Being well into the month of October, and furthermore the season of Autumn, the musical climate has almost fully transitioned more somber sounds. This is exactly why we are so pleased to share with you a wide array of different independent tunes.
This week, many of the tracks we discovered seem to be teasing bigger projects, which gives us a great deal of hope that 2020 will end with a bang. But without further ado, let’s take a look of things to come, with our top 10 picks of the week.
Track of the Week
Mone » Big Brown Bear
Born from the #metoo movement and Mone’s own experiences, ‘Big Brown Bear’ is a gripping anthem about shedding the layers of human reflection.
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Following on from the amazingly sinister and gritty nature of the sophomore single that was ‘Rat’, Berlin-based artist Mone brings us her third and newest single. While ‘Big Brown Bear’ carries with it a more mellow and downbeat sound that its predecessor. The piano and strings still succeed in creating a dark and melancholy atmosphere, but one that also feels oddly soothing. Contextually, ‘Big Brown Bear’ is a song about the complicated relationship to one’s own body, and the desire to shed the layers of human reflection, which was a concept born from the #metoo movement and experiences with sexual harassment. And we believe that the bittersweet grandeur of this tune emphasises this topic masterfully. This track will become part of Mone‘s debut album, Crocodile Kisses, which is set to arrive later this year.
Danny Wright » Reckless
‘Reckless’ is bound to connect with many listeners in the way that some of the best Pop Punk anthems might.
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‘Reckless’ is the fifth 2020 single release from Danny Wright, also known as “London’s Prince of Punk Rock”. The track tells of self-destructive unrest, which pairs perfectly with the deep and epic, yet also radio-ready Pop Punk anthem. But despite the lyrical matter of ‘Reckless’, this track is, in an odd way, uplifting for those who may be struggling with their own well-being at this time, and it might prove to be a track that tells those kinds of people that they are not alone. So when it comes to the heart of it, ‘Reckless’ will connect with many listeners in the way that some of the best Pop Punk anthems might. But going back to the raw sound of this tune, it is truly an awesome banger.
Dean Knill » Butterflies & Warning Signs (Acoustic)
It should go without saying that the acoustic version of ‘Butterflies & Warning Signs’ feels incredibly intimate, with the tailored melodies really sealing the deal.
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Emerging in 2020, West-Sussex born and raised singer-songwriter Dean Knill blessed us with his incredibly ambient, soulful, and layered style of pop. But Dean has brought listeners something different to delve into this week; that being an acoustic version of his sophomore single ‘Butterflied & Warning Signs’. In comparison to the original track, it should go without saying that this acoustic cover definitely feels more intimate. Dean Knill also manages to tailor his vocals to better fit with the acoustic framework of the track, and it really seals the deal when it comes to this track’s soul-warming sentiment. And while we also love Dean Knill’s signature pop sound, we definitely hope that this isn’t the last acoustic track from him either.
Elise » Cowboy
If there is any track from Elise that will get country fans on-board, we would put our money on ‘Cowboy’ being the best candidate.
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After beginning the build of her discography in 2019, singer-songwriter Elise brings us her first 2020 single release, titled ‘Cowboy’. While Elise experimentally implemented a more electronic sound into the country framework of her four previous tunes, ‘Cowboy’ leans more heavily towards a more traditional country sound. We believe this decision helped to give ‘Cowboy’ a bit more freedom to really push a more complete sense of ambience, and this transpires to make the track a truly luscious listen. If there is any track of Elise that is going to get more country music fans on-board, we’d put our money on ‘Cowboy’ being the best candidate. With such a vast and atmospheric depth, this track is an exciting new chapter in the musical career of Elise.
Katie Kittermaster » The Problem
Kattie Kittermaster creates a self-reflective and very genuine piece with ‘The Problem; a track that reaches out to those who resonate with its lyrics.
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Following on from her amazing previous 2020 single that was ‘One of A Kind’, we are now blessed with a brand new single from Indie Pop artist Katie Kittermaster, titled ‘The Problem’. This track taps into Kitermaster’s own ways of dealing with ideas of depression at a young age, which gives the track a very genuine and personal sentiment. Paired with the impactful songwriting, the sleek and accessible pop production behind ‘The Problem’ helps to bring out the more uplifting moments in the track’s lyrics. Knowing that there were other people that felt the same way as Kittermaster inspired her to write this song, which we feel effectively reaches out to those listening.
Leah Clark » Not Up To Me
‘Not Up To Me’ carries a more stripped-back and warmer sound than Leah Clark’s previous tunes, providing a refreshing change of pace.
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Making her debut in 2019 with the single ‘Boring Now’, Leah Clark has kept things consistently productive in 2020, following that first song. With a total of six dreamy original singles, ‘Not Up To Me’ is the newest of these tracks. And while this track keeps the deep and immersive feel that her previous 2020 releases carry within their deep nocturnal sounds, ‘Not Up To Me’ is more stripped back instrumentally. With a warmer, more acoustic sound, this track feels incredibly intimate, and it certainly succeeded when it comes to a sound that seeps into the soul. While Leah Clark’s previous tunes are all deep and engaging in their own right, ‘Not Up To Me’ definitely serves as a refreshing change of pace.
Ryan Edmond » Sky Song
‘Sky Song’ beautifully touches upon the positive aspects brought on by this year’s lockdown period, in an equally positive and joyous sound.
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The fourth single release from Rockingham-based singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Ryan Edmond, ‘Sky Song’ carries with it a bright and very summer-like feel, which feels fitting when you consider that the inspiration behind this track’s writing takes us back to the even crazier times of this year’s pandemic. But while we have heard many tracks that focus on the effects brought by COVID-19, none of them seems to have touched upon the positive aspects quite as Ryan Edmond does with ‘Sky Song’. Connecting with loved ones on a deeper level, and giving planet earth a chance to heal, are amongst the positive aspects that this equally positive and enjoyable tune brings to the forefront.
Shiva and the Hazards » Revolution Son
When it comes to replicating the qualities of classic Britpop anthems, ‘Revolution Son’ gets absolutely everything spot-on.
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There are many independent artists or bands that can be easily praised for keeping the classic Britpop aesthetic alive, but Melbourne band Shiva and the Hazards may have just brought out the most convincing continuation of a Stone Roses / Oasis inspired sound with their latest single ‘Revolution Son’. When it comes to replicating the structural and melodic qualities of the classic Britpop anthems, ‘Revolution Son’ gets absolutely everything spot-on. From the bouncing, festival-ready rhythm, to the soaring melodies, this track has everything a track would need to have any Britpop fanatic completely engaged. But similarities to other bands aside, ‘Revolution Son’ is a perfect get-up-and-go anthem for anyone in need of a joyous musical boost.
Trafton » Break It Later
Trafton takes a turn towards full-blown pop with ‘Break It Later’, an immersive and regal pop tune that spells an exciting new chapter for the artist.
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‘Break It Later’ is the first 2020 single release from New York-based singer, songwriter, producer, and pianist Trafton. Following the years of 2018 and 2019, in which Trafton consistently brought out a number of tunes that fused a deep, poetic ambience with pop-inspired electronic instrumentation, Trafton takes a turn towards full-blown pop with ‘Break It Later’, which stands as one of his most accessible tunes to date. From the moment this track’s focal melody faded in, we could instantly sense an immersive and regal pop feel, which really added some luminosity to the atmosphere surrounding this tune. ‘Break It Later’ definitely spells a new chapter for this exciting artist.
Zhero » Icaro
‘Icaro’ brings Zhero’s musical style back to his Italian roots, creating something that feels both incredibly unique and remarkably genuine.
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Originally from the heart of Italy, singer, songwriter, and producer Ciro Manzari moved to London and crafted his musical alias of Zhero. Releasing his debut single ‘Good & Sick’ in 2019, Zhero has remained consistent with bringing out new tunes ever since. And in the wake of his debut album, Zhero Presents, we have the brand new track that is ‘Icaro’. This track stands out from his previous tunes, in the way that it champions a sound that feels closer to Zhero Italian roots. And by blending this kind of aesthetic together with the electro-pop sound that has been a mainstay for Zhero, creates something that feels both incredibly unique and remarkably genuine. Be sure to check out this single, as well as the full album, as there are many excellent tunes to be found on there.
Below you can find al of the 39 awesome songs that were released this week. Don’t be shy to give us a cheeky follow and spread the indie music vibe with others!
