Hello Indie Top 39 family! Things here have been growing and they’ve decided to bring more people on board. My name is Tyler Roberts and I’m extremely lucky to have been brought on board. I’m very excited to join the team. I’ll be writing the New Music Sunday articles and maybe some reviews here and there. I’m a professional trombone player based in the Denver area. I love traveling and even played in a rock band on a cruise ship for a while.
Enough about me however, this week there was a ton of great options to choose from. Deciding which ones to write about is never an easy task, but I feel we’ve done a good job here. I hope you can find something you like from this week’s New Music Sunday!
BAY BRYAN » Sticky Shadows
Although the lyrics on ‘Sticky Shadows’ sing about feeling stuck, the song felt adventurous and free
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Light strings support Folk-pop artist Bay Bryan on ‘Sticky Shadows’. This enjoyable song pairs meaningful lyrics, with the drive of a story. Bouncy melodic lines take almost psychedelic times at points. When the song reaches what feels like the highest point it takes an unexpected turn. Throughout the thickening of the texture, Bay Bryan continues to push the song along with their vocals. They sounded great and their voice was as sweet as honey over the driving rhythm section. Above all, the song was both easy to listen to and enjoy. With its easy energy, it is more approachable than a lot of folk-inspired music.
CYRANO » Tundra
An incredible follow up to his debut – ‘Tundra’ proves that Cyrano has no plans on stopping or slowing down.
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Following up on his debut single and hit, ‘White Wine’, CYRANO continues to create introspective, interesting music. “Tundra” takes a more reserved and toned back approach than his previous work. Still, it finds cool grooves and the beat drop towards the later half was phenomenal. The synths used are interesting and help create a cool atmosphere. Providing airy vocals that lead the song and float over the imponderous chords. Cyrano sounds as at ease providing vocals over the thinner texture as he does over the dance groove. His versatility is on full display, as he delivers yet another great song.
EMMY » Feel
EMMY sounded elegant and mature supported by jazzy harmonies on ‘Feel’
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Delicate vocals are supported by easygoing light chords. Keeping this light energy throughout, London-based pop artist EMMY sounds simply dreamy. The backing vocals compliment the thin, yet full texture. Her sound is mature and full yet wispy and weightless. Aptly named, the song is dripping with feeling. Emotions ebb and flow alongside the beautiful instrumental. Touching on themes of love and reminiscing, ‘Feel’ captures the complex feeling of nostalgia. At points, it felt sad, at others excited, but all throughout it never lost the feeling of looking through rose coloured glasses.
ERAWAN » Booty Call
The soothing melodies on ‘Booty Call’ are as intimate as they are beautiful.
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Feeling like society was pushing its norms on her, ‘Booty Call’ discusses the loneliness experienced while single. Despite this, UK-based artist Erawan feels healthier alone. The song is dripping with raw emotion; at points even boarding on silence. The tenderness of it all highlights the intimacy of the lyrics. The quiet chords in the piano drive the song allowing the melodies to meander between highs and lows. Even at its strongest and most confident it retained the contemplative feel. Erawan’s beautiful voice will tug at your heart strings.
GABY K » Like You Should
‘Like You Should’ provides intimate and delicate vocals telling a story of unrequited love
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Being in love is phenomenal unless you’re not loved back the way you deserve. You end up feeling lost and second-guessing yourself. Gaby K captures this fragility on her song ‘Like You Should’. Despite the nature of the lyrics she sounds powerful and commands a presence. Knowing your worth in a relationship is a tough thing to be honest about. Yet all throughout the vulnerability her delivery remains confident and well-spoken. The piano chords compliment her voice wonderfully. When paired with the Latin inspired drum beat it elevates the performance, allowing Gaby K to shine.
HILLARY CAPPS » Nobody Told Me
Sounding fragile yet powerful ‘Nobody Told Me’ commands attention
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Calm yet fiery lyrics greet you on New York-based pop artist Hillary Capps’s new song ‘Nobody Told Me’. Inspired by the dismissiveness of the patriarchal healthcare system, the song tackles some of the difficulties many faces with their health and receiving the help they need. Capturing feelings of being left in the dark and ignored, the song aims to empower. Many feel like they have been failed by their healthcare providers, and this shows that they’re not alone in their anger and sadness. The graceful delivery elevates Hillary Capps performance, allowing her to shine as bright as the sun.
SABRINA » Drive
Many view the end of a relationship as sad, Sabrina finds optimism in this bleak scenario however on ‘Drive’
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To celebrate her birthday, Brighton-based artist SABRINA delivered this fun and intimate track. Airy vocals float over the involved electronics. Skirting the line between contemporary pop and EDM her music is both well performed and elegant.SABRINA sounded lovely adding movement with her diverse melodies. Her voice contrasted the busy synths behind her and helped elevate the song. Swells from the instrumental would come and go supporting the fragile lyrics. The unique production kept everything interesting through this vulnerable song. Another great release by an Indie Top 39 veteran. Happy Birthday SABRINA!
SLEEPY SOUL » Stars
Self discovery isn’t always easy, but ‘Stars’ shows that it does have a lighter side
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‘Stars’ is the last single released for Midwestern-based duo Sleepy Soul’s upcoming album. Introspective lyrics float over whimsical chords. The dreamy guitars support the explorative leading melodic lines. Presenting a variety of different vibes on the song, it almost mirrors the theme of discovering your self-worth. The music video is fun and shows off Sleepy Souls personality. Between the song and video, everything was light and playful. It was easy to listen to without dumbing down the content matter. The duo sound great and I’m excited to hear their upcoming album.
THE ESCAPE » Psychoactive
Eerie production encapsulates the feel of giving into your vices on ‘Psychoactive’
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Heavy production is met with calm collected lyrics on London-based duo, The Escape’s single ‘Psychoactive’. At points the instrumental is minimalist and airy, at others there’s grimy bass and intense synths. The range of it all supports the lyrics and keeps the song interesting. Unlike anything else on the airwaves right now, it draws on all sorts of influences, from hip hop to electronic. I found myself constantly paying attention because of the constant movement. ‘Psychoactive’ will keep you on the edge of your seat, just waiting to hear what happens next.
New Music Sunday » 39 Best Songs Released This Week
