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 and Spotify now making this a more feasible option. Some of the best music out there today comes from independent and unsigned musicians, and there are new acts popping up daily that are yet to reach the masses. In this recurring column we’ll be uncovering and highlighting 10 hidden gems to check out from talented independent artists.
Kiss Kanoo – “Dark Side”
Kiss Kanoo is an emerging artist based in east London. Italian born and raised in the US and Australia, she combines influences from these different cultures, which culminate in a fresh and dynamic pop sound that has helped her establish a fanbase that is rapidly expanding with each release. Despite only arriving on the scene in 2020 and with just five singles to her name, she has already accumulated hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify alone as an independent artist. Her new single, “Dark Side”, commands attention on first listen with a stadium-sounding alternative electro-pop sound, which is littered with infectious melodies and a huge anthemic hook that will surely be etched into everyone’s head. It’s boosted further by her strong and dynamic vocal performance. With her debut EP expected later this year, it’s clear from “Dark Side” that the forthcoming project will be worth checking out.
F4ST – “Love Nwantiti”
Fainal and SaraTunes are the Colombian DJs, producers, singers and songwriters better known as F4ST. They’ve had a string of successful releases that have accumulated well over 40 million streams on Spotify alone. And they look set to add further to this and keep their momentum going with the release of their brand-new single, a remake of CKay’s “Love Nwantiti”. Making the track completely their own, it features the duo’s signature slap house beats and will no doubt be another hit for them.
Cora Onori – “Bloom”
Rising artist Cora Onori has revealed her new single, “Bloom”, which features producer Slowface. Cora has been making a name for herself since emerging in 2018 with debut single “Dream, Girl”. Two more tracks have followed since, including last year’s “Free Falling”, and it’s become increasingly clear with each single that Cora is one to watch. Now back with “Bloom”, her fourth official single, she looks set to continue her rise. Produced by Cora and Slowface, “Bloom” builds slowly and morphs into an entrancing electronic explosion that is fused with Cora’s mesmerising vocals. The whole track makes for a fascinating listen and is elevated further by an equally captivating music video directed by Moncef Henaien.
Nika Taleghani – “Back and Forth”
Emerging US artist Nika Taleghani has unveiled “Back and Forth”. The new track is just the Boston artist’s second single following last year’s debut release “The Cave”. Although a new artist, it’s already very clear what a special talent Nika is, and “Back and Forth” is a further testament to this. Nika’s vocals are powerful and emotive and when paired with her honest, soul-baring lyrics, the end result is enthralling. A song that captures every ounce of her emotions and feelings, it hears Nika reflect on the seemingly endless loop of a romantic relationship, which many people will be able to relate to.
Leonie Prater – “Obstacles”
Leonie Prater is an independent artist based in Dorset in south-west England. Since the release of her debut album, Metamorphosis, last year, her music has taken a different direction, and she has been writing new songs for her upcoming sophomore album. One of these songs is her new single, “Obstacles”, which is out now. The track showcases Leonie’s raw, innate talent, with her sublime vocals and striking lyricism on full display. Arguably her most stunning release to date, it whets the appetite for what’s to come on the rest of the album. Starting off with just the guitar, the track builds throughout before culminating in a full-on indie-pop extravaganza, which makes for an interesting listen.
South of France – “1995”
South of France is the creative project of Jeff Cormack from Denver, Colorado, and he’s been building his own brand of dreamy vacation rock throughout the years since dropping his first single in 2015. His recently released track “1995” is the fourth single to be released from his upcoming album, My Spirit Animal My Baggage, and features a sugary yet grimy array of contemporary dancehall-pop/rock vibes with a soaring Mellotron arrangement and a mesmerising trap beat. With plenty of tasty synth lines, brash guitars, lush vocals, witty lyrics and a solid dance groove, this is another flawless entry into his growing discography.
USUALLY MODEST – “Rude”
Rising artist USUALLY MODEST has returned with his new single, “Rude”. Based in Switzerland, with Ukrainian roots, he has been going from strength to strength since bursting on the scene in 2020 with a series of well-received genre-spanning singles. And he looks set to keep his upward trajectory going with latest release “Rude”. Fusing pop-punk and hip-hop/rap, his versatility and appreciation for various genres result in a song with huge appeal that sounds dynamic and fresh and has all the right ingredients to be another success for the rising star.
Fishburn – “The Other Side”
Fishburn is a Billboard-charting pop/electronic/dance artist based in Chicago. His mission is to provide modern-sounding pop and dance music with a Christian theme and a positive message. He only emerged in 2020 but is already fast approaching half a million streams on Spotify alone as an independent act thanks to his positive and uplifting sound. His latest single, “The Other Side”, continues the feelgood, mood-boosting sound that fans have come to know and love. Infused with addictive melodies, a huge infectious hook, a groovy dance beat and meaningful lyrics, it ticks all the boxes and deserves a huge audience to match.
Tonner – “Volcano”
Tonner has been involved in music for a decade – producing for and touring with various artists, but it wasn’t until 2020 that he began releasing music under his own name, and he’s been doing a fine job so far. After several releases, he’s returned with impressive new single “Volcano”. The catchy indie-pop gem is taken from his forthcoming debut album, Walls Come Down, which is due for release later this year.
Ari Abdul – “Stay”
Hailing from New York City, Ari Abdul popped up on the scene earlier this year with debut single “BABYDOLL”, which went on to accumulate over 11 million streams on Spotify, and she’s hoping for more of the same with new release “Stay”. A great follow-up, the track makes a huge impression on first listen and indicates Ari is here to stay and has a bright future ahead.
