We arrive at another Sunday, which can only mean one thing; a barrel-load of amazing new tunes from independent artists.
Surprisingly, this week has seen an abundance in indie tunes that really strive for an epic atmosphere. Let’s cover some of those now, with our top 9 picks of the week.
Kev Olden » Time We Have Left
Kev Olden’s sophomore single diversifies his discography further, with its hauntingly emotive and cold soundscape.
INDIE TOP 39
‘Time We Have Left’ is the sophomore single from Toronto-based indie-folk singer-songwriter Kev Olden, following the epicly warm debut single that was ‘Hush’. With this brand new track, Kev Olden begins to diversify his discography on an atmospheric level, bringing us a soundscape that’ much more cold, emotive, and softly executed than its predecessor. On ‘Time We Have Left’, olden writes about the problematic effect that lockdown has had on love and relationships. We certainly believe that the haunting vibe that stretches across this track from beginning to end, really compliments the lyrical sentiment of ‘Time We Have Left’. Being the second track to tease his upcoming debut EP, we are amazed by what Kev Olden has already brought to the table.
Ben Everything » Healing
Ben Everything’s debut single creates a very broad horizon, thanks to its cinematic and deeply reflective ambience.
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After taking a departure from his usual role as a session musician when the pandemic struck, Manchester artist Ben Everything began working on creating music that was truly his very own. His efforts and productivity have led up to this important moment in which we see Ben Everything’s debut single, titled ‘Healing’. Right off the bat, Ben Everything wastes no time in showing listeners his deeply artistic side, through a track that is wonderfully cinematic, and brimming with a bright yet bittersweet warmth. On top of this, this track shines as a musical reflection of Ben’s newfound musical journey, which is a narrative that is both immersive and inspiring. We are truly looking forward to seeing the debut album, which this debut track is teasing.
Brendan Cope » Detour
Brendan Cope’s sophomore single sees a mysteriously abstract, yet warm and energetic evolution in the artist’s sound.
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It was only just over a month ago that we saw United States electronic artist Brendan Cope kick his discography off with a pair of side-by-side debut singles. We thoroughly enjoyed both of them; and even made the latter single part of our first NMS list of May. That being said, Brendan Cope has wasted no time when it comes to keeping the hype-train rolling, with his sophomore single release. Titled ‘Detour’, this new track really shows just how fast Cope is evolving musically. And while we could sense a strong James Blake vibe from this new tune, the energetic beat of ‘Detour’ allows the tune to stand as its own unique experience. Add this the mysteriously abstract, yet comfortingly warm vibe, and we have a fantastic second effort from this exciting new artist.
Daniel Etherton » Disappear
‘Disappear’ combines a resonant melody, Daniel Etherton’s vocal range, and a deep narrative, to create a gorgeous sophomore single.
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This week sees folk pop artist Daniel Etherton bring listeners his sophomore effort, titled ‘Disappear’. Following the nostalgic, accessible, and intimate sound of his debut single ‘Foundations’, ‘Disappear’ serves as the first step in diversifying the moods of Etherton’s discography, through a soundscape that is far more atmospheric and somber. We were in awe of just how resonant and vast the primary melody sounds, which does wonders in regards to adding a near-cinematic sense of progression. We were whisked away by just how beautifully this melody joined forces with Etherton’s brilliant vocal range. And combined with this track’s deep narrative, ‘Disappear’ stands as a phenomenal sophomore single.
Guthrie Galileo » Bittersweet Lane
‘Bittersweet Lane’ does a brilliant job of shedding light on Guthrie Galileo’s amazing vocal talent, and an emotive sentiment.
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‘Bittersweet Lane’ is the second single release of 2021 from R&B / Dream-Pop artist Guthrie Galileo; following on from the incredibly luminous vibe of his previous release ‘Ethylene’. In an atmospheric sense, this brand new track follows the same kind of vein very closely. Although, we can also sense an evolution in the sense of depth, and the more sleek feel in the production of ‘Bittersweet Lane’. Furthermore, we feel that this track does even better than normal, to really shed light on Guthrie Galileo’s amazing vocal talent. This colourful ballad contextually covers a roller-coaster of emotions that come with being in a relationship, and with the blissful yet bittersweet ambience of this tune, we felt immersed in that sentiment effortlessly.
Lena Minder » Fall Again
Lena Minder brings us three for three when it comes to enjoyable singles this year, with ‘Fall Again’ being the warmest effort.
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Since the start of 2021, we have absolutely loved how Berlin singer-songwriter Lena Minder has kicked off her discography. Both her debut and sophomore singles (titled ‘Stay Around’ and ‘Nightbirds’) gave us a great sense of how the artist can successfully inject a gorgeously whimsical beauty into her soundscapes, whilst also feeling somewhat stripped-back and intimate. Lena Minder brings us three for three when it comes to enjoyable singles this week, with her third release ‘Fall Again’. This new track brings us what is arguably the most upbeat and warmest of her sounds thus far. This sound does brilliantly to reflect the song’s narrative, in which Lena Minder hopes to rekindle a love once lost. ‘Fall Again’ has elevated Lena’s incredible discography even further.
Luke Richards » All I Really Want
‘All I Really Want’ is a summer-made bop through and through, and excels in creating a vibrant and memorable vibe.
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After the hiatus that followed the first 3 singles, all released in 2019, the Woking hailing Indie-pop artist Luke Richards and his band bring us a sexy summer bop; one that is slow burning, and instantly memorable thanks to its amazing integration of smooth saxophone melodies. There is such a stylish brand of vibrance to be taken away from ‘All I Really Want’ which had our complete attention. We would truly love to see the band continue to pursue this unique and atmospheric approach, in the brand new chapter of their musical journey. ‘All U Really Want’ is quite obviously a summer-made anthem through and through. Quite frankly, it is one of the most atmospherically apt of all the summery tunes we have heard so far this year.
Pacific » Spiral
Pacific dive head-first into epic and cinematic territory, through the awesome and anthemic sound of ‘Spiral’.
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‘Spiral’ is the third single release of 2021 from Manchester band Pacific. Being based in a city such as that one sets a daunting prospect, in which there are a tonne of Britpop legends to live up to, and competition to conquer. However, Pacific have formed their own brand of the genre that feels both epic, and wonderfully nostalgic. And while Pacific has productively gotten this across over and over again, ‘Spiral’ stands as one of the most shining examples of this. The almost cinematic feel of this new tune really makes great use of the band’s use of piano, as well as the other instrumental elements, and the earthy vocal performance. We absolutely love how Pacific went head-first into epic territory, which has made for a truly amazing anthem.
Sabine & Ci Majr » Walk Alone
‘Walk Alone’ really brings a powerful emotiveness, and some phenomenal vocal harmonies, shared between two amazing artists.
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Arriving with her second single release of 2021, the Shropshire-based singer-songwriter known as Sabine, collaborates with fellow independent artist Ci Majr. The resulting single we receive as a result, titled ‘Walk Alone’, offers a brilliantly moody and engaging atmosphere. Sabine & C Majr met at a songwriting retreat in Nashville, which ultimately became the spark that ignited the creation of their collaborative effort. With another fellow artist, Ben Becker, behind the wheel of production, the combined efforts of three insanely talented independent artists really paid off, in what feels like an insanely polished and epic tune. ‘Walk Alone’ really brings a powerful emotiveness, and some phenomenal vocal harmonies.
New Music Sunday » 39 Best Songs Released This Week
This coverage was created in collaboration with Musosoup as part of the #SustainableCurator movement.
