The music industry is worlds away from where it was before the digital era. 20 years ago, the notion of kickstarting a music career with limited resources and no record label wouldn’t have been practical for most, but nowadays it’s common practice. More and more artists are being self-sufficient or signing to small indie labels rather than the majors (Sony, Warner and Universal), with the rise of the internet and digital platforms such as iTunes, YouTube, Spotify and TikTok now making this a more feasible option, and some of the best music out there today comes from these artists. In this recurring column, we’ll be uncovering and highlighting 10 hidden gems to listen to from talented independent musicians.
Robbi Niles – “Havana”
Robbi Niles is a rising artist from Barbados. A competent guitarist, composer, lyricist and producer, Robbi has established a fanbase with his distinctive sound and catchy hooks, as can be heard on his brand-new single, “Havana”. The track hears Robbi explore a new love interest through the soulful sounds of Afrobeats and Afro house. Infused with sticky melodies and Robbi’s effortlessly smooth vocals, the track will no doubt be another success for the rising star. “Havana” is also a testament to Robbi’s production prowess, as the self-produced track is one of his most captivating offerings to date and the perfect soundtrack for summer 2023.
Coral Gables – Still Alive
Coral Gables is the project of Cuban-American singer-songwriter Erik Beruvides based out of Denton, Texas. Still Alive is Coral Gables’ debut album, which portrays a segment of his life where everything fell apart and his search to make sense of how to move forward. Musically, the album draws inspiration from the likes of Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, and Talk Talk to Radiohead, TV On The Radio, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, while also incorporating Latin music influences from Coral Gables’ Cuban background to create a unique and interesting blend that stands out as his own.
Martin Novales – “Used To”
Martin Novales is an R&B singer hailing from Wisconsin, who has captivated listeners all over the world with his passionate vocals and candid lyrics. Martin’s cover of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” accumulated over 2 million Spotify streams and went viral on Instagram, with over 200,000 reels using his rendition. He’s set to release his debut album this year, which promises to showcase his heartfelt sound that often explores themes of love, loss and self-discovery, as heard on his newly released single, “Used To”. The track is a throwback to the early 2000s and will surely help Martin continue his impressive run and break new ground.
xskarma – “Hello”
Charles Grimsdale AKA xskarma is a songwriter/producer/drummer from Bristol, UK, creating a blend of indie pop and trip hop, driven by quirky retro funk-inspired beats. He is also a tech entrepreneur who co-founded one of Europe’s first streaming services, OD2, alongside Peter Gabriel. His new single, “Hello”, is a collaboration with vocalist glasscat and features a smooth, downtempo beat that commands attention in the first few seconds and is elevated further once glasscat’s soothing voice kicks in. The track also stands out for its infectious and almost hypnotic chorus.
Nxll – “One of One”
Nxll is a rising rapper hailing from Prince George’s County, Maryland, and based in Chicago, Illinois. From his early days as a music producer to his current status as a rising rap star, Nxll is committed to delivering a unique and unforgettable musical experience to his growing audience, as is evident on his newly released single, “One of One”. Featuring a gritty, atmospheric beat and Nxll’s unmistakable and effortless rap flow, “One of One” shines the spotlight on a talented rapper in his element.
Onone – “Hookin Up In The Club”
Onone is a 23-year-old rapper from Monrovia, California. Since bursting on the scene in 2019, he’s released a string of singles and projects. One of those projects was One of Those Nights alongside Texas producer/engineer Mambo Beatz. Having built up a strong discography over the past few years, Onone is set to reach new heights in 2023 and has teamed up again with Mambo Beatz for brand-new single “Hookin Up In The Club”. The single follows Onone’s previous release, EP Games, and features a dark and eerie production. Onone then draws the listener in further with his lively cadence as the beat kicks in, which he maintains throughout the song.
C.T – “Down For Me”
C.T is a rising artist from Leamington Spa, UK, who has just unveiled his new single, “Down For Me”. The melodic track highlights C.T’s smooth vocals as he glides effortlessly over a laidback trap beat. Packed with catchy melodies and a huge, anthemic hook that will no doubt have everyone singing along after one listen, the track showcases C.T’s undeniable star quality. And with more music planned for 2023, expect to see and hear plenty more from this talented artist as he continues his ascent and draws in new fans.
Trees Speak – Mind Maze
Trees Speak are a musical duo based in Tucson, Arizona, composed of Daniel Martin Diaz and Damian Diaz. Their music is heavily influenced by the cosmic magic of the natural desert landscapes of Arizona, creating an appealing sound that is both experimental and innovative. Mind Maze is the fifth studio album from Trees Speak, released on Solo Jazz Records. This new offering is a mind-boggling tightrope walk across an array of musical influences that seamlessly create the unique present-day world of Trees Speak that will no doubt attract many new fans.
W7lf – “Won’t Wait (For You)”
By Nate Mills – Mohammed “W7lf” Zidan is a multifaceted rapper and songwriter, with a universal upbringing and stature. Born in the city of Sirte in Libya, he now resides in the beautiful city of Perth, Australia. With a multicultural approach to his craft from the beginning, W7lf wanted to channel the energy from his home country, as well as the different environments surrounding him growing up. The result is something hugely potent and also profound, blending styles of traditional hip-hop aligned with jazz, funk and neo-soul music, forming a sound that transcends beyond the norm. Following his previous success, W7lf now returns with a collaboration in the form of new single “Won’t Wait (For You)” featuring Perth-born, Egyptian-Sudanese singer-songwriter Veronikka.
MaeThePirate – “Botellón”
MaeThePirate is an electronic dance pop artist who uses her cello to add a special flare to every track. She uses this unique talent to connect listeners sonically in a way they never have been before, and she moulds this into her fun-filled and euphoric pop-infused sound. Mae also has synesthesia, which causes her to connect light and sound (an integral part of her image is neon, bright lights and reflections). After building a credible listenership on Spotify and beyond, Mae comes into 2023 with a fresh body of work for her audience to enjoy in new EP Neon and lead single “Botellón”.
