Luke Beling is one of our all-time favorite artists. Everything he sings has a soul. Each song tells a different story, and if you dig a little deeper into the world of this extraordinary guy, you quickly understand why there are so many stories in his discography. Luke also writes books, and you can even order his new book The Field of Plenty, released on October 22, 2024 (yes, just six days after this song—he never stops!) on his website lukebeling.com.

But let's get back to the music. For us, Luke Beling—just as we suggest on the cover of your new favorite magazine (yes, please, humor us)—is like the uncle in the family who always has stories and legends to tell. And we love these kinds of characters. We've also highlighted his unique voice, a tone that makes him instantly recognizable. It's crucial for an artist to have a signature vocal style that stands out, and Luke Beling is fortunate to be among those who do.

[...]

More info and the full article can be read in our magazine on Patreon.

The song has been added to "Niko's Music Mixtape", our monthly virtual CD on Spotify.

Reach out to Luke Beling

More songs from Luke Beling on Spotify

Lyrics

She said boy this ain’t a place for the drifter

This ain’t a place for the drifter

Why’d you come knocking on my front door

I said girl I got some feet full of blisters

I got some feet full of blisters

Looks like you’re my something

Something cold to pour

She said don’t come to me here with no sweet talk

Don’t come to me here with no sweet talk

I got a handsome man gonna get me some kids 

Well can he trample the snake like a wild horse

Trample the snake like a wild horse

Girl have you seen him dance

Does he mean what he says

‘Cause I see a look in your sad brown eyes 

If you say it’s a lie 

Then I’ll say goodbye

But the open road’s such a lonely place without a hand to hold

Every careless mistake

Every fall from grace

Every blade in the soul

If you give me a chance we can make it out from these days of regret

Every sky full of clouds

Every choice that we doubt

Every now and not yet

Every now and not yet

Every now and not yet

Every now and not yet

Then the sun turned the blue sky burning

The sun turned the blue sky burning 

I felt the warmth of her skin as she showed me in

Boy you know he’ll soon be returning

You know he’ll soon be returning 

And oh he’s a jealous man 

Steel pan for a chin

But girl there’s that look in your sad brown eyes

 If you say it’s a lie

Then I’ll say goodbye

Oh the open road’s such a lonely place without a hand to hold

Every careless mistake

Every fall from grace

Every blade in the soul

If you give me a chance we can make it out from these days of regret

Every sky full of clouds

Every choice that we doubt

Every now and not yet

Every now and not yet

Every now and not yet

Every now and not yet

Oh the highway’s waiting

The daylight fading

The way we’ll take is a one-time trade-in

Of a curtain call

Life stillborn

Of asking for more 

My girl we’ve got it all

Yeah the highway’s waiting

The daylight fading

The way we’ll take is a one-time trade-in

Of a curtain call

Life stillborn

Of asking for more 

My girl we’ve got it all

If you give me a chance we can make it out from these days of regret

Every sky full of clouds

Every choice that we doubt

Every now and not yet

Every now and not yet

Every now and not yet

Every now and not yet

The first time we heard Elfi's voice was when she submitted her debut single "dream of me" through our submission form on Indie Music Center. We literally fell for this little lady from the Netherlands, now living in London. Just through her voice, you can sense an alluring fragility.

And she did it again just a few days before this magazine's deadline, with her second single "running wild," which gave us even stronger chills. So, it's this song that we decided to officially present to you, although we certainly invite you to listen to the first single. And if, like us, you become addicted to this stunning voice, we have great news for you: she is releasing an EP on November 22, called "bitter into glitter." We had the chance to listen to it, and believe us, it's solid.

[...]

More info and the full article can be read in our magazine on Patreon.

The song has been added to "Niko's Music Mixtape", our monthly virtual CD on Spotify.

A bit more about Elfi

I am a Dutch independent singer-songwriter living in London. Last year, I got selected for the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) as a vocalist. So I quit my full-time marketing job and moved to the UK. My genre is a mix of soul, pop, and a dash of folk - resulting in something I like to call... glittery :) My music captures deeply personal experiences. 

Reach out to Elfi

More songs from Elfi on Spotify

Lyrics

Do you still hear me talk in my sleep?

Cause I still see you in my dreams

All my friends tell me to let it be

But do you still dream of me?

They say hearts heal with time

Why is it still you behind my eyes?

Trust me it would be wise to let it be

But do you still dream of me?

And I meet you, in all my dreams

Lost in blue, sweet fantasy

Don’t want the lights, let me hold my peace

Cause in the dark, you’re still here with me

But do you still dream of me?

Now I’m scared of moonlight

Don’t want another trick in the night

I know I loved you more than you loved me

But do you still dream of me?

How am I supposed to let it go

When he’s the only one who really knows?

What haunts me in the nights

We never got it right

And I meet you, in all my dreams

Lost in blue, sweet fantasy

Don’t want the lights, let me hold my peace

Cause in the dark, you’re still here with me

But do you still dream of me?

From dreams to nightmares

From caring to long stares

It’s a chain reaction

Can’t burn this venom

What do I do?

Don’t want this world without you

And I meet you, in all my dreams

Lost in blue, sweet fantasy

Don’t want the lights, let me hold my peace

Cause in the dark, you’re still here with me

What do I do?

Cause I still dream of you

Hmm hmm

Ah

Oh

In the Ritchot family, we can say that music is in their blood. Genesis is no stranger to this, having collaborated with his brother Yanny, who already appeared on the track "Archer" in 2020 and on two tracks from the album Decades and Chance in 2022. Since July 2024, the two brothers have been delighting us with a new project called Parallel Worlds, and "Nessy" is the fourth single extracted from it. Beyond family ties, it's a true team effort, as this new track also features beautiful cello arrangements by our favorite cellist, Harley Eblen, who we've often featured on Indie Music Center.

Beyond the Scottish legend, "Nessy" is mainly about passing on a family legacy that revolves around fishing by a lake, a practice that the brothers’ grandfather regularly engaged in, even though they could never join him. However, they wanted to convey how everything feels larger when you're a child. And the result is this clever mix of nostalgia and contemplation especially with Harley's incredible cello taking center stage in a divinely fabulous instrumental section.

[...]

More info and the full article can be read in our magazine on Patreon.

The song has been added to "Niko's Music Mixtape", our monthly virtual CD on Spotify.

Genesis Ritchot's take on "Nessy"

The last song we wrote a weekend in a cabin in the woods two years ago was "Nessy," which was inspired by our childhood. Our aunt used to live by a lake in the woods, and we visited her every summer. We spent time playing with frogs and enjoying family moments. Our grandfather loved fishing, though we never had the chance to actually fish with him. Still, those memories inspired us to write about how everything seemed so much bigger when we were kids. In our song, a small lake transformed into the sea, and a fish became the Loch Ness monster, "Nessy."

A bit more about Genesis Ritchot

Genesis. One immediately stumbles upon his name. His parents are avid fans of the music group Genesis and named their son after this world-famous band. Now, however, they’re even bigger fans and supporters of their son. With his numerous singles and his two successful albums, 2019's Simple Complications and 2020s Three Quiet Hands, he has proven that he has the stamina and ambition to consistently pursue his music, one of his most important goals in life, in addition to his professional work as a math high school teacher. He grew up with two siblings. He shares a love for music with his younger brother Yanny Ritchot, who's also a songwriter and musician.

On his latest album, they collaborated on the song Archer, which Yanny wrote and which also reveals Yanny’s talent and gives hope for more music from him. Genesis' lyrics are tasteful arrangements and comprehensible emotional songwriting. He tells us in his diverse songs his life experiences and desires of his young life. Despite his consistently very positive and optimistic attitude towards life, he's also adept at blending in his doubts, insecurities, and fears in his songs when they arise. With the help of music, Genesis is able to process his emotions and be his best self. (Bio written by our dear friend Susbidi).

Reach out to Genesis Ritchot

More songs from Genesis Ritchot on Spotify

Lyrics

Close your eyes

Remember the lake, the fishing line

And Grandpa on our side

We had woken up before sunrise

Our first breakfast in the night

And Grandma was still dreaming

But it was time to get going

The world was so much bigger

When you were six and I was seven

Our boat felt like a ship

Ready to sail across the ocean

Oh it must’ve been a beast

It was a us against Nessy

Cold but peaceful

Remember the bullfrog on the dock

Garding our favorite spot

We couldn’t ask for more

It was time to leave the shore

The world was so much bigger

When you were six and I was seven

Our boat felt like a ship

Ready to sail across the ocean

Oh it must’ve been a beast

It was us against Nessy

(Instrumental)

It was a long war

We fought till our poor bodies were sore

And we could almost feel her breath

But the line broke and the lake kept

The mystery for itself

I have to admit, when I received this submission through my form, my first thought was “Oh no, Abel, you’re cheating! You’re trying to make me relive one of my best memories”. But as I scrolled through the different fields, I realized it wasn’t quite a copy-paste job.

You see, Abel Hawnt released Lake Louise back in 2020, and I vividly remember listening to that acoustic ballad during lockdown. Probably the best time to enjoy this little indie-folk gem, which invites you to sit by a campfire and, more importantly, invite someone special to join you. Yeah, I thought that was the perfect moment... until now.

Because guess what? This gem now has a new version—re-recorded, with a much more polished production, and featuring a special guest who just so happens to be one of my all-time favorite indie artists: the IMC Family member Luke Beling. Honestly, you couldn’t dream of a better companion to sing about nature getaways than Luke’s incredibly warm voice, blending perfectly with Abel’s in the final part of the track.

[...]

More info and the full article can be read in our magazine on Patreon.

The song has been added to "Niko's Music Mixtape", our monthly virtual CD on Spotify.

Abel Hawnt's take on "Lake Louise"

This song is about having dreams of exploring the world and sharing those dreams with someone else in the hope that they will come join you. If they don't, then you are confident enough in yourself to carry on pursue them alone

A bit more about Abel Hawnt

Abel Hawnt is a singer/songwriter from the south coast of England but is currently located in Edinburgh. Armed with a head full of life experiences, songwriting has served to provide an outlet for Abel to make sense of his emotions and life’s trials and tribulations. Over the winter of 2023 Abel spent four months in Northern Sweden where he self recorded an album named 'The Seeker'. Abel's music provides a folk centred, country stained, and storytelling base; built around the traditional sound of the finger-picked guitar and percussive instrumentation.

Reach out to Abel Hawnt

More songs from Abel Hawnt on Spotify

Lyrics

So many roads to follow

So many rivers to seek

So many mountains and bays

All them stars on display

Won't you come run away with me

So many trails to step upon

So many peaks to reach

So many colors and coves

Tiny islands to roam

Won't you come run away with me

Cause I’ve been thinking

This town ain’t what it used to be

And I’ve been dreaming

Of campfires under alpine trees

And sunsets over Lake Louise

Won't you come run away with me

Too much time stuck in the city

Too many days lost to a screen

Subways and trains, tall buildings and cranes

It's gonna drive a man insane

For I need a week out in the woodland

With a lantern and kerosene

Pine cones and sparks, September dark

Won't you come run away with me

Cause I, I’ve been thinking

This town ain’t what it used to be

And I, I’ve been dreaming

Of campfires under alpine trees

And sunsets over Lake Louise

Cause I, I’ve been thinking

This town ain’t where we both should be

And I, I’ve been wandering

Well If you’ll wander round this world with me

Oh cause I, I’ve been thinking

This town ain’t what it used to be

And I, I’ve been dreaming

Of campfires under alpine trees

And sunsets over Lake Louise

And of you wandering this world with me.

Two years ago, our region experienced an unprecedented drought. 2022 truly broke all records, with temperatures surpassing 41°C (105.8°F) multiple times. Birds were found dead by the thousands in our beautiful marshlands. We lost vast areas of forest to massive, uncontrollable wildfires that firefighters battled for three weeks. The smell of smoke, the ash, everything ended up on our terrace, even though we were more than an hour's drive away. One can easily imagine the apocalyptic scene, with an orange sky and zero visibility amidst the embers.

In June 2023, the same thing happened in Canada, but on a much larger scale, to the point where European firefighters were sent as reinforcements to North America. This is what inspired Canadian artist Wellens to write this single. Known for his beautiful, contemplative folk melodies that make you dream, he couldn't help but pick up his pen to describe what was happening on the road.

[...]

More info and the full article can be read in our magazine on Patreon.

The song has been added to "Niko's Music Mixtape", our monthly virtual CD on Spotify.

Wellens's take on "Parallel 45"

It was about that day in June 2023 when I was returning from Quebec City, where my son had a baseball tournament. It was during the worst forest fires in living memory that Quebec had ever experienced. It was also a period of personal stress and emotional distress for me. I was in the middle of the potential sale of my business (a physiotherapy clinic – the sale is now finalized, and the transfer will take place in three weeks). The 3-hour drive mostly follows Highway 40, and the plains on both sides of the road were so filled with smoke that you couldn’t see the horizon ahead.

It was indescribable, orange, and straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. In short, I did a lot of thinking during those 3 hours separating me from home, contemplating this surreal vision. I already had a good part of the song composed but without lyrics. The next day, I laid the foundation for what became "Parallel 45." I like that the song is mostly in a major key, but the subject matter is serious—it gives it a serene feel at the same time

A bit more about Wellens

Musician since my teens, I have early on started to compose and record demos in my room in my parent's basement. I now work as a physiotherapist, for the last 23 years, but I always long to go into my studio and write music. I love recording and production just as much as I love to play. It's only since 2020 that I started to work on serious projects and release music out into the world. But really, I have been composing and recording since around 1998. And I hope to keep doing so for a long time. Almost every song you hear on my profile was entirely played, recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered by me alone. I am no pro at this craft, so it's all just a work in progress, full of guesswork, mistakes, and imperfections. But that's where the fun is, not in the final product, but in the process! Enjoy!

Reach out to Wellens

More songs from Wellens on Spotify

Lyrics

Ahead on the 40 west

It’s horizonless

And the sun is burning red

I can almost taste

The spruce on my lips

It’s no eclipse

It’s so weird, my own fire is burning low

My fire is burning low

It’s a 3-hour drive

Between here and my life

The blazes are miles and miles wide

North of parallel 45

With an unsteady pulse in my chest

I feel alone, aimless

Although everyone’s around

Everyone’s around

It’s a 3-hour drive

Between here and my life

The blazes are miles and miles wide

North of parallel 45

The entire ride

In the shadows of the night

Seeking for a beacon of light

North of parallel 45

Oooohhhh have I been trying too hard?

OOOOoohh Has it been there all along?

oOOoo hhh have I been looking too far, too far, too far?

Lost in my head on the 40 west

I’m still horizonless

Lit by faint glowing embers

Faint glowing embers

It’s hard to explain why, but throughout these 23 years of promoting independent artists, we've always had a soft spot for Scandinavian artists. Oh yes, Sweden, Norway, and Finland have spoiled us for years. More recently, it's Germany that’s bringing us an abundance of new talent.

But if we’d been told that it was in between (right in Denmark) where we’d find one of the most beautiful voices and souls of the indie scene in Sophia, singer-songwriter and frontwoman of the band NOHRLAND, we might have been surprised. Yet, these Danes truly have some incredible stories to tell, with melodies that could make most American artists green with envy.

Indeed, the single Help Me Get Over You has undeniable folk and Americana vibes, and it's certainly not traditional Danish music. But the finesse with which Sophia conveys emotions, both through her enchanting vocals and her detailed, immersive lyrics, is absolutely astonishing. With every new song, and especially with this one, we dive deeper into her thoughts and feel her pain.

Yes, it’s needless to say that this is another song about moving on after a breakup: you probably guessed that from the title. But have we ever heard someone so openly plead for help from the other person to get over it? It’s definitely an original perspective that NOHRLAND brings to the table.

We first discovered the band in January 2023 with the aptly named single Tide, which swept a refreshing wave over Indie Music Center. Almost two years later, NOHRLAND continues to make us dream, with this warm, comforting single that will also help you if you're going through a rough time after the end of a relationship. After all, isn’t a good song one that you can relate to? So, if you like it, share the song and help spread the word about this band, which truly deserves much more recognition.

NOHRLAND's take on "Help me get over you"

These lyrics speak to anyone who has ever faced the tough decision to walk away from something that once meant everything. For me, it is actually a job situation- something I thought was my dream job in my everyday life, but it nearly broke me down instead, and I had to let it go, though I was so scared of what was to come afterward. Can I find anything that means that much to me? At the same time I felt foolish not seeing that I made it a dream job only in my fantasy and in real life it was definitely not working at all. But I need help to move on because the heartbreak is really devastating. The song is written by Jan Kølle from NOHRLAND (the dobro) and the country folk singer from Denmark Rebekka Thornbech. I produced the song myself and made it blend into my sentimental vibe - from where I find my comfort zone. it's sad I know! But I like to dwell on things, and that can be heard in my vocals.

A bit more about NOHRLAND

Nohrland is my band and my universe. Everything there is what my inner world sounds like. The lyrics I write are deeply personal. They come from my own life – moments of struggle, everyday life, illness, and family relationships that leave their mark. Nature has always been a place of healing for me, and growing up in the countryside surrounded by forests and fields, singing was my way of working through life’s ups and downs. We’ve had some incredible opportunities already in NOHRLAND- from our pretty emotionally charged performance at the Foxtail Roots Festival in Copenhagen to being featured on the Danish national morning show: Go’ Morgen Danmark, where our words and music found their way to the audience. Songs like “Remember Me,” “Tide,” and “Coma Stream” have been picked up in films and TV, which made our name stand out in Denmark. Collaborating with Grammy-winning songwriters at the Nashville Nights Songwriter Camp has allowed us to expand our music further. Our latest single, Help Me Get Over You, has already been warmly received by music lovers in the USA, Brazil, and Belgium.

Reach out to NOHRLAND

More songs from NOHRLAND on Spotify

Lyrics

One of these days I’ll find the strength to carry on                       

One of these days I’m gonna leave 

Maybe someday I won't care what’s right or wrong

Maybe someday I won't grieve

But I’m down on my knees just like a fool

Down on my knees, the same like you

Down on my knees just like the time

I was still in love with you

Help me get over you

We’ve been down this road so many times before

It never leads us anywhere

And I’ve lost count of all the reasons not to stay

So I fight to walk away

But I’m down on my knees just like a fool

Down on my knees, the same like you

Down on my knees just like the time

I was still in love with you

Help me get over you

We’ve been dragging each other down

Down to the ground

We’ve been carrying this weight around

For far too long

Help me get over you

Whoah we’ve been dragging each other down

Down to the ground

We’ve been carrying this weight around

For far far too long

Help me get over you

Down on my knees the same like you

Woah I’m down on my knees just like the time

I was still in love with you

Help me get over you

(Help me get over you)

Help me get over you

In the thousands of articles we’ve written in the past, we’ve often talked about “catchy choruses.” Well, stand up, because "Connection" by Luke Rhodes far surpasses all of that. Here, we’re talking about a catchy intro, catchy verses, catchy pre-choruses, and indeed catchy choruses. Every note, every line, every instrument in this song is a hard drug that’s impossible to resist. The melody seeps into our veins, into our brains, and it’s irresistible. You end up standing up and dancing with your arms in the air. We even knocked over our office chair!

Scientifically, it’s said that the human brain starts to really enjoy an unknown song after 12 listens (consecutive or not, which is why radios hammer the same songs into our heads every hour, so that by the end of the day, you can’t get enough of that new track you couldn’t stand in the morning).

The great thing about "Connection" is that you’ll be hooked from the very first listen. Oh yes, it’s been a long time since we’ve enjoyed an indie-pop track this much, and we’re thrilled that it’s with Luke Rhodes. This guy has something truly captivating about him. Vocally, it’s excellent: what control! So, we wanted to listen to more, and we were blown away by "City of My Dreams," where he hits every note in the scale with ease in the chorus. Impressive. Then, we got curious and ventured to "City of My Swing," and oh, surprise! It was the same song, but in a swing and very jazzy version.

This guy is clearly comfortable in every genre, and this musical versatility is a huge asset. He has an incredible sense of rhythm, and in all his songs, every note he sings is perfectly placed, as if done with a microscope and tweezers, in exactly the right spot! Yes, his entire discography is impressively diverse and full of talent ("letter." is a real gem with its haunting electric guitar).

You could easily spend hours enjoying Luke Rhodes on Spotify. Starting with "Connection," which is a great appetizer, but just a tiny glimpse of all he can do. A real favorite for us, and we can’t wait to see him back on IMC!

Luke Rhodes's take on "Connection"

It was a cold February night, I was at a... let's say close friend's house for dinner, and one thing led to another and we moved to the bedroom, while suddenly a thought crossed my mind right in the middle of what we're used to considering the most intimate act between two human beings. Let's take a step back, the week before I was on vacation and I met a person, we just talked about life while walking in the streets of Amsterdam, and in no time we just clicked.

That kind of connection never left me, I was thinking about it when I was in bed with someone else and I had to acknowledge that nothing could beat that warm feeling, anything else was just meaningless and I couldn't stop feeling like I had to be loyal to that memory, to someone I had officially no relationship with. That cold night, on my way home, I just impulsively started writing the lyrics of the chorus on my cellphone while sitting on my bus, and in no time the song was ready, I had to let all those feelings out!

A bit more about Luke Rhodes

Luke Rhodes is a Pop-RnB singer and producer. His work is characterized by an energic style and self-esteem and retaliation lyrics. Born and raised in Italy, he started to play the guitar and sing at the age of six, learning by himself, and during his teen years, he started to write and produce his own music. In 2023 he embraces the 80s revival with the comeback of dance influences in the pop mainstream scene, releasing groovy tunes with a light-hearted soul and a retro energic style.

Reach out to Luke Rhodes

More songs from Luke Rhodes on Spotify

Lyrics

I could feel

I could feel a strong

Connection

We've been just talking

We've been just waking

Take me there

I feel some kind of shame

But I can't help it

I'm loyal to something

That doesn't exists

And now I'm living in a

Living in a bad loop

Honey maybe

Honey maybe we should

See what's next for us

I’m ready

I won't admit

I've been waiting for you

I'm holding a

Reservation for two

And no one's at the door

I feel so dumb

In someone else’s skin

‘cause I'm not capable of feeling half of what we had

I've lost my mind

Am I just tripping

I swear I ain't that high

But since we met

I'm craving more of our

Connection

We've been just talking

We've been just waking

Baby yet

I could feel

I could feel a strong

Connection

One kiss, I'm locked in

Gimme that back please

Take me there

When we had

When we had

Each other's

Back when I was there

I wasn't that sure

I love that you were not afraid

To show affection

But now I'm living in a

Living in a bad loop

Honey maybe

Honey maybe we should

See what's next for us

I’m ready

I won't admit

I've been waiting for you

I'm holding a

Reservation for two

And no one's at the door

I feel so dumb

In someone else's skin

Cause I'm not capable of feeling half of what we had

I've lost my mind

Am I just tripping

You're making me feel high

'cause since we met

I'm craving more of our

Connection

We've been just talking

We've been just waking

Baby yet

I could feel

I could feel a strong

Connection

One kiss, I'm locked in

Gimme that back please

Take me there

When we had

When we had

Each other's back

We had each other's back

Oh, we had

Connection

Ooh oh oh

When we had

When we had

If you are familiar with Indie Music Center, you have noticed that we are not big fans of acoustic music, and we tend to prefer tracks that are intricately produced with lots of details and tons of stems. And yet, this time, there is just a voice, an acoustic guitar, harmonies, and... emotion.

A lot is conveyed through the vocal performance and the songwriting of this song, which we find truly incredible in every aspect. Alaina Margaret Droog has set the bar very high when it comes to songwriting. Some phrases are repeated later in the song, then modified as the timeline of events progresses.

So yes, it's another breakup song. Yes, it's hard to get over it once again. Yes, it's another song you can listen to while feeling down, sitting on your bed at 3 a.m., but damn, it feels good! Because it doesn't make you want to wallow in self-pity, but rather, on the contrary, to move on and sweep away all the memories with a flick of the wrist.

Connected to the current world, the song is grounded as it talks about our everyday tools, Instagram, Spotify, which make a breakup much more unbearable than it could have been two decades ago. The writing is therefore insightful, lucid, and deeply appropriate. Maybe keep the kids away, as there are a few swear words, but nothing too serious. On the contrary.

An artist who expresses all her feelings so honestly, with such irresistible falsetto and vocal harmonies, can only be forgiven for writing a few explicit lyrics. Thank you, miss, for your talent and audacity, we appreciate it!

Alaina Margaret Droog's take on "Rabbit Hole"

When I wrote this song, I was living in Roanoke, VA at the time. It was autumn, and I was feeling very inspired by the constant bluegrass/country/folk styles I would hear, the seasons changing, and living in the mountains. One night I caught myself stalking my ex on Spotify, trying to decipher whether or not they moved on based on a Spotify playlist they made, and I thought "what the hell am I doing?" then I started to write. I thought about how the truth is like an echo, coming down from the mountains, it gets distorted the farther away the noise is, and it will never come close to what the original sound was. I played around with this concept in a couple of other scrap songs I wrote, until I finally landed on using the concept of "going down a rabbit hole" and it fit the theme, so that ultimately became the final product.

A bit more about Alaina Margaret Droog

Folk-pop and indie singer-songwriter Alaina Margaret Droog (she/her) writes edgy tunes with a country flair. Currently pursuing her artistic dreams in New York City, Alaina Margaret believes in leading a life of incredible adventure. Born and raised in her beloved small-town home of Grafton, North Dakota, her love of music began with her first guitar lessons at age seven. Alaina Margaret’s music showcases her ability to connect with people through compassion, sincerity, raw emotion, and charming wit. Alaina Margaret’s tongue-in-cheek songwriting captivates her audience through her genuine talent for acting, comedy, and stage presence. When she’s not writing one of her many tortured love songs, you can catch Alaina Margaret performing in New York and dazzling audiences with her latest obsessions through music.

Reach out to Alaina Margaret Droog

More songs from Alaina Margaret Droog on Spotify

Lyrics

I’m down a rabbit hole again 

Stalking you on a fake Instagram 

But nothin’s changed 

At least not since 11:10pm

I still follow you Spotify 

You’ve been listening to love songs 

Why?? 

Truly I’m just wondering 

Cause I used to tell you everything 

Like heart on heart and skin on skin 

over and over again

And I know it isn’t good for me 

To wonder how you might be 

Shoutin' from the rooftops 

“I’ve moved on,

I’m in love”

And I’ll only hear an echo 

I’m down a rabbit hole again 

Ted Talks and meditation 

And it takes me back to when 

I didn’t need these 

How is it so easy 

When you were so damn sleazy?

It’s fucked the way you treated me 

But maybe you’ve changed 

Truly I’m just wondering 

Cause you must have had a reckoning  

Like fresh fuckin start you finally learned how to quit 

and I had nothing to do with it 

And I know it isn’t good for me 

To wonder how you might be 

Shoutin’ from the rooftops 

“I’ve moved on 

I’m in love”

And I'll only hear an echo 

And it gets cold down here in the rabbit hole 

When you’re shoutin’ out from mountain tops

There’s a line where heartache stops 

And love grows, but who knows? 

You could be as lost as me 

And tricked just as easily 

By shoutin' from the rooftops 

“I let go!”

But you wouldn’t know

You’d only hear an echo 

First, you need to know that we had this guy under our radar for a few months already, as he's a friend of our friend Jeff Mailfert.

On June 11, 2024, Hugo Barriol shared his thoughts in the form of a text on Instagram:

"I love dreaming! I need it to feel good, whether it's through music, stories, or films, in my life, I dream. Politics has never made me dream, and I rarely discuss it on social media. But now, I need to, because I want to live in a world where peace, respect, and love can prevail, but I see that the situation is critical. When I look at what's happening right now in my country or the world, it's complete confusion."

A few months later, on October 18, Hugo released a true masterpiece: Come Together. Is it linked to his June post? Probably.

Hugo Barriol defines himself as a pop-folk artist, but his music reveals many influences from various worlds, likely drawn from his extensive travels. The sound of Come Together is cross-generational, timeless, and packed with the power to bring people together.

The single’s artwork is quite simple: Come Together, written in black on a white background with a friendly font. And Hugo had printed it on a flag, which he carried around Paris to shoot the stunning music video at sunset, helped by the talented director Mathieu Spadaro. The result is wonderful, with warm colors that invite us to come together and love one another.

Some might say the lyrics are way too simple, but you’ll notice that in the history of music, the songs that have been the most successful aren’t always the ones with the most complex writing. And we’re not in the world of sugary pop here, but in Hugo Barriol’s own universe, which enchants us so much more. So it’s more than enough to get the message across.

If you add Hugo Barriol’s unique voice to the mix, you get an international anthem of love that makes you want to hug your neighbor. So let’s stop watching the news on TV, put down our screens, and pay a little more attention to the people right next to us.

Hugo Barriol's take on "Come Together"

I love this song so much, I want the whole world to hear the message in it, come together! I wrote this song because we're living in a crazy world and wanted to spread peace and love.

A bit more about Hugo Barriol

Hugo Barriol was born in Saint-Etienne, France, but began his pop-folk music career far from home, busking in Sydney, Australia. He flew back to Paris, busked for a year and a half and won the Metro Music Awards in Paris in 2015, and recorded his debut EP in 2017. The 1st single « On the road » reached more than 15 million streams. In 2018 Hugo moved to London to work with Ian Grimble to produce his debut album "Yellow" at the Church Studio (Mumford and Sons, Bear’s Den, Daughter) The single « Our Kingdom» reached more than 13 million streams. After touring with his band all over Europe Hugo learned to produce his music during lockdown. With the liberty to work on his own sound, Hugo produced a new Album « Everywhere / Anywhere / » from his converted van, while traveling through Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Reach out to Hugo Barriol

Lyrics

We’re never gonna see the end

Never gonna see the light

Playing on repeat, the same old story

They’re blinded by the power

War is not the answer

Men are killers, women are

Jesus, Allah, Brahma, Moses, saviors

Oh I want to see the light tomorrow

Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, dreamers, lovers, sinners, preachers

Come together

Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, dreamers, lovers, sinners, preachers

Come together

We’re never gonna see the love

Never gonna see the light

Playing on repeat, the same old story

They’re blinded by the power

War is not the answer

Men are killers, women are

Jesus, Allah, Brahma, Moses, saviors

Oh I want to see the light tomorrow

Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, dreamers, lovers, sinners, preachers

Come together

Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, dreamers, lovers, sinners, preachers

Come together

Oh I want to see the light tomorrow

I want to see the light tomorrow

Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, dreamers, lovers, sinners, preachers

Come together

Have you ever passed by someone in need of help on the street without stopping? That’s what happened to John Sierra. Of course, moments later, the little angel inside all of us tapped him on the shoulder to remind him that we could all be in that situation. And John remembered certain childhood memories, as he shared with us:

"My own version of feeling like an outcast, of being overlooked and 'unseen' reminded me of how it feels. Every time in my life that I felt that way, which was most of my childhood (either emotional neglect from parents or being the brunt of some school bully’s taunts), it hurt. Deeply. In fact, it created in me a sense of shame I still have to fight."

You can instantly feel those regrets through the very first guitar notes of "Maybe We're All." Then, after a short intro, John Sierra’s voice—warm, strong, and powerful—takes over, swiftly dispelling those regrets. It feels like listening to Luke Beling (whom we’ll talk about later in this magazine): yes, John has that kind of voice that immediately makes you feel at ease, as if an old uncle were telling you a story by the fire. Yet, it wasn’t exactly cozy fireside situations that filled John’s past, as he was the former guitarist for the excellent alt-rock band Attalus. Suffice it to say, he’s more accustomed to guitar battles on an electrified stage than storytelling by the hearth.

But his incredibly descriptive writing (the second verse will prove it to you) deeply immerses us in everyday situations where we wonder if we acted the right way. We all ask ourselves this kind of question at some point, which is why this song feels so relatable. And who doesn’t enjoy recognizing themselves in a great song?

As for the production, "Maybe We're All" rides waves of perfection, evoking geniuses like Dominic Romano, Thomas LaVine, Harrison Storm, or Hollow Coves. Oh God, that electric guitar right before the final chorus is divine! Did you hear it? Yes, sometimes the chills are hidden in those little details. And we love that. John is our new crush, and we hope to see him in our pages again soon!

A bit more about John Sierra

Since his teenage years, songwriting has been John's way of processing loss, hurt, and longing. However, in his early 20s, he chose the "safer" path of playing guitar for the alt-rock band Attalus (Facedown Records), setting aside his dream of being a solo artist. Fear of failure and self-doubt led him to hide, and eventually, his life fell apart through addiction, costing him relationships, the band, and his dream. He even sold all his music gear, except for his father's acoustic guitar. Through therapy and faith, John found healing, began mending relationships, and rediscovered his passion for songwriting. In the past four years, he's released his first acoustic EP, performed over 300 shows, and become a Grammy voting member and NSAI coordinator. His latest single is the first in an 8-song release cycle over the next few months.

Reach out to John Sierra

More songs from John Sierra on Spotify

Lyrics

There’s a man who sits by the wayside

Cup in hand, as he searches the eyes of the passersby, 

But none look back

He reflects on the days of his youth,

When the world was kind and death wasn’t yet true

Lonely he sits...

Maybe we’re all looking for home 

And a place where we could be known

Maybe we’re all looking for love

Maybe we’re all,

Maybe we’re all,

Maybe we’re all

Looking for home

And a girl walks on the street side,

Past the man, unaware she’s died on the inside

Of a broken heart

She hides in the glitz and the glam

Many lovers, yet still as lonely as that man

But she’d never tell…

Maybe we’re all looking for home 

And a place where we could be known

Maybe we’re all looking for love,

No more feeling alone

Maybe we’re all,

Maybe we’re all,

Maybe we’re all,

Looking for home

We are not so different, are we?

Seems like we’re all running from the same things

We are not so different, are we?

Trying to make sense of the brokenness within…

Maybe we’re all looking for home 

And a place where we could be known

Maybe we’re all looking for love,

No more feeling alone

Maybe we’re all, maybe we’re all, maybe we’re all …

Maybe we’re all, maybe we’re all, maybe we’re all …

Looking for home

It was after seeing a story shared by our favorite cellist Harley Eblen (yes, him again, we also talk about him in our article on Genesis Ritchot) that we discovered "The Walls." And from the first listen, we instantly fell in love with Jordan Hart's voice and melancholic universe.

There’s no intro to this song; it starts directly with Jordan's voice, whose quality stands far above anything else we’ve heard this month. Harley Eblen's strings come in fairly quickly, and it’s clear why these two have collaborated: they share the same sensitivity. It’s obvious.

Jordan Hart is a raw artist from Toronto, pouring his thoughts onto paper with disconcerting ease, we must admit. His ability to create catchy melodies that strike straight into your heart is quite fascinating. This became clear as we listened to the rest of his discography. We were also pleasantly surprised to see that Jordan had already accumulated millions of streams. How had we missed him for so many years?

Vocally, there’s a hint of Thomas LaVine, which we definitely don’t mind. When it comes to songwriting, it’s all about raw emotions, and his command of metaphor is spot on, especially with the repeated metaphor: "All the walls I built around my heart." We’ve often noted in our blog, now a magazine, that introverts are often the ones who create the most beautiful songs. Jordan moves, touches, and stirs our hearts in just a few lines, leaving us shaken.

Jordan says that his shame built these walls around his heart. We can assure him today that he has nothing to be ashamed of, especially not for moving us with such musical wonders.

A bit more about Jordan Hart

Jordan Hart is a Gold-certified producer/singer-songwriter living in Toronto, Canada. His sound is often categorized as Contemporary/Roots with influences of Soul. Featured on YouTube performance platforms Mahogany and Alex Rainbird’s ‘Best of Folk’ series, as well as on Canadian mainstream television channels CTV, ETalk, Breakfast TV and Entertainment Tonight, Hart’s critically acclaimed debut EP ‘Only Pieces of the Truth’ struck a chord amongst tastemakers, and now has over 10 million streams across platforms. The emotive cinematic soundscapes of his EP made their way from studio to screen as his single “Whole” was featured on Grey’s Anatomy and single “Freedom” featured on award-winning animated short, ‘Free Bird,’ which doubles as the song’s music video. While Hart’s success during the pandemic was centered around his recorded music, his live performance is what he has come to be known for. In 2018 Hart completed a 100 – Day Busking Challenge in which he played on streetcorners across Canada, often garnering audiences in the hundreds of unexpecting passers-by. While Hart is now a veteran headliner and is selling out shows across the country, you can still find him playing outside on the odd summer day where he first fell in love with performing music. Beyond his work as a solo artist, Hart is gaining an impressive track record as a producer and composer for other artists, working with the likes of Bulow, Kiesza, Lucky Rose, and Lonely in the Rain to name a few.

Reach out to Jordan Hart

More songs from Jordan Hart on Spotify

Lyrics

I should’ve learned to let you in

Beyond my calm and calloused grin

And all the scars beneath my skin

All the walls I built around my heart

I wish I wasn’t so afraid

I wish I lived above the shame

That captured me and then became

All the walls I built around my heart

All the walls I built around my heart

Around my heart

If freedom taught me how to run

I would run beside you just for fun

But it’s fear that made these wings I’m on

And the walls I built around my heart

All the walls I built around my heart

Around my heart

Around my heart

Around my heart

Around my heart

(Can we still break down?)

Around my heart

(Can we still break down?)

Around my heart

(Can we still break down?)

Around my heart

(Can we still break down?)

There’s a piece of me that’s always yours

And it’s crashing wildly on the shore

I just hope it doesn’t break before

All the walls I built around my heart

All the walls I built around my heart

We no longer need to introduce the Dutch artist Sven Ross, who is part of the IMC Family and has managed to win us over with every release for the past two years. His new single, released on October 25, raises the bar even higher in terms of quality.

Yes, from the very first listen, we are struck by his high-pitched voice in the chorus. Sven Ross hadn’t accustomed us to such high notes, and it’s a real pleasure to hear him in this range! A very pleasant surprise. But what truly captivates is the incredible atmosphere of the track, with the electric guitar playing a major role. Present from the intro, it’s an instrument that doesn’t usually accompany Sven Ross’s world, but it quickly grabs the listener’s attention in this song, with a few subtle reminders here and there.

Sven shared with us that he originally wrote this song for his girlfriend, a little over two years ago, but eventually realized that, in fact, it was a letter to himself! This idea never left his mind, and that’s how this masterpiece finally came to light. As we were so thrilled to reconnect with Sven, we listened to his entire discography again from the beginning. First, because we love him deeply. But most of all, to confirm something, and indeed: "Life Gets Blurry in a Rush" is truly his most beautiful song to date.

And it’s clear that this song had to be in the very first position of our very first mixtape, and had to be the very first article of our very first magazine. We couldn’t start such an ambitious new project with a song that wasn’t up to the task. With this one, we’re beyond satisfied.

Sven Ross's take on "Life Gets Blurry in a Rush"

I initially wrote it for my girlfriend at the time, a little over two years ago. I later realized it was a letter to myself. It might have been too confronting to acknowledge this while writing the song. I believe this is the reason it became one that grew on me over time.

A bit more about Sven Ross

Located between Amsterdam and London, conscious Dutch singer-songwriter Sven Ross writes modern folk stories to help us deal with contemporary life. Weaving thoughtful lyrics with organic instruments, Sven creates an oasis of peace and reflection in uncertain times of geopolitical tension and climate threats. All major problems in the world stem from unhappy people seeking happiness in the wrong things…but songs can start a change. Initially, on the way to becoming a primary education teacher, Sven Ross could no longer pretend that music was a side thing. He changed course and moved to London to pursue a career in music. It is there that he slowly drowned out the inner voice telling him making art could never be a serious profession. He refined his melodic sensibilities and fingerstyle-inspired guitar playing, but above all, discovered he could use his songwriting abilities to help himself and others find meaning and contribute to a better world.

Reach out to Sven Ross

More songs from Sven Ross on Spotify

Lyrics

You cover your tears with your hands on your face

Your mind’s like the mess in your room

Your own expectations are rising too high

To live up to

Time’s on your side but you curse it again

You always feel one step behind

You start running faster whatever the cost

But won’t get by

Slow down my love

You don’t need all that much

Take off the weight that’s been hung upon you

Treasure the things that you choose

I’m by your side if you’re needing a friend

I’ve been there too

Slow down my love

You don’t need all that much

Slow down my love

Life gets blurry in a rush

It’s not your fault the world’s too fast

But you don’t need me to tell you that

Oh no, I know you know 

The world’s too fast, but it’s not your fault

So don’t blame yourself for getting old

Oh no, I know you know 

You should slow down my love

Cause life gets blurry in a rush