In the spotlight: Marveline
Marveline is the eclectic solo project of Pete Marley, who also plays in a band called Nature Strip. He was born in England, but his family emigrated to Australia when he was very young. Pete Marley is currently living in Sydney, Australia. “I’ve lived in London a couple of times. It was great, so muchContinue reading “In the spotlight: Marveline”
The Bucket Playlist’s interview with Static Satellites
Interview with Static Satellites: ‘The Symphony is about when you’re with someone and, on paper, it seems perfect and amazing but there’s not a click’ by Sara Seddon at The Bucket Playlist (inthebucketplaylist.com) Glasgow/West Lothian indie rock band Static Satellites will released their fourth single, ‘The Symphony’, Feb 5th – showcasing their catchy riffs andContinue reading “The Bucket Playlist’s interview with Static Satellites”
In the spotlight: VAN TASTIK
VAN TASTIK is a one man blues band mixing blues, rock and american folk. He was born into a French-American family who travelled the world. VAN is currently based in the Netherlands. What can you tell us about yourself? “I go by VAN TASTIK, VAN, The Reverend VAN or The Rev. I’ve got a darkContinue reading “In the spotlight: VAN TASTIK”
The Bucket Playlist’s interview with Johan Famaey
Interview with Johan Famaey: ‘Chords are like colours to me, a language that is talking to me, I don’t have to think about it’ by Sara Seddon at The Bucket Playlist (inthebucketplaylist.com) Hamme, Belgium-based classical composer, Johan Famaey, will record four new piano pieces this month, including ‘Moon Dreamer’. His next album, Time Passenger Shows,Continue reading “The Bucket Playlist’s interview with Johan Famaey”
In the spotlight: Rī Wolf
In 2020 Rī Wolf launched his single ‘I Wish I Could‘. He has consistently pushed out singles every month since October 2020. ‘I wish I could’ wasn’t his first ever release. Rī Wolf used to record music under his real name Darren Flowers, but had taken close to 10 years off of music to focus onContinue reading “In the spotlight: Rī Wolf”
The Bucket Playlist’s interview with The Vices
‘With music, you can make something beautiful out of something ugly’ by Sara Seddon at The Bucket Playlist (inthebucketplaylist.com) Groningen, The Netherlands-based, indie band, The Vices, will release their debut album on 12 March, Looking For Faces, which is a tribute to friendship through the years. The Vices comprise Floris van Luijtelaar (vocals /guitar), SimonContinue reading “The Bucket Playlist’s interview with The Vices”
In the spotlight: Erol Oz
Erol Oz is a 35-year old singer-songwriter currently residing in St. Petersburg, Florida (USA). Erol is a classically trained guitarist whose music defies genre boundaries. He’s originally from Indiana which according to Erol was pretty boring, so he spent most of his time playing guitar. Erol has been playing guitar since he was about 10,Continue reading “In the spotlight: Erol Oz”
The Bucket Playlist’s interview with Pin Stripes
by Sara Seddon at The Bucket Playlist http://www.inthebucketplaylist.com Interview with Pin Stripes: ‘Photographs are like a slice of time, it’s the same with a song’ Lidköping, Sweden-based Americana duo, Pin Stripes, brought out their second album, These Dark Streets, last month and are now working on a new album that is taking them back toContinue reading “The Bucket Playlist’s interview with Pin Stripes”
In the spotlight – Lyon Tide
An Englishman, an Indian man and an Italian all walked into an art class at college. They messed around with a couple of paints, life drew a few nudes then decided to form a band and make music. Today they are known as Lyon Tide — an unsigned alternative pop/rock band from Birmingham (UK). TheyContinue reading “In the spotlight – Lyon Tide”
The Bucket Playlist’s Interview with Fendahlene
by Sara Seddon at The Bucket Playlist http://www.inthebucketplaylist.com Interview with Fendahlene: ‘I come out of the studio a better musician, it’s comfortable to be locked away for 10 hours a day’ Aussie transplants to the UK, Fendahlene, brought out their latest single, ‘A New Thread’, last week, a song celebrating new beginnings, and which theyContinue reading “The Bucket Playlist’s Interview with Fendahlene”
In the spotlight – Nomden
Nomden, you say? Chances are you’ve never heard of him, despite the fact that he has played at festivals like Pinkpop, Lowlands, The Great Escape, SXSW and NXNE. That’s because he’s mainly served as a wingman to others. Nomden is Dutch singer-songwriter Diederik Nomden. I’ve been following Nomden’s career for the past 20 years, afterContinue reading “In the spotlight – Nomden”
In the spotlight: DrEw
DrEw is an unsigned, independent musician, originally from Manchester (UK). He now lives by the sea on the southeast coast, where he writes and records his music in his garden cabin-cum-studio. “I come to releasing music from a perhaps unusual place: I am 45 years old and have spent the last 20 years as anContinue reading “In the spotlight: DrEw”
In the spotlight – Rufusking
The four members of Dutch band Rufusking will prepare a fine musical meal for you with their special ingredients. They serve you rock songs with a pinch of indie, a flavour of blues and a taste of the rougher stuff. And they are ready to serve their music to the world! Rufusking are Jan (bass),Continue reading “In the spotlight – Rufusking”
In the spotlight – Fossway
Fossway are an alternative rock trio from Gateshead, near Newcastle upon Tyne (UK). The band is formed by Daniel Mason (vocals & guitar), John Lennox (bass & vocals) and Harry Lowery (drums), who all met at school and began rehearsing for a charity gig related to work in Ethiopia. On 27 October 2020 they releasedContinue reading “In the spotlight – Fossway”
Just a review: Carolina by Nomden
Diederik Nomden a.k.a. Nomden is a Dutch singer-songwriter. For most people Nomden isn’t a name that rings any bells. However he has played with quite a few famous Dutch bands, but for this review I’m not going to mention any of them by name. This is about Nomden solo and he deserves as much praiseContinue reading “Just a review: Carolina by Nomden”
In the spotlight – the Jobs
For this week’s spotlight I’m running away with the Jobs. The Jobs are a feel good indie alt rock band based in Cleveland (USA). Trevor (vocals, guitar) took me on a trip into the band’s history, their influences and the upcoming EP ‘Sailing Upon the Times’. Who are the Jobs? How and when did youContinue reading “In the spotlight – the Jobs”
In the spotlight – Pepe and the Bandits
On this festive Christmas day we are visiting Joe Miller a.k.a. Pepe (UK). Joe lives in a very quaint village on the Lincolnshire/Cambridgeshire border about 10 miles from Peterborough, which is about 45 mins on the train into London. He has always been interested in music from an early age and doesn’t go anywhere withoutContinue reading “In the spotlight – Pepe and the Bandits”
In the spotlight – Sugar Parks
Marisa Parks, better known as Sugar Parks, is a Los Angeles (USA) based singer/songwriter. She’s originally from a small town in Southern California called Newbury Park. She always loved music and would sing and play around on a keyboard, but her family couldn’t afford lessons. She went up to San Francisco for college, studied PsychologyContinue reading “In the spotlight – Sugar Parks”
In the spotlight: Sophie Dorsten
Sophie Dorsten (USA) is our Cool Top 20 sweetheart; she’s always supportive of other artists. She’s also the girl with the incredible powerful voice of an angel, and she has star potential. At just 18 years old, Sophie is a singer-songwriter talented beyond her years. Since the age of 13 Sophie has released several EP’s and singles.Continue reading “In the spotlight: Sophie Dorsten”
In the spotlight: The Unknown Brothers
The Unknown Brothers are songwriting duo Andrew Harper and Ciaran Ryan from Swansea (UK). Andrew is the lead vocalist and primary lyricist. Andrew’s vocal influences include The Manics, The Beatles and The Kinks. Ciaran is all about the guitars. He taught himself to play guitar. His influences include Pink Floyd, The Manics and Arcade Fire.Continue reading “In the spotlight: The Unknown Brothers”
In the spotlight – Skylar Nevaeh
For this week’s spotlight I interviewed a fellow Dutchie, Skylar Nevaeh. She is a young and upcoming female music producer. She started producing music on her computer at a young age. She finds inspiration in jazz, R&B, lofi and pop music. Her own music style contains ambient, jazz, R&B and downtempo vibes. Skylar Nevaeh isn’tContinue reading “In the spotlight – Skylar Nevaeh”
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”
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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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