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Artist Spotlight: Indie-Dance Fusion, Frantic Hardcore, and Gritty Rock Anthems

By David Weddle
Exploring the raw talent and resonant stories of the independent music scene.
It is an exciting time for new music currently. With our regular spotlight articles, we love to highlight a massive variety of independent acts from across the musical spectrum. Today we are diving into three incredible projects that swap rigid, over-polished production for pure, raw human energy: Almost Heaven, Hype Cycle, and Keegan Powell.​
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Austin, Texas-based duo Almost Heaven is quickly generating serious buzz across the indie scene. Comprised of vocalist and producer Stefan Barraza alongside drummer Jaelyn Valero, duo are filling rooms and leaving audiences wanting more thanks to their compelling live performance dynamic, and it is no surprise when you hear them.  

Their fearless fusion of post-punk, electronic, indie dance, and pop influences is really refreshing. Their new track 'fever trying to blow' has a deep, infectious groove and a hard-hitting bassline. It captures Stefan and Jaelyn bouncing off each other's energy which is so infectious. It is catchy as hell, delivering an irresistible rhythm that makes it completely impossible to resist moving to.​
Listen here you can also find out more about the band by visiting their website here.

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Scottish metal, hardcore and noise band Hype Cycle have been working away on a brand new track from their base in Fife. Their blistering new single, 'Golden,' is a proper full on assault on the senses from the very get-go. 

Packed full of metal goodness, with gloriously heavy riffs, crushing bass, and heart stopping drums, the 'Golden' is the perfect track for anybody wondering what Hype Cycle are capable of. They blend aggressive, intense vocals with some cracking guitar work, it is definitely an essential listen. It is a powerful, high-energy release that proves the Scottish heavy scene is thriving, and long may that continue.​

Listen here

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Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist Keegan Powell returns with his fierce new indie anthem, 'Long Way Through Doom.' Keegan originally wrote it as a creative experiment to try and craft a "big dumb rock song," it quickly evolved into a primal collision of chaos and melody, infused with gritty guitar riffs and shaman-esque vocal hooks. 

Keegan has an impressive resume including writing for Chastity as well as playing in Teenage Kicks so there is experience behind the music. That said Keegan isn't interested in sticking to any particular style which is a bold move but one that has certainly paid off creatively. Join Keegan on their journey of musical exploration with 'Long Way Through Doom'.

Listen here

​Keep an eye out for more artist spotlights, and if you have any new music that you think deserves a shout-out, feel free to send it our way.

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