Maudlin Strangers return with their latest single, “Under My Skin,“which leans into ’80s new wave influences while adding a darker, goth-inspired edge.

Hays stated, “I had the idea that I wanted to show the band on an old late-night TV show. Though instead of a wholesome performance, I wanted there to be an eerie edge. The song is about knowing you’re in a toxic relationship and accepting your part in it, yet choosing to stay, so wearing clown makeup felt appropriate to depict that meaning.”

He noted, “I’ve been a big fan of the juxtaposition of 1950s aesthetics with an unsettling edge to it, which is a style you’ll see show up in almost all of the new Maudlin Strangers artwork. It’s something I’ve been drawn to for a long time, so it feels right to place the story of the band within this created retro-future time period.”

Maudlin Strangers began in 2010 as the solo project of Los Angeles native Jake Hays. Following several independent releases, Hays formed a band with close friends and signed with BMG/Vagrant Records, releasing the Overdose EP in 2015. They toured extensively, sharing stages with acts like Bad Suns, LANY, and Cold War Kids. After taking a break in 2016, the band reformed in 2023 with original drummer Richie Gonzales, Alexander “Schmorgle” Morgan on guitar/keys, and Drew Bruchs on bass.

Melanie MacLaren’s track “Bloodlust” is perfect for fans of haunting lo-fi folk like Phoebe Bridgers.

She independently released her debut EP, Kill My Time, in 2022, catching the attention of Tone Tree Distribution. Soon after, she signed with them, secured playlist spots, and released a second EP, Tadpole Emporium, with Dublin songwriter Lorkin O’Reilly, which they toured in the UK and Ireland.

In April 2023, she dropped her second solo EP, Tourist, which earned over 2.5 million streams and playlist features like Spotify Fresh Finds. Following its release, Melanie embarked on her first U.S. headline tour, playing 25 shows. She has opened for artists like Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) and shared stages with Jessica Lea Mayfield and Ciaran Lavery.

New York City-based trio Don’t Believe In Ghosts released their uptempo rocker “Brooklyn Baby” on October 25th. Fans of Two Door Cinema Club and The Naked and Famous will find plenty to love in this energetic new track.

Formed in NYC, the band is known for its alternative indie pop sound. Their 2021 album Solutions has reached over 1 million streams, with their tracks gaining significant airplay on alternative radio and accumulating over 2 million plays on Retail Radio. They’ve also charted at #2 on All Access and had music featured on shows like Ink Master and The U.S. Open.

“Brooklyn Baby” was co-written and produced by Grammy-winning producer Ken Lewis, with Steven Nathan— the band’s frontman—describing it as a song for dreamers who leave everything behind to pursue their aspirations in New York City.

Keep an eye on Anjali Gabriella, a rising pop artist poised to catch listeners with her infectious melodies and deeply personal lyrics. Drawing inspiration from modern pop icons like Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, and Ruth B, Anjali fuses contemporary pop with honest, raw storytelling.

Based in Ohio, she recently released two standout tracks: “Lying” — an irresistible, Echosmith-inspired uptempo song with 80’s flair — and “With Her,” a melancholic, sad-pop ballad that showcases her emotional depth. Anjali Gabriella is quickly carving out her own niche, blending nostalgia with a fresh, relatable sound that fans won’t want to miss.

Derbyshire singer-songwriter Leah Wilcox brings a unique blend of indie rock, ambient folk, and 70s influences in her latest track, Blue. Drawing from what she describes as an “English Countrygaze” sound, the song captures the feel of the English countryside, making it a great fit for playlists like dreamy or late-night vibes. Fans of Slow Pulp, Bôa, and Julia Jacklin will find something familiar yet distinct in Leah’s music.

In 2024, Leah’s journey gained momentum with features on BBC Introducing East Midlands and performances at festivals like TRUCK, Y?NOT, and Moseley Folk & Arts Festival. Blue reflects her evolving sound, carving out a space in the indie music scene.