On Repeat is a monthly roundup of My Music Mixtape’s favourite tracks that are featured on the ‘Radio Friendly Indie Rock and Alt Pop‘ playlist.
January featured a full spectrum of moods and styles, including a feel-good synth pop track by Wotts, a dynamic alt pop banger by Amber T and a couple of contemplative tracks by Ollie Twohill and ODDGHXST about overcoming personal challenges. Continue reading below to learn more about all the artists who landed on this month’s edition of On Repeat.
WANNABE – Wotts
“Packed with vintage drum machines, warm analog synths and razor sharp guitars, ‘WANNABE’ takes aim at bop territory despite its cold lyrics. ‘This part of the story is really about waiting. Waiting to know, waiting for love, even waiting for a text message. All the pain and mind games that happen when you’re latching onto hope’ says Jayem. All to say, if listeners were hoping for a happy story, they’ve come to the wrong place.”
Wotts
If you ever find yourself in a bad mood, all you need to do is listen to Wotts. They’re guaranteed to lift your spirits with their delicious, feel-good indie pop vibes. “WANNABE” is case in point. This song is perfect, successfully combining indie rock and synth pop into something refreshing and unique, while maintaining a vintage quality that makes is familiar. There is no shortage of hooks in this one, both vocally and instrumentally, driven by layered synth effects, piercing guitar licks and a heavy dose of groove. “WANNABE” offers so much to music fans that it is worthy of repeat listens. Keep your eyes open for Wotts – something tells us they are just getting started. My Music Mixtape
Sugar & Spice – Amber T
“I’m super excited to release “Sugar & Spice”, it’s a gritty Alt Pop banger with some insane musicality by RYP Recordings. If you’re looking for a sad girl Winter Anthem – this is the one.”
Amber T
Amber T’s latest offering “Sugar & Spice” sets an explosive tone right out of the gate. The supercharged distorted guitars and pounding percussion take centre stage, while the accompanying strings provide the cinematic drama that drives this adrenaline-pumping song forward. Amber T’s vocal power is especially notable during the chorus, where she delivers her emotionally-charged refrain, “I wanna let go as soon as you get too close”. She follows this with “you’re sugar and spice, but nothing feels nice now, no”, a clever take on the common phrase. “Sugar & Spice” is hard-hitting, anthemic alt pop at its best. My Music Mixtape
Running Away – ODDGHXST
“The song is about self reflection and self-criticism. Being able to overcome the difficulties that you usually end up “running away” from. Becoming and growing into someone kinder and approaching life with more love rather than anger and/or fear. Avoiding unnecessary conflict whether that be physical or mental. Gaining control over your emotions and understanding what it is that may trigger you to feel this way.”
ODDGHXST
“Running Away” oozes with head-bopping groove, shaped by a memorable bass line, quick tempo and mellow, but upbeat vocal style. Even more remarkable is that this track was recorded in ODDGHXST’s room with nothing but a laptop, an interface and a microphone, a testament to this artist’s production talent. There’s a minimalist approach in the instrumentation, but simultaneously complex with the clear influence of several genres and fusion of many sounds. It all comes together wonderfully to shape a classic earworm that is also full of meaning. My Music Mixtape
Stifled – Ollie Twohill
“Stifled is a track that displays struggles with mental health and suicide prevention. We all suffer with mental health related challenges at some point in our lives. I wrote it as a call for help in a way, channeling negative emotions I’ve felt in periods of my life where I’ve hit rock bottom and wanted to end it all. Over the years I’ve learnt how important it is to speak to the people closest to you about how you’re really feeling. It’s honestly saved my life by doing so.”
Ollie Twohill
“Stifled” is defined by its high energy progression, musical hooks and especially by Ollie Twohill’s captivating and passionate vocal delivery. The verses are characterized by his signature acoustic sound working closely together with a memorable bass line. This structure allows space for his profound lyrics to breathe and to be absorbed – an important consideration given the focus on mental health and the call for help. The dynamic increases in the chorus with electric guitar and full drum kit, resolving the tension built in the verses. It is also notable that Twohill not only writes and arranges all of the music, but he also simultaneously plays every instrument when performing live. That’s right, he plays guitar, a stomp box drum, cymbal and sings. Bottom line: “Stifled” is as impressive as the man who wrote it. My Music Mixtape
Sirens – Al Buchanan, Sofia Costa
“Metaphoric Sirens causing havoc in someones life. Sirens mythologically were women who were half human and half bird that would sing to ships and lure them to the rocks to crash”
Al Buchanan on meaning of “Sirens”
The layered guitar melodies that introduce listeners to “Sirens” foreshadows the musical marvel that follows. It is a show-stopper of a track, rife with excellent production quality and moments of adventure. Al Buchanan cites Radiohead and Muse among his influences – and “Sirens” sounds like a modernized cross between both of these acts. His arrangement builds progressively during the verses, as does the tension, ultimately leading into an epic chorus that is brought to life by a prominent electric guitar hook. This is balanced with Sophia Costa’s lush and ethereal vocal delivery, flawlessly embodying the enchanting and magical essence conveyed by the song. My Music Mixtape
All quotes and images provided in artist press material.
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