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’s roundup features a diverse range of musical styles and influences by exceptional genre-blending artists, including KATHMANDU, Wotts, MatAre, Stell and the Comedown Club, Royal Blush, Georgia Ray and MCVEIGH. Continue reading below to learn more about the talented artists who landed on this month’s edition of On Repeat.
Wild Wind – KATHMANDU
“Each track on the EP has its own story. ‘Wild Wind’ describes a newfound sense of invincibility after a difficult period. It symbolizes relief, confidence, and, most importantly, new passion.”
Excerpt from KATHMANDU press material for their self-titled album
Netherlands-based KATHMANDU have struck gold with “Wild Wind,” a radiant highlight from their self-titled debut album. Sitting somewhere between a hazy indie pop daydream and a full-blown sonic catharsis, the track effortlessly captures the four-piece band’s knack for walking the tightrope between light and dark, a quality that is heard across the entire album. It’s a sound that flirts with nostalgia but never loses its forward motion. “Wild Wind” unfolds like a cinematic journey—layered, textured, and emotionally resonant. A prominent, gritty guitar riff anchors the track, while a groove-heavy bass line keeps things pulsing underneath. At centre stage, however, it’s band leader and singer Donna Marie who truly steals the show. Her vocal performance is magnetic—soulful, vulnerable, and soaring. When she delivers the refrain, “ooooh, I feel a storm in my head, oooh I feel the words I should have said, oooh I feel the tears that I shed”—goosebumps are guaranteed. The band’s production choices are equally compelling, with lush background vocals and clever panning that make the mix feel expansive and bright. It’s a dynamic listen—anthemic in places, hushed in others—but always brimming with intention. “Wild Wind” lingers long after the final note, proof that KATHMANDU aren’t just chasing indie rock trends—they’re carving out a space entirely their own. My Music Mixtape
Better Days – Wotts
“With FLANK! set for release soon, ‘Better Days’ continues to build anticipation for what promises to be the band’s most personal project to date. The way Wotts sees it, the EP doesn’t just offer a collection of songs, it offers an invitation to sit with what hurts and hope. As Ricky puts it ‘What we really want people to get from the EP is that it’s ok to feel lost, and it’s also ok to believe something good is still out there’”
Excerpt from Wotts press material for “Better Days”
Ottawa’s dynamic indie pop duo Wotts continue to impress with “Better Days,” the second single off their upcoming EP FLANK! The track not only builds on the momentum of their previous release, “Not Us”, but further cements their status as one of our favourite, most compelling artists across the indie landscape. We’ve simply lost count of how many times their music has found its way onto this site and our playlist—no small feat considering the fierce competition among today’s indie artists.
“Better Days” is a nostalgic, emotionally rich single that showcases Wotts’ signature blend of vintage influences and contemporary production. From the outset, the track offers a dreamy, immersive atmosphere shaped by hazy guitars, shimmering synths, delicate xylophone accents, and the duo’s characteristic ethereal vocal delivery that feels both personal and expansive. Yet it’s the piano that truly defines the emotional core of this song—melodic, introspective, and swirled in a subtle effect that evokes the passage of time, a fitting reminder of the track’s title and core theme: hope during loss. As the group’s guitarist and bassist Ricky 100 aptly puts it, “sometimes a piano is the only thing that can get the right emotion across” – a sentiment that rings especially true on “Better Days”.
A groove-driven bass line propels the track with an upbeat indie pop charm, while crisp snares and an arpeggiated guitar melody elevates an already infectious chorus. In its final stretch, the song shifts effortlessly into a lush, psychedelic space reminiscent of Tame Impala, all wrapped in a production style that nods to the innovative polish of Gorillaz—thanks to Jayem, Wotts’ vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer.
With “Better Days,” Wotts deliver yet another standout track that balances melancholy with hope, sonic ambition with emotional clarity. It’s an exceptional release that provides yet another exciting glimpse into their anticipated EP—and yes, listening to the track will absolutely make your day better. My Music Mixtape
Attach Your Memories – MatAre
“With a distinct sound influenced by bands like Paradise Blossom, Beach Vacation, and The Cure, Matare’s music offers a unique blend of nostalgia and modernity that resonates with audiences worldwide…[‘Attach Your Memories’] captures the laid-back essence of MatAre’s coastal inspirations, creating a musical experience that is both soothing and invigorating.”
Excerpt from MatAre press material for “Attach Your Memories”
Indie artist Matthew Rousseau—known as MatAre—has become a mainstay and welcome presence on this site, and with each release it’s easy to hear why. Since his debut here with “Forever Light,” a soothing serenade that introduced us to his ethereal style, MatAre has continued to deliver singles that feel both comfortably consistent and quietly bold. Stunning tracks like “Under A Stone” and “The Siren” showcased his ability to build dreamy, immersive soundscapes while evolving his sound with subtle but effective changes. His latest release, “Attach Your Memories,” is another strong step forward, carrying an upbeat and charming indie pop sound that is immersive. The track opens with a shimmering guitar melody that forms the song’s hook, layered over a steady bass line that gives it momentum. Synth-forward production and a lush, textured vocal line culminate in a hazy, nostalgic atmosphere that feels intimate and expansive at once, offering listeners a sense of escapism and a welcome suspension of disbelief. The refrain—“attach your memories to me”—anchors the emotional tone of the track, while poignant lines like “I can still picture your laughter in the clouds” add a layer of introspection that fits perfectly within MatAre’s signature dream-pop aesthetic. As we continue to follow MatAre’s musical journey, two things become clear: his unique artistic vision is unmistakable, and he continues to bring it to life with clarity, depth, and intention. My Music Mixtape
Change Your Mind – Stell and the Comedown Club
“With a sound that perfectly complements the live music experience, ‘Change Your Mind’ is a testament to the band’s evolution and commitment to delivering music that resonates with their audience.”
Excerpt from Stell and the Comedown Clumb press material for “Change Your Mind”
There’s something instantly magnetic about “Change Your Mind,” the latest single from UK-based indie rock band Stell and the Comedown Club. Originally written as a slower piano song, the track has been entirely reimagined into a bonafide banger—bursting at the seams with gritty guitar tones, infectious energy, and polished production that demands repeat spins. Led by frontman and multi-instrumentalist Stell Kousiounis, who impressively handled all vocals and instrumentation, “Change Your Mind” hits that sweet spot between edgy and accessible. Drawing on influences including The Strokes, Muse, and Arctic Monkeys, the band blends catchy pop rock hooks with enough texture and swagger to make it stand out in today’s indie landscape. The track’s pulse comes from its persistent, dynamic guitar work, switching up tones and licks while maintaining momentum, while a subtle synth layer adds atmospheric depth beneath the surface. The melodic vocal line is nothing short of infectious, especially in the chorus, which lands like an anthemic gut-punch. Just when you think it’s over, a soaring tremolo guitar outro, bolstered by expertly panned backing vocals and co-producer Tarrant Shepherd’s studio finesse, seals the deal. Though it’s our first taste of Stell and the Comedown Club, “Change Your Mind” is their fourth release, and now has us diving head-first into their back catalogue. My Music Mixtape
Cherry Cola – Royal Blush
“After years of road-testing these songs in clubs and basements in NJ, NY and PA, we are pleased to present our debut EP, ‘A Ways Away’. Part of a larger project, this collection’s diverse sonic palette ranges from the honey-stirred sweetness of alt-rockers like ‘Cherry Cola’ and ‘Ice Age,’ to the rage-drunk grunge housefires of ‘Go’ and ‘Butterflies on the Grave’. It’s shamelessly vulnerable, scary, sugary and everything in between.”
Excerpt from Royal Blush press material for “A Ways Away”, which includes “Cherry Cola”
With “Cherry Cola,” New Jersey-based indie rock band Royal Blush have delivered something truly special—a lush, hook-filled gem that not only stands tall on its own, but perfectly encapsulates the emotional and sonic arc of their debut EP, A Ways Away. It’s a track that blends grit and grace in equal measure, channeling ‘90s-inspired alt-rock crunch through a dreamy, shoegaze-tinged lens, all while maintaining an unmistakable pop sensibility. Thematically, the EP is shaped by the impact of mental overload, exploring dark and vulnerable terrain—abuse, grief, the fragility and resilience of love. “Cherry Cola” distills those themes into one unforgettable listen, moving fluidly between introspective verses and cathartic climaxes. The instrumental is atmospheric and immersive, driven by shimmering guitar tones and dynamic shifts that ebb and flow with emotional weight. Producer Patryk Sikorski, who also plays guitar and bass on the EP, applies a deft touch that elevates the track’s expansive soundscape—particularly through clever panning that enhances its dreamy, ethereal feel. But it’s Allison Heckart’s vocal performance that anchors everything. Her delivery is magnetic—radiating charm, navigating the song’s twists with vocal acrobatics that are equal parts powerful and poignant. “Cherry Cola” has been living on our playlist since its release, and its emotional afterglow lingers long after the final note–exactly what great art is supposed to do. My Music Mixtape
Ignorance is Bliss – Georgia Ray
“The track dives deep into themes of loyalty, love and betrayal, capturing both the vulnerability and strength that define Georgia’s unique style. ‘Ignorance is Bliss’ is a perfect balance of energy and emotion, drawing listeners in with its infectious hooks and powerful instrumentation.”
Excerpt from Georgia Ray press material for “Ignorance is Bliss”
Melbourne’s Georgia Ray delivers a knockout punch with “Ignorance Is Bliss,” a spunky, emotionally-charged ode to the golden age of 00s pop rock. Produced with slick finesse by Kyle Gutterson and mastered by renowned engineer Leon Zervos (Avril Lavigne, Fall Out Boy), this track moves confidently between eras—echoing the raw charm of Lisa Loeb, the melodic power of Tegan and Sara, and the angsty spirit of early Avril. The verses lean into quiet reflection, anchored by a clean, melodic guitar line that gives space for Ray’s wistful lyrics to land with intention. Her vocal delivery is soft and raw here—inviting and unguarded—before opening up into a bold, anthemic chorus layered with crunchy guitars and a stronger, more defiant pop-punk edge. The dynamic arc is one of the track’s strengths, striking a balance between comfort and catharsis while keeping the listener engaged as the emotional tone builds and shifts. “Ignorance Is Bliss” isn’t just a nostalgic throwback, it’s a bold, fresh entry into today’s alt-pop landscape. It’s got teeth, heart, and an undeniable pulse. You’ll be hitting repeat and diving headfirst into Georgia Ray’s growing catalog—exactly what a standout single is supposed to do. My Music Mixtape
The Thief of Leaving – MCVEIGH
“His latest single, ‘The Thief of Leaving,’ is a deeply moving composition inspired by a friend’s poem on grief and loss…Entirely self-recorded and produced in his Tyrone studio, the single showcases McVeigh’s artistry, craftsmanship, and commitment to independent music.”
Excerpt from MCVEIGH press material for “The Thief of Leaving”
Ireland’s Joe McVeigh, who goes by the moniker MCVEIGH, returns with “The Thief of Leaving”, a quietly powerful track that blends rock, pop, folk, and even a hint of Americana into something deeply personal and sonically rich. Inspired by a friend’s poem about grief and loss, the song captures the emotional weight of its subject matter without ever feeling heavy-handed. There’s a melodic warmth running through the track, carried by a layered bed of guitar tones that is reminiscent of the expansive approach of The War on Drugs. The use of panning in the mix adds dimension, as guitar lines stretch across the stereo field and create a textured, immersive atmosphere. Subtle harmonies and background vocals weave in and out, enhancing the emotional pull of the track. At the centre is MCVEIGH’s vocal performance—soulful and grounded, sitting somewhere between the sincerity and tonal quality of Sam Fender and the storytelling skill of Bruce Springsteen. It’s a voice that feels lived-in and honest, supported by production that balances vintage ‘80s tones with a fresh, contemporary polish. Self-recorded at his own studio, “The Thief of Leaving” showcases not just MCVEIGH’s songwriting, but also his skill behind the scenes. It’s a thoughtful, resonant track that is more than worthy of repeat listens. My Music Mixtape
All quotes and images provided in artist press material
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