BEST OF INDIE POP - WEEK 41

It seems that musicians nowadays need to be over the top outrageous to be heard. Some go so far left that by the time they realize they’re off on some crazy tangent that it takes away from their music genius, but that’s a rant I’ll have to save for some other time. Let’s just move things along to today’s top Best of Indie Pop column where we’re featuring ten artists who are doing music right. They’re all about delivering sweet jams that make you get lost in the melody while bouncing along to upbeat rhythm and have you singing along to ear-grabbing lyrics.

SIGRID - SUCKER PUNCH

Sigrid is quickly becoming a favorite here at We Are: The Guard. Her authenticity and say like it is lyrics only make her stand out above the plastic mass generated pop music that is forced down our ears. Her tone has a slight ring to Alanis Morrisette’s energy. Listen to “Sucker Punch” above and be on the lookout for her debut album dropping in 2019.

CHARLI XCX &  TROY SIVAN - 1999

The 90s were weirdly awesome, and though some things from then, like Bermuda shorts, should never ever see the light of day again, I wouldn’t mind rewinding life to 1999 and relive seeing Britney Spears at her peak or crushing on Jonathan Taylor Thomas. But until someone invents a time machine that actually works, the next best thing to mentally transport us to that era is Charli XCX and Troy Sivan on “1999.” Together these two perfectly capture the best of what the turn of the century had to offer.

KESMAR - FEEL IT AGAIN

Sydney Hawes turns a new chapter in his single “Feel It Again.” Co-written by LANKS and Tobias Priddle, “Feel It Again” offers a cool glistening vibe that tingles your skin. Listening to this single is like sipping on rosé wine while absorbing the last bit of summer rays.

BALCONY - YOU’RE SO COOL (LIV DAWSON)

Even us dance feins need to chill our feet every now and then, and for those moments it’s music like Balcony’s that helps reset our steps before getting back up again. Balcony together with the vocal talent of Liv Dawson take listeners through a journey of love in “You’re So Cool.” It’s  the kind of love where you fall for someone so hard that you end up following them to the end of the world because they’re the coolest thing you’ve ever seen.

ALEC BENJAMIN - OUTRUNNING KARMA

Alec Benjamin is a true lyricist, one of the best IMHO. With a simple strum of his guitar he takes us into a world beyond ourselves. While listening to “Outrunning Karma” one could think that Alec Benjamin is looking straight into our souls and telling our story to the world. We’re all hiding something and Alec is exposing it with elegance.

HANNE MJOEN - SOUNDS GOOD TO ME

Time to once again give credit to the Scandanavian region because a new pop artists has emerged sounding fresh, primed, and ready to take the spotlight. Hanne Mjoen slaps us hard across our faces with an etheral pop single. “Sounds Good To Me” elevates the lowest of moods and perks up our ears with a sound so soothing you’ll be left begging for more.

JOJI - CAN’T GET OVER YOU FT CLAMS CASINO

Joji’s love ballad “Can’t Get Over You” quickly takes a dark turn once he finds his love interest interested in another man. Lucky for us, we get to see him in a look that makes him seem as yummy as he sounds. Ballads 1  is available October 26 and you bet we’ll have it playing non stop.

JACK & JACK - NO ONE COMPARES TO YOU

Duo Jack & Jack offer up a single that will get your non coordinated body dancing to the upbeat tempo and singing at the top pf your lungs  "Every time I think I found somebody, I just wish that somebody was you/There’s no way that someone else could make me ever feel the same way that you do." The glittering dance pop infused gem is everybit delicious. Yes, from beginning to end you’ll be eating this up. Nom, Nom.

BILLIE EILISH - HOSTAGE

Yes I know that “Hostage” has been out but this past week Billie Elish released the video for one of my favorite tacks at the moment. We already know her music is beyond her age, but watching the video really makes you appreciate Eilish as an artists. Her professionalism is mesmerizing and haunting. So much talent packed in this girl it’s crazy.

CHVRCHES - GRAFFITI

Some artists change their style so much that they sound like a completely different band five years later, but then you have bands like CHRVCHES who stay true to the sound that launched them into fame. Throughout their trajectory CHVRCHES has stayed in the safe lane doing what they know how to do best. Gazey electro-pop that makes you come back for more like an addict. Listen to “Graffiti” and you’ll understand what I mean.

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Ok people, there you have it, our top 10 songs in indie pop. Hope they help keep you sane this week. We’ll be back next week. Try not to miss us as much.

Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash

Beca Arredondo is easily unamused with all things not related to her interests. On her good days you can catch her avoiding the California sun and glued to her Mac plotting the next big thing. If you happen to run into her on the street and notice her wearing headphones do NOT disturb her. She is not responsible for any possible damage. Aside from the above she's very sweet and perky and responds well to good music and food.