New Artist Spotlight

  • ๐—•๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ’๐˜€ ๐—•๐—ถ๐˜ – this week: Zen – Belcarra

    ๐—•๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ’๐˜€ ๐—•๐—ถ๐˜ – this week: Zen – Belcarra

    This week, Brad (aka Mercury Teardrop) takes over ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ป๐—ผ๐—น๐—น๐˜†’๐˜€ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฟ!


    ๐™•๐™š๐™ฃ – ๐˜ฝ๐™š๐™ก๐™˜๐™–๐™ง๐™ง๐™–


    If you are the same vintage as me, you will likely remember back to those days in your late teens when your parents or caregivers departed for a holiday and you found yourself with the house or pad to yourself. For me, these circumstances always resulted in 24/7 music cranked, loud guitars, lots of jamming, and parties. Fabulous parties! There was no internet yet and gatherings always organically manifested through word of mouth via networks of friends and like-minded acquaintances, often connected by a love of music. In some strange way, with Mr. Charles Connolly on holiday this week, I feel a bit like I have the โ€œplaceโ€ to myself andโ€ฆ itโ€™s time to party!


    Thinking back, these were wonderful times and the music between 1988 and 1992 was both groundbreaking and truly mesmerising all at the same time. There were fresh sounds emanating from global movements like โ€˜Madchesterโ€™ Brit-Pop and the petri dish of the Seattle underground. I took it all in and nothing was off limits when spinning tracks at a gathering. I recall a few parties where I got to play singles or albums that had just been released, and I got to experience the collective sense of euphoria when everyone present knew they were grooving to something that would make history (or at least that is how it felt at times); Fools Gold by the Stone Roses, Hallelujah by the Mondays, and the list goes on. I was a frequent flyer at โ€œOdyssey Importsโ€, Vancouver, B.C.โ€™s main supplier of new British, German and International underground records. The Friday releases usually resulted in a few new purchases weekly, as well as a few skipped classes to get there first thing in the morning. Over that four year span, Acid House, Brit Pop, Shoegaze and Grunge completely dominated my walkman and my turntable. I truly love all of it and my nostalgic passion for these genres has never wavered. Although much of the music and bands from this era have endured, albeit some definitely more than others, I have never stopped loving bands like Ride, Catherine Wheel, Primal Scream, My Bloody Valentine, Curve, and many more. Hello, my name is Brad, and I am a SHOEGAZER.


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  • The Best Independent Rock and Blues Artists to Follow in 2024

    The Best Independent Rock and Blues Artists to Follow in 2024

    As the perpetual heartbeat of rebellion and unfiltered expression, the independent rock and blues artists have forever thrived on the outskirts of mainstream conformity. Unfettered by the constraints of major labels and mainstream trends independent artists continue to forge their own paths.


    In this age of streaming platforms and social media, these boundary-pushers have found unprecedented opportunities to share their craft with the world. Their music resonates with raw emotion, storytelling, and a rebellious spirit that refuses to be contained!


    Join me as we uncover the sonic tapestry of 2024’s most compelling independent rock and blues artists. Together, let us celebrate their defiance, their innovation, and their unwavering commitment to the relentless pursuit of musical excellence.


    The Best New Rock and Blues


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  • The Best Independent Folk and Country Artists to Follow in 2024

    The Best Independent Folk and Country Artists to Follow in 2024

    The indie music scene has always been a space where creativity and authenticity shine, and nowhere is this more evident than in the worlds of folk and country.


    Independent folk and country artists are bringing fresh perspectives to classic genres, blending the traditional sounds of acoustic guitar with modern storytelling that resonates across generations. These artists are breaking boundaries – unlike mainstream counterparts, indie folk and country musicians are able to experiment with themes, sounds, and lyrics that dig deep into personal experiences, social issues, and universal emotions.


    From soulful ballads about lifeโ€™s struggles to upbeat tracks that make you want to tap your feet, todayโ€™s indie folk and country artists are creating soundscapes that both honour their roots and explore new creative territory. In this article, weโ€™ll explore some of the most exciting voices emerging from the indie folk and country scene today, their inspirations, and how theyโ€™re shaping the future of these beloved genres.


    The Best New Indie Folk and Country Artists



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  • New Underground Indie and Alternative Music

    New Underground Indie and Alternative Music

    In the vast landscape of the music industry there exists a realm where creativity knows no bounds, and authenticity thrives in the shadows. Welcome to the clandestine world of new underground and alternative music, where artists break free from conventional constraints, forging paths uncharted and embracing a spirit of untamed expression.


    This article will highlight some of the best new alternative music from the New Artist Spotlight community. We will take a look at these alternative indie artists who shun the well-trodden paths of commercial conformity and fearlessly develop their own sound away from the mainstream.


    The Best New Alternative Music


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  • Indie Pop and EDM artists to Follow in 2024

    Indie Pop and EDM artists to Follow in 2024

    Away from the mainstream there is a wealth of talented indie pop and edm artists forging their own paths. With infectious melodies and mesmerizing beats these artists are redefining genres and pushing boundaries.


    In this article, we highlight the standout talents in indie pop music and introduce you to the most promising new EDM artists who are shaping the future of the industry. Dive in to discover these exciting artists and add their electrifying sounds to your playlist!


    The Best New Indie Pop and EDM Artists


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  • aBreak Triumph for Underwater

    aBreak Triumph for Underwater

    New Artist Spotlight member Blue Scarr and Aimee Britannia secure chart topping status on US indie chart


    ‘Underwater’ Making Waves Across the Atlantic

    UK based indie musicians Blue Scarr and Aimee Britannia are the latest in a line of emerging talents to be introduced as the number one song on the prestigious and influential abreak music chart, based in the United States, but heard worldwide.


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  • 10 Questions With Ochehimself

    10 Questions With Ochehimself

    In this week’s 10 Questions we get to know Ochehimself, an Afrobeats artist from Nigeria


    His song ‘What they want’ is currently featured on the NAS Spotify playlists.


    You can follow Ochehimself on Instagram.


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  • 10 Questions With Kaminski

    10 Questions With Kaminski

    In this week’s 10 Questions we get to know Kaminski, an Art-Pop artist from the Netherlands


    His song ‘No Pets Allowed’ is currently featured on the NAS Spotify Playlists, and his new single ‘Tom’ is due to be released this week


    You can follow Kaminski on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and X (formerly Twitter).


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  • 10 Questions with Kelly Cresswell

    10 Questions with Kelly Cresswell

    In this week’s 10 Questions we get to know Kelly Cresswell, a singer-songwriter from the UK


    Their song My Regrets is currently featured on the NAS Spotify playlists


    You can follow Kelly on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube


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  • 10 Questions With Toxic Garden Gnomes

    10 Questions With Toxic Garden Gnomes

    In this week’s 10 Questions we get to know Toxic Garden Gnomes, a pop-rock band from Brisbane, Australia.


    Their song ‘Out Of It‘ is currently featured on the NAS Spotify playlists


    You can follow Toxic Garden Gnomes on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube


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