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.
MUVI – “Grace Cale”
Rising multi-instrumentalist and songwriter MUVI from Milan has unveiled “Grace Cale”, the second single taken from his upcoming debut EP, LINE-A. “Grace Cale” is a sad-pop anthem and arrives alongside visuals directed by Jari Brontesi. MUVI only made his official music debut last year, but it’s been an impressive run so far with three well-received singles, and he looks set to continue his momentum in 2022 with “Grace Cale”. The track stands out immediately with MUVI’s smoky vocals piercing through a captivating guitar-led instrumental, which was self-produced. It is elevated further by its impressive songwriting and a strong melodic presence that resonates throughout the song.
Reece Lemonius – “Feeling Nothing”
Reece Lemonius is a rising eclectic artist from London, whose songs have already accumulated in excess of 10 million streams on Spotify alone as an independent act. His debut EP, Midnight (2020), combined alternative R&B with a tasteful mix of late ‘70s and ‘80s retro elements and a modern pop production, while his newly released EP, Feeling Nothing, is packed with synthesisers, jangly guitars, coated in modern sounds and bolstered by tight, funky basslines. The EP title track, “Feeling Nothing”, is Reece’s third single from the project, and it has all the makings of a bona fide hit. The infectious track has a vibrant energy and is the perfect mood-boosting romantic reminisce to get listeners hyped up for the changing seasons. Offering up a groovy dance beat and a soulful vocal performance, it’s one of Reece’s most impressive tracks to date.
Juuku and Farrah – “Heart Strings”
Juuku and Farrah are two names that have quickly taken the EDM scene by storm with singles such as “Hollow” and “Just Lost”. The two have now teamed up to create their latest emotionally charged single, “Heart Strings”. The track showcases each creator’s unique ability to take their listeners on a journey through their undeniable production prowess and intense delivery methods. What makes the track so special is how the two artists were able to find a way to make each of their production styles beautifully merge together throughout the duration of the song. For the first minute, it’s a piece of Gregorian-like humming that slowly begins to blend the drums and piano into a fashion that leads into an unexpected metallic drop. Throughout the song, we’re taken back and forth on this journey between airy dreaminess and chaotic falling as the second drop brings even more beautiful disarray.
Sintra – “Control (Remix)”
26-year-old Nashville-based DJ and producer Sintra has solidified his spot as an artist to watch in the electronic music space for 2022. Having developed an early fascination for electronic music, Dennis Mongan aka Sintra launched his artist project and began to experiment, taking inspiration from a wide variety of sources and distilling a bold bass-heavy style of his own. Sintra’s work can be found at the crossroads of driving basslines, lush vocals and crisp, imaginative production. Already playing shows alongside Steve Aoki, Dr. Fresch, Bijou and more, he clearly has a bright future ahead in the live space, as well as releasing original music and remixes, such as his new remix for fellow Nashville artist Jack Vice for his track “Control”.
Riiiiko – “Get Smoked”
Riiiiko is an international artist from Saudi Arabia. He has dabbled with music since his childhood but took it more seriously when he went to study in the US, working with artists such as Goldlink. Now that he’s back home, he is trying to pave his own way working with talented local producers such as Kriracha and B-Element. He recently unveiled his introspective offering “Get Smoked”, a dark rap track that reflects upon his own self-described reckless behaviour. The track is taken from his new EP, Dark Wiiiinter, where he goes even deeper into his current state. With his latest release, Riiiiko is proving to be an unstoppable and enigmatic force sweeping through the rap scene. His releases are going from strength to strength as he hones his craft and uses music to authentically express his inner thoughts and feelings.
Jamie Knox – “On the Rocks”
Jamie Knox is certainly paving the way for a bright future ahead, and the London-born songwriter and bedroom producer is an artist you won’t get tired of hearing. Drawing influence from artists such as Elliott Smith, James Blake, Sufjan Stevens, Fink and Beck, Jamie could easily have his name in lights like his heroes. The isolation brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic inspired a new album of material themed around the aspiration for hope and managing the dark places your mind can go to when you’re alone. Latest single “On the Rocks” is one of his best tracks yet.
VIB – “Tonight”
After impressing with debut single “Light At Midnight”, which received high praise, UK artist VIB has returned with “Tonight” alongside a music video directed by Leonxwavey. Swapping his aggressive rap flow from the previous release for a more mellow approach, it showcases the 19-year-old’s impressive versatility and proves once again that he’s an exciting artist to watch out for. Being a singer and rapper is only part of the story. The young talent also plays the drums and the guitar and is a philanthropist with his own charity, Vib Save Children, which he founded in 2013 at just 11 years old. He is also a published author and poet with two anthologies of poetry under his belt.
Lunarcode – Stories Untold
LA rock band Lunarcode was formed in the summer of 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic between guitarist Ronny Minuche, vocalist and lyricist Vincenzo Carubia, and drummer Jason Booth, with the newest addition Richard Smith rounding out the lineup on bass. The band recently released their debut album, Stories Untold, which is based around personal empowerment, self-discovery and combating narcissism. The album blends genres throughout (from pop to reggae) while keeping to the band’s classic rock roots, as can be heard on lead single “The Light”, which fuses rock and reggae, and album tracks “Cuttin’ the Cord” and “Parasite”, which venture into the pop side of rock. The seven-track album promises listeners a varied mix of themes and sounds throughout while keeping to the formula of high-octane tracks, infectious hooks and powerful vocal performances that won’t be out of place in any stadium show or festival.
Casper D Goat – “Doing the Most”
UK artist Casper D Goat burst on the scene a few months ago with debut single “Doing the Most” (feat. Odysi). The single makes a huge impression on the first listen and is taken from Casper’s newly released debut EP, Heartbreak on the Dancefloor. “Doing the Most”, which fuses afropop, R&B and rap, stands out thanks to its catchy melodies, smooth vocals and a memorable anthemic hook primed for radio that will no doubt be fixed into everyone’s head after just one listen. It has all the makings of a hit single and easily marks Casper D Goat out as an artist to keep a close eye on in 2022.
Marshall Harner – When the Night Was Just the Time When We Could Fall Asleep
Rising singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Marshall Harner has returned with his new album, When the Night Was Just the Time When We Could Fall Asleep. The album follows the release of the self-produced lead single “Weather” featuring Ben Tsakopulos. Stirring elements of R&B and hip-hop, Maryland artist Marshall showcases his full range of talents on When the Night Was Just the Time When We Could Fall Asleep, with the album highlighting the versatility and different textures to his vocals. His polished production skills are also on full display, with the album’s head-nodding hip-hop production sure to be a hit with listeners. A huge talent at the top of his game who can do it all and is involved in all aspects of his artistry from singing, songwriting and producing to mixing and mastering, it’s clear Marshall Harner is a special talent.
