IMC Listening guide

Best weather to enjoy this EP

Sunny day

Best time to listen

Dusk reflections

Best place to listen

At home, Out in nature

Does this EP haunt the silence?

Impossible to forget

Goosebumps scale

Maximum goosebumps

Our thoughts

We’ve come across a lot of records trying to sound personal. But this one doesn’t try. It is.

Eli Lev spent years recording the voices of his relatives. Not to make a concept album, not for clout, and not for clicks. But only to keep their memories alive. At some point, those stories found their way into his music. That’s how the 5-track EP "Past Lives", out October 8th, was born.

Before we even get to the music, it’s worth knowing where Eli Lev comes from (not just geographically, but musically and personally). He grew up in a house filled with the sounds of Simon and Garfunkel and John Denver, for example. He played in a pop rock band in high school, then wrote goofy songs during his travels. But the real turning point came on a solo trip to Sayulita, Mexico, when he camped alone on a quiet beach with just his guitar. At some point, surrounded by wind, trees, and waves, he felt like the elements themselves were singing along. That’s when something inside him said "if this makes you happy, keep doing it. It will help people". And so he did. He’s been making music independently ever since!

This EP is the second chapter of a trilogy, and is not only a few samples thrown in randomly to add some emotional weight. These voices are part of the fabric of the record! His Bubbe Sarah, born in 1892, speaks about growing up in Poland. Uncle Ben talks about life in the American South. Aunt Evelyn shows up too, with stories that feel almost too insane to be real. But they are. And once you hear them, the songs really hit you differently! They carry something deeper, more grounded, and definitely more honest.

We’ve heard plenty of tracks that use a voicemail as an intro or drop in a quote from a grandparent. It’s usually touching for a few seconds. But here, it goes much further. Eli didn’t use his family as decoration. He built the whole thing around them, and the result is a record that feels like it’s holding something sacred. You don’t just listen. You are literally witnessing something.

The release schedule fits the spirit of the album. One song every three weeks. Just enough time to sit with each track, to actually let it grow on you. And when the full record drops on October 8, it’ll already feel like you’ve lived with it for a while. Like it’s been part of your own history. By the way, Eli will celebrate the release with a special hometown concert on October 3 in Kensington, Maryland, before heading out for a Northeast tour.

And then there’s the music itself. Because yes, the concept is strong. Yes, the voices of his ancestors make it unforgettable. But if the songs weren’t good, none of this would land. Thankfully, they are more than good. The melodies are instantly memorable without ever feeling predictable. The kind of tunes you find yourself humming without realizing. Songs that stick because they’re well written, not because they were engineered to go viral. They were wonderfully mastered by Scott Hull and his talent shows.

Take “Echo”, the first single. The only one available so far, while we wait for the rest of the EP to roll out. It opens with Bubbe Sarah and a soft guitar line, before slowly unfolding into a two-part structure. Around 2:30, the drums kick in, giving the track a whole new pulse. There’s electric guitar, a gorgeous violin bridge, and a final chorus with backing vocals that bring everything together. It’s simple, yes, but it works. And it surprises you in all the right ways.

“Where We Come From” leans more into folk territory and you'll be able to discover it on July 16th. There’s a gentle build, and then (just before the three-minute mark) it lifts. Vocals open up, holding nothing back, and suddenly the track turns into an indie-folk anthem. It ends on a quote from Uncle Ben, closing the loop beautifully.

Right in the middle of the EP, “My Wish Was You” strips everything down. No sampled voices here. But only Eli, his guitar, and one of the most stunning love songs we've heard in a long time. His vocal range climbs sky-high without ever sounding forced, and the closeness of the delivery makes it feel like he’s singing just for you. It’s tender, a little sad, and quietly devastating in the best way. To be discovered on August 6th.

“Who I Was” brings the piano to the front. It starts softly, but like many tracks on this EP, it builds. Around 2:42, the intensity grows as Eli lists everything this character once was. It turns into a tribute. Not only to one person, but to all the lives that shaped him. It’s emotional without being heavy, and the final climax gave us goosebumps. Available on August 27th.

Then comes “Our Friends”, the closing track. There’s something so precise about the way the acoustic guitar and violin dance together here. The vocals are perfectly delivered, never too much, always right on point. And then that final moment, where we hear a quiet exchange between Eli’s father and his grandmother. Her joy, her pride, her voice... it’s the kind of ending that stays with you long after the music stops.

The entire EP is beautifully structured. The stereo work is smart but never flashy. The quotes are placed exactly where they need to be. The songs breathe, and none of them feel rushed, and we really appreciate to take the time to listen to them, exactly like the artist took the time to make them. In a world of short attention spans, this record takes its time, and it definitely makes you want to do the same.

Come October 8, we can’t wait for everyone to hear the full picture. Because "Past Lives" will not be another album you stream. It will be one you sit with. Again and again.

And if you want more, we'll have to wait for a bit, as the third chapter of the trilogy, called "Future Myths", will be released later.

Reach out to Eli Lev

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If you enjoyed this song, consider supporting the artist directly on platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, and Twitch whenever possible. Streaming services are great for discovery, but they rarely provide fair compensation for musicians. Every purchase makes a difference!

If you're an artist and want the same kind of feature, send a message on our contact page, we'd be happy to help.

IMC Listening guide

Best weather to enjoy this EP

Sunny day

Best time to listen

Dusk reflections

Best place to listen

At home, Out in nature

Does this EP haunt the silence?

Melody lingers

Goosebumps scale

Maximum goosebumps

Our thoughts

Let me officially introduce you to Plàsi. Yes, officially, because we've already featured him many times in our Spotify playlists, but never actually wrote about him until now. And yet, there’s a lot to say about this talented artist.

First of all, he draws inspiration from a wide range of influences, being... Greek-Swedish. And he lives... in the Netherlands. Still following? Alright, let’s continue this little European tour, because we’re here to talk about his new EP titled Camino, released on June 13 via our friends at Nettwerk. Yes, Camino is a Spanish word that means "path", and you’ll get that very quickly when you hear the opening track.

The 5-track EP starts with Father’s Eyes, a song about a toxic father-son relationship. The kind of relationship I’ve always had with my parents. So naturally, the topic hit close to home. And it's true that the slowest part of life is rebuilding yourself and walking that path. Warm and hopeful, it’s the perfect opener for an EP of this depth.

After the beautiful, peaceful, and bright "Waiting for Signs", which offers a glimpse of hope and makes you feel like life is still ahead of you rather than behind, the adventure continues with "Efiga", sung in Greek as a nod to his roots. It tells the story of a relationship that ended and the feeling of regret that slowly takes over. In his previous EP, it was his Swedish side that took the spotlight. Fair is fair.

The hypnotic “Heights” shows how a song that starts off gently can slowly evolve, gaining depth without ever breaking the mood. The production on this one is truly brilliant and this little gem of a song softly leads us to the final track, “Camino,” whose subtle Hispanic vibe wraps up the EP in a beautiful and coherent way.

From the attention given to the production with co-producer Hannes Hasselberg to the delicate writing shaped with co-writer Linus Hasselberg, Plàsi poured a lot of intimacy and hope into this personal "path" of rebuilding. The project was crafted between his first studio in Stockholm and his new space in Amsterdam. A borderless work, stripped of unnecessary frills, driven by its originality, wide cultural influences, and the depth of its themes from the very first track.

Plàsi says this EP also helped him grow on a personal level: “I feel like I’m myself even more, because I wrote and recorded this EP in my own environment. I was at home in my new city, and I was creating music. There’s nothing better”.

A pure success to recommend not only to indie-folk fans, of course, but also to anyone into world music, as the mix of influences here is genuinely stunning. And if you're a bit lost actually, it will help you to focus on your passion, just like Plàsi did to get better!

A bit more about Plàsi

Plàsi is a Greco-Swedish artist who writes calm, thoughtful songs with simple acoustic arrangements and honest lyrics. Since 2015, he has slowly built an audience through releases like Now & Then (2016), People (2018), Mystery (2019), and Foreign Sea (2022), reaching over 100 million streams along the way. He has played shows with artists like José González, Hollow Coves, Axel Flóvent, and Henry Jamison.

Reach out to Plàsi

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If you enjoyed this song, consider supporting the artist directly on platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, and Twitch whenever possible. Streaming services are great for discovery, but they rarely provide fair compensation for musicians. Every purchase makes a difference!

If you're an artist and want the same kind of feature, send a message on our contact page, we'd be happy to help.

Let's fly to Ireland to meet Elbé. It's a 4-piece band made of Seamus Allen, Nora Frederich, James Moon, and Emily Naughton. Yes, these guys are definitely for parity. And it shows in their music.

Listening to their freshly released 4-track EP "Welter", you will appreciate this magical alchemy from the opener "Unquiet", which bears its name very well. Very calm at the beginning, the song grows as it goes until the rhythm changes completely, carried away by Nora's frenzied drums. Then the rhythm changes again and the song becomes ethereal, carried by the incredible vocals of Seamus. We already feel this unique alchemy that characterizes the band and which will prove to be crucial for the rest of the EP.

And if you want more, the second track "Together" will convince you that Elbé is a safe bet you can count on. It is with this song that the band came to us. Again, a nice surprise with a gradual increase in power. The construction is a bit different from "Unquiet". No change of pace here, but rather a perfect control of the intensity. What's great about Elbé's music is that each instrument has its place and a very important role. If you remove one of them, it's like removing the essential ingredient of an ancestral recipe: everything would fall apart and the taste would become disgusting. "Together" differs from the opener by its two distinct parts: a sung part that leaves no room for improvisation, whether in the writing or the melody, then an almost instrumental, very powerful final part that left us speechless. As if time had stopped for this magic minute.

That's when "Over The Bridge", the band's most streamed track to date, enters the game. Radically different, carried by a delicious bassline at the opening, then by powerful electric guitar riffs and superbly controlled vocals. And besides, during the first chorus, we have a bit of the impression of listening to a good Stereophonics classic. Yes, the level of quality is the same! Good energy and once again a perfect symbiosis between each instrument, make "Over The Bridge" a much more rock track than the two previous tracks of the EP, but it has its place perfectly to demonstrate all the diversity of Elbé's musical landscapes.

"So Much So Few" concludes this musical adventure and makes us understand that the destination of the trip is a very rock universe. Yes, gradually, and without even realizing it, we started from a universe with folk roots and here we are in the middle of powerful electric guitar riffs, a bouncing bass, and drums that would make all the drummers on earth blush. We're not usually big fans of special effects on the voice, but we have to admit that this atmosphere, sometimes reminiscent of Matthew Bellamy, lends itself rather well. With its very airy bridge, the song moves quickly towards an electric conclusion which closes this quarter of an hour of magic with a masterful guitar solo.

Whether you are a fan of folk or rock, "Welter" has something to seduce everyone, beautiful energy, and above all an alchemy between the members of the band which is clearly their DNA. The passion for music shines through in every line, every song, and gives Elbé a special place in the indie universe. A sort of a rather cold UFO at first sight, which ends up astonishing you, transporting you, and leaving you with your mouth wide open wondering if what you have just heard was really real.

Reach out to Elbé

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If you enjoyed this song, consider supporting the artist directly on platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, and Twitch whenever possible. Streaming services are great for discovery, but they rarely provide fair compensation for musicians. Every purchase makes a difference!

If you're an artist and want the same kind of feature, send a message on our contact page, we'd be happy to help.

How about we start the week with a walk in New York, to meet Dustin Averbuch? Hard to believe, but "Staring at the Sun" is his debut EP. And if you like Timbre Shore or Thomas LaVine, both already featured several times on IMC, you'll love Dustin!

In a very acoustic universe, carried by magnificent and delicate guitar playing, and atmospheric vocals that bewitch you in a few seconds, Dustin Averbuch distills his lyrics very inspired by nature, while creating a padded mattress that can accommodate all his thoughts.

The artist had submitted 2 songs to us, and our curiosity was too strong: we had to listen to the rest of this EP. And we did well. 5 songs, 5 jewels. With a preference for the incredible "Forest Fires" and its very airy electric guitar sound, with a long ascent to an epic climax.

"Staring at the Sky" is a masterful EP that will suit fans of contemplative melodies and who get a little carried away by their thoughts. Feel free to have a listen below and give a cheeky follow to this genius!

Reach out to Dustin Averbuch

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If you enjoyed this EP, consider supporting the artist directly on platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, and Twitch whenever possible. Streaming services are great for discovery, but they rarely provide fair compensation for musicians. Every purchase makes a difference!

If you're an artist and want the same kind of feature, send a message on our contact page, we'd be happy to help.

Somewhere on the border between Norfolk and Suffolk, in the UK, you might meet childhood friends Adam Fitzgerald and Joe Altham, who founded Mount Arla. The adventure began during lockdown evenings when the two pals started writing the EP "Queens Rd to Oulton St" which you can find today on all platforms.

An EP that opens with "Borderline" and its enigmatic intro. After a few lines of the first verse, the track wakes up with a marvelous mix of piano, acoustic guitar, and magnificent vocal harmonies. The magic begins to operate. We know then that we did well to embark on this EP. "Borderline" continues to grow by welcoming warm drums in its second verse. And the melody begins to imprint itself in your head. The rise/ride is delicious. Just close your eyes, and you will see. They can take you far away!

The second track "Clouds On Fire" opens with much more obvious folk vibes. The kind of acoustic melody that makes you want to pack your bags and fly far and wide never to return. While writing these lines, the two friends sang "and leave it all behind". Chance? Maybe I wasn't completely wrong! In a more powerful construction and with an epic crescendo, this second song gives us a glimpse of the producer talent of our two Englishmen. There are many elements, to be able to create this refreshing atmosphere with the taste of travel in infinite landscapes.

The intro of "Eleanor", the third song of the EP, is like a pause. A break closer to the artists since we can hear their breathing during the intro. An intimate connection that installs a feeling of immediate trust. And when the wonderful vocal harmonies start just before the first-minute mark, we close our eyes and imagine that they are singing just for us, during an evening by the fire, with some friends. Is that a bit of a selfish thought? Yes, but then just a little. At 1:24, the banjo, the electric guitar, and the drums invite themselves into this pretty ballad, where Eleanor seems both geographically very far away but also very close, obsessing the thoughts of Mount Arla. By its atypical construction, with an outro that gives as many chills as its climax, "Eleanor" is an excellent surprise.

Finally, the EP ends with "Heavy Heights" with more present instrumentation from the beginning, carried by these sublime vocal harmonies. After having already listened to three songs without even realizing it, we then realize with this last track that the voices of Adam and Joe are made to work together. The bridge, which is often the most difficult part to create in a song, is a success. Everything is suspended for a few seconds with a beautiful lightness to give all its place to the magnificent finale, with this hammered sentence "Please don't let me go".

Oh no, we won't let you guys go! And we're even going to watch you very closely now! Because we loved this EP, divinely well produced, with lots of cinematic elements, and we can't wait to hear the sequel. And we have to admit one thing: sometimes artists ask us "what's your favorite song from the EP?". There is always one that stands out and the answer to the question is quite easy to find. But in the case of "Queens Rd to Oulton St", we have a problem: it's impossible to pick a favorite. The 4 songs are each a jewel of beauty on their own, with their own universe and atmosphere. Everything goes together wonderfully, and they are inseparable. So if we had to give you one and only advice, it would be to listen to these four songs in a row, without interruption. And as many times as you want.

Remember their name: Mount Arla. Because you will see them again on IMC for sure.

Reach out to Mount Arla

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If you enjoyed this song, consider supporting the artist directly on platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, and Twitch whenever possible. Streaming services are great for discovery, but they rarely provide fair compensation for musicians. Every purchase makes a difference!

If you're an artist and want the same kind of feature, send a message on our contact page, we'd be happy to help.

Sometimes, being a music blogger is like playing the lottery. You never know what you will receive. Nor when. Or how. And we often ask ourselves the question: "How could we have missed this artist for so many years?"

This is precisely the question we asked ourselves when we discovered Mathias Gundhus, from Oslo (Norway). But we think we can thank heaven for sending us this angel. And of course, thanks to his label, Toothfairy. Indeed, the label sent us "Your Return", taken from the "Now Would Be a Good Time" EP, out today. Our first instinct, as usual, is to listen to his previous releases on Spotify. And if we go down a little further in his discography, we realize that the artist has been releasing music since 2017. And that he has already been spotted by our friend Rufus at Indie Folk Central. There, we admit that we are so late to the party. So we listened to his entire discography, and we enjoyed every single song. There is absolutely nothing to throw in the trash. Excellent quality, from the first until the last second!

So when we saw that the label had included a link to the EP, we couldn't help but listen to this collection of jewels coming out today. For days. we even shared it with a few close friends, including some members of the IMC Family. And Thomas LaVine, who released a new single today, loved it. And we understand why. The fact that we sent it to Thomas is not innocent. Both artists are in the same emotional indie-folk genre. Both manage to create masterpieces with minimalist things.

First we're going to dwell a bit on "Your Return", which is the single that was initially submitted to us. And even before Mathias started singing, we had this intuition that made me scream in our office: YES! we already told you, when you listen to thousands of tracks per month, for 20 years, 5 seconds are enough to spot a song that will give you goosebumps. And when Mathias' voice appears, the feeling is confirmed: it's gonna be perfect. With delicious vocal harmonies, controlled guitar, banjo in the background, and delicate violin, Mathias is in good company on this song. And when the song ends, there is a feeling of great emptiness. As if we were missing something. To be honest with you, we think we stayed with mouth wide open for about ten seconds wondering if what we had just heard was real. We rarely have this feeling. When we stay with mouth wide open, like an idiots staring at their screen, it means "it's going straight to IMC, our dear indie music fans are gonna love this".

To fill this sensation of a void, we had the curiosity and the audacity to click on the link of the EP, provided by the label. After all, it only takes a few minutes (the EP is probably about twenty minutes in total, but we don't know exactly, because when you love, you don't count). Because bloggers, most of the time, are very busy and their time is precious. Yes, it's funny, because it's the guys who spends 200 hours a month listening to unknown artists who tells you that. But trust us, listening to this entire EP is definitely not a waste of time. We would even say it's the best decision we've made this year so far.

Because "Now Would Be a Good Time" (whose title is perfectly appropriate), includes 5 songs. These are 5 masterpieces. Although we admit to being quite picky when it comes to music, we enjoyed every single second of every single song. We took a kind of a slap in our face. As if the universe was sending us a sign saying "don't give up on IMC, it's worth it". Yes, because in these somewhat tumultuous times (especially in Europe), we need art and beautiful things. These 5 songs can help you take some time for yourself, close your eyes, and escape into a peaceful world that seems so unreachable.

Mathias Gundhus masters everything, from the incredibly detailed writing to the wonderful musical performance, everything in this EP will make you feel better. And after the end of "Something Else", you will want to have another listen. And this EP could quickly become the soundtrack of your next weeks. This guy is a genius.

Reach out to Mathias Gundhus

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Written with love by Niko. You can find more songs like "Your Return" on our "Indie Music" playlist on Spotify.

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If you enjoyed this article, consider supporting the artist directly on platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, and Twitch whenever possible. Streaming services are great for discovery, but they rarely provide fair compensation for musicians. Every purchase makes a difference!

If you're an artist and want the same kind of feature, send a message on our contact page, we'd be happy to help.

In November, we had the honor of interviewing Cormac Looby when he released his single "Patriot". You can listen to the radio show on replay here. The Irish artist is back with a fabulous EP released today, "Things We Don't Control". Only 4 tracks and a quarter of an hour of pure musical pleasure. Including his last two singles and two unreleased songs, this EP is like a little book of which you will appreciate each chapter.

We won't go into detail about Patriot, you can read our review here. The single "Hard-wiring" went through our Fresh Indie playlist and convinced us immediately with its incredible hook. With a very catchy and bouncy melody, you'll want to shake your head to make your hair fly. But to do that, you need hair. Lots of hair. Like Cormac Looby. With triumphant trombones, "Hard-wiring" is "a reflection on past relationships and looking forward to figuring out the reason why they have broken down", as Cormac says. A striking contrast between the bitterness that can leave a relationship that didn't work and the joy of the track.

In my humble opinion, the real pearl of this EP is in the third position. "Couldn't Be The Only One" is definitely my favorite. With a beautiful folk identity, faithful to his Irish roots, this track is the most touching of the whole. With beautiful violins, a luminous banjo, and a stunning vocal performance, the wonderful lyrics have a nice bed to rest on. The vocal flights are amazing and Cormac reveals all his talents as a singer on the highest and longest notes. Written during the second lockdown in 2020, the song is an ideal escape for the artist who entrusts his hardest struggles to it. The few banjo notes at the very end are the real icing on the cake. A small detail, yes, but one that makes all the difference.

The journey ends with "Start Again". A little more stripped down than the previous song, it's a bit like a box of chocolates that reveals good surprises to you as you go down the floors. An effective bass, a delicate acoustic guitar, a violin at first discreet in the background then which takes up more and more space, an elegant electric guitar, a graceful piano... The list grows minute by minute, and the main instrument of the song becomes the stunning voice of Cormac with fantastic vocal flights. Until the intensity drops and leaves us with a moving outro that ends with "Close my eyes and start again". The last word "again", slightly offset from the piano which plays the same notes as the voice, shows that we all deserve a new start and that we must accept our imperfections. I thought that was a very clever hint.

Overall, this EP is faithful to the artist, to his roots, and to his deeply human "open to others" side, despite his inner struggles which are sometimes difficult to master. We find here everything that makes the artist: his sincerity, his authenticity, his Irish identity. Like a kind of biometric passport where the musician reveals every part of himself, without hiding anything, and being unaware of the incredible result. A successful intimate confession in just four chapters.

Reach out to Cormac Looby

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Written with love by Niko. "Couldn't Be The Only One" has been added to our "Indie Music" playlist on Spotify.

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If you enjoyed this EP, consider supporting the artist directly on platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, and Twitch whenever possible. Streaming services are great for discovery, but they rarely provide fair compensation for musicians. Every purchase makes a difference!

If you're an artist and want the same kind of feature, send a message on our contact page, we'd be happy to help.

I recently wrote about Rhona Macfarlane upon releasing her single “No Rain” last month, and was totally blown away by her talent, and raw appeal. I’ve been anticipating the release of Macfarlane’s new EP, “Closing the Window” (Released last Friday), and the reality does not disappoint. Each song on her EP is a conversation and a small window into how she approaches songwriting. Rhona’s lyrics are soulful and empathetic, and her vocals unmistakably signature, with her subtle vibrato and Scottish influences. I had the chance to speak with Rhona about how she’s feeling now that her EP is available to the world: "of course excited, proud and grateful that I managed to get to this point of sharing the songs after a long year of working on them. I also feel relieved as releasing music independently as a solo artist can be isolating at times and a lot of work … I also felt quite overwhelmed last night with emotion. You can get very attached to the project, especially when it is such a big process of writing, recording and working with new people. It becomes a focus for you and when you have to let it go it can be scary thinking of what you’re going to do next. These songs also signify a part of my life with special memories so it’s special being able to finally share these stories and I hope they can mean something to others. I am really moved by all the lovely feedback so far.” The EP includes four new songs, all of which hold their own, and yet blend beautifully as a collection.

“Better When You’re Around” is light and passionate. Rhona’s poetry is subtle - and never on the nose. She paints a scene with her lyrics and her music supports the emotional context: “Lying on a park bench in the sun. And we’ll be content, just watching the world roll by. And the kids running wild and everything’s so disordered. In such a beautiful day. It’s such a beautiful day.” Perhaps it’s Rhona’s unique vocality, the 12-string guitar smoothly played across the neck, or the piano melodies that float gently in like the wind on a sunny day. But the sentiment is just so honest and sincere - you can’t help but fall in love a little. I can’t help but say this is my new favorite (except for the fact that her other tunes are just as amazing).

“No Rain” (Featured in Artist Pick) also strikes me as a love song, but from a very different perspective - at the end of a loved one’s life. We often say the words, “till death do us part”. But do we really think of the time to come? Rhona expresses it honestly, and gently. The words “At least there’s no rain outside” were expressed in passing to Rhona by someone whose life partner had just passed. It is a powerful reminder of how we all must face adversity, and yet the sun will continue to shine, and we will still be reminded of those we love and lose in the little things we see every day.

“Black Wall” is about the inner turmoil experienced after a loss. It’s haunting message is contrasted by resolve: “I will win this fight, and I won’t lose my sight”. Rhona was on the Isle of Harris in the Hebrides when she wrote the song. “The landscape has a lot of memories for me as my family were from there and I spent a lot of time there as a child. There is something spiritual about Harris, the wildness of the landscape, the battering winds and fresh air that I feel would give hope to someone, comfort them and help them come to terms and move on from loss. This landscape also gave me inspiration for the string arrangement as I wanted to create an image of the landscape with the soundscape.” Rhona is a remarkable violinist in her own right, having studied violin at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, played at the BBC Proms, China with NYOS (national youth orchestra Scotland) and also worked as an ambassador with Nicola Benedetti for the Benedetti sessions.

The final and title track, “Closing the Window” reflects the inner struggle of letting go of part of your life and accepting what lies ahead. “I was reading Carol Ann Duffy Poetry at the time and was inspired by the poem ‘empty nest’. I thought a lot about parents and the bravery they have in holding back their emotions to protect their children, not to hold them back and to let them go and grow up.” Rhona describes this album as a transition from student to adulthood. This track represents, in part, that transition. “It’s crazy thinking back to this time last year when we were in the thick of winter and in a pandemic. I had just graduated from studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and I had no idea what I was going to do next (especially when the arts was shutting down due to covid.) However, I decided to start writing again and began the process of the EP began. I got to work with a producer for the first time who I really admire ‘Matt Ingram’ and some amazing musicians. Looking back to the starting process of the EP and looking at where I am now (not to be too cheesy) but I feel like a totally different person and it has been quite a journey for me. I have grown and learnt so much from the process. At times during the process, I felt doubtful and unsure whether I would finish the EP but now that I have I couldn’t be prouder of the result. I am truly grateful to everyone who helped support this project.”

I asked Rhona about her plans now that the release is done. “I am supporting Dougie Maclean who wrote the famous song ‘Caledonia’ at Bearsden Baljaffray Parish Church on the 3rd of December and this week The Afternoon Show at BBC Radio Scotland are interviewing me and making ‘Better When You’re Around’ their single of the week and will play it everyday this week which is such an honor! Going forward I want to push myself to keep writing and growing as an artist. I still feel like I have a lot to discover as a writer/musician and want to take some time to develop my sound and writing. I hope to write an album also. Gig wise I will be applying for festivals so hope to be playing some in the summer and to get the music out there as much as I can now gigs are opened up.”

At a little less than a quarter-century old - Rhona is already a truly inspirational songwriter and performer. I (for one) plan to follow her career for many years to come. Truly one of my favorite Indie Artists I’ve had the privilege to come to know over this past year. If you haven’t already done so, please follow Rhona MacFarlane by clicking the green button above, and be sure to listen to her other great songs on Spotify. You will also enjoy her studio video “Better When You’re Around”, so check it out below and give her a subscribe!

Also be sure to check out “New Indie Music" Spotify playlists to support Rhona and our other great artists, and make sure you follow the playlist below to discover incredible new music every day.

Written by Joe.

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If you enjoyed this song, consider supporting the artist directly on platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, and Twitch whenever possible. Streaming services are great for discovery, but they rarely provide fair compensation for musicians. Every purchase makes a difference!

If you're an artist and want the same kind of feature, send a message on our contact page, we'd be happy to help.

I discovered, perhaps like many IMC fans, Joey Collins on September 2, 2021, when he took part in the Raid Train that Luna Keller ran on Twitch to save our radio station. Joey was part of the incredible line-up of this unforgettable day. And if the name doesn't ring a bell, here's a short video that might jog your memory. Yeah, the frog was Joey.

I was then able to browse his songlist (for the uninitiated, this is a list of original songs or covers that people can request to be played during a Twitch stream). And I quickly understood that we were going to get along well when I saw names with which I built myself: Snow Patrol, Editors, Radiohead, Green Day, RHCP, The Kooks, Staind, Coldplay ... These bands made my teenage years, and probably Joey's childhood (since he's almost ten years younger than me).

At that point, his songlist didn't have a lot of originals, but I consoled myself with his Spotify and took a slap.

It was therefore impossible that we miss his new EP, "The Past Is A Foreign Place", released yesterday. I, therefore, suggest that we browse this collection of 7 small jewels, one by one.

The EP opens with "Feed Me Your Love", a mix of electric guitar and vinyl scratches that inevitably reminds me of Linkin Park. A very powerful bass line welcomes you on the first verse, and the reverb affixed to the voice is sufficient to give it an astonishing airy side. A few synths after the first chorus bring me back to the same time since I immediately had in mind "Mr. Brightside" from The Killers. It's amazing how Joey was able to take lots of small elements from the biggest names in rock recent history to build his own musical identity. A very strong identity, and "Feed Me Your Love" is a perfect opener, which stays in our heads for hours.

If I had to sum up "Fade Out", I would say that it is a concentrate of all the talented bands that I mentioned previously. We feel that they had a notable influence on Joey's sound. And the incredible long sung notes are breathtaking. I really loved the alt-rock side of it and the vocal power of Joey on this masterpiece.

"The Abyss" begins with a long and mysterious intro. And the vocals on the first verse left us speechless. What mastery! "I can't fight these demons away". If you sound like "stuck in the abyss" this song will speak to you. Usually, we love it when the tracks give us a firework and power-filled ending. But I admit that the fact that this song is while retained pleases me enormously. This very precise control of emotions is quite enjoyable.

"London Town", the latest single off the EP, is much quieter and probably the most successful track. The vocal harmonies are absolutely delicious. Earlier in the article (or the EP, it's up to you), I referred to Linkin Park. I find a little of the voice of the late Chester Bennington in this track. It's a flattering comparison, but so real. I felt like I was back in the early 2000s, listening to Linkin Park lying on my bed in my teenage bedroom. Here again, the restraint prevails, and the final part of the song benefits from cleverly dosed percussion which gives a little air to the atmosphere which has been a little heavy until now. The electric guitar solo comes like a seal to close an envelope full of mysteries and secrets. A real stroke of genius.

"Family" seduced me from the first minute, with these wonderful electric guitar notes, reminiscent of post-rock bands that once made me soar, like the Canadians In-Flight Safety, or the Californians of The Airborne Toxic Event. The production here is worked down to the smallest detail and the echo on the vocals is a brilliant idea. The very end of the song reserves a little delicate surprise for your ears: a small melody played by a discreet electric guitar placed on a background sound layer.

"Sober" is a mostly acoustic track, where Joey gives us perfectly mastered vocals and absolutely delicious guitar picking. No artifice, no overload, the horizon is clear, and the song has a perfectly appropriate title. It's sober, yes, but delicate and very nuanced. This song is appreciated as one would for a painting. By taking all the time to enjoy it. Because although being the calmest track, it's not the least emotional. On the contrary. The lyrics gave me a slap.

The EP ends with a piano-voice cover of "Where is My Mind?", Pixies. A song originally released in 1988 but that I only discovered in 2003 thanks to the cover of Placebo on their album "Covers". Placebo who are also part of Joey Collins' songlist on Twitch. It may not be a coincidence. If I want to be honest I would say that there have been so many versions of this song that it is difficult and even risky for an artist to tackle it. It's like a rock monument. But Joey's version, without wanting to sound cheesy, is hands down the best rendition I've ever heard. I always found that there was a gap between the lyrics and the interpretation of this song (regardless of the performer). Joey does it justice, because, finally, I felt the thrill of every word, every line, and every verse like a huge electric shock through my body. That's what we call the thrill, isn't it?

To conclude, I would say that I had a 26-minute trip to the best years of my life, where I discovered big names in rock, and which probably influenced my musical and editorial choices for IMC. I think it's no coincidence that IMC only offers three universes (indie-pop, indie-folk, and indie-rock). And Joey Collins took me back to those beautiful years, subtly, with this magical and timeless EP. Because in twenty years, it will still have the same flavor. Like a candy that we keep carefully wrapped. Whether you like piano-voice ballads or alternative rock, you will inevitably find in this EP a track to add to your playlists. It's pretty hard to pick a favorite when the quality score is extremely high on a record, and consistently, but I would say that "Fade Out" literally blew me away.
Congratulations, pretty frog, here you are, ready to conquer ponds much larger than your water lily, and armed to face the stages of the biggest festivals.

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This article has been written with love by Niko. "Fade Out" has been added to our "New Indie Music" playlist on Spotify.

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If you enjoyed this EP, consider supporting the artist directly on platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, and Twitch whenever possible. Streaming services are great for discovery, but they rarely provide fair compensation for musicians. Every purchase makes a difference!

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Here is an artist that we have great pleasure in making you discover or rediscover! Martina Armour, who was presented to you on IMC in February 2020, returns with a full 6-track EP. I would even say a breathtaking EP.

Seeing our artists grow has always given us a lot of satisfaction and wonder. It's a bit like watching your own children evolve, make their own discoveries, and learn from their mistakes. And I can tell you that there was no mistake in Martina's journey. In any case, no visible error. Because everyone knows that the career of an independent artist is strewn with pitfalls. She has since been able to surround herself with the right people, who gave the sound and meaning to her music, to help her grow even more.

The EP opens with the wonderful single "Knife", which we introduced you to last year. I've always loved this song because it's thanks to this one that I got to discover Martina. And this track is just timeless. Very cinematic with percussion and violins worthy of a great movie finale scene, "Knife" is a perfect opener.

The second song, "Trouble", is the artist's debut single, released almost two years ago, but still gives us the same "wow" effect. "Say you don't want me, 'cause if you do, we are in trouble". Always with writing full of emotions, where the artist is not afraid to show her weaknesses: "With you, I have no self-control". This song is full of melancholy where fears rub shoulders with doubts in a very melancholy atmosphere. Once again, the elements blend together wonderfully (you know we love the piano + acoustic guitar combo). With just clappings and a magnificent piano on the bridge, the song ends in a slightly more folk atmosphere. And we love this courageous exploration of different musical universes.

"Everything" is a new song, where the artist reveals all her feelings for the recipient of the message. And the message is very clear: "I want to be everything, everything to you". I don't know if it worked, but no one can resist such pretty words. We appreciated the timidity of the lyrics, which contrasts with the luminosity of the melody, carried by an effective bass line. Special mention for the bridge, which is always a delicate part to build for the artists. Martina managed the exercise without any difficulty, with a bridge that perfectly fits into the whole vibe.

The exploration of her EP and her universe continues with "On The Run", which Martina released as a single on September 18th, 2020. A year later, the song still seduces us with its effective chorus and unforgettable lines, such as "If I try to run, would you make me stay?" Asking for comfort and support, the artist wonders if she will get in return all the support she is able to give. And I recognize there, the power of words and of the piano, as I could appreciate it fifteen years ago with artists like the Australian Delta Goodrem or the Canadian Sarah McLachlan. If you too are not sure where to go, and especially not sure if you will have to make your way alone or accompanied, this song is bound to speak to you.

"Slowly Lifting" is the second unreleased song in this bunch of little gems. The beauty of the discreet vocal harmonies before the first-minute mark is absolutely remarkable. The atmosphere is calm, and the pace is slow, allowing the divinely well-written lyrics to be played more effectively. During the second verse, I had the feeling that time had stood still. As if we could finally afford to take a break, and decipher Martina's magnificent words one by one. Each word resonates, like an emotional hammer trying to hit hard but without hurting. The original side of this song is hidden in the fact that its structure is quite atypical. No final explosion but a beautiful slow and gradual ascent.

Finally, the EP ends with "Storms", the singer's latest single from the L.A.-based artist, which is a cover of Fleetwood Mac. The original, released in 1979, only features an acoustic guitar and a voice. Which is efficient enough to create an intimate atmosphere. But Martina pulled off a feat. Indeed, at IMC, we are not big fans of covers, except when it's done well, and only when the artists manage to completely transform the song to make it their own. Martina amazed us with this unique cover, on which she knew how to bring her personal touch, and where the production was worked on in the smallest detail. We particularly appreciate the quality of the work that has been done on the voice to highlight it and the perceptible softness of the electric guitar. The song is built up little by little, and gains in intensity minute after minute. The guitar solo is divine, and the backing vocals on the final part make it an unmissable cover. Yes, being an indie musician today isn't all about writing masterpieces, although Martina does it very well. It also consists in restoring the radiance and beauty of forgotten songs to give them a second life. And it's even better when the original artist approves the new version, as Martina told us: "this song landed in the lap of Mick Fleetwood himself, who really loved our rendition and sent me a video with the sweetest message and approval!" Congrats on this successful bet!

Overall, this EP can be listened to like reading a book. At a time when everything goes very quickly and nobody takes the time to dwell on long formats, Martina definitely made the right choice to release this EP, which treats us with 26 minutes of musical happiness. The whole is very coherent and logical, all in melancholy and softness, with all the poetry and delicacy that Martina is capable of consistently offering. Her hard work paid off. The artist told us that she saw this EP as the closing of a two-year chapter of her life. She met 3 producers, had the opportunity to record at The Village Recording studio, and was able to introduce herself to production. She is betting a lot on this wonderful EP and she is right: "My hope is that these tracks will keep the listeners' company, make them feel seen and less alone. Life is so crazy, anything can happen at any moment and we can find so much comfort in each other, and connecting through music is my way to do that."

Martina is growing, Martina is learning, and Martina shines with her talent and courage. There is no doubt that such an EP will open other doors for it.

"Storms" has been added to our "New Indie Music" Spotify playlist, make sure you follow this playlist below to discover incredible new music every day.

Written by Niko.

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We met Kristaps, a few months ago at the Songwriting Circle, an amazing online event co-hosted by Luna and Dov. He's a part of the four-piece Latvian band Pacific K. And I was impatiently waiting for them to release something because the project was very promising.

Let's start this incredible journey with "White Wanderer", the opening song for the solo EP "Light Variations" which is out today.

I was grabbed by the intro in just a few seconds. I find that there is a little Massive Attack (and particularly the intro to Teardrops) which is not unpleasant! I'm not saying it's similar, far from it. But this kind of intro allows you to draw a rather dark and mysterious atmosphere that I like a lot.

And when the vocals make their appearance, this feeling of mystery is increased tenfold. As if Kristaps were whispering in our ears a secret that should absolutely not be revealed. We promise we won't say anything.

No more jokes, let's get back to the music, and the very essence of this incredible track: the electric guitar. It's like this guitar is like a rope stretched between two cliffs, that Kristaps walks on, balancing, taking care not to fall or break anything. Like a line of survival, the guitar plays the main role in this song, halfway between reverie and intimate confession.

Perfect for your road trips, "White Wanderer" will seduce lovers of beautiful music, whatever their preferred genre. Because Pacific K makes everyone agree, as the quality is stunning.

Besides, let's talk a bit about the rest of this EP, which has been worked on in-depth for months. We find in "Hold Your Gaze" the electric guitar which still plays this role of survival line, but not only. Accompanied by a simple but effective bass, the two instruments are enough to set up the tempo. No need for percussion on this soaring track, which, if you close your eyes, has a very cinematic side. Personally, I think my mind subconsciously teleported me into a space shuttle in zero gravity. But each mind is different, maybe yours will give you another journey. Who knows.

The percussions are back on "Cave", the third track of the EP. More structured thanks to this rhythmic presence from the beginning. But still with that sharp writing and that incredibly deep voice.

"Solace" concludes the EP with elegance, more poetic in terms of the lyrics, and calmer than the previous songs. The electric guitar is always omnipresent, and we understand then that it is really the backbone of the entire EP. It is only in the second part of the song that a discreet percussion appears, like a heartbeat that keeps the whole thing going. I mentioned earlier the idea of ​​a tightrope walker and I believe that the EP could be described like that. Everything seems light, fragile, and it feels like everything is going to fall apart at any moment. While in reality, everything is intelligently thought out to take you on an extraordinary trip.

With "Light Variations", Pacific K offer themselves the luxury of taking us elsewhere. To draw landscapes in our heads and give free rein to our imagination. As if everything were possible, between dream and reality. Thanks to my father, I was rocked by incredible musicians like Vangelis or Mike Oldfield. This kind of musician who allows you to escape just by closing your eyes. And I find a little of that in Pacific K. Like a return to childhood. And purity. Because this EP is the perfect proof that you don't necessarily need dozens of instruments for a track to be great.

More than a quarter of an hour of escape guaranteed, without having to spend thousands of dollars on a trip to space with Richard Branson or Jeff Bezos. This is the magic of independent musicians. Even your most distant dreams become accessible.

You can finds more gems like "White Wanderer" on our Spotify Playlist.

Written by Niko.

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Lyrics for "White Wanderer"

Come sky and open up your arms

Let the rain pour down on me

I have seen the dark and I have seen the light

Let my Mama come and shelter me

The road to nowhere,

It takes me by the hand

And leaves me hanging

Over this weary land

I don’t know what I will become

When the last breath takes part from me

But I know I will see you soon

Down the road of eternity

The road to nowhere,

It takes me by the hand

And leaves me hanging

Over this weary land

White wanderer,

In his mind he travels places he can be somebody else

White wanderer,

Could he fight the troubled faces that remind him of someone else?

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A common theme throughout the EP are the incredibly catchy hooks and rhythms that will have you dancing and singing along in no time. The arrangements are never overcrowded and never boring. The combination of acoustic instruments and modern production elements achieves a modern sound that still keeps the human feel. There’s a beautiful tension between the clean and more upbeat music and the lyrics that follow a theme of hurt and loss taking us through a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s the kind of music that can hit you in a completely different way depending on how you listen to it - it has many layers and every single one of them is worth discovering.

The EP opens with "Somebody Else" establishing its narrative from the very first verse "We were childhood friends, innocent hearts until the end, I saw no other only you, but a cheater’s a cheat and that’s the truth". In a similar way to the music, the lyrics also show a contrast between their direct style and the vulnerable story they tell. Dom's vocals fit the high-quality production perfectly while still carrying a strong emotional force. Especially in the closing track "Hold On Me" the delivery of the line "I found you beautiful, but you left me scarred" is just heartbreaking.

"Something Never Said Pt.1" feels exactly like the title suggests, we’re listening to the words that usually never get to fill a room. The result is a raw, honest, and powerful collection of songs that feels truly cathartic. Even though the theme could have made this a collection of five depressing songs, it really isn’t. I was left with a feeling of relief at the end of it - the words have been said now and we can breathe again.

Listen to "Something Never Said Pt.1" EP here:

Follow Dom Malin

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Do you know the domino effect? Luna Keller (IMC Certified Artist and member of our team) is a wonderful singer-songwriter. And she introduced us to Jacqueline Loor, a great artist who also lives in Tenerife. Then, Jacqueline Loor shared her friend Marina Bennett's latest song on Instagram. We fell in love with it, so we told you about it. And in turn, Marina shared on Instagram a musical sample of her friend Willow Stephens. And bam! We took an emotional slap. Again.

The chain of shivers continues with Willow Stephens, who released on March 31st an EP called "A Good Cry". We must admit that we are more the type to like singles and that unfortunately, we receive so much music that it is almost impossible for us to listen to EPs or albums. But when we heard the voice of Willow Stephens, it caught our curiosity.

"Good Man" immediately got us in the mood: an emotionally very powerful piano-vocal ballad where almost all the emotions flow through the incredible voice of the Los Angeles-based singer.

And the good news: the whole EP is like this: enormously loaded with emotions. Divinely well-written lyrics. An angelic voice. Breathtaking melodies. What more?

The last track, "Til the Blue Comes Out" benefits from a slightly more electronic production but the melody is so catchy that we are surprised to sing along very quickly.

This EP is an excellent surprise, by its diversity, which will be able to convince many people, as the musical universes are so different. But the big thing in common with all these tracks is the incredible emotion that shines through Willows' voice.

And the title "A Good Cry" is so well chosen ... You are not immune to shedding a tear.

Moreover, Marina Bennett gave us the pleasure of telling us a few words about her friend:

"Willow captures the softer quiet moments of your heart that you can't quite find the words for and uses incredible lyricism and her stunning vocals to amplify emotion. Her dynamic voice immediately stops you in your tracks with its warmth and ability to easily emote. She speaks straight to your soul. Willow shows us what it looks like to show up in life and openly share our vulnerability and celebrate the strength it carries. She is an effortless, powerful writer and vocalist and I can't wait to hear more of her music as she continues to translate the world around her through song as her career blooms."

Here is a very good summary. Thanks again, Marina, for the discovery. We are so happy to have so many wonderful artists to showcase in 142 countries. And if Willow wants us to discover an artist friend, we hope she won't hesitate. This would allow this magnificent chain of talents to continue.

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Follow IZHAV

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If you enjoyed this song, consider supporting the artist directly on platforms like Bandcamp, Patreon, and Twitch whenever possible. Streaming services are great for discovery, but they rarely provide fair compensation for musicians. Every purchase makes a difference!

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On the 26th of February, the Austin-based duo followed up with their first EP titled "Words Unsaid", featuring four songs that shine with authenticity. The songs all evolve around the importance of communication, and the hurt caused by its absence. There’s a fragile beauty in the painful stories that could be avoided by opening up and talking to each other, in their words: "Didn’t take very long to realize you’re way better off if you don’t lie".

The opening track sets the tone not just with its songwriting but also its amazing production: Alyssa Kelly’s violin, Matt Salois Guitar playing and both their vocals in beautiful harmony create a sound that you want to hear more of, and the rest of the EP does not disappoint. All the tracks have a very recognizable sound and still manage to be different from each other showcasing the outstanding musicianship of both band members.

The second track "Runaround" has a more defying feel than the first track brought across by a stunning vocal performance from Alyssa. It tells a story of frustration because you don’t feel heard and you’re tired of pretending that everything is ok. I really love that this song is followed by "If You Don’t Lie" a song that states "If you’d only let me in I could take some of the weight off you". It’s fascinating how at their core both songs are about longing for truth and a connection with the other person and yet they take two completely different approaches.

The journey comes to a conclusion with the closing song "Let It Breathe" that instead of asking the other person to listen or to open up it turns inward to regret and things left unsaid. It’s a song about the relationship we have with ourselves and our secrets set in a quiet guitar-based arrangement that hits you with stunning lyrics such as "Oh just because it's buried deep don't mean it's dead, It's just asleep in my head".

"Words Unsaid" dives into the struggle of human connection and relationships in a vulnerable and deeply artistic way. The songs are tastefully arranged and showcase a confident sound created by two equally talented musicians. I’m not going to lie (because I know I’m better off if I don’t lie), I am a huge fan of the band and I can’t wait to see what they’ll create next. For now, I’m just going to listen to this wonderful EP on repeat, and you can too, by clicking here:

Follow Deer Fellow on social media :

A bit more about them:

Deer Fellow is an indie folk-pop duo with a “new wave soul twist.” Based out of Austin, bandmates Matt Salois (guitar, vocals) and Alyssa Kelly (violin, vocals, piano) met at an open mic and were quick to collaborate. Fast forward to the present day and coupledom, the two have built a cross-genre sound that “pulls you in right away, stirring romance and broken hearts.”

The duo's vocal harmonies and unique guitar-violin blends have landed them features on KUTX 98.9 Radio, CBS Austin, and EASTside Magazine. Often compared to the likes of Andrew Bird and The Civil Wars, Deer Fellow’s debut EP, Words Unsaid, presents a collection of authentic songwriting and soundscapes that “surround and warm the soul.” From live showcases with Austin greats to virtual festivals alongside such artists as Grammy winner John Paul White, their style and substance have garnered attention within the indie music industry.

Fans describe their live performance as an experience that “gives that warm tingly feeling, like taking a bath with a glass of champagne.” The group currently plays all around Austin and plans to go on tour in the near future.

by Luna Keller

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