Indie Quick Picks – Featuring My Twisted Heart, Jack Dora, Mark Hegan, VLLNS and Rofi James

My Twisted Heart

Genre : Alternative pop

Bio: My Twisted Heart (MT Heart) the moniker of singer/songwriter and member of the creative collective Outsiders Entertainment, Po Ki Ching. Born and raised in Hong Kong, My Twisted Heart’s music was originally inspired by Asian music genres, namely Canton-Pop, J-Rock and K-Pop. My Twisted Heart developed an interest in singing at an early age and he would perform cover tracks at school talent and singing contests. Later during his College years in Ireland, My Twisted Heart officially became a member of the Outsiders and was introduced to Western music genres such as Hip-Hop, Electronic, R&B etc.

Track: idontneedyou

Why We Like It: This tune draws on elements of hip hop, swirling synths and glimmers of warm indie to create a lush wall of sound. The tight layering and intricate production teamed with kinetic electronic pulses and reverb vocals provides a refreshing and compelling listening experience. The song floats on a sweet melancholic melody and acoustic guitar embellishments that create a buoyant and rich texture within the track. ‘Idontneedyou’ is a compelling and innovative piece of music that marks My Twisted Heart an artist to keep an eye on.

You can follow My Twisted Heart on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/mytwistedheart/

Stream ‘idontneedyou’ below

Jack Dora

Photo Credit: Nicholas O Donnell

Genre : Indie Pop

Bio: Critically acclaimed Indie-pop artist Jack Dora is back with his driving new single ‘Take What You’ve Been Given’.This is the title track from Dora’s upcoming debut EP which will be released sometime early in 2022. Jack wrote, recorded and produced the track in his bedroom in Dublin. It was mixed by Cork musician Yenkee and mastered by Fergal Davis (Muse, Republic of Loose, Sinead O’ Connor).

Track: Take What You’ve Been Given

Why We Like It: It’s a shimmering bite of indie-pop that surges with mouth-watering melodies, 80’s dance-pop soundscapes and upbeat vibes. Doused in effervescent synths and jaunty guitar adornment, the track exudes glittering charm while the driving bassline and slapping beat add an edge to the track. With smooth vocals adding swagger between slick guitar elements, ‘Take What You’ve Been Given’ is a fantastic synth-pop earworm to indulge in.

You can follow Jack Dora on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/JackJDora/

Stream ‘Take What You’ve Been Given’ below

Mark Hegan

Genre : Singer-Songwriter

Bio: Indie singer/songwriter Mark Hegan has released his new single ‘War’. Hegan has garnered industry interest and plays from the likes of BBC Radio 1 (Introducing), BBC Radio 2 and Radio Ulster.

Track: War

Why We Like It: Hegan presents his emotive and compelling songwriting through this beautifully arranged song. With a metronomic beat creating a subtle sense of tension while lush strings flourish between elegant piano, Hegan creates a bittersweet and tear-jerking track for listeners to enjoy. His warm vocals caress the dreamy melody with a tone of melancholy as he fleshes out his ability to create an eloquent and catchy tune filled with emotion and passion. 

You can follow Mark Hegan on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/markheganmusic

Stream ‘War’ below 

VLLNS

Genre : Alternative rock

Bio: Dublin’s VLLNS have released their final single of 2021, ‘Black Palm’.Having been awarded a grant as part of the Music Industry Stimulus Package 2020, VLLNS recorded Black Palm in Darklands Audio at the tail end of the COVID 19 restrictions.’Black Palm’ explores the internal struggles we face when we make our way through the bereavement process, trying to process our grief, yearning for a time when we hadn’t truly considered death and the mortality of both our loved ones, and ourselves.

Track: Black Palm

Why We Like It: It’s a dark tune saturated in sharp guitars, rumbling drums and sinister undertones. The foundation of the track is a bristly energetic blend of punk rock and moody grunge with a sweet peppering of indie on top. A punchy drum beat crashes between a resounding rumble on bass while jaunty guitars meander between striking, acute pines and gentle laments. VLLNS have created a concise, energetic and hard-hitting track that is sure to knock your socks off as they build diverse textures throughout to create a thrilling listening experience.

You can follow VLLNS on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/VLLNSOfficial/

Stream ‘Black Palm’ below

Rofi James

Genre : Indie

Bio: After the success of their last single ‘Sorry’, Galway-based band Rofi James return with their latest song ‘Berlin Wall’. The song was written during Ireland’s initial lockdown during the Covid 19 pandemic. Berlin Wall is a song about the desire to escape the monotonous routine and daily troubles of life during a pandemic. The song was written by Ronan Flaherty, Jamie Murray and Joseph Flaherty, and mixed and produced by Dave Skelton. It was then mastered by Fergal Davis (Muse, Republic of Loose, The Divine Comedy).

Track: Berlin Wall

Why We Like It: ‘Berlin Wall’ surges with anthemic indie as Rofi James display their knack with driving melodies and heart-racing instrumentation. Blending jaunty indie guitars with rich pulsing rhythms, washes of electronic dance and shimmering synths the track has a kinetic and energetic wall of sound. With smooth vocals caressing the infectious melody while the soundscapes wisp between the rock peppered guitar moments ‘Berlin Wall’ has an epic backdrop and sing-along quality that is quite impressive.

You can follow Rofi James on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/RofiJamesMusic/

Stream ‘Berlin Wall’ below 

Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


Author: Danu