International Indie Music: my favorite September 2022 releases

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Enjoy my favorite picks from Indie Music world released in September 2022, in chronological order!

"THE LIGHT (Remix)" - Meghan Pulles -  NYC, Usa (released on September 2nd)

Meghan Pulles is a folk indie singer-songwriter coming from an operatic background. She has been writing songs since the age of 17. She believes that music is medicine, and that by sharing her pain and struggles through song that she can empower others to do the same. About "The Light (Remix)" she says: "It's a cover of a song that got me through quarantine (literally) by my queen Regina Spektor. Ever since I became a singer-songwriter I’ve wanted to cover her songs because I feel such an honest and true connection to how authentic her voice, writing and emotion is when she sings and tells her stories, and she inspires me beyond belief as an artist! She has literally changed my life and existence and I hope this spin on her song honors her in the absolute best way possible. This one is going to lift you way way way up!!".

Instagram: @megpullesmusic

 

"THE STORY YOU TELL YOURSELF" - Ella Hartt - Canada (YouTube video released on September 3rd)

Entertaining, loveable, lyricist and artist, Ella Hartt has been writing music since the age of 6. "My first song was a rap about our family dog. I hope no one ever asks me to play it live", she laughs.
"The Story You Tell Yourself" is an upbeat country-pop song with an uplifting message reminding others to believe the best about themselves! Here's part of the lyrics: "If I wiped off my make up, And let my roots show, Would they like it and heart it, Or choose to unfollow? We're stuck in a moment, The world's just a highlight reel, Where confidence is built on, Things that aren't real, So why do we decide to hide, Who we are inside [...] Don't hold on to the lies you're believing, No matter how you're feeling, You're enough, You're strong, you're brave, you're beautiful, You're one of a kind like no one else, You're the story you tell yourself".

Instagram: @ellaharttmusic

"FAKE FRIENDS" - Harry Jxye -  UK (released on September 9th)

Harry shares: "I am an upcoming Pop Rock Artist emerging from the depths of South West England. 24 years old with a vision to share, I bring relatable and catchy vocals infused with emotional delivery. The stories I tell are crafted through personal experiences, up hill struggles and united with a movement and message for all. I hope to help those who need it, and keep striving forward to make a difference. "Fake Friends" is an emotive high energy song from the life of the artist. Taking pop rock and infusing this with trap elements. Like a modern day author, a compelling but exciting song with an anthemic catchy chorus with relatable lyrics. This is my favourite song so far. This song marks the start of the genre which I have finally found where I am comfortable. I love making this type of music and fit into this well. I am going to continue to pursue music and will always be grateful for any support I receive along the way!"

Instagram: @harryjxye

"DREAMLAND" - Cat Florence -  Cornwall, UK (released on September 11th)

Cat Florence is a singer and songwriter living in Cornwall on the south west coast of the U.K. Making music from her bedroom, evolving from a young love of grungy guitar riffs, ska punk vocals and electronic music, Cat Florence produces psychedelic dream pop with poetic story-telling lyrics. Her song writing captures the joyful, mundane and complete darkness that’s tangled up in relationships, addiction, mental health and motherhood, and her production blends fuzz guitar and electronic synths, melodic piano twisted with backwards recording and her distinct layered vocals and harmonies. About "Dreamland", Cat says: "The lyrics of Dreamland are about wanting to stay in that dream like state where you can be with a person you don’t have in your life anymore, which can also be interpreted as your happier self when depression hits".

Instagram: @catflorence_music

"STRANGERS AGAIN" - Taylor D -  Dublin, Ireland (released on September 16th)

Taylor D is an Independent singer songwriter and guitarist from Dublin. She is also self taught in Piano. She began Writing original music at the age of 13 . Taylor was The winner of the Irish youth music awards songwriting competition on Instagram in 2021 with her song "Winter Blues". Taylor has become well known for her pop heart felt anthems such as "Pretentious Mind" and "White Roses", but her new single "Strangers Again" delves into a more mature expressive indie vibe.  Taylor describes that "Strangers Again" is about  personal experiences of loosing friendships and loves that once are the pinnacle of your life to becoming absolute strangers. "Strangers Again" is a subdued down tempo track with simple arrangements of acoustic guitar, delicate synthesiser and dramatic drum beats.

Instagram: @taylor_d_music

"PLACEHOLDER" - Brett Altman -  NYC, Usa (YouTube video released on September 21st)

Brett released both the song on Spotify and the video on YouTube the same day, the video is truly a funny little movie to watch so I couldn't wait to share here (Beware the teddy bear!!!). Brett Altman didn’t sing publicly until the age of 20. Just 21 months later, he performed in front of a crowd of 17,000 at Penn State University for a talent competition, which he won. Since that initial performance, "[Brett] has come a long way in a short time", as described by American Songwriter. He has showcased at Black Bear Music Festival, and was selected as an "up and coming" artist for the Hudson West Folk Festival. With his band, Brett Altman & The Locals represent a fusion of a power pop and indie rock sound. The band’s first official NYC showcase was in November 2021, where the band played to a near sellout room at East Berlin.

Instagram: @brettaltmanmusic

"SHAKE ME" - Wake Up Paradise - New Jersey, Usa (released on September 22nd)

Wake Up Paradise is a Pop/Rock band from Central New Jersey (Yes, it does exist). Through a decade of change, hard work, and growth, comes the new regime of WUP. A groovy, yet powerful rhythm section backs a pair of well-layered melodic guitars, and powerful rock vocals, forming a unique style of new school pop meets nostalgic rock. They share about their latest single: "The working title for this song was "Samba" and that is the vibe we wanted to give it. We tried pulling from some Latin influences in order to give this song a very different feel than our other releases. Lyrically, the song is about the struggle of the indie band. Going from venue to venue, town to town, playing, grinding, but getting little to no recognition. Dealing with the struggle to gain a fan base and get noticed. Very much an ode to the “street musician”. Playing all day and night and watching people just walk by and ignore you, but not letting that shake your determination or break your spirit".

Instagram: @wakeupparadise

"MAYBE NEXT YEAR" - Molly Rymer - Leeds, UK (released on September 29th)

"A charming mix of simple songwriting and impressive, wandering vocals. Molly Rymer is an artist you should be accidentally stumbling upon in some smoke filled Parisian café to truly appreciate her spark of brilliance" - State Of The Arts. A singer-songwriter from Leeds, playing well-written originals with clever lyrics and subtle guitar skills. Molly’s music is raw, honest and full of lived-experience. Check out her latest release Maybe Next Year - a sunny, Sunday style tune, which details holding on to a failing relationship.

Instagram: @mollyrymermusic

I hope you enjoyed all these beautiful releases as much as I did, I'm very curious to discover my favorites of October!!

Follow me: @laurameetsmusicians

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