International Indie Music: my favorite March 2023 releases

 Enjoy my favorite picks released in March 2023, in chronological order!

"THE SHOW" - Emma G -  Washington, Usa (released on March 1st)

Singer/songwriter Emma G celebrates International Women’s Day with the release of her new single "The Show". The song is a powerful anthem about allowing oneself to take off the mask, embrace your true self, and find the courage to live life on your own terms. "It’s so easy to let yourself fall into the narrative than in order to fit in in this world, you need to put on a show - and almost try to make everyone else around you feel comfortable", Emma G explains "but the strongest people are those that allow themselves to be vulnerable. And that’s something that all people should honor about themselves - especially women". As a youth empowerment through songwriting coach and TEDx speaker, Emma G's music and message have touched the hearts of many around the world. Her latest single is sure to resonate with fans and inspire them to be their authentic selves. The release party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Washington DC on March 8, 2023 was a night of celebration, empowerment, and - of course - community. Guests had the opportunity to meet Emma G, hear her perform "The Show" and other fan favorites, and connect with like minded individuals in the Emma G Nation community.  All proceeds for the show went to benefit the Hard Rock Heals Foundation - making the world a better place through music. "I am so excited to share “The Show” with my fans, and celebrate International Women’s Day with this special release party" says Emma G "this song is all about embracing who you are and having the courage to live your life on your own terms, and is the second single I’m releasing throughout 2023 - each single released in conjunction with a specific awareness or celebration of the month, and - obviously - International Women’s Day is no exception!".

Instagram: @emmagmusic

"CUT YOU LOOSE" - Joe Wilkinson - Costa Blanca, Spain (released on March 3rd)

Joe Wilkinson is currently living, playing and producing music on the beautiful Costa Blanca, Spain. With an ever growing social media presence, a deepening bond with his fans, high quality daily content, a consistent stream of releases and a relentless dedication to live performance, big things are coming the way of this down to earth, hard working and likeable modern independent musician. About Cut You Loose, Joe says: "You have to crash, before you can fly. Never stop throwing, it might be the next one that catches flight. When I was younger, I had the tendency to give up to easily, to tell myself that things are impossible. It is this self doubt that is one of the things I had to cut loose from my life and ever since I did I've achieved things that I never thought a possibility. I've found that many of us have the tendency to look outward when things aren't going the way we want it too. It's only rational to want to find a reason behind a failure or difficulty, once it has a face or an explination behind it, it suddenly feels more manageable right? Well it's a strange and powerful thing when you realise that at times it's actually been you that's been the master of your own downfall, near miss or lack of progress. There are numerous things in my life that have held me back at times, sometimes on a subconscious level, and some of those are written on the shirts. Sure, some things you can never remove completely, but being able to step back and recognise them already has the shirt half way over your head. What is something that you have had to/or would like to cut loose from your life?".

Instagram: @joewilkinsonmusic

"NEW DEMEANOR" - J.PLANTANA - Michigan, Usa (released on March 3rd)

J.Plantana is a bisexual female rapper from Michigan, unapologetically exploring her love life, sexuality, and progressive belief systems over alternative hip-hop beats. Upon hearing Rich Brian the first time during her sophomore year of high school, J.Plantana knew that she had found her creative calling as a hip-hop artist. Taking influence from other genre-bending rappers like Anderson.Paak, Beenzino, BROCKHAMPTON, Duckwrth, J released a funky break-up and diss track titled "Locket" in 2019. In 2021, J.Plantana returned with the release of the single Fire Can’t Hurt Me, and in 2022, dropped her debut mixtape Better Upset, featuring a variety of unique songs like dance-worthy house bop "Jungle." NEW DEMEANOR, a 4-track EP, is the latest of her endeavors, blessing listeners with smooth, alternative beats and strong hip-hop flows. She's performed many of these tracks across Michigan's capital of Lansing, and hopes to work with some local artists in the future. NEW DEMEANOR is a four EP exploring some new attitudes J has yet to touch on, keeping up with the unique beats that are a signature of her style. The project starts with the trap-like "DUMB LUCK", dubbed an "infectious braggadocious anthem" by Natalie Patrick of the Landon Buford blog. On "NEW ACTIVIST," J raps about thrifting and critiques capitalism, letting a bit of air escape from her inflated ego while still maintaining a lot of confidence. "MANPOWER" takes this critical mentality even further with harsh, yet relatable, feminist lyrics. Finally, J returns to her candid roots on "ANTI-LOVESICK", a Steve Lacy inspired indie rock track about loneliness but don't worry, you can still dance to this one.

Instagram: @j.plantana

"THE PHILOSOPHER" - Luna Keller - Tenerife, Spain (released on March 9th)

Luna Keller is a young singer songwriter with a dream and passion for it. She has a very musical family, so music was part of her life since she was small. She remembers listening to her parents doing music when she was a little girl and singing along getting all the lyrics wrong. Her dad (who is an amazing musician and helps her a lot) gave her the opportunity to try many instruments, but she must admit that as a child she didn't manage to stick with one for more than a year. But then it happened. Luna was thirteen when she picked up one of her dad's guitars and ...fell in love! One day she sat in her room with her guitar, her fingers hurting after practicing, a song written on the paper in front of her and she knew... this is it! At this moment Luna realized that she found her true passion. About her latest single The Philosopher, she shares: "I‘m pretty good at overthinking, I literally just spent way to much time deciding if I should post this photo in colour or black and white. But on a deeper level, I also spend quite a lot of time on the big questions such as "what is the purpose of my life?" "why are we here?" and "why does the bread always fall on to the side with butter on it?". I do believe that these questions are important and I enjoy philosophising about them with my friends, but there is a balance to be found, and sometimes our search for answers can prevent us from being present. When I started making music I thought a lot about goals, proving to myself that I am an artist, and trying to define the purpose that fulfills me. These questions and doubts held me back from just embracing the path I am on, they still do sometimes, to be fair. But I have learned to let go a little bit of my need to explain and map out my path, and instead I am creating it as I go. "The Philosopher" is a song that personifies my inner over-thinker, the lil bearded man in my head that has a very wrinkly forehead from all the questions with no defined answers that he has tried to solve".

Instagram: @lunakellermusic

"COMING HOME" - Eric Bay & Meghan Pulles - Usa (released on March 17th)

From Dr Strangelove via The Beatles to Ukraine - a Collaboration of Like Minds: Roy Benson is media production professional and a veteran in the UK film and music industry, having worked on such films as ‘Lawrence Of Arabia’, Stanley Kubrick's 'Dr Strangelove’, The Beatles' 'Magical Mystery Tour’ and several pop promos for Paul McCartney. Roy was introduced to British singer/songwriter Eric Bay in late 2022 through their mutual friend Susan Roberts, and thanks to their shared interest in film and music a friendship was struck across the generational gap. Roy is also a writer of poetry, and along with Susan had been supporting the Babusya Galyna Charity, which was set up to deliver humanitarian support to Ukraine. After being introduced to Eric and his music the idea was born to create a song in support of the charity, with a poem of Roy's called 'Coming Home' serving as the lyrics and with Eric composing the melody. Having worked with Nashville-based singer/songwriter Meghan Pulles on a previous collaboration, Eric reached out to her to be the main singer on this proposed project, and she happily accepted. Meghan is originally from New York and has a strong fan-base there. The song was completed in early 2023, and will be released in March as promotional support for the Babusya Galyna Charity. They say: "Music transcends politics and reaches people in amazing ways. Coming Home is a poignant homage to the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people, whose resilience in the face of adversity is an inspiration to all who care about freedom and democracy. This emotionally-stirring song was written to acknowledge the awful suffering they have and continue to endure, and it aims to inspire hope for those who long to return to their homeland to rebuild and to live in peace". Proceeds from the single will go to the Babusya Galyna Charity, to support the incredible work they are doing in aiding and relieving the suffering of the Ukrainian people.

"GOOD THINGS ARE COMING" - Kinga Angelys -  Toronto/Hamburg, USA/Europe (released on March 17th)

Kinga Angelys is a Canadian Music Artist based in Hamburg, Germany. Passionate about making music with a message, cultivating courage, hope and happiness are at the core of her artistry. Angelys is best known for her velvety vocals and crafting feel-good Joyful Pop melodies which energise and empower her listeners. Pulsing with a full energy, confident vocal, and cheerful chorus, Kinda brings a brand new vibrance to her bright and blossoming discography. Verses are vivid with intimate invitations of how to be a light in the darkness while reminders of better days to come dance boldly throughout the song. Packed with a powerful, joyful pop sound and the importance of never giving up, "Good things are coming" shines and is sure to lift souls and spirits in neeed of inspiration. 

Instagram: @kingaangelys

"THESE THOUGHTS OF MINE" - Andrew Lopez - Sidney, Australia (released on March 24th)

Singer-songwriter Andrew Lopez debuts his moody EP "These Thoughts of Mine" with a heartfelt, introspective collection of songs with enough catchy hooks to keep you excited. The EP features five tracks, each delving into themes of love, frustration, and self-reflection. Andrew's EP opens with "Chill Out," a track that starts with a slow and eery melody that builds into a catchy chorus. The song features relatable lyrics about the pressure to feel okay when you’re not. The EP kicks into gear with “Thanks for Wasting My Time”. This fun and catchy song acts as the severance call to a past relationship.  The third track, "Drown," is an emotionally charged ballad with a melancholic sound that captures the feeling of being trapped in a relationship that is slowly suffocating you. The song features an epic production with an under-water effect along with Andrew’s powerful vocals. In "Best Friend," Andrew sings about the complexities of being in love with a close friend. The song features an upbeat melody and catchy chorus that's sure to get stuck in your head. Finally, "Never Gonna Be Like You" is a rootsy, guitar-driven tune that features Lopez's signature storytelling style and witty lyricism. The song showcases his skill as a songwriter, bringing together a mix of relatable and humorous lyrics that will resonate with listeners. Andrew Lopez's "These Thoughts of Mine" is a beautifully crafted EP that showcases his talent as a songwriter and performer. With its mix of catchy melodies and introspective lyrics, the EP is sure to resonate with fans of all ages.

"PET DROID" - Jeff Petescia & Android Dreaming - NYC, Usa  (released on March 24th)

Indie-electronic duo ‘pet droid’ has released their debut self-titled EP, a 4 track work blending electronic beats from producer Android Dreaming (Jacob Frieling) with the singer-songwriter style of Jeff Petescia. The ‘pet droid’ moniker formalizes a side project that has been in the works for a few years, and the debut EP showcases their range of styles, drawing on influences such as Radiohead, Moby, Emancipator, and Ratatat. Android Dreaming is an electronic musician, producer, and visual artist based in Brooklyn, NY. Drawing from a wide range of influences, his style blends the heavier elements of bass music and glitch hop with ambient soundscapes, live instruments, and unique harmonies. Since debuting 2 EPs with the label Muti Music in 2020, he has released a handful of singles and 2 audio-visual mixtapes. His next release, "Decorating Time / Breathwork" will be self-released on April 19, 2023. Jeff Petescia is a singer-songwriter and one-third of the alternative folk band, Cold Weather Company. Heavily influenced by indie folk and jam bands, his musical style has an improvisational and rhythmic feel, layered with light and calm vocals. In addition to the 60+ original songs with CWC, Jeff has two solo EP’s and various singles released.

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

Follow me: @laurameetsmusicians

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