If you’re in the mood for a retro sound that channels 90s indie rock and flannel shirts, check out Holding Hour’s “Come Undone.” Marissa Kephart sings, “Change my shape to fit with you, afraid I would come undone,” capturing a vibe reminiscent of K’s Choice’s sleeper hit “Not An Addict.” Though you might not have heard of K’s Choice, their influence echoes in the nostalgic tones of this track.

Hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, Holding Hour is an indie rock band characterized by their dynamic sound, blending dreampop and shoegaze elements with introspective lyrics. Formed in 2021, the band consists of lead singer and guitarist Marissa Kephart and producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist Scott Yoshimura (The Envy Corps, Canby). The duo has quickly gained attention for their dreamy guitars, lush atmospheric sounds, and vibrant melodies. Influenced by artists like My Bloody Valentine and Yo La Tengo, Holding Hour captivates audiences with their heartfelt songwriting and innovative sound.

Keep an eye on Lauren Presley and her latest radio-ready track ‘Should’ve Dated Your Bestfriend‘, poised for a spot on Spotify’s Pop Rising and Dark Pop playlists. In this bold and unrestrained song, Lauren delivers striking lyrics like, “I should’ve dated your best friend, ran off with your brother, anyone other than you, made a move on your teacher, got it on with your preacher.” Her fearless approach and catchy melody make this track a standout, promising to resonate with someone.

Her latest singles have captured significant attention, earning major placements across all digital streaming platforms and prominent features like Spotify’s Fresh Finds Pop. With coverage from notable outlets such as Wonderland, Earmilk, and Notion, her rising talent in the music industry is clear. The song addresses themes of women’s empowerment, urging listeners to overcome mistreatment and embrace their intrinsic value. Presley’s music not only resonates with those who have faced similar struggles but also delivers a powerful message of self-love and resilience, offering comfort and inspiration through her art.

If you’re in the mood for poppy, electronic, and catchy , check out Darren Sessions, who goes by the moniker Choruscape, and his track “The Hardway” from the album Phoenix. This infectious song, reminiscent of Taylor Swift, would be a perfect addition to Spotify’s Pop Rising, Mood Booster, Pop Sauce, and Love Pop playlists.

Starting young with a piano and a collection of vinyl records, he explored various musical landscapes. From creating beats on GarageBand to forming the EDM band Dasmeter with his brother, his journey has been diverse. After a brief break, he returned to music, drawing from his personal journals to infuse real-life experiences and emotions into his lyrics.

At the heart of Choruscape’s music is the theme of life—complex, sometimes dark, but always threaded with hope. His lyrics, drawn from personal journals, aim to resonate deeply, reflecting life’s trials and the enduring promise of hope.

If you’re in the mood for something moody, spacey, and atmospheric, check out Rachel Mae Perry’s new project, Aquafox, and the track “Triggers.” This song fits perfectly on Spotify’s Chill Tracks, Chill Vibes, and Dreamy Vibes playlists, but it also has the potential to get you on the dance floor with its nostalgic 80s Stevie Nicks vibe.

Influenced by artists like The Beatles, Muse, Tame Impala, Arctic Monkeys, Thundercat, Gorillaz, St. Vincent, Coldplay, and The Beach Boys, Rachel Mae Perry is an Orange County, CA-based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Her career took off when she signed with WME Agency at just 15 years old, joining the ranks of Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, and Justin Bieber. As a teenager, she shared stages with The Beach Boys, The Eagles, Jan and Dean, John Stamos, Dick Dale, Jim Belushi, The Bangles, Berlin, and many others.

Watch out for Australia-based artist Locked in Lummo and the track “MAN MADE LAKE.” Blending some of the best of 90’s alternative, this track rocks. It could easily find a spot on Spotify’s Alt Rocked, Indie All-Stars, and Rock This playlists. Fans of Grunge, Indie Rock, Shoegaze, and Garage Rock will love it.