Estella Dawn just released the infectious pop track “Angel“, showcasing her dynamic vocal range. Fans of Halsey, Jessie Murph, and Lady Gaga will enjoy this straightforward pop song.

Estella says, “Sometimes we seek out people we know aren’t going to treat us well because we fixate on their potential rather than their reality, this song is about when the glass shatters and you see them for what they really are.”

A singer, songwriter, and musician from New Zealand now living in the US, Estella writes, records, and produces all her songs. Her singing style is similar to popular artists like Sia, Adele, and Halsey, and her songwriting takes inspiration from artists like Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga. But her music’s unique lyrics and melodies set her apart from comparisons.

Check out the track on KOAR’s indie invaders playlist.

Look out for Courtney Farren and her latest track titled “I’m Not Alone (I’m Lonely)”. Farren co-produced and wrote this song, which is expected to resonate with fans of pop and indie pop. The single is the lead track from her debut full-length LP, set to release in Q2 of 2024. This song is a follow-up to her previous single, “Together Together”, which made it into Spotify’s “New Music Friday” playlist.

San Francisco native Courtney Farren’s nomadic upbringing—18 moves by age 18—gives her a distinct worldview. She’s graced stages worldwide, from Harlem to Paris, Boston to LA. She paid her dues in dive bars; her 2018 EP opened doors at SXSW. A detour to a Croatian village honed her craft, blending her Irish-Filipino heritage with Hollywood flair. Now settled in East LA, Courtney’s candid about her journey. With her 2023 EP ‘Rabbit King’ and singles like ‘I Must Like It,’ she captivates with storytelling and introspection. Anticipation builds for her 2024 full-length debut, cementing her as a rising star.

Give it a stream on KOAR’s indie invaders playlist.

Watch out for Magenta Wave and their track “Tightrope“. The four-piece rock band became local legends in Bellingham, WA, before moving to Seattle. Blending alternative, indie, and psychedelic rock, the band could easily find a home on Spotify’s Rock Essentials, Rock & Roll Anthems, New Noise, and Folk & Friends playlists. The track was produced by several people including William Mapp, Matthew Blount, and Chantel Bailey, mixed by William Mapp, and mastered by Ed Brooks (known for his work with Pearl Jam and Death Cab for Cutie). This is the first of a 4-song EP set to release throughout the year.

Check out the track on KOAR’s Indie Invaders Playlist.

“Tightrope” is your first single from the upcoming EP. What inspired the song, both lyrically and musically? Could you walk me through your creative process in crafting this track?
Tightrope was one of those songs that naturally just came to me. I came home feeling emotional, put my capo on the second fret, and things started to happen from there. I ended up rewriting the song, but decided to keep the themes of the feeling of losing control and the fear of change. Feeling as if even when I draw a line within myself and tell myself that was the last straw, my habits seem to always fall back into place; whether that be with relationships, personal struggles or vices I have. The song is a reminder of that, and it can be taken in multiple ways. For me it’s the constant nudge to keep trying to change, and to never stop working on those vices of mine. CONTINUE READING

The indie act Cigarettes @ Sunset has released ‘Shoulder Blades.’ It’s a cool track that blends alternative rock with roots rock. It’s hard to pin down its sound. Cigarettes @ Sunset, is a trio from Banner Elk, NC. It’s made up of Ryland Bagbey, Garrett Dellinger, & Owen Yawn, lifelong buds who decided to start a band together. Their music mixes a bit of Nirvana, Billy Joel, and some other cool vibes they’re into. Think Alice in Chains but without all the heavy stuff. Check it on KOAR’s indie invaders playlist.

Check out Dempsey Bolton and the track ” Couple Minutes.” The track perfectly blends pop and hip-hop—think Beck meets Moby.

“I wrote ‘Couple Minutes’ somewhat unassumingly; at first, I was just looking for an intro track to an album I was writing about mental health. The album spanned a phone call of someone reaching out to a friend during a depressive episode. So, I thought I needed a song to lyrically open the call. I noodled out the song’s recurring guitar line and sang the hook into a voice note. Then, I produced the demo the next day, and it quickly became one of my best productions.”

Give it a stream on KOAR’s indie invaders playlist.