Indie Round-Up – From the Inbox: May 31, 2021

Summer is just around the corner.

Fortunately, this week’s From The Inbox round-up has a handful of tracks just ready to jump into your summer playlists.

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!

DOPE LEMON – Rose Pink Cadillac

Angus Stone has been releasing music returned to his moniker DOPE LEMON recently, sharing his latest ’60s inspired hit “Rose Pink Cadillac”. Drawing from the chill, lounge style of vintage crooners, Stone keeps things minimal and hazy for a sun-tinged track.

This Is The Deep – Let Her Go

Psycho-pop seven piece This Is The Deep released their debut EP The Best Is Yet To Come (Part 1) this weekend. Their latest single “Let Her Go” showcases the big band’s chemistry and fun personality, as they bring in retro-soul and brassy melodies for a time-travelling experience.

JW Francis – John, Take Me With You

While hiking the Appalachian Trail, New York lo-fi artist JW Francis announced his upcoming LP WANDERKID will be out October 1st. His new single “John, Take Me With You” is a charming slacker rock tune with bright guitar layering and friendly melodies that is all about escapism.

SHAED – High Dive

Indie pop trio SHAED released their debut LP High Dive a few weeks back, and have shared the album’s title track and music video featuring indie pop duo Lewis Del Mar.

Flara K – Rumours & Doubts

Montreal indie pop duo Flara K have shifted their style and perspective with their new single “Rumours & Doubts”. After becoming aware of their insecurities and doubts based on external validation, the pair have agreed it is better to focus on what they want to make and look inward instead. The result is the groovy indie dance tune with bright vocals, a charming synth-pop melody, and new found confidence.

HOFFEY – Coffee

Canadian-born, Hawaii-based songwriting duo Hoffey have shared their dreamy new single “Coffee”. The indietronica love song captures the glistening indie pop melodies with a punchy electronica presence, creating a stimulating and euphoric combination.

Betta Lemme – Ce Soir

International pop artist Betta Lemme has shared her love-tinged single “Ce Soir”. Daydreaming about a distant lover, the electro-pop single from the Canadian native is nothing short of electrifying and alluring.

Emi Wes – Take Me To The Moon

Indie pop artist Emi Wes wanted to capture the sunny, optimistic feeling of driving around Hollywood Hills. While writing her new single “Take Me To The Moon”, Wes brought the warmth and sun of LA into her songwriting.

girl in red – Body And Mind

From her critically-acclaimed debut album if i could make it go quiet, indie pop sensation girl in red has shared the new music video for “Body and Mind”. Diving into the human condition and vulnerability following a traumatic experience, the dark-pop track matches the cult-like music video.

Amber Ryann – All My Friends

L.A. indie pop songwriter and producer Amber Ryann is set to have a busy 2021, after announcing her own NFT shoe line, self-directed music videos, and mobile game “AR Universe: Bad”. Her new single “All My Friends” is a catchy and pumping tune that keeps away the fake friends while she continues to build up her success.

Zola Courtney ft. Caleborate – Superstar

London-based singer-songwriter Zola Courtney has brought along LA rapper Caleborate for her new single “Superstar”. The anthemic new single is a push back to the self-righteous and arrogant people of the world, who use their power and status to appear on top.

Cheat Codes ft. Tinashe – Lean On Me

Pop trio Cheat Codes have brought along R&B songstress Tinashe for their new hit single “Lean On Me”. Written post-break up for Tinashe, the song is about relying on friendship to get through the rough patch, soundtracked by EDM-pop melodies and glossy production.

LPX – Reason In The Noise

Lizzy Plapinger, co-founder of indie pop group MS MR, released her fantastic new EP Go The Other Way, Called The Echo over the weekend. Performing as LPX, the album’s lead single “Reason In The Noise” captures her rich vocals and electro-pop energy.

Chersea – Uncomfortable

Vancouver indie pop artist Chersea has shared her new single “Uncomfortable”. With a glowing chorus drizzled with a hint of calypso, Chersea has some fun while being candid and honest with a better half.

The Haunt – Hollywood

Grrrl punk group The Haunt have shared their new single “Hollywood”. Written for Natalie Morales’ directorial debut “Plan B”, the crushing and hectic new single is about being put under the pressure and coming out better for it.

The Zolas – Yung Dicaprio

Vancouver-based indie rock trio The Zolas teamed up with Sterling Larose and Zachary Vague for their new music video “Yung Dicaprio”, from their forthcoming album Come Back To Life. Colliding their appreciation for film and music, the psychedelic music video is a colourful and offbeat clip that brings out the band’s dynamic songwriting and desire to be attention-grabbing.

Matt Yonge – Genie Bouchard

Montreal-based rapper Matt Yonge has been releasing a consistent and ear-catching handful of singles over the last year, displaying his style of hip-hop and building a solid foundation as an emerging artist. His new single “Genie Bouchard” is another one in the bag, this time paying tribute to tennis star Genie Bouchard.

Wolf Castle – Welfman

Pabineau First Nation, Canada-based Indigenous artist Wolf Castle has shared his new single “Welf Man”. Slang for “welfare”, “Welf Man” is the East Coast artist using his low-income upbringing to his advantage, showing that overcoming obstacles is possible with the right mindset and drive, as he showcases his self-taught musicianship and rap style.

rxlph – anti social club

Hailing from the small NY county Rockland County, bedroom-rapper rxlph has dropped his new single “anti social club”. Based on fake friendships and distrust, the new single is a downtempo hip-hop track reminiscent of early-day Childish Gambino.

I am TIM – Big Cat Fears

American hip-hop artist and producer I am TIM is facing his fears on his poetic new single “Big Cat Fears”. His crushing, dark-electronic beat keeps a steady pulse for his spoken-word style rapping.

Baby Phace – Invictus

New Jersey rapper Baby Phace is turning his lows into highs on his new single “Invictus”. The triumphant new single and music video showcases the young artist’s crushing and impeccable style as he works through hardships to become stronger on the other side.

Cartel Madras – Dream Girl Concept

Calgary-based sister hip-hop duo Cartel Madras are back with their new single “Dream Girl Concept”. Based on AI and the technological domination of social life and romance, the single and music video play into the virtual influences with hyperpop and VR effects leading the way.

The Narcotix – Lilith

Now onto their second single “Lilith”, Brooklyn-based duo The Narcotix are already one of the year’s most exciting new acts. Following the riveting debut single “John/Joseph“, the West African art-folk pair continue with their multi-dimensional and multi-cultural styles on “Lilith”.

Royal Canoe ft. NNAMDÏ – Scratching Static

Winnipeg experimental indie act Royal Canoe are continuing their spellbinding revolution of sound, this time bringing along hip-hop artist NNMADÏ along on “Scratching Static”. Inspired by the hustle of NYC jazz musicians, especially the gear-lugging percussionists, “Scratching Static” is about chasing your dreams with as much hustle as possible.

Jerry Folk – Dotted Red

Jumping into the world of drum n bass, Oslo-based producer Jerry Folk has dropped his new single “Dotted Red”. Inspired by the UK music scene across genres, the new song has a captivating edge and melodic spirit.

TORA – When Will I Learn

With their new album A Force Majeure set for release on September 3rd, electronica outfit TORA have shared the second single “When Will I Learn”. Aptly named, the song explores the idea of self-reflection for growth and maturity through candid lyrics and moody, pulsating instrumentation.

The Halluci Nation ft. John Trudell – Remember 01

Bear Witness and Tim “2oolman” Hill of A Tribe Called Red have rebranded as The Halluci Nation, as they move into the next chapter of their career. The electronic duo have announced their new album One More Saturday Night will be out July 30th. Setting the tone, Halluci Nation have released the new track “Remember 01” and its accompanying visual.

Tim Atlas – Courtside

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Tim Atlas has announced his new EP QUOTA will be out July 9th. Leading the way is the modern pop hit “Courtside”, combining his low-key vocal style and summer-loving musicality for a sunshine filled daydream.

Magi Merlin – To the Beach

Montreal R&B artist Magi Merlin has released her new single “To The Beach”, inspired by spring and the change it brings. Following the metaphor of shedding the darkness of winter, Magi wrote the song after making the difficult decision to disconnect from her father and the turbulent relationship.

Silk Cinema – How To Find Perfection

In true From the Inbox spirit, London-based duo Silk Cinema popped up as an email with just a few links. Despite the minimalist pitch and the song’s title, their new single “How To Find Perfection” is the surprisingly ear-pleasing and R&B-tinged indie pop tune about being okay with never being able to find perfection.

VARLEY – A Little Bit Funny

Berlin-based indie pop trio VARLEY have shared their new single “A Little Bit Funny”. The delicate and reflective track is one of the band’s more tender pieces yet, exploring the shift that relationships and friendships experience as years pass.

Klaptrae – You Say I’m Changing

Indie singer-songwriter Klaptrae has shared his new single “You Say I’m Changing”, the lead single from his upcoming EP Changes out June 25th. His delicate strumming and lush vocals collide into a bold and striking combination, adding in a touch of folk for the finishing touches on the heartbreaking track.

Mikayla Menzies – Mess

Following the loss of her mother, indie singer-songwirter Mikayla Menzies turned her experience with grief into the delicate and heartbreaking single “Mess”. Her stunning vocals and candid lyrics about deep sadness welcome listeners into her world, accompanied by home video footage featuring her late mother.

Amanda Sum – Hot Headed Egos

Vancouver-based indie songwriter Amanda Sum shares her experience of not being taken seriously due to her age and youthful appearance on her new single “Hot Headed Egos”. Repurposing her frustration, Sum’s textured vocals and honest songwriting are a captivating pair, as the emerging artist continues her streak of charming indie pop tunes.

Vilnes – Show Me The Love

Norwegian indie pop artist Eivind Vilnes will be releasing his new album Back to the Start on June 11th. HIs latest single “Show Me The Love” is a guitar-driven indie folk tune, rounded out by his charming and catchy vocals.

Gulfer x Charmer – “Look” / “Diamond (Sprinkler)”

Despite never having met IRL, the Montreal, QC- and Marquette, MI-based quartets Gulfer and Charmer have teamed up for their new self-titled split release. Opening with the mathy post-punk of Gulfer on “Look”, Charmer have their turn with “Diamond (Sprinkler)”, slipping into the more grungy, emo-punk of the midwest.