indie
Indie music features a sampling of maverick musicians that favor the DIY approach to music making.
Julian Daniel Returns with "Northern Lights"
Julian Daniel, an emerging indie-pop artist from Maple, Ontario, currently splits his time between Toronto and Los Angeles, bringing a fresh and electrifying energy to the music scene. With a sound that blends evocative lyrics and upbeat instrumentals, Julian continues to carve his own path in the world of indie pop and rock. Drawing inspiration from artists like Charli XCX, Troye Sivan, and Gus Dapperton, he seamlessly fuses nostalgic elements with a modern edge, creating a sonic landscape that feels both cinematic and deeply personal.
By Chris Adamsabout a year ago in Beat
Aeroplane Takes Flight with ARK IDENTITY and Double Wish
ARK IDENTITY and Double Wish’s new single "Aeroplane," from the forthcoming Double Wish EP Deeper Ecstasy (out February 28), is an evocative exploration of the tension between clinging to the past and the yearning to move forward. The song’s lush soundscape and poignant lyrics invite listeners to contemplate moments of transition, both physical and emotional, where departure and arrival intersect.
By Chris Adamsabout a year ago in Beat
Erik Lankin’s Musical Journey Through Grief and Transformation
Canadian composer Erik Lankin, based in Montreal, is redefining neoclassical music by merging classical orchestration with contemporary sound design. His debut release, The Icarus Album, reimagines the myth of Daedalus and Icarus as a personal exploration of loss, grief, and transformation. At the heart of the album lies “Onward My Son,” a powerful focus track that delivers a narrative of moving forward through pain, supported by resonant melodies and intricate production.
By Chris Adamsabout a year ago in Beat
Gavin Holligan's "Just Passing Through" - A Heartfelt Journey into the Fragility of Life
Gavin Holligan’s new single "Just Passing Through" is a poignant meditation on the inevitable losses we all face. Inspired by a deeply personal experience when a close friend of the artist was battling stage 2 cancer, the track reflects the raw emotions Holligan grappled with during that uncertain time.
By Whitney Millerabout a year ago in Beat
‘This Is Not An Exit’: The Debut Entrance of The Backfires
Originally featured in UnCL Magazine Last October, we sat down and spoke to British-American indie rock band, The Backfires, who are on the cusp of releasing their debut album ‘This Is Not An Exit’ in January 2025 (out now). The band, who met at UCL (lead singer, Alex Gomes, even had his own show on RARE FM!), discussed the process of producing and releasing their long-awaited debut album, previous musical inspirations and their favourite touring memories.
By Allegra Cuomoabout a year ago in Beat
Rising Pop Artist Emilia Vaughn Drops New Single 'Rock Music, Girl Secrets'
Authenticity in pop music often feels elusive, yet San Diego native Emilia Vaughn has unveiled her captivating new single "Rock Music, Girl Secrets," released January 16th, 2025. The track represents an exciting evolution in the independent artist's journey, blending contemporary pop and rock elements while drawing inspiration from an unexpected source — her grandmother's poetry.
By Danny Jeffersabout a year ago in Beat
Mogwai - The Bad Fire in Review
So, the new album by Glaswegian post-rock instrumentalist band Mogwai was released on January 24th on Rock Action Records in the UK and Europe and Temporary Residence Limited in the US, and I can safely say I expect it to be high on the list as one of the greats of 2025 when December rolls around. Their 11th studio album, not including the various live albums, remix albums and soundtracks they've released over the 30+ years of their career, The Bad Fire, is a sonic and emotionally dynamic masterpiece. I do not say those words lightly. My big stupid grin while writing this, if you can imagine that, speaks volumes.
By Paul Stewartabout a year ago in Beat
It's Happening to Everybody. Content Warning.
At some point in everyone’s life, whether it is past, present, or twenty years from now, it will happen. When it happens, one will know it. They will feel its presence in their very being and they may be frightened and reject it, or they will welcome it with open arms. That is the message musician and producer Hayden Anhedönia is presenting with her brand new and highly anticipated EP, Perverts, released via her label Daughters of Cain Records. A step away from her brand of storytelling and writing seen with her debut album Preacher’s Daughter, this nine track collection instead configures dark ambience and droning instrumentals which chronicle the very meaning and burden, even, of existence. Channeling inspiration from sounds of the natural world, lust, sex, aching and just about every emotion on the human scale, Anhedönia pulls no punches during the entirety of the EP’s ninety minute runtime, with some listeners already not recommending a listen while inebriated nor sitting idly in a dark room. Some would say, however, that that is exactly the point. They should feel uneasy and uncomfortable, or even that there is a presence waiting with them as the sounds of Perverts flood their eardrums.
By Nick Vasquezabout a year ago in Beat
Dayside and Guffchild Capture Depth and Groove on "Daddy's Girl"
Montreal-based artists Dayside and Guffchild return with Daddy’s Girl, a single that effortlessly fuses vibrant melodies with yacht rock-inspired production. Featuring fellow Montreal hip-hop artist Mosez Jones, the track weaves rhythmic rapping into an intricate sonic landscape of alternative R&B. Beneath its smooth, groove-filled exterior lies a narrative with darker undertones, creating a striking contrast that leaves a lasting impression.
By Chris Adamsabout a year ago in Beat
ERV ELLO Honors a Lost Loved One with "Flight to Heaven" Featuring Lexnour
ERV ELLO’s latest single, Flight to Heaven, is an emotional tribute to someone who left an indelible mark on his life. Collaborating with producer Lexnour, the American artist blends country, pop, and R&B in a heartfelt ode that captures the pain of loss, the weight of regret, and the search for peace. The track is more than just a song—it’s a deeply personal journey that resonates with anyone who has experienced the sorrow of losing someone they cherish.
By Chris Adamsabout a year ago in Beat
