The Flip Phones Strike Gold with Whimsical Indie-Pop Gem “It’s a Sign”

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With their effervescent new single, “It’s a Sign,” The Flip Phones have created an indie-pop delight brimming with charm, quirk, and an unexpected dose of introspection.

Inspired by Los Angeles’ iconic Happy Foot/Sad Foot sign – a whimsical podiatry advertisement once used by locals to divine their daily fortunes – the track explores the thin line between taking charge of our lives and surrendering to fate and superstition.

Listen in here:

The duo, Lindsey and Ryan, blend instrumental talent with an unpretentious energy to create a sound that feels as timeless as it is refreshing.

Lindsey’s background as a classically trained pianist and flutist shines through in the lush textures of melodica and electric piano that weave throughout the song. Her lyrical storytelling brims with vibrant imagery and clever wit, while Ryan’s self-taught guitar stylings, steeped in influences like The Beatles and Blur, add a jangly, upbeat undercurrent that grounds the song’s playful tone.

This isn’t the first time Lindsey and Ryan have made musical magic together. Their earlier collaboration in North of Canada laid the foundation for the unique synergy that defines The Flip Phones.

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Since forming their new project in 2013, they’ve honed their craft, releasing the well-received EP Better in the Dark in 2022 and building a reputation for vibrant live shows at festivals and celebrated mid-Atlantic venues like Jammin Java and Songbyrd.

Produced by Dave Mallen at Innovation Station Music, “It’s a Sign” radiates the energy of their live performances, while also showcasing a shift toward a more playful sound palette.

Influences from the B-52s and Gorillaz are clear, with the melodica lending a whimsical edge, yet the track retains the narrative depth and layered arrangements that have become their signature.

As the lead single for their upcoming EP Spinning Adrift (set to drop in spring 2025), “It’s a Sign” is both an irresistible and thought-provoking anthem for those caught between luck and intention. With its buoyant melodies and clever interplay between Lindsey and Ryan’s vocals, this is indie-pop at its finest.

Connect with The Flip Phones:

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Animals In Denial Deliver Pulsing Industrial Rock with Single “Operator”

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Animals in Denial’s new single Operator” is an exploration into heartbreak, wrapped up in a gritty industrial-electronic sound.

The story behind “Operator” is as compelling as the song itself. The beat has been living in the artist Christian Imes’s head since they were 14, back when they were cruising the streets of Canton, NC, and obsessing over The Matrix.

At the time, they didn’t even have a synth – just a guitar and a lot of ideas. Years later, using a lite copy of Ableton Live and some old-school drum samples, the track finally started to take shape. It came together fast at first with the initial demo finished in just 30 minutes, but the final version was elevated thanks to a collaboration with industrial icon Steven Seibold (Hate Dept, Pigface).

Seibold’s fingerprints are all over the production. From tweaking the vocal delivery on the third verse to suggesting subtle backing harmonies in the chorus, he brought a fresh perspective to the track.

Listen here:

The pair even recorded the vocals in Seibold’s home studio, which was a full-circle moment for the artist, who’s been a longtime fan of Seibold’s work. The result is sleek and dynamic, with just the right amount of edge.

Musically, “Operator” is a study in restraint. An earlier version included guitar parts, but the final mix strips them away to let the synths and beats carry the weight. That choice gives the track a sharp, metallic vibe that feels perfectly in line with its themes of emotional distance and digital disconnect. The song pulses with a hypnotic rhythm, pulling you in as layers of sound build and shift. It’s dark, atmospheric, and relentlessly captivating.

But the heart of “Operator” are the lyrics, which draw from a relationship that left its mark. The “operator” in the song is a nod to late-night phone calls and AIM chats with an ex who once felt like a lifeline, but who eventually became a source of pain. It’s brutally honest and deeply relatable especially for anyone who’s navigated the murky waters of young love.

Whether drawn to its cyberpunk aesthetic, its honest lyrics, or its sheer force, this is definitely a song that grabs your attention.

Keep up to date with all things Animal In Denial on the Website.

Canadian Neo-90s Alt-Rock Artist Vikki Minor Releases Cinematic New Single, “The Labyrinth”

Vikki Minor, an award-nominated neo-90s alt-rock artist, unveils her latest single, “The Labyrinth.” Inspired by gothic fairytales and the grunge music she grew up loving, Minor delivers a cinematic, emotionally charged track exploring themes of depression and resilience. With its intense melodies and raw vocal performance, “The Labyrinth” marks a powerful evolution in her discography, blending the energy of her live shows with a sound reminiscent of 90s alternative icons like Alice in Chains and Garbage.

Minor collaborated with producer Zachary Zanardo (ZZ) to bring this track to life. The writing process for “The Labyrinth” was deeply personal, using the metaphor of a dark, gothic maze as a way to process her own struggles with depression. The result is a dynamic grunge anthem with dramatic shifts and an emotional journey packed into just over three minutes.

The Labyrinth” was my way of conveying a dark time in my life through the lens of a mythical place. The metaphorical lyricism and intense melodies I get to belt out in the song is really cathartic. It’s a way to process emotions while creating something that’s deeply personal yet universal.Vikki Minor

Rose Ranger Pens Song to Her Late Father on “Dear Dad”

Rose Ranger’s new single “Dear Dad” is a poignant, tender reflection on loss, love, and the enduring connection between a daughter and her father. Written as a letter to her late dad, who passed away unexpectedly on his birthday in October 2022, the song offers a raw glimpse into her personal grief and healing. Recorded in Nashville with a lineup of seasoned musicians including multi-JUNO Award winner Steve Dawson on pedal steel, the song showcases a classic Country-Americana sound with a heartfelt narrative at its core.

Inspired by the memories and sentiments she holds for her father, “Dear Dad” is a testament to the complex emotions of losing a loved one, yet holding onto the hope that their spirit continues to evolve in a new journey beyond. The song’s warm, nostalgic tones are steeped in the timeless sounds of Americana and Country music, with gentle folk influences that echo the love and lessons passed down between generations.

My dad was a fan of country music from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s eras. So this song (and the new collection of songs) I wrote for my dad all have a Country-Americana-Folk sound as a nod and ode to my dad. The lyrics capture a part of my journey and the deep curiosity I still feel about what happens after we leave this earth. It’s about remembering that we are all made of stars, continuing our evolution beyond this stage. This song is also a reminder of how much I miss my dad. It’s an exploration of that relationship, but it’s also about the hope that the ‘show’ doesn’t end when the curtain falls.Rose Ranger

Indie Outfit Blue Pilot Debuts Memorable New Release “Dripping!”

Blue Pilot, an experimental duo who blend pop and psychedelia, have dropped a new single that’s nothing short of a trip. Inspired by a wild night at Brooklyn’s House of Yes, “Dripping!” fuses the chaos of club energy with unexpected sonic twists, resulting in a listening experience that’s equally mind-bending and groovy. Known for their eclectic influences and genre-bending approach, Blue Pilot deliver their first single with a sample from their friend, Olive, adding an extra layer of depth and uniqueness to the track.

On “Dripping!,” Blue Pilot captures a frenetic club energy that feels both joyful and disorienting. The track gives listeners a taste of the duo’s eclectic style, pushing sonic boundaries while staying accessible. The writing and recording of “Dripping!” was a collaborative process between members Eric Steininger-Frost and Chris Worden, combining long-distance exchanges with obsessive in-person studio sessions.

I think all artists occasionally suffer from an inferiority complex, and when you see someone further along in the journey, it can be discouraging. The idea behind the line, “you can be the artist,” comes from that escapist mindset that I sometimes feel. This song makes me feel like an insane person – hopefully people love feeling insane as well.Eric Steininger-Frost

MEGGO Debuts Intricate Single “brooklyn pt. 1” Ahead of Debut EP Out January 2025

MEGGO, the creative project of Montreal-based musician and producer Megan Ennenberg, presents her latest single, “brooklyn pt. 1,” a track that captures both the spirit of New York and the artist’s unique sound – fusing atmospheric layers with raw, acoustic textures. Known for her work with FLEECE and now venturing into an intensely personal soundscape, MEGGO blends indie-folk, jazz, and field recordings, bringing her listeners into a world of delicate observations and heartfelt introspection.

Recorded through an iPhone voice memo on a Brooklyn rooftop, “brooklyn pt. 1” is infused with intimate, found sounds: the murmur of a crowded bar, the intricate chords of a jazz musician, the hum of a busy street. These elements create a textured, nostalgic feel that MEGGO describes as “cathartic as hell.” The track is taken from her forthcoming eavesdropper ;; death stories {chapter1} EP which is set for release in January 2025.

I like naming songs after where most of the collected sounds come from; Brooklyn, New York, where this track was born, feels like its own character in the song. “pt. 1” hints there’s more to the journey – a story that unfolds with time. It’s been a long journey of experimentation. At the end, you’ll hear a raw moment of me working through the song in real time – a reminder that the creative process isn’t always polished. It’s exciting to me to release a song that has an obvious mistake in it. I want people to ask themselves “Why does hearing someone make a mistake make me uncomfortable?” MEGGO is about taking risks and being real, and sharing what that looks like.MEGGO