By Abi Falin
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 a variety of indie artists around the world! We hope something here helps spark that inspiration.
Madeline Rosene – “Heart on Fire”
I knew right away this was going to be a special song, because the piano alone had me hooked. Madeline not only plays the notes; she digs into them, creating a rich, articulate, intentional sound. Then comes her smooth and luminous voice, somewhere in the lovely Sara Bareilles universe. Its warmth is tangible, and then at about 40 seconds in, she drops into a masterfully executed pop-n-roll drop.
“Heart on Fire” proves Madeline’s ability to tell a story. The track is genre-defying, with beautiful harmonies and an emotion that feels lived-in. And the story seems to be one about the push and pull of love.
Chris Lively – “Don’t Wake Me”
“Don’t Wake Me” sways with an unhurried groove that feels easy to sink into. The central guitar line holds the sound steady, while the slide guitar drifts in and out, giving the song a hazy, atmospheric layer. Chris’s vocals have just the right amount of twang to them, perfectly complementing the instrumentation.
It’s not a track that demands attention with loudness or drama. It’s more subtle, rooted in folk and Americana textures, and it has an ability to create space. It invites you into the quiet, intimate moments of life, like having a candlelit dinner on a country porch somewhere.
Graham Good and the Painters – “Get After Life”
Graham Good and The Painters have created a wonderfully quirky, bright song with “Get After Life.” The song bursts with color and personality, making it easy to imagine how fun they’d be to see live. The message hits hard, wrapped up in clever wordplay and anchored by a powerful turn of phrase: “I was tired of sinking, so I’m trying to swim / I’ve got to get after life, right now / Before the afterlife.”
The horn lines in this song are punchy, and the whole band plays with infectious energy. Graham’s voice is perfect for storytelling—soulful and energetic, carrying the story without getting lost in the emotion. “Get After Life” radiates hope and joy, and, in my opinion, lands somewhere between folk rock and a more playful version of Cody Fry.
The MC Type – “Full Life Crisis (ft. Sage Francis)”
This is the type of hip hop that hits all the right notes for me. The beat is smooth and steady, laying the perfect foundation for the vocals that create a story with every line. It’s a cool, indie rap sort of journey from start to finish: clever, catchy, and capped off with a killer guitar solo.
Underneath the humor and the energy is a crystal-clear message about what to avoid in life, and it lands in a way that’s smart, entertaining, and captivating. The production is polished and animated, while delivering a message that sparks with something to say.
Annie Liang – “A Little Shinier”
This song is a home run. Annie Liang’s unique, airy, voice is perfect for this electronic pop song. It’s a great blend of experimental sonic vibes and pop appeal. The production is fresh and different, and the lyrics tie the song together in a way that’s both inventive and accessible.
“A Little Shinier” is clever, catchy, and cool in all the right ways. It kind of makes me feel like I’m floating through space, but with the sickest pair of shades on. If that sounds strange, give it a listen and you’ll see what I mean.