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The term ‘indie’ in the music industry has become so ambiguous it has practically become as subjective as the meaning of life. Whichever way it is defined, it is still a massive part of the music industry in the UK and across the globe.

Originally, indie referred to how an artist distributed their music. Over the decades, it became a catch-all term for artists sharing the same sonic off-kilter edge; and, of course, the same moody yet inexplicably cool aesthetic. Indie, as a genre, only came around as the result of experimental artists in the 70s wanting to bring a new sound to the airwaves; instead of solely hoping for commercial success after appeasing one of the major record labels.

Indie artists adopted punk ethos they started to push the boundaries of pop. Instead of commercialising their sound, they pushed it into post-punk, shoegaze, synthpop, Britpop, avant-garde, noise rock and dream pop arenas. For all that separates bands such as Sonic Youth, the Cure, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Joy Division, Elliott Smith and Radiohead, there is still so much that ties them together, namely their attitudes and the loud discordant style.

Along with the bands, iconic venues such as the 100 Club in London, the Hacienda in Manchester, and King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow had a pivotal part to play in the traction of independent artists and music. New Indie labels, such as Rough Trade and Factory Records, were amongst the first record labels to truly embrace and encourage experimentalism and authenticity in the artists they scouted and signed – taking New Order and Joy Division as a prime example.

It may have been a while since there was an indie breakthrough act as successful as the Arctic Monkeys, but indie music has far from lost its resonance. Besides, Monkeys won over 42 awards and sold over 20 million records, so that’s going to take some beating, and they’re certainly not the only indie artists currently thriving.

The Welsh indie rock icons, the Manic Street Preachers, celebrated their first number 1 album in 23 years with the release of Ultra Vivid Lament in 2021. The Tarantino-Esque Liverpool outfit, Red Rum Club, released their debut album in 2019, and got to number 14 in the official album sales chart with their album, How to Steal the World, in 2021. Perhaps most impressively, the world’s first CryptoPunk rapper, Spottie Wifi, made just under $200k in album NFT sales in 90 seconds this year.

World class London-based classical pianist Monica Frank drops the incredible ‘The Stargazer Collection: A Bowie Tribute’

Posted on 14 September 2021

Bringing us a wonderfully fitting nine-track album that the late-great legend himself would surely love with all his heart, Monica Frank is absolutely outstanding on ‘The Stargazer Collection: A Bowie Tribute‘.

Monica Frank is a USA-born, London, UK-based indie classical pianist. Mentored by Mike Garson, David Bowie’s pianist for many years, she is a graduate of New York City’s Manhattan School of Music.

”Monica’s arrangements combine Bowie’s original material with her classical sensibilities to create a unique concept for each piece that further affirms the genre-spanning scope of his music. The three Mike Garson tracks are from his collection of 24 Nowtudes, beautiful contemporary piano miniatures.” ~ Monica Frank

With a sizzling performance that is of gold medal standard, she stuns our souls into action with a marvelous interpretation of all the tracks presented and sends us into a trance that is so beautiful to be wrapped inside. Her skills on the piano seem rather effortless at times on such an extremely difficult instrument, and seems to float majestically through this brilliantly projected nine track arrangement.

“Monica has created some astounding piano versions of some of David’s greatest songs. She also performs them very well. I’m sure if David was with us he would have liked them a lot.” ~ Mike Garson, legendary American pianist

‘The Stargazer Collection: A Bowie Tribute‘ from the excellent London-based classical pianist Monica Frank, is a true modern day masterpiece from a highly skilled artist. Her creativity only seems to get better and better on each single – and she displays such love and care here – to bring the world a tribute to one of the all-time great musicians, who is sadly not with us anymore. Monica performs with a real elegance that is so rare these days and fills up our hungry hearts, with a quite excellent display of extreme quality.

Hear this new album on Spotify and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Free Of Fear: Onyeka calms our anxious souls with the stupendously bright ‘Mornings’

Posted on 13 September 2021

Produced by the fabulous Woman’s Touch, Onyeka wants to stay young and free from the undesirable traps that can hold onto your heart forever with her superb debut called ‘Mornings‘.

Onyeka is a twenty three-years-young Coventry, UK-based indie alt-soul artist and aspiring screenwriter. She has a mature outlook for someone so young and sings with an impressive class throughout.

”Some of my biggest inspirations include Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, India Arie, Beach House and Weyes Blood.” ~ Onyeka

With a soothingly elegant voice which sensually compels you to turn up the volume and let her lather your soul with that rare goodness – you feel like you are witnessing something quite special – as Onyeka sings with such stunning beauty and enticing calmness.

‘Mornings‘ from the Coventry, UK-based indie alt-soul solo artist Onyeka, is a stop-counting-the-days gem which has you feeling rather nostalgic and keen to explore the world again. Wasting those long days stressing is definitely not the way to go and this is that heartfelt reminder to fly free when you can.

Sung with a true grace and authentic care, this is a loving track with so much to remember and is one of the more remarkable singles from 2021.

Hear this fresh new single on Spotify and see more on her IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

No Kiss And Tell: Wavesy is numb to the current world on ‘Elevated’

Posted on 13 September 2021

As he avoids the current state of the world as he sees it unfolding before his very eyes, Wavesy is in the zone he wants to be in right now with his latest single named ‘Elevated‘.

Cameron Poe aka Wavesy, is an wildly creative singer, guitarist, bassist and pianist, who somehow fuses indie rock, RnB and rap together.

”Wavesy is a personified dream that Cameron created to help convey the old school rock and roll sound with a modern, darker R&B/rap sound that he is producing and in every song you can hear the roots while he tries to blend new genres together acoustically.” ~ Wavesy

He possesses a quality about him that is so rare – from his memorable vocals to his deeply rooted lyrics – as we learn about an artist who is carefree and doing what he thinks is necessary, to survive this extremely odd planet we currently reside in. He will certainly not tell everyone exactly how he is doing things, but is confident that it will catch on if everyone opens up their eyes enough.

‘Elevated‘ from the indie rock/RnB and rap artist Wavesy, is a hauntingly immense track packed full of so much intrigue from a hugely talented soul who is floating calmly at the moment. He has made his own bubble during this horrible pandemic and is cruising around in it no matter what, as he waits for the world to return to a kind of normal again.

Made with a furiously bass-filled beat, this is a track that will have you feeling rather introspective about your current journey.

Hear this stunning new single on Spotify and see more via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

A Dramatic Crescendo Of Enveloping Sonority: Virginia-based composer/pianist Martin Graff takes us places beyond our current mindsets with ‘Sonare’

Posted on 13 September 2021

Taken off his recent eight-track album called ‘Trips for Piano‘, Martin Graff brings us much enlightened peace for our worried souls with a song that will have you feeling purified again with ‘Sonare‘.

Martin Graff is a mightily skilled composer-pianist, illustrator, writer and spoken-word performer, who based in safe and flourishing Arlington, Virginia.

With one of the most impressive chin-beards you will ever see, he uses these superpowers to make the type of music you can just sit back with, and let it lather a web of pureness all over your willing body.

”At four, his family inherited an old, anonymous piano, and Marty surged with an uncontainable energy to climb onto the bench and dig his hands into those eight-eight bits of clay, instinctively molding them into little aural landscapes. Crude and square at first; at last, faceted gems after a lifetime of practice, polish, and love.” ~ Martin Graff

With a calming ambiance and featuring a wizard-like level of genius proportions, which certainly has you dazzled and perhaps a tad flustered at times. His remarkable style is truly translucent – as he picks up your bad mood to flip it around – and brings you back into a much happier space in the world, where you may feel so much more satisfied with life.

”Making this music is the opposite of death, like the centrifugal force around the sharpest bend of the greatest roller coaster. A re-harmonizing of my most tumultuous internal cacophonies and maybe yours. So, listen up as I bang on this gong from the Gods! As the resonance of these radiant compositions fill your ear and make their way to your heart.” ~ Martin Graff

‘Sonare‘ from the multi-skilled Virginia-based composer-pianist Martin Graff, is a lovely piece of art from a highly skilled artist who brings so much joy to many. His excellent technique is truly incredible and sadly underrated, as he plays with a true love for what he does. This is a song which will sooth many a soul, and bring you back to a place in time where you feel most content.

The true aim of music is to bring us together and heal the wounds of the past after all.

See this new video and score on YouTube and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Out Footloose: Pune-based indie pop artist Karan Patade looks for that sun-kissed breezy freedom again on ‘Wake Up’

Posted on 13 September 2021

Bringing us the inspired lead single from his debut album, Karan Patade dreams of those fun times where he feels alive and outside in the beautiful world again with ‘Wake Up‘.

Karan Patade is a Pune, India-born author and indie pop singer-songwriter. He is a soulful artist who sings with a pure voice that is minus the unnecessary frills, and features a thoughtful man who loves to express his feelings on a feel-good track here.

”He released his debut album “Studio 3311” on his 33rd birthday. The album title is in reference to his apartment where he wrote and recorded all of the 8 songs during the ongoing pandemic.” ~ Karan Patade

With a peaceful blend of heartwarming vibes that has you feeling so exuberant again after being caged in like an unhappy bird for far too long, you sense his vocals adding an optimistic feeling inside your wholesome consciousness.

‘Wake Up‘ from the Pune, India-based indie pop singer-songwriter and author Karan Patade, is a marvelous new track which shows us a young artist who is doing what he loves. After many years of thought – he used this pandemic to send the world his masterpiece – as he sings with such a vivid imagination and vision, which you just can’t teach.

Perhaps this tremendous song will help many get their shoes off to connect with the earth – as you daydream about being in the sand and ocean again – purifying your soul away from the city life which can drag you inside forever, if you aren’t too careful.

Hear this fine new single on Spotify and see more via his IG music channel.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Showing Us The Way: Black Koncept drops deep six track EP ‘Mind Of Koncept’

Posted on 13 September 2021

With his Dad on the mind constantly and his deep thoughts recalling how the past almost destroyed him, Black Koncept inspires a whole generation to stay busy mentally and to never let the haunting demons take over on ‘Mind Of Koncept‘.

Black Koncept is a Detroit, Michigan-based indie hip-hop artist and basketball fan, who is massively into anime and comic books, as he smartly blends this true love into his vastly emotive music creations.

”At 16 years old I began rapping due to a crippling depression from being neglected by my father , and constantly starving every day having to steal quarters to eat.” ~ Black Koncept

There are six quality tracks here and no fillers, with particular gems being the demon-filled lead single ‘Mind Of Koncept‘ and the use-the-pen anthem ‘Michael Myers‘.

With so much pain-filled lyrics at every emotional corner which leads you into those dark days he has unfortunately experienced that no one should, the constant theme of suicide is brought up multiple times on this EP. With a consistent flow attached and his savage lyrical skill on show – he shows much potential behind the mic – as he brings us into this movie-like world which was almost over before it began.

Luckily through music, he has been able to wisely distract himself from those ominous moments from before and shows us how quickly thoughts can build up and potentially destroy everything.

‘Mind Of Koncept‘ from the Detroit, Michigan-based indie rapper Black Koncept, brings us inside his deepest thoughts and is a warning sign for our youth to learn from. With so many people feeling like they just can’t continue – he has found that by using his daily energies creatively – this new mindset can bring you so much freedom to advance your life, into the happy medium universe you seek for that true self-love.

Only love and light shall and must succeed.

Stream this new single on Spotify and see more via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

We Can Talk It Out: Texas singer-songwriter Ryan Hamilton is ready for the hold-up adventure on ‘Banditos’

Posted on 13 September 2021

After keeping his soul alive while releasing a song a month in 2021 which has kept him sane with all the carnage brewing around, Ryan Hamilton returns with his latest single about showing the pistol to those who don’t think you are serious called ‘Banditos‘.

Ryan Hamilton is an experienced Fort Worth, Texas-based indie rock solo singer-songwriter, Wicked Cool Records recording artist, who was formally in local band Smile Smile.

”Ryan has been releasing a new track a month via Wicked Cool for his project ‘1221’, collaborating with such artists as Bob Schneider and Chuck Prophet.” ~ Ryan Hamilton

This is the story of taking your opportunity when you have the chance and not giving it away to anyone, as you sense the moment is now to be in the control of the situation. With a true storyteller like this – you can feel his burning energy to enlighten us – with his terrific soundscape that is a pleasure to lather intricately into.

”With a summer of festivals in 2020 postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ryan recorded his ‘Incommunicado’ covers EP on lockdown in Texas. Upon release it went straight to Number 1 on the UK iTunes Country chart.” ~ Ryan Hamilton

‘Banditos‘ from Fort Worth, Texas-based indie singer-songwriter Ryan Hamilton, is a that-seems-fair soundtrack all about taking what you believe you deserve. With a motivated mindset and a flourishing voice which seems to sweep you off your feet, this is a grab your treasures track that is a feet-tapping gem. Made with a tremendous edge and a hungry attitude, this is a catchy song to turn up loud and with your cowboy hat on proudly.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Are You Happy: Café Society wonder how the new life is going ‘On the Bright Side of Rosa’

Posted on 13 September 2021

Recorded in The Hague and mastered at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, Café Society commemorate founder Richard’s impressive 45 years in music, that is one year ahead of the 40th anniversary of him forming the band in 1982 with ‘On the Bright Side of Rosa‘.

Café Society is a four-piece indie alternative new wave band that started up in Los Angeles, who are now based in The Netherlands. The band features his eleven-years-old daughter Bella, and make that intricately-made music vibration to calm our tired heads from this over-stimulated world.

”Founded by American musician, singer and songwriter Richard Morris in Los Angeles in 1982, Café Society became one of L.A.’s most beloved unsigned local bands, opening for acts such as Los Lobos, Steve Vai, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Cock Robin, The Minutemen, T.S.O.L., and X.” ~ Café Society

With a thoughtful ambiance, this is a stunning single which is all about explaining why it took so long to visit. Made with a reflection-filled energy and a band who seem to mesh perfectly together, this is a memorable single packed with a foot-tapping vibe which takes you a happy world away from current harsh times.

“The greatest opening band in L.A.” ~ Anthony Kiedis, lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers

‘On the Bright Side of Rosa‘ from The Netherlands-based indie new wave act Café Society, is a peaceful single which is full of classy soundscapes, whistles and good energy from a lovely band full of terrific vocals and lyricism. This is the type of song to chill with on the weekend as you let your imagination wonder, to marvel at such a catchy underground gem.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more on his IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Not The Right Time: Boston-based indie pop artist Chris Peters knows that he is always ‘In Between’

Posted on 12 September 2021

With a radiant ray of vibrantly exciting energy that certainly transforms those cloudy days into wonderful sunshine, Chris Peters wants to be with his dream lover so much but knows that they will always be with someone else on ‘In Between’.

Chris Peters is a Chicago-born, Boston-based indie pop singer-songwriter. He is a current Berklee College of Music in Boston student, and is only interested in spreading love and light through his music creations.

He sings with such a clear vocal ability that makes you take notice and turn up the volume, as he performs with a freedom that is so glorious to lather lovingly inside. With a smooth style and rather descriptive lyrics that shows you where his head is at, he avoids the often-confusing mystery and shows us warmly into his clearly creative mind with much-pleasing gusto.

‘In Between‘ from the Boston-based indie pop singer-songwriter Chris Peters, is that leave-me or love-me type of song which follows a relevant story of being with someone who you love, but it seems like you will be destined to be friends with forever. Your heart is telling you to stick around as things might change – but your trustworthy gut is saying you should move on – as you wonder deeply as to why your ideal lover, wants to be with someone else who continues to hurt them.

Sometimes you just need to accept that you can’t be together, even when you see them your heart beats uncontrollably and you say things you wouldn’t with anyone else in the world.

Stream this new single on his Spotify and see more via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Never Get Another One: Radiant Chicago RnB artist Vesta shines beautifully on ‘Personality’

Posted on 12 September 2021

Taken off the latest thirteen-track album named ‘Hydra‘, Vesta lets it be known that we have only one ‘Personality‘ so its best to use it wisely and be yourself always.

Vesta is a Los Angeles, California-born, San Francisco-raised, Chicago-based, queer indie RnB/soul singer-songwriter. Music with a purpose is the mission here, as there is a classy vibe that has been created to assist others in being themselves no matter what.

”Vesta’s interest in music production began after listening to Daft Punk’s Alive 2007, as began their mixing skill with Ableton Live. Progressing from house to a more relaxed style akin to that of Sade or Raveena, Vesta slowly began to incorporate their own writing and voice into their music.” ~ Vesta

There is much to love from an underground artist of this quality, with a true story that so many of us seem to easily forget. With so many people trying to copy bad role models daily, this is the kind of refreshing correction the youth need to digest and never forget the taste of.

‘Personality‘ from the highly creative Chicago-based indie RnB/soul artist Vesta, is the message that should reverberate about our hungry-for-realness hearts and adds an extra glow of love to proceedings. The vocals are crystal and pure, created with a dazzling display of that intriguing goodness. which is much-needed in this at-times selfish world.

This is the type of peachy track to put on when you need reminding – that you should always be yourself no matter what – and express yourself to be fully understood in this treasured life of ours.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen