Artist Spotlight: Symphonic Rock, Dystopian Realities, and Vibrant Indie-Pop
By David Weddle
Exploring the raw talent and resonant stories of the independent music scene.
Exploring the raw talent and resonant stories of the independent music scene.
It is an exciting time for new music currently, and with our regular spotlight articles, we highlight a huge variety of artists from across every imaginable genre for you to discover. Today we shine the spotlight on three rising forces of the independent music world: ProgAtom, Spinors, and Malaika.
First up is the Norwegian progressive rock outfit ProgAtom. This talented five-piece has built a reputation for crafting melodic, symphonic rock enriched with deep ambient elements. Following the success of their previous albums Sagittarius A and Spiral, the band are back with a brand new single, "In every heartbeat".
The track serves as a teaser for their upcoming album, IconicPictures, which is set to drop later this year. "In every heartbeat" dives into the profound and rare experience of finding someone who truly understands you. The band masterfully explores how the presence of a soulmate can transform internal pain into total comfort, giving life a deeper sense of meaning, and they tell that story through stunning atmospheric guitars and sweeping keyboard arrangements.
Listen Here
The track serves as a teaser for their upcoming album, IconicPictures, which is set to drop later this year. "In every heartbeat" dives into the profound and rare experience of finding someone who truly understands you. The band masterfully explores how the presence of a soulmate can transform internal pain into total comfort, giving life a deeper sense of meaning, and they tell that story through stunning atmospheric guitars and sweeping keyboard arrangements.
Listen Here
Next up, we are heading to London to check out the alternative rock project Spinors. Founded by singer and guitarist Sergie Code, the band stands out not just for their heavy, distorted guitar work but for their distinct steampunk aesthetic. Their latest track, "Choose to believe", pairs massive, catchy choruses with a biting lyrical concept.
The song delves deep into the post-truth era we find ourselves living in. It tackles a rather unsettling subject of public manipulation by the ones who hold "the truth". It's a powerful, thought-provoking rock track that balances complex musical layers with a melody that will stay stuck in your head.
You can check out the record for yourself here.
The song delves deep into the post-truth era we find ourselves living in. It tackles a rather unsettling subject of public manipulation by the ones who hold "the truth". It's a powerful, thought-provoking rock track that balances complex musical layers with a melody that will stay stuck in your head.
You can check out the record for yourself here.
Switching things up with some vibrant indie-pop, we close out today's spotlight with Dorset-born and London-based singer, songwriter, and producer Malaika. Having already picked up major traction on Spotify's Fresh Finds and BBC Introducing, Malaika is rapidly emerging as one of the UK’s most exciting new independent acts. Her focus track, "Simple Like That", perfectly anchors her brilliant debut EP, Dye My Hair Dark In The Summer.
Co-produced alongside JMAC and featuring dynamic live drums from Freddy Sheed (noted for his work with Lewis Capaldi and The 1975), the track has a bright, feel good vibe that hides a much more reflective core. "Simple Like That" hits with striking honesty while capturing the frustrating gap between what people say and what they actually do.
Reflecting on the wider project, Malaika shares: "‘Dye My Hair Dark In The Summer’ is an EP that encapsulates the last six months of my life. It’s about being a girl in your 20s and finding the fun in this world despite its hardships."
Listen to Simple Like That 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.
Co-produced alongside JMAC and featuring dynamic live drums from Freddy Sheed (noted for his work with Lewis Capaldi and The 1975), the track has a bright, feel good vibe that hides a much more reflective core. "Simple Like That" hits with striking honesty while capturing the frustrating gap between what people say and what they actually do.
Reflecting on the wider project, Malaika shares: "‘Dye My Hair Dark In The Summer’ is an EP that encapsulates the last six months of my life. It’s about being a girl in your 20s and finding the fun in this world despite its hardships."
Listen to Simple Like That 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.