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.
Lisabel – End Of The Line
Lisabel’s new single, “End of the Line,” is a beautifully crafted waltz ballad that dives into the timeless essence of love. This song has a very graceful 3/4 time signature, transcending beyond the common, with lyrics giving deep insight into an unyielding relationship that goes on to weather all the storms of life. Lyrically, it celebrates the rock-solid union between two souls, and as such, movingly fits into the contemporary ballads list. What is, however, genuinely bright in this track is Lisabel’s strength in capturing and delivering deep emotion through music that pulls listeners into an intimate narrative of the enduring power of love.
The rich, dark piano undertones and airy acoustic and electric guitar textures used are typically like indie folk for “End of the Line.” The arrangement’s simplicity gives the impression of an intimate and natural environment that focuses mainly on Lisabel’s emotive voice. Recorded at Brother Sun Sister Moon Studio in West London, the song thrives under the expert production, mixing, and mastering by Nikola Kovacevic, adding the musical art of Telmo Terremoto on guitar. Lisabel sings with honesty and depth in her performance, underlining that “End of the Line” touches the heart of the listener and stays there in a reminiscence of works by Lizzy McAlpine and John Mayer.
Sasha & The Bear – Plastic
“Plastic,” the new single from Sasha & The Bear, comes to announce the release of the second EP: a clear manifesto attached to this search for truth. This track was recorded in a cozy cabin somewhere in the north of The Netherlands and encompasses the cry for something real—escaping from all superficiality and connecting with something authentic. The song’s lyrics speak about the facade of “plastic” modern life and encourage listeners to make a jump for meaning and to be true to themselves. At every opportunity, reiterating that dare to leap for pure happiness, Sasha & The Bear set fire to their closest friends with the repeated plea “Trust me,” reminding us that this life is too short to hold back.
“Plastic” is of a similar musically rich tapestry that one can find on Big Red Machine, Jadu Heart, and The Japanese House. The song’s movements from indie-pop to atmospheric synths, make it even more luring, laying the listener in the world—perfectly suitable for the introspective message of the music. The evocative vocals by Sasha Daniel and deft work on production by Dov Igel leave one swept up in their world of heartfelt storytelling and melodic beauty. Formed in 2016 in Brooklyn, Sasha & The Bear has constantly made themselves go further, looking for a new way of musical expression; “Plastic” is another fine example of songwriting, really balancing between the emotional and sonic.
Victoria Staff – Niagra
Victoria Staff’s new single, “Niagra,” lunges headfirst into the raw unpleasantness of unreciprocated love. With honest lyrics and soul-twisting melodies, Victoria captures the bittersweet reality of loving someone who doesn’t share the same emotions. The candor in the song is what makes it so solid and charming, as it allows its audience to relate to the shared experience of heartbreak deeply. Despite its gloomy theme, an undeniable sense of catharsis and even a touch of fun are quite skillfully woven into the fabric of “Niagra” by Victoria.
What is interesting about Victoria’s development as a singer-songwriter is that the route she took was circuitous. Graduating from UBC with a background in Behavioural Neuroscience, her goal was first to assist others in dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Yet her passion for music would eventually take centre stage, making it something that started as playing shows in Vancouver just to earn “beer money” into something that has now become her true calling. Gatlin, John Muirhead, and Ella jane were among the band-mates she drew comparisons from. A refreshing blend of introspective storytelling coupled with melodic grace is something that defines the sound of Victoria. “Niagra” is an expression of her raw personal pain being transformed into brilliant art, of which everyone can find meaning.
Sheer Haimov – Bad
“Bad” is Sheer Haimov’s new single. It’s a showstopper of a pop, catching you on the very first note. That effect comes alive as it opens with the distorted, gentle soundscape of a rhythm exploding into an infectious pop rhythm that is impossible to keep still. There will be present confident vocal delivery accompanied by easily recognisable, catchy beats, creating an electric atmosphere in which one won’t be able to sit still. Whether in the club or at home dancing in the living room, “Bad” is sure to leave you moving from its pulsating energy to its driving groove.
Coming from Israel, Sheer Haimov was so brave to make such a loud move into the US right at the time when the war had just begun, trying to channel all of her experiences and feelings into this banger of a track. Fans of artists like Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter will have plenty to enjoy about Haimov’s vibrant style and powerful delivery. With “Bad,” Sheer Haimov is a new artist to watch with a bright, invigorating pop sound.
Midnight Dive – 19 (Demo)
“19 (Demo)” is the latest single to be released by Midnight Dive; it is a sweet acoustic number that captures raw emotions in a life-changing moment. Written and recorded on her 19th birthday by Cheyanne, the mastermind behind Midnight Dive, the song grabs much of what you would feel between incredibly lonely and highly nervous about growing up. Cheyanne creates a stunningly intimate, ethereal sound using only her primary microphone and acoustic guitar in the dorm room. The calmness of her voice, fused with a gentle melody, strings together in such a way that you feel the embrace of a song comforting those suffering through the churning waters of young adulthood.
“19 (Demo)” is the third single from Midnight Dive, all working toward building up that reputation for talking right to a listener’s soul. Often compared to the works of Phoebe Bridgers, Gracie Abrams, and Lizzy McAlpine, Cheyanne’s music is just a whisper in comparison to its candidness and straight truth. For sure, this track will connect with angsty teenage girl audiences because of its personally relatable theme. Born and raised in LA, a recent USC graduate, on her way to law school, Cheyanne’s journey is as inspiring as her music. “19 (Demo)” is an expression of her ability to transmute personal struggles into beautiful, relatable art that yields comfort and understanding to listeners all over.
DAYA – Don’t Call
Coming from the multi-GRAMMY-winning artist DAYA, she is back with “Don’t Call,” featuring a wholly evolved sound and a mastered craft in lyricism. Released through Spinnin’ Records/Warner Music, this one is an emotional anthem that chronicles the struggle of getting over someone. The heartfelt lyrics move not just every listener but anyone whose heart has been shattered by DAYA’s soulful voice. The track opens with soft, organic chords, and very shortly, it layers into a dynamic blend of pop/light drum’n’bass. And DAYA celebrates the moment at this exclusive listening party in LA, when the track is already set to be the anthem of summer.
“Don’t Call” is another step in the process of DAYA pushing the scope of her musical boundaries, mixing genre and raw emotion. She explains how her music is a magical release of emotions, and that is precisely what it will probably be for her audiences. From her breakout hit “Hide Away” to the Grammy-winning “Don’t Let Me Down” with The Chainsmokers, DAYA’s growth as an artist and storyteller has tracked perfectly alongside the journey from Pittsburgh to international stardom—one that began with a search for creative control and the need to express herself authentically. Stronger and more inspired by the fans that DAYA has both here and abroad, with a commanding social media presence through its fanatical base of support from Gen Z and the LGBTQ community.
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.