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

Photo Credit: Callum Connah Following the release of their latest single 'Got To Go', Flex caught up with UK band Molly Gone Mad to discover what influences their Funk and Soul sound. If you enjoy Molly Gone Mad's picks, be sure to check out 'Got To Go at the end of the article. 1. Use Me - Bill Withers A song steeped in soul and funk, it's one I will never forget. The character in every musicians playing, the groove, the vocal delivery, all of it I love and can't get enough

If ‘Rising From The Ashes’ is anything to go by, 2026 belongs to Brunhilde… The German hard rock outfit have never been a band that does things by halves, but their latest single feels like a gear shift even by their own standards. This is Brunhilde distilled — everything that makes them essential, cranked up and pointed directly at your chest. From the first riff, it’s obvious something has changed. Not in the sense that the band have abandoned what makes them great, but in

A Night With A Sazerac arrives April 17th, and the timing is everything. Rose White's sophomore EP is a record about the past, released by someone who has genuinely left it there. Written entirely by White across a period of hurt and upheaval, and recorded live in the room with producer Ollie Clark in around two takes, the EP carries the warmth and grain of something captured rather than constructed. Joshua Woolf handled the mix and master. Soul is the gravitational centre,

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.

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