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 roundup features a diverse range of musical styles and influences by exceptional genre-blending artists, including Wotts and MatAre. Continue reading below to learn more about the talented artists who landed on January’s edition of On Repeat.
he spoke with conviction – Wotts
“‘We wanted the song to feel like you’re drifting between truth and illusion, a sort of hazy space where you can bury your head…I focused a lot on textures, almost approaching it like I was world building a dream. Warm on the surface, but with this quiet weight underneath it all.’”
Excerpt from Wotts press material for “he spoke with conviction”
There is something immediately captivating about “he spoke with conviction”, the latest single from Ottawa-based indie pop duo Wotts. It opens quietly, pulling you into an introspective headspace shaped by shimmering guitar tones and a sense of space that feels deliberate and unhurried. The production is exceptional, giving every layer room to breathe while inviting you further into its atmosphere.
As the track unfolds, Wotts lean into their gift for immersive construction. Synths and effects pan gently across the stereo field, creating a lived-in soundscape that rewards close listening. When the chorus hits, the mood shifts with confidence. A crunchy guitar tone takes centre stage, injecting grit and momentum while vintage-styled drums punch through the mix with purpose, never overpowering the song’s careful balance of texture and melody.
The real magic arrives in the second half. The song pivots toward a rockier, edgier energy before melting into a hazy, psychedelic-tinged outro that nods to Tame Impala without losing its own identity. Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jayem has described the track as a return to their psychedelic pop roots, aiming to feel like “drifting between truth and illusion”. That intention lands beautifully, especially during moments that feel tailor-made for a reflective midnight drive.
As a closing chapter to an impressive year and a first glimpse into their forthcoming EP Cope, “he spoke with conviction” captures a band embracing uncertainty with clarity and craft. It is emotionally rich, quietly addictive, and another reminder of why Wotts remain a constant discovery worth revisiting. My Music Mixtape
Into the Sea – MatAre
“Delving into the creative process behind ‘Into the Sea,’ MatAre shares his introspective journey of seeking solace and tranquility amidst the chaos of everyday life.”
Excerpt from MatAre press material for “Into the Sea”
There is something instantly inviting about “Into the Sea,” the latest single from Atlanta-based singer-songwriter MatAre, that makes you want to lean in and stay a while. MatAre, the moniker for Matthew Rousseau, has been steadily carving out a sound we have enjoyed following since the very beginning, and this track feels like a refreshing breeze rolling in at just the right moment.
Sonically, “Into the Sea” marks a clear shift from the more apocalyptic tone of his most recent EP, embracing an upbeat new wave palette that feels lighter and more open. Shimmering guitar lines nod to The Cure, while lush synth layers and carefully placed piano notes create a textured backdrop that never feels overcrowded. The chorus lands with an infectious hook that quietly works its way into your head, giving the song that easy, breezy feeling its title promises.
The inspiration behind the track deepens its impact. Rousseau has shared that the ocean serves as a calming nightly destination for him, a place where stress dissolves. That sense of peace comes through clearly, especially in lines like, “If I did drown and was never found, there’s comfort knowing that I blended into the sea,” which showcase his gift for vivid, visual songwriting. Midway through, an instrumental shift introduces acoustic guitar, adding a reflective layer before building toward a satisfying, tension-releasing crescendo and a dynamic outro.
“Into the Sea” highlights MatAre’s ability to blend vintage new wave influences with modern production while continuing to evolve his artistic identity. It also sets the tone beautifully for his upcoming five-track EP, which promises deeper dives into post-punk, goth, dark wave, and even hints of shoegaze. It leaves us happily riding the waves with him, eager to see where this musical tide carries him next. My Music Mixtape
All quotes and images provided in artist press material
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