It turns out there are two types of WordPress platforms: WordPress.org, which is an open-source platform you can install on any webhosting provider; and WordPress.com, which is a for-profits hosting provider founded by one of the creators of WordPress.org (or something along these lines). This website has been hosted so far in WordPress.com, but it’s much more expensive and the service is not all that great to begin with. I found out that I could migrate this blog to a different hosting provider using WordPress.org for about half of what I pay annually to WordPress.com. On top of that, I would ..read more

Artist: Lizzie Esau Song: Jellyfish Genres: #altrock #singersongwriter Location: Newcastle, United Kingdom Release date: January, 2023 Comment: Lizzie Esau is just 23 but she must have grown up listening to alt-rock records from the 90s. If you listen to any of her singles (for example, “Bleak Sublime”), you will see what I mean. That said, the Newcastle-based singer-songwriter adds her own experimental touches to her music, making her stand out in the crowded music scene. “Jellyfish” is her exciting new single and it showcases her creativity with a fuzzy guitar riff and s ..read more

Artist: Still Talk Song: Headcheck Genres: #alternativerock #punkrock Influences: Avril Lavigne, Smash Mouth, The Hotelier Location: Cologne, Germany Release date: March, 2023 Comment: If you’re into alternative rock with a pop-punk twist and catchy hooks, you’ve got to check out Still Talk‘s single “Headcheck”, which will be part of the band’s upcoming debut album, appropriately called “St. Banger”. I love that this 5-piece band, fronted by Tanja Kührer, manages to balance different styles while keeping things fresh and energetic. “Headcheck” is a fun, upbeat song that ce ..read more

Photo Credit: Nic Schoppet Artist: Dottie Andersson Song: Heavy Objects Genres: #indiepop Influences: Bon Iver, Caroline Polachek, Phoebe Bridgers Location: Småland, Sweden Release date: February, 2023 Comment: Dottie Andersson is a unique artist from Sweden with a sound that is both authentic and refreshing. “Heavy Objects”, her promising debut single, skillfully blends electronic and indie elements to create a sound that is both atmospheric and catchy. The cherry on top are Dottie’s vocals, which are just perfect for this type of music. The song’s lyrics speak to the ..read more

Artist: WESSON Song: Made Me Happy Genres: #alternativerock #punkrock Location: Milton Keynes, United Kingdom Release date: January, 2023 Comment: British alt/rock band WESSON, led by #singersongwriter Chris Wesson, is formed by four musicians coming from different backgrounds, resulting in a delightful blend of pop, punk rock and indie rock. “Made Me Happy” is just their fifth single, but given how fun and catchy it is, I think it’s safe to say that this band is going places. The lyrics express the emotions of a person who was hurt by someone’s actions in the past. The so ..read more

Artist: Benjamin Brett Song: In My Head Genres: #indiefolk Location: Brighton, United Kingdom Influences: Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers, Fleetwood Mac Release date: January, 2023 Comment: Some singers are lucky enough to have a vocal style that is nuanced and distinctive enough to be easily recognizable whenever you hear it. I think that could be the case with Brighton-based artist, Benjamin Brett, who has just released a hauntingly beautiful debut track called “In My Head”. This song reminded me a bit of David Gray‘s 1998 hit: “This Year’s Love”, probably because both tracks ..read more

Artist: Weathers Song: Where Do I Sign? Genres: #altrock #indiepop Location: Los Angeles, California Release date: November, 2022 Comment: What I like about Weathers is that their tracks are quite unconventional, and their new single, “Where Do I Sign?”, is no exception. It is a captivating and energetic song with strong Twenty One Pilot vibes. Weathers‘ ability to blend elements of rock, pop, and electronic music seamlessly is truly impressive and I look forward to listening to their new album, “Are We Having Fun?“, when it drops in May. Featured on the following ..read more

Artist: Daniel Etherton Song: Mona Lisa Genres: #indiepop #singersongwriter Influences:  Daughter, Lorde, The xx Location: London, United Kingdom Release date: February, 2023 Comment: Almost two years ago, I wrote about the debut single of talented London-based artist Daniel Etherton, “Foundations”, where I mentioned that the sky was the limit for him after such an outstanding debut. I think Daniel’s new single, “Mona Lisa”, proves that I was right about him. It’s just as good as “Foundations”, but quite different in style, which shows his range as a songwriter. “Mona ..read more

Artist: Verra Cruz Song: The World Is Crashing In Genres: #alternativerock Influences: Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam, Nirvana Location: St. Albans, United Kingdom Release date: November, 2022 Comment: Verra Cruz, a British alt-rock infused trio, has recently released their newest single, “The World Is Crashing In”, a powerful, emotional track that speaks to love, loss, and the rawness of emotion. I particularly like that lovely guitar line in the intro and the anthemic chorus. Verra Cruz got formed in 2003 and currently consists of Marc James (guitar/lap steel/vocals), Henry Cro ..read more

Artist: Måneskin Song: THE LONELIEST Genres: #alternativerock Location: Rome, Italy Release date: October, 2022 Comment: If you are a fan of classic rock ballads from the 80s and have been missing that sound in today’s music scene, you should definitely check out “THE LONELIEST” by Italian band Måneskin. As someone who was not particularly interested in the band before and did not enjoy their Eurovision-winning song (Zitti E Buoni), I must admit that this track caught my attention from the moment I first heard it on Eclectic Music Lover‘s weekly top 30 post, and has since ..read more