Musically, the track is a beautifully sophisticated blend of jazz, soul and contemporary pop. Gentle acoustic guitar opens proceedings before understated piano and keys add a cinematic warmth to the arrangement. A tight, soulful drum groove brings a touch of Stevie Wonder-inspired rhythm, while Bear’s vocals are soft yet powerful, delivering the lyrics with warmth and feeling. There’s a distinctly smooth, almost sophisti-pop quality to the whole thing, with plenty of musical detail beneath its accessible melodies.

Despite its upbeat, feel-good sound, there’s a subtle nervousness running underneath, particularly in the central refrain, “That’s the trouble with happiness / Every time that I get my hands on it / I got trouble with happiness.” It’s a clever contradiction that captures the fear of losing something wonderful just as you’re beginning to enjoy it. Warm, soulful and wonderfully accomplished, the track is a promising introduction to this new chapter of Bear’s career.

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Musically, ‘Ruler of Nothing’ is a wonderfully detailed slice of retro-inspired synth-pop. Understated analogue synths and glittering Italo-disco arpeggios provide much of the melody, accompanied by a pulsing electronic bassline, classic 80s-style drum machine rhythms and touches of guitar. There’s something distinctly vintage yet modern about the production, with intricate little flourishes adding an almost theatrical quality. Some of those cascading arpeggios even bring to mind Muse’s ‘Bliss’. Danz’s dreamy vocals carry a subtle melancholy, creating an interesting contrast with the track’s otherwise upbeat, danceable feel.

What makes ‘Ruler of Nothing’ particularly impressive is how effortlessly Danz brings all these elements together herself. There’s plenty happening beneath the surface, yet nothing feels unnecessarily complicated. Thoughtful, melodic and full of character, it’s a lovely example of how electronic music can be both danceable and emotionally affecting.

The post Danz CM challenges the illusion of power on ‘Ruler of Nothing’ appeared first on She Makes Music.

Despite its cynical subject matter, ‘Heartbreak Heatwave’ is a wonderfully sun-drenched affair, blending retro garage rock with touches of psychedelic pop. Loose, rhythmic keys and percussion set things in motion before Mattiel’s distinctive, effortlessly cool vocals enter the picture. Electric lead guitar and acoustic rhythm guitar gradually join the arrangement, creating a laid-back groove with a distinctly 60s and 70s feel. There’s something wonderfully carefree about the whole thing, perfectly capturing the sense of liberation that comes with walking away from something that no longer serves you.

The accompanying video keeps things refreshingly simple, featuring slow-motion shots of Mattiel dancing and playing guitar in an LA car park, dressed in a striking teal trouser suit. It’s a fittingly playful visual for a song that finds its freedom in refusing to play by somebody else’s rules.

The post Mattiel says goodbye to Hollywood on ‘Heartbreak Heatwave’ appeared first on She Makes Music.

Bebe and Oona

Led by twin sisters Bebe and Oona, indie/alternative rock band Bebe and Oona combine playful punk-pop energy with crunchy guitars, bouncy rhythms and contrasting vocal harmonies. Their music brings together a mischievous sense of humour and a genuine interest in human connection.

‘Selfish One’ takes a tongue-in-cheek look at gift-giving, particularly those grand gestures that seem designed to make the giver feel good rather than the person receiving them. Beneath its danceable grooves and snarly vocals, the track celebrates a different kind of generosity: taking the time to understand somebody and making them feel genuinely seen. It’s a reminder that the most meaningful gifts don’t necessarily come wrapped in paper.

Saachi Mendon

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Saachi Mendon moves between Western retro pop and Bollywood influences, combining expressive vocals, guitar-driven arrangements and personal storytelling. Her music reflects a willingness to explore different styles while drawing inspiration from her own experiences.

‘Wrong Side of the Road’ was inspired by Saachi’s journey to the opposite side of the world and the changes in perspective that accompanied it. The song explores the observations, experiences and adjustments that come with finding yourself somewhere unfamiliar. To capture that sense of looking backwards while moving forwards, the recording features a 40-year-old Russian upright piano, its distinctive character bringing an additional layer of nostalgia to the track.

Matching Drapes

Berlin five-piece Matching Drapes describe their sound as “Shy Punk”, combining post-punk, riot grrrl energy and indie-pop melodies with a healthy dose of irony. Fronted by Jacquie Hirt, the band explore gender politics, internet culture and social frustrations through punchy basslines, tightly wound rhythms and call-and-response vocals.

Latest single ’34 Convictions’ turns their attention towards American politics, delivering a direct criticism of Donald Trump and his administration from the perspective of a group of young adults living in Berlin. Combining confrontational lyrics with energetic indie-punk instrumentation, the track reflects the band’s interest in using humour, frustration and political commentary to examine the world around them.

Laguna

Dutch musician and songwriter Bente Hout creates atmospheric alternative pop under the name Laguna, combining dreamy synths, layered vocals and intimate storytelling. Having previously fronted dream-pop band Sväva, her solo project offers a more personal space to explore identity, vulnerability and the experience of making yourself heard.

Taken from her EP You Speak More Than You Listen, ‘Silent’ confronts the expectation that women should remain quiet while men dominate conversations. Wrapped in dreamy electronic textures, vocal harmonies and a melodic pop chorus, the track challenges that imbalance without sacrificing its softer musical qualities. It’s a song about refusing to make yourself smaller simply because somebody else expects to occupy all the space.

Sasha Sky

County Durham independent singer-songwriter Sasha Sky blends R&B influences with elements of indie pop and folk, creating emotionally direct music shaped by personal experiences. Since beginning her musical journey in 2021, she has explored different sounds while using songwriting as a way to understand the world around her.

‘Close Call’ emerged after recent events brought difficult memories and emotions from an earlier traumatic experience back to the surface. Choosing to keep the circumstances private, Sasha instead focuses on the feelings themselves and the process of working through them. For her, songwriting provides a way to navigate heartbreak and emotional upheaval, turning experiences that can be difficult to articulate into something others might recognise within their own lives.

Auxphelia

Florida-based singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Danielle Nicole Drucker creates music under the name Auxphelia, blending cinematic alternative pop with organic instrumentation and contemporary electronic influences. Having written and produced music since her teenage years, Danielle takes a completely independent approach to her work, writing, performing and producing her releases herself.

Debut single ‘Wonder’ combines electric guitar, thick synth bass and trap-influenced drums with an intimate reflection on a relationship that never entirely disappeared from memory. The track circles the unanswered questions that can remain long after a connection ends: where somebody is now, who they’re spending their time with and whether there’s still something worth returning to. It’s a song about the lingering curiosity that makes moving on more complicated than simply saying goodbye.

Ariana Colletti

Indie-pop artist Ariana Colletti uses songwriting as an outlet for anxious thoughts and the emotions she sometimes struggles to communicate. Moving between vulnerability and self-assurance, her music offers a way of expressing experiences that might otherwise remain misunderstood.

‘Tornado’ takes inspiration from the unusual yellow colour the sky can sometimes turn before a tornado, transforming the imagery of an approaching storm into a metaphor for a destructive relationship. The song explores the experience of somebody entering your life, creating emotional chaos and leaving you to deal with the aftermath. Through dramatic musical builds and sudden drops in intensity, Ariana mirrors the unpredictable nature of changing weather and the emotional turbulence at the centre of the story.

Robyn Maddox

Belfast singer-songwriter Robyn Maddox draws inspiration from old Hollywood glamour and classic mobster films, combining cinematic storytelling with dark humour and self-deprecating observations. Her music brings together indie-rock influences, theatrical vocals and a fascination with reframing everyday experiences through a vintage, film-noir lens.

‘RUBBERNECK’ is the lead single from her forthcoming EP HEIST, a project that explores personal mental health struggles through the atmosphere and imagery of crime cinema. Co-written and produced with Darragh Tibbs, the track combines a swaggering indie-rock groove with Robyn’s dramatic vocal delivery and sharp wit. It introduces a record that turns intimate experiences into something larger, darker and deliberately theatrical.

Dec Ramsay

Raised in Aotearoa New Zealand and now based in London, queer, non-binary artist Dec Ramsay creates emotionally direct indie pop shaped by personal experiences and a background in DIY music. Having developed their songwriting through New Zealand’s independent scene, Dec returns to releasing music after several years away.

Debut single ‘Gretchen Ross’ confronts the aftermath of an abusive and violent relationship Dec left in 2015. Written from a place of survival and reflection, the song transforms an experience they had struggled to speak about for almost a decade into something rooted in resilience and healing. Rather than allowing that period of their life to remain defined by silence, Dec uses music to reclaim their story and find a sense of closure.

Tahlia Crnjac

Australian-born, Berlin-based singer-songwriter Tahlia Crnjac blends R&B, soul and pop, combining intimate vocals with contemporary electronic production and jazz-influenced instrumentation. Her music explores emotional connection through a sound that moves between warmth, sensuality and introspection.

Debut single ‘Get Me There’ brings together shimmering synths, expressive saxophone and bossa nova-inspired rhythms to explore the desire for intimacy. While the track celebrates pleasure and connection, its deeper message considers the importance of understanding and accepting ourselves before building meaningful relationships with others. It’s an exploration of vulnerability that recognises self-connection as the starting point for the connections we form beyond ourselves.

Check out more of our recent submissions via the playlist below!

The post Submission Spotlight appeared first on She Makes Music.

Despite its anxious subject matter, ‘Kicker’ is a wonderfully warm and upbeat slice of indie-folk. Gorgeous acoustic guitars provide the foundation, accompanied by a steady, lively indie-rock beat that keeps everything moving along. Caffyn’s soft, intimate vocals have an almost conversational quality, lending a real sense of honesty to her storytelling. A change of pace during the breakdown offers a moment of reflection, but otherwise there’s something beautifully sunshiney about the whole thing. It’s the sort of song you could imagine listening to while wandering through a field on a golden summer evening.

That contrast between the breezy instrumentation and the uncertainty of the lyrics is what makes ‘Kicker’ so endearing. Gentle, melodic and effortlessly relatable, it’s a lovely reminder that even our most anxious thoughts can make for rather beautiful music.

The post Becca Caffyn navigates relationship anxiety on ‘Kicker’ appeared first on She Makes Music.

Musically, ‘Steal My Shimmer’ delivers a punchy blend of pop-rock and punk attitude, with grungy ’90s guitar textures, crunchy power chords and flashes of classic rock guitar work. Straightforward rock drums and a supporting bassline keep things moving, while Lucia’s powerful, melodic vocals bring plenty of bite. There’s genuine frustration in her delivery, but she never sacrifices melody for aggression, particularly in that big, anthemic chorus that’s practically begging to be sung along to.

Ultimately, ‘Steal My Shimmer’ is a glorious middle finger to anyone who’s ever tried to undermine somebody else’s achievements. Catchy, confrontational and unapologetically confident, it’s proof that you can embrace your femininity and still rock just as hard as anyone else.

The post Arabella Lucia refuses to dim her light on ‘Steal My Shimmer’ appeared first on She Makes Music.

Opening with a particularly filthy bassline, ‘Wetter Than Revenge’ immediately establishes a dark, menacing atmosphere before grungy, distorted guitars enter the mix. Genuinely pounding drums give the track plenty of weight, while Eli’s polished, confident hard-rock vocals shift between a slightly playful delivery in the verses and a more snarling approach in the chorus. There’s a satisfying sense of swagger beneath all that aggression.

The accompanying cinematic video takes us to a Wild West saloon, where two cowboys arrive, one of them a wanted man. A female bounty hunter watches from across the room before an intense, slow-motion shoot-out unfolds. Just when the cowboy believes he’s victorious, she rises and shoots him dead. It’s a suitably dramatic ending to a track that combines feminine rage with plenty of rock ‘n’ roll attitude.

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Musically, ‘BLOOD CELLS’ leans into gritty, guitar-driven alternative rock, with thick distorted riffs and abrasive garage-rock textures recalling the early Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Stripped-back verses give K.Flay’s distinctive, rap-like vocal delivery plenty of room before bursting into explosive, more melodic choruses. A steady, driving rhythm section keeps things moving, while the contrast between restraint and intensity reflects the conflicting emotions at the heart of the song.

The accompanying video was created using footage submitted by 23 fans at K.Flay’s sold-out London show at The Barfly. Intimate and wonderfully chaotic, the predominantly black-and-white footage captures the energy of both artist and audience, interspersed with flashes of blood cells before shifting to red towards the end. It’s a fittingly raw and personal accompaniment to a song about embracing every part of yourself.

The post K.Flay embraces self-discovery on ‘BLOOD CELLS’ appeared first on She Makes Music.

The song is built around a bouncy, Chet Atkins-inspired fingerpicking guitar riff, bringing plenty of classic country twang to proceedings. Meanwhile, a funky bassline and tight, syncopated drums provide an irresistible groove, with the occasional hint of a country shuffle. A lively brass section featuring baritone saxophone, trombone and trumpet adds plenty of punch, while a prominent organ gives the chorus an extra country flavour. LeBlanc’s vocals are equally playful, mixing soulful delivery with country charm. The result is an effortlessly danceable combination of both styles.

The accompanying video is just as entertaining, placing LeBlanc in a colourful, retro-inspired cooking competition alongside a cast of mischievous puppets determined to sabotage her efforts. Delightfully silly and full of personality, ‘Too Many Cooks’ is a whole lot of fun.

The post Lisa LeBlanc serves up country-funk on ‘Too Many Cooks’ appeared first on She Makes Music.

Musically, ‘Vertigo’ delivers a vibrant, modern take on classic 2000s pop-punk. Bright, melodic guitars and punchy, energetic drumming drive the track forward, while Bonnet’s youthful, slightly angsty vocals capture the spirit of the genre’s heyday. Effective vocal harmonies add another dimension, particularly in the catchy, singalong chorus. There’s plenty of nostalgic charm here, but the polished production keeps things sounding fresh rather than simply recreating the past.

The accompanying visualiser embraces that same throwback spirit, featuring the band performing against a simple white backdrop, with vibrant blues and oranges adding a playful splash of colour. Fun, energetic and instantly accessible, ‘Vertigo’ finds Facelift putting their own contemporary spin on a much-loved sound.

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