NEW INDIE POP - BUT EDGY

Photo by Ian Dooley, Unsplash License

Going through the new releases, I’m noticing some serious moodiness. And I love it. Fall is really bringing out our black nail polish, leather jacket-wearing sides. Maisie Peters is swearing off rockstars, joe p is getting trippy on “french blonde,” and songs have the grittiest electric guitar outro you’ve ever heard. If you’re ready to get edgy in the indie pop world, listen on.

THE BACKSEAT LOVERS - SLOWING DOWN

In a departure from what I’m used to hearing from them, Backseat Lovers get edgy and moody in this new release “Slowing Down.” It is almost unpredictable, what direction this song might go in- the coolest way. It could fit right into a scene in Twilight, and musically, I mean that as the highest compliment.

SHARON VAN ETTEN - NEVER GONNA CHANGE

The vocals on Sharon Van Etten’s new indie release “Never Gonna Change” is haunting. You can hear the pain but also strength each time the title line is sung. The drums are big and airy and they feel the most hard-hitting in the final few seconds, while the ah’s are sung soulfully.

SORRY - CLOSER

This song’s slightly distorted vocals and intense guitar make for a perfect moody combo. The bass line drives the song on with a cool, Red Hot Chili Peppers feel while the vocal gives airy 90s. The projector in the music video will have you looking at textures in a whole new way.

CONNIE CONSTANCE - HURT YOU

The visualizer for “Hurt You” reminds me of a video game, complete with glowing mushrooms. The synthy bass will make you the perfect amount of moody, while layered vocals tell you about how they hurt someone. It’s my new favorite dark fall day walking song.

HOWEVEVER - SQUIRREL

This bedroom pop song has cool raspy vocals and an acoustic guitar. This is a solo project that began once upon a time in Perth, Australia. It is fascinatingly experimental, including the piano outro of this song that sneaks up on you.

TEGAN AND SARA - I CAN’T GROW UP

Tegan and Sara have a distinct sound that reminds me of HAIM, Charli XCX, and Bleachers. The drum beat and excitement of the song make me think they don’t have any intention of ever growing up. Watch the music video for great fashion inspiration, too.

CHARLØ - NUMB

Charlø is on the rise. The clips she posted of her music on the internet during COVID had a moment, inspiring her to pursue a career in music after her career in commercial real estate. “Numb” is emo, it’s cool, and you need it in your life.

GENEVIEVE STOKES - CAN I

“There’s a heart out there too cold to break,” Genevieve Stokes sings on this interesting take on what naturally feels like a ballad, but drives forward like a fun love song. The visualizer will give you all the fall vibes.

JOE P - FRENCH BLONDE

Joe P’s “Off My Mind” was my song of the summer last year, but this fall, I might get edgy. This song was a complete surprise from Joe, who I’m used to heartfelt breakup lyrics from. This song has a hip hop beat and intense vocals and lyrics. It opens with imagery of being run over. It’s dangerously good.

ANOTHER ROCKSTAR - MAISIE PETERS

I am a Maisie fangirl. I follow everything she does. She is an utterly brilliant lyricist and “Not Another Rockstar” is no exception. She has delved into an era of pop punk/rock and it’s so fun. As someone who has unfortunately fallen for a rockstar or two, I feel this song on a deep, moody level.

This part of fall, mid October, is minor chords with an intense or odd drum beat and you can’t change my mind. Good thing there are so many new indie pop bops coming out that fall perfectly into this category.

Mary Ruth is a Nebraska-native currently studying Songwriting and Music Business at Berklee College of Music. Right now, she’s probably reading about the Beatles, creating her new aesthetic (with a corresponding playlist, of course), or explaining what Taylor’s Version means to someone who didn’t ask.