BEST ALTERNATIVE POP - WEEK 10 PART 2 2015

I’m just gonna cut to the chase because we have quite an awesome batch of indie pop goodness for you this week. We have a new single from everyone’s favorite guilty pleasure Carly Rae Jepsen, the debut single from Scarlett Johansson’s all-girl super group, new material from Skrillex and Diplo’s joint project, and much much more. So turn up your speakers and read on to discover the best indie pop music of the week!

MAKO FEAT. MADISON BEER - I WON’T LET YOU WALK AWAY

Mako has teamed up with 15 year-old up and comer Madison Beer on their infectious new track, “I Won’t Let You Walk Away.” The duo took their instrumental hit “Sunburst” and reworked it with help from the Bieber-approved singer (don’t let that endorsement scare you—the girl has an awesome set of pipes!), making it a super fun synth-filled EDM banger.

CARLY RAE JESPEN - I REALLY LIKE YOU

No matter how hard you tried to fight it, we know you totally loved Jepsen’s debut hit “Call Me Maybe,” and now she’s back with a brand new single perfect for 2015. “I Really Like You” is just as sugary sweet as you’d expect, featuring big echoey drums and shiny synths that give the track a slight ’80s vibe. It's fun and catchy as hell, making it the perfect come back track.

THIEF - CRAZY

If you have a uncontrollable hunger for synths, then Australia’s Thief is your man. His new single “Crazy” is carried by ridiculously shimmery synths, a solid beat, and his catchy vocals. It's a groovy dance track that will keep you coming back for more.

JAY Z VS ED SHEERAN - CRYING OUT LOUD (CARLOS SERRANO MIX)

Just when you thought you couldn’t take anymore of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” new artist Carlos Serrano mixed his track with Jay-Z and created what he calls “Crying Out Loud.” The track mixes Jay-Z rapping over Sheeran’s guitar and piano and it all somehow works awesomely.

KATELYN TARVER - WEEKEND MILLIONAIRES

Los Angeles-based singer Katelyn Tarver knows we’re all just working for the weekend (sorry—I couldn’t resist), and she’s created some serious gold with her debut single, “Weekend Millionaires.” The track is totally the next “trying to make it in LA” anthem and features an awesome beat, subtle electronic elements, piano, and lots of claps. It’s a solid debut track that is bound to blow up.

JACK U - FEBREZE FEAT 2 CHAINZ

Skrillex has joined forces with Diplo to create the DJ super group Jack Ü, and it’s just as crazy fun as you’d imagine. Their track “Febreze” features vocals from 2 Chainz and is packed with lots of bass, wobbly electronic elements, and a beat that will instantly have you on your feet.

A.G. COOK - DROP FEAT. HANNAH DIAMOND

A.G. Cook has teamed up with his fellow PC Music-member Hannah Diamond on the infectiously weird but cute track, “Drop.” Keeping up with their Japanese-influenced pop style, the track is packed with claps, shimmery synths, and video game-inspired electronic elements making it everything you’d expect and love from these internet sensations.

STEP ROCKETS - TURNING TIDES (BY YOUR SIDES)

Minneapolis-based band Step Rockets was awesome enough to let us premier “Turning Tides” on the site earlier last month, and we’ve been jamming out to the dance-rock track ever sense. It features magical and spacey electronic elements, big beats, booming bass, and a slight tropical-feel that makes it an awesomely original track.

ABOUT THE GIRL - WE HAVE TO TALK

French artist (or artists? We’re not sure yet) About The Girl gets serious on their ‘90s-influenced dance track, “We Have To Talk.” The song has a lot going on such as keys, synths, a busy club beat, and strong female vocals that make for an awesome dance-inducing single. The track changes throughout its duration and will hold your attention the whole way through.

THE SINGLES - CANDY

Scarlett Johansson’s all-girl super group The Singles (well, now it says BAND NAME TBD) has just released their first song and it’s just as awesome as I was hoping. Along with Haim’s Este Haim, Holly Miranda, Kendra Morris, and Julia Haltigan, “Candy” is edgy bubblegum pop at it’s finest and I can’t wait to hear what they release next. You go Scar-Jo!

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So there you have it—the best indie pop of the week. I’ll leave you to dance around in your bedroom now.

About Erin Crider

Erin Crider eats, breathes, and sleeps pop culture. If you have a question about a one-hit wonder from the ‘90s or need help remembering lines from a SNL skit, she’s your girl. When she isn’t lurking the internet, she's either going to a show or hanging out at Disneyland. Erin lives in Southern California and has a B.A. in Creative Writing from Cal State Long Beach.