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 Gin Wife, MatAre, Matthew Lee and the Standbys, Flavor Wave, The Zangwills, The Avelons and Kelsey Montanez. Continue reading below to learn more about the talented artists who landed on June’s edition of On Repeat.
Caveat – Gin Wife
“Writing this song was my attempt to express where I was at with experience of frustration when
faced with the desire to accomplish something, anything, but being too preemptively discouraged by all of the perceived roadblocks that chasing a goal might present. Why even try?”Excerpt from Gin Wife press material for “Caveat”
We’ve been hooked on Gin Wife since their hard-hitting debut “Rat Race” back in 2023—a track that first introduced us to Nashville-based Sierra Torres’ soul-stirring vocals and razor-sharp songwriting. The latest single, “Caveat”, doesn’t just pick up where she left off—it digs deeper, darker, and hits harder. It’s a track that’s as emotionally resonant as it is sonically gripping.
Originally written entirely on bass over a glass of red wine, “Caveat” opens with a brooding bass line and warm synth textures that create a slow-building tension. Torres’ characteristic smooth and soulful vocal delivery pulls you in immediately—measured and introspective at first, but gradually gaining power as the track unfolds. The production is rich and spacious, thanks to Parker Forbes at the helm, with clever panning and haunting background vocals that stretch across the stereo field, reinforcing the song’s darker, atmospheric tone.
The track eventually erupts into a powerful chorus full of gritty guitar tones, a head-nodding groove, and a soaring solo that adds weight without overwhelming the mix. The sound blends 90s alt-rock, post-punk, and hints of shoegaze, while still leaning into a modern pop rock sensibility—think the grit of Garbage and Silversun Pickups fused with the haunting allure of Fontaine’s DC and the emotionally-charged approach of Cherry Glazerr.
At its core, “Caveat” captures the feeling of being overwhelmed and discouraged while pursuing personal goals. But through its dynamic shifts and sharp songwriting, Gin Wife turns that vulnerability into something undeniably bold, hypnotic, and deeply satisfying. “Caveat” is raw, real, and anthemic, and it is proof that even our lowest moments can lead to something unforgettable. My Music Mixtape
That’s What People Do – MatAre
“My country and its people worked so hard for progress and human rights and then it feels like it
Excerpt from MatAre press material for “That’s What People Do”
is being stripped back away from the lesser fortunate people very slowly. As the second single
on my upcoming album Extinction Burst, this song begins to give a glimpse into the direction
that was taken out of the anger and frustration felt by so many.”
Matthew Rousseau, the Atlanta-based artist behind MatAre, continues to prove why he’s become a staple on our site and playlist. With each release, he deepens his already distinct sonic fingerprint: dreamy guitar tones, atmospheric textures, rich melodies, and an ethereal vocal delivery that feels as otherworldly as it does grounded. It’s what first hooked us on “Forever Light”, was cemented with “Under A Stone”, and carried beautifully into “Attach Your Memories”, which landed on our most recent issue of On Repeat.
With “That’s What People Do”, MatAre doesn’t just deliver—he evolves. The latest single, mixed and mastered in collaboration with Gabe Wolf (Kurt Vile), leans into a darker and moodier palette, embracing darkwave, gothic rock, post-punk, and even nods to Russian doomer music culture. An ominous synth opens the song with a haunting cinematic gloom, soon met by a pulsing beat that shapes an infectious groove and a shimmering guitar riff that snakes through the mix. One subtle string bend becomes an unlikely hook, while heavier synth layers unfold towards the end of the track to shape an immersive, brooding climax.
More than just a sonic shift, this track is a visceral expression of generational angst—a raw and honest portrayal of frustration, helplessness, and a quiet resistance to an endless spiral of chaos, including multiple wars, market upheaval, political division and the struggle for progress. “That’s What People Do” is a standout moment for MatAre—not only serving as a fearless precursor to his upcoming album Extinction Burst, but also capturing the sound of an uncompromising artist committed to turning unrest into resonance. My Music Mixtape
Carousel – Matthew Lee and the Standbys
“Carousel is a slow-burning, atmospheric ballad that explores the cyclical ache of limerence — the longing for something just out of reach…the track builds gradually before its chorus breaks halfway through, mirroring the emotional tension of unrequited desire.”
Excerpt from Matthew Lee and the Standbys press material for “Carousel”
New York City-based indie rock outfit Matthew Lee and the Standbys make a compelling case for the slow burn on their standout single “Carousel,” a track that effortlessly channels early 2000s alt-rock nostalgia while crafting something that feels entirely of its own world. Echoes of Bush’s “Glycerine” float through the fuzzed-out guitars and mellow mid-tempo pacing, but it’s the band’s attention to detail that makes “Carousel” so magnetic.
The song opens in a quiet, contemplative place—anchored by warm guitars and an atmospheric synth that hums just beneath the surface—before expanding into something far more immersive. Lush harmonies pan across the stereo field, gradually folding into a richer sonic palette as drums kick in with a steady pulse, and Lee’s vocals evolve from a near whisper to a soaring, emotional crescendo. It’s a gorgeous climb, one that never rushes to its climax, instead allowing space for tension to simmer before releasing it all in the final act.
Lyrically, Lee’s poetic honesty cuts deep: “my head’s screaming you can’t win, but my heart demands I step back in” captures the kind of emotional push-pull that lives in all of us. With “Carousel,” the band isn’t chasing easy hooks—they’re chasing a collective emotional release that lingers, and that’s exactly why we’ll be watching their upcoming debut album Black Book very closely. My Music Mixtape
Sad Songs on the Radio – Flavor Wave
“This song tells a story of uneasiness or tension between lovers. You never quite know where you’re going to be when an argument breaks out, but I’ve found they tend to happen a lot in cars…Just two people in an enclosed space hashing it out, until it goes too far and someone is left listening to the ironic sad music on the radio while the other is walking down the side of the road.”
Josh Speaker, Flavor Wave singer and drummer
With their latest single, “Sad Songs on the Radio”, Pennsylvania-based alt-rock band Flavor Wave delivers a masterclass in balancing tension and beauty. Built around a melodic and dreamy guitar arpeggio that drifts beneath the verses, the track immediately establishes an introspective tone—softly unraveling like the quiet end of a relationship during a long car ride.
Echoing the moody atmospheric quality of Local Natives, Flavor Wave lets lush harmonies take centre stage, each vocal line carefully panned to widen the soundscape and pull the listener deeper into its emotional current. The track’s dynamic arc is one of its greatest strengths: it blooms from quiet reflection into a soaring, infectious chorus powered by just the right chord change and a hook that lands with ease.
The bridge shifts the mood briefly, introducing sonic variety before launching into a ripping guitar solo that provides an emotional release as satisfying as it is earned. Anchored by solid production from Tyler Ripley—who also mixed and mastered the track—this is a song that feels as polished as it is poignant, while finding the ideal pocket between upbeat and melancholic.
“Sad Songs on the Radio” manages to defy everything we would expect from a song with “sad” in the title. It’s a track that invites you to feel deeply while still nodding along—anchored in heartache, but never weighed down by it. With its dreamy textures, soaring hooks, and undeniable pop sensibility, Flavor Wave proves they know how to make sadness shimmer. If this single is any indication of what’s to come from their upcoming sophomore album, consider it one of the most exciting releases on the horizon. My Music Mixtape
Beers With The Beekeeper – The Zangwills
“Beers With The Beekeeper is a reflection on the often-therapeutic nature of deep conversations with near strangers and a nod to unlikely friendships forged with older regulars at local pubs. ‘You often feel that you can say anything to those people, especially when you’ve got no link to them such as mutual friends or family, there’s no judgement’ – Jake Vickers”.
Excerpt from The Zangwills press material for “Beers With The Beekeeper”
We’ve been fans of The Zangwills since “Collision”, among our favourite tracks we’ve ever featured on our playlist—and for good reason. Now, the UK-based four-piece return with “Beers With The Beekeeper”, a track that delivers the same instant pull while expanding their sonic palette in bold, sun-drenched ways. It’s a single that practically demands a summer release, and wisely, the band waited until just the right moment.
At first listen, it’s the melodic acoustic guitar that draws you in—warm, rich, and grounding. But it’s what comes next that keeps you locked in: an electric guitar riff that’s both nostalgic and fresh, acting as a musical motif throughout the track. There’s an element of suspense in the arrangement, with an ominous sonic texture building in the background of each verse, crescendoing perfectly into the anthemic chorus. Singer Jake Vickers’ vocal delivery is magnetic here, supported by lush harmonies and captivating background vocals.
Thematically, “Beers With The Beekeeper” is a love letter to fleeting conversations, pub regulars, and the kind of serendipitous moments that end up meaning more than expected. The title—equal parts cheeky and poetic—is a metaphorical gem, hinting at the physical and emotional sting of love.
With echoes of David Bowie’s wit, Arctic Monkeys’ grit, The Cure’s polish, and The Strokes’ swagger, “Beers With The Beekeeper” reinforces what we already knew: this is a band worth following closely. It’s a track that begs to be played loud on a warm evening, windows down, the air rushing in as you chase the sunset. Equal parts nostalgic and energizing, it captures the spontaneity and connection that define summer’s best moments—an indie anthem built for golden hour drives and unexpected detours. My Music Mixtape
Follow – The Avelons
“Have you ever felt like the people who matter most are suddenly pulling in the opposite direction? That uneasy feeling of clashing with someone you were once perfectly in sync with, the sense of being cast as the villain before all sides of the story have been told: yours, theirs, and the truth. ‘Follow’ is a euphoric take on an anxious theme. It’s an honest reflection on feeling disconnected, yet still standing ready to back someone’s corner when they need you most.”
Excerpt from The Avelons press material for “Follow”
There’s a reason The Avelons have become a fixture on this site—their knack for high‑energy, infectious rock always hits the sweet spot. It all began with “Since Monday,” a rock ’n’ roll roller coaster that had us hooked before their knockout debut EP The Gallows arrived. We knew it was only a matter of time before they delivered something just as fresh and exciting—and now, “Follow” outshines our expectations.
The new single picks up exactly where The Gallows left off—hook-heavy and frenetic—but it shines a little brighter, leaning into a more authentic and organic sound. Frontman Jack Oldham’s shift away from the darker themes of the EP is evident, and what emerges is an honest style that still nods to their earlier releases.
The track immediately grabs you with its sparkling guitar melody and a rumbling bass line, setting an introspective pulse that builds into a soaring chorus full of crunchy tones. Oldham’s commanding vocal delivery feels like a secret weapon—perfectly balanced between grit and clarity. The production is also notable on “Follow”. The panning sends guitars sweeping across left and right, expanding the stereo field, while lush vocal harmonies add texture and fill out the instrumental. The second verse showcases a grittier guitar, a departure from the more melodic approach in the first verse, highlighting the subtle ways this band knows how to manipulate dynamics. This leads into an instrumental solo that’s simply cathartic—it must be heard at a loud volume, delivering a climactic release that is unquestionably satisfying.
“Follow” is an electrifying track that closes one chapter but hints at an exciting new era for The Avelons—and you’d be wise to “follow” them through that door. We certainly will. My Music Mixtape
All There Is – Kelsey Montanez
“It’s about choosing the life that makes you feel alive—even if it doesn’t look perfect on paper,” Montanez says. “It’s about loving something enough to say, ‘If this is all there is, I’m good.’ And really meaning it.”
Kelsey Montanez
Chicago’s Kelsey Montanez has built a catalogue of music that defies easy categorization. From the gritty edge of “Kick the Habit” to the disco-laced groove of “Everly,” each release has revealed a new facet of her artistic identity. With “All There Is,” the 10th and final track from her upcoming album, Montanez leaves us on a high—both musically and emotionally.
“All There Is” delivers on every level: radiant pop rock hooks, warm synth layers, and a buoyant energy that makes it impossible to frown while listening. The track is driven by clean, bright guitar tones and a bass line that rumbles prominently, while subtle piano textures and rich harmonies enhance the instrumental. Best of all is Montanez’s exceptional vocal delivery—it commands attention with versatility, moving from soulful to striking while showcasing a toolbox full of technique.
Lyrically, Montanez reflects on the grind of being a working musician to make ends meet—“waiting tables on the side thinking someday we’ll be stars”—and turns that struggle into something hopeful. This is reinforced with the line “killing money, killing time, but I don’t think that’s a crime”, once again capturing the optimistic nature of the track and complementing its upbeat instrumental. The panning in the mix, especially in the second verse when multiple guitar layers unfold, adds dimension and surprise, delighting listeners to the very end.
“All There Is” is an undeniably upbeat and catchy track that embraces uncertainty with a smile, marking the perfect end to a string of singles that each offer unique charm and personality, while resisting any temptation to be put into a box–an approach that will only help her draw in new listeners who crave authenticity and a sound that refuses to sit still. My Music Mixtape
All quotes and images provided in artist press material
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