Hayley Williams of Paramore is one of the best-known alternative indie singers today, known for her powerful and versatile vocal ability. From belting out high notes to performing emotive ballads, she excels at both.
Brand New’s “Jesus Christ” is an emotive yet profound song that delves deeply into existential ideas such as spirituality, death and love – showing that indie music can be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally moving.
Girl in Red
Marie Ulven Ringheim, more commonly known by her stage name Girl in Red (stylized in lowercase), is a Norwegian singer-songwriter renowned for her lo-fi tales of modern boredom and teenage depression that have garnered millions of streams online. Through her music she can address both inexplicable sadness and high emotions as well as changes to her own mental state from day to day; these songs serve both to heal as well as uphold.
Girl in Red has created an original style, blending multiple genres ranging from ’90s dance music and emo/indie rock together into her music. What sets her apart, however, is her willingness to acknowledge all human emotions – most recently on “Rue,” for instance, where it addresses feelings such as terrifying inexplicable emptiness that creeps up when experiencing difficulties – and attempts to address those moments by naming them to take away their power.
This song was inspired by Zendaya’s character in Euphoria, who found herself struggling against intrusive thoughts that caused her to question herself and her sexuality. It captures all the anxiety associated with being queer today–proving immensely popular with listeners everywhere.
Girl in Red is set to perform her debut London headlining performance and showcase at new music festival The Great Escape this week, so we spoke with her about her emotional attachment to music as well as its influence in helping other young people find their own passions through its influence.
The Hunna
The Hunna is a UK rock band producing instant indie-rock anthems at an unprecedented rate. Boasting explosive energy and engaging stage performances, their music is stirring up audiences across the country and filling major venues like Brixton Academy. However, The Hunna have had to work incredibly hard in order to achieve their current position; whether that means Ryan Potter and Dan pooling income from multiple jobs together or facing criticism from critics; however they remain undaunted and don’t show any sign of slowing down anytime soon!
From modest beginnings, this band has managed to propel themselves forward through social media and word of mouth. Their debut album 100 quickly rose up the charts at number 13 before quickly taking off ever since. Their follow up album ‘I’d Rather Die Than Let You In’ marked another significant leap forward, standing as proof of their desire not to stay still.
Musical influences for this group range from Twenty One Pilots and Bring Me the Horizon to Jimmy Eat World and they constantly evolve their sound to keep it relevant – fans play an essential part in that process – they hope that by expanding their fan base as much as possible and providing music accessible to all regardless of geography, this band hopes to reach as many people as possible with their sound.
The Hunna’s Bonfire is a song about rebellion, self-expression and finding oneself within society. The track connects with our universal yearning for freedom and authenticity while creating an emotional response in listeners. The band hopes their music can encourage young people to stay true to who they are while standing up against societal pressures.
Bad Suns
Bad Suns is a Los Angeles-based band established in 2012 in Woodland Hills. Composed of Christo Bowman on vocals and Ray Libby on guitar, Gavin Bennett on bass, and Miles Morris on drums; their music marries modern indie rock hooks with classic post-punk influences, transporting listeners back to summer nights of their youth through theatrical albums that transport listeners back through time.
Language & Perspective, their first album released in 2014, showcased their ability to craft catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics. “Cardiac Arrest” became an instant chart hit and even earned them spots performing on late night shows alongside Conan O’Brien!
Salt was released a year later in 2016 to showcase their maturation and progression as a band, featuring driving rhythms and intricate guitar work. “Outskirts of Paradise” serves as an anthem that taps into universal human desire for meaning in life.
After signing with Vagrant Records, the band produced their third album Mystic Truth with producer Eric Palmquist (Night Riots, MUTEMATH). The record was an instantaneous commercial success and led to tours with bands like The 1975 and Vaccines. In 2022 they released Apocalypse Whenever; an ambitious conceptual work featuring flashbacks and listener interpretation. Also notable is its heavy use of synthesizers and trumpets to create an 80s futuristic soundscape sure to please fans of genre fans!
Dayglow
Sloan Struble, better known by his stage name Dayglow, is an independent singer-songwriter and producer whose musical output falls under this label. His style blends indie-pop with alternative influences for both upbeat dance tunes and soothing dreamy tracks influenced by Mac DeMarco and Logic as well as touring bands MAX and Half-alive.
Fuzzybrain, his debut album, features songs that recall classic bedroom pop with warm vocals and dreamy soundscapes. Harmony House, however, is more upbeat album that would fit right in on any yacht rock playlist – its songs drawing inspiration from soft rock from the 70s and 80s, plus nostalgic television shows like Cheers.
Dayglow’s debut album has demonstrated his widespread appeal and demonstrated how widespread his fan base is. His music can be enjoyed by an eclectic range of listeners and the message behind Struble’s songs is one of hope and positivity; these lyrics acknowledge our struggles but offer hope of finding solutions and happiness in life.
Dayglow’s success may come as a shock, yet his success serves as a testament to how quickly and effortlessly musicians can gain fame using social media and streaming platforms alone. Furthermore, this shows that anyone can achieve success as an artist provided they work hard and keep trying – something all aspiring musicians should keep in mind as it could lead them down their chosen career paths.
Charlotte Day Wilson
Charlotte Day Wilson of Toronto is an expressive singer-songwriter with plenty to say and the ability to deliver it with authority. At 23 years old, classically trained vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Charlotte Day Wilson can fill even modest venues such as Mod Club. Charlotte Day Wilson has become part of Canada’s rising crop of jazz/R&B-influenced artists; having worked with producers River Tiber and BADBADNOTGOOD before appearing on Daniel Caesar’s critically acclaimed Freudian album as well.
Day Wilson made waves with her debut EP, CDW, released in 2016. It showcased her unique sound: smooth yet seductive R&B combined with old-school gospel influences, classic R&B bass lines and minimalist production techniques for a futuristic R&B sound that made an impactful statement about her hard work to craft her unique style. It became evident she’d put in both time and effort into perfecting it.
Stone Woman showcases this ethos through its six tracks. Evoking saudade (Portuguese for “nostalgia you can’t control”) from personal experience while remaining tender and thoughtful, the EP captures that sentiment beautifully.
Stone Woman finds Day Wilson further exploring her unique musical palate, from spacey keyboards and guitar chugging of “Keep Moving” to folk-influenced arrangements like those found on Lovesick Utopia or Adam Complex that never overshadow her voice.
“Work” stands out as one of the record’s most moving songs, featuring her deep, smoky vocals over sparse piano and guitar arrangements – it seems a powerful reminder for anyone trying to stay on course: “I’m on my journey / Let’s take it slow,” she sings in its closing lines.