_{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.

Joveth – “Say My Name”

Southern California-based singer-songwriter and producer Joveth is making a splash with his impressive debut, “Say My Name.” This track artfully blends introspective lyrics about identity with infectious dance beats and catchy vocal hooks. It’s clear that Joveth possesses a voice perfectly suited for pop music, and he’s here to make an impact.

But it’s not just his vocals that shine— the arrangement of this track is top-notch. Joveth sprinkles delightful auditory surprises throughout, culminating in an unexpected halftime breakdown during the bridge that nods to pop-punk influences without diving into the genre. “Say My Name” is a standout hit that’s downright sick.

Piper Connolly- “muse”

Prepare for a wild ride with this track from Piper Connolly, where haunting strings and piano set a spooky tone before diving headfirst into heavy guitars and her powerful alto. Hailing from Arizona, Connolly knows how to command the lower end of her vocal range while her voice truly soars in the chorus.

But it’s not just her talent that impresses—stellar production plays a huge role, thanks to the deft touch of producer Marvin Fockens. The subtle vocal doubling and delay that kicks in at 45 seconds adds an engaging layer, while the guitar solo is absolutely DIRTY.

The lyrics are equally compelling, with the line “I’m pretty when I’m crying” serving as a striking lead-in to the chorus and perfectly capturing the song’s themes of navigating unrequited love to create meaningful art. At only age 13, Piper Connolly is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young talents in the industry today.

Goldtooth – “Spiral”

What happens when producer Max Landry joins forces with singer/songwriter Tyler Carlson? You get Goldtooth, an electrifying electro-pop project that effortlessly fuses influences from across the pop landscape, including tropical house, disco, and alt-pop with punchy guitars and buzzing synths.

Their latest track, “Spiral,” leans into the minimalist, house-inspired side of their sound. Driven by low, plucky synths that bounce in the crisp space between the kick and snappy snares, it’s both sparse and irresistibly groovy. Think of it as a more danceable version of early Lorde. With a catchy melody and a standout vocal performance, “Spiral” is a true indie pop gem.

This track is well-written, expertly performed, and impeccably produced. Don’t sleep on Goldtooth.

Natalie Auell – “Pull Me Close”

This track masterfully employs found sounds to craft an immersive ambiance. While the use of ambient textures is trendy across the industry, you can’t debate the fact that it’s effective. The gentle sound of water really sets the scene, and the filtered intro seamlessly blending into the airy vocals had me hooked right away. “Pull Me Close” boasts a stellar mix, impressive production, and an irresistibly catchy chorus.

While I usually analyze songs as a whole, I can’t overlook the talent of Natalie Auell as a vocalist. Wow. Her voice is SUPER DREAMY. Delicate, yet sultry, with a slight tremor that makes her vocal runs feel incredibly captivating.

Jiwon – “Sunshine”

Hailing from New York City, Jiwon is absolutely nailing the current indie/bedroom pop sound with his latest track, “Sunshine.” The song features catchy vocal melodies reminiscent of Forrest Frank, combined with the textured elements that Porches fans will love. The drum work perfectly blends 808s with crushed room drums, while the acoustic guitar shines with vibrant melodies and extended harmonies, all while leaving plenty of rhythmic space. And let’s not forget the chorus, which showcases some brilliantly warped vocal processing.

This track is the late summer anthem I didn’t know I needed. As I soak up the last golden rays of sunshine while the days get shorter, “Sunshine” has been my perfect companion. Carefree vibes all around.