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.
From alt rock and indie pop to electronic and pop, September’s roundup features a diverse range of musical styles and influences by exceptional genre-blending artists, including Marina Vanoff, colby!, Wotts, Catlea, Deer Park Avenue, Icarus Phoenix, The Zangwills and Idle Lies. Continue reading below to learn more about the talented artists who landed on this month’s edition of On Repeat.
Low – Marina Vanoff
“Low” tells the story of the tumultuous emotions of wanting someone already in a relationship, exploring the thrill and moral ambiguity of acting on that desire without remorse. The lyrics candidly narrate the internal conflict of knowing that pursuing such a relationship is wrong, yet feeling no guilt in doing so.
Excerpt from Marina Vanoff press material for “Low”
We were first introduced to Marina Vanoff last month when she delighted us with her stripped down, emotionally-charged heartbreak track “Chino”. The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter is turning our heads yet again with her followup release, “Low”, an infectious and gritty alt rock gem that is full of swagger and style. The track is provocative, if not outright seductive, as it delves into forbidden desire and the feeling of irresistible attraction. Lyrically, Vanoff paints this picture vividly, singing, “it’s not cool baby but I want to know, you got a girl you should really go back home”. The song simply begs us to continue listening. Vanoff’s cool, yet sultry delivery and her distinctive vocal bends in the verse emphasize the luring nature of “Low”, while the the energetic, guitar-forward chorus fuses the best of No Doubt, Alanis Morissette and Wolf Alice. It is important to note that the musical and thematic juxtaposition between “Low” and her previous release “Chino” highlights Vanoff’s versatility in crafting songs that cross a full spectrum of feelings, dynamics and musical styles. We simply cannot wait to hear what else she has to offer on her debut album, Bones Baby, which is set to release in October. My Music Mixtape
Gone To Bed – colby!
The new single, “Gone To Bed,” is about two people in a relationship who hold back, scared of liking each other too much. Their lack of communication and confidence keeps them from understanding where they stand. Both believe the other deserves better, so they avoid bringing up their true feelings. Despite living in constant confusion and regret, they stay together, always wishing they had ultimately expressed more.
Excerpt from colby! press material for “Gone To Bed”
“Gone To Bed” immediately caught our attention with its edgy, genre-blending style that combines the best of alternative, rock and pop. If you were to do the musical equivalent of a blind taste test, you would think you were listening to Billie Eilish. colby! shows off her musical maturity and immense talent as a singer with the same vocal techniques and airy delivery style that turned the aforementioned artist into a global star. The track is loaded with infectious pop hooks, and is driven by a rich low end and a groove-infused beat that demands to be played on repeat. It also features a subtle dark edge that contrasts with the otherwise bright instrumental, which is shaped by a combination of modern synth layers, effective use of sound effects and a prominently featured acoustic guitar. The result is a fresh and contemporary song that is both irresistible and seductive. “Gone To Bed” is simply a standout track by an emerging artist who clearly has what it takes to connect with a wider audience. In fact, colby! has already landed on Apple Music’s “New In Alternative” playlist as well as Spotify’s “Local Pulse” playlist in Dallas – certainly a sign of what’s to come for the talented singer-songwriter. My Music Mixtape
Wilson – Wotts
“Since day one we’ve always looked to incorporate ‘timeless sounds’ into our music. Whether it’s pieces of The Smiths for our track ‘Laundry’, or bits of The Beatles in ‘there’, we love mixing old with new. While this new one isn’t necessarily linked to an older band, it’s heavily inspired by newer acts that wear the same influences on their sleeves.” – Jayem of Wotts
Quote from Wotts press material for “Wilson”
We have almost lost track of the number of times we have featured Wotts on this site and on our playlist – and for good reason. Release after release, this exceptional Ottawa-based indie pop duo continue to deliver an infectious dose of feel-good songs that hit you like an endorphine-fuelled happy drug – and their latest release, “Wilson” is no exception. From the multi-layered synth elements and soundscapes that shape the core of the instrumental to Jayem’s captivatingly airy vocal delivery to the impeccable production quality, “Wilson” hits the mark across the board with a sound that’s simultaneously fresh and familiar. It captures a nuanced nostalgic pop quality that runs throughout the song, inspired by artists Tame Impala and Brothertiger. The energetic instrumental break stands out on its own, with gritty guitar tones and an epic percussion line that elevates the song to a new and unexpected place. While “Wilson” demonstrates the Wotts’ ability to stay disciplined with a clear musical vision, they are not afraid to experiment and push their own envelope. Though their music isn’t always about happy subjects, there’s something about it that is uplifting – and let’s be honest, what’s there not to like? Catchy pop hooks fit for Friday night parties, relatable lyrics and surprises in store at every turn. Simply put, Wotts deserve to be heard by the masses. My Music Mixtape
Crumbling – Catlea
From the uplifting opening piano to the vibrant positive tones of the final chorus, the new single is an infectious, energetic song that displays both the inevitability of not living up to the unrealistic expectations and finding the power to rebuild oneself.
Excerpt from Catlea press material for “Crumbling”
Don’t let the beautiful piano melody and Catlea’s delicate vocal delivery in the opening moments of “Crumbling” fool you – this is a high energy banger full of surprises. The Cincinnati-based songwriter perked our ears earlier this year with “Lying”, an infectious pop song that found a place at the top of our playlist, where it deservingly remained for an extended period of time. Catlea impresses yet again on “Crumbling”, a track that reinforces her unquestionable knack for writing catchy pop hooks and keeping listeners on their toes. Her vocal delivery is on one hand vulnerable and angelic, but on the other can quickly turn into something quite raw and powerful. This unique blend perfectly suits the eclectic musical style that underpins the instrumental of the song. From alt pop to rock to EDM, the multi-instrumentalist defies categorization, effortlessly and seamlessly merging genres and keeping listeners engaged with a versatile sound. Catlea has also been meticulously crafting a series of new songs over the past three years – and if “Crumbling” is any indication of what’s to come on the rising singer-songwriter’s full-length album, Language Barrier, then we wait in anticipation of the musical and emotional journey it surely promises to deliver. My Music Mixtape
Crucible – Deer Park Avenue
“‘Crucible’ is about being refined like gold in the fire, and deciding what we will let our suffering do to us,” says Steph Snyder, Deer Park Avenue dummer and vocalist. “The crucibles in life test your heart and show you who you are and what really matters to you.”
Quote from Deer Park Avenue press material for “Crucible”
The cinematic nature and dynamic shifts of Deer Park Avenue’s epic release, “Crucible”, had us hooked right out of the gate. The Munich-based indie rock sister duo unleash a magic blend of ambient sounds, alt pop, grunge and synth rock to create an eclectic soundscape that breaks conventional labels. The scorching single begins with a dark backdrop that seamlessly grows into a bold rock instrumental, during which listeners are treated to a goosebump-including climax that masterfully resolves the tension built up earlier in the song. “Crucible” is full of dramatic moments, which are underscored by Sarah Snyder’s simultaneously delicate and powerful vocal delivery leading the charge. The production quality on “Crucible” is also exceptional, as expected with GRAMMY-winning producer Reto Peter, known for his work with Green Day and Modest Mouse, at the helm. Having recently debuted at the prestigious SXSW music festival in Austin and scoring a number of endorsement deals with major music brands, including Epiphone and Alvarez Guitars, Deer Park Avenue is continuing their ascent in the music industry. With “Crucible”, the title-track of their latest LP, they have delivered a stadium-worthy anthem that will continue to turn heads. My Music Mixtape
I Should Have Known the Things You Never Said – Icarus Phoenix
“When confronted with major life changes we find out who we are at our core. Writing these songs helped me wrap my head around the reality of not just a difficult breakup but navigating a co-parenting process with a person actively trying to push me out of my son’s life. The attempts to empathize and understand a person who is actively attacking your perception of events is a fantastic exercise in letting go and going with the flow.” – Drew Danburry of Icarus Phoenix
Quote from Icarus Phoenix press material for “I Should Have Known the Things You Never Said”
Danish author Hans Christian Andersen famously once said, “where words fail, music speaks.” It’s a sentiment that struck us while we listened to Icarus Phoenix’s powerful new LP, fittingly called I Should Have Known the Things You Never Said. The Baltimore-based indie rock band has delivered an exceptional album that takes listeners on a musical rollercoaster through the trials and tribulations of difficult breakups. However, singer-songwriter and frontman Drew Danburry also challenges listeners to confront their pain and learn from it. It’s an important lesson to draw from and highlights the album’s thematic and emotional depth. The opening track, “The Things You Never Told Me”, immediately sets the tone with an infectious vocal line and banger of a chorus. “Live. Give. Lose. Grow” features a variety of distorted guitar layers, as if to mimic the chaos of the situation. Our favourite track on the LP, “High Tide”, is a groove-heavy number that vividly paints this picture with its poignant lyrics: “every day, I engage in a battle of will, to assert I have value beyond money, status or skill.” This song, like most on this release, features seamless dynamic shifts that amplify the overall emotional intensity of the 10-track LP. In fact, each song on the album is perfectly constructed to offer a balance between melody and grit, while weaving exceptional guitar work and rich background vocals into the listening experience. Top-notch production brings it all together, resulting in a textured musical journey that satisfies. To bring it back to Andersen’s quote, if words did indeed fail, as alluded to by the title of the release, the music has certainly spoken. On this captivating LP, Icarus Phoenix offers a cathartic experience while teaching us that as difficult as it can be, sometimes it’s more important to learn and let be. My Music Mixtape
Collision – The Zangwills
Collision is about unexpected encounters, love, and the polarising feelings surrounding new love and its potential to become an inconvenience. Through self-contradicting lyrics such as: “My head is a wreck since you hit me, but I love the way the bandages fit me” we get a sense that, though sudden and inconvenient, this new relationship is not something that the narrator plans to let pass on by. In fact, it is something that they were seeking after all, “is it because I spent my weekend wishing I was not alone?”Excerpt from The Zangwills press material for “Collision”
The infectious guitar riff on The Zangwills’ latest single, “Collision”, had us immediately hooked. One listen was enough to realize this indie rock earworm was something special. It has since become one of our favorite tracks we’ve ever featured on our playlist – and we don’t say that lightly. The undeniably catchy song showcases singer Jake Vickers with an attention-grabbing falsetto in the chorus that keeps you coming back for more. The song’s driving force lies in its steady percussion and bass line, which intensifies during the chorus with a powerful low end that demands attention. The guitar-soaked instrumental features well-placed melodic accents, riffs, and a guitar solo that adds texture to the track. It’s simply a brilliant song by an exceptionally talented band that cites the likes of David Bowie, The Strokes, The Cure and Arctic Monkeys as key influences. The fact that “Collision” was written in under an hour showcases this raw songwriting skill and instinct for creating music that resonates with audiences – and there’s proof of this. After surpassing the elusive 1-million stream milestone on Spotify for two previous releases – a rare achievement for any indie band – it’s clear that the UK-based outfit know how to craft songs with wide appeal. “Collision” reinforces this and further cements The Zangwills’ position as a band on the cusp of something truly remarkable. My Music Mixtape
Shameless – Idle Lies, Abigail Sherratt
‘Shameless’ is a song we pined over for months to perfect; a song about life and relationships in a small town, and the need of escapism when things aren’t how you wanted them to be.
Excerpt from Idle Lies press material for “Shameless”
Idle Lies claims they worked for months to perfect their latest release, “Shameless”. The effort certainly paid off with the UK-based indie rock band delivering a melodic gem full of depth and texture. Interestingly, Idle Lies rotates their singers from one song to the next, injecting an evolving dynamic that keeps their music fresh and contemporary, yet still familiar. One constant is the presence of their many musical influences, including the likes of The Smiths and Fleetwood Mac. On “Shameless” we hear the crisp vocals of Abigail Sherratt, who offers an unquestionably catchy chorus line that showcases her ability to balance delicate phrases with a more powerful delivery. The instrumental is loaded with melodic elements, largely shaped by the guitar layers that underpin the song. From the main rhythm guitar and the shimmering electric guitar chords that sit above it to the licks and riffs throughout the track, “Shameless” carries a nostalgic, Americana-like quality that evokes a sense of yearning. Having already won the praises of BBC Radio Wales, Idle Lies is cementing themselves as an emerging act to watch – and with songs like “Shameless” in their repertoire we will certainly be hearing more of them. My Music Mixtape
All quotes and images provided in artist press material
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