In the spotlight – Dusty Grant
Dusty Grant is a 39 year old singer-songwriter from Wichita (USA), who plays dark acoustic rock music. His full name is Dustin, but he’s been called Dusty for as long as he can remember. He grew up in the suburbs of Omaha. “My mom and older sister listened to a lot of music while IContinue reading “In the spotlight – Dusty Grant”
Lean’s Pick: Feed the Monkey by Chris Grey and the BlueSpand ft. Lucy Woodward
A couple of years ago we were on holiday in Denmark. We visited the town of Odense on a cold and wet day. When we came to a little square a man with a guitar was singing the blues just outside a cafe. I was rather impressed and joked we should invite him over toContinue reading “Lean’s Pick: Feed the Monkey by Chris Grey and the BlueSpand ft. Lucy Woodward”
In the spotlight: Umbrellabirds
I have a confession to make. I like, no, I love, the Umbrellabirds. They make well crafted timeless folk songs, with sublime lyrics. Sometimes fragile, sometimes quite dark. Most songs are growers, just the way I like it. Umbrellabirds is the musical project of Sam Blickhan, Lewis Daly, and Alex Hunt. Their debut album ‘Umbrellabirds‘ was releasedContinue reading “In the spotlight: Umbrellabirds”
Just a review: No Regrets by Dev!n
In the new submissions list #5 we can find Devin Collins’ (aka Dev!n) single ‘No Regrets’. Dev!n was one of the founders of America’s first openly gay boyband Echo V., but apparently he has no regrets about leaving Echo V. When Mike first played this song I thought it was a new single by theContinue reading “Just a review: No Regrets by Dev!n”
Lean’s pick: The People We Used To Be- Julian Velard
Julian Velard is an American pianist, singer-songwriter and comedian born and raised in New York City. He devoted an entire concept album ‘If You Don’t Like It, You Can Leave’ to New York in 2014. I still call him my favourite New Yorker, despite the fact that he moved out of New York earlier thisContinue reading “Lean’s pick: The People We Used To Be- Julian Velard”
In the spotlight: Harry J. Hart
Harry J. Hart is an 18 year old musician from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The Gold Coast is Australia’s main holiday destination with golden beaches and ancient rain forests in less than an hour’s drive. Despite living fairly close to the ocean, Harry was more interested in music than the beach. As a kid heContinue reading “In the spotlight: Harry J. Hart”
Just a review: Strand – Country that you came from
Thanks to internet and music streaming services we have an easy access to an endless source of music. As a teen I had to go to the recordshops. Spin all the new releases and spend my money on the best tracks. Kept searching. Always hungry for more good music. The yearly ‘Top100 Allertijden’ provided someContinue reading “Just a review: Strand – Country that you came from”
Lean’s pick: A Little Love by Jack Francis
This Jack Francis is definitely NOT the singer, YouTuber and Instagram Influencer with the tattooed face, who’s friends with Billie Elish. ‘My’ Jack Francis is a long haired a folk/americana singer-songwriter with an acoustic guitar from Southampton (UK). He has already played at some major UK festivals such as the Isle of Wight and StoneContinue reading “Lean’s pick: A Little Love by Jack Francis”
In the spotlight: Daniel Tidwell
For this week’s spotlight I’m breaking my own rules, as I’ve chosen someone who hasn’t made it into the Cool Top 20 chart (yet). However, he has been a passionate supporter of indie music and the Cool 20. So, to thank Daniel for his support, I decided to feature him in our spotlight. Most ofContinue reading “In the spotlight: Daniel Tidwell”
Just a review: Treason of the Monarchy
As you might understand we receive new music in our direct mail in twitter on a regular basis. The first listen is always short. A short impression of what kind of music it is. Yes, in 30 seconds I can pick a track that I like. But of course, sometimes I need to listen moreContinue reading “Just a review: Treason of the Monarchy”
Lean’s pick – Time by Harry Pane ft. Maia Frankowski
Harry Pane (UK) has some impressive Spotify figures. His song ‘Beautiful Life‘ released in 2018 has almost 3,5 million streams on Spotify. Harry gained praise from some big names and has played quite a few gigs in the UK, where he has a great following. He played at some amazing festivals, like Glastonbury, SXSW andContinue reading “Lean’s pick – Time by Harry Pane ft. Maia Frankowski”
In the spotlight – Diddie Hair
Diddie is a singer-songwriter from Hull (UK), who just turned 20. When he was 2 years old, he watched Elton John videos on YouTube with his dad. “I don’t remember all that well, but apparently I used to sit on his knee watching them and then clap my hands and get him to put itContinue reading “In the spotlight – Diddie Hair”
Just a review: Pepe and the Bandits – Never gonna let you go
When we first started the CoolTop20 in may 2020 the artists didn’t pay any attention. Our first followers where youngsters from Russia looking for ‘new music’. Pepe was one of the first to send his music for a review. His track “Corona” featured on our very first release of the CoolTop20. And even though itContinue reading “Just a review: Pepe and the Bandits – Never gonna let you go”
Just a review: Rainbow Road – Dan Kye
It seems a long time ago. Before we discovered the wonderful world of Indie music, I used to listen a lot to artists like @TomMisch and @jordanrakei. I believe I found them through suggested videos on YouTube and because of some cooperations with others artists I followed. Anyway. Last week a friend send me aContinue reading “Just a review: Rainbow Road – Dan Kye”
Lean’s pick – Haunt the Woods
If Jeff Buckley and Muse had a love child it would be Haunt the Woods. This is folky prog rock with some great lyrics. Haunt the Woods are a four-piece band from Cornwall. They released their debut album ‘Opaque’ on February 28th 2020. I picked ‘Elephant’ as one of this week’s bonus tracks to theContinue reading “Lean’s pick – Haunt the Woods”
In the Spotlight – The Postindustrial Poets
The Postindustrial Poets are Brits living in Luxembourg. They spent years playing covers and blues before recording their own material in 2019. I spoke to their main poet about music and lyrics. But first, some facts about the Poets. They sing songs that tell stories and always use four note chords. They follow the songsContinue reading “In the Spotlight – The Postindustrial Poets”
Lean’s pick: Marathon – Amelia
This song isn’t in one of the Cool submission playlists. It might not even be indie, because they have a record label to distribute the upcoming album for retail. Nevertheless, this song has me hooked ever since I first heard it about a month ago. It’s 10 minutes of pure progressive rock. I’ve added itContinue reading “Lean’s pick: Marathon – Amelia”
In the spotlight – Bryan Robinson
According to the bio on his website, Bryan Robinson (UK), would never win the lottery. Simply, because he doesn’t buy lottery tickets. However, he is a lucky winner after all, because he has earned this week’s spotlight! So purely hypothetical, if he did win € 10.000 in a lottery to spend on anything music-related. HowContinue reading “In the spotlight – Bryan Robinson”
Just a review: Bourbon Blues Ensemble – Body Soul & Blues
Yes it’s new. Yes it’s refreshing! The Bourbon Blues Ensemble from Mexico produce some neo-Blues. Let’s start with their logo. The Big Yellow BSB with the shadow of their dancing superhero in front of it. The name ‘Bourbon Blues Ensemble’ might sound like a boring old fellow bluesband (at least that was my association), butContinue reading “Just a review: Bourbon Blues Ensemble – Body Soul & Blues”
Just a review: Anger Bang – The Stones
It’s 1986. Run-D.M.C has a big hit with their combination of rock and hiphop. A friend introduces me to a new album: “Licensed to III” by the Beastie Boys. Oooh yeah. Fast Forward. September 2020. Anger Bang submits their track The Stones to our Direct Mail in Twitter. Damn. Nice and slow….I can’t help travelingContinue reading “Just a review: Anger Bang – The Stones”
In the spotlight – GHST MDRN
GHST MDRN is an instrumental cinematic/post-rock project of North Vancouver (Canada) based Jordan Irwin. “My home is nestled between the mountains and the ocean. Small town vibe, but about a 20 minute drive from downtown Vancouver. It’s pretty laid back here and that’s definitely how I am as well.” Jordan grew up in a veryContinue reading “In the spotlight – GHST MDRN”
Just a review: The Summer Wind (Kristy)- Morningside Lane
Morningside Lane is a four-piece indie rock band. They dropped their debut album ‘These Are Our Years’ early September. They had previously released a couple of EP’s. When I first heard ‘The Summer Wind‘ it sounded vaguely familiar, but I was unable to pinpoint why. It started to make sense when I later read whereContinue reading “Just a review: The Summer Wind (Kristy)- Morningside Lane”
Just a Review: Wish I Never Fell – Ayglo, Cold Illumination
Another interesting project that was submitted to our inbox. The track “Wish I Never Fell” from Ayglo and Cold Illumination. Before you read any further I would like to invite you to listen to the beautiful track “Wish I Never Fell in Love” by the Lofi Artist Cold Illumination. I hope you all can agreeContinue reading “Just a Review: Wish I Never Fell – Ayglo, Cold Illumination”
In the spotlight – Rogue Proxy
Rogue Proxy is a two-man team, childhood friends from Canada with years of music experience, reunited to work on a studio production focused music project. Their goal? To blend vintage tones and styles with modern production techniques to produce a new rocking and grooving sound… A new flavour of rock! Who is Rogue Proxy? IsContinue reading “In the spotlight – Rogue Proxy”
Just a review: Daniel Charles Cook – Lonely Boy
You’ll all know the name of Daniel Charles Cook as he is probably the most active twitter artist out in twitterspace. Every day he will share his most beloved playlists, artists accounts and music. He deserves some love in return. Folk. That’s the genrebox we put his track in. “Lonely Boy” immediately reminds me ofContinue reading “Just a review: Daniel Charles Cook – Lonely Boy”
In the spotlight – Alameda Ash
This week we dive into the world of Alameda Ash. On his Spotify profile he is described “as a six-string slinger who conjures up otherworldly West Coast cowpunk with gritty vocals backed by raw, shock inducing sounds erupting from his SG”. Alameda Ash is Ash Khajvandi. He teamed up with Greg G. Felix and AudyContinue reading “In the spotlight – Alameda Ash”
Just a review: Hipster Pug – Revolution 2020
Hipster Pug is a dutch artist and was in fact one of the first musicians to discover our CoolTop20 initiative together with artists like MK Tomar, Pepe and the Bandits, Dizzy Panda, LofiPowder, Sophie Dorsten, Chozen G and OddWall. His downtempo instrumental track ‘Heartbreaks’ can therefor still be found in our “Hall of Fame”, aContinue reading “Just a review: Hipster Pug – Revolution 2020”
Lean’s pick – Masquerade – Josephine Pascoe
Josephine Pascoe’s song Higher Funktion has been in the Top 20 for a couple of weeks now, but she has released more songs, like Masquerade. So far this song hasn’t made into the Top 20, but I feel this song deserves a spot in the chart. Every time I listen to this song, I discoverContinue reading “Lean’s pick – Masquerade – Josephine Pascoe”
In the Spotlight – HOL
HOL is Hollie Findlay from Blackpool (UK). She was born in Athens (Greece) in 2003 and grew up on the island of Kefalonia. She split her early teens between Greece and the UK. She considers both countries as her home, but Kefalonia is a little closer to her heart because of the many childhood memories.Continue reading “In the Spotlight – HOL”
In the spotlight – Emma Halpin
Emma Halpin (UK) has been writing and recording songs since the age of 11. This talented young lady has just turned 17 on Monday. She’s one of the youngest artists in our Top 20. Emma has just released a brand new album ‘Cool Cupid’ with 9 new original tracks! Here you can find a linkContinue reading “In the spotlight – Emma Halpin”
Just a review : Black Painted Beastie Bell
Imagine yourself on a weekend trip in Berlin. You’ve had a nice meal and have some energy left for a musical treatment. The small entrance of the Urban Spree promises cheap beer and live rock music. Sounds like a plan. The smell gives you an idea what genre will be played. Downstairs it’s steaming hot.Continue reading “Just a review : Black Painted Beastie Bell”
In the spotlight: Josephine Pascoe
Josephine Pascoe is a classically trained musician. She’s based in the outskirts of London. She started piano lessons at the age of 5, violin at 8 and flute at 13. She’s also a music teacher. She trained to be a secondary school (ages 11-18) teacher, but prefers one-to-one instrumental teaching. She teaches piano and violin. Most ofContinue reading “In the spotlight: Josephine Pascoe”
Lean’s pick – Kerosene Dream by Alameda Ash
I can’t believe this song was submitted 5 weeks ago. How did I overlook this one, only to rediscover it last week? I like rock music, a lot. This song can be described as AC/DC playing the blues. Raw energy with some nice guitar riffs. The Story:Good love turned murderous obsession. What would a songContinue reading “Lean’s pick – Kerosene Dream by Alameda Ash”
In the spotlight: Redz
We introduce to you: Redz. Everyone’s favorite Dominican Princess and Philly’s own #1 Afro Latino. But who is Redz? Diane Isabel Torres was born in 1986 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. She was the middle child to five siblings. Diane has always loved music. From taking piano lessons at age seven, to performing in school and talentContinue reading “In the spotlight: Redz”
Just a review: Down by the Docks
Down by the Docks (Listening to Rhythm and Blues) by the Postindustrial Poets. We just cannot agree about this one. I love it. Love the way they sing together, I love the guitarplay (especially the part at 2:40!), I love the continues beat of the drums. But this seems to be a track you loveContinue reading “Just a review: Down by the Docks”
Lean’s pick – Transit by Slow Res
This song was released yesterday, but it immediately caught my attention. Normally we only add tracks to the list that are submitted by the artists themselves, but I’ve made an exception for this one. Slow Res is the alias for Dutch artist Nicky Hustinx. He is mostly known for playing drums on tour with Fink,Continue reading “Lean’s pick – Transit by Slow Res”
In the spotlight: Padre Toxico – Summer in LA | Ambient Encounter
Padre Toxico comes from as he describes it “a small country in Europe, where law is being broken by the government on daily basis and where freedom is being taken away everyday from innocent people. Where tolerance is only a word in a dictionary, it’s Poland.” If music was his main source of income, heContinue reading “In the spotlight: Padre Toxico – Summer in LA | Ambient Encounter”
Just a review: Before I Go
Yes. I like Jazz. I even have a t-shirt with Jazz written on it. Not everyone loves Jazz. Often I hear people say they like every genre! Except for Jazz. While listening to the new submissions “Before I Go” by ‘Better than TV’ draws my attention. The music is jazz, but the vocals are takenContinue reading “Just a review: Before I Go”
Just a review: Kaatii
Sometimes COOL Listeners send us some music they really like. Tylou [@tgaudin] attended us to the music of 13 year old Kaatii (Anna Katherine). She is an independent artist from Dallas, USA. The song was co-written by Kara Connolly who Tylou is a fan of and I can see why. The melody of the songContinue reading “Just a review: Kaatii”
In the spotlight: Alvinos Zavlis
Alvinos Zavlis is an artist/music producer from Cyprus, based in the UK. He composes and produces mostly electronic music that he puts out under his name, while also producing hip hop, RnB and other genres he enjoys for other artists. The music he releass under his own name is usually dark and experimental. His mainContinue reading “In the spotlight: Alvinos Zavlis”
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About us
We are Lean and Mike. A music addicted couple. We listen to a wide range of music, collect masterpieces on vinyl and go to concerts. We even organize some home concerts every now and then.
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