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.
This month’s roundup features a diverse range of musical styles and influences by exceptional genre-blending artists, including Olivia Booth, fxrrvst, Iris Blue, The Trusted, Avalon Stone, Kelsey Montanez, Jess Lees and Alice Geary. Continue reading below to learn more about the talented artists who landed on October’s edition of On Repeat.
A KISS FROM ME TO YOU – Olivia Booth
Inspired by an agonizing chance first encounter with an ex and their new partner, this song will resonate with most people who have been through the same thing. ‘A Kiss From Me To You’ is the ultimate revenge track that will be played on repeat!
Excerpt from Olivia Booth press material for “A KISS FROM ME TO YOU”
Look out folks – “A KISS FROM ME TO YOU” is a straight up banger that will immediately hook you. Singer-songwriter Olivia Booth delivers a powerful vocal performance that turns heads while the song’s infectious indie pop rock vibe and hook-fuelled instrumental hits the mark in every way. It features a thumping bass line in the verse that forces you to bop your head and an soaring, energetic chorus that rises to the occasion. Inspired by artists including The Arctic Monkeys and Sam Fender, Booth blends the indie grit of the former and the emotional pull of the latter to shape a striking rocker full of soul. This thoughtful songwriting comes alive through sharp lyrics that not only mirror the raw, hard-hitting instrumental but also capture the intensity of a chance encounter with an ex. Booth sings, “don’t need you to want me, turns out you wanted someone else’s body, but you stood in front of me” – these lyrics are direct and beg you to keep listening like the musical equivalent of a cliffhanger. With “A KISS FROM ME TO YOU”, Booth has delivered an anthemic slice of pop rock poised to earn her many accolades. Her talent has already caught the attention of BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio, a clear sign that Booth is a star on the rise. My Music Mixtape
Hate Has No Home Here – fxrrvst
Despite being written well over a year ago, fxrrvst’s latest single “Hate Has No Home Here” is more relevant now than ever. An anthemic message of unity, “Hate Has No Home Here” deviates from the band’s usual motif of mental health, and transitions to a call to action, imploring the audience to take a stand and ‘lets get loud’.
Excerpt from fxrrvst press material for “Hate Has No Home Here”
Amid the highly polarized state of politics and major wars claiming innocent lives, fxrrvst (pronounced “forest”) delivers a poignant call for unity on their thrilling new single, “Hate Has No Home Here”. The Toronto-based indie pop band first caught our attention with their hook-laden, feel-good singles, “Lavender” and “CBAYAOM”. fxrrvst is now turning their focus to a deeper sentiment, capturing the zeitgeist of the times and the mood of a generation. “Hate Has No Home Here” certainly features the infectious, melody-infused instrumental lines that characterize the aforementioned singles – but fxrrvst go one step further with a call to action pleading listeners to take a stand. The hyper-melodic instrumental weaves together gritty, shimmering and clean guitar tones, creating a rich and inviting soundscape. The dynamic builds over time, culminating in an irresistible chorus that features singer Holly’s impassioned vocal line. A chant that repeats the track’s name is heard later in the song, compelling voices to grow louder. It’s simultaneously chilling and electrifying, and forces you to take pause and reflect long after the music stops. fxrrvst manage to address the dark underbelly of humanity head on, while helping you escape it with a goosebump-inducing instrumental and message of hope. “Hate Has No Home Here” is a thought-provoking anthem that elicits a strong emotional response, acting as a reflection of the times and standing out as a must-listen by an exceptional band. My Music Mixtape
Quality Time – Iris Blue
Iris Blue is an Indie Rock band based out of Chicago IL. Iris Blue combines catchy riffs, tasty drums, and melancholic melodies to create the perfect blend between a fun and pessimistic sonic.
Excerpt from Iris Blue bio on Spotify
When Iris Blue releases a new single we can’t help but act like kids in a candy store. The Chicago-based indie rock band is unquestionably among our favourite acts to follow, cheer on and listen to, exciting us with every twist and turn of their excellent music. In fact, this marks their fourth appearance on this site and on our playlist – and for plenty of good reasons: the soaring choruses, punchy percussion, melodic guitar layers, singer Quinn Pokora’s falsetto-infused vocal lines…the list goes on. Their latest release, “Quality Time”, once again showcases these distinct qualities, which have collectively shaped their signature sound. This new release blends a combination of wistful melodies and more uplifting, blissful moments, shaping an emotional instrumental line that mirrors the core subject of the song: the inability to recognize whether someone is in love with you or simply loves you for the moment. As one could imagine, the intense ebbs and flows of this scenario requires a soundtrack that follows suit – and “Quality Time” hits the mark with a combination of instrumental breakdowns and tempo shifts that reflect the start-and-stop moments of any relationship. Now on tour, Iris Blue is set to bring their fresh, accessible sound to a wider audience. With an ever-growing collection of standout singles, including “Quality Time”, we’re certain they’ll win over countless new fans, just as they have us. My Music Mixtape
The Lightning – The Trusted
“The song delves into the introspective battle we all face when looking in the mirror, confronting our true potential. It’s a powerful reminder that within each of us lies a spark of brilliance—our very own bolt of lightning. Too often, we hold it back. ‘The Lightning’ calls on us to unleash that energy and embrace our greatness.” – Tom Cunningham
Excerpt from The Trusted press material for “The Lightning”
It’s becoming a bit of a habit at this point—every time The Trusted drop a new track, we can’t help but get super excited, and “The Lightning” is another reason why. Their latest release is nothing short of thrilling, thanks to the dynamic between the verses and chorus. The soulful, synth rock instrumental line of the verse draws you in before building to an anthemic chorus that defines the band’s inventive sound. The song balances a big, expansive feel with an intimate vibe; the guitar-driven chorus adds grandeur while the reflective verse keeps it personal. The Trusted simply know how to craft songs that stick with you, and “The Lightning” is no exception. With its lush production quality and infectious hooks, this song grabs your attention and proves once again why The Trusted is one of our favorite indie rock bands today. Singer Tom Cunningham’s vocal performance is stellar, perfectly capturing the song’s personal exploration of ego, self-worth, and inner greatness, while an epic guitar solo serves as the perfect finishing touch. There’s a bravery in how The Trusted fuse influences from Peter Gabriel to LCD Soundsystem while still managing to carve out a space that’s distinctly their own. It’s what we have come to expect from a band that always dares to experiment, yet consistently delivers music that resonates. “The Lightning” reaffirms this, showcasing The Trusted’s unique ability at blending innovation with emotional depth. My Music Mixtape
Cliffhanger – Avalon Stone
Clutching onto a doomed relationship until your fingernails start to crack is a feeling a lot us can all too easily recognize. But nobody can convey the sensation of dangling from a high precipice of the heart quite like Avalon Stone, the consistently astounding post-grunge heavy rocker who’s rendered just such a predicament in typically dizzying style on her new single, “Cliffhanger.”
Excerpt from Avalon Stone press material for “Cliffhanger”
We were first introduced to Avalon Stone through her singles, “Harder”, a high-octane track that makes it impossible to turn away, and “Shaking Me Up”, an infectious banger with a soaring chorus. The rocker has impressed us with a series of edgy, hard rock numbers that deliver explosive instrumental lines while maintaining a strong sense of melody – certainly a tough balance to achieve in her genre. Stone’s latest release, “Cliffhanger”, stays true to this formula, delivering a one-two punch that includes a blistering, guitar-driven arrangement and a powerful vocal delivery, an absolute requirement for a song that explores the predicaments of a failing relationship. The Kitchener-based singer paints a visually rich picture of a romantic freefall, full of defiance and attitude, but with the dread of the unknown. Lyrics including, “can’t see the water below but I hear the waves crash” and “bruised to the bone, will I end up on this bed of stone” captivate listeners, holding them in suspense. The track delivers no shortage of intensity, amplified by excellent production, courtesy of Juno-winning producer Kevin Dietz, and an epic guitar riff that underpins the composition. After appearing on the same bill as hitmakers The Beaches at the recent Fest2Fall music festival and with an upcoming show at Toronto’s world-famous El Mocambo, Stone is on an upward trajectory. With “Cliffhanger” added to her growing collection of rock anthems, she’s sure to keep climbing toward the peak of success. My Music Mixtape
Kick the Habit – Kelsey Montanez
With her debut full-length album on the verge of release, Kelsey Montanez has ignited a whirlwind of anticipation among critics and music lovers alike. Having released a handful of celebrated singles, the songwriter has already garnered praise for her cultivated sound, which blends rock’s classic elements with a modern, invigorating twist.
Excerpt from Kelsey Montanez bio on Spotify
Don’t be fooled by the melodic, atmospheric opening verse of “Kick the Habit”. The latest offering by Kelsey Montanez bursts into a head-banging rocker with an electrifying chorus that will beg you to hit the repeat button. The genre-blending track features a dreamy verse shaped by an Americana-inspired instrumental before it transforms into an edgy, guitar-driven rock anthem. Montanez shifts from the sweet girl-next-door to edgy, bad-ass rocker as seamlessly as her ability to merge country influences with an invigorating indie rock sensibility. Her command of various genres and ability to weave in and out of them showcases her exceptional talent for crafting songs that captivate listeners. The verses are designed to tease you – you know what’s to come and decide to go along for the ride. The result is a song full of depth, transporting listeners through past and present on a rock n’ roll rollercoaster. The three-part harmonies that characterize the verses will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. It’s the icing on the cake of a truly memorable song and striking vocal performance. If “Kick the Habit” is a glimpse of what’s to come on Kelsey Montanez’s forthcoming album, then buckle up – we’re in for a thrilling sonic experience that promises to be well worth the wait. My Music Mixtape
Broken Souls – Jess Lees
“Broken Souls” is about dependency. Metaphorically travelling over the rainbow, once reaching the peak and starting the descent it quickly becomes a slippery slope. The further the trip, the less grip there is on reality and the harder it is to turn back.
Excerpt from Jess Lees press material for “Broken Souls”
The melodic guitar work and atmospheric soundscape of “Broken Souls” is as inviting as it is insightful, drawing listeners into a world of introspection and emotion. Inspired by artists such as Lana Del Ray, Paramore, Avril Lavigne and Evanescence, singer-songwriter Jess Lees seamlessly blends contemporary indie rock, pop rock, 90s-inspired alt rock and even commercial pop to shape a musically diverse track that sounds comfortably familiar, but excitingly fresh. The fact this is the UK-based artist’s debut single is a testament to her natural talent in crafting genre-blending songs with a deeper meaning. “Broken Souls” carries a melancholic, nostalgic quality, driven largely by the emotive nature of the instrumental line as well as the song’s core theme: the search for a place where “broken souls” don’t feel so broken. Lees brings the song to life with poetic and visually rich lyrics, including, “they’re looking for a sanctuary to rest their heavy hearts” and “the ghosts of broken souls that never made it home”. It’s a poignant reflection that is punctuated by Lees’ stirring vocal delivery, which is supported by lush harmonies and background vocals. The song’s dynamic increases steadily, seamlessly culminating in a full-out rocker of a song. Powerful, vibrant and moving, “Broken Souls” leaves a lasting emotional impact, showcasing Lees’ ability to connect with listeners through heartfelt storytelling and a genre-defying sound. My Music Mixtape
Daisy – Alice Geary
Former EDM topliner turned Pop gal. My music is aimed at connecting to those in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies who are navigating their identities and want to sing about it! I aspire to be like a trusted best friend, offering advice through my music!!
Excerpt from Alice Geary bio on Spotify
It’s the undeniably infectious, hook-laden chorus of “Daisy” that perked our ears, but the infusion of seemingly endless melodic phrases throughout the track that commanded our attention. Singer-songwriter Alice Geary delivers a soulful single that successfully combines acoustic folk with 90s-influenced rock, shaping a genre-blending song worthy of rocking stadiums near and far – and if you listen to the rest of her catalogue, you’ll also hear elements of electronic dance and commercial pop. This alone highlights Geary’s knack for shaping a variety of musical influences into songs that are simultaneously fresh and familiar. The energy on “Daisy” builds gradually, captivating listeners with its gritty instrumental that spans a wide range of tones, from clean, shimmering guitar layers to punchy percussion, culminating in a soaring solo. Geary’s vocal delivery on “Daisy” is impeccable: it’s powerful, yet fragile and full of surprises. Her vocal doubling on the main vocal line as well as the harmonies throughout add texture and simply make the song come to life. “Daisy” strikes a perfect balance between radio-friendly accessibility and originality, sidestepping common clichés to deliver a modern sound that makes you want to turn up the volume. My Music Mixtape
All quotes and images provided in artist press material
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