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.

On the back of her stunning new single cinematic pop single 'LEAP', Jasmine Power is going from strength to strength with her empowering yet intricately placed brand of music that is travelling far and wide. A song all about the longing for home and choosing the next step even it doesn't fully feel right - Power has truly taken on her next step in this emotive track that fully encapsulates her beautiful honesty. We were lucky enough to sit down with Jasmine to learn the 5 son

Following the release of their latest single, 'Tully Jackson's Hill', Flex caught up with The Cox County Clappers to find out what artists influence their 'Mountain Rock' sound. If you enjoy their picks, be sure to check out 'Tully Jackson's Hill' at the end of the article. 1. Alexis Cunningham - Nice to Know You I heard this on WMOT in Nashville, pretty recently. Check out the pre-chorus--very dramatic. Reminds me of "Here's Where the Story Ends" by the Sundays. 2. Blackfoot

With the release of “Higher,” Memory Spells and Jordan Whitlock invite listeners into a world of dreamy textures, reflective lyrics, and cinematic production. The single acts as a luminous introduction to their collaborative debut, This Is What It Feels Like , a project defined by its ethereal aesthetic and emotional depth. From airy synths to subtle strings, every element of the track seems designed to envelop the listener in a soft, immersive glow. The album’s creation is a

At 22, Michelle Sara is writing from the in-between. Between languages. Between cities. Between who she was and who she’s becoming. Born and raised in Romania, now based in London where she moved at 19 to pursue a music degree, Michelle belongs to a generation shaped by motion. Her new single, ‘Forever’ , captures that feeling precisely - the quiet recalibration that follows it. Where some artists chase immediacy, Michelle leans into atmosphere. ‘Forever’ feels suspended in

Flex caught up with US singer-songwriter and producer Ally Bakst following the release of her latest single ' Look So Pretty', to discover what influences her immersive electronic alt-pop sound. If you enjoy Ally's picks, be sure to check out 'Look So Pretty' at the end of the article. 1. Team by Lorde Lorde has an incredible talent at building a world in your mind, and that’s exactly what I aim to do with my music. She creates a sonic landscape and uses lyrical imagery that

Drexler’s music has always lived in the spaces between places, between people, between words. With “Prague” , the Australian/Hong Kong composer and multi-instrumentalist (Adrian Leung) offers his most quietly devastating work to date, a meditation on care, distance, and the moment when roles between parent and child begin to reverse. Arriving January 16th, “Prague” is the final single ahead of Drexler’s forthcoming record Olympia-5 , an intimate collection of improvised solo

ARI LEE has built her world on contrast: softness and bite, vulnerability and wit, intimacy delivered with a knowing smirk. With her latest single “Someone For You” , the London-based indie alt-pop artist turns inward, offering one of her most emotionally revealing releases to date. It’s a song about belonging, expectation, and the quiet erosion that comes from trying to be everything for everyone else. Recognisable for her velvety vocals and pop-leaning melodies, ARI has al

With “Trouble” , Drew Freeland delivers a quietly commanding piece of modern Americana. The song was born from the final months of a long-term relationship, and that sense of emotional tension lingers throughout the track. Rather than leaning into heartbreak clichés, Freeland focuses on the clarity that comes with knowing it’s time to walk away. Her vocal performance is understated yet impactful. Freeland’s rich, smoky tone carries a sense of lived experience, making every li

There’s a moment in every band’s life where dreaming takes enough from the stars and begins to become a reality. Where ambition becomes an unwavering pull toward something bigger. For Niagara-based four-piece EMERG , that moment arrives with “Star Song.” The track doesn’t rush. Instead, it stands still long enough to look up. “Star Song” captures EMERG suspended between where they’ve been and where they’re going: feet planted firmly in the work, eyes fixed on the distance ahe

Survivalist sharpen their Groovecore sound with new album FACEBOOK  | INSTAGRAM  | TIKTOK  | LINKTREE  | YOUTUBE  | SPOTIFY With ‘A Place For Those Who Suffer, Alone’, Survivalist deliver their most cohesive and controlled release to date—an album that refines their self-defined Groovecore sound into something heavier, sharper, and far more deliberate. The Belfast four-piece have never sounded more certain of who they are, or more disciplined in how they deploy weight, space,

Ansera has officially launched as a new national player in experiential strategy and production, bringing together three established firms, High Output, L!VE, and Sardis, under a single integrated brand. Backed by Willistown Capital, the consolidation combines more than 100 years of collective experience across strategy, creative, and technical execution. The launch comes as in-person events regain momentum across industries, with rising expectations around audience engagemen

For years, Klemen was best known for becoming other people. Through razor-sharp impersonations of world leaders, pop stars, and political caricatures, the Slovenian artist built a digital presence that travelled far beyond borders. His videos, equal parts satire and spectacle, amassed hundreds of millions of views, landing him features across BBC, Reuters, Euronews and beyond. Klemen was, to much of Europe, a familiar face in unfamiliar guises. Golden Hour asks a quieter que

On the back of his stunning neoclassical release 'The Quiet Was Loud', rising Bristol based composer, conductor and instrumentalist Joe Galuszka has been making waves with his beautifully arranged pieces. Leaning into the ambience and with a winter feeling throughout, Galuszka really delivers in this captivatng debut, full of promise ahead of Debut EP 'Fractures' set for release in early 2026. We sat down with Joe to learn the 5 songs he loves right now, here at FLEX! -- 1. D

Rocky Michaels unveils the official music video for ‘Going Going Gone’, the uplifting new single from the California-based Americana songwriter, out now. Serving as the final single from his forthcoming fourth album Heroes, the video brings the song’s themes of release, movement and emotional clarity into sharp visual focus. Mirroring the track’s reflective but liberating tone, the video leans into Americana’s most enduring imagery — open roads, passing light, quiet moments o

OUTER has always operated in the margins between genres, but on ‘Svartsengi’ , Tom Soetaert sharpens his focus on something more elusive: the architecture of emotion itself. The track doesn’t build toward a climax so much as it carefully assembles a space, one shaped by uncertainty, restraint, and the quiet ache of unresolved loss. The single arrives as the second offering from Glowing Mountains in the Sky , OUTER’s first full-length album since 2018, and it carries the weigh

Following the release of his latest single 'I Ain't Lyin'!', Flex caught up with musician and illustrator Sugs to discover what influences his sound. If you enjoy Sugs' picks, be sure to check out 'I Ain't Lyin'!' at the end of the article. SK8 Head - City Morgue Both blunt and sharp. Changed my perspective on music when I found out you could bend genres like this. There are no rules in expression, just get the point across. Afterlife - Avenged Sevenfold One of my favorites a

With Hypnotica, Almost Alive isn’t just pushing rock forward — it’s reframing the genre entirely. And if ‘Eclipse Within’ is any indication, this is only the beginning of a far more ambitious sonic evolution. FOLLOW: X/TWITTER  | WEBSITE  | FACEBOOK  | YOUTUBE  | SPOTIFY   Almost Alive has always thrived in the tension between instinct and innovation, but with the arrival of Hypnotica and its anchoring single ‘Eclipse Within’ , the New Jersey project steps into its most conf

Image by Toby Shain Australian/Hong Kong composer and multi-instrumentalist Drexler 's music stands on its own for its soft-focus intimacy. But what lies beneath is much more: his forthcoming album, Olympia-5 is a record pulled from the raw edges of distance, grief, and reflection. "Saturdays" is the latest single to arrive from the record, perhaps the project's most luminous moment yet. Olympia-5 took shape during one of the most quietly devastating stretches of Drexler’s

Following the release of their latest single 'Habitual Burnout', Flex caught up with Endgame to discover what influences their signature rock sound. If you enjoy Endgame's picks, be sure to check out 'Habitual Burnout' at the end of the article. Brave New World - Starset As the first single for their new music cycle, it defines really well the mix between heavy music and cinematic elements. We went to their latest Italian show and this was one of our favorite performance from

Following the release of their latest single, 'Simply Hopeless', Flex caught up with Brandon from Kawaii AF to discover what influences the band's signature pop-punk sound. If you enjoy Kawaii AF's picks, be sure to check out 'Simply Hopeless' at the end of the article. “Jabberjaw”- Pain Back in the 90s and early 00s, Cartoon Network had this segment that they would play during the commercials called “Cartoon Groovies”,  that showcased music videos based around the cartoons t

On the back of his stunning Christmas single, Welsh pop star Samuel Evanson has been making waves in 2025 with his infectious and enthralling brand of alt-pop. 'Christmas Bells' possesses that Evanson magic, with those nostalgia filled melodies that remind you of WHAM! but that modernised polish that feels fresh and easy to spin on repeat. We sat down with Sam to learn the 5 songs he loves right now, here at FLEX! -- 1. CMAT - Stay For Something This track changed everything

Following the release of their latest single 'The Light', Flex caught up with ACCHORDIO to discover what influences their signature New Age sound with the soul of R&B . If you enjoy ACCHORDIO's picks, be sure to check out 'The Light' at the end of the article. Michael Jackson - Remember the Time That’s my favorite song EVER! The way the background vocals develop through the song. The energetic new jack swing and the power of Michael’s lead vocal by the final portion of it! It

Following the release of their latest single 'Christmas Ambulance', Flex caught up with Brighton's alt-indie trio Saltend Recovery to discover what influences their eclectic sound. If you enjoy Saltend Recovery's picks, be sure to check out 'Christmas Ambulance' at the end of the article. 1. Elliott Smith - Independence Day Elliott’s guitar finger picking is sublime on this track and he was at the peak of his powers here. It sounds like he could be describing his own butterfl

Following the release of her latest EP '11.11', Flex caught up with London-based pop artist Elfi to discover what influences her glittery pop sound. If you enjoy Elfi's picks, be sure to check out '11.11' at the end of the article. Let Alone The One You Love - Olivia Dean One of those songs that I wish I had written. Olivia captures the fragility of a relationship in which someone tries to keep you small. And how important it is to run away from people that make you feel that

Following the release of their latest single 'Laugh about it', Flex caught up with London dreampop band Just Like Honey to discover what influences their lush, expansive sound. If you enjoy Just Like Honey's picks, be sure to check out 'Laught about it' at the end of the article. 1. Orbital - Halcyon On and On Ah this song is like a dream and it scratches my brain. Best after party tune to put on, Orbital are also great live i saw them at a festival and it was a spiritual exp

Following the release of his latest single 'Legendary', Flex caught up with Peruvian DJ/producer Diego Barrera to find out what influences his eclectic sound. If you enjoy Diego's picks, be sure to check out 'Legendary' at the end of the article. 1. Eddie Amador – House Music (Robosonic Remix) This is one of my all-time favorite house tracks. Its joyful energy and those unforgettable chords were what really made me connect with this musical direction—and with Yoshitoshi at th

After more than ten years of writing, touring, and carving quiet spaces for reflection, Alina Ly is finally ready to open the box. Her debut album Shoebox is a decade of memory and release, held together by intimate confessionals and the slow, cinematic bloom of emotional transformation. Shoebox radically reconstructs everything Alina has lived through. Across the record’s hushed production and soul-stricken melodies, she builds a world of soft revelation - a place where gr

Some bands begin with grand declarations. The Ingrid began with a feeling - the kind you can’t quite name, but can’t ignore either. In a modest Chichester rehearsal room, three musicians found themselves orbiting the same intangible spark. There was no blueprint, no fixed sound in mind. Just Jess Charleslyn turning over a small, persistent idea, trying to work out why it wouldn’t leave her alone. That idea became “Limerence,” the band’s debut single, a track that seems to g

Photo credit: Lulu Shing With his rework of Phil Collins’ “Another Day in Paradise,” Ben Hazlewood dissolves nostalgia into a raw and cinematic dream tableau. The New Zealand-born, New York based artist approaches the 1989 classic as a quiet confrontation: bridging empathy and nostalgia into a timeless modern twist. Recorded in his apartment with a longtime collaborator, Hazlewood’s version feels both intimate and expansive, a world where tenderness hums beneath the noise.

Following the release of his latest album three stone fireside, vol. 1 , Flex caught up with Der Oscar Effekt to discover what influences his unique sound, blending Afrofusion, Makossa, Bikutsi, African folk, and hip-hop . If you enjoy Der Oscar Effekt's picks, be sure to check out three stone fireside, vol. 1 at the end of the article. Jovi – “Mboko God (Reality) feat Reniss” Jovi is, to me, one of the most influential and complete hip hop artists—not just in Cameroon, but a

On the back of their stunning and country rock-infused Americana single 'The Other Side', rising UK outfit Kay Iris are getting better with each release, and building a solid following whilst doing so. We sat down with them to learn the 5 songs they love right now, here at FLEX! -- 1. Laycee Kay Booth - Daddy's Mugshot Kay: I love the grittiness and honesty of this song. Laycee is so good at creating and  immersive, 3D world that pulls you into her songs. I've recently discov

On the back of his mesmerising synthwave single 'Schism', Rogue VHS has quintessentially built a sonic world that is entirely is own, blending electronica with synth nostalgia and building a huge audience in the meantime. We sat down with him to learn the 5 songs he loves right now, here at FLEX! -- 1. Love Me In Silence - Gown I review music over at submithub.com , and this was sent to me a week or so ago. Haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. Darkwave/coldwave

Bren.d.o: Southern Illinois’ Neo-Soul Storyteller Readies His Breakout Moment Southern Illinois native Brendan “Bren.d.o” Jennings is closing out 2025 with the momentum of an artist on the verge of a defining breakthrough. His alt-R&B and neo-soul fusion has already drawn national attention, bolstered by two iTunes-charting singles — ‘Electric Love Affair’ featuring Kendra Chanae and the bass-driven ‘Boom Boom’ — positioning him as one of the year’s most promising new voices.