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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.

Nightmare: Denmark-based alternative act Heathe leads us into the unknown on Black Milk Sour Soil

Posted on 23 March 2023

Showing us deep into the darkness of this corrupted planet, Heathe swabs off the face-soaked blood and cherishes the moment with those now-lost birds who used to roam so freely on the hardcore single Black Milk Sour Soil.

Heathe is an Aalborg, Denmark-based alternative act that started off as a solo outfit and has now moved into a group collaboration.

”The group debuted in the spring of 2019 with the full-length album “ON THE TOMBSTONES; THE SYMBOLS ENGRAVED”, consisting of one long, uncompromising, and all-encompassing composition. A record that was well received by several international media, and which marked a busy 2020 for the group until the pandemic hit.” ~ Heathe

Stalked in sizzling symmetry which is layered with a possible visit to the cemetery, Heathe slice a deep hole into many consciousnesses on this rather superior and ominously created soundtrack for the ages.

Black Milk Sour Soil from Aalborg, Denmark-based alternative solo artist Heathe is such a heavy song that will spill all blood from our hearts and into a different place altogether. Sending our shocked souls into a quicksand of no return, we find a tremendously intense soundtrack which will rattle all ribcages.

Hear more on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

I’ve Been Outside: Sani Knight gets lost in the lie on Nocturnal

Posted on 23 March 2023

Trying to listen clearly as he waits around to hear if he is the one or not, Sani Knight senses that his invaluable time is being squandered on the scintillating new track Nocturnal.

Sani Knight is a Los Angeles, California-based indie artist who fuses RnB, hip hop and pop in his own incomparable way which sizzles airwaves awake like an alarm clock.

”His unique approach to making music has earned him a devoted following, and he is quickly gaining recognition as one of the most exciting and innovative artists to come out of LA in recent years.” ~ Sani Knight

Ears will be listening closely as this is a piercingly relevant single for the ages. Sani Knight sets the standard for many and has unearthed many withheld emotions to savour forever. There is an elevated soundtrack on offer which sets the stage for a poignant statement single to truly treasure.

Nocturnal from Los Angeles, California-based indie RnB/hip-hop/pop artist Sani Knight is a rather illuminating song for anyone who likes to be inspired to reach an all-important decision. Soaked in a stunning ray of reflection, we find a delightful blend of honesty throughout this outstanding effort made with care and true love.

Turn this up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: Dehko negotiates with killers on Detroit-loaded rap-dance fusion, Tektroit

Posted on 22 March 2023
https://on.soundcloud.com/JyR6sdYFqdWRwsqG8

Sitting down with Dehko for a hugely revealing interview, we found out more about this massively talented artist who seems to have that entrenched self-motivated attitude needed to succeed. Telling us about his vision and the rise of Detroit music, we find a grounded visionary who is doing things his own way.

We thank you for sitting down with us Dehko. How are you today and how did you first start in this game?

Dehko: I’m doing great! I first started DJing at 12 years old. Started producing competently at 20 years old. I’m currently 24. It took me many years of studying the industry / big players to determine what my sound and style would be. I never wanted to be anyone else. Just me. My upbringing was Hip-hop in Detroit. I was exposed to dance music at 15 years old. I started playing a lot of Hiphop Dance mashups in my local city that nobody ever heard of or thought was possible. That eventually grew into me merging both genres together with my original mixes.

Please explain to us the process around your new album Tektroit.

Dehko: Detroit rap is very popular right now. It was my goal to create a new sound in dance music. I decided to try combining the local Detroit rap sound with my club dance original tracks. The first track ‘Infinity’ set the tone for the project. It wasn’t easy getting these rappers out of their comfort zones. Let alone getting them to agree to do a dance joint. The ones that agreed went all in. I was the director / DJ Khalid of the room. I had to manage these rappers to ensure they were timing right. All 11 rappers had a different process that I had to adjust to. After a few sessions, we got the hang of it. I recorded the entire album at Royal House Recording. Big thanks to Julian S. My engineer there who held it down with me the entire time.

Who inspires you most in the world?

Dehko: God & My father. I’m nothing without GOD. And nothing without my family who has had my back throughout this entire journey.

How did you get rappers to rap on dance tracks?

Dehko: Negotiating with killers…. The rappers on Tektroit are not a joke. They are big names with a long history. Snap Dogg, GT, GMO Stax, YBN LIL BRO, Ghetto Baby Boom, Baby Para, LIL GAZ, Forever Meech, WholeHunnid Los. All these guys earned their names. Some for their notorious hustling days. Some from their sound.

Growing up I was always in Detroit. Being chaldean my moms side had a liquor store in Detroit and my dad had a collision shop on 8 mile. I was always around the hood and when I grew up I was more connected than I ever thought because of my family and our history working in the D. I made some phone calls and the rappers were not far away. The hard part was explaining the Tektroit vision to them. Most of them have never even heard a dance record before. So it was a big challenge to overtake.

Please tell us more about your tour dates and where readers may find you next?

Dehko: March 24th.My Chicago Debut at Electric Hotel. Catch me in 2024 playing Movement Detroit. More tour dates are currently in the works.

What do you feel is next in your career?

Dehko: Tektroit Vol. 2 with bigger names. I want the T Grizzley, Peezy, Big Sean, Icewear Vezzo, Veeze, and 42 Duggs next. Vol. 1 is just a stepping stone. I want to build an empire off of both genres and bring them together. I also will be releasing remixes in 2023 based on the top 50 rap songs.

Last, how would you describe your music vision to someone who has never heard your music?

Dehko: A cross combination of Rap on top of House music. No dead spots. Always entertaining. Always hype. Something you can bop your head to and fist pump to in the same song.

–

Listen up on SoundCloud.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

The Ashes Will Hold Us: HADEE feels that sleep-crashing waterfall brewing closer on Kerosene

Posted on 22 March 2023

Locked away inside a distant memory and waiting for the special moment it rises high in the mind again, HADEE yearns for that close contact on the beat-heavy new track to find the path called Kerosene.

HADEE is a Miami/LA-based indie alternative pop/rock solo artist who explores the reckless themes of romance and its evanescent nature in this spellbinding experience.

“It started out as an instrumental idea I had made a couple of years back. It was a bassline that I had then developed, but I couldn’t seem to think of the right words for this one idea. I had almost accepted that it would never become a full song. Fast-forward to this past summer, I had found the original recording of the instrumental, and that’s when the chorus melody we hear in the song came to mind. This allowed me to further get into the storyline and arrangement, so I could create a decent demo.” ~ HADEE

Saturated with excitement and sizzling with a vigorous blend of brilliance to swim deeply into, HADEE is on top form with a stunning track made with dazzling power and precision.

Kerosene from Miami/LA-based alternative pop/rock solo artist HADEE is a rather extraordinary track for many reasons. It glows through the speakers and takes us into a whole new burnt-packed planet. There is intoxicating energy brimming with splendour here, from a fiercely talented performer who is ready with the lighter to spark up our lives.

Listen up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Ain’t No Trust: Colt Graves attempts to get back on his feet while travelling through the Lonesome Roads

Posted on 21 March 2023

Looking for happier days after feeling rather defeated lately, Colt Graves looks for that brace to keep in place from those rainy days on the excellent new travel-bound single to navigate with on those hazard-packed Lonesome Roads.

Colt Graves is an Owensboro, Kentucky-based indie country singer-songwriter who fuses hip-hop and pop into his hugely creative tracks.

”Colt has been singing and writing songs since he was a child under the guidance of his grandfather, Bluegrass Hall of Fame Member, Josh Graves.” ~ Colt Graves

Looking for that shot to turn tomorrow into a much better day, Colt Graves is in a moody form via this electrically charged single to change attitudes with. Letting us onto the horse and showing us that all-knowing emotional carnage within, we find a spectacular experience to lather deep into when a reflective light starts to shine deep in the eyes.

Lonesome Roads from Owensboro, Kentucky-based indie country singer-songwriter Colt Graves is a rather special song which might cause hearts to flutter and heads to nod in agreement. We are treated to something rather soul-soothing and will also invoke so many memories to come flooding back like a pouring waterfall.

Listen up more on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Out Of My Chest: Gregory Rhodes senses the tide changing for the better on Love Song For Catherine

Posted on 21 March 2023

Recorded in Anchorage with Grammy-nominated audio engineer Geoff Stanfield, Gregory Rhodes sings with rare emotion made for the movies on the exquisite Love Song For Catherine.

Gregory Rhodes is an Alaska-based indie alternative singer-songwriter, music producer and multi-instrumentalist who creates sumptuous tunes to explore vividly.

”The album encompasses a blend of sonic influences drawing from a wide range of genres, from 1970s acoustic rock, to 1960s minimalism, lo-fi experimental alternative, and orchestral classical music, as his lyrics drive deep into an emotional psyche, exploring hidden worlds, shifting narratives, archetypal imagery, and religious longing.” ~ Gregory Rhodes

Feeling the affectionate rays simmering in his soul like a young spirit floating to a new romance to savour, Gregory Rhodes has assembled something rather ear-soothing and might put shivers on many bodies with this top effort. His vocals are effortless and you sense the sentiment drifting all over this gifted visionary.

Love Song For Catherine from Alaska-based indie alternative singer-songwriter Gregory Rhodes is a groovy wonder all about finding that true romance in a world packed with sneaky trees which can hide romance away. Guiding us through the wonder and into so much reflection, we find a rather special soundtrack to get enthusiastic about for its intrinsic value and heart.

Listen up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

I Got More Money: Yung woah lines up that cash on Out the Roof

Posted on 21 March 2023

Heating up the rims and sliding around with much self-assured confidence, Yung woah is on a mission and sprays truth all over the haters and sends a massive message to truly get exhilarated about on Out the Roof.

Yung woah is an East Atlanta-based Shreveport, Louisiana-born indie rapper who has shared the stage with Lil Yachty, Moneybagg Yo, Lil Durk, Latto (formally mullatto), Tootsie The Rapper, Lil Duval, and Keke Palmer.

Showing boundless enthusiasm and boatloads of lyrical content to consume with a smile, Yung woah is headed to the top with a popular sound and appeal in droves to match too. You can sense that he feels like the next level is available, and it’s his moment to surely shine like a shooting star in the sky to guide new listeners into his world.

Out the Roof from Shreveport, Louisiana-born indie rapper Yung woah is a brick-throwing single to sizzle up the steak with. Stunning all onlookers and listeners with something rather sledgehammer-like, we find a heavy hard-hitting street track which shows the hunger of a creative who isn’t stopping for anything.

Turn this up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Come and Get Me: Benj shows us the facts on ON GOD

Posted on 21 March 2023

Aiming for the gassers who talk a big game but actually give up really easily, Benj is headed to the top on the fiery new single to get those ON GOD.

Benj aka Jack Benjamin Ayrey is a German-born, Switzerland-raised songwriter/rapper with roots in the UK who started his career in 2019.

Strolling through the binoculars and scanning only the goodness, Benj slices down the haters and vows to keep it real amongst the concrete jungle. With heavy bars and a pulsating beat, this is a rather terrific track to pump on loud.

ON GOD from German-born indie rapper/songwriter Benj is a quality song all about stating that those small-minded fools are wasting his time. Showing leadership and that hustle mentality needed to succeed, this is a rather super song to flame the day with when things get frustrating with pesky fake rappers bellowing nothingness.

Listen up to this single on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Amsterdam composer, Knupperpouf, set a tear-tempting score in her lates piece, Marnixstraat

Posted on 19 March 2023
El Pueblo (Amsterdam Album) by Knupperpouf

For her latest release, the Amsterdam-hailing songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, Knupperpouf (AKA Nicolette Lie) arranged the tear-tempting neo-classic instrumental piece, Marnixstraat.

The chamber strings cut melancholy across the score, while the poise of the piano keys melodically instil a sense of reflective repose, which you will effortlessly fall into while absorbing the baroque beguile of this wordless exemplification of what it means to be human.

Towards the outro of the short and striking single, Marnixstraat introduces nuanced rock elements that pay an ode to the artist’s sonic origins in the 90s Dutch indie scene. if anyone deserves to be lauded as a virtuoso of ethereal pensiveness, it is Knupperpouf.

Marnixstraat is now available to stream and purchase on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jakob the Liar – H E A R T B E A T: The Only Heartbreak Hit You Need to Hear This Year

Posted on 19 March 2023

Considering that we’re living in a post-truth world, we may as well tune into a reality falsifier, especially if they’re as endearingly magnetic as the alt-indie singer-songwriter Jakob the Liar.

His latest single, H E A R T B E A T, is his first contribution to the airwaves since the successful launch of his 2020 EP, Crystallised in Moonshine, and it is a melodic dream. The concept of running away from your own heartbeat won’t be foreign to anyone that has known heartbreak, but few can bring that world-shattering sensation into poetic motion as well as the Danish London-residing artist.

If The National, Bon Iver and Springsteen had a riff-soaked lovechild, the sonic result would be just as sweet as the anthemic intimacy in H E A R T B E A T.

H E A R T B E A T is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast