Artist: Seoul Metro Single: SAD! Genre: Indie Pop, Synth Indie Rock, Alt Rock Pop Release Date: July 1st, 2024
Seoul Metro, the brainchild of Manchester-based songwriter and producer Chris Gibson, is back with another gem in his ambitious year-long project. “SAD!” is the seventh single in a series leading up to his debut album, and it beautifully encapsulates the essence of undiscovered indie/alt/bedroom pop.
From the first chord, “SAD!” draws you into a world where bright, jangly guitars and sparkling synths contrast with emotive lyrics. Chris’s vocals, reaching near the top of his range, carry a raw vulnerability that’s both captivating and relatable. The song’s catchy melodies and interesting instrumentals create a soundscape that feels both familiar and fresh, making it a perfect fit for fans of the genre.
While comparisons to The 1975 might seem banal, there’s an undeniable similarity in the way Seoul Metro crafts his music. The shimmering production and open harmonies echo the influence of Manchester’s musical heritage, blending the melancholy of The Smiths with the modern pop sensibilities of bands like Blossoms and, yes, The 1975.
The inspiration behind Seoul Metro’s project is as intriguing as the music itself. A visit to South Korea’s capital ignited Chris’s love for pop music and bold imagery, pushing him to embrace those ‘guilty pleasure’ influences without shame. This fusion of Manchester’s indie roots with the vibrant energy of K-Pop results in a unique sound that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
“SAD!” is a well-crafted tune that showcases Seoul Metro’s talent for blending catchy pop hooks with introspective lyrics. It’s exciting to see where Chris Gibson will take this project next, and if “SAD!” is any indication, the debut album promises to be a standout in the indie/alt scene.
If you’re on the lookout for new indie talent, keep an eye on Seoul Metro. His journey through 2024 is shaping up to be a fascinating one, with each monthly release adding a new layer to his evolving sound.
Check them out on socials:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0GHBAdSaTlOFTgqfEl4gZ5?si=ESuQ9YGdT7eqjEOkumlK9A
https://on.soundcloud.com/mvjSb
https://youtube.com/@SeoulMetroMusic
https://www.instagram.com/seoulmetromusic
https://seoulmetro.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/seoulmetromusic
https://tiktok.com/@seoulmetromusic
“SAD!” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating DA DA DA - Best New Music
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
Featured
You may have heard of Michael Bland through his work with Vulfpeck on “Hero Town.” He plays some of the deepest pocket you’ve ever heard and one of the tastiest, most understated drum solos of all time. His style is one of a kind, and he’s unmistakable in the first beats of “(Br)other”
There’s something about candid, straightforward honesty in lyrics that can cut deeper than overly abstract metaphors and symoblism and “what did they mean by that?” ‘Mr. Liar’ is a track that isn’t trying to dress anything up. The listener knows exactly what the singer is going through – it hits.
The most interesting part about this track, though, is the artist behind it. Check out Tende Kasha’s biography:
Through this project, there’s still a sense of the person behind the thing. It offers a unique perspective on both the genre and the medium, albeit with an unsettling edge. Luma Fade’s work demands attention, promising further evolution and innovation.
News
Here’s what we know so far about Tyler, the Creator’s upcoming album Chromakopia
Taylor Swift has officially become the world’s richest female musician, surpassing Rihanna after the extraordinary success of her Eras Tour, according to Forbes. With a net worth now estimated at $1.6 billion, Swift has firmly secured her place at the top of the music industry’s financial ladder.
In a recent article titled The Musician’s Census 2024: “It’s Becoming Harder To Be An Independent Artist”, Mark Knight of Right Chord Music, in collaboration with Musosoup, reveals the difficulties faced by independent musicians. The survey, which gathered insights from 300 artists across 64 countries, highlights concerns around payment, visibility, and the evolving landscape of the music industry.
Seattle’s music scene is no stranger to innovation, and Waltzerr is adding its own distinct voice to the mix. With their recent EP, the band isn’t just following indie rock traditions—they’re reshaping them. In this interview, we explore how they’ve crafted their sound, the intricacies of their recording process, and how Seattle’s vibrant music landscape shapes their work.
Mk.Gee’s ongoing tour has taken a unique turn, with his song “DNM” becoming an unexpected centerpiece of his shows. Fans across multiple cities have noticed a trend—Mk.Gee is playing “DNM” not just once or twice, but sometimes five, six, or even more times per performance! On Reddit, users from Nashville, Dallas, and other cities have shared their excitement, with some even saying Mk.Gee played the track 9 or 10 times in a single night. One fan from Nashville commented, “I swear I think he played it like 5 times,” while another from DC mentioned, “5 times in DC last night :)”.
In an emotional farewell to a Seattle institution, The Trading Musician, a beloved music store in the University District, closed its doors after 33 years, marking a significant loss for the local music community.
Childish Gambino surprises us with Atavista, a polished re-release of his 2020 album 3.15.20. Gambino originally released the unfinished record during the Covid-19 pandemic as a rushed love letter to his apocalypse anxiety and to his fans. Needing a master and a mix, Gambino resurfaced the entire album and dropped it alongside a list of tour dates. Atavista is an intimate album that somehow maintains oodles of mystique and disconnectivity. The words to the songs are new, but the album’s sound isn’t anything that we haven’t heard from Gambino before.