By Zach Collier
With so much music in the Provo music scene, it’s easy to get sucked in and start listening to music in a bubble. It’s always great to see what awaits you in the broader world of sonic textures, and to find new recommendations that can inspire you to make music differently than you did before.
Here are five songs from indie artists across the country. Hopefully something here can help spark some new inspiration for you.
Nylon Ghost – “Takes Time”
Nylon Ghost’s “Takes Time” is a poignant reminder that it’s never too late to show more love to those around you. The song opens with captivating, front-and-center vocals that draw listeners in, layered over a melancholic acoustic guitar that sets an emotional tone. As it unfolds, a verbed-out trumpet pierces through, adding a lush layer of heartbreak that’s simply irresistible.
This slow burn keeps you engaged, expertly building to a thrilling climax that really delivers. When the heavy-hitting guitars and thunderous drums kick in, it’s an electrifying moment you won’t forget. If you’re a fan of Arms Akimbo and Drusky, Nylon Ghost is about to become your new obsession.
Zelma Stone – “Be Free”
Drawing inspiration from icons like Patsy Cline and contemporary left-of-center artists, Zelma’s distinct voice resonates alongside the likes of Deb Talan from The Weepies, Madison Cunningham, and Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief.
Since debuting her project as Zelma Stone in 2019, queer artist Chloe “Zelma” Studebaker has carved out a unique space in the songwriting world, blending life’s complexities with heartfelt craftsmanship. Her latest track, “Be Free,” stands as her most focused work yet, capturing a powerful journey of sorrow, acceptance, love, and resilience as she confronts her past. This track features a haunting, distorted instrumental lead and well-written drums that meld orchestral depth with alt-pop flair.
Shawn Brown – “The Sad Ones”
I grew up in the Portland music scene, so Shawn Brown’s latest track instantly felt like home. This midtempo, piano-driven gem echoes the sounds of early Jason Mraz, The Fray, and Matt Nathanson, creating a nostalgic ’00s vibe that’s hard to resist. Featuring contributions from notable talents like Grecco Buratto (Shakira, Gwen Stefani), Daniel Clarke (Ryan Adams, Jason Mraz), and Brendan Buckley (Morrissey, Shakira), this collaboration is a real treat.
Brown dives deep into his passion for roots rock while showcasing his incredibly soulful vocals. The drum production at 1:28 adds a modern texture that elevates the song’s energy, hitting all the right production notes. I also really particularly liked the lyrics on this one.
Sarah Lake – “Eden”
Kicking off with raw, twangy harmonies that embody that true down-home country sound, Sarah Lake’s latest track takes a refreshing turn. Instead of the typical anthemic, hook-heavy mainstream sound, she opts for a stripped-down first verse that invites listeners to connect intimately with her voice. This acoustic first verse is wrapped in a narrative that beautifully captures the essence of young love, using the Garden of Eden as an allegory.
When the chorus hits, those lush harmonies return, this time enhanced by a driving kick drum, slappy snare, and effective auxiliary percussion. It’s a stunningly beautiful song—perfect for morning drives in a pickup truck.
Rufus Joseph – “Dance With Darkness”
Hailing from Stoke-on-Trent, UK, Rufus Joseph delivers with an incredibly soulful voice that captures both rustic charm and earthy authenticity. His latest track, “Dance With Darkness,” produced by MAAM, beautifully blends the synthetic with the organic. The ethereal piano sounds wonderfully natural—the keys clicking and the hammers audibly striking strings—yet it’s cleverly processed in such a way as to achieve a modern, borderline electronic vibe.
From a songwriting perspective, the chorus echoes the emotional, piano-driven ballads of early Coldplay, striking a perfect balance of melancholy and beauty. Rufus Joseph aims to inspire introspection and reflection, and with this track, he’s certainly nudged me in that direction.