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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.

Someone Dancing: Cagri Raydemir delivers a truly reflective single to sink our teeth into on Undeniable Manifestation (feat. Julian Hesse)

Posted on 24 April 2023

After showing us deep within his mindset on the remarkable Unscripted Surrender from 2022, Cagri Raydemir guides us through his intelligent world and shall shake many hearts awake on Undeniable Manifestation (feat. Julian Hesse).

Born in 1981, Cagri Raydemir is a Munich, Germany-based alt-rock/blues singer-songwriter, music producer and sound engineer who holds business management and engineering degrees.

”After taking part in various bands, he concentrated on his own work and played & sang live occasionally.” ~ Cagri Raydemir

Keeping temperatures calm and displaying so much calmness under pressure, Cagri Raydemir avoids the strain and slips away from a messy world filled with pitfalls. Sung with razor-like energy and bellowing out a message for all cultures to take heed of, this is a monumentally personal release.

Undeniable Manifestation from Munich, Germany-based alt-rock/blues multi-creative Cagri Raydemir is a powerful experience which is worth listening to twice at the first attempt. Gliding through our emotions and bringing us something rather unique, as we are treated to a song which needs to be played loud for full effect.

Listen up on Spotify to feel the vibe.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: Atlanta’s Caleb X shows us the new sound on Double Back

Posted on 23 April 2023

We had the pleasure of chatting with Caleb X recently and this was one of the books. After starting with a MacBook Air, we find out what feeling freedom in music really feels like and the creative process behind Double Back.

We appreciate you taking time out of your busy day for us. Firstly, please tell us how you got into the game and where you are currently based.

I first got into music at the age of 16 when I decided to not just write poems and lyrics in a notebook and to put it on songs instead of starting out on just my MacBook Air. Before then, I always used to watch my cousin Laure Pen make music in her room as a kid and ever since those days I’ve just been inspired to make my own path in music. After moving from Georgia, I’m now based in Virginia.

Double Back is your latest track. Please guide us through the creative process and who you worked with on it.

Double Back came about while coming up with a new sound for a collaboration project I’ve been working on with a talented artist featured on the song named Zay-Oh along with the production by Mike Lakes. I’ve been having great chemistry with both so it was about that time to put something together and showcase our talents and just create something great. Originally Double Back started with just the melody while going through some beats and once I heard one of Mike Lake’s beats everything started to click and I went on from there. Definitely one of the most fun creative processes I’ve had so far.

Which local music venues in your area should we check out?

Now, when it comes to Atlanta it’s so many to go to I can’t just name one but personally my favorites to check out are center stage and masquerade. You can always catch some dope shows there. Mainstream or underground it doesn’t matter. When it comes to where I’m based in now Virginia, the main one to check out is the Norva. Thats the go to venue here for real.

The Blue Moon. Please tell us more about your last project and what you’re currently working on.

The Blue Moon is my favorite project I’ve made so far. There’s so much that went into it creatively and just things that happened outside the process that makes that time period special to me. There were times I thought it would never get done or go the way I wanted it to but in the end things happened just how it should’ve in order to make the album what it is. I was going through writer’s block before finishing it and I just kept at it in the studio with my good friend Benzo who is featured on the album a couple times. He gave me that push when I needed it the most. he even help me get better at melodies and putting ideas together better. I even got into a bad accident that not too many people know about but that was a factor in kind of messing up my process but eventually I just used that as more motivation to keep going and prove to myself that nothing can stop me from creating. Also, while creating The Blue Moon, I finally connected with Mike Lakes. I happened to make a loose single that was originally part of the album but I ended up putting it on SoundCloud and sent him the track and he was blown away by it so ever since then we’ve been locked in and trying to make more songs and just strengthen our chemistry. The Blue Moon is definitely that project I’ll always love because it was the first time I didn’t rush the process and allowed myself to live in the moment and let ideas come to me slowly and really soak things in which is something I’ll continue to do.
I’m currently working on 2 projects actually. One is the collaboration project with Zay-oh which is titled Ultraviolet Radio and the other is a solo EP. Haven’t told anyone the title of the EP yet so you guys get the exclusive. It’s titled Dreams of Rodeo.

What was it like growing up in your area and how have your family impacted your career choice?

Growing up was interesting I would say. Started out on the East side of Cleveland, Ohio from birth til I was about 6. I would say it’s not the ideal place you would like to raise your children but it was out of my parents control but we were blessed enough to move to a more safe environment located in the city of Cleveland I guess you can say before we eventually moved to Georgia when I was 9. My dad bought me a karaoke machine when I was like 7 and I was the happiest kid ever. Always used to battle rap with my friends while using the mic and when it comes to family influence in music it’s like a never ending list. But my dad would always play the oldies like Marvin Gaye, Dazz Band, Ohio Players, you know all the classic artists of that time that I still listen to. My mom wasn’t too big on that music but she played a lot of Gospel and Whitney Houston when I was growing up so I would say hearing the mix of 70s music and gospel definitely made me fall in love with that type of sound along with melodies. The love of melody really hit me when my dad introduced me to Bone Thugs & Harmony music as a kid for the first time. Their sound hit me like a tsunami I swear. If it wasn’t for their music I truly don’t think I would have the type of love for music I have today. Also, I have a brother who rapped for a while and opened up a show for Bone thugs ironically and I have 2 nieces and a cousin who sing along with another cousin who produces and they all record their own music so it’s definitely always been a family thing. We didn’t go for the music, it came to us. That’s how I always looked at it. It’s something that will never leave us. It’s just part of our DNA.

Do you have any advice for new artists in the game and what are the best words of wisdom you’ve ever experienced?

As far as advice goes for new artists out there, I would say to stay true to yourself no matter what. Don’t let any outside noise take you away from the vision you have for your art. Not everyone is going to like you but there are some who will. Those are the ones that will take you further than you imagined. That’s something my dad always told me and I’ve been running with that advice ever since.

Last, what does making music mean to you?

To me, music means freedom. Music gives us artists the freedom to tell people who we are and what makes us tick. You don’t have to be the most lyrical person out there. We’re all telling our stories in our own way that connects with millions of people around the world. There’s people in different countries that don’t speak English at all and they still be vibing and trying their best to sing along to their favorite artists songs so that should show you how powerful music is. Music is the most powerful form of freedom in the world. You got to love it.

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Hear more on Spotify.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: Kendyle Paige tells us more about Mom life and her new single Ladybird

Posted on 23 April 2023

With her first child on the way and creating music melodies to keep anyone smiling, Kendyle Paige guides us through the sounds of the 70s and tempts us with a delicious iced vanilla Matcha. Blessing us with valuable insight, we find out more about how to keep creative no matter what the climate.

Hello there. We appreciate your time and for joining us. First, what do you have for breakfast usually and where are you currently based?

Thank you so much for having me! My usual breakfast is a bagel with cream cheese and bacon (don’t knock it till you try it), and it’s always accompanied by an iced vanilla Matcha. I’m currently based in New York.

How did you first get into music and do you recall your first time on stage and what it felt like?

I’ve always loved music. Growing up I was very much surrounded by the sounds of the 70s due to my parents. Around nine years old, I remember my mom hearing me sing, and telling me it was good (i had no clue), it was 2006 so the movie, ‘Dreamgirls’ had just come out and she had me sing along to ‘Listen’ by Beyonce in our living room everyday for months straight. Eventually, I went on to perform at school talent shows and local events until 2015 when I began gigging anywhere that would have me. One of the first major New York venues being, ‘The Bitter End’. I remember riding that high for weeks. It definitely solidified my desire to pursue music.

Ladybird. Please tell us all about your new release and what it means to you.

Ladybird has been in the making for quite some time. After my last album in 2018, I knew I wanted to create something with more live instruments. My songs just always feel better to me when we play them live. I wrote the entirety of the songs during the pandemic in LA, and when I moved back to New York in 2021 my producer Brandon and I got to recording. Ladybird is an album about my experience with love in all forms. Each song is a bite-sized topic revolving around romance and connection. It covers themes like ambivalence; the complexity and dichotomy of human emotions, and the pain of feeling two ways.

What else interests you besides music?

Besides music, I’m really into fashion, creative directing, and traveling. I love putting together treatments for my music videos, and creating moments with visuals to accompany music. That, along with putting together a dope outfit, and traveling to a new city are some of my favorite things right now.

Do you feel any pressure music-wise coming from a Grammy-winning family?

Honestly, never. If anything, just inspired. My uncle, Dave Valentin won a Grammy for best Latin jazz album in 2003. He was incredibly talented, and I’m thankful for the experience and knowledge he shared with me in regards to the industry.

What is your favourite music venue in the world to play live at?

Favorite venue, probably Rockwood Music Hall. Dream venue to play Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Last, what goals do you have for the rest of the year?

I’m currently pregnant with my first child, so just getting to know her and this new chapter in life, and promoting my new music. I’m hoping to drop some visuals and play a couple live shows as well so look out for that. Thank you so much for having me.

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Listen up on Spotify.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Back Outside: Rar3 slide into a wild night of fun in SUMMER ’22

Posted on 23 April 2023

With the stylin’ sunglasses on, fresh chains causing blushes from curious onlookers and an encouraging tone to uplift all communities, Rar3 takes a flight outside with the skin-healing ocean breeze track to snack on briskly, SUMMER ’22.

Rar3 is a SOUTHERN SWAGG MEDIA GROUP fused Missouri City feature with appearances from FBL_QUARTEZ, Duke-g and BMG TORY.

Demonstrating how meaningful it is to show unity together and find a party so hot it will burn all night, Rar3 will have heads bouncing in delight like a kid who just ate their first ice cream ever. This is summer skies stuff to soothe all sunburn and bring smiles back to clarity again.

SUMMER ’22 from Missouri City-based Rar3 is one of those optimistic tracks to savour which could change a frown into a beaming smile. This is what those hot days are all about. Hanging with friends and rapping without trends, we find a straight-up reminder to get away from the television and into a new world minus apprehension.

See the sunny skies and real talk via YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: Brice Robell is hugely insightful on RFLCT Pt. 1

Posted on 22 April 2023

Learning more about RFLCT Pt. 1 and that feeling of being live on stage was the mission when we spoke to Brice Robell. Destroying genre lovers by just keeping it real and fresh is what we found out, plus a barrage of information about producing soulful beats with meaning.

Hello there. We appreciate your time and for joining us. First, what do you have for dinner usually and where are you currently based?
I want to thank you all as well! My wife & I have a solid dinner schedule lined up. We’ll do taco Tuesdays, pizza Fridays, and we’ll add a vegetable curry or pasta dish in between. I am currently based in Seattle so there are lots of great places to eat for date nights as well!

Please tell more about RFLCT Pt. 1.
In technical terms it’s my debut album but if I’m being fully transparent it’s so much more than that. It’s the embodiment of an independent artist’s struggle navigating the wild-west of the internet age. From manipulative algorithms to misleading numbers to social media. I truly bled my heart & soul all over this project and I hope the message comes across.

How did you first get into music and do you recall your first time on stage and what it felt like?
I’ve been surrounded by music since I can remember. Whether it was piano recitals, singing in church, or playing alongside a high school band my Dad directed; the memories run deep! I remember my first time on stage was probably around 1st grade, I went out to play a song on the piano and I couldn’t find middle C haha, so my dad came up and pointed me in the right direction. If we’re talking about actually performing in recent years, I recall performing for a school of about 500 and it was a blast, especially having them sing along at the end!

Hip-Hop, Soul, Jazz/Funk, Alt RnB and even the ambience of a film score. Please tell us more about your music style and creation process.
To quote Jacob Collier, I’m a staunch non-believer in genre. All of these genres have certainly inspired me throughout my lifetime but I’m glad I don’t have to solely choose one; it would limit my creativity. Music is a rather spiritual process for me & sometimes I just have to get out of the way. I do my best to find/create sounds that best fit the individual song; sometimes it’s arduous & sometimes it happens in two minutes.

What’s it like being a vocalist, lyricist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist in this fickle music game?
Fickle is a great word to describe the current model. Honestly, the only thing I can control is the cultivation of my craft. Personally, I plan to put my energies into live performance and building local community. I’m over the online game & the vacuum of posts, likes, comments, etc.

Do you miss playing basketball or do you still find time to have a game with friends?
I do miss the camaraderie of being on a team. I’ll shoot hoops with a couple friends here and there but we keep it pretty low-key for the sake of old injuries. We’re all 30 and below but when you play college sports it takes a next-level toll on your body.

Last, what do you wish to achieve from your music career?
Personally, I’ve already achieved it. I’m making music I enjoy & it took me 5 years to feel competent producing, writing, mixing, etc. I’ve had a couple people reach out on how a song touched their soul & that is success to me. Stream counts and likes aren’t palpable and they’re never enough; having that awareness is crucial to your peace of mind as an artist. Thanks again for having me!

–

Listen up deeper on Spotify.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Your Words: Jon Kenzie avoids the weaving observations on Two Plus Two Is Five

Posted on 22 April 2023

Sung with a calm intensity and reminding us of that soulful blues to sip on all night long, Jon Kenzie looks for the all-important truth inside a lie-filled world on the catchy new track to meditate with, Two Plus Two Is Five.

Jon Kenzie is an experienced Manchester, UK-based indie blues solo singer-songwriter and music producer who loves to fuse folk and soul into his wholehearted compositions.

”He has truly worked his way up from the grassroots, first playing on the streets and in the clubs of Manchester and then travelling Europe and the States, performing in every town that he comes to.” ~ Jon Kenzie

Taking our minds into a truly introspective soundtrack which has been made with so much poise and ingrained brilliance, Jon Kenzie sizzles our earlobes in the best possible way. This is quality stuff from an honest poet who sings with so much glorious class and love for his craft.

Two Plus Two Is Five from Manchester, UK-based indie blues solo singer-songwriter Jon Kenzie is a rather intriguing single for anyone who believes that humanity is actually going backwards. Thinking about the past and sending us a quality track to learn from, this is a must-listen single if you like things super bluesy and real.

Turn this up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

AŸA is anything but pedestrian in her jazzy RnB pop single, Sidewalk

Posted on 22 April 2023

Singer-songwriter, producer, and artist AŸA has beguiled the Berlin scene and beyond with her latest RnB pop rendezvous, Sidewalk, which is anything but pedestrian for the way it breaks the monocultural mould by pulling on her Moroccan and Yemeni Roots while keeping the production refreshingly contemporary.

If I’m being honest, I dread the run-up to summer for the swathes of superficial sun-soaked singles that land on my metaphorical desk, but AŸA couldn’t be trite if she tried. The revolutionary soul in the ethereally warm vocal lines melding with the dominant percussion is a lesson in Summer pop alchemy. If the sax lines and the lyrics that narrate a story of romantic stagnation don’t leave you wanting to dive into realms of fulfilment, you may as well hibernate through summer too.

“The lyrics of the song are a metaphor for an ongoing relationship that is actually not going anywhere. Instead of riding into the sunlight with the one you love, you find yourself taking dark paths and compromises for the one you love even though it feels so wrong.”

Sidewalk was written, composed, and produced by AŸA, with help from Kurtis Wells, Johnny Kulo, and Gavriel. Executive production and mixing were taken care of by the #1 Billboard music producer, Ido Poleg, and the single was mastered by the award-winning engineer, Manon Grandjean.

Stream the official music video for Sidewalk on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Back to The Bar It Is: Jejune gets another one in the thirsty tummy via Boogie Juice

Posted on 22 April 2023

Rushing the groove and taking another shot to spruce up the night, Jejune downs the apple sours and feels rather alight again with the catchy new single to dance all night with called Boogie Juice.

Jejune is a Leeds, UK-based indie rock band that is a fearless and unpretentious outfit that just wants to bring humanity kickass tracks to jam with.

Soaring with a Cuban, Jersey and Notts fused energy which is only heightened by the quality on offer, Jejune turns up the volume and shows us their raspy brilliance to make the night one to remember. This is a late-night track you see, and only for those who love a cold one, or appreciate the booze-packed aura.

Boogie Juice from Leeds, UK-based indie rock act Jejune is a rather super song which will make many smile and many frown. That’s the point. This is a loveable track which shall get feet tapping and many cheers forming, to bring us a cheerful soundtrack to sip on happily.

Turn this up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

My bro was telling me: Somecallmewale avoids the overthink on NOT THAT DEEP

Posted on 22 April 2023

Moving away from the previously unhealthy mindset, Somecallmewale keeps things smooth and simple to make our palates happier again away from the nervous vibes which can wrap up real souls like unnecessary plastic in the ocean on NOT THAT DEEP.

Somecallmewale is a London, UK-based British-Nigerian music producer-artist who is as charismatic as they come and projects his vibe rather splendidly on each track.

”Wale is deeply influenced by the sounds of Rap, R&B, and soul, citing artists like Whitney Houston, Babyface, and Vince Staples as major inspirations. However, Wale draws inspiration from a variety of sources, whether from UK Grime, Jazz, and even Bollywood soundtracks.” ~ Somecallmewale

Do you like mellow music with a message? Somecallmewale is the name we should all be talking about. Sizzling with patience and calming vibes to embrace, this is a top-notch soundtrack to admire for its intellect.

NOT THAT DEEP from London, UK-based British-Nigerian artist/producer extraordinaire Somecallmewale is a late-night release to play when it’s time to make a move with a sensual soul. Rapped with confidence and showing us an impressive flow to warm up all hearts like a hot bubble bath steaming and ready, we find a massively likeable freestyle-like track to rinse all worries away.

Listen up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Different Places: Adam Monaco bides his time with a cuppa on Nevermind

Posted on 20 April 2023

Turning on the kettle and staying warm away from the temptations lurking outside, Adam Monaco sends our hearts into a more content place to find that happy home again on Nevermind.

Adam Monaco is a Long Island-born Philadelphia-based indie folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who is known for his inspirational sounds and for assisting the local music scene.

”Monaco is currently recording and releasing singles with his seven-piece band, and plans to release a full album at the end of 2023. Monaco recently entered the world of film when he scored the documentary Burden of Memory which won Best Director at LA’s First Glance Film Festival.” ~ Adam Monaco

Sung with an intensely felt honesty and soothing all worries away, Adam Monaco is that radiating hero we all needed. Reminding us to zen and have a warm cup of tea, as the wild world shows us the darkest sides of humanity outside.

Nevermind from Philadelphia-based indie singer-songwriter Adam Monaco is a rather glorious experience which is surely one of the most calming tracks so far in 2023. Taking us away from the bright lights and all the false narrative outdoors, this is a mind-my-own-business classic to chill next to the fire with.

Listen up deeper on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen