Welcome to “This Week’s Sonic Safari,” where we will be taking you on a thrilling adventure through the vibrant world of independent music. We’ll wander across beautiful lush soundscapes in this sonic journey, looking for hidden gems and digging up musical treasures created by brilliant musicians from all around the world. Our journey promises to be an intriguing investigation of originality and invention, from the busy streets of indie music to the peaceful woods of acoustic folk.
So secure your seat in, set your headphones, and come along with us as we embark on a musical exploration of the highest calibre, ready to experience the amazing variety of this week’s best and newest songs.
Scars On Louise – Dead To Me
Scars On Louise’s latest single, “Dead to Me,” is oozing emotive depth and infectious energy, setting the stage for their most highly anticipated debut LP, “TRINITY – BODY.” It plunges straight into the turbulent waters that boil with broken love, capturing the raw, visceral feelings that come right at the end of a relationship. Laura’s potent vocal finally drives it home through its powerful landscapes, delivering vulnerability and defiance. Perfectly set off by Romain’s guitar dynamics and Kevin’s powerful drumming, their performance resonates with an anthemic quality. There is a strong infusion of electronic beats and rock elements in a way that gives the track contemporaneity, hence helping the last chord to nestle safely in the mind of the listener.
Formed in 2017, the band Scars on Louise is still continuously honing their talents on numerous stages across Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. “Dead to Me” not only captures the vitality of their live performance, but the track also represents the next step in the trio’s development: catchy melodies combined with a powerful arrangement find a radio-compatible, highly emotional number. The trio is on the way to its very own pop-rock world à la Taylor Swift/Imagine Dragons/OneRepublic, and fans of those acts will have lots of them in admiration for Scars on Louise’s sound. On “Dead to Me,” Scars on Louise tastes only a little of what will come out with their debut album—hopefully, that means a lot—a depth of exploration into themes universal in scope as they are personal.
Modern Moxie – Don’t Look At Me
“Don’t Look at Me” by Modern Moxie is an indie rock/pop punk anthem of defiance against the pressures of society and industry that weigh on women. It’s the third single from the album Tripping the Light Fantastic, where they make a brave and bold declaration of self-worth and authenticity. Heavily driven by the gritty vocals of Madison Lucas and raw songwriting, it allows the message to shine through: one of standing fiercely against superficial standards of beauty and a seeming push toward conventional career paths. Driven by Harry Kollm’s basslines that pulse, Phil Pucci’s searing licks on guitar, and the powerful drumming of Chris Slezak, that infectious energy of the song pulls together an empowering soundscape connecting to everybody who ever felt pressured to fit in.
Modern Moxie’s been a buzz band since 2019 in Queen City, North Carolina. “Don’t Look at Me” shows the growth of this clever indie rock outfit as they meld their sound with some of that rebellion in pop-punk. The anthemic chorus and overall punchy vibe of the track compare well to artists across the board: from Metric to Yeah Yeah Yeahs and even Rilo Kiley. Moreso, the theme of unabashed honesty found in it seems to parallel the attitudes of rock’s beginnings in bands such as those above and Bikini Kill. With “Don’t Look at Me,” Modern Moxie solidifies its spot in indie rock and provides a rallying cry for those who refuse to be defined by society’s narrow expectations. This single lays the groundwork for “Tripping the Light Fantastic” to be an album that fights for difference and expression.
Lepus – Do You Remember
“Do You Remember” is the latest single from Lepus, plunging deep into those bittersweet feelings of a breakup with someone about whom you still care so much. The track perfectly captures the inner dualism: wanting it to work out, yet all along deep down, knowing it’s time to move on. Hannah’s haunting vocals, laid behind Sebastian’s emotive instrumentation, paint an evocative backdrop for this narrative of heartache and reflection. Lyrically very introspective and highly relatable to many, these draw the listener into a story all too familiar. A solid yet delicate delivery leaves one with powerful but fragile pleas as Lepus seems to cast a melancholic shade on a star of hope.
It is Hannah and Sebastian’s two minds behind Lepus, creating music for the populous since 2016. Their latest single, “Do You Remember,” keeps developing this now-signature sound into contemporary indie—a meld of what was great in the 80s and the 90s. Their sound evokes the same emotive storytelling style of Dean Lewis and Lewis Capaldi while hearing the atmospheric depth of The Head And The Heart and Monsters And Men. Lepus’ evolution is constant, and “Do You Remember” reflects a tapping into that growth as artists—to push the boundaries, make these feelings personal, and universal all at once.
Handsigns – Wallflower
“Wallflower” by Handsigns features softly fingerpicked acoustics and can evoke a contemplative mood right at the very onset, before Logan’s inviting vocals begin, which tell a story close to his heart and relatable to all. As the musical river progresses, the gentle beat of the drums and the layering of harmonies slowly added depth, inching the listener closer to its evocative scene. Seamlessly structured in its progress, it moves effortlessly from the tenderest beginnings to the fuller, more engrossing ground that never loses you with its emotional pull.
Handsigns is a one-man project, that of Pacific Northwest beatmaker Logan McDonald, looking for an outlet from indie-folk in a pretty unique fashion. With influences from years of collaboration with others, he brings back that PNW indie into “Wallflower,” providing a tone both of whispered affection and honesty. Fans of Slaughter Beach, Dog, Katy Kirby, and Lomelda will find much to love here. “Wallflower” is a big step for Logan as a writer, from the man behind the words to a man with his own words. He put it together quite beautifully—dripping with sincerity and rawness.
Bathe Alone – Victims
“Victims” by Bathe Alone is the latest single off the debut album, I Don’t Do Humidity, where she delves deep into the melancholic chaos of divorce and toxic relationships. Creative force Bailey Crone breathes life into the Bathe Alone project, constructing music that feels most at home in rawly experimental dream pop. This song is a haunting journey through the aftermath of manipulation and betrayal, created with swirling synths and moody minor-key melodies. Bailey masterfully tells of her newfound empowerment to properly wield her vocal abilities as a spade to dig deep and take decisive stabs at the listener. A dense song in its construction, with stacked vocals and crystalline production from Damon Moon, “Victims” is the heart of this project. This song jumps headfirst into the deep waters of raw emotion and vulnerability.
Working with producer Damon Moon at Standard Electric Recorders Co. in Atlanta, Crone has brought out a sound that feels extra-terrestrial and as immediate as truth. “Victims” testifies to her ability to translate deep pain into art, hence giving the listener a cathartic experience that is beautifully haunting. The kaleidoscopic array of synths here and the intricate production will make the creation of such a dreamlike atmosphere draw most relevantly on the work of other dream poppers but with a singular and personal edge. Closing out with Crone unpacking her recently finalized divorce and dropped links with toxic friendships, “Victims” ends as the terrific anthem of building resilience and self-discovery—firming Bathe Alone’s place in the dream-pop landscape.
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Moli – Funeral
“Funeral” is the latest single from Belgian singer-songwriter Moli—an emotive adventure into the lands of memory and loss, neatly folded into a melodious arrangement that’s evocative and haunting. Written in Berlin with cowriter Michael Ochs, the track strips back to a simple piano foundation, contemplating who would turn up to your funeral; metaphorical for those that stay and the way people stay when they are physically not there anymore. As Moli sang her way across that song, its extraordinary place in her heart was clear; deep balladry turned into this emotional powerhouse by Vienna-based producer Johannes Roemer. Releasing “Funeral” independently is a big step for Moli and reflects her resolution to keep putting honest music out there—music she believes can touch people’s hearts.
Born Molly Irvine, Moli is an artist who defies pigeonholing to a single sound; instead, she works across styles seamlessly and always succeeds in surprising her audience. Her career has been about showing versatility and a dynamic approach toward genre-blending that makes her artistry the most dynamic. A casual chat with her over a cup of coffee at Passenger Espresso in the hip Wrangelkiez neighbourhood reveals her bubbly personality; she comes to light, and the classic denim jumpsuit style seems to throw light into the darkest nooks of the cafe. As she recounts her journey, one can see that this is a lady with Moli whose passion for making music clearly speaks on a personal level.
Bryan Wang – Calla Lily
Bryan Wang’s new single “Calla Lily” expresses the beauty found in unexpected inspiration. What began as a fleeting idea from a water bottle sticker evolved into a hauntingly beautiful track. Written in two distinct bursts of creativity, the song captures an “outside looking in” perspective, a rarity in Wang’s songwriting as it avoids personal pronouns like “you” or “I.” This stylistic choice creates a sense of detachment that enhances the song’s introspective and observational nature. The minimalist instrumentation and Wang’s tender vocal delivery evoke a sense of quiet contemplation, inviting listeners to reflect on the imagery and emotions conveyed through the lyrics.
“Calla Lily” stands out in Bryan’s discography for its unique lyrical approach and the way it immerses the listener in a serene yet poignant atmosphere. Drawing influence from artists like The Paper Kites, Passenger, and Damien Rice, Wang’s ability to craft dynamically intimate songs is evident in this track. His thoughtful composition and emotive storytelling are perfectly complemented by the subtle instrumentation, creating a delicate balance that leaves a lasting impression. As a singer-songwriter from Pittsford, NY, Bryan Wang continues to carve out a niche with his introspective and evocative music.
Drew Schueler – This Is Where
Drew Schueler’s last single, “This Is Where,” finds the essence of building a home and making a life with the one you love. Written to his wife shortly after moving into their new house, it’s an open love letter toward all the future memories and dreams he will share with her in their new space. It is primed with very literal lyrics but sung with a tenderness by Schueler that produces quite an emotional venture for one to embrace the emotions that are being evoked. The melody is soothing and yet strong, very much like the feeling of comfort and excitement at the beginning of a new chapter. This is at the personal level that elevates Schueler’s songwriting competencies but also his way of connecting with the audience.
Drew Schueler is an up-and-coming pop musician hailing from Nashville, TN—the city where up-and-comers rise to the country music stardom that fans worldwide follow. It’s evident in his polished vocals and moving songwriting, compared to esteemed artists like Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, and Dermot Kennedy. With “This Is Where,” Drew readies himself for what should be the biggest year of his young career; this single is the perfect testament to the power he can harness, blending heartfelt storytelling with captivating melodies.
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Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.