indie underrated

Psychedelic fuzz pop artist Michael Sanders captivates with his new single “the wild.” 

The song is mainly characterized by a tight drum track, percussive bass line, crunchy rhythm guitar, and pop-inspired vocals. On top of (or behind or next to) those layers, Sanders includes a collection of ambient tones that give the song a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

Sanders has a real ear for all things catchy. The structural arrangement of this song is lean and each part leads seamlessly into the next. What’s catchiest about the song, though, are its melodies. All of them–verses, choruses, and harmonies alike–inspire the listener to sing or hum along and sing/hum we do. If you’re a fan of indie-pop groups like Empire of the Sun or Kings of Leon (the newer stuff), “the wild” is a sure thing for you. 

Michael Sanders has a single release show scheduled for 4/10/2025 with Minivan Dad and Strange Bangs at Empire Control Room. If you live in or around Austin, TX, mark your calendar!

If you’re looking for something with a heavy pop influence, check out “I GOT U” by South Korea’s own SUMMER CAKE. While this is not CAKE’s most recent release (that would be the EP LIMINAL) it is the song that first brought her to our attention and, therefore, what we’re focusing on to discuss the artist. 

“I GOT U” is immediately infectious with its strategic layering of complementary electronic melodies and percussion tracks. The infectiousness only builds as the rhythmic vocals carry us through the first verse and to an excellent tension-building pre chorus that is broken by the highlight of the track: the chorus. What makes the chorus especially memorable is the pitch-perfect, high-register vocals of SUMMER CAKE, and this is no surprise given her impressive history in vocal competitions. She is an artist fully tapped into the instrumental potential of her voice and proves as much with this track. 

This song has a great R&B flair, reminiscent of early 2000s pop artists like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. We think fans of Kali Uchis would like it too. Be sure to check out “I GOT U” and other recent releases by SUMMER CAKE now!

It’s always inspiring to hear artists release well-produced covers, and the most recent to come across our headphones is Noble Oak’s of the 2003 Stars classic, “Elevator Love Letter.” 

When the individual behind Noble Oak, Patrick Fiore, announced his release of this cover on Instagram, he wrote “teenage patty is still bewildered that he got to do this, Stars and their early catalogue were serious core formative listening.” 

We believe this quote accurately captures the power of covers. 

Most musicians start their relationships with music as fans, at young ages, long before they know how to play their respective instruments. Many of those same musicians first learn how to play by emulating their favorite artists. Covers exist as evidence of this early inspiration. 

With this particular cover, Noble Oak does the original more than justice and elevates it with his own creative spins. Perhaps most importantly, though, he reminds us why artists fall in love with art in the first place and “teenage patty” should be proud.

If you haven’t heard Noble Oak’s original music, allow this to be a bridge between it and the music of Stars. That too is the power of covers. 

Listen to these songs and more now on our Spotify playlist!