Watch out for Blondfire and their infectious track Foolish‘. It won’t take long for the song to captivate you, especially if you’re a fan of 80s synths and dreamy vocals over psychedelic keyboards. Think Tame Impala, The Weeknd, and Tears For Fears. You might find it on Spotify’s ‘New Wave Revival’ or ‘New Wave Gems’ playlist.
Blondfire has been featured on releases with Avicii, Arty, and Sander Van Doorn, and has been placed in many TV, film, and brand spots. Her singles ‘Waves’ and ‘Where The Kids Are’ garnered impressive radio support, resulting in two #1s on Sirius XM’s Alt Nation. Live touring includes shows with Awolnation, Foals, The Sounds, Lollapalooza, and more.
Blondfire, the stage name of Brazilian/American singer-songwriter Erica Driscoll, is known for her catchy melodies, lush vocals, and blending electronic music with dream pop and organic elements. Originally a brother and sister duo, they went separate ways after releasing their debut LP “My Someday”. Blondfire’s EP “Where the Kids Are” on Warner Bros Records topped the Billboard charts and hit #1 twice on Sirius XM’s Alt Nation. Their second album, “Young Heart” on InGrooves, featured songs in TV, films, and brands like Honda, H&M, and Macy’s. After touring extensively with acts like Awolnation and MGMT, and playing festivals like Lollapalooza and SXSW, Blondfire released the indie EP “True Confessions” and continues to release singles on her own label. Collaborating with big DJs/producers like Avicii, ARTY, and Sander van Doorn, she currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.
Irish alt-rock band Sick Love has been busy for two years making their debut album, “Champagne.” After releasing some singles in 2023, they’re finally dropping the full record on May 3rd via Paragon Records. They recorded it in a farmhouse in Ireland, getting creative with their sound. “Ricochet,” the first release, is a hard-hitting track that could find a home on Spotify playlists like ‘Rock This,’ “All Out 00s,” and ‘New Noise.’ Give it a stream on KOAR’s indie invaders playlist.
In their own words, the new single, “‘Ricochet,’ is a song about standing up for your dreams and following your own path, even when the world thinks you should give up. It’s about believing in yourself, blocking out the hate, and riding your own wave no matter what anybody else thinks.”
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