The world is full of perfectly good music. You just have to find it. The key theme of the latest Indie Popper playlist update is discovering and showcasing new talents and lesser-known artists and bands. But the playlist also features some well-known indie stars.
The playlist has been updated with 15 new tracks, which can be found at the beginning of the playlist. All 15 songs are presented in this article in the same order as they appear on the playlist.
Take a journey into the world of new music with Gigi Perez, Bagarra, War Honey, Todd & Karen, Orchid Orchestra, Beth Hart, and Anna Järvinen, just to name a few of the guides along the way.
After the 15 new tracks, the playlist still includes 45 other songs previously added, so there’s nearly 4 hours of great music to enjoy.
At the end of the article, you can find more information about Presshopper’s playlists.
INDIE POPPER – THE WORLD OF FRESH & COOL MUSIC
Gigi’s guitar-driven pop-folk song hit number one on the UK charts
- Gigi Perez: Sailor Song
Gigi’s voice dominates this beautiful guitar-driven pop-folk track, which gradually builds in a stylish manner towards a magical climax, where the horns join in for a captivating crescendo.
Gigi’s lyrics are powerful storytelling, sometimes reaching the dimensions of poetry. ”I sleep so I can see you ‘cause I hate to wait so long,” Gigi sings heartbreakingly, painting a vivid image of the emotional state being described.
With this single, American artist Gigi Perzi has achieved her first number one on the UK’s official singles chart. Gigi, who has gained popularity on platforms like TikTok, has firmly established herself as one of the great singers and songwriters.
Orchid Orchestra – A New Musical Force from Canada
- Orchid Orchestra: Nothing
A band from Vancouver, Orchid Orchestra, who have released just two singles and one EP, surprised me. When I played their latest single Nothing, not knowing what to expect, the opening notes led me into the world of melancholic British pop. But by the time the chorus hit, I was already under the spell of joyful soul and the inviting rhythms of a big band.
I was so captivated by the song Nothing that I immediately listened to all their released tracks several times.
The band’s rich music, with its brass section, backing vocals that sound like a large choir, added duet vocals, and of course the piano, and whatever else their music may contain, makes Orchid Orchestra sound, well, orchestral. And that’s exactly what they are – and so much more. Take, for example, the song ”The Hoops,” which transports the listener into the joyous world of musical theater. Oh, did I already mention gospel, country, and hip-hop?
Hopefully, we’ll get more Orchid Orchestra releases soon, maybe even a full album.
French brawl powered by rap, funk, and house
- Bagarre: J’vais Te Die
Bagarre makes your subwoofer work. This Parisian group is one of our most exciting new band discoveries. Bagarre means ”brawl.” When it comes to their energy, the name is definitely a perfect fit for this group.
The song J’vais Te Die is from their album Le Club C’est Vous, released last spring. While it’s not one of the band’s more energetic tracks, it certainly ranks among their most beautiful songs. The track seamlessly blends elements of pop, rap, and house.
Bagarre’s music knows no boundaries. Its core elements are club music, rap, and pop, but the band also incorporates influences from funk, jazz, and various subgenres of electronic music. Eastern music influences and even touches of chanson are also present in their sound.
Bagarre has expressed their dream of a society that is more open and diverse. Yesterday, they hosted their own rave club night in Morlaix, in Western France, where the Facebook event description stated that the club was a place where people love without boundaries, without barriers, without gender, without a stage, and where freedom is complete. I would have loved to be at that party!
Bagarre has released three albums, so if you haven’t discovered the band yet, there’s plenty of ”brawl” goodness to enjoy. A strong recommendation to hit the dance floor and indulge in Bagarre’s diverse offerings!
Kemopetrol’s album is always worth waiting for – Even if it takes ten years
- Kemopetrol: Something’s Got to Change
Kemopetrol is releasing a new album in January 2025, more than 10 years after their previous album. The new single ”Something’s Got to Change”, taken from the upcoming album, is a dark-hued and beautifully layered track with the band’s unmistakable sound.
The song progresses slowly but steadily. Its minimalistic atmosphere is elegantly built up, with each element adding layers of sound that grow in sophistication. The song’s minimalist production highlights the powerful vocals of lead singer Laura Närhi, adding depth and emotion to the track.
The upcoming album is Kemopetrol’s sixth full-length release. Good things are worth the wait – even if it takes ten years!
HEISA released the first single from their upcoming third album
- HEISA: The Harmonist
HEISA from Belgian Limburg is preparing to release their third album soon. The band is a great addition to the tradition of unconventional bands. The band’s angular and layered music never follows traditional patterns.
HEISA’s latest track, ”The Harmonist,” was released this week. This captivating and hypnotic song starts with a minimalist groove and builds into a shimmering burst of energy by the end.
This is the first single from HEISA’s upcoming album, and based on this track, it’s clear that it will be the next big step in the band’s career. ”The Harmonist” is sure to resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. We can’t wait to see if the upcoming full-length album delivers on the promise of this incredible single!
Beth Hart kicks off her new album with a collaboration with Slash
- Beth Hart: Saviour With A Razor
Beth Hart released a new album, You Still Got Me, in October. On the opening track, ”Saviour With A Razor,” none other than Mr. Slash joins her on guitar. I’m glad, however, that the guitar doesn’t take center stage on the track. It rightfully belongs to Beth Hart’s deep, honeyed, and raspy voice.
The album is rooted in soulful rock, mainly americana, but it pleasantly takes occasional side steps into genres like country and jazz. The most delicious of these side step songs is “Wanna Be Big Bad Johnny Cash.” You guessed it right, it’s a country song.
It’s always a pleasure to experience Beth Hart’s music. Eleven full-length releases have been released so far.
I want to be an artist with Smalltown Morals
- Smalltown Morals: Artist
Smalltown Morals is a very exciting new band from England. The band has only released their debut single, which came out last month, but I’m already a fan.
The Fleeting single features three great Britpop and rock tracks. ”Artist” is the third song on the single. It’s a heartbreaking track, where the singer, accompanied by beautifully reverberating guitars, begs, “I want to be an artist with you.” He does it with such feeling that whoever he may be, it would be worth answering the call.
Let’s welcome Smalltown Morals as a fresh new arrival to the indie rock and pop scene!
A song that doesn’t end, it just vanishes
- Labasheeda: Procedure
Amsterdam-based Labasheeda released their sixth album Blueprints last year, which features the track ”Procedure.” If the band had to fit into a specific niche, it would occupy the vast space between post-punk and art-pop.
Labasheeda is a trio with lead singer Saskia van der Giessen at the forefront, often switching between guitar, violin, and piano. Despite her prominence, the band remains a tight-knit group, with Arne Wolfswinkel (guitar, bass, piano) and drummer Bas Snabilie rounding out the lineup.
On the track ”Procedure,” Saskia’s violin takes on one of the leading roles. The song represents the more pop-oriented side of the album. It unfolds gently, swaying with Saskia’s beautiful vocals and calm guitar riffs, until it reaches a climax where the rhythm becomes angular and the traditional song structure disappears. The track even ends in such a way that you feel like it didn’t really end—it just suddenly vanished.
I hope Labasheeda never vanishes.
Heavenly sounds from Brooklyn
- War Honey: Skinless
Uuh, I’ve found a divine sound from Brooklyn. Or actually, two of them. Both can be found in War Honey’s track Skinless. One is the voice of singer Gaby Dana, and the other is Ben Fitts’ guitar playing.
In the song, the powerful vocals rise to great heights while the guitar weeps in the background. The track is nothing but pure, intense emotion.
When Gaby sings ”I’m in good spirits most of the time / I shut my ugly mouth for my pretty pride” I have to pray that she never shuts her mouth.
The ”Skinless” single was released in 2021. The band has released singles and EPs sporadically, and their debut album is still awaited. And it’s certainly being eagerly anticipated.
While you wait, you can solve this mystery: Find the hidden Wikipedia Toast article from the War Honey internet world.
Todd & Karen serve up positive naivety
- Todd & Karen: Juicy Gossip from The Mothership
Norway has offered me many great bands over the years, such as The Good, The Bad and The Zugly, Shining, Oslo Ess, Tommy Tokyo & Starving For My Gravy, just to name a few.
Now I’ve discovered a duo called Todd & Karen. To be precise, they are a Norwegian-Irish/Swiss act, but they are based in Norway, in the small municipality of Kongsberg, near Oslo.
I smiled when I received an email with a link to a song called “Juicy Gossip from The Mothership.” These rumors I definitely wanted to hear, and curious, I hit play on the song. The song’s catchy melodies, beautiful vocals, and big, yet positively naive sound immediately transported me to 1960s Britain at a pop festival.
“Juicy Gossip from The Mothership” is a single released last year, which is featured on the duo’s debut album Singlesreleased in April this year. The album, surprise surprise, also includes all the other singles the band has released previously.
Anyway, I’ll definitely keep this duo on my radar from now on.
Anna Järvinen’s album is powerfully minimalist
- Anna Järvinen: Ge mig hopp, ge mig tro, ge mig nåt
It’s always easy to pause and listen to Anna Järvinen’s full-length albums, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the world. Her new album Sex is no exception. There’s something magical about Anna, something that holds the listener’s focus.
The track ”Ge mig hopp, ge mig tro, ge mig nåt” from the album hooked me from the very first listen. It is a minimalist song, even by Anna Järvinen’s standards, but in its minimalism, it remains a powerful track where Anna’s beautiful voice and unique vocal style truly shines.
On her new album, Anna Järvinen talks about human relationships, including sexuality, in an intimate and universal way. I highly recommend everyone to give it a listen.
The movement without faces
- The Small House Movement: Lion, Pt 2
The Small House Movement is a mysterious band, or collective, or movement, or something. I tried to find information about them online, but was unsuccessful. The only information I could find is on their Spotify profile. It mentions that the band originated from a naive idea to give everyone an instrument and invite them to join the band. The result was a group that aims to make as much noise as possible.
Noise is only part of the truth. As I listened to the band, trying to form a more complete truth about their music, I realized that this is one of those groups where it’s actually better the less you know about them. The mysterious haze surrounding them is just one beautiful element of the whole. Rock and pop bands are often much more than just their music. The Small House Movement is perfect as it is—without faces, without a backstory, except for that one tale about the instruments.
The song Lion, Pt. 2 represents the band’s most foggy side. The female lead singer’s rough voice hovers above everything, accompanied by ominous guitars. A magical track.
The band’s other songs feature influences from 70s pop-punk, grunge, and even gothic music.
I’ll be keeping an eye out to see if this “movement” releases any more new tracks. Hopefully.
Rivita’s simple message is: slow down
- Rivita: Speed Limit
When you play a song called Speed Limit, you’d probably expect to hear a track that breaks speed records. However, Rivita’s Speed Limit actually encourages you to slow down, and it sets an example of that itself. The song urges you to step out of the rat race, take a breath, and ”leave it all behind,” as Rivita repeatedly sings in her honeyed voice throughout the track.
The song is made up of simple elements, one of which is the catchy basslines. Overall, simplicity is the key here, and the result is a track that will stick in your head for the rest of the day.
Reggae rhythms take Liisa Pentti to faraway places
- Liisa Pentti: Journey Far Away
Liisa Pentti is a Finnish dancer who released her debut album Seems Familiar Burt So Strange in September. Her indie pop includes a touch of artistic depth, which in the song “Journey Far Away” is carried by a stylish reggae groove.
If I were to embark on a journey to faraway places right now, I’d put Liisa Pentti’s album on in my headphones.
Why reinvent the wheel?
- Harrison Rimmer: Cold
Harrison Rimmer is a male-and-guitar duo that promises to play to anyone, anywhere at anytime. On ”Cold” and other released tracks, there are indeed other traditional instruments involved, and that’s a good thing. However, Harrison’s style remains unpretentious, stripped-back acoustic rock with catchy melodies.
Order a beer and enjoy!
Presshopper playlists: Rockhopper | Punkhopper | HipHopper | Indie Popper
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