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Indie Music


Alex Ray Gets Real on Messy
Alex Ray’s Messy is a short, sharp burst of pop-alt emotion, five songs, twelve minutes, and zero filler. It’s a snapshot of chaos polished just enough to shine, but not so much that it loses its edge. Every track feels like an intentional contradiction: raw yet refined, vulnerable yet self-possessed.

LJ Portnoy
Oct 18, 2025


ALBUM REVIEW: Madison Cunningham – Ace
Photo by °1824 / UMG Review by SoundCheck Mag Photos by °1824 / UMG Madison Cunningham has always felt like a painter who uses chords and vocals instead of brushes. The California-born singer-songwriter has long been celebrated for her blend of technical precision and emotional storytelling, and on Ace, she delivers what feels like her most cinematic and self-reflective work yet. A Grammy winner and master of subtlety, Cunningham has created an album that feels like walking t

SoundCheck Team
Oct 17, 2025


Twenty One Pilots: The Legends That Live On
Photo by Fernando Flores (IG: @fernandofloresphotography ) Review & Photos Contributed by Fernando Flores October 4, 2025 Wantagh, NY The Global Reach Twenty One Pilots has thrived on blending narrative, symbolism, and emotional transparency. Through their music, they’ve built a cinematic world that has opened the eyes of fans all around the globe. Fans that still hold their early cult classics close to heart such as one of my close favorites, “Jumpsuit” which was part of the

Fernando Flores
Oct 16, 2025


Road Soda Marks Another Honest Chapter for Franklin Jonas
Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt Franklin Jonas returns with Road Soda, a track that instantly cements his growing signature sound —...

Rebecca McDevitt
Oct 10, 2025


Louis Knight Opens a New Chapter with “Until You Come Home”
Photo credit: Jack Morgan (IG: @jackmorgan07 ) Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt Photos by Jack Morgan Independent pop singer-songwriter...

Rebecca McDevitt
Oct 10, 2025


EP REVIEW: Midnight Til Morning — Afterglow
Midnight Til Morning might’ve started on Netflix’s Building the Band, but they’ve quickly outgrown the “reality show project” label. The...

Rebecca McDevitt
Oct 9, 2025


Cartel’s Chroma Turns 20: Detroit Sings Every Word
Marking the 20th anniversary of their seminal debut Chroma, Cartel took Detroit back to 2005 with a front-to-back play through that had fans hanging on every note.

LJ Portnoy
Sep 25, 2025


Hayley Williams Strips It Down on Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party
As fall creeps in and emos lace up their Vans and pull on their flannels, Hayley Williams has delivered the soundtrack of the season. Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party (Post Atlantic) isn’t Paramore redux—it’s something more introspective.
Konstantina Buhalis
Sep 20, 2025


SINGLE REVIEW: Village Liquors - Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines
Franklin Jonas steps into a new chapter with "Village Liquors", an indie-country single that radiates both grit and soul. The song feels like a window into Franklin’s story of growing up, facing himself, and embracing honesty. The banjo adds a perfect country twang, grounding the track in rootsy authenticity while still keeping it fresh and modern.

Rebecca McDevitt
Sep 5, 2025


Conan Gray — Wishbone Album Review
From bedroom-pop heartbreak to bold confessionals, Conan Gray proves he’s grown into one of pop’s most daring storytellers.

LJ Portnoy
Aug 26, 2025


ALBUM REVIEW: Sombr "I Barely Know Her"
Article by Rebecca McDevitt Sombr’s Big Glow Up Album Artwork: Nicky Parks and Amelie Boose If you have been watching Sombr over the last...

Rebecca McDevitt
Aug 23, 2025


FLIPTURN SHOWED CLEVELAND THAT BURNOUT CAN BE BEAUTIFUL
The Burnout Days Tour lit up The Agora with emotion, energy, and unforgettable connection.
While many of the songs on Flipturn’s discography can be described as “chill-indie,” their live performance is anything but. The Agora Theater in Cleveland was a place of connection, dancing, good vibes, and burnout days on the evening of July 30th.
Madison Cozzens
Aug 8, 2025


The Break Plans Bring the Poptimism to Philly
MilkBoy – July 25, 2025 Photos & Review by Rebecca McDevitt You know that feeling when a band you just discovered ends up blowing you...

Rebecca McDevitt
Jul 27, 2025


Psychedelic Serenity on the Cuyahoga
After a gloomy day of rain and gray skies, the clouds finally broke just in time for Goose to bring the sunshine.
Jacob’s Pavilion was bursting with life—glittered cheeks, tie-dye shirts, funky outfits, and fans already dancing before the band even took the stage.
This wasn’t just a concert—it was a gathering. A celebration. A shared pulse. And Goose hadn’t even played a note yet.
Madison Cozzens
Jun 24, 2025


Zane Carney Finds His Own Light in a Night of Intimate Magic
Article & Photos by Rebecca McDevitt There are shows you attend, and then there are shows you feel . Zane Carney’s set at The Green Room...

Rebecca McDevitt
Jun 17, 2025


Caamp Comes Home
Shot by Madison Cozzens, Midwest Coverage Live at Jacob’s Pavilion | Cleveland, OH Contributed by Madison Cozzens Revised by LJ Portnoy,...
Madison Cozzens
Jun 17, 2025


Milahroy Is Giving In to Let Go — Meet Our June Featured Artist
Interview by Rebecca McDevitt & Ilana Bornstein Article & Photos by Rebecca McDevitt Photo by Rebecca McDevitt Genre-defying....

SoundCheck Team
Jun 9, 2025


When Letting Go Sounds This Beautiful: Avery Lynch’s ‘Lasting Effects’
t its core, ‘Lasting Effects’—a new release from indie-pop artist Avery Lynch (with production assists from Jordanlilvee and Michael Blum)—is a powerful breakup anthem that flips a familiar narrative on its head, transforming bitter into sweet and repurposing the pain of being “dissed” and discarded by someone you once loved.
Ilana Bornstein
Jun 6, 2025


Joe Jonas Brings the Storm and the Soul to Miami
Article by Rebecca McDevitt with contributitons by LJ Portnoy

Rebecca McDevitt
May 27, 2025


New Music Friday: Treat Your Playlist To Fresh Bops & Bangers
Craving a playlist update? These must-stream songs from the past two weeks are for binging, shuffling and sharing with the group chat. A...
Ilana Bornstein
Mar 21, 2025
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