Cub Sport – Indie Pong

Breaking Down the Best New Songs of the Week 8/4/20

Every week (ish) I update the Indie Pong playlist with the best tracks in the WORLD. I used to break it down every week but have been a bit lazy, and the requests and cyberbullying are getting to be too much for me, so here is your breakdown. You can follow along and get new updates every week (ish) by following our playlist on Spotify:

‘Everything Will Be Alright’ – Joseph E-Shine, Pontea, Mark Franco

Found this one from our good friend and blooger JPGChief on his Fresh Singles playlist which I highly recommend if you’re looking for piping hot tracks literally every day. JPG sort of puts me to shame with how consistently he updates his playlists, kind of makes me look like an asshole.

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Joseph is an Israeli artist and this track is dope. It reminds me of strutting around in middle school in the early 2000’s with my oversized backpack and thermally insulated lunchbox thinking about my crush and how many home runs I was going to hit once I reached puberty. Great track.

‘Fefestyle’ – Ifeanyi Elswith

Ifeanyi is a Chicago native (hey-yo!) and is smooth af on this this track, she’s got talent through the roof. I didn’t know what Fefestyle was but now I feel like I do and I can’t wait to integrate it into my daily operations.

‘BRB’ – Mahalia (feat. Pink Sweat$)

UK’s Mahalia truly needs no introduction as she’s pretty much all I talk about. Her album Love and Compromise was pretty much my favorite album of last year and she just seems to be growing. So this song has been released in a few iterations and usually I am all about the original, but in this case I think the Pink Sweat$ addition is very welcome and gives it an extra layer of excellence. Mahalia, if you’re reading this, you’re the best don’t ever change ok thanks bye.

‘In My Mind’ – Alice Ivy, Ecca Vandal

We’ve been tracking Australia’s Alice Ivy since the inception of Indie Pong, and you should have listened to us then and been ahead of the curve, because she just released the AOTY. It’s not too late for you though, Alice just signed a deal with Concord, so she’s about to get HUGE. Big ups to Alice and all of the artists on this album, it’s truly spectacular.

‘Note To Self’ – Jim E-Stack, Empress Of

This song has half a million listens, and it honestly surprises me that it doesn’t have more. This to me feels like what SHOULD be popular and all over the radio but hey what do I know right, that’ why I run an indie music blog where I can write about whatever I want. This production is gorgeous and I love it.

‘sp@CeGirl * (人気がある)’ – LoneMoon

I am OBSESSED with this album from LoneMoon. To me this is what it looks like to challenge the parameters of existing music and genre and push the medium forward as an art form. Now the reason for the alert is that we have been ever so blessed with the opportunity to speak with LoneMoon on Wednesday (8/5) on our Instagram Live. I cannot wait to meet her and ask her all kinds of questions about how she made this fantastic album that I’ve been bumping all week, as well as getting to the root of what is going on on that album cover. Join us for the interview!

‘Now U Wit Em’ – Fritz Carlton, Ghostea

Fritz Carlton is one of the most exciting names coming out of the LA electronic music scene right now, and if I’m not mistaken has just signed a deal to make his first full length record. He’s long been a staple of the LA warehouse scene and his tracks just seem to be getting better and better. I have been fortunate enough to see this transformation firsthand, since Fritz is actually a friend of mine. Don’t tell our college but I used to let Fritz copy my Japanese homework before class since I speak Japanese and just took 101 for an easy credit. Fritz rode that freshman year Japanese 101 credit to a successful career as a DJ and electronic music producer, and it’s all thanks to me. You’re welcome, Fritz.

‘I Feel Like I Am Changin” – Cub Sport

Oh me oh my, the cadence of these opening lyrics.

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“I used to hate these mismatched houses now they make me smile” – me screaming at the top of my lungs while my roommate is trying to sleep. A gorgeous song on a gorgeous album that deserves every accolade it will inevitably receive.

‘Never Die’ – Soft Set

This is another JPG special, the hardest working man on Spotify. Love this track, really speaks for itself, 90s style dreamy shoegaze song you can’t help but relax to. Soft Set is a Canadian band whose favorite band is Ride, which makes sense. I basically paraphrased this whole thing from their Spotify page but the song speaks for itself give it a listen.

‘reasons 2 live’ – illuminati hotties

LA based illuminati hotties just released a stunner of an album of which, in very typical fashion for me, this is the closing track that ties the whole thing together. I seem to do that a lot, fall in love with the palette cleanser track at the end of an album and it becomes my favorite song from that band. I originally heard of illuminati hotties from a soon-to-be blogger Rashad but you don’t know who he is yet so I’ll save that for another day.

‘Saint’ – Cub Sport

This is my favorite song off of the new Cub Sport album. I know I already said this but THE CADENCE… unbelievable. Australia’s Cub Sport has a way of absolutely owning the rhythm almost as if he is rapping, but in an original and unique way that I’ve never heard before. I LOVE it.

‘Dizzy’ – Phil Higgins

South African singer-songwriter Phil Higgins has outdone herself here with this jam. This is the kind of song you just want to hear over and over again and let its infectious melody permeate your life.

‘Money’ – Alice Ivy, DijahSB

We’re not done talking about how great Alice Ivy is yet. How dope is this track, so cool. This album is off the charts great. I’d say this has been the best year for pop music of the DECADE so far… jk but seriously it’s been an unbelievable year for pop music, with Alice coming through an already stacked year of pop releases with very probably the best one yet.

‘Marigold’ – Blondfire

Blondfire just does it for me. My favorite thing about these new Blondfire releases is they pick up exactly where they left off after their last release in 2014, the perfect blend of soothing vocals and brash pop rock sound. Love me some Blondfire.

‘Bummer Days’ – Liza Anne

More like SUMMER DAYS… because this song sounds so summery… amiright? Love this track and this sound in general.

‘Heartbeat’ – B & the Hive

This cathartic indie pop groove is exactly what I needed. Feels like the kind of song that you could party hard to or cry your eyes out to, I did the latter. But that’s also because there’s no parties going on right now. Can’t wait to see the trajectory of B & the Hive, the sky is the limit.

‘All Grown Up’ – Out Of Love

“Woke me up better than a cup of coffee” – Classsy Casssie when I sent this to her. Or something like that, my phone is dead. This has those punk vibes that have me bouncing off the walls of my place while my roommate is trying to sleep because he has “work” in the morning.

‘Corn Syrup’ – John War

San Diego’s John War’s favorite artists are Arca, Jai Paul and Deftones which he told me in our extensive interview (not really it was actually a three message Twitter exchange). Love this track, that first drop comes in so hard.

‘iLy’ – LoneMoon, Ivy Hollivana

A gorgeous track from LoneMoon that is almost a direct opposite of the track from the same album featured above. You know an artist is good when they have two tracks on the same album that sound completely different but are both great, mumbled my roommate as he paced around the house unable to fall back asleep.

‘Stranger’ – Gaidaa, Saba, Jarreau Vandal

Super smooth track here from the Sudanese Dutch singer from the Netherlands Gaidaa.

‘Learn To Fly’ – Surfaces, Elton John

Surfaces has been blowing up but who’s the feature? NeVeR hEaRd Of HiM… hahahahahahaha JUST KIDDING. This song is wonderful, the airy vibes we needed to bring some levity to a not so airy summer.

And thus concludes our recap of the week (ish). Don’t forget to follow us on social and to support indie artists by buying their music on Bandcamp!

Best Tracks of 2020 So Far (February Edition)

We’re almost a quarter of the way through the year (WTF are you serious), and we are already off to a HOT start. Like a good steak pairs with a nice cab, this blog pairs great with the January edition which I wrote last month.

Here all of these songs and more here, and don’t forget to follow for weekly updates:

“B Cool Janet” – Cheap Synths

It’s the #Yearofthecheap ala Cheap Synths’ Instagram- and I agree. On occasion over here we exercise the #WeekOfBeansAndRice so I get it. An underrated jammer you need to know. This one goes out to every Janet you ever met that sucked, this goes out to you, Janet.

“No Interruptions” – Betty Mae

This one basically broke my computer, repeat button is stuck. What’s cool about this is it’s the promise of something greater, a shining career to come. Watch out for the EP in May- “Bitch I’ve Grown”.

And bitch, I have grown. But sometimes still I need to be tucked into bed by a smooth song that plays directly to my soul. Be sure to catch Betty on my esteemed colleague JPGChief’s epic playlists Less Than 1000 Followers and Fresh Singles, which he updates daily.

“Doubt” – Josh Dominguez, T.R.3.

Josh has always been prevalent in the LA underground music scene, but as of lately he is coming out hot. He’s got an album dropping soon, and mark my words, it’s going to be a game changer for him. The underground scene in LA (where I’m based) has been circulating advanced copies and demos for weeks, including some very fun and unexpected live performances. Watch out for the album in May, and the next single “Air It Out” on April 10th.

“Garden Party” – Roman Flügel

This is one of the most fire house songs I’ve heard in a while.

It gives me major Terje vibes. And I don’t think I need to say anymore about Terje vibes:

Which was my #25 song of the decade on my list that I made but never released but does in fact exist.

“Lay Low” – LHĒON

Oof. Major vibes. I have a question and I suppose I don’t need an answer, but what movie does this make you want to watch? I actually am kind of curious, I was bumping this on repeat and my first thoughts that came to my head were Diary of a Mad Black Woman (just based on that twinkly inspirational piano alone) and something inspitaional like Jerry Maguire (I ended up watching Almost Famous, amazing film but didn’t quite hit the spot. Anways, this is a new fave and dead lock for top 50 at the end of the year.

“Sweetness” – Sink Ya Teeth

This song takes me back. It’s brand new but it reminds me of those days when I would bump some Kelly Lee Owens Self-Titled album and some Marie Davidson on repeat. Absolute heater.

“Shimmy” – Amine

That first line- let’s go. I’m gonna let Daw handle this one. Also shout out to the Simpsons both above and in Daw’s article- best friends?

Image result for did we just become best friends gif

Also if you hated Daw’s article, because he can be a lot sometimes, I think this reaction video says pretty much everything that needs to be said:

I reacted the same way to that first line

“You’ll Miss Me When I’m Not Around” – Grimes

So anyone who knows me knows that I stan Art Angels and easily put it in my top five albums of the decade. Now, I’ve been a hater on the new singles. For sure. In fact I would even go as far as to say that I only liked We Appreciate Power and Pretty (Demo). But all of the pent up doubt and naysay’n I had was proven to be faithless and foolish when the album dropped- it’s excellent. It’s a masterfully poignant and groundbreaking attempt at a Neil Armstrong first small step for mankind into the forthcoming intersection between humanity and technology. This feels like something old but in reality we’re barely halfway there. It’s only a matter of time before robots envelop most of the human workforce across the planet, and AI deep learns faster and faster to the point where it surpasses mankind in capability. It’s adventurous of Grimes to tackle this topic, even if it’s in the form of unpopular claims about AI music overtaking human music someday soon. Count this as a win for Grimes, a big bold step forward for an already top tier progressive artist, further cementing her place in history as a pop and overall music icon.

Also just for shits and gigs, because who knows when the next time I’ll be able to jam on some Grimes is. Needless to say, we’re very pro-Grimes here.

“Gospel for a New Century” – Yves Tumor

Yes. All the yes.

I bet that last one alarmed you, right? That’s why Yves is so cool. There is a ton of shock value pop culture out there, but very few back it up with quality art like Yves does. Yves is seriously so cool. Let’s take a quick dive.

Featured on last year’s Indie Pong top 50 songs playlist for “Licking an Orchid”.

Live show differs dramatically from recorded versions.

Has an unusual and very marketable persona but stays out of the headlines for stupid shit.

Released one of the best albums of last year easy:

Has been making fire music for a long time. Get ready to zen out to this one.

“I Never Cried So Much in My Whole Life” – Oh Boy, Cub Sport, Cult Shøtta, A.GIRL, Isaac Puerile

So Cub Sport released this as basically an instrumental with a hook a while ago and my first thought was “this is awesome but it needs rap verses or something” and lo and behold here we are. It’s like this track went from:

To:

You feel me?

“A Little Longer” – Leila Sunier

I absolutely love this one. Leila hails from the suburbs of New York and released this stunner in which she crescendos her effortless, trickling vocals into a powerful and climactic chorus that sticks with you.

“Maura” – Wednesday

If you couldn’t tell from my subtle article about it this is my favorite album of the year so far. It was tough to pick a song because the whole thing is so perfect, but this was my favorite.

“Lifetime” – Caveboy

This is so Indie Pong vibes- you already know. Watch out for this Montreal band and check out their new album “Night in the Park, Kiss in the Dark” for more pop excellence.

“I Just Want To Look At You” – Eilish Gilligan

I was a big fan of The Pull last year and was looking forward to what Eilish would do next- and was not disappointed. The Melbourne based Eilish Gilligan has one of the purest voices around right now, and we’re huge fans.

“Pictionary” – Shmu

This is some lo-fi excellence right here. The kind of song you just get lost in and then have to play again when it ends. Austin-based Sam Chown by way of Toronto feels uncommercial in an endearing way in his self-explained “Futuristic Melty Dream Pop meets hazy Psychedelic Yacht-Vaporwave”. Don’t think I could put it better myself.

While I was writing this I realized this song is actually from 2015 but I already wrote it so… meh. Enjoy. Also be sure to check out Shmu’s new album “Pure Bliss” which came out last month.

EDIT: I have been asked to take this down by my boss because it’s old. Sike- I am the boss fool!

“A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” – Kat Edmonson

This cover is just absolutely lovely. It’s a great conversation piece for when your grandparents ask about what you’re listening to these days (literally has never happened to me but you never know) and you don’t feel like explaining the nuances of Shmu or why Josh Dominguez sounds so angry on Doubt- throw this badboy on and you’ll be making memories of dancing around the kitchen till dinner. You’re welcome.

“Hallelujah” – Oh Wonder

I’m low key obsessed with Oh Wonder, such overwhelmingly happy pop vibes. I’m here for it. This is a great song if you’re a cartoon protagonist who has just reached his/her low point at the end of the second act and need a good “making amends” montage to make everything right with the ancillary characters you wronged before going to the big third act ticking clock event for the big climactic moment where you realize that you’ve had it all wrong the whole time, and that actually it doesn’t matter if the other dads in the community think you’re cool or not- anyways I digress. Love this one- don’t miss the new album “No One Else Can Wear Your Crown” that just came out last month.

Plus the bonus unplugged version here.

“People, I’ve been sad” – Christine and the Queens

This is the song that has gotten the hardest core stuck in my head so far this year.

That’s a wrap for this month- be sure to follow our playlist for weekly updates!

Best Songs of 2020 So Far

This also serves as the BEST SONGS OF THE DECADE SO FAR. It’s never too early to start making your list for best of the decade hooray!!!!!!!

Someone asked me recently what my favorite songs of the year were, so I decided to do what all rational people do to answer and write a full blog post in response full of gifs and links where you have to scroll all the way through it to get the simple answers you are looking for. You can follow along on our weekly playlist here, where all of these songs are featured. Blast that follow button on the playlist for weekly updates:

‘Fog’ – Termination Dust

This whole album kicks ass. It’s got the perfect balance of lo-fi grit and production value and showcases the very welcomed fresh new voices of this Dream Pop band from Alaska. Check out their US tour dates, they are playing in LA soon and I know I’ll be there.

Via Wikipedia, the definition for Termination Dust is- “In Alaska, a light, high-altitude snowfall that indicates the end of summer.” Yes, this album is perfect for that transitional season with it’s driving force moving us from bikini season to hibernation season, and it’s lighter Dream Pop aspects bringing the perfect amount of much needed levity as the days get shorter and the nights get colder. I highly encourage giving it a listen.

‘Flight 319’ – 070 Shake

Man this song hits me hard. Could I tell you what every single lyric means and what it means to ‘get alcohol like an astronaut’? No… but I can broadly say that’s a beautiful and poetic look at how unpredictable and uncontrollable life is and it makes me feel like I need to enjoy every second.

Also, I just read this Youtube comment and I couldn’t agree more:

The sound of the future. That’s why it’s ONE OF THE BEST SONGS OF THE DECADE so far.

’24 Hours’ – Georgia

Yeah I mean this one is just a straight pop heater, ala Robyn, Marina, Carly, but with it’s own distinct voice that while remaining within bounds seems to push the genre forward artistically. Georgia made waves last year with ‘About Work The Dance Floor’ which is a straight heater:

About work the dance floor reminds me of one of my favorite pop songs, so I’m just gonna throw it in here because I can’t help myself:

Damn, Marina gives me chills. Is Georgia the next Marina?

UPDATE: I have new info. Georgia is from the UK, and she actually got her start drumming for… Ready? …

KATE TEMPEST. Who if you live under a rock had our NUMBER ONE SONG OF 2019. At least she played for Kate early in her career, not sure if it was her first gig but wow, it’s a small Indie Pong world out there.

‘Garden’ – GLEAN

I so badly wanted to include the song “Evanston” because that’s where I’m from, but this song is just too good. The nuanced headbangers music from these Minneapolis Minnesota rockers is awesome, excited to see what comes next.

‘Gaudi’ – Capicua

Video NSFW, but also it is SFW? It includes… Yarn Nudity?

This track by the Portugese rapper Capicua is an awesomely honest look at the feeling of getting bored with the repetition or everyday life, and how that uneasy feeling can be subsided with a little art and creativty. Lyrics here.

‘I Go Out at Night’ – Ratboys

I’ve been a big fan of Ratboys from a while, and not just because they’re from Chicago, it’s because Elvis In The Freezer is one of the greatest songs ever, easily one of my favorite of the decade.

Big fan of this new one, classic Ratboys. They’ve got tons of other amazing songs too, my next favorite is You’ve Changed which is also great.

‘Cortex’ – Aunty Social

This song by the self-proclaimed anti-social Aunty Social of Toronto ironically makes me want to go out because it’s such a jam. The kind of songs you listen to driving with your friends as leaves fall from trees in Fall.

‘Air’ – Cub Sport

I know I know this song was released on December 24 of 2019, but it’s so hot that I can’t help myself. My hands are tied. Australia Pong’s Cub Sport have been releasing certified hits for a while but this is a special one to me, absolutely love it. It reminds me of another favorite of mine that I heard in a Kornell Kovacs/Axel Boman set once:

‘Tap the pack’ – Sløtface

Norway’s Sløtface are no strangers to success, they’ve had some pretty big songs already. But this is my favorite so far, have been listening to this one on repeat and am not even close to tired of it, and never will be.

That concludes the roundup from January (not including Jan 31), don’t forget to blast that follow button on our playlist for these songs and many many more each week from now until forever: