Merpire - Marie Minet - Diva Bhatia

Merpire - Milk Pool (Album).

Naarm/Melbourne's Merpire aka Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt has just shared her highly-anticipated second album Milk Pool - a indie/alt/dark-pop album for the romantics, the daydreamers, and those moving through intense periods of change, punctuated by unconventional rhythms and chord choices, provocative guitar, moody synths and vivid imagery - its title representing "the murky fluidity of the action [she] took to create it", a second teenagehood for Merpire that finds her “wading playfully and trustingly into the unknown" in a deeper, darker, more personal way than her globally-acclaimed debut album Simulation Ride (2021). 

Angled toward her deep, abiding love for her artist community through thick and thin and co-produced by Merpire and James Seymour (Pillow Queens, Elizabeth M. Drummond, Jacob Diamond), buoyant alt-pop/indie-rock focus track 'Fishing' immediately hooks in heart-first with its opening lyrics and bright, fuzzed-out guitar - "I'm just a little bit in love with all of my friends / Oh how I need them" - a beautiful celebration of friendship and connection and a testament of the fierce and unshakeable love Merpire has for her community.

Fluid and metaphysical as the tides, Milk Pool is for the romantics, the daydreamers, and those moving through intense periods of change - a dark-pop album punctuated by unconventional rhythms and chord choices, provocative guitar, moody synths and vivid imagery, its title representing "the murky fluidity of the action [she] took to create it".  


============================================================================

Marie Minet - Prête à tout (Summer Radio Edit).

Marie Minet unveils a new version of one of her most intimate tracks, Prête à Tout. This re-imagining, titled Summer Radio Edit, introduces a subtle rhythmic layer bringing movement and tension while preserving the poetic essence of the original song.
 
Originally arranged by Jon Luz, a renowned Cape Verdean musician and long-time collaborator of Cesária Évora, the track finds a new pulse through the elegant textures crafted by Ghanaian producer Two Bars, delicately enhanced by French producer SDO. Prête à Tout – Summer Radio Edit is not simply a remix, it’s a gentle and rhythmic metamorphosis, a second breath for a song in constant evolution, blending cultures, emotions, and interior landscapes.

At the heart of Prête à Tout lies a deeply personal story, a tale of emotional surrender, passion, and the illusions we sometimes weave in the name of love.

 Built upon an acoustic foundation, the song gives space to both the sweetness and ache of love. Marie’s voice tender and inhabited floats in a melodic cloud that crosses oceans with grace: between tropical sway, flamenco ornamentation's, and the expressive restraint so distinctive of French chanson. A song suspended between control and abandon, both intimate and universal. After all, who hasn’t loved to the point of losing themselves?

============================================================================

Diva Bhatia - Scared of Love.

Diva Bhatia, is a 22-year-old independent singer-songwriter based in Melbourne, Australia. This week her new single "Scared of Love" has been released and it is so beautifully natural and honest sounding, something that we are sure many will connect to. Diva describes the song as follows: This track is a raw, emotionally honest indie-pop song for the people still picking up the pieces long after the relationship ends. Written about a breakup from two years ago, Scared of Love explores the quiet, ongoing cost of emotional betrayal — the kind that doesn’t just break your heart, but shifts how you show up in love. It’s a song for anyone who’s pulled away from love not out of bitterness, but fear.

Diva Bhatia is an independent singer-songwriter whose music blends raw emotion with storytelling rooted in real-life experiences. Known for her honest, melancholic sound, Diva creates songs that reflect the highs and lows of navigating self-worth, heartbreak, and resilience.

Born into a musically-inclined family, Diva’s passion for music started young. Her earliest memories include watching her father, a drummer, perform on stage—sparking her own dream of connecting with audiences through song. By three, she was learning piano; by twelve, she found her voice as a singer. At fifteen, she taught herself guitar through YouTube tutorials, adding another layer to her songwriting. Despite her early passion, Diva’s musical journey hasn’t always been easy. She faced bullying for chasing her dreams and, overwhelmed by self-doubt, turned down an offer from Berklee College of Music. She later pursued a psychology degree to better understand herself and the world around her.

A turning point came when she met her idol, Dean Lewis, whose words—“keep going and walk into the fire”—reignited her confidence. Since then, Diva has released several singles, blending emotional depth with melodic hooks, inspired by artists like Dean Lewis, James Arthur, and Lewis Capaldi. Her music offers connection and comfort for those navigating heartbreak, anxiety, and the quiet struggles we don’t always speak about.

============================================================================

Ani Glass - Riverwoods - Nicki Bluhm

Ani Glass - Phantasmagoria.

Ani Glass ethereal new single ‘Phantasmagoria’  is out today 4th of July, it is the title track from her forthcoming second album. It comes with a beautiful and evocative video directed by Lowri Palfrey.

The single ‘Phantasmagoria’ weaves themes of water and sleep into a beguiling sonic landscape layered with mystical ethereal vocals invested with a restless need for stillness and comfort. Lush instrumentation is underpinned by synth pulses played by co-producer Iwan Morgan and swirling flutes played by Laura J Martin. “I’m the prophet of sleep and silence/Phantasmagoria/We’ll rest until summer” Glass sings touchingly, in the arms of chiming classical textures, there are echoes of early Goldfrapp or the enveloping vocal swoops of Enya. Yet, it’s a moment of warm, transcendent beauty and comforting self-realisation. Now we rest, the storm will pass.

In February 2020, just before the release of her debut album Mirores, Ani Glass (Cardiff-based artist Ani Saunders) was diagnosed with a rare benign brain tumour. The diagnosis marked the beginning of a personal journey that shaped her second album, Phantasmagoria (released on the 26th of September), a lush introspective concept album that delves deeply into her experience of navigating life with this diagnosis. With lyrics in Cymraeg (Welsh), Kernewek (Cornish), and English, as well as some BSL woven into her live performances,  Phantasmagoria brings together all languages and mediums at Ani’s disposal to express a poignant time in her life.

Crafting a elegantly drawn sonic world underpinned by electronica, samples and synth pulses yet informed by the spirit of Arthur Russell who inspired her to learn the cello, Glass crafts her most personal and inspirational work yet, she stretches her sonic tapestry with live instrumentation and innovative vocal performances, that push into the realms of the avant-garde and forward-looking pop, Phantasmagoria fascinates and invigorates at every turn, revealing intricate and innovative details with every listen.


============================================================================

Riverwoods - Cruising (Feat. Jeanette Bengtsson).

"Cruising" is a classic soft rock tune about coping in the difficult times we live in, especially through somebody close to you. The song features brand new English lyrics by Jimmy Granstrom and Dave Prine to Lars Brundin's Swedish song "Du finns här" that he wrote with Herbert Tinz and Rebecka Molander. Lars is a singer/songwriter whose songs have been frequently played on P4 Malmöhus, one of Sweden's largest regional radio stations. His debut album Hotel Royal got a rave review by "Expressen", which is one of Sweden's largest newspapers. 

The singer Jeanette Bengtsson has toured the USA and Europe as part of the ABBA tribute band "Arrival From Sweden". She has also performed and recorded vocals with singer/songwriter Michael Stolt and his band featuring Roxette guitarist Jonas Isacsson. Jimmy and Lars also have a connection with Roxette, as their previous collaboration "Only Summer" resulted in airplay on the SiriusXM show "Nordic Rox" co-hosted by Per Gessle. 

Finally, Dave Prine came from a musical family (his "Uncle John" is indeed the legendary singer/songwriter John Prine). When he's not jotting down notes and chords, he works on endangered language revitalization. He's lent a voice to both the Navajo and the Ojibwe dubbing of Star Wars.

============================================================================

Photo - Lauren Massie

Nicki Bluhm - Cumberland Banks.

Nicki Bluhm has just announced her eighth studio album Rancho Deluxe, due out October 3. A musical patchwork quilt that captures Nashville’s collaborative spirit, Rancho Deluxe finds Bluhm reflecting on well-earned lessons from nearly two decades in the music business. Along with the announcement, Bluhm shares her infectious new single “Cumberland Banks.” Laced with banjo (played by Mumford & Sons' Matt Mennefee) and dobro (played by Greensky Bluegrass' Anders Beck), it's a nod to her new home down South inspired by her time touring with the celebrated bluegrass group The Infamous Stringdusters.

Bluhm on the new song: "Canoeing down the Cumberland River was a favorite pastime of ours, until the day we found ourselves huddled under a bridge fearing for our lives in the midst of a Tennessee thunderstorm. This song is that story told in the form of a late-night summertime John Hartford and Roger Miller pick-along.”

Recorded as live takes over just five days, Rancho Deluxe takes its name from the Nashville home studio that Bluhm assembled with her co-writer, producer and partner Jesse Noah Wilson. Joined by first-rate musicians Kai Welch (Kacey Musgraves), Jess Nolan (Jenny Lewis) and Cameron Neal (Elle King, Shakey Graves), together they pulled from a swirl of influences, including folk-rock, western psychedelia and ‘60s West Coast soul music. The end result features songs that are rooted in resilience, relaxation and the relationships she's built with like-minded collaborators.

"This is a harvest record," shares Bluhm. "It's a collection of the fruits of my labor. I've taken all these life lessons and experiences, and I've learned from them. Jesse and I have an amazing arsenal of friends and family that we recruited to play on the record, and that interplay lends itself to a freedom in the studio. We were focused on catching the moment, being in the room together, and experiencing something communally."

============================================================================

Himmelaya - The Indie Pea - Matthew Azrieli

Himmelaya - Lost Horizon (Album).

Time to take a trip to ‘Himmelaya’ – a new name, a new album (‘Lost Horizon’), a new collaboration between Astralasia’s Swordfish and friends - think motorik rhythms meet spoken word, kosmische meets krautrock. A huge project (spanning two LPs and a bonus double CD of extra tracks, alternative mixes and remixes that comes with every set) that has taken a long time to come together, with everyone contributing from their respective countries.

Over to Swordfish to explain things… ‘Himmelaya’ started with Jochen Oberlack (the man behind Bellerophon Records in Dusseldorf) getting in touch through Fruits de Mer. Initially it was going to be a purely instrumental project, but I wanted it to be more like classic era Ash Ra Tempel with Rosi from the 70s, something a little bit more.

Britt Rönnholm from the Swedish duo Us and Them (also Fruits de Mer Records regulars) was suggested to provide spoken vocals; it was well out of her normal comfort zone, but we both loved her voice, so it was all systems go. Although essentially a three-piece project, we have been blessed with friends’ and bandmates’ contributions, plus some bonus CD remixes by other artists, including nick nicely, Schizo Fun Addict and the Lost Stoned Pandas. 

One of the last pieces we started on - 'Shangrilaya' - was recorded at our slide player Pete Prakownik’s house; sadly he passed away the day after we recorded the gongs - its become a personal piece 'lost horizon' and taken its own course with twists and turns in its journey to Shangri-la (Britt’s vocals sum it up all up very beautifully).

============================================================================

The Indie Pea - Echoes And Answers.

Following the warmly received debut The Questions, The Indie Pea is back with Echoes And Answers, the first taste of a new EP in the making. Vocalist Campbell Anderson explains: “There’s so much beautiful, unfinished material left from the sessions. We felt it deserved our full attention — and this single is proof of that.”

Echoes And Answers continues the band’s signature blend of shimmering indie rock and sweeping string arrangements. It’s a sound both grand and graceful — full of unexpected twists, yet instantly catchy. Their orchestral touches never overwhelm; instead, they elevate, adding cinematic weight without losing emotional clarity.

With this new chapter, The Indie Pea builds on the atmospheric depth and melodic vulnerability that made their debut so compelling. If this track is any indication, the upcoming EP promises to be something truly special.

TCBYML · The Indie Pea - Echoes And Answers

============================================================================

Photo -  Joel Karim

Matthew Azrieli - I thought I saw you the other day.

This week singer-songwriter and founder of Baste Records, Matthew Azrieli presents his new single “I thought I saw you the other day”. A short and crisp tune containing melancholic vibes, the new track is now available to stream on most platforms. 
 
Inspired by folk-rock greats and coming straight from the heart, Matthew Azrieli’s “I thought I saw you the other day” is an intimate ode to missing an old lover or friend. A pensive, yet emotional tune clocking in at only one and half minutes, “I thought I saw you the other day” is the perfect bit of sonic sunshine needed on a dreary, rainy day. The new track is the second offering from the four track EP, Expectations, which is slated for release later this year.
 
Recorded by Jacob Cardinal-Lacroix (who received a Juno for his work with the band Half Moon Run), “I thought I saw you the other day” consists of twangy, alt-country melodies that also maintain a sleek, folk-rock demeanor. The forthcoming tracks on Expectations are sonic treasures that will hit instantly for fans of Mac Demarco, Father John Misty, and Bob Dylan.

============================================================================

Ashley Monroe - Syante - Bliss My Heart

Photo - Erika Rock

Ashley Monroe - Magnolia.

Singer/songwriter Ashley Monroe has released “Magnolia,” the latest single from her forthcoming album Tennessee Lightning due out August 8 via her label Mountainrose Sparrow. Co-written with Waylon Payne and Brendan Benson, the new single arrives with an official video shot in Muscle Shoals, AL directed by Erika Rock. 

“Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson and I wrote this song back in 2015. It’s haunted me ever since. We were on a Bobbie Gentry train-of-thought that day… musing as to what she might be up to these days and talking about how much her music affected us. We let ourselves get deep into the Mississippi Delta. I definitely honed in on that part of my own soul. I like sleeping on sheets of satin too... but you sure can’t hide my gingham soul,” Monroe explains about the new single. 

About the video, she adds: "From the day we wrote this song, I saw the scenes I was singing about in my mind. And when it finally came time to shoot the video, I knew we had to go to the Delta. We didn't have time to go all the way to Mississippi, but we went to Muscle Shoals and with a little help from our friends, we were able to create exactly what I had envisioned."

Next month, Monroe will celebrate the 10th anniversary of her GRAMMY-nominated 2015 album The Blade with a one-night-only show at Nashville’s The Basement East on July 25, where she will perform the record in its entirety. In August, she’ll celebrate the release of Tennessee Lightning with a performance at The Grand Ole Opry on August 8 before heading to the UK and Europe for a run of co-headlining shows with Fancy Hagood.

============================================================================

Photo - Chris Jensen

Syante - Save Ourselves.

Indian-American artist Syante is proud to unveil her solemn new single, “Save Ourselves”. Serving as her fourth ever single, the new track is now available on most streaming platforms via Future Youth Records. 

Underneath a glistening soundscape Syante sets the melancholic tone with her heavy lyrics, “It’s such a shame / paradise ablaze”. “Save Ourselves” was inspired by the recent wildfire tragedies that gripped LA, invoking a poignant message about treating our environment with more care. With mellow yet unwavering vocals, she delivers an earnest plea for listeners to wake up and realize the gravity of our situation. 
 
Syante speaks in greater depth behind the new single’s inspiration: “The inspiration for Save Ourselves began with a single moment that shook me: waking up in Los Angeles during the wildfires to a city blanketed in ash, the sky an eerie gray, and the air heavy with smoke. It felt post-apocalyptic — almost like waking up after a bomb had dropped. That experience made something click. It wasn’t just about climate change in the abstract anymore — it was here, now, and undeniably personal. That moment became the lyrical and emotional seed for the song. There’s a collective sense of apathy — a belief that someone else will deal with it, or worse, denial that there’s even a problem. This album is a direct response to that. It’s a call for accountability and awareness. It's about shaking people out of complacency.”

Created this May, “Save Ourselves” features a legendary contribution from Dr. Fink from Prince and the Revolution, with a majority of the production handled by his son, Maxwell Fink. Throughout the process of producing the new track, it was imperative that the soundscape mirror the haunting and emotional lyrics. As a result, the sonic outcome blends dreamy textures with haunting undertones, creating a delicate, yet beautiful track that contains a subtle darkness lurking underneath. 

============================================================================

Bliss My Heart – Sinner Sinner.

A low pulse, a raw voice, a tension that simmers beneath every beat. In “Sinner Sinner”, Bliss My Heart delves into the murky space between desire and self-control, where vulnerability becomes a hidden strength.

Blending gritty rock energy with sleek electro textures, the track walks a tightrope between power and fragility — intense, haunting, and strikingly cinematic.

It doesn’t just play — it lingers, it breathes, it burns slow and deep.

============================================================================