independentartistbuzz

[independentartistbuzz]

Emerging Pop Star Keira Gray Moves On From the Past On “After you”

Keira Gray grew up in Red Earth Creek, Alberta before eventually moving to Faust, Alberta. She has aspired to be a singer since she was a little girl listening to Ariana Grande, Rihanna, and Christina Aguilera. Most of her time was spent teaching herself to sing their songs. 

Keira currently lives in Slave Lake, Alberta where she works as a server. When she's not working, you can find her collaborating with other music professionals writing songs and recording music to share with the world.

Her new single, “After you,” was inspired from a personal experience that Keira has since moved on from. It was very therapeutic to express her feelings at that time and she hopes you all enjoy it as much as she enjoyed writing it.

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Martha Johnson and Company Lift Spirits with “Slow Emotion” Anthem during Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Martha Johnson is a founding member and the lead singer of the Canadian art pop band Martha and the Muffins which formed in 1977. Her career, spanning more than four decades and eleven albums, has had many highlights. In 2000, Martha was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and was eventually forced to stop performing live.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Martha Johnson and Company’s “Slow Emotion” began with the suggestion of her neurologist Dr. Fasano at Krembil Research Institute/University Health Network in Toronto. He encouraged Martha to collaborate on a song with another of his patients, songwriter/musician Fabio Dwyer, to show that life and creativity doesn't end with a diagnosis. Released on April 11th, World Parkinson’s Day, the uplifting anthem was largely performed by musicians and singers with PD.

“I came up with the title, Slow Emotion, years ago and it seemed like a good fit with the theme of accepting and adapting to the changes both physically and emotionally you go through when you are living with PD. I’m hoping that people are moved by the song to a place of better understanding. Parkinson’s is continuously a life changing event for me. Life is what you make of it and you’ll have a better time if you just slow down a little and really take it all in.” -Martha Johnson With the support of Krembil Research Institute/University Health Network and Parkinson Canada, there is an accompanying documentary by Toronto filmmaker Jason Cipparrone that looks at the creation of “Slow Emotion.”

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“Rock Band Trapped Inside Nightclub” Ctrl+V Offer Darkwavey Goodness on Debut EP ‘Prequels’

“I imagine us as a rock band, trapped inside of a nightclub,” says frontman Harry Parsons of the Newfoundland rave punk band Ctrl+V (pronounced Paste). After more than a decade of being a drummer in touring bands, he began to experiment with making electronic music. Along with co-writer/producer Sweetboy Music, the songwriting soon began to flow, and the pair began shaping their sound, influenced by darkwave, hard rock, and a dash of punk. 

Their debut EP, Prequels, is dark, yet optimistic. Mysterious yet fun. The bittersweet opening track, “Apple Blue,” sets the mood with a feeling of isolation and loneliness. “The title puts me in a neo-noir film headspace. It’s like a David Lynch version of a heavy song,” says Parsons. 

This road to glossy and gritty darkwavey goodness was augmented by producers/mixers John Fryer and Mark Needham (who mixed the debut Killers album, Hot Fuss) and the guidance of Ted Sablay (touring guitarist with The Killers), giving the songs a slick and heavy delivery.

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Seattle Psychedelic Garage Band, Acid Tongue, Share Their Soulful Truth on “Hollywood Ending” from New LP ‘Acid On The Dancefloor’

Acid Tongue is an American garage band heavily influenced by classic soul, punk and psychedelic rock. Formed in a damp Seattle basement in 2015, the band immediately hit the road, extensively touring the US & Europe and refining their unique brand of rock & roll. Consisting of a core duo—singer/songwriter Guy Keltner & drummer/vocalist Ian Cunningham—the band also includes numerous touring & studio musicians scattered between Paris, New York, London, Mexico City, & Los Angeles, with a rotating roster that seems to grow larger by the day.

Their focus track “Hollywood Ending” from new record, Acid On The Dancefloor, is inspired by Guy Keltner’s return to his childhood hometown, Los Angeles. The L.A. landscape and culture is so easily romanticized, yet there is also a loneliness and emptiness to the city that is inspiring. While writing these lyrics, Keltner was dealing with some pretty significant losses in his life. As we start to age, it’s really common to watch our dreams get broken, and we start to face our mortality. Some people truly expect a “Hollywood Ending” and are met with serious disappointment when they enter their 30s. This is a love song for all of those disenchanted children.

The whole record, Acid On The Dancefloor, is Acid Tongue’s childish take on adulthood. It’s about that moment of clarity you can find in the middle of a heavy trip. Each song is a different episode from a crisis, another reality check on the road to adulthood. In the last few years, lead songwriter Guy Keltner faced serious issues with drugs, alcohol, romance, family and friends. He developed a concept album around these various chapters in his life. It’s also about seeing the world for what it truly is as we age.

“These days, I am savoring the moment,” says songwriter Guy Keltner. “This song really exemplifies the peak of a confusing time in my life. I was seeking purpose and not finding it. I hope it can give comfort to people experiencing the same dull pain that comes with adulthood.”

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Dream-Pop Band Basement Revolver Share the Ethereal Bonus Track, “Pull Yourself Together”

Basement Revolver has always centered around the friendship of bassist/keyboardist Nim Agalawatte (they/them) and guitarist/vocalist Chrisy Hurn (they/them). Lead guitarist Jonathan Malström (he/him) and drummer Levi Kertesz (he/him) round out the band’s larger-than-life sound. When tour plans went on hold through 2020, Basement Revolver found time to wrestle with questions about identity, faith, mental illness, and sexuality. Their sophomore LP, Embody, is explicit about these new ideas and new thoughts, addressing them with a deeper sound and crisper production to adroitly express the complexity of the world. It is an album of friendship, of working out identity together, and making deeply personal art. 

The deluxe version of the Embody LP features the focus track, “Pull Yourself Together,” written about songwriter Chrisy Hurn’s experience having really bad panic attacks at parties. Maybe it’s not the kindest way to talk to yourself, but it was Chrisy’s way of giving themself some tough love and saying, “Get it together!”

“It makes me sad for baby Chrisy who was afraid that everyone was judging them or thinking negative thoughts towards them or their body,” says Chrisy Hurn. “It has taken a lot of work to get to a place where I don’t panic in party-like settings anymore.”

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iskwē Unveils Passionate New Full-Length Album, 'nīna,' Featuring Cathartic Electro Pop Closer, “Exhale”

The creation of meaningful art can only occur in moments of despair or triumph; there is no grey area.

iskwē | ᐃᐢᑫᐧᐤ (short for waseskwan iskwew, meaning "blue sky woman") is an award-winning Indigenous creator whose catalogue drips of a spectrum of emotions and is powered by resilience. Following several seasons of high highs being met with low lows, the Cree Métis artist retreated south to Mexico and inward to her soul to paint a 10-song collection that illustrates the gut-wrenching roller coaster ride that has been her recent life.

nīna, the opus of iskwē’s rebirth, is the Cree translation for “me” and was chosen as the title of her fourth solo album as an ode to the profoundly autobiographical elements. The album is the sonic manifestation of the divine feminine explored through vignettes of love, passion, anger, betrayal, and loss. 

The album’s focus track, “Exhale,” is a reassuring call to the self, as iskwē encourages herself: “Blue sky woman, it’s time for you to breathe out.” The tense yet shimmering song holds onto the vulnerability at iskwē’s core.

“I needed to remind myself that I am vibrant, that I hold life in me,” she explains of the song. 

“I am an artist, a creative, confident and soft. I needed to remind myself that I hold love in my being. It was time I remembered these pieces in me which had been dormant for some time. So now I start again, to rebloom. To be reborn. To look at myself in the mirror and exhale. It’s time for me to breathe out…”

iskwē’s collaboration with 10x Grammy nominee Damian Taylor serves as the bedrock of this LP, creating a lush and textured world of electronic pop which branches further out through Latin strings (Waiting For The Laughter) and a dreamy psychedelic sound on Top 20 Alt-Rock charting lead single “I Get High” featuring Nina Hagen.

nīna reaches into the most personal and tender crevices, opening with the artist at a point of dissolution and overwhelm (“A Little Piece”), unfolding into an exploration of the deep, visceral experience of love, through to liberating herself from those who would rather see her fail than succeed (“Sure To Come”).  

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Indie Pop Artist stardrop Shares Fierce Self-Love Anthem from Debut Album ‘I Feel Everything’

Indie pop artist stardrop is a creative force from Thunder Bay, ON. She partnered with Tennyson King and Dan Hosh to produce her debut EP, I Feel Everything, which showcases catchy, soulful self-love anthems that celebrate femininity, authenticity, and resilience.

Fueled by big feelings, stardrop is using the power of music to rewrite her narrative and explore a new way of existing in the world. “After many years of feeling completely disconnected from myself and my self-worth, I was ready to claim my own space in this world,” she elaborates. “It was a real ‘fake it til to make it’ type of thing, or rather, ‘sing it til you believe it.’”

The lyrics for focus track “Tiger” poured out of her like magic, at a time she longed for the strength and courage to feel powerful and begin to heal. The tiger represents the instinctive animal laying dormant inside, ready to protect us when needed.

In collaboration with cinematographer Scott MacKay, the “Tiger” music video explores the effects trauma has on the ability to be present. It demonstrates an out-of-body experience by creatively distorting reality in different ways.

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 Alt-Folk Artist Tyler Del Pino Embraces a Darker Side of his Musical Dimension with “Wolf In The Hen House”

Winnipeg’s Tyler Del Pino has always struggled to fit in, and there’s nothing like his music that truly challenges the concept of genre and delivers his one-of-a-kind brand of Canadiana. Del Pino has a pure passion for songwriting and an honest sound infused with starry-eyed narratives; a hybrid of Rock-Pop, Americana, and East Coast folk-rock that stays true to the roots of timeless tunes.

Unlike Del Pino’s usual bright and upbeat tunes, “Wolf In The Hen House” is rooted in raw anger. It's a rock anthem with a punch, a departure from his usual vibe that adds a whole new dimension to his music. The song delves into the portrayal of a sinister individual, drawing from various observations in Del Pino’s life. It's a deep dive into the depths of human deceit and malice, crafted from the shady characters that he has personally encountered over the years. 

“I wrote this during a period in 2018 when I was grappling with my own encounters with less-than-desirable individuals,” says Tyler Del Pino. “This coincided with the second year of Trump's presidency, a time when political drama seemed to unfold daily. It sparked contemplation—what truly makes someone a snake? What twisted journey leads them to embrace deception and malice?”

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INDIE 5:0 - 5Q's WITH SHANE HEILMAN

Christian singer-songwriter Shane Heilman went from leading a high school to now leading The Psalms Project. 

Leaving his full time role to fully embrace music and coaching shows an unwavering dedication and love for music and the arts.

His recent recognition as the Gold Artist of the Year, achieved through the Modern Musician Gold Artist Program, highlights Shane's exceptional talent and tireless effort.

Over the span of 12 years, The Psalms Project has evolved from a modest church initiative to a global sensation, engaging over 85 musicians and earning acclaim for its innovative approach.

Shane's vision of letting the Word of God speak through music has struck a chord with audiences worldwide, offering them emotional, spiritual, and intellectual depth. Collaborating with renowned artists like Phil Keaggy and Jeff Deyo has further enriched the project's creative landscape.

With the release of "Volume 6: Psalms 47-55," The Psalms Project enters a new era, embracing a modern pop sound under the guidance of external producers.  

We caught up with Shane to find out more about The Psalms Project, his passion for setting the entire Psalms to music, and what fans can look forward to next: 

As an artist who infuses spiritual themes into your music, how do you navigate the balance between artistic expression and faith-based content?

I'm not sure a balance is necessary. I believe all art is "faith-based" in that we as artists express what we believe in. As R.C. Sproul once said, "Everyone is a theologian - the only question is whether you're a good one or a bad one." As someone who sings about the triune God of the Bible, who I believe is the one true God and eternal life itself, I believe I'm singing about the deepest and truest things in the universe, which should lead to better and more impactful art, not the other way around. I know that a lot of "faith-based" art focuses so heavily on the message that the art gets lost, and that is a mistake and a tragedy when it happens.

But that is not the way it should be, and is not the way it has been throughout history. Most of the most moving and epic art ever created was created by Christians as a response to the transcendent beauty and truth of Christianity, from the music of Bach to the painting of the Sistine Chapel. 

Could you speak to the reception of The Psalms Project within the worship music community and its impact on listeners worldwide?

Even though a lot of our songs aren't conducive to congregational singing, many churches around the world use them for that purpose, and many others use our lyric videos in their worship services. 

The impact of our music on listeners has been immense - I receive probably about a dozen or more new testimonials every day from listeners as to how the music has impacted them spiritually. People share stories of re-connecting with God, being delivered from anxiety and depression, and understanding the Bible better as a result of our songs. I've compiled hundreds of testimonials from all over the world from people profusely thanking us for making the music that we do!

How has your personal journey with faith and music influenced the direction of The Psalms Project over the years?

As I've studied the Psalms and put them to music, I've found my theology going in a more conservative/Reformed direction, with a deeper appreciation for how Christians have viewed the Psalms historically. This has led me to be more straightforward and literal with the wording of the Psalms I've put to music, with less commentary or summary. It's also led me to a deeper love for God's sovereignty, justice, and grace. 

What lessons have you learned from your experience of setting the Psalms to music, both artistically and spiritually?

I've learned that joy does not depend on circumstance - it depends on our trust in God and our obedience to Him. Over and over, we see the Psalmists in a horrible situation, but after processing it and praying through it, they are rejoicing in worship and filled with joy, even when their circumstance hasn't changed!

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for The Psalms Project, and how do you envision its future trajectory in the realm of worship music?

Overall, I see The Psalms Project going in a more congregational direction in the future, with a greater variety of song versions released that have an even greater impact on the trajectory of modern worship music, which I think will move in a more congregational and theologically-rich direction in the years to come. 

Get your copy of Volume 6: Psalms 47 - 55 here. 

Stay current with Shane Heilman and the Psalms Project on his Website, and social media channel Facebook. 

Stream music on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music. 

#music #spotify #indie #youtube #interview #new music #indie artist #pop #Spotify

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INDIE 5:0 - 5Q'S WITH GEORGE COLLINS

George Collins started out his musical journey from a young age, inspired by familiar influences and a fervent passion for songwriting.

Immersed in Charlottesville, VA's lively music scene, he forged important collaborations with esteemed musicians such as Carter Beauford and LeRoi Moore which lay the foundation for his burgeoning career.

Collins' deep admiration for The Dave Matthews Band adds a nostalgic hue to his narrative, evoking cherished memories of backstage camaraderie with band members. These shared moments undoubtedly hold a significant place in his artistic journey, reflecting a bond forged through mutual love for music.

Today, George Collins stands out as a seasoned singer-songwriter. With his critically acclaimed debut solo EP "Its Been a Long Time", which has already earned an international fanbase, Collins is now set to release his sophomore EP called "Songs for Grown Ups":

“These songs are written for anyone dealing with the challenges that come with being an adult, like getting older, managing long-term relationships, marriage, and parenting,” says Collins.  “I am bringing my life’s experience in a heartfelt way with the hope that I can touch others at similar places in their life journeys.”  

As well as music, Collins displays remarkable versatility as an artist, delving into diverse creative outlets including novel writing, screenplay crafting, and poetry. His ability to traverse these varied mediums speaks volumes about his artistic depth and ingenuity.

We caught up with George to find out more about his passion for all things music, his inspirations, and what fans can look forward to next:

Your journey from a successful corporate career to then focusing on your music is a big change. What inspired you to return to music after two decades, and how did you manage the transition? 

Twelve years ago, as I approached the age of 50, several factors encouraged me to make the transition from high finance (the “profit sector”) to being an indie musician and writer (what I jokingly refer to as the “non-profit sector”).  

I was a founding partner of one of the largest investment firms in Central Europe, and around the time I reached my fiftieth birthday our second fund was fully invested, so my partners and I needed to decide if we wanted to raise a third fund – which would mean another ten-year commitment, long hours, high stress, constant travel, etc. as I’d been doing for the previous twenty years. 

My wife was pregnant with our first child at the time, and I didn’t want to miss my daughter’s childhood and the experience of being a hands-on Dad.  

Around that time, I also had lunch with a good friend who had recently retired from a lucrative career in finance to spend time with his young family – he justified his decision by saying, “I can always make more money, but I can never make more time” (a line I stole for my song, “Stop the Sun”).  That remark kind of sealed it for me.  So I met with my partners and we amicably agreed on a smooth transition.

I had a wonderful career in finance and don’t regret a minute of it, but I’m happy I stepped out when I did and grateful that I had the means to do so.

I’d been a professional musician in my younger days, earned a Master’s Degree in Literature and used to do a lot of writing, and as I was turning 50 these creative urges started welling up in me after being dormant for some time, and I knew I had to listen to my inner voice and start playing music and writing again – this was another driving force in my decision to leave the world of high finance behind.

Some guys buy a red Ferrari and run off with a hot new girlfriend when they turn 50, but I decided to stay home with my young family and write songs and novels instead – and I’ve been extremely pleased with my decision.

Your songwriting is often described as deeply personal and introspective. How do you draw from your own life experiences to create such relatable and emotionally resonant music?

I’ve kept a diary of sorts since I was a young boy, and I’m always jotting down notes and reflections about my life as well my observations about the world around me and the times we’re living in.  I always carry a pen and small notebook in which I scribble down memorable quotes, cool words and phrases I read or overhear that I think might make a good subject or opening line or title for a story or song.  I only recently got a smartphone, and I’ve found that also works for recording whenever inspiration strikes.

In parallel with the constant note-taking is the distilling process, which requires time and privacy – two commodities that are increasingly scarce in my life these days, as the father of two young daughters!  I take a lot of long walks, and it is often during these solitary wanderings – even if it’s down a crowded city street – that I turn over these ideas (literary or musical) in my mind and they start to gel.

That’s where craft comes into play.  Whether it’s a song or a story, the sculpting and shaping is of paramount importance – the challenge is taking a rough musical or lyrical idea and recreating it into something that is not only meaningful to me but also relatable and resonates with other people.  At this point, it’s no longer about expressing my thoughts or feelings, but rather, I must invite the listener or reader in and they must make the song or story their own.  Striking a balance between the deeply personal and the widely universal is something I strive to achieve in every song or story I write.

Your upcoming album "Songs for Grown-ups" explores various facets of adulthood, from managing long-term relationships, balancing career with family life, to reflecting on life's journey. Can you share a bit about the creative process behind this EP and how these themes emerged?

In this age of TikTok, youth culture and limited attention spans, I wanted to write a set of songs targeted toward an older audience, exploring in a sustained manner issues related to family, parenthood, memories, regrets, and aging from a deeper and more mature perspective.

While still having the songs as full of hooks as a tackle box!

I'm all in favor of youthful passion and energy – I still remember my childhood and student years as if they were yesterday – but as I've grown older my respect has only grown for those artists who managed to stay alive and continue to tour with enthusiasm and produce powerful work: Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Pete Townshend as well as artists who are more my contemporaries such as Elvis Costello, Paul Weller, Neil Finn, and Dave Matthews.

The late Leonard Cohen also falls into this category – I saw him in concert in Prague when he was 80 and he sang with the passion of a man sixty years younger.

Older artists in other disciplines also solicit my admiration – Monet, Matisse and Picasso were creating some of their most compelling work in the final years of their very long lives, while Yeats's late poems are among his greatest.

And while I love the songs of modern pop tunesmiths such as Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles, I look forward to seeing if their music stands the test of time (I believe that it will).

I had the idea for the title pretty early on (inspired by Graham Nash's classic 1971 album, "Songs for Beginners"), so as I wrote and recorded these songs over the past few years, I knew exactly where they would fit in the overall scheme.  It's certainly not a "concept album" as commonly understood, but there is indeed a unifying theme or thread weaving its way through these tunes.  

Your music is often compared to iconic artists like The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and Elvis Costello. How do you approach incorporating these influences into your own unique sound, and what do you hope listeners take away from your music?

I listen to and am inspired by a wide variety of music – I love the melodicism of Tin Pan Alley and The Great American Songbook, the power and virtuosity of Led Zeppelin, the insightful lyrics of Paul Simon and Bob Dylan, the sophistication and jazz influences of Steely Dan, the pristine harmonies of CSN&Y, the pop sensibility of Squeeze and XTC, the clever wordplay of Elvis Costello, the passionate blues of Eric Clapton and early Allman Brothers, the Everyman perspective of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty – the list goes on and on.  

To me, the music of The Beatles combines and epitomizes all of these elements – no one can match them for the quality of their songwriting across a wide variety of styles and genres.

My earliest memories are of listening to The Beatles’ “Rubber Soul” in our basement when I was a little boy – so ever since I was four years-old I have been drawn to intelligent, well-crafted pop/rock songs with insightful lyrics that pack an emotional whallop – and that’s what I try to bring to my music.

What sets me apart from these great songwriters and musicians, perhaps, is that I am writing songs from a more mature perspective and so bringing the benefit of a lifetime of experience to my songwriting, as evidenced by the tracks on my forthcoming EP, “Songs for Grown-ups.”

Looking ahead, with the upcoming album, can you give us a glimpse into what listeners can expect from your new album and how it might differ from previous releases? 

I released my first EP, “It’s Been a Long Time,” in September 2022.  It has five tracks.  The follow-up, “Songs for Grown-ups,” has six tracks (plus a bonus track) and will drop in July 2024.  

My hat trick effort will be titled “New Ways of Getting Old” – I’ve just started recording the songs with the same producer and musicians I’ve worked with before (although two of the songs will have different producers), and I hope the first singles will be ready for release this autumn.

This collection of songs will be different from its predecessors in several ways.

First, it will be a full-blown album, with thirteen tracks – a Baker’s Dozen.  

While the tracks on my first two EPs covered a wide range of styles – from Pop Rock to Blues Rock to Americana Rock to Folky Jazz Rock, these new songs are even more varied, ranging from Hard Rock to Reggae to Acoustic Singer/Songwriter ballads, and everything in between.  There’s even a piano ballad as well as a powerful synth-driven soundscape with an infectious groove and distinct Peter Gabriel vibe.

I wanted to set myself the challenge of writing and recording a number of tunes that would reflect the wide range of genres I love and that have influenced my songwriting.  Early on in the songwriting process, I took as my model and was inspired by such classic Beatles albums as “Revolver” and “The White Album,” which embrace an incredibly diverse range of styles.

In another first, “New Ways of Getting Old” will feature a few songs that I’ve written with collaborators while on songwriting retreats in the past two years.  These co-writers have introduced new elements to my songwriting, but I believe that all the tracks will still be recognizable as George Collins Band.  

George Collins’ new album “Songs for Grown-ups” is set to be released soon so stay tuned.

Listen to his latest single "Scarred for Life" now:

Stay connected: 

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / YouTube Music

#music #spotify #indie #youtube #interview #new music #indie music #indie artist #rock #Spotify #Youtube

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Singer-Songwriter Dany Horovitz Delights with New Single “Roads and Roses”

Dany Horovitz is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for delighting audiences with his memorable melodies and beautiful storytelling through vivid lyrics of love, loss, and life, drawing inspiration from ancient poets, modern philosophers, and personal experiences. Born to a middle-class Jewish family in Montreal and raised outside Toronto, Dany’s music is infused with modern takes on familiar sounds: melodic guitar and piano chords, popping bass licks, and toe-tapping percussion. 

“Roads and Roses” is about more than a break-up, it’s about making peace with breaking promises. The new single features an all-star cast of collaborators: The Strumbellas’ Izzy Ritchie on fiddle, The OBGMs’ Colanthony Humphrey on drums, Shade’s Sean Royle on bass, guitar, and keys.

#Spotify

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Little Misty Breaks Barries with Cover of “Scarlet Town” by Gillian Welch

Little Misty is a progressive folk band founded in Montreal, Quebec and led by Kathryn Samman (vocals) and François Jalbert (guitar). Although firmly grounded in folk music, their repertoire mixes indie and progressive rock with broader compositions. From cinematic landscapes to wailing guitar solos, the group explores a full range of musical possibilities, always searching for innovative ways to serve their story telling.

Little Misty are releasing a few songs that they recorded and filmed at their favourite studio in Montreal, Studio Mixart, including their new single, a cover of “Scarlet Town” originally performed by Gillian Welch and produced by David Rawlings. 

“This is a completely live performance by Little Misty,” states Jalbert. “We basically took a picture of what the band could deliver, without any post production. No edits, no tuning, no overdubs. What you hear was all played together as if it were a show.”

#Youtube

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Synth-Pop Songwriter Matías Roden Tackles Depression and Failing on New Single “Great Escape”

Matías Roden is a Peruvian-Canadian singer-songwriter living in Vancouver, BC. After performing in cover bands and writing for others in the city’s indie pop scene (including landing college radio play for one of his cuts), Matías began developing his own material as an artist. Drawing from classic British synth-pop combined with a modern, sample-based production sensibility and unflinchingly personal lyrics, Matías wrote and produced over a dozen demos in his makeshift bedroom studio. Those caught the attention of acclaimed singer/songwriter/producer Louise Burns and shortly after he was signed to Vancouver’s Light Organ Records/604 Records. 

New single, “Great Escape,” is sung from the perspective of depression itself, telling a depressed person they’ll never get over them, like a twisted love song. Written during COVID while recovering from a brain injury, Matías channeled the feelings of darkness from that time into the song’s lyrics but made sure to retain a twinge of hope in its rousing production. 

The official music video was shot by Peter Faint, a friend of Matías’ who has worked as an editor on shows for Netflix, Adult Swim and others. His incredible energy as a filmmaker was exactly what Matías wanted for the propulsive song’s visuals. 

#Youtube

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Faint Halos' Captivating New Single "Something To Lose" Redefines Indie Rock!

The return of Faint Halos with their latest single, "Something To Lose," marks an exciting new chapter. Led by the multi-talented musician Paul Hashemi, this release sets the stage for their upcoming album “I can see a million lights."

With "Something To Lose," Faint Halos diverges from their original modern rock style, embracing a more intimate acoustic approach.

Hashemi's vocals carry a raw sincerity as the song explores whether or not a choice you have made in life was the right one:

Paul Hashemi, who started out with a classical music training to then touring the East Coast rock scene of the 1990’s, adds real depth to Faint Halos’ sound.

This shift from a synth-based anthem to a more stripped-down acoustic rendition displays Hashemi’s willingness to experiment with unconventional instrumentation. From using a sofa as a kick drum to incorporating the melodious accordion, Faint Halos creates a unique blend of simple and more complex sounds: 

“After releasing the original version in 2022, I wanted to get out of the studio and play live, starting with my solo acoustic set. I discovered that this song - which began life as a synth-based rock anthem - had a tender, almost folky dimension underneath.” 

The result is a breath of fresh air in a sometimes-stagnant music landscape, where Hashemi seamlessly merges complexity with simplicity, creating a harmonious sound.

“Something To Lose” was recorded, mixed, and mastered in Hashemi’s home studio in Pennsylvania, with tracked vocals recorded in North Carolina. The instrumentation is two acoustic guitars, accordion, and some couch slaps / foot stomps. 

The vocal harmonies are Hashemi, with the addition of his daughter Cate as well. 

As Faint Halos gear up for the release of “I can see a million lights”, audiences can expect a journey through introspective themes and dynamic musical arrangements. 

Connect with Faint Halos: 

Website / Facebook /  Instagram  / Spotify  / Soundcloud / YouTube Music. 

Listen to “Something To Lose” on Spotify and YouTube Music

#music #spotify #indie #youtube #interview #new music #indie music #indie artist #rock #Spotify

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Indie Pop Group, Ivytide, Share Upbeat Focus Track “vacant” from Debut Album ‘portable darkroom’ 

Ivytide is an indie pop band from Montreal, Canada. The story of Ivytide began as Nathan Gagné (vocals/guitar) developed a passion for making music in his teenage years, singing in his room with the door closed. Gagné was joined by Kyle Ruggiero (bass) and Jamie Snytte (guitar) to officially form the band, combining their unique influences to produce bedroom pop songs with intricate, but catchy melodies, which float on top of well-thought-out instrumentation. 

The focus track from their new debut album, portable darkroom, leaves nothing at the door. “vacant” delves into feelings of patience and self-reflection. Learning to carry personal luggage takes both time and introspection, yet the song’s uplifting feel hints at the protagonist’s moment of self-realization, choosing to leave his baggage outside where “rain will catch it.” The juxtaposition between the song’s rapped verses and falsetto choruses portrays the thoughtful disarray the protagonist finds himself in.

We do not recollect our memories in a pure way. Rather, when we reconstruct them in our minds, our portable darkroom, they are filled with artifacts, blemishes and impurities, like a photograph from a film camera gaining its color. portable darkroom provides an aperture into the band’s emotions, experiences and memories, as you hear the songs developing throughout. 

#Youtube

[independentartistbuzz]

Garage Rock Group, Wine Lips, Release New Album ‘Super Mega Ultra’ with Crowd Favorite Song “Stimulation”

Originally formed in Toronto back in 2015 as a part-time project between Cam Hilborn (vox, songwriter, guitar) and drummer extraordinaire Aurora Evans, Wine Lips quickly escalated into a full-blown, full-time, full-on international phenomenon. Their new album, Super Mega Ultra, is an absolute beast. Recorded by Simon Larochette at The Sugar Shack in Ontario, SMU is probably Wine Lips’ most ambitious undertaking to date, exploring new thematic territory while firmly maintaining their signature psych garage punk rock panache. You truly need to hear the album to believe it…

The focus track from SMU, “Stimulation,” has been a crowd favourite at shows for over a year already – fans have already been singing along to its simple and catchy chorus. 

“I started writing Stimulation during our break in 2020,” explains Cam Hilborn. “I might have put it on the shelf for a bit but one day the chorus just poured out of me and the rest of the song started to make more sense and came more naturally. It was the first song I demoed for the new record and it kind of became the benchmark.”

Writing an album while you’re always on tour is difficult, and for Hilborn, it felt like he was hitting a wall creatively. Despite the writer’s block, Hilborn was able to work with Simon Larochette to try some new ideas and capture the energy without straying too far from their roots. The result is Super Mega Ultra (April 5), their new LP which is jam-packed with 12 ramped-up supersonic ear-scorching auditory delicacies.

#Youtube

[independentartistbuzz]

Instrumental Trio, Caméra, Shares Melancholic Snapshot in “Carrousel”

Buried deep in Montreal’s lingering winters, a trio of musicians sat in a room together. Used to the crazy pace of working in the city’s hyperactive music industry, they might have been unconsciously looking to do something slower, calmer, and free from commercial constraints. Looking at the snow battering the wide windows by the train tracks, they spent the afternoon playing around with what was in the room: a slide whistle, a Juno, and some guitar pedals. The table was set for what would become Caméra. They eventually spent more time together, finding sounds, exploring bizarre ideas, but always seeking beauty. 

The song “Carrousel” from new album, Caméra, was composed in one snowy afternoon; it’s a picture of a moment that the trio spent together. It was actually the first song written together as Caméra. The band sat in a room not really expecting anything to happen. After a fun afternoon of playing around with bits and pieces of melody, this song came to life. It felt like they were digging up something that has always been there. 

The three musicians had collaborated before in different contexts, but they wanted to try and see what would happen if they pooled their visions together. The Caméra LP was the result of meeting sporadically over the course of three years, when time allowed, and simply playing around with some ideas. Everything was self-recorded and happened on the spot when the idea arrived. It makes this work “imperfect,” but the band felt that there was no other way to capture the vibe.

#Spotify