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 colby!, Meg Ripps, Wotts, Janita, Little Wasters and OK Naledi. Continue reading below to learn more about the talented artists who landed on December’s edition of On Repeat.
Dead Giveaway – colby!
“I wrote Dead Giveaway about those moments in a relationship—romantic or platonic—when you realize there’s no real depth there,” shares colby!. “You’re putting in the effort to keep things going, but it’s clear the other person isn’t meeting you halfway, and they’re unlikely to change. There’s nothing left to save, and it’s time to accept that you need to go your separate ways.”
Excerpt from colby! press material for Dead Giveaway
Singer-songwriter colby! solidifies herself as one of the most exciting new artists to emerge this year with the release of Dead Giveaway. The EP is loaded with infectious indie pop hooks and top-tier production, blending dark undertones with airy vocals to create a sound akin to a rockier, edgier Billie Eilish—music that feels raw, introspective, and deeply relatable.
The title track, “Dead Giveaway”, wastes no time pulling listeners into her world. This electro-rock banger is built around a minimalist instrumental that allows her haunting vocal style to shine. The introspective verses—backed by swirling synths and a steady beat—explode into a chorus so infectious it demands repeat listens. It’s a stunning opener that sets the tone for what’s to come.
“Gone To Bed,” first introduced as a single that we described as a “standout track”, combines an emphatic acoustic guitar with a groove-infused beat and a rich low end. This dark pop anthem blurs the lines between alternative, rock, and pop, crafting a sound both edgy and addictive. Its contrasting bright verses and shadowy chorus create a dynamic push-pull that keeps you hooked.
On “Break Me Twice,” colby! pares things down to let her raw, direct lyrics take center stage. “I don’t want to scream all night, I don’t want to cry all night honey, I can hate you twice,” she sings, her words mirrored by atmospheric synths and guitar feedback that pan across the mix, mimicking the chaos of heartbreak.
“Moving On” features a romantic guitar melody that guides the track’s first half before transitioning into a deeper, darker space, reflecting the bittersweet process of letting go. The shift in tone—from hopeful to mournful—perfectly captures the song’s emotional journey.
Closing the EP, “Doing What I Can” is a straight-up anthem. Borrowing heavily from alt-rock, this track is driven by a searing guitar riff and colby!’s powerhouse vocals. Her delivery evolves from fragile introspection to raw, unrestrained power, matching the energy of this standout closer. It’s a track that feels destined for the Billboard charts.
Front to back, Dead Giveaway is an epic EP full of emotional depth and genre-blending production, creating a rollercoaster of dynamics and moods. This is her arrival on the scene, and it’s impossible to ignore—colby! is just getting started. My Music Mixtape
Seasons – Meg Ripps
“Seasons” encapsulates the themes of heartbreak and resilience. The song was inspired by the metaphor ‘someone is in your life for a reason, season or a lifetime’. Anyone can relate, and her catchy melodies, and cruisey bubbly vibe makes this song easy to sing along to in the car or in any kind of weather.
Excerpt from Meg Ripps press material for “Seasons”
Singer-songwriter Meg Ripps has burst onto the scene with an infectious debut single, “Seasons”, a polished pop-rock gem that feels like sunshine on a rainy day. With an irresistible blend of dreamy guitar tones, an emphatic bass line, and angelic background vocals that shape an atmospheric soundscape, Ripps delivers a track that is as uplifting as it is introspective. One of the song’s standout features is its hyper-melodic guitar riff, a hook so evocative it transports you to a beachside sunset. Still, while “Seasons” carries a breezy, summertime vibe, its introspective lyrics and sultry yet vulnerable vocal delivery reveal a deeper emotional core. Inspired by the poignant metaphor “someone is in your life for a reason, season, or lifetime,” the Brisbane-based artist threads the needle between heartache and hope, making this track universally relatable. The bridge, marked by its emotional depth and suspenseful build, adds weightiness to the song, creating a cathartic release when the anthemic chorus returns. Ripps’ knack for catchy, sing-along hooks shines brightly, making “Seasons” a natural fit for radio airwaves and playlists alike. With its stripped-down yet refined production, “Seasons” showcases a musical maturity that is beyond her years. If this debut is any indication, Meg Ripps is certainly destined for a promising career. Keep her on your radar—she’s just getting started. My Music Mixtape
sinking – Wotts
“This has been a hell of a journey. We went from making hip hop to dropping songs influenced by The Beatles. If you’ve been with us this long, probably safe to say you won’t mind a bit of change from us every now and then”.
Excerpt from Wotts press material for “sinking”
Ottawa-based indie pop duo Wotts is hands down one of our favourite acts, and their latest single, “sinking”, proves why. Fresh off a stellar string of 2024 releases, the duo once again delivers with an infectious, feel-good track that masterfully blends retro style with contemporary flair. From the first note, “sinking” hooks you with a bass line that’s pure groove — steady and prominent in the verses, driving the energy through a chorus you’ll want to play over and over. Vintage 60s-inspired keys add warmth and texture, perfectly complementing Wotts’ signature old-meets-new aesthetic, while lush synth layers swirl around the edges, expanding the soundscape into something cinematic. There’s even a dash of twangy, country-inspired vibes in the instrumental that feels totally unexpected yet perfectly at home — a hallmark of Wotts’ fearless approach to genre experimentation. They’re one of the few acts out there that can do this so successfully, acting as musical mad scientists concocting another gem that places them in a league of their own. For most artists, the constant experimentation would derail their identity; for Wotts, they somehow exploit this, shaping a sound that is totally, completely their own. Singer and producer Jayem’s ethereal vocals glide effortlessly over the intricately layered production, with his airy delivery amplifying the track’s dreamy energy. The meticulous panning and production ensure every element — from violins to synths to multiple guitar parts — shines in its moment, creating a rich and dynamic listening experience. Wotts isn’t just making music; they’re pushing boundaries. After landing on our list of “Top Indie Tracks of 2024” with their “endorphine-fuelled” banger “Wilson”, and now with “sinking”, we just can’t wait to see what they’ll bring to the lab in 2025. My Music Mixtape
Real Deal – Janita
“Being an artist in this world is a mad pursuit, yet it’s the work I’ve schooled myself in, and done, all my life. So I find myself living, symbolically, in a permanent shootout like Butch and Sundance and I’m alright with it. More than just ‘alright’ with it—it’s the life I’ve chosen.”
Excerpt from Janita press material for Real Deal
With “Real Deal,” New York-based singer-songwriter Janita reaffirms her status as a fearless artist unbound by genre or convention. Opening with an atmospheric swirl of synth textures and a steady rock foundation, “Real Deal” quickly establishes a layered brilliance. The production is a masterclass in dynamics: dual guitar melodies in the pre-chorus pan across the soundscape, setting the stage for a gritty, 90s-inspired chorus that evokes alt-rock great PJ Harvey, but with the modern touch of St. Vincent. The bass line grooves confidently beneath it all, grounding the track as Janita’s vocal performance soars. Shifting effortlessly from ethereal falsetto to a grounded, direct delivery, her voice becomes the glue that holds this eclectic mix together. The song feels like a journey—starting with a dreamy vibe and building to an electrifying crescendo, showcasing Janita’s unique ability to blend rock, soul, and pop into something entirely her own. In fact, she channels the rebellious spirit of her cinematic muses The 400 Blows and Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid to craft a track that is uniquely about her experience going against the grain of what most would consider traditional. Yes, this includes becoming a teen star in her native Finland, then landing two singles on the U.S. Billboard Top 40 and scoring a record deal with Sony – incredible feats for any artist. It’s clear that Janita thrives when she carves her own path and this song reinforces this notion. As the first glimpse into her upcoming tenth album, Mad Equation, set for release in May of 2025, “Real Deal” sets a high bar. If this track and her previous success is any indication, Janita’s next chapter promises to be just as daring and captivating as the life she’s chosen. My Music Mixtape
I Want You (For Someone) – Little Wasters
Little Wasters, from Camden Town in London with their gritty, heart-thumping indie anthem, “I Want You (For Someone)” is all about facing rejection and the hope of finding acceptance…The track explores love, rejection, and self-acceptance, asking, ‘could that someone just be me?’
Excerpt from Little Wasters press material for “I Want You (For Someone)”
Little Wasters’ latest single, “I Want You (For Someone),” is the kind of track that grabs you by the collar from the first listen. With its gritty energy and infectious hooks, the UK-based indie rock outfit delivers a barnburner that feels both raw and refreshingly honest. Rooted in 90s alt-rock and Britpop influences, the track evokes the swagger of Oasis and Stereophonics while injecting a modern edge reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys. There’s also a dash of David Bowie’s hit “Heroes”, instrumentally and vocally. The soaring guitar work—with its crunchy tones, feedback and piercing flourishes—serves as the heartbeat of the song, culminating in a powerful solo and a melodic slowdown that keeps you glued. Singer Paul Antony Rey-Burns’ vocal performance is nothing short of magnetic, channeling every ounce of passion into lyrics like “I need you to see me for all that I could be”. His delivery balances heartbreak and conviction, perfectly complemented by a high-octane chorus with punchy backing vocals and distorted guitars that elevate the track’s emotional intensity. Having earned airplay on Amazing Radio, Radio 6 Music, and BBC Introducing, Little Wasters are proving they’re a band on the rise. “I Want You (For Someone)” isn’t just a single—it’s an anthem of resilience. My Music Mixtape
Dream – OK Naledi
“Dream” delves into the artist’s dream where she witnesses a world engulfed in flames, serving as a metaphor for the current climate crisis. Despite the somber theme, the track ends on a hopeful note, urging listeners to take action.
Excerpt from OK Naledi press material for “Dream”
Ottawa-based indie rock band OK Naledi delivers a knockout with their latest single, “Dream”. The song is a sonic gem, showcasing the collective talent of Kira Monfrot’s razor-tight drumming, Cynthia Cheng’s groovy bass lines, and Naledi Sunstrum’s soaring vocals and top-notch production. Drawing inspiration from 90s icons such as Garbage, Hole, and No Doubt, with a dash of The Beaches’ modern flair, “Dream” is a magnetic blend of soul rock, indie rock, and pop that immediately captures your attention right from the first note. Thematically, “Dream” takes us into a vivid vision of a world on fire, a poignant metaphor for the escalating global climate crisis. Despite its heavy subject matter, the track masterfully transitions to a hopeful tone, urging collective action. The shimmering guitar tones and soaring vocal line shape an expansive, atmospheric soundscape that’s both urgent and uplifting. Sunstrum’s infectious vocals—equal parts enchanting and commanding—captivate, while the track’s dynamic shifts and tight snare work maintain an irresistible energy. The left-right panning on the guitar layers adds a lush, textured dimension, highlighting the song’s excellent production. As a follow-up to 2023’s Bones, “Dream” is a standout single that leaves a lasting impression, cementing OK Naledi as a band that can deliver music that’s both fresh and impactful. My Music Mixtape
All quotes and images provided in artist press material
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