On Repeat is a monthly roundup of My Music Mixtape’s favourite tracks featured on our ‘Radio Friendly Indie Rock and Alt Pop‘ Spotify playlist.
May includes a powerful protest song by Giack Bazz, a profound coming-of-age tale by Ben Murphy, a melodic indie rock burner by Iris Blue and a spellbinding dream pop track by Amos Waits. Continue reading below to learn more about the artists who landed on this month’s edition of On Repeat.
Only Fans – Giack Bazz
The song is a figurative razor-sharp dagger pointed at the back of the music industry, the struggles of an artist in a sea of influencers, the grassroots venues, the shameless plug of one’s own music as a search for attention.
Excerpt from Giack Bazz press material for “Only Fans”
Songwriter Giack Bazz holds back no punches in this poignant protest song, putting on his activist shoes to draw awareness to the dark underbelly of the music industry. In “Only Fans”, Bazz likens the industry to the adult film industry, asserting that selling one’s own body is not dissimilar from buying streams on digital streaming platforms or artists using OnlyFans to spread awareness. He channels this message in a melodically-rich indie rock track that begins with a contemplative and soothing instrumental, warming up listeners before transitioning to a more dynamic and anthemic chorus. The lyrics here are blistering, as Bazz belts out “Only morning Fans, who keep as far as they can, watching disinterested the stage, with a drink in their hand”. The poetic wit continues: “with no lies to keep me warm and no gun to kiss in vain, what am I supposed to scorn now that I am older than Cobain”. Bazz delivers every word in this song with the passion and emotion needed for a song trying to bring awareness to the fact that musicians are resorting to unorthodox ways to be seen and heard in today’s complex and challenging industry environment. For example, artists do not begin accumulating royalties from Spotify until after they hit 1,000 streams. This is exactly what Bazz is highlighting in Only Fans, defending musicians’ rights while delivering a wonderfully crafted song that deserves repeat listens. My Music Mixtape
Seven Lives – Ben Murphy
“Seven Lives” is a raw look at the claustrophobia that sets in when your childhood dreams clash with the reality of your hometown…this relatable anthem speaks to anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a rut, surrounded by people yet yearning for something more.
Excerpt from Ben Murphy press material for “Seven Lives”
The narrative-driven nature of “Seven Lives” will have you hooked on this melodic gem from the get-go. Songwriter Ben Murphy tells the tale of seven friends who grow up together only to realize their lives have become repetitive and predictable – a stark departure from the bright futures they once imagined. Murphy showcases a strong knack for vivid storytelling, capturing this melancholic, coming-of-age transformation with profound, image-laden lyrics. In the chorus, he sings “this doesn’t get me high anymore…drinking with all my friends but drinking alone”. You hang off of every word as Murphy moves from friend to friend, while acknowledging his own place and existence within the group dynamic. He brings these lyrics to life with an infectious vocal delivery full of lush harmonies and a warm instrumental similar in style to that of Sam Fender – always a great thing. The result is a poignant reflection that evokes a sense of nostalgia, placing you directly in the song as though you are one of the seven lives. It forces an introspection on the part of the listener that makes one appreciate the simplicity and magic of youth, while contemplating the present and future. Having already won the praises of BBC Introducing, Murphy is certainly ready to tell this very personal story to the rest of the world. My Music Mixtape
S.I.M.M – Iris Blue
Iris Blue combines catchy riffs, tasty drums, and melancholic melodies to create the perfect blend between a fun and pessimistic sonic. Drawing from bands like Manchester Orchestra, Microwave, Peach Pit and Backseat Lovers, Iris Blue takes inspiration from Indie, Alternative, Heavy Metal, Punk, and Blues. All these genres are showcased in their new EP, “Over Promise, Almost Deliver”.
Excerpt from Iris Blue press material for “S.I.M.M”
Iris Blue is no stranger to My Music Mixtape. Their latest release, “S.I.M.M’, marks their third appearance on our playlist and for a very good reason: the Chicago-based indie rock band simply know how to craft a catchy song that forces the musical version of a double take, commanding the attention of fans old and new. They’ve made a habit of producing melody-infused, guitar-driven anthems and “S.I.M.M” is no different. The verse featuring punchy, staccato guitars and a groovy bass line yields to what can only be described as a banger of a chorus, where we hear singer Quinn Pokora’s distinctly cool, yet powerful vocal style take flight. An instrumental bridge further punctuates the dynamic of the song and allows for a brief moment of pause before diving back into the chorus, acting as a perfectly satisfying release. “S.I.M.M” offers a unique blend of energetic melody and grit that not only defines Iris Blue’s musical brand, but also serves as the ideal sample of what listeners can expect on the band’s riff-laden, brilliantly-titled new EP, Over Promise, Almost Deliver. Their music compels you into a rabbit hole, where your intention to listen to a song or two inevitably becomes a deep dive into their excellent discography. Simply put, it’s a safe bet this won’t be their last appearance here. My Music Mixtape
Never Over You – Amos Waits
Produced by Juno award-winning Derrek Hoffman and recorded by Josh Korody in Toronto, “Never Over You” builds on a dream pop sound describing a situationship that you know is not good for you but is impossible to resist in your vulnerable moments.
Excerpt from Amos Waits press material for “Never Over You”
It’s the dreamy atmosphere in “Never Over You” that initially grabbed our attention, but the song’s captivating vocals that drew us in. Dream pop duo Amos Waits immediately establish a moody vibe that builds over time, introducing listeners to new layers that heighten the overall dynamic – and tension – of the track. The guitar work in particular stands out in this regard with a combination of clean, shimmering and gritty tones all working together to shape a unique blend of dream pop, indie pop and even shoegaze. The result is a texturally rich tapestry of sound that is equal to the depth of singer Leah Zen’s magically ethereal vocal delivery. The vocal hook in the chorus is especially on point and undeniably catchy. There’s also a dark and seductive, yet vulnerable quality in Zen’s vocals that perfectly captures the inability to resist an alluring but harmful temptation. We’ve all been there, highlighting the song’s universal appeal and Amos Waits’ ability to connect with listeners across the musical spectrum. Lyrically, the strong use of metaphor helps paint this picture, with lines such as, “Cause I never caught the fever in your heartbreak summer” and “If you’ve got desires, I’ll lite the fire will burn it up and walk right through it”. Poetic and profound, “Never Over You” is so alluring you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. My Music Mixtape
All quotes and images provided in artist press material.
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