Award-winning pop singer-songwriter Matt Thompson has built his career on big hooks, emotional honesty, and a sharp instinct for crafting unforgettable pop moments. With millions of streams, chart success, and a growing list of accolades—including a Billboard Grammy Contender nod and a standout performance at SXSW—Thompson continues to carve out a distinct lane that blends vulnerability with high-energy polish. His latest single “Echo” leans into Y2K-inspired nostalgia while

Photo Credit: Karim Iliya Following the release of his latest single ' Opening', taken from his upcoming album 'Music for Walking' (May 2026). Flex caught up with Icelandic cellist and composer Eythor Arnalds to discover what influences his immersive neoclassical sound. If you enjoy Eythor's picks, be sure to check out 'Opening' at the end of the article. 1. Autumn (redux) · Joep Beving Joeb Beving comes from my beloved Amsterdam like Reinbert de Leeuw who introduced Satie to

Maryann Connolly continues to carve out a distinctive space with ‘Etched In Love’, a track that leans into her signature fusion of pop-rock, Americana, and subtle country textures. The production feels rich yet restrained, allowing her airy, emotive vocals to take centre stage. There’s a natural ebb and flow to the arrangement, with full-band instrumentation adding depth without overpowering the song’s intimate core. There’s a cinematic quality to the sound, but it remains gr

Following the release of her new EP, Ganbaru , Flex caught up with French artist DORRR to discover what influences her unique indie-rock sound. If you enjoy DORRR's picks, be sure to check out Ganbaru at the end of the article. 1. “Texas Sun” – Khruangbin & Leon Bridges This song is deeply connected to a very personal chapter of my life. I spent several years traveling regularly to Austin, Texas, between 2016 and 2022 while touring with my former band, and over time it beca

If there’s one thing Theresa is going to do, it’s reinvent and her new single “Rearview” proves she’s doing it in style. “Rearview” is a sleek, emotionally-charged pop anthem about one very relatable life skill: finally leaving the past where it belongs (hint: not in your group chat, not in your notes app… and definitely not in your future). Built on polished production and a confident, forward-driving energy, the track feels like that exact moment when everything clicks — wh

Following the release of their latest single 'Fly', Flex caught up with International jazz-tronica trio FM Experiment to discover what influences their unique blend of live jazz improvisations and electronic textures. If you enjoy FM Experiment's picks, be sure to check out 'Fly' at the end of the article. 1. Tom Misch — Kyiv The drum groove alone is enough to hook you in, but it's Rocco Paladino's bassline that truly sets the mood — a deep, warm foundation for Tom's guitar

Modern Rock & Electronic Rock With A Tech Twist… There’s a particular kind of tension that lives in the space just before everything makes sense — the charged, electric moment when scattered fragments begin to organise themselves into something coherent. It’s a feeling most artists struggle to articulate. Evan Kanter doesn’t just articulate it; he builds a whole sonic architecture around it. FOLLOW: X/TWITTER  | WEBSITE  | FACEBOOK  | YOUTUBE  | SPOTIFY   ‘Pieces Click,’ the

Following the release of their latest single, 'There Will Be Bread', Flex caught up with Seattle-based alternative outfit Sharkeologist to discover what influences their unique blend of indie, punk, gunge and pop stylings. If you enjoy Sharkeologist's picks, be sure to check out 'There Will Be Bread' at the end of the article. 1. Evgeny Kissin - Rachmaninoff's 3rd Piano Concerto I am aware of how pretentious this choice may seem, but if I could have written any piece of musi

Rob Lalain’s The Way We Were arrives as the latest chapter in one of independent music’s more intriguing comeback stories… After stepping away from recording for over twenty years, the songwriter has spent the past few years rebuilding a catalogue rooted in melodic rock traditions. With this new album, however, Lalain shifts from celebration to reflection, delivering a record shaped by personal upheaval and emotional storytelling. At its core, The Way We Were is built on cla

Photo Credit: Davide Edoardo (@monsieurdavid) Following the release of his latest single 'Do It Again?', Flex caught up with British artist and actor Jason Patel to discover what influences his unique, textured alternative-R&B sound. If you enjoy Jason's picks, be sure to check out  'Do It Again?' at the end of the article. 1. Grave - Summer Walker  This song was my introduction to Summer Walker when I stumbled across the Clear (Live) EP that was filmed in a treehouse. Wow. T

Romi Peles returns with “BABY BUNNY”, a hypnotic, shape-shifting lead single from his upcoming Break Up Album Vol. 2. Part psychedelic trip-hop, part funk-pop, and threaded with lo-fi grit, the track moves effortlessly between playful charm and introspective tension, capturing the illusions and ambivalence of romance with unguarded honesty. Built on tight basslines, agile grooves, and polished production, the song pivots mid-way into a hazier, more reflective mood, balancing

Photo Credit: @ismaelquintanillaiii and @maplestreetpix Following the release of his album Bottle Rocket Sunsets , Flex caught up with Americana singer-songwriter Charley Ramsay to find out more about what influences his distinctive sound. If you enjoy Charley's picks, be sure to check out Bottle Rocket Sunsets at the end of the article. Chris Whitley - Phone Call from Leavenworth Planning to spend a week at a friend’s New Mexico cabin, I stopped by Sundance Records in San M

Liverpool-based singer-songwriter Samuel Evanson unveils his latest album, The Anatomy of Attraction , a deeply personal record that traces the emotional terrain of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery over the past two years. Anchored by his unmistakable vocals, the album unfolds as an intimate portrait of growth - moving deliberately from moments of sadness and disorientation toward clarity, softness, and, ultimately, joy. It’s a record that feels lived-in and reflective, c

Sherman Oaks-born singer-songwriter Julia Kate returns with her latest single, “truce,” a tender and unguarded reflection on body image, self-perception, and the quiet courage it takes to stop fighting yourself. Currently a 21-year-old double major in Songwriting and Music Business at Berklee College of Music, Julia continues to shape a body of work rooted in emotional honesty and diaristic storytelling. On “truce,” she turns inward more than ever before, tracing the long-s

Fresh off the release of his powerful new single Gasoline, ILIA sat down with FLEX to talk about the roots of his musical journey, the influences that shaped his sound, and the intuition that drives his songwriting. From a childhood immersed in everything from metal to classical piano, music has always been a constant force in his life. In this candid conversation, he opens up about creativity, authenticity, and the deep emotional connection he hopes listeners find in his wor

Rising solo artist Gilska has been building a feverish hype with raido play across BBC national radio and heaps of press coverage. Now back with the alluring new single 'SALT' the London based artist had hit a new high. With a sound that sits as well amongst pop tunes as it does EDM bangers, we wanted to know more about what music inspires Gilska. Over to Gilska to offer up 5 of her faves: 1. Who’s That Calling? By Olga Myko  Who’s That Calling by Olga Maiko is one of my favo

Following the release of his latest EP 'Hard Days, Soft Nights', Flex caught up with country singer-songwriter Randy Ross to find out more about what influences his distinctive sound. If you enjoy Randy's picks, be sure to check out 'Hard Days, Soft Nights' at the end of the article. Jerry Jeff Walker - Stoney Jerry Jeff is one of my all time favorite songwriters and musical heroes and this song is a great example of why. It’s basically a story about a friend he traveled with

Following the release of his latest single 'Running From The Light', Flex caught up with Australian songwriter Gary Hubber to find out more about what influences his pop-rock sound. If you enjoy Gary's picks, be sure to check out 'Running From The Light' at the end of the article. A Day In The Life – The Beatles Easily my favourite song of all time.  So much to marvel at.  The structure and form of the song are wonderful.  John’s incredible vocals send shivers down my spine f

Following the release of his latest single 'Magazine', Flex caught up with London-based artist SAMLOW to discover what influences his gritty indie-rock sound. If you enjoy SAMLOW's picks, be sure to check out 'Magazine' at the end of the article. The Cure – A Forest Losing Yourself   There are songs you listen to, and then there are songs you enter. I still remember being a teenager in Aosta, in Northwest Italy, buying this vinyl at a local shop on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

Following the release of his latest single, 'Don't Make It Hard', Flex caught up with Floridian-based artist Raffy Bleu to discover what influences his jazz-influenced pop style. If you enjoy Raffy's picks, be sure to check out 'Don't Make It Hard' at the end of the article. Try Again by Aaliyah Growing up, this video was iconic and even until now. A soundtrack from the movie “Romeo Must Die”. I think it’s really one of the greatest music videos of all time also a great song.