PHWOAR’s upcoming single “Waiting for the Sun” is a dark yet infectious track reminiscent of the 90’s era of Depeche Mode and Catherine Wheel, with a hint of grunge woven into its indie-alternative rock sound. The Birmingham-based duo, made up of Helena pounding drums and Paul thrashing guitar, share vocal duties while embracing DIY sensibilities to create music with grit and authenticity. Perfect for Spotify playlists like Dark & Dreamy, 90s Revival, Alternative Mixtape, Grunge Rewind, and Indie Radar, this track sets the stage for their exciting 2025 plans. As the first single from their upcoming EP Flowers Through the Concrete (out in April), “Waiting for the Sun” drops January 20, followed by “Reckless” on February 21 and “Surge” on March 14. Produced by PHWOAR and mixed/mastered by Adrian Hall (Tori Amos, Nova Twins, Depeche Mode), this record promises to deliver a fresh take on a classic sound.

Mins, the 24-year-old Dutch musician, delivers HWYGO, a lo-fi bedroom indie pop song featuring synths, crunchy guitars, and falsetto vocals. The track explores themes of acceptance, goodbyes, and letting go.

“HWYGO is about acceptance and goodbyes, letting things be how they are, and moving on. I have a hard time with not thinking about things too much. I spend too much time regretting and hoping and not living in the now,” Mins explains.

Born Minne Bussemaker in Amsterdam and raised in the Dutch countryside, Mins grew up in an artistic household with actor parents. Initially pursuing a career as a professional basketball player, an injury shifted his path toward music. He auditioned for the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), co-founded by Paul McCartney, and was accepted despite a lack of formal music theory training. Mins now resides in Liverpool, focusing entirely on his music career.

Tracks like HWYGO would fit well on Spotify playlists such as indie pop & chill, Pollen, Fresh Finds Indie, and Bedroom Pop.

Meet Désirée Mishoe, known by her moniker May The Muse, and her latest track Diamonds or Pearls. Produced by Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, the song critiques hollow apologies in relationships, with lyrics addressing the futility of flowers and gifts as tokens to excuse misbehavior.

A US/German/Danish artist raised in Belgium, May The Muse describes the track as a rediscovered gem:
“This was a long-forgotten composition I unearthed recently. It started as a chord sequence I used for guitar practice. At some point, I must have thought, ‘I should write a song with these chords,’ spent half an hour on it, and then forgot about it.”

Celebrated for her intense creativity (Clash) and bewitching vocals (The Line of Best Fit), May The Muse has earned critical acclaim. In 2021, she performed on A COLORS SHOW and went on to play prestigious festivals such as Montreux Jazz Festival, Melt!, and Reeperbahn. She’s shared the stage with artists like The Avalanches, Ibeyi, and Joep Beving, and her music has been featured in Netflix series like Dark and Riverdale.

With forthcoming releases, May The Muse shifts from her sparse neo-soul roots toward a dynamic blend of rock, goth, and country, all produced by Hawkins.

The track Diamonds or Pearls could find a home on Spotify playlists like Fresh Finds Pop, Pop Rock Mix, and Alt Pop.

David Bavas’s latest track, “Old Rusty Sports Cars,” is a melancholic piece that captures themes of life’s struggles, personal reflection, and the search for peace. It’s a great fit for Spotify playlists like Sad Pop and Indie Folk, a perfect songs for the sad and lonely.

Originally from the foothills of the Appalachians and now based in East Nashville, Bavas is a singer-songwriter who values authenticity over self-promotion. His music reflects on the traps we create in life and uses vivid imagery, including love songs framed through everyday items like whiskey and tomatoes. His work has drawn comparisons to Richard Buckner, Bonnie Prince Billy, Gram Parsons, and Townes Van Zandt.

Bavas’s timeless sound and evocative lyrics make him a standout for fans of genuine, heartfelt songwriting. His music resonates with those who appreciate quality and depth, ensuring it will find a home with discerning listeners.

Leo and The Lioness release the track “Hand Heart,” blending folk and electronic elements. The song has a sound reminiscent of Taylor Swift, with thoughtful lyrics:

“So I can build a steeple
Marry all the people
Show the world I care
Frame a little sunshine”

The project started with two collaborators writing one song. They wrote another and continued from there, eventually forming Leo and The Lioness. They decided to see where the work could go, and now they are sharing the results. The track would feel at home on playlists like Indie Pop, Acoustic Chill, Sad Songs, and Indie Electronica.

About Leo and The Lioness:
Leo and The Lioness is a collaboration between a writer and a producer who combine their skills to create music. Their work focuses on storytelling and production, emphasizing the connection between lyrics and sound.