her debut album Renaissance, Aluna (of AlunaGeorge) has continued her stream of solo hits, this time with the Spotify exclusive “Trouble” featuring Michael Brun and Alicai Harley. The dancehall-electro pop hit combines irresistible Afrobeat rhythms with lush electronica production.
Adibanti – You
London born producer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Adibanti (aka Rory J Nelson) has shared his first single of 2021, “You”. An avid drum n bass lover, his futuristic production repurposes the old-school electronic rhythms and BPMs with a soulful, modern style.
Sonny Grin ft. RISSA – The Rush
Australian producer Sonny Grin has teamed up with neo-soul artist RISSIA for the summer-ready nu-house track “The Rush”. Fans of Kaytranada and the growing trend of disco-sampled house music will enjoy the bright hooks and energizing beat.
NADUH – CHAPSTICK
NADUH, composed of Taraneh (aka Tee Krispil), Jenny Lea (of I M U R), Rosita Alcantara (of Off Topic), Giorgi Holiday (aka Giorgi), and Larisa Marie, have shared their new single “CHAPSTICK”. The hazy, ’90s-R&B-inspired track contrasts steady, meditative production with fierce flow for a groovy and confident track.
Tessa Violet ft. lovelytheband – Games
Indie pop artist Tessa Violet have brought in lovelytheband for her latest hit single “Games”. Written about suspecting infidelity in a relationship, the upbeat enegy of the track contrasts its dark subject matter. Similarly, the new music video is an homage to the famous baseball scene from Twilight featuring a cameo from Twilight’s own Peter Facinelli (Carlisle Cullen) for a fun twist.
Villagers – The First Day
Irish indie rock act Villagers will be releasing their new album Fever Dreams on August 20th. Leading the way is the triumphant single “The First Day” and its colourful new music video. The glowing track is an inspiring bright tune, brought out by the surreal and chromatic music video.
You can find this song and more hits on our Starting Line-Up playlist.
Islands – Set the Fairlight
Montreal indie rock act Islands are gearing up to release their new album Islomania on June 11th. Their latest single is the synth-pop hit “Set the Fairlight”. Read more about the single here.
The Murlocs – Francesca
Australian alt-rock act The Murlocs are releasing their new album Bittersweet Demons on June 25th. The first taste of the release comes as “Francesca”, a blues-riffed hit about frontman Ambrose Kenny-Smith’s mom finding love later in life. With an uplifting and joyous energy, the new single and music video have a bit of fun with the feel-good driving tune.
Sunglasses for Jaws – What Does It Look Like
As one of London’s most exciting up and coming acts, Sunglasses For Jaws are keeping things interesting with their new single and video “What Does It Look Like”. Contrasting post-punk talk-singing vocals with jazzy builds and riffs, the new song is all about asking questions and staying curious.
Matt Bachmann – Apple Pie
After the loss of his father to ALS in 2013, Matt Bachmann‘s upcoming album Dream Logic (out June 18th) and its lead single “Apple Pie” is a continuation of his grieving process, paying tribute to his father’s fondness for baking. The ambient indie rock song uses found-sound, lush instrumentation, and hypnotizing loops for a stirring and emotionally charged track that gradually builds into a post-rock swell.
flora cash – Soul Mate
Swedish-American duo and real life married couple Flora Cash have returned with a new, intimate love song “Soul Mate”. The pair’s vocal harmonies and tender guitar melody evokes a similar emotional strength to Bright Eyes’ “First Day of My Life”, as Flora Cash let their true feelings seep into the music.
Hiss Golden Messenger – Hardlytown
2021 Grammy nominee Hiss Golden Messenger has released “Hardlytown,” a new song and video from the highly anticipated album Quietly Blowing It (Merge out on June 25th. His folk rock stylings match with his love-driven messages in his song, “Hardlytown” being no different. As a way to encourage us all to be good neighbours, especially in these trying times, the new single keeps things light and hopefully.
Luke Marshall Black – Skin
Scottish singer-songwriter Luke Marshall Black has shared his third single “Skin”, showcasing his talents with combining emotionally-driven ballads with ear-catching production. His humble, but strong vocal talents open up overtop a swelling piano ballad for a capturing pop about modern heartbreak.
Tyra Jutai – Never Going Home Again
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Tyra Jutai has shared her new single “Never Going Home Again”. Her striking and unique soulful vocals are a powerful first impression, as she sings overtop a catchy electro-pop hook about keeping the night young and alive.
Trip Carter – Heavyweight
Alternative hip-hop artist and bassist Trip Carter has shared his grounding new single “Heavyweight”. Written during the pandemic, the song is a tribute to the people in his life that kept him together during the rough parts of lockdown. His jazzy vocals and smooth guitar lines keep things light and catchy, while he sings his praise.
Q – If You Care
South Florida R&B artist Q manages to create dense and captivating songs that push the trend-hungry genre into a refreshing new direction. His new single “If You Care” is an upbeat and polymathic earworm that uses layers of loops and effects to create a dizzying yet catchy hook.
Sam & Julia – Easy
Dutch indie folk rock duo Sam & Julia are set to release their debut album this May. After a friendship formed through jam sessions, their aligning folk influences and voices have come together for an exciting Americana tune about being in your 20s and trying to find your place in the world.
Ask Elliot – Flowers of White
Liverpool indie rock four-piece Ask Elliot have shared their new single “Flowers of White”. Inspired by the likes of The 1975, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and The Kooks, the group use catchy guitar-pop hooks with bright UK rock vocals for a bright summer hit.
AVIV – Black Coffee
Aviv is the 15 year old Toronto-based indie pop star making waves courtesy of her enchanting vocals and enjoyable lo-fi style. Her new single “Black Coffee” keeps with the forever-young glow of dream-pop and the laissez-faire teenage vibe.
Muddy Young – Believe In
Norwegian indie pop duo Muddy Young have been busy travelling across Europe sharing their music for whoever will listen. Their new single “Believe In” is another major step into finding commercial success, with its charming, youthful energy and larger-than-life chorus.
Deb Never – Sorry
Bouncing from LA to London to help cure a “creative dry spell”, Deb Never managed to write a handful of tracks alongside some London collaborators. “Sorry” is one of those tracks, where she creates a captivating mix of dense hip-hop trap beats with her airy, delicate vocals.
Mimi Webb – Good Without
British indie pop singer Mimi Webb has shared her new music video for her hit single “Good Without”. The heartbreak anthem focuses on surrounding yourself with friends to help make it easier, and the music video features her best friends helping her move on.
Lxandra – Sabotage
Having announced her debut album Careful What I Dream Of will be out June 11th, indie singer-songwriter Lxandra has shared her powerful new single “Sabotage”. Her triumphant voice reaches for the sky on each chorus, as she explores the idea of self-sabotage, and how humans have a tendency to destroy what we love.
Hanne Mjøen – Hell With You
Norwegian indie pop star Hanne Mjøen has shared her rebellious new single “Hell With You”. About falling out of love, but living through the lie, the electro-pop song hits hard with its punching bass line and Mjøen’s sharp, yet glossy vocals making for a contrasting bittersweet anthem.
Niia x Solo Woods – We Were Never Friends
Los Angeles singer-songwriter Niia and soul artist Solo Woods have teamed up for a heavenly collaboration on the subtly powerful single “We Were Never Friends”. A simple jazz guitar and melodic bass line provide the foundation for the pair to unleash their voices overtop, as they sing about leaving toxic exes in the past.
JÁNA – Carefree
Stockholm favourite JÁNA has shared her new single “Carefree”, the second track from her upcoming EP Works out June 4th. Her velvety smooth vocals make their return on the song about releasing yourself from the chains of a past love. Her captivating voice and smooth nu-R&B accompaniment push JÁNA to stand out in the genre.
Tom Odell ft. Zaia – numb (remix)
British singer-songwriter Tom Odell officially made his return earlier this year following long-term bouts with depression and anxiety following a sudden rise in fame years earlier. His upcoming album Monsters focuses on his recovery, including the previously released single “numb”. It’s given a fresh look with a remix featuring Zaia, turning the indietronica ballad into a slow-burning trap mix.
Bless – All roads lead to chaos
Canadian hip-hop artist Bless has shared his second single of 2021, “All roads lead to chaos”. The rapper has modernized his old school style for a more contemporary Northern rap flow.
The Effens – Eventually
Recorded in the basement of frontman Austin Nops’ grandfather’s home, the new single “Eventually” from Toronto indie rock outfit The Effens is a tried-and-true ’90s grunge rock inspired hit. The title track from their upcoming EP brings together the muddy sounds of basement shows with the alt-pop guitar riffs of Canadian acts like Hawksley Workman and Steve Bays.
Harker – The Grey Lady
Brighton four-piece Harker released their sophomore album Axiom on Friday. Their latest single is “The Grey Lady”, a moody alt-emo track inspired by ghostly apparitions from history and stories.
Drug Church – Tawny
Los Angeles-based hardcore act Drug Church have announced their new EP Tawny will be released June 25th. The collection’s title track is a visceral and hook-loaded song about exploiting the suffering of others for entertainment.
winterforever – inadvertently
Post-hardcore act winterforever will be releasing their debut album LÆVITAS on May 28th. The Boise, Idaho based group have put out their new single “inadvertently” to tease the collection, showcasing their brand of riff-driven emo-core. Written about an explosive end to a toxic relationship, “inadvertently” hits hard lyrically and musically, as a wall of guitars and drums propel melancholic verses forward.
cleopatrick – FAMILY VAN
Cobourg-based heavy alt-rock duo cleopatrick have shared their new single “FAMILY VAN” and announced their new album BUMMER, set for release June 4th. Their underdog tenacity and barrelling heavy rock sound comes together for a song about touring from the beat-up, old family van. Adding to the list of bands with browser-supported video games, cleopatrick launched a 8-bit game after the song.
Learn more about the track and the game here.
Related posts:
From the Inbox: The Podcast – “Why So Many Sad Songs?” – EP. 008 (Jan 18, 2021)
“Why Do I Have to Pay For That?” – From the Inbox: The Podcast, EP.014 (Mar 1, 2021)
From the Inbox: The Podcast – EP 9 “Who The Hell Is That Guy?” – Jan 25, 2021
From The Inbox: The Podcast – “Coffee, anyone?” EP. 10 (Feb 1, 2021)
