Keep an eye out for Kathy Katouzi and her latest track, “FLATL!NE.” While the song draws inspiration from the recent passing of her grandfather, it’s far from melancholic. Instead, it offers a refreshing mix of indie pop that feels perfectly at home on Spotify’s Late Night Vibes or Pop Sauce playlists.

Kathy’s sound is a distinctive blend of edgy indie pop, drawing influence from artists like Jeremy Zucker, Brakence, and Charli XCX.

Born and partly raised in Iran, Kathy never imagined music could be a viable path for her. Growing up in a culture where women were expected to be modest and creativity was often suppressed, she reflects, “In my country, creativity was taken from women, not provided.” It was only after moving to Toronto that she discovered music as her sanctuary, allowing her to finally express herself and find her voice.

Emmy-nominated Gabe Lopez released his new single “Can We Do A Little More Than Talk?” following his successful pop hit “High 4 U.” Gabe toured the US and UK opening for Belinda Carlisle, performing at notable venues such as the Indigo at the O2, Manchester Academy, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, The Fonda in LA, and B.B. King’s NYC.

The California native’s songs are currently spinning on Sirius XM Radio, iHeart Radio, and FM radio. His recent singles include “End of the Lost Summer,” “Lasso,” “Vivian & Valerie,” and “California Blues,” which features pop icon Belinda Carlisle. His album “God Bless the Queens” debuted in the Top 100 New Releases and Top 200 on iTunes.

With his pop-rock-flavored music, Gabe produces and writes for artists like Belinda Carlisle, RuPaul’s Drag Race, New Kids on the Block (#3 Billboard Pop), Joey McIntyre, The Go-Go’s, Twice (2x platinum), James Brown, Itzy, Krayzie Bone, Shinee (platinum), Key (platinum, worldwide #1), Tae Yang (gold), Comedy Central’s The Other Two, SuperJunior, Frock Destroyers, DreamNote, Streetlight Harmonies Soundtrack, Charice, In2it, Verivery, Love Victor, and more.

Check out Sweden’s Vilhelm Buchaus and his track “Break My Heart Again,” a perfect emotional ballad for fans of Lewis Capaldi.

Buchaus shares, “I wrote ‘Break My Heart Again’ about being stuck in a broken relationship that doesn’t work despite trying multiple times. I knew the relationship caused me more pain than joy, but I still hoped for a different outcome, and that feeling inspired this song.”

Singer-songwriter Vilhelm Buchaus released “Break My Heart Again,” the third single from his debut EP, out on July 26. With musical inspirations including John Mayer, Bruce Springsteen, and The 1975, Buchaus has been exploring new musical destinations since his 2023 debut with the single “First Cut.”

Maudlin Strangers Release “End of Beginning” (Djo Cover). They do it justice, keeping it true to the original while adding their unique style. Well done!

The band notes, “This is a cover of an amazing song by Djo (the alternate personality of Joe Keery of Stranger Things fame). This song has been stuck in my head ever since I first heard it. The nostalgia Joe brings in the chorus spoke volumes to me, making me feel as if it were the end of summer vacation in a town you have to leave, and the heartache that comes with it. I wanted to do my own version with more epic dynamics, just for my personal preference. I also decided to put my own spin on the bridge to make it different from the original. I hope if Joe hears it, he’d approve.”

Maudlin Strangers, the brainchild of Los Angeles native Jake Hays, began as a solo indie rock project in 2010. After a handful of independent releases and forming a band with close friends, they signed with BMG/Vagrant Records to release their label-debut “Overdose” EP in 2015. They subsequently toured with label-mate Bad Suns across the US and Canada. Following a west coast tour with pop-trio LANY, they toured as direct support for Cold War Kids on their North America/Canada tour before going on hiatus in 2016. Fast forward to 2023, Maudlin Strangers re-emerge with a new lineup of close friends: original member Richie Gonzales on drums, Alexander “Schmorgle” Morgan on guitar/keys, and Drew Bruchs on bass. Their hiatus-breaking single “I’m Not In The Right Mind” is streaming everywhere now.

Check out Noak Hellsing’s track “Good News.” This uptempo track lets you get lost for a few minutes in a dreamy, danceable, and atmospheric soundscape, making it a perfect addition to Spotify’s Pop Playlist.

Rising Stockholm artist Noak Hellsing is signed to the iconic Swedish label TEN Music Group. Despite being only twenty years old, he has already amassed more than 28 million streams. With hits like “Lost,” “Good Enough,” and “No Love,” his repertoire boasts over 30 million streams—an impressive achievement for someone at the start of their career. In 2023, Noak released his debut EP, “YESTERYEAR.”