By Nate Mills – 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.
Detox From Grey – “Star In My Sky”
Detox From Grey are a rising London-based group consisting of Julie on vocals and keys, Jiwoon on bass guitar and synths, and Marco on drums. Delivering dreamy instrumentation and ethereal vocals that will take the listeners on a sonic journey, new single “Star In My Sky” showcases the trio’s musical prowess. It features an eclectic blend of dream pop, alternative rock and indie-electronica, with the bassline guiding the groove and the laidback sound instantly hooking listeners before the powerful guitar riff takes over. The song is a perfect example of the trio’s ability to effortlessly weave in and out of various colour schemes and moods, delivering a sonic escapade that will keep fans engaged.
Matt Cleare – “4000!”
Born and raised in Miami and based in Atlanta, Matt Cleare is a genre-bending songwriter, producer, vocalist, instrumentalist and trained Muay Thai fighter. Matt finds inspiration in a broad spectrum of decades and genres, seamlessly blending indie-pop, sensual R&B and alternative rock into his own timeless sound. Matt is currently gearing up for the release of his upcoming EP, Butterfly Twist!, and he’s just unveiled the project’s first single, “4000!”. Collaborating with industry heavyweights, the track was produced by Teo Halm (Beyoncé, Drake, SZA, Omar Apollo), and the accompanying music video was directed by Jochi Saca (Kay Flock, Cardi B). Featuring Matt’s soulful vocals against a smooth, guitar-laden production, the single whets the appetite for what else is to come on the rest of the EP.
Gold Casio – Disco Hits Radio (Or, The Ecstasy of Ego Death)
Gold Casio are set to entrance populations through space-age disco and electrifying visuals. Since releasing a series of ear-worming singles since 2020, the group have been busy in the lab concocting their debut album, Disco Hits Radio (Or, The Ecstasy of Ego Death), which is out now. Featuring a genre-defying journey of psychedelic pop, the album is poised to take over headphones and dancefloors across the globe. With 20 tracks in total, including the captivating lead single “Womp”, the album marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the group.
Your Ex – Interludes & Daydreams p.2
Singer/songwriter/producer Your Ex is an LA native who found a passion for music at a young age that later flourished into a deep exploration of the arts. He has just returned for the first time in two years with brand-new music in the form of EP Interludes & Daydreams p.2. Featuring lo-fi beats and Your Ex’s smooth, warm vocals, the five-track project is another impressive offering and the perfect follow-up to 2021’s Interludes & Daydreams p.1. The project looks set to see him continue where he left off two years ago and reach new heights, and with a third part in the EP series already in the works, he doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
J-Summa – “Heaven and Home”
J-Summa is a Jamaican singer, songwriter, guitarist and occasional bassist. He has established a vintage sound, drawing influence from the great Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Bobby Womack, Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and Nina Simone. These influences are sprinkled throughout his newly released debut single, “Heaven and Home”. The track stands out immediately, with J-Summa’s soulful voice and stunning falsetto starting off the song and setting the tone before the bluesey production kicks in and elevates the track even further. Lyrically, it speaks on experiencing true love and connecting with a soulmate, and this will surely connect with listeners around the world.
Bee Blizz – “I Wish We Were Young”
M. Bryan Hedrick Jr, known professionally as DJ/producer Bee Blizz has been capturing the hearts and ears of fans across the globe. Last year, he made his official debut when he started sharing his productions with the world, drawing inspiration from the likes of Wolfgang Gartner, Adventure Club, Skrillex, Joyride, Wilkinson and Etherwood. After a series of releases over the past year, Bee Blizz has just unleashed his new single, “I Wish We Were Young”. Infused with addictive melodies, a huge anthemic hook that will be ingrained in everyone’s head after one listen and lush vocals interlinked with deep electro house beats, “I Wish We Were Young” is Bee Blizz’s most confident release to date and showcases what a huge talent he is.
BGC Melody – “Cookie Crumbles”
Founded by Don Julio Bats, BGC Melody is a group of African musicians based in Cameroon, the Congo, Germany and the United States operating under the record label of the same name. BGC Melody have teamed up with Cameroonian artist Tasa for the latest release – a powerful theme song titled “Cookie Crumbles” for the upcoming movie of the same name, which will be released by the label’s movie production unit. Currently shooting in Cameroon, the movie is described by Don Julio Bats as having the feel of a James Bond movie in the tropics and so the song was made to match.
Ulrika Berg – “Do You Want It”
Ulrika Berg is an artist/singer/writer/producer based in west London, originally from Stockholm, Sweden. She arrived on the scene last year with debut single “Stay Queen” and hasn’t looked back since. After a busy 2022 with several releases under her belt, the emerging star has now revealed her latest single, “Do You Want It”, which is taken from her self-titled debut album. Showcasing Ulrika’s silky-smooth vocals and playful melody patterns, “Do You Want It” is a breathtaking track and another strong single to add to her fast-growing discography.
johnny was here – “silverlake”
johnny was here is the workings of singer-songwriter Johnny Gates. After years on the live circuit performing in his successful band, Runaway Saints, and another solo project of his own, Johnny has now decided to take full reins of his own solo career with this newfound venture. His debut offering is six-track EP Nervous Wreck, with lead single “silverlake” fully showcasing where johnny was here sonically lies. “silverlake” is the perfect introduction to johnny was here’s exciting brand of alt-rock.
Ghostluvme – “Fact”
Ghostluvme and Lil Uzi Vert have joined forces for electrifying new track “Fact”. Produced by the talented Brandon Finessin, who has worked with both artists in the past, this is the first time these two powerhouse musicians have come together. In just three short years, fast-rising rapper Ghostluvme from Broward County, Florida, has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop scene and a major star among today’s current crop of Gen Z rappers. “Fact” will no doubt keep his momentum going.
