_{By Mike Romero}

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.

Sara Diana – “all up in my head”

This track from Sara Diana leans confidently into a glam-pop sensibility that feels reminiscent of Lady Gaga at her most self-aware and vocally daring. Her brassy, expressive delivery carries a natural sense of spectacle. It’s theatrical in texture but grounded firmly in contemporary pop rather than stage tradition.

The song opens with a deliberately gaudy, neon-lit 80s aesthetic that quickly hooks the listener before settling into sleek, modern synth-pop territory around the one-minute mark. Beneath the polish, the emotional core lands cleanly: a reflection on the all-too-human habit of imagining someone as who we wish they were, rather than who they actually are.

Bella Masone – “Slow Motion”

This song from 17-year-old pop artist Bella Masone is a dreamy pop-R&B track that captures the vulnerability of learning to slow down in a relationship. Soft synth textures and understated production from Zach Paradis (one of our favs!) create a nostalgic atmosphere that lets Bella’s emotional vocal performance take center stage. The songwriting shows striking maturity, balancing intimacy and clarity in a way that feels both contemporary and timeless. With influences reminiscent of artists like Gracie Abrams and Clairo, “Slow Motion” is a perfect example of what it looks like when a young, hungry artist is crushing it.

Johnny Cutt – “Better”

This is a really solid composition. Great lyric, great hook, great melody across the board. It’s a highly memorable pop-country song about messing things up with the one you love most. It’s mellow, but not somber. As someone who isn’t particularly fond of country, I was really impressed here. It retains what I imagine everyone loves about country while replacing the twangy vocal with a pure, smooth, pop-leaning approach that I really loved.

Faith Groves – “Mugshots”

Okay, I’m back again to talk about country music. This song grew on me the longer it went on. Sometimes country songs about family can feel a little hokey, but this one is legitimately heartfelt. The lyrics are so specific while still being relatable, and the ultimate hook – “We’d make sure that we both looked hot in our mugshots” – is such a rewarding and quaint final line.

I love the central conceit. I loved the energy. Just good vibes all around.

Asher Angel – “All Day”

Okay, after a few country songs I’m going to swing hard the other direction. 2020s bubblegum pop.

You may recognize Asher Angel as Billy Batson from Shazam. This is a simple, breezy pop track that’s a perfect example of how to use clean production, instrumental hooks, and an anthemic vocal melody to capture attention. He’s also a perfect example of our “Music And” philosophy – a musician and an actor making waves in the industry. Hard work and networking opens doors.