_{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 a variety of indie artists around the world! We hope something here helps spark that inspiration.

Saint Escape – “Hunters”

First on my list is a group that fans of Citizen Soldier would really appreciate. “Hunters” was mixed by Joe Rickard, who’s done work for Breaking Benjamin, Starset, and Three Days Grace – and it shows. It’s super high energy, with a modernized take on late 90s and early 00s mainstream rock.

This hooked me from the get go. It’s a high octane thriller of a song that’s not afraid to be both catchy AND heavy. I appreciated the total change of pace at 2:04 and the slow burn into a final drop. There’s a lot of cool things going on here.

Anakyn Gray – “Call Me”

This was super catchy and full of witty lyricism. There was no shortage of interesting effects and inclusions, and the groove was super cohesive through and through.

This is a perfect example of how people with a distinct vocal approach can lean into a unique sound; capitalize on layering; and maintain momentum and intrigue through processing and effects.

Gal Musette – “Broken Clock”

I can’t think of a bigger tonal shift than moving from Anakyn Gray to Gal Musette, but here we are. Gal has a gorgeous voice and is a master at crafting dreamy ambiance. The inclusion of gentle piano textures at 1:15 absolutely sent me.

I was also super invested in the harmonies in the chorus and gentle aux percussion that dropped in and out to maintain intrigue. This song is full of fantastic, subtle production flourishes.

If you like vintage Americana and have ever wanted to dive into what can most accurately be described as “country-noir,” this song is for you.

Gabriël Noerens Trio – “With Love”

Loved this right off the bat! The production is tasteful, crisp, and delicate, and the artistry of all contributors involved is evident. This is something I would listen to in any mellow setting. It’s generally hard for a purely instrumental number – especially a jazz piece – to win me over, but dang. What the h*ck. That bass solo was GRAND.

Featuring Belgian pianist and composer Jef Neve (who absolutely NAILS IT at 3:08), this song comes to us by way of The Gabriël Noerens Trio. They’re three musicians who met at Codarts, the University of the Arts in Rotterdam in The Netherlands. Their music has its roots in traditional jazz, but they interpret it with a modern, innovative approach that feels gentle and accessible. I dig it.

Kylee Higgins – “I’m Home”

This checks all the boxes for a country hit. Kylee’s voice is perfect for the genre, and the song’s subject matter is quintessential. “I know what stairs creek, I know which faucet leaks” is a great opening line, and the chorus does a brilliant job at nailing the nostalgic wonder of coming back to the place that shaped you.

I really liked the wailing western guitar about two minutes in. This song has got a lot of soul and momentum. Great work!

It’s a heartfelt country track with a lot of soul and momentum. You can definitely hear Kylee’s Oklahoma roots. I really, REALLY enjoyed the wailing guitar about two minutes in. Has someone finally gotten me to enjoy country? I think so.