Where rising artists can get heard.
NMR website featuring new Indie artists, they feature Artists in Focus and also many others On the Radar weekly.
Latest Artists Reviews
Djuphjärtad (Swedish for “deep-hearted”) is a beautifully restrained collaborative EP from Swedish singer Emma Luciaand ambient project Ship Says Om (Jenny Gillespie Mason). Born out of a creative friendship in Berkeley, California, the project began when Lucia invited Mason to reimagine her songs through a more atmospheric and exploratory lens.
The EP flows between two distinct yet interconnected moods. On one side are intimate, emotionally rich songs of romantic anticipation—“Keep Me” and “Feel Your Eyes.” On the other, more meditative, elemental pieces emerge, including the Swedish-language “Ditt Hjärta” and the wordless “Water Prayer.”
Mason’s production is deeply rooted in the natural world, incorporating found sounds like birdsong, wind, thunder, rustling trees, and the rhythmic motion of oars cutting through water. These organic textures are layered with ambient synths, acoustic guitar, piano, and subtle percussion, creating a soundscape that feels both immersive and quietly expansive.
The result is a seamless fusion of Lucia’s luminous, expressive vocals and Ship Says Om’s textured, environmental production. Djuphjärtad evokes the stillness of forests and lakes while gently tracing the emotional thresholds of new love. Sonically, it sits somewhere between experimental ambient and modern composition, echoing the spirit of artists such as Stina Nordenstam, Hiroshi Yoshimura, Philip Glass, and The Books.
Ship Says Om – Water Prayer ( Instrumental
With Ride Or Die, Esplanada deliver a concise three-track EP that marks a clear step forward in their sound—more direct, collaborative, and emotionally driven. Blending melancholic tones with cinematic alt-pop/rock textures, the project feels both intimate and expansive.
Led by composer Philippe Missud and lyricist Elisa Giacomini, the EP introduces Silke on vocals, adding a fresh and expressive edge. Backed by a strong supporting cast and produced by Alex Aldi (Passion Pit, Goo Goo Dolls), the sound is polished yet deeply human.
The EP follows a simple but effective emotional arc:
- “Ride Or Die” opens with a powerful statement of loyalty and devotion, turning the title into a mantra of staying present through chaos.
- “Back To The Way It Was” leans into nostalgia, balancing longing with a subtle sense of hope.
- “Our Heart’s Not There” closes things out with quiet clarity, capturing the moment when a connection has faded beyond repair.
Across its three tracks—promise, memory, and truth—Ride Or Die explores love, resilience, and emotional honesty, drawing comparisons to artists like Metric, Garbage, The Cranberries, and London Grammar.
Set for release on June 17, Ride Or Die is a compact but emotionally resonant statement from a band continuing to evolve.
Esplanada – Ride Or Die ( Pop /
Indie rock singer-songwriter Jay Madera has announced his upcoming album Backroom Blight, arriving June 26, 2026 via Pop Cautious Records.
Leading the release is the first single, “Forty Winks,” out May 29, offering an early glimpse into Madera’s most expansive and ambitious work to date.
Blending alternative rock, melodic pop, and experimental textures, Backroom Blight explores the emotional contradictions of modern life—moving between disillusionment, hope, and catharsis with a cinematic edge. The album was recorded between 2023 and 2024 and co-produced by Madera alongside Alexandre Hirlinger, with contributions from a range of collaborators.
Following his 2021 release Anxious Armada, Madera continues to evolve his sound, pairing anthemic hooks with deeply introspective lyricism. At its core, the new record examines identity, anxiety, and the search for meaning in a world shaped by both beauty and collapse.
“Forty Winks” captures a key emotional turning point—when prolonged worry gives way to acceptance. Built on shimmering instrumentation and a slow-burning release, the track reflects the fleeting nature of relief and the quiet peace that follows.
Meticulously crafted yet emotionally raw, Backroom Blight promises a powerful and immersive listening experience.
Jay Madera – Forty winks ( Folk /
Brand New Heartache, the husband-and-wife duo of Eleese and Matthew Meschery, blend Americana roots with anthemic indie-pop and rich vocal harmonies. Originally formed in Oakland, California, the pair relocated to Madison, Tennessee in 2022, positioning themselves within the heart of the Nashville music scene.
Since the move, the duo have developed a polished and emotionally resonant sound, working with session musicians connected to Chuck Prophet, Counting Crows, and Aimee Mann. Their growing presence in East Nashville is building momentum ahead of a forthcoming release on Mule Kick Records.
Their music centres on themes of love, resilience, and emotional honesty. Songs explore the tension between devotion and doubt, capturing the realities of long-term relationships with depth and authenticity. The result is a sound that feels both intimate and cinematic.
The band name draws inspiration from the classic song made famous by Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons, whose influence can be heard in the duo’s vocal chemistry and melodic sensibility. Their debut album reflects this heritage while delivering a modern take on Americana and indie songwriting.
The record features a strong lineup of musicians, including Jebin Bruni and Jimmy Wallace (keys), James DePrato, Matthew Szlachetka and Nat Gleason (guitars), Michael Urbano, Darren King and Jim Boggios (drums), and Ted Pecchio, Etienne Franc and Mitchell Cardenas (bass). Backing vocals come from KPHawthorn and Sarah Ailli.
Production and mixing were handled by Michael Patterson, known for work with Beck and The Notorious B.I.G., alongside engineers Ryan Sandlin, Steve Berns, and Michael Rosen, ensuring a high-quality and dynamic sound.
Influenced by artists such as John Prine, Mates of State, The New Pornographers, The Head and The Heart, and Aimee Mann, Brand New Heartache combine elements of indie folk, classic country, soul, and Laurel Canyon-era songwriting.
Their move to Tennessee was a natural evolution following a 2019 show opening for Maggie Rose in Oakland. Rather than reinventing their sound, the transition has deepened their songwriting, giving their music greater warmth, clarity, and emotional impact.