Indie Round-up: From the Inbox – May 3, 2021
I’m not sure if you noticed but…
Every week I normally abbreviate the month to fit in the headline. Fortunately, May is already short enough so I can spell it in full without consequence.
It’s the little things.
Don’t forget: If you’d like to support the blog, you can purchase some merch through our store, visit our Patreon account or find us on Buy Me A Coffee. I have launched a new mix CD option if you’re looking for a fun customized merch item!
On a budget? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Your support means the world to me and helps to keep this little engine going.
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).
Don’t forget: If you’d like to support the blog, you can purchase some merch through our store, visit our Patreon account or find us on Buy Me A Coffee. I have launched a new mix CD option if you’re looking for a fun customized merch item!
On a budget? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Your support means the world to me and helps to keep this little engine going.
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!
Lawrence – Freckles
New York City soul-pop group Lawrence, fronted by brother-sister duo Clyde & Gracie Lawrence, have shared their latest music video for their self-confidence anthem “Freckles”. Playing with the idea of the grass being greener on the other side, and the misleading paradigms of social media, the music video is a fun and inspiring clip about being true to yourself.
Gracie Ella – Lady
Brought up listening to some of the giants of neo-soul, from Badu to De’Angelo to Jill Scott to Lauryn Hill, Oakville-native Gracie Ella is creating her own brand of vibe packed R&B, best showcased in powerful new single “Lady” and its accompanying silhouette music video.
Michaela Slinger – Masquerade
Vancouver-based singer-songwriter Michaela Slinger put out her debut album Panorama a few weeks back, and has followed it up with a neon-coloured music video for the latest hit single “Masquerade”.
SHAED – Dizzy
Ahead of the May 14th release date of their debut album High Dive, indie pop trio SHAED have shared their new single and music video. The song’s suspenseful production, courtesy of twin brothers Spencer and Max Ernst and Chelsea Lee’s haunting vocal hooks, complements the accompanying music video.
Transviolet ft. DREAMERS – Clean Laundry
Los Angeles based indie pop group Transviolet teamed up with New York pop act DREAMERS for their new single “Clean Laundry”. The result is a glistening synth-pop track that is covered in West Coast breeze and romance.
Kristofer Greczula – Leaving You For Another
After his brother was put in a tough decision to choose his girlfriend over his family, Kristofer Greczula lost contact with his brother for over two years. They eventually reunited, and the Swedish singer-songwriter wrote his new single “Leaving You For Another” for and about his brother after their fraternal relationship was reestablished.
Plastic Skin – No Plans
Mexican lo-fi pop project Plastic Skin have made their debut with the single “No Plans”. Influenced by jazz and bossanova, the chill-pop tune is an old Soundcloud project brought to life with hazy guitars and bouncing drum samples.
PLASMAS – Always
Scottish dream-pop group PLASMAS have shared their new single “Always”. After an optimistic and flowing writing season, “Always” just spilled out, and the effortlessness comes through the ’90s indie pop glow.
Fabich ft. Simon Jnr – Need Somebody
German producer Fabich has teamed up UK rapper Simon Jnr for the nu-R&B hit “Need Somebody”, filled with lustful energy and summery tones.
waants ft. Sorrey – Keep Careful
Halifax-based producer waants joined forces with indie pop vocalist Emilie Sorrey for the ’80s inspired track “Keep Careful”. Equal parts dance-floor hit and melancholic selection, “Keep Careful” is a bright and strong effort from underrated Canadian talent.
Moodoïd & Melody’s Echo Chamber – Only One Man
From his collaborative EP PrimaDonna Vol.1, Moodoïd has shared his duet with Melody’s Echo Chamber “Only One Man”. The moody french-pop track is a mystical and colourful synth-driven song, but at the same time, its new music video will have you saying “what…did I just watch?”.
Zeko Deshoda ft. Jonny Chavez – Tidal Wave
Calgary-born producer Zeko Deshoda and friend/vocalist Jonny Chavez put their heads together for the lo-fi track “Tidal Wave”. Bringing together nu-house, chill-step, hip-hop, R&B, and roudned out by a groovy guitar solo, the new track is about being ambitious and resourceful, and not letting money be a deciding factor of success.
Jerry Folk (FENGSEL) – Everything
Norwegian producer Jerry Folk turned a period of sadness and loneliness into a captivating and textured song “Everything”. After locking himself up in his studio, he decided to create a side project as FENGSEL, launching a new musical journey that will eventually lead to an upcoming full-length under his new moniker. His interest in music videos at the time helped inspire the detailed electronica song, leading to brooding visual clip.
millennium parade – Trepanation
Tokyo-based creative collective millennium parade have shared their imaginative new music video for “Trepanation”, off their recently-released debut album The Millennium Parade. Featuring Japanese vocalist Friday Night Plans, “Trepanation” is a stark and dense electronic journey that is as detailed as it is catchy., and it is brought to life with a colourful and surreal animated clip.
ADR – Opacity
Aaron David Ross (ADR), best known for his work with the Uncut Gems soundtrack, is set to release an imaginative otherworldly audio & visual experience with Filter Failure. It takes the form of a cinematic song cycle, featuring ten animated tone poems which showcase ADR as both a cybernetic singer-songwriter and as a 3D hobbyist animator. The electronica lead single “Opacity” opens into the new world of ADR’s mind with stunning results.
Seven Lions x Wooli & Amidy – Shadows
International renowned producer Seven Lions has shared his new collaboration with fellow producers Wooli and Amidy. First teased at his headline set for the first major festival back this weekend Ubbi Dubbi in Texas, “Shadows” is a melodic house-pop track that eventually builds into an explosive dubstep climax.
Ella Collier ft. ill Nicky – like that
Ella Collier’s final single “Like That,” off her debut EP highlights the undeniable dichotomy between opening up to a new love interest and the fear of doing so. Featuring Bay rapper ill Nicky, the clever play on words between the two create an ironic picture of the modern dating scene – written together in 15 minutes.
LoveLeo ft. Rico Nasty – Tung Tied
Viral hyperpop artist LoveLeo is back with a new music video for “Tung Tied” featuring rapper Rico Nasty. Embodying the rhetorical question of “who are you trying to impress”, the track is a playful and inhibited banger.
Miss Lead – Quit
Brixton-born, Vienna-based MC Miss Lead has shared her self-sufficient single “Quit”. About quitting your job or leaving toxic situations, the grime-based track is filled with fast-firing flow and searing confidence.
Hybred – Waste of Time
School mates and creative collaborators Kendrick Clevor and Maurice Ladon spent a number of years supporting each other on their respective creative endeavours, but eventually decided to team up as a the hip-hop/R&B duo Hybred. They recently dropped their debut EP MAGNUM earlier this year, and have shared their latest single “Waste of Time”.
Hotboy Jodye – Wash My Hands
Louisiana-based rapper Hotboy Jodye dropped his new EP Out My Feelings Vol.1 recently. From the collection is “Wash My Hands”, and its accompanying music video. His southern drill style mixes with hints of old school samples as he fights off haters.
Haviah Mighty ft. Jalen Santoy – Way Too Fast
Toronto rapper Haviah Mighty has brought along North Carolina rapper Jalen Santoy for her latest single “Way Too Fast”. Written back in 2019 during a period of substantial career growth, the track reflects the up and up mentality Haviah had following her 2019 Polaris Music Prize win.
Ashley Mehta – FEELS LIKE THAT
Bay area pop artist Ashley Mehta dropped her new single “Feels Like That” over the weekend. The young artist wanted to encompass both the elevation and growth from being in a relationship, that may not always lead down the same path. The bright production and occasional switch ups playful mimic the surprises and unexpected moments in relationships, while keeping things upbeat and melodic.
Neb. – Sing It For Yourself
Toronto-based artist neb. released his debut EP Silhouette of Yesteryear on Friday. His lead single “Sing It For Yourself” is a stunning and poignant track about living in a big city and trying not to get caught up in the storm. Featuring vocals from co-writer Henry Nozuka, “Sing It For Yourself” combines folk guitar strumming with delicate vocals for a hybrid of styles.
Maths Time Joy ft. Rich – Change
Despite the fact that London-based artist and producer Maths Time Joy and New York’s Rich have only met in person once, their musical chemistry reaches a deeper level of connection on their new single “Change”. Written about Rich’s experience in an abusive relationship, the song is an emotional and plaintive folk-meets-nu R&B reflection that finds hope at the end of the tunnel.
Joy Oladokum – sorry isn’t good enough
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Joy Oladokum has officially made her major label debut with her single “sorry isn’t good enough”. As a Black, queer woman living in the states, her life-long frustration rings through on the song, as she denies pathetic apologies.
McKinley Dixon – Bless The Child
With his new album For My Mama And Anyone Who Like Her coming out this Friday May 7th, Richmond, VA’s McKinley Dixon has shared his final single “Bless The Child”. His poetic storytelling comes alive on the song, as he goes through the past, present and future versions of himself during the grieving process over lush samples and production.
YUNGMORPHEUS & Eyedress – Candyman / Four Week Cure
LA-based rapper YUNGMORPHEUS has shared a new double single Four Week Cure, with both produced by Filipino artist and frequent collaborator Eyedress. The release of the single comes alongside a two-chapter video for both tracks that unfolds like a true mafioso tale directed by Bobby Astro, and featuring cameos from Eyedress and Zzzahara. The two tracks are the first hint of new music from YUNGMORPHEUS & Eyedress from a forthcoming joint project to be released later this Summer.
Bruza – She Wants Sum
London-based rapper Bruza has dropped his first track of 2021 with the grime track “She Wants Sum”. Triplet-filled drum beats and old school grime production gives Bruza’s cockney flow a foundation for him to divulge about a night out in East London.
Bars and Melody – Henny
British rap duo Bars and Melody recorded their new track “Henny” in just 20 minutes, giving the track and effortless trap energy. Adding to the wave of trend-setting hip-hop, the new track matches together trap beats with 808 drums and melodic hooks.
Pat App & 6ohnson – Gone
Indianapolis-based rapper Pat App has shared his new single “Gone” featuring Detroit emcee 6ohnson. The new track is a confident and boom bap style track with crisp samples encourage Pat App’s lyrical flow.
Lex Leosis – Won’t Wait
Alt-hip-hop artist Lex Leosis, a former member of Toronto hip-hop collective The Sorority, will be releasing her new EP Terracotta this July. From the collection is her new single “Won’t Wait”, written about standing up for your feelings and not letting yourself be strung along in a uncertain relationship. Her powerful and articulate delivery is a shining spotlight for her music, cruising across the underlying upbeat production.
Jackie Hayes – Dead End
Chicago-based indie alt-pop artist Jackie Hayes has shared her new sinlge “dead end”. Upbeat and driven, the new song is about keeping your chin up after feeling at your wit’s end, embodied by a steady drum beat and hook-driven bedroom-pop.
Trauma Cat – Honey, Your Heart is a Hurricane
Syracuse-based indie rock trio trauma Cat put out their debu album Prepare To Apologize a few weeks back. Their prog-rock inspired sound meets in the middle with an alternative soul on their new single “Heart is a Hurricane”.
Squid – Pamphlets
British post-punk revivalists Squid are releasing their debut album Bright Green Field on Friday. The highly anticiapted release will be including their third and final single, “Pamphlets”. The buzzing, 8-minute track is about right wing propaganda that gets sent to doors, and the ridiculousness of someone taking it as their only source of news.
Half Moon Run – On & On
Montreal indie veterans Half Moon Run have shared their altest single from the forthcoming EP Inwards & Onwards, “on & On”. Their three-part harmonies and folk-infused indie rock shape the song that the band describes it as a”contemplation on humanity’s place among the stars.” Using live tracking animation, the new music video is a surreal and eye-catching accompaniment for the ruminative track.
Waiting For Smith – Hopelessness of Love
Harry Lloyd, the British singer-songwriter that performs as Waiting For Smith, has shared his latest single “Hopelessness of Love”. The track was written after a period of challenges in a relationship for Lloyd, and he wanted to express the inevitability of hardships in love. Fortunately, warm guitar melodies and his bright vocals keeps things light and forgiving on the new track.
Bk Twins – Ball
Singer-songwriter Alex Ball will be releasing his debut EP on May 28th. His lead single “Bk Twins” is a slow-burning and reflective song that comes alongside a music video featuring real footage from his grandparent;’s wedding in 1944.
Dusted – Little More Time
Brian Borcherdt, founding member of Toronto experimental rock group Holy Fuck, will be releasing a new solo album as Dusted.Switching from his electronic sound , his new single “Little More Time” is a pensive folk rock song about moving into a new phase of life by leaving behind your “Party-Saurus Rex”. Shot in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia and featuring an animated dinosaur pal, the music video is a goodbye of sorts from Borcherdt.
PACKS – Two Hands
Toronto slack-rock group PACKS, formed by singer-songwriter Madeline Links, are set to release their debut album take the cake on May 21st. The latest single “Two Hands” follows in the footsteps of their previous releases, with its jangly and lo-fi guitar and charmingly laissez-faire vocals from Links.
BENEE – Happen To Me
From her critically acclaimed 2020 debut album Hey u x comes the new music video for opener “Happen To Me”. Mirroring the luscious arpeggiation from Radiohead’s “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi”, the song’s looming anxiousness and intrusive thoughts are brought out in the cluttered and gothic music video.
Related posts:
“Why Do I Have to Pay For That?” – From the Inbox: The Podcast, EP.014 (Mar 1, 2021)
Montreal Indie Pop Artist Ormiston Prepares New LP With Latest Single “Step From The Limelight”
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)
