Keep an ear out for Whitley Jean’s latest track, “Teenage Angst.” It opens with a reminiscent vibe of Passenger’s “Let Her Go” but takes a unique turn with an upbeat, pop-infused chorus. This song would fit perfectly on Spotify’s Alt Rocked to Folk & Friends playlist. “Teenage Angst” is featured on Whitley Jean’s debut EP, Strangers in the End.

Whitley Jean channels her upbringing into her music, weaving candid lyrics with calming tunes. Hailing from a small community near Newark, OH, her songs delve into the lives of characters from her past, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, poverty, addiction, and healing. Influenced by Americana, folk, pop, and rock, Whitley Jean, alongside her band The Attic Cats, has crafted a sound that marries storytelling with captivating melodies.

If you’re in the mood for something moody, dreamy, and atmospheric, give “Jane,” the debut song by The Girls Upstairs, a listen. The track is a perfect fit for Spotify’s Chill Vibes and Dreamy Vibes playlists. This New York-based indie trio creates a blend of bittersweet nostalgia and tender longing, capturing the essence of desire with a sound reminiscent of the early 2000s indie scene.

If you’re in the mood for a retro sound reminiscent of AM radio in a pickup truck, check out Richard Strater and his track “The Land of Palmetto.” Hailing from Camden, South Carolina, Strater blends indie rock and folk in a nostalgic mix. The track could find a spot on Spotify’s Folk & Friends Playlist.

Richard Strater wrote “The Land of Palmetto” after traveling across the U.S. for six months, playing indie concerts with a few acoustic guitars and his belongings in a car. People often asked him about his home, South Carolina. When he returned, he wished to revisit the places he had played and reflected on his identity.

The song was recorded over several months at Archer Ave Studio in Columbia, SC, featuring only local musicians and including instruments like banjo, nylon string guitar, and piano.

Strater has performed in over 40 U.S. states and Mexico. With a new EP out, he draws inspiration from Noah Kahan, Gregory Alan Isakov, Trevor Hall, and Shovels & Rope, bringing authenticity and raw emotion to his music.

Check out Moon Under Water and their track “Greene Around the Gills.” Fans of Mumford & Sons and Arcade Fire will find solace in their music. The band blends baroque and pop undertones with orchestral instrumentation, creating a unique sound. The track could find a home on Spotify’s Indie Rock Anthem and Folk & Friends.

Moon Under Water is an indie rock band from Berlin, featuring singer-songwriter Michael Bloss and drummer Adam Newton. Initially, the project started as Michael’s solo endeavor. Their 2016 album, Grado, is a collection of songs written and recorded over ten years while Michael lived in various European countries. After settling in Berlin, the band released their follow-up album, Between Emergencies, in 2019.

Both albums have been featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds and have found their way into cafes, bars, and even funeral parlors around the world, gaining a diverse and appreciative audience.

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.