Every artist has a handful of songs that become part of their DNA, whether they first opened the door to a new sound, connected them to their roots or simply stayed in rotation through different chapters of life. For British-Ghanaian rapper Benicio, those influences reflect the meeting point between the two worlds that have shaped his identity, from the Ghanaian HipLife that connects him to his heritage to the UK rap and Afroswing sounds that have influenced his own artistic

Following the release of his latest 4-track EP 'Unanswered', Flex caught up with multidisciplinary electronic artist mokroïé to find out what influences his immersive electronic sound. If you enjoy mokroïé's picks, be sure to check out 'Unanswered' at the end of the article. 1. Massive Attack – Paradise Circus I love Massive Attack in their pure darkness, but also when they choose delicacy—like with this track which might seem weak at first, but reveals itself to be a masterp

Every artist has a handful of songs that stay with them, whether they sparked an idea, shaped their taste or simply became part of the soundtrack to everyday life. For KOOLAID, those influences stretch across the sounds, scenes and artists that have shaped his creative journey, from his early days immersed in South Florida’s drum & bass underground to the genre-defying work he makes today. For this edition of 5 Songs I Love, KOOLAID catches up with Flex to talk through five t

Every artist has a handful of songs that have stayed with them, whether they sparked an idea, shaped their taste or simply became part of the soundtrack to everyday life. For jon scott, those influences span the music that has inspired him and helped shape the artist he is today. For this edition of 5 Songs I Love, scott catches up with Flex to talk through 5 tracks that hold a special place for him. Along the way, he digs into what draws him to each song, the artists and sou

Collaborative recording project Hardy Mums from Southern Ohio deliver a masterclass in organic, nostalgia-tinted indie rock with their video-single for "Muldoon," off the album “Return to Doggerland”. Produced by project mastermind Eddie Ashworth, the track hits an immediate sweet spot with its lush, 70s-inspired instrumentation and warm studio air. The dynamic vocal pairing of Ashley LaRue and Benny Coleman anchors the tune, bringing genuine soul and grit to a vibe rooted i

Kent-based teen artist Lily Madison releases new single ‘This Is It’, a track steeped in the melancholic warmth of 90s female-fronted soft rock… “It means trying to become a risk taker after being scared of the unknown and the uncertain” - Lily Drawing on the influence of The Sundays, The Cranberries and Fleetwood Mac, ‘This Is It’ captures a moment of quiet courage: the decision to take an emotional risk despite not knowing how it might end. The title itself holds two meanin

Following the release of DJ Sparadise's 'See U Again', Flex caught up with featured artist ANI to discover what influences her soaring vocal range and dance-pop delivery. If you enjoy ANI's picks, be sure to check out DJ Sparadise Feat. ANI ‘See U Again’ at the end of the article. 1. Mareux - The Perfect Girl I love the dark and almost creepy atmosphere of this song. It has this eerie, hypnotic feeling that’s very detached from this world. It has this cold, mysterious feeling

'The Game' may catch you off guard on first listen: There is something about a song written in five minutes that either falls apart under scrutiny or reveals itself as exactly as honest as it claims to be, and Dream Robbery's new single is firmly the latter. Follow: INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY The Yeovil, Somerset trio's frontman wrote the track alone one evening, a glass of whiskey beside him, Spiritualized's Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Spac

Following the release of his latest single, "Karma", Flex caught up with Daniel Leckerman to find out what inspires his emotionally charged electro-pop sound. Blending atmospheric production, honest lyricism and themes of identity, belonging and personal growth, the Scottish singer-songwriter creates music that explores the connections that shape who we are. If you enjoy Daniel's picks, be sure to check out "Karma" at the end of the article. Icona Pop - Fall In Love Icona Pop

Richmond, Virginia’s The Sugar Hollows embrace the freedom of not fitting neatly into one genre. Across 'Resonance', the five-piece blend southern rock, Americana, folk, blues, indie and jam influences into a sound that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly open-ended. Acoustic warmth, electric grit and lap steel textures give the record plenty of character, while its ten tracks draw on themes of love, loss, triumph, uncertainty and personal growth. More than simply a sho

Photo Credit: Respective Collective Following the release of their latest single 'Devórame', Flex caught up with multicultural Latin collective Vale! ULB to discover what influences their eclectic sound, which sees the collective balance the likes of Latin pop, Cuban rhythms, hip-hop soul and New Orleans bounce in their music. If you enjoy Vale! ULB's picks, be sure to check out 'Devórame' at the end of the article. 1. Lil Wayne Lollipop (Deezle) "This song is special to me b

Mexican composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Oriana Gidi steps confidently into her own sonic universe with iloteca, a richly textured second album that sits somewhere between experimental pop, cinematic composition and adventurous songwriting. Entirely self-produced, the record feels less like a collection of conventional songs and more like a living soundscape, shaped by curiosity, instinct and a willingness to follow an idea wherever it leads. Gidi’s multidisciplin

With their new album, Time in the Light now out, Strawhouses have given us a chance to dig a little deeper into the music that has shaped them. For this feature, the band (Stuart, Rishi, Michael, Paul and Chris) have picked five songs they love, offering a glimpse into the artists, records and moments that have influenced their own approach to making music. From personal favourites to tracks that have left a lasting impression, these five choices reveal a different side of St

After more than five decades spent writing, performing and refining his craft, Bob Stewart has accumulated the kind of songwriting perspective that can only come from a life lived alongside music. As the longtime frontman of the Ohio-based Bob Stewart Band, Stewart has built an ever-growing catalogue rooted in Americana storytelling, drawing inspiration from artists including John Prine, James Taylor and Jimmie Rodgers. His songs often find humour and irony in the everyday, r

Following the release of her latest single (with Richandell), "Can't Trust", Flex caught up with Shelana Azora to find out what inspires her soulful blend of R&B, hip-hop and contemporary storytelling. Known for balancing smooth vocals with confident lyricism, the East London artist creates music rooted in honesty, resilience and self-discovery, turning personal experiences into relatable anthems. If you enjoy Shelana's picks, be sure to check out "Can't Trust" at the end of

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY Some artists spend years in the background before they get their moment out front, and Wayne Banks has earned his. A Nottingham bass player with credits alongside Robin Gibb, Saxon and The Classic Rock Show, Banks has been the reliable name behind other people's spotlights for a long time. With 'World We Share', his debut solo single, he finally claims one of his own. And what an opener it is. This is big, unapologetic indie rock built for singi

Nashville singer-songwriter Nanseera is premiering her new single ‘Poison Rain’ with us today, and it’s one of those tracks that sits with you long after it ends… Written in the aftermath of the US Supreme Court’s ruling to weaken the Voting Rights Act, the song pairs gothic Americana with a message that feels impossible to ignore right now. FOLLOW: THREADS | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | LINKTREE WEBSITE | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE | APPLE MUSIC | BANDCAMP Nanseera has called the

Following the release of her debut single 'The Hunter', Flex caught up with comedian and YouTuber Jaime French to discover what influences her dark-pop sound. If you enjoy Jamie's picks, be sure to check out 'The Hunter' at the end of the article. 1. “Talk to Me” by Stevie Nicks This song just puts me in a good mood. The instrumentation really does it for me, and Stevie’s vocal is always incredible. 2. “Woman” by Mumford & Sons I don’t know what kind of magic they put into t

In an era where hip-hop often oscillates between escapism and confrontation, Chuckmate’s latest single, "BLACK MAGICK," manages to occupy both spaces at once. It is a record designed to make listeners think without sacrificing groove; a song that carries weighty themes of empowerment, resilience and self-belief while remaining smooth enough to soundtrack a late-night drive. The Nigerian-American artist has steadily built a reputation for blending cultural influences, sharp ly

Following the release of his latest album 'Chapters', Flex caught up with British singer-songwriter Tom Moriarty to discover what influences his folk-rock style. If you enjoy Tom's picks, be sure to check out 'Chapters' at the end of the article. 1. Bruce Springsteen, Meeting Across the River I was 17 when I first listened to Springsteen’s album Born To Run. I had to be one of the best albums ever made. People will know the track “Born To Run” however this was from a time w

Following the release of their latest single 'please', Flex caught up with London shoegaze band sadplanet to discover what influences their alternative blend of shoegaze, dream-pop, and indie rock. If you enjoy sadplaent's picks, be sure to check out 'please' at the end of the article. 1. Dinosaur Jr - Little Furry Things - AIDEN KNOWLES (GUITAR) My favourite song by one of my favourite albums of all time, and I feel like this record is the perfect portrayal of their iconic s

Photo credit Michael Biddinger Following the release of his latest single “Still Goin’”, Flex caught up with New Jersey singer-songwriter Steven Lemonto explore the influences behind his heartfelt blend of indie pop, rock and folk. If you enjoy Steven’s picks, be sure to check out “Still Goin’” at the end of the article. The Luckiest - Ben Folds I was a huge fan of Ben Folds Five when they were putting out records. Ben released his first solo album and this was the closing tr

Following the release of his latest single, "Fog Rap Melancholy", Flex caught up with Pure Speculator to find out what inspires his immersive electronic sound. Blending atmospheric production, experimental textures and introspective songwriting, the Los Angeles-based artist creates music that explores adaptation, reflection and the endless possibilities of the human mind. If you enjoy Pure Speculator's picks, be sure to check out "Fog Rap Melancholy" at the end of the article

Following the release of his latest 12-track album 'News From Delphi', Flex caught up with Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Atticus Kane to discover what influences his alternative folk-pop sound. If you enjoy Kane's picks, be sure to check out 'News From Delphi' at the end of the article. 1. Judit Halasz - A Luca Babám Judit Halász’s music is the soundtrack to my early childhood. Her music is universally loved across the country, there are 3-4 songs of hers you could start s

Following the release of “TENDERNESS”, Flex caught up with queer singer-songwriter and producer vincethealien to explore the influences behind his genre-blurring sound. If you enjoy Vince’s picks, be sure to check out “TENDERNESS” at the end of the article. Janet Jackson: “I Get Lonely” This is one of the best R&B/pop songs ever written. The structure of the track, the way the hi-hat is swapped out for this dry yet comforting snap, Janet’s silky, technically jazzy vocals drip

Some records document a place; Moments documents a state of mind. Across its 19-minute, 20-second runtime, Austyn Gillette captures the emotional afterglow of movement—the feeling of returning home changed, carrying new perspectives that are difficult to articulate but impossible to ignore. Written in the wake of extensive travel and recorded at Rancho Deluxe in Nashville, the EP possesses a cinematic quality. There is an understated sense of motion throughout these songs, as

Some bands need an entire album to establish their identity. Ychabods manage it in just four songs on Message Through Meadows. The EP is a confident showcase of a group comfortable moving between genres while maintaining a clear creative voice. Equal parts reflective and energetic, it demonstrates the band's growing maturity as songwriters and performers. From the opening moments of "Time Traveller," listeners are introduced to a world where big concepts meet accessible songw

Macro/micro's A.fter I.ntelligence finds Tommy Simpson pushing beyond the boundaries of conventional electronic music into something more conceptual and cinematic. Drawing on IDM, ambient, and experimental production techniques, the album unfolds as a carefully constructed exploration of artificial intelligence and its potential consequences. It's a record that prioritises atmosphere and narrative over immediate gratification. The production is consistently impressive. Glitch

Following the release of her latest single, "The Ride", Flex caught up with Brooke Hall to find out what inspires her heartfelt, story-driven indie sound. Drawing on small-town memories, personal experiences and a love of vivid storytelling, Brooke's music captures the fleeting moments that leave a lasting impression. If you enjoy Brooke's picks, be sure to check out "The Ride" at the end of the article. 1. Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Sweet Home Alabama” I was in the school band playin

Following the release of his latest single, "Feelin' Good", Flex caught up with Israel Portnoy to find out what inspires his soulful blend of country, gospel, folk and roots music. Rooted in spiritual storytelling and shaped by collaborations that span continents, Israel Portnoy's music explores themes of faith, self-worth and human connection. If you enjoy Israel's picks, be sure to check out "Feelin' Good" at the end of the article. Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garf

Following the release of his latest single 'Like Liam Gallagher', Flex caught up with Lewca to find out what influences his swaggering alt-indie rock sound. If you enjoy Lewca's picks, be sure to check out 'Like Liam Gallagher' at the end of the article. 1. Da Bush Babees : Pon de attack I grew up in an environment where kids of all ages would hang out together doing stupid shit, so I must of been eleven or twelve when I heard this tune at a get together I definitely shouldn’

Football anthems live or die on sincerity, and Impact Sound Lab have built theirs on a foundation that runs deeper than tournament hype. ‘Rise Up England (We Shall Never Surrender) – Radio Edit’ is the work of songwriter-producer David Matheson and producer-mixer Norm Sabourin, a duo whose decades in pop, rock, country and hip-hop converge here into a stadium-ready rock anthem built for the Three Lions’ latest push for glory. The track wears its classic British rock lineage p

Photo Credit: Vasvi Bhardwaj Following the release of his latest single “Passing Fix”, Flex caught up with Francisco to explore the influences behind his emotionally charged alt-folk sound and the world of emotionally detailed songwriting that shapes his work. If you enjoy Francisco’s picks, be sure to check out “Passing Fix” at the end of the article. 1. It’s My Life - Bon Jovi Picking 5 songs that have influenced me throughout my life is a bit of a tough pick, but I do thin

Way Back Home was supposed to be an EP. Then it became an album. And then, right at the end, came ‘My Love’ and everything clicked into place… The story of how ‘My Love’ came to exist says a lot about how REFLEKTA operate. The Sydney Brit rock outfit had already written a full debut album, having pushed well past a planned EP because the sessions with engineer Oscar were going too well to stop. The record was done. And then, on what the songwriter describes as a typical Frida

With The Goddess in the Room, Mané transforms personal healing into a communal experience. The Swiss queer singer-songwriter's second project is a striking fusion of atmospheric pop, spiritual ritual, and emotional storytelling, offering listeners an album that feels designed as much for reflection as for listening. From the opening title track, Mané establishes a sense of ceremony. The songs unfold with deliberate intention, each chapter contributing to a broader narrative o

There was a moment in Reese Harper's story where everything stopped making sense. A marriage ends. A faith dissolves. A software company he spent nearly a decade building is liquidated. Three versions of himself, gone. In response to this, Harper drove to the mountains. Specifically, to a cabin in the Utah wilderness, and an upright piano he hadn't played seriously in years. What followed wasn't therapy, exactly, and it wasn't performance. It was something closer to survival

Photo Credit: Valeria Melnykova Following the release of his latest single 'All I need is love', Flex caught up with Slovak singer-songwriter Alan Murin to discover what influences his uplifting pop sound. If you enjoy Alan's picks, be sure to check out 'All I need is love' at the end of the article. 1. “Legend” by Drake If I had to choose five songs that define different chapters of my life, the first one would be “Legend” by Drake. Drake was probably the first artist who tr

Barcelona-based artist and spoken word performer, Msb Mario, is back with his unique sound and live set for two huge dates at either end of the UK. Performing in Brighton and Newcastle, at the Folklore Rooms and The Cluny respectively, Msb Mario's distinctive sound is sure to wow crowds. Described by Spanish outlet Kamikaze Sonoro as “An experience that goes beyond music. Msb Mario El Niño de la Pili tells stories that touch people's hearts”, Msb Mario comes off the back of 2

Some songs arrive carrying more than a melody. They arrive with history attached to them - fragments of past selves, unfinished conversations, and questions that have only become more relevant with time. For Labrador Labratories, ‘Coded to be Free’ feels like exactly that kind of return: not a comeback built on nostalgia, but a thoughtful reintroduction from a band revisiting their origins through a contemporary lens. The story behind Labrador Labratories has always occupied

Colorado-based outfit Dirty Snowman Society continue to carve out their own lane within modern rock on “Slow Water,” a darkly cinematic single that balances crushing heaviness with emotional restraint. Rather than relying solely on force, the band build tension through atmosphere, pacing, and carefully layered instrumentation, creating a track that feels immersive long before it reaches its most intense moments. Rooted in the true story of a murder that took place years ago i

Following the release of her debut single 'Obvious', Flex caught up with singer-songwriter Lala Vale to discover what influences her blend of indie-pop and neo-soul sound. If you enjoy Lala's picks, be sure to check out 'Obvious' at the end of the article. 1. Suzanne Vega - Luka “Luka” is written from the perspective of a child experiencing domestic violence. As a mother to two children I’ve adopted, both with a difficult past, it always deeply moves me. Suzanne Vega’s writin

Photo Credit: Cindel Oh Following the release of their debut single 'No Intention', Flex caught up with London-based artist Ary Maudit to find out what influences their punchy alt-pop-punk sound. If you enjoy Ary's picks, be sure to check out 'No Intention' at the end of the article. 1. Jesus Of Suburbia – Green Day An absolute 9 minutes and 8 seconds of punk rock opera perfection — if such a thing exists, this band invented it. Green Day have been pivotal in my creative jou

There is a quiet grace that defines “Without You,” a sense that Colm Warren is less concerned with performance than with presence. The song unfolds with a measured pace, allowing its emotional core to emerge gradually, almost imperceptibly. Inspired by his sister’s family and the life of his nephew, it carries with it a depth of feeling that is both specific and universally resonant. Warren’s voice is at its most compelling when it leans into vulnerability, and here he allows

Curly Mouth’s Watermelon & Ginger is messy, ambitious, and a bit all over the place—in other words, it’s got proper personality. Across 19 tracks, this thing refuses to sit still for even a second, jumping from scrappy folk to glitchy chaos to dreamy indie detours like it’s got somewhere urgent to be at all times. When it hits, it really hits. Tracks like ‘Calm Me Down’ and ‘Gotta Leave Without Running’ show off Curly Mouth’s knack for sticky melodies and emotionally blunt ly

Following the release of their latest single 'Petri Dish', Flex caught up with US duo Dancing In Tongues to find out what influences their captivating mix of electronic indie dance and avant-pop sound. If you enjoy Dancing In Tongues picks, be sure to check out 'Petri Dish' at the end of the article. 1. BRUX "I Wish I Could Talk in Technicolor" BRUX's Halcyon Phase album is the pinnacle achievement of her career, highlighting her compositional potential and deep spiritual sid

Corban Chapple’s Maybe We’ll Make It is a quietly striking debut that privileges emotional honesty over spectacle. Rooted in introspection, the EP charts a journey through uncertainty and self-discovery, guided by a sensibility that feels both contemporary and classically informed. Its understated elegance invites listeners into a reflective soundscape shaped by longing, growth, and resilience. Conceptually, the project unfolds with literary precision. Structured as a prologu

Billy Peake’s Manic Waves refuses one of indie rock’s most persistent temptations: nostalgia. Despite its sonic familiarity—echoes of college rock, new wave shimmer, and power-pop structure—the album resists the urge to treat any of these influences as comfort. Instead, they’re deployed as tools in a present-tense argument about attention, responsibility, and cultural exhaustion. What distinguishes the record from many of its contemporaries is its refusal to romanticize eithe

Four walls, a chair, a computer - and, if you're Jackson Mercer, this is the starting point for your most honest work yet. The pop artist and songwriter returns with "Anxiety", a track that does exactly what its title suggests: it sits with discomfort, turns it over, and finds something worth sharing on the other side. For Mercer, the song began with a guitar riff he couldn't shake, which led him somewhere more personal. "I thought of my childhood growing up within school and

An Authentic & Refreshing Listening Experience There is a particular kind of artist who never quite fits the timeline the music industry expects: No viral moment, no industry co-sign, no carefully managed trajectory. Just decades of playing, writing, touring, living, and making music because it is simply what they do. Dr Wippit is that kind of artist, and ‘Yup’, his new single, sounds exactly like someone who has made peace with that and is glad they did. Originally from Chi

Photo Credit: Dan Donovan Following the release of his official music video for 'No Fear', taken from his solo debut album 'Art', Flex caught up with Northern Irish singer-songwriter Paul Archer to find out what influences his blend of indie and alternative rock sound. If you like Paul's picks, be sure to check out 'No Fear' at the end of the article. 1. The Verve - So It Goes I love the early Verve work (Storm In Heaven and A Northern Soul). Vast echoic beauty and powerful s