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.

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.