When Too Much Joy first released Son of Sam I Am on the San Francisco-based indie label Alias Records, critics were delighted. Rolling Stone8 called it “an exciting, promising discovery,” the New York Times praised its “irresistible guitar-driven pop songs,” Penthouse declared it “the best indie rock record of the year,” while the *San Francisco Chronicle singled out “Kicking” as “easily the best new number in 1989.”

Austin folk rock songwriters Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus return with their 7th record on Houston’s Berkalin Records. This time they’re leaning toward the folk side of their folk-rock equation with a sound more acoustic.

The indiefolk alter-ego of Bristol, UK musician Barry Dolan. Starting as a tentative side project away from playing big noisy riffs as Oxygen Thief, this diversion from his usual writing habits made Dolan’s poetic lyrics increasingly precise and personal, with his intimate guitar playing embellished with wider layers of instrumentation.

Ævn is a Twin Cities artist who has just released his debut full-length album “Tides.” Ævn’s self-produced work that blends trip-hop, lo-fi, and alt-R&B into a cohesive founded narrative. Written and recorded between winters in the Twin Cities, the album explores themes of isolation, emotional paralysis, and the quiet rebuilding that follows personal collapse. Ævn uses sparse Instrumentation, layered textures, and distorted vocal processing to mirror the internal push and pull of healing and detachment.

Independent metal artist Brian Hunsaker returns with “Power Over You,” a truly cinematic power ballad driven by a dynamic, progressive arrangement. The track will be available on all major streaming platforms on September 12, 2025. The single is the follow-up to Hunsaker’s widely-praised July release, “Haunted,” which introduced his ambitious new project and garnered dozens of positive reviews from music journalists.

Soft Collapse, hailing from Philadelphia, PA, is the creative force behind the mesmerizing single ‘Sleepweight’. As a bedroom solo project, Soft Collapse brings a unique and intimate touch to their music, captivating listeners with a blend of dreamy melodies and buried vocals. Influenced by the likes of Cloakroom, Nothing, and Town Portal, Soft Collapse weaves a sonic tapestry that transports the audience to a world where time stands still and reality blurs with the dream realm.

UK alt-rock artist Scarlet Joy returns with her new single Never Let Me Go, an uplifting, high-energy track that captures the thrill of connection. Recorded at Superfly Studios, the song features soaring guitars, driving rhythms, and emotive vocals that make it impossible not to hit repeat. The track’s anthemic chorus and vibrant energy make it a perfect soundtrack for late-summer playlists.

The new recording from Liverpool born singer/songwriter Paul Claxton showcases his wide range of musical styles and influences. From the poetic storytelling of singer-songwriters like Roy Orbison, Lennon & McCartney & Bob Dylan, to the country-tinged rock of Gram Parsons and the soulful sounds of artists such as Dusty Springfield and many early Motown records.

John Deering, hailing from Minneapolis, United States, showcases his musical prowess in his latest original single, “Slow Dance.” Collaborating with notable musicians Peter Anderson and Ryan Smith, John delivers a captivating track that intertwines soulful melodies with poignant lyrics. With Peter’s rhythmic drumming setting a solid foundation and Ryan’s bass adding an urgency to the overall sound, “Slow Dance” is a testament to John’s creative vision and musical talent.

Blending neo-Victorian whimsy with dark surrealism, “Hatter’s Mad Emporium” is a vivid sonic exploration of the world inside The Hatter’s Mad Emporium. Written and produced by Wendy DuMond (Bog Witch), the track channels dream logic from the world of Wonderland, where down is up and nothing behaves as it should.

Berlin-based musician and composer Lawrence Timoni unveils the highly requested acoustic version of his song “Good Enough (Still I Try)”. Stripped-down and intimate, this reimagining transforms the original into a sunset confession about impostor syndrome, self-doubt, and the quiet will to keep moving forward.

Days don’t Wait, hailing from 8PALMA DE MALLORCA*, Spain, is a solo artist who has taken the music scene by storm with their latest original single, “Technicolor.” Released on 08th Aug 2025, this DIY project showcases the raw talent and creativity of the sole contributor who grew disenchanted with the local music scene. Influenced by 90’s sound, alternative rock, and bands like Soundgarden and Radiohead, Days don’t Wait brings a unique blend of grunge and introspective lyrics to the forefront.

Singer-songwriter Lee Hornsby, aka Chords Of Indigo, is an emerging artist from Manchester, UK. As Chords Of Indigo he crafts soulful, soaring indie-rock that blends raw emotion with cinematic edge. Following eight standalone singles and support from outlets across the UK, US, and beyond, he returns in 2025 with Evelyn and the Evil – a five-track concept EP exploring love, guilt, and the shadows we carry. The record unravels across three singles through August and September, culminating in the full EP release on 20th September.

Marine Store Dealer craft emotionally charged soundscapes that feel both intimate and expansive, blending post-rock textures, dream pop atmospheres and alt-indie urgency. Their second album When We Swim Outside in the Floods in the Streets will be released in Autumn 2025. Their third single from their upcoming album, “Speed Back to Me” explores themes of change, impermanence and loss. The lineup features Gemma Upton (guitar, lead vocals), Martin Pearce (bass, keys, vocals), and Eray Çaylı (drums).

Singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Charlie Kogen has released his latest single, “Not Wastin’ Time,” on all streaming platforms. Following the success of his previous tracks, “Comfort in the Pain” and “Life of the Party (of one)”, the new single showcases Kogen’s signature blend of heartfelt storytelling, genre-defying soundscapes, and a touch of Yacht Rock.

On the back of standout track ‘Dream River’, “full of riveting, darkly stylish appeal” (Obscure Sound), Natalie Bouloudis returns with her new single ‘Spinning Planet’, available on streaming platforms 5 September, 2025.

Portland four-piece Kallai entered the fray with their alt/shoegaze hybrid debut single, “Always/Never”, in March 2024, followed by their post-punk sophomore single, “Palisades”, in May 2024, which made the Audioasis on KEXP Best of 2024 playlist. After the success of their singles, the eponymous EP dropped in June 2024, almost a year after the formation of the band comprising seasoned alumni from Trance to the Sun, Lost Echoes and Luscious Apparatus.

Since their formation, Dude Safari have steadily built a reputation as one of the UK’s brightest new guitar bands. Their debut album YUSSUS (2023) was accompanied by the Daniel Blanchard-directed documentary ‘Looks Like We Made It’, both celebrated with a sold-out cinema premiere and hometown show. Their music has since landed on major editorial playlists across Spotify, Amazon, Deezer and Apple Music, alongside spins on BBC Radio 1, KROQ, Radio X and Amazing Radio. Rolling Stone praised the band as “Powerful and catchy in the best way possible.”

Fusing the raw spirit of Nirvana, the fierce energy of Joan Jett, and the modern edge of The Warning, ‘Doll Guts’ is a melodic yet menacing grunge anthem that walks the line between cute and creepy. It’s a sound that’s nostalgic and fresh all at once, fuelling anticipation for the band’s upcoming debut album due later this year.

Vienna-based singer-songwriter and pianist Phil Woloch (performing with his band) blends the warmth of 70s pop/rock with modern indie sensibilities. Drawing inspiration from artists like Billy Joel and Elton John, Phil’s music thrives on strong melodies, honest storytelling, and a timeless live-band energy.

Following Lexytron’s genre-bending debut album Something Blue, lead singer Lexy slips into something more electronic on ‘Something New’, pairing an alternative pop rock style with sardonic wit, big choruses, and a painful honesty that has now become her trademark.

I Don’t Need Your Permission, the second album from Minneapolis-based lawyer-turned-novelist-turned-musician Mary Strand, was inspired by a near-death experience that shifted her perspective on the world, society, and her life. The songs ask what’s important in life while exploring themes of empowerment, especially from a woman’s perspective, with a new sense of outrage about injustice. The first four singles from the album all landed in the Top 10 of the Radio Indie Alliance Top 100 overall worldwide charts. “Least of All Her” hit # 1 on the RIA worldwide chart.

Tropigloom is an indie/shoegaze project by Canadian musician Andrew Roy. The music fuses elements of lo-fi, shoegaze, and alternative rock. It’s blend of melancholic undertones creates a sound that’s dreamy and raw, nostalgic and contemporary

Ursa Way is a Swindon-based indie/Britpop band that recently released their album, Yesterday’s Tomorrow, on September 5, 2025.

Michael Landgarten is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter whose music blends the spirit of American rock, folk, and soul with an ear for timeless storytelling. He first picked up a guitar as a teenager, inspired by Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Who, Chuck Berry, and Otis Redding*—artists who shaped the foundation of his sound. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Landgarten fronted and wrote for bands including *The Doc Johnson Blues and The Zeftrons, both fixtures of the Portsmouth, New Hampshire music scene.

Dee Dasher announces two major milestones for 2025: the release of her new single “Out Here” on August 28, followed by her debut full-length album Conscious Home on September 26. Known for her heartfelt blend of indie folk-pop and alternative pop, Dee’s music is steeped in honesty, warmth, and lyrical storytelling that resonates with both grit and grace.

Profit of Doom is the latest studio outing from Chicago shock-rockers Sinister Fate: an extended ‘album-length-EP’ comprising four new original songs and a cover version of “Filter”, rounded out with four additional remixes. Profit of Doom includes the singles ‘Meet Mister Scratch’ and the brand-new video- single ‘beLIEve’: a blatantly scornful send-up of the conservative Christian right in the USA. Frontman David Bates admits that the band is not normally known for socio-political commentary, but found it difficult to avoid in the current climate.

Playing in bands for over 35 years, Kieren Hills began his journey into underground music in New Zealand, during the late 1980s, before relocating to Australia with riotous Wellington NZ punk rock group, S.M.U.T., in 1993. He turned up a few years later in Stuttgart, Germany’s Murder Disco X; followed by countless Sydney underground bands, including crust punk / d-beat merchants Vae Victis; hardcore legends Dark Horse; and deathrock / gothic punk outfit Death Church, to name a few.

Tamar Berk returns with ocd, her most personal and sonically ambitious album yet — a fuzzed-out, reverb-soaked dive into looping thoughts, emotional spirals, and the strange beauty of overthinking.

Rambunctious, boisterous and utterly infectious, The Problem with Kids Today takes off with Take It! The punk trio blends U.K. and American punk styles with pop sensibilities and tears it up on their manic third LP, recorded with DIY heart and passion. Let’s have a party.

‘Forbidden’ is the title of the new single, video and EP from SEXSOMNIA; the darkwave / electro / post-punk hybrid from Montreal, Canada. Joined by special guest Marita Volodina of Poland’s Stridulum on vocals, the new Forbidden EP is out now, alongside the new video for the title track.

Marc Teamaker is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York City, Marc is now based in Stamford, Connecticut, USA. A prolific artist with a rich pedigree, Marc has just released his latest solo album, Teas n Seas.

You might think that these three old pals would get together for a relaxing session that just revels in their collective chemistry. But you’d be incorrect about that notion.

Reeya Banerjee’s second full-length album This Place is a bold and emotionally resonant indie rock release that deserves critical attention. Drawing influence from Springsteen, U2, Fiona Apple, and Peter Gabriel, Banerjee blends literary songwriting with powerful vocals and dynamic arrangements, crafting a cinematic record that maps heartbreak, memory, and survival onto the physical geography of her life.

The Omnipotent Wage is the brand new album by British socio-political punks Launch Control, featuring the singles: “Hedge Fundamentalism”, “Pax Britannica”, “Science Friction” and “Plastic Fruit.” The album expands upon Launch Control’s proven ability to pair thoughtful, socially concious lyrics with hard -hitting high tempo punk rock, by incorporating genre-bending influences from metal to hip-hop and furthering their use of electronic elements.

Circus Mind is a New York-based rock outfit and the brainchild of ringleader Mark Rechler. The band’s latest release “Bioluminate”, a delightful mashup of rock and Nola funk mixed with late-Beatles pop, received rave reviews from Relix, The Rocktologist and countless other entertainment news outlets. The band features Mark Rechler on Keys and Vocals, Brian Duggan on Guitar, Michael Amendola on Sax, Mathew Fox on Bass, Steve Finkelstein on Percussion and Dan Roth on Drums. Circus Mind is able to daringly swing from jazzy grooves to reggae roots then shoot out of a cannon into rock without missing a beat.

NYC singer-songwriter Jessie Kilguss presents her latest single ‘Howard Johnson’s’, previewing her sixth album, ‘They Have A Howard Johnson’s There, which was engineered, produced, mixed and mastered by Charlie Nieland (Debbie Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Blondie, Scissor Sisters) at Saturation Point Studios in Brooklyn.

Introducing Extinction Burst, Matare’s original album set to release on 02nd Sep 2025, a collection of tracks that draw inspiration from a diverse range of influences including The Chameleons, Foster The People, The Cure, Depeche Mode, and New Order. Each song on the album tells a story rooted in personal experiences and emotions, reflecting a journey of self-discovery and reflection. With a blend of post-punk, new wave, and alternative rock elements, Extinction Burst promises to be a standout release that defies genre boundaries and resonates with audiences on a profound level.

Tallinn-based alt-rock artist and producer OLLIE (Oliver Mazurtšak) returns with his most emotionally powerful release to date, “Guardian Angel,” a soul-stirring ballad that dives deep into the complexity of grief, memory, and hope. Known for his genre-fusing productions and raw honesty, OLLIE once again delivers a track that balances vulnerability and power, channelling soft rock, pop-rock, and alternative country into a cinematic, heartfelt anthem.

Rising Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Jill Baldassari steps confidently into the spotlight with her debut 5-track EP, Growing Pains, led by the heartfelt single “Rewind.” At just 21, Jill has already built a reputation around the Philadelphia music scene for her captivating stage presence, strong vocals, and emotional storytelling. Now, with Growing Pains, she brings those qualities to a record that captures the exhilarating highs and crushing lows of early adulthood.

Archways, hailing from the vibrant music scene of* London, England*, brings a unique blend of art rock and dreamy shoegaze influences to their captivating sound. The band’s latest original single, “Victoria,” released on August 22, 2025, showcases their exceptional musical prowess and inventive approach to storytelling through music.

In the spring of 2024, after an almost 12-year hiatus, Evan felt the urge to start playing music again. This time, the plan was to teach himself how to play the piano with the understanding that it would be only for fun. The days of playing shows and touring are not even a blip on the old radar. Within the first 60 days of playing piano, Evan wrote his first song, “A Day In The Life”, the title track for his first solo album.

The eclectic indie band Nom De Plume unveils their third studio album Circle the Dream on August 14, 2025. Led by singer-songwriter, guitarist Aris Karabelas along with innovative bassist Michael Magee, the Maryland and Wyoming based band continues to craft emotionally resonant music that draws from folk, alt-country, and Americana

This song deals with personal growth gained through the pain of a breakup. Interesting slide guitar with a build-up to a fast-paced rocking song. This is a cover of a 30-year-old John Bottomley song, which was a brief hit in Canada when it was released.

The Wood is the 4th album by singer-songwriter Amanda Emblem, its title taken from one of the tracks. It’s a contemporary, atmospheric folk, acoustic driven collection of tunes that features flute and harmonica along with guitar fingerpicking and slide. Storytelling, contemplative themes and sweet melodic sounds with simple authenticity are key to it’s listening journey. Fun and upbeat to spooky old school sounds will trip your imagination from start to finish.

Giant Killers8 look to the future – The Boy Who Went Delulu is the headline title of four brand new tracks – an EP showcase of the band’s upcoming second album due in November. Music industry watchers will recall the ’90s comeback kings ‘ well-documented 30-year struggle to get their rights back from an industry giant. 2024’s Songs for the Small Places was heralded as one of the finer cuts of that year by *Louder Than War.

Produced by Alex Farrar (Wednesday, MJ Lenderman, Indigo de Souza) at Drop of Sun Studios in Asheville and mastered by Jennica Best (Colatura), the record captures Wetsuit’s power of their cathartic live sets, blending layers of 90’s alt with elements of indie twang, shoegaze and 80’s new wave. Wetsuit unravels memory into melody, with songs tracing Becker’s journey from Midwest childhood to Brooklyn adulthood, pairing nostalgic visuals with DIY music videos for over half the album, directed entirely by women.

Lessons in Crime, the alternative pop/rock duo hailing from Ottawa, Canada, is the brainchild of Liam Schwisberg and Paolo Pace. Meeting at Algonquin College in 2017, their musical journey began when Liam asked Paolo to play drums on a final project, leading to the formation of the band.

Noah & The Void, the heartfelt musical project from 27-year-old artist and former Berklee dropout Noah Chartier, returns with “Love Comes Free”, a euphoric, genre-blurring single that captures the emotional weight of struggle and the unexpected power of joy. It’s a shimmering alt-pop, folky anthem, built for late-night drives, windows down, and a heart wide open.

Transatlantic country duo Outpost Drive return with their powerful new single “House Of Cards”, a soaring, sun-drenched anthem that blends American storytelling with British grit. Written and recorded on the Welsh borders with hitmaker Jim Eliot (Ellie Goulding, Halsey), the track was shaped in a home studio nestled deep in rural farmland, yet its sound feels built for arenas, festival stages, and long summer drives.