TOP INDIE - WEEK 27 PART 2

Put down that room-temperature beer and take a break from your illegal firework shenanigans, because we’re back with even more awesome new indie music to help get you through the busy 4th of July weekend! Read on to discover the latest from Chet Faker, Saint Raymond, Chelsea Wolfe, B. Miles, and much much more.

CHET FAKER - BEND

Today we’re going to kick things off with Australian artist Chet Faker and his brand new track, “Bend.” Okay, so I guess it’s not technically new because it’s a previously unreleased track from his Built On Glass sessions, but it’s new to you and me! The track has an overall hazy vibe with bluesy guitar and bass, a groovy beat, and quirky elements thrown in here and there to keep it interesting. His soulful vocals add a soothing, mellow touch to the track and will leave you wanting more.

THE MACCABEES - SOMETHING LIKE HAPPINESS

From their upcoming album, Marks To Prove It, comes The Maccabees and their latest single, “Something Like Happiness.” It’s a solid indie rock track featuring a chorus full of “oh’s” that is perfect for getting stuck in your head. Rolling drums, gorgeous yet subtle piano, and guitars mix together to create an Arcade Fire-like vibe that you can’t help but fall for.

SAINT RAYMOND - YOUNG BLOOD

19 year old Callum Burrows, aka Saint Raymond, creates catchy indie pop on his new single, “Young Blood.” Featuring bouncy drums, bubbly guitar, and a chorus packed with plenty of crowd-participating opportunities, it’s an uplifting song that’s pop enough for mainstream radio and perfect for fans of Phoenix or Walk The Moon.

ROSEAU - NEW GLASS

Roseau is the musical project from singer-producer Kerry Leatham, and she just released her new single, “New Glass,” from her upcoming debut album, Salt. The track will grab you instantly with door bell-sounding chimes, layered vocals, complex percussion, and bubbly electronic elements that make for a carefully crafted track. Her story-telling lyrics will keep you coming back for multiple listens, and her mellow vocals tie the whole thing together beautifully.

CHELSEA WOLFE - CARRION FLOWERS

From her upcoming album, Abyss, comes Chelsea Wolfe and her perfectly spooky new single, “Carrion Flowers.” The track is packed with fuzzy yet menacing electronic elements and her haunting croon that is actually quite lovely. I love what happens at the 1:45 mark when things come to a startling break. The video itself is packed with black and white visuals that fit the theme perfectly.

B. MILES - NINE MATCHES

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter B. Miles instantly made me a fan with her debut single, “Nine Matches,” that she co-wrote with Eric Nizgretsky of Loose Buttons. Her soulful vocals are raw and appealing, while the music is a mellow mix of snaps, drum machine beats, echoey electronics, subtle guitars and atmospherics that create a beautifully soothing soundscape. It’s easily my favorite track on today’s list and I can’t wait to hear what she does next.

SEBASTIAN - HIGH ON YOU FEAT. HAGEDORN

Sebastian has teamed up with Hagedorn for their simply blissful new track, “High On You.” Featuring enchanting guitar riffs, smooth-grooving bass lines, orchestral strings, and sparkling piano notes, it’s a beautifully laid back track that will make you feel like you’re lost in a daydream. The sensual vocals and lyrics are also worth noting, and you’ll find yourself coming back for repeat listens again and again.

PARA ONE & THE SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH CHOIR - ELEVATION

Electronic producer Para One (real name Jean-Baptiste de Laubier) just signed to Ed Banger records and released his brand new track, “Elevation.” He’s teamed up with the South African Youth Choir to create a ridiculously uplifting, disco-infused jam that’s packed with gospel vocals, urgent synths, and an infectious beat that will totally get you grooving.

TORO Y MOI - THAT INSTEAD OF THIS

Toro Y Moi just released a brand new completely instrumental track called “That Instead of This” on his SoundCloud page with the note “forgot to send this to mastering…:/” in the description (oops?). The track features dizzying electronics and ticking beats that make for a brief yet satisfying minute and a half.

ERIK JONASSON - HORIZON

Swedish singer-songwriter Erik Jonasson will leave us on an emotional note with his heartfelt ballad, “Horizon.” The track is carried by acoustic guitar, dramatic piano notes, and melancholy strings that serve as the perfect platform for his soulful croon. Things totally took me by surprise at the 3:40 mark when a saxophone solo comes in to ease you out of the track on a relatively uplifting note.

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And there you have it— all of the best indie tracks to get you through your week. Be careful out there and have a great 4th of July!

IMG_8701 by livetocreate_photography is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

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.