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.
Lee Smythe – The Low
Lee Smythe’s new single, “The Low,” is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of melancholy with the warm, nostalgic embrace of retro-sounding production. It frames echoes of alt-J through Bright Eyes, in a tale of lost glory and introspective sorrow perfectly matched by evocative lyricism and rich, folksy instrumentation from Smythe. With lyrics such as “Once I was king but it all went to spoil, / you could say that I messed it up royal,” the stage is set for this personal journey of regret and reflection. These are the qualities that will enable careful blending on Smythe’s part of classic songwriting with subtle progressive elements to conjure a sense of great familiarity and, at the same time, freshness before his audience.
“The Low” is steeped in Smythe’s pained vocal and melancholic melody, where the heartbreak just oozes out. The chorus is a brutal confession of feeling “all out of tears” and a wistful plea: “Momma, I have been falling for so long.” It is in the interplay between the dark, inward-facing lyrics and the contemporarily retro soundscape that a song like “The Low” becomes a standout track—the kind whose residue sticks around your ears long after the song is over. Lee Smythe can update the themes with the timeless folk aesthetic of a significant part of the singer-songwriter genre.
Drew Elliott – Garden Hose
Drew Elliott delivers with “Garden Hose” on this tender, nostalgic journey through small growth and the joys experienced in the 2000s. This soft ballad is performed with close, intimate storytelling and dreamy melodies, akin to Andrew Belle, Sufjan Stevens, and Clairo. Right from that first note wrapped in a warm sonic blanket of acoustics, Elliott’s voice is tugging at you to think back on days of carefree summer and youthful innocence. With other voices chiming in to assist, Cecilia Castleman, and the well-placed veteran bass lines of David LaBruyere, “Garden Hose” becomes a romantic embrace with old friends, each note and lyric a soft recollection of moments long past.
“Garden Hose” is put together so lovingly for the details that it stands out not only for its sound but also for the realness of the same. The single reflects his artistic vision and personal touch, written, engineered, mixed, and produced by Elliott himself. With its essence rooted in nostalgic, this track is an expression of how much life can be packed into something so short and sweet—a perfect release for those hoping to escape to musically greener pastures. As we sit here on the precipice of the live EP, “Garden Hose” is just such a beautiful expression of Drew Elliott’s skill at connecting to any listener emotionally.
Charlie Rogers – Consequences Of My Honesty
In time for the close of Pride Month, Nashville’s very own Charlie Rogers hits a powerful note with his brand-new single, “Consequences of My Honesty.” Featuring heartfelt lyrics, this track reaches deep into the complex set of emotions faced by Rogers as he came out bisexual to his loved ones. Herein lies the power of gorgeous storytelling, as it portrays him living like a “dirty little secret” due to his family’s choice to disregard his truth. With that mixture of raw vulnerability and resilience, Rogers’ lyrics paint a vivid picture: anxiety and uncertainty in the face of living authentically, with acceptance and rejection.
“Consequences of My Honesty” is an emotional rollercoaster put to music. Rogers’ tear-jerking tales of heartache, delivered with a down-home yet cutting edge, root themselves deep into the soul and stay there. Hailing from Oregon and then to Kansas, he brings this country charm on a pop-rock vehicle across musical genres with his individual and characteristic sound. How he tells a story with beautiful, flowery lyricism and textured musicality shines very brightly on this track. Charlie Rogers continues to break barriers, using music as communication for commonality and an extension of a hand to those who are often unseen or unheard.
I Shiver – Shelter
I Shiver’s new single, “Shelter,” is an indie folk gem it wraps around you warmly. The mellow, soothing melodies in this track birth a feeling of peace and security, like when one finally finds that cozy hideaway in the middle of life’s madness. Sounding a bit like Hazlett, Novo Amor, and Hollow Coves, “Shelter” beautifully captures what it feels like to be home with someone special. The soft strumming of the acoustic guitar, accompanied by I Shiver’s emotive vocal delivery, fills it with a really smooth and intimate atmosphere that quite sets the mood for leisurely enjoyment.
Lyrically, “Shelter” is about everyone’s wish for a safe space to let go and be themselves. It is about taking refuge in a loved one and creating an emotional dwelling place together. These touching lines, coupled with delicate instrumentation, work hand in hand to try and weave a kind of tapestry set with moody yet chill vibes, perfect for the quiet, reflective moments one would have. Very few tracks or artists can make straightforward things feel so profoundly emotional, and I Shiver has done a great job in this regard with “Shelter”—it’s sure to resonate with anyone who finds the world overwhelming and needs a little comfort and connection.
Nick Howe – Crash
The new single by Nick Howe, “Crash,” is a melancholic portrayal of unrequited love, laid out in beautiful finery: fingerpicked guitar and ambient soundscapes. Right from the first notes, this track’s closing acoustic charm brings to mind names such as Ed Sheeran and James Bay. As Nick unravels the lyrics to his story, you can feel the pressure of his emotions in every line. It captures the essence of being bitter-sweetly in love but feeling trapped when the love is not given back. “Crash” and the raw honesty in his voice create a tremendous emotional journey with sumptuous instrumentation.
Deeply rooted in a legacy of wealthy entertainers, Nick Howe continues to carve out his own unique, timely place in the music world. This relentlessness in him has always paid off in remarkable career achievements, from synchs with brands such as Cadbury’s and Angry Birds to performances at well-known festivals such as Glastonbury and SXSW. “Crash” is another expression of his ability to turn personal heartbreak into a universally relatable and beautifully crafted song. With influences as diverse as Nick Wilson and Tame Impala, Howe crafts together a heartfelt narrative into a modern indie-folk sensation that can be nothing short of an anthem—one that will make its nest in your heart long after those final chords have faded away.
Vandalisbin – Bottle Of Wisdom
Vandalisbin is back with another thrilling track, “Bottle of Wisdom,” a powerful amalgamation of grunge, soul, and melancholy that makes your skin crawl. Being a 21-year-old drummer and songwriter, she creates this soundscape that is nostalgic yet refreshingly new, in the vein of legends like Nirvana and modern storytellers such as Mitski and Arlo Parks. The song speaks deep on the dilemmas between self-acceptance and the desire to achieve an idealistic version of self, so it goes without saying that it scrapes over the mind’s issues with personal flaws, addictions, and emotional lows. With raw gritty verses to soul-stirring choruses, “Bottle of Wisdom” really does grip you with its authenticity and depths of emotion.
The strength that “Bottle of Wisdom” exudes comes from Vandalisbin’s perfect blend of genres while still breathing some nostalgia. This number feels like an old friend from your school days, yet it indeed has the fresh, raw energy of a newfound favourite. Her influences go from the rough edges of Nirvana to the poignant lyricism of Arlo Parks, and she juggles them with dazzling ease. As the song builds toward this intense peak, the towering talent for songwriting and emotional honesty that is Vandalisbin comes ringing out. You want to break that repeat button when you feel it, as with “Bottle of Wisdom.”
Gray Hawken – GOLDEN STATE
Gray Hawken’s hot new single “GOLDEN STATE” is another indie pop masterpiece that captures perfectly the bright and energetic feel of its title. Drawing upon influences ranging from Soran to BAD CHILD, Gray weaves a sound that feels nostalgic and fresh, blending soulful melodies with infectious beats. It starts with an irresistible groove that pulls listeners in place with tantalising hooks and super-polished production. Gray has a tender way of singing over the instrumentation, describing the picture of California under the charm and enchantment of the sunlight. “GOLDEN STATE” is an escape invitation to a world of warmth and wonder.
Gray made a fantastic transition from a Grammy-winning producer to a solo artist. His résumé includes features and collaborations with industry giants like Jack Harlow, Shenseea, and Alessia Cara, which makes his move to the forefront feel incredibly natural and exciting. “GOLDEN STATE” is an expression of his multi-talented character: a singer, songwriter, and producer. The track promises to become an anthem for the people who dream of adventure and a new beginning. In essence, as Gray Hawken continues to carve his niche in the music genre, “GOLDEN STATE” leaves his legion of fans hungry for more.
Julesy – Mouthing Words
Julesy’s reworked version of “Mouthing Words” is a tender, quiet indie folk gem that glows with the warmth of its acoustic guitar foundation. Taken from the original EP of the same title, this recording extends its production value into the first official single of Julesy with Brooklyn-based label Strong Place Music. Her stunning mezzo-soprano takes full command of the cut—plunging effortlessly into both the depths of emotion and the cycle of struggle that she went through in her relationship. The song captures the very heart of trying to fit a relationship where it no longer belongs, really hitting home with listeners.
Drawing inspiration from Caroline Polachek’s “Pang” and Alex G’s early discography, Julesy deftly moves between acoustic and electronic elements to craft a sound that feels both of the moment and entrenched in nostalgia. All of this comes from her background as the offspring of a film composer and a music director, showing up in her detailed construction of incredibly moving and catchy songs. “Mouthing Words” is a perfect example of how Julesy can take her personal experiences and make them into anthemic, relatable music. Through re-recording her debut EP, Julesy is continuing to solidify herself as a force to be reckoned with in the indie folk scene: the perfect mélange of vulnerability and strength keeps listeners on tenterhooks as they wait for whatever comes next.
Stephen Flickner – elevator
Stephen Flickner returns with “elevator,” a playful electro-pop track that very much embodies the charm of fleeting moments within this one-time space, not unlike the elevator scene in “500 Days of Summer.” Channelling influences à la Lauv and EDEN. Stephen moves lofty chill vocals from out of this world into an evolving beat that starts as a drill variation before moving on to something all too familiar. This change in the beat is accompanied by changes in mood and impromptu connections that the lyrics explore, which makes “elevator” both an exciting and soothing listen.
Stephen takes this ethereal song to the next level, giving it an intimate yet equally all-encompassing atmosphere. His vocals do not cut through but slide over the luxuriant electronic background, allowing one to become entirely swept up in the music and moment. “elevator” really shines through because of how wistful and yet optimistic it is in the way that these brief, powerful encounters were.
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.