Rising West Midlands Pop Artist Nandini Nayar Continues to Shape Her Own Sound

Mainstream pop independent singer-songwriter Nandini Nayar, a 20-year-old artist from the West Midlands, has been steadily building momentum through live performances and a growing catalogue of original releases across all major streaming platforms and social media.

Since making her debut with “Thoughts”, Nandini has gone on to release a further seven singles. Her most recent outputs include the Halloween-themed 2024 release “Ghost” alongside the empowering track “Freedom”, both highlighting her evolving songwriting style and expanding artistic direction.

Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences — from Greek rap to Afro-beats — Nandini’s creative approach reflects a determination to explore beyond traditional pop boundaries. Rather than conforming to a single genre or industry norm, she continues to experiment with different sounds, styles, and themes while maintaining pop as the foundation of her musical identity.

Over the past three years, Nandini has collaborated closely with producer Martin Willis, working to refine her sound and push her creative ambitions further. This ongoing partnership is now set to culminate in the release of her upcoming EP, currently in development and expected later this year.

With a growing discography and a commitment to artistic versatility, Nandini Nayar is positioning herself as one of the emerging independent voices to watch within the UK pop scene.

I chat with Presonus, and now Fender Pro Guru Johnny Geib about the whole takeover process.

I chat with long-time PreSonus expert Johnny Geib from Home Studio Trainer about Fender’s takeover of the PreSonus DAW software company.

We dig into:

• The facts behind the fiction surrounding the acquisition

• Ongoing DAW upgrade issues on both PC & Mac

• The people behind the business model

• What the future looks like for the newly branded Fender Studio Pro DAW

Drop your comments below and share your own experience —

Johnny’s watching!

Check out Johnny’s channel at https://www.hst-homestudiotrainer.com/

Michael Pinning Releases New Indie Pop Single “Ghost”

Indie pop artist Michael Pinning returns with his latest single, “ghost,” a powerful and introspective track that confronts the fight against an invisible enemy.

At its core, “ghost” explores mental health struggles as a haunting presence—something that lingers quietly, attacks without warning, and often goes unseen, yet deeply shapes everyday life. The song captures the exhausting internal battle of facing thoughts and emotions that feel external, uncontrollable, and relentless.

Driven by tense production and emotionally charged lyrics, Pinning transforms inner turmoil into a tangible opponent. The push and pull between resilience and exhaustion is reflected in the song’s restrained yet urgent energy, mirroring the reality of living with ongoing mental health challenges.

Known for his honest and emotionally grounded songwriting, Michael Pinning continues to push indie pop into more vulnerable territory with “ghost.” The track gives a voice to those fighting silently, offering a quiet reminder that struggling doesn’t mean losing—and that survival itself can be an act of strength.

“ghost” is available now on all major streaming platforms.

Track Details

Artist: Michael Pinning
Song Title: ghost
Genre: Indie Pop
Themes: Mental health, inner conflict, resilience, unseen battles
Location: United States

Joanna Adams – New classicla Acoustic  / folk release  – Swoonworthy

In her latest single from an upcoming debut EP (out February 2026), Joanna Adams blends her classical roots with quirky pop and musical-theatre flair, turning lessons in love into richly detailed musical storytelling.

Built around lush string-quartet arrangements by classical composer Andrew Gabb, the song pairs flowing piano lines with confident, sweeping soprano vocals. The result is a sound that feels both theatrical and intimate, firmly establishing Joanna’s distinctive artistic voice.

The song was inspired by Joanna’s love of Jane Austen’s novels, particularly their witty and insightful explorations of romance and emotional nuance. For Joanna, lyrics often come first, followed by melody and harmony developed at the piano. The chorus draws influence from the classical-pop songwriting of Australian artist Kate Miller-Heidke, shaping a melody that is both playful and emotionally resonant.

“I love music that sweeps you up in its atmosphere and takes you on a journey. I always start with a feeling or an idea that has captivated me and that I feel the need to explore and express through poetry and music. That is what I wanted to do with Swoonworthy, and I hope you enjoy the fun and romance with me.”

Joanna Adams is a Sydney-based, classically trained soprano and emerging singer-songwriter. Alongside her original music, she works as an entertainer, performing concerts for residents in aged-care facilities—an experience that has deepened her appreciation for music as a tool for meaningful human connection. Her debut EP is scheduled for release in February 2026.

Broghan( Alternative ) New release Monstare In a Suit and Tie

 About Broghan

You’re looking for something different. Something meaningful. A distraction that doubles as therapy. A song that grabs you by the ears and whispers, “I get it.” One that takes all your jumbled thoughts and transforms them into a single melodic piece, sticking in your head long enough to drown out the endless noise of daily life. That’s exactly what Broghan wanted—and so she made it herself.

The young Scottish artist turned her own experiences—and the stories of others—into songs, each one vividly illustrated through her stunning paintings and drawings. Today, Broghan [BRO-GAN] is an independent artist whose music has reached listeners all over the world.

With songs available across all major streaming platforms, Broghan has released two music videos and performed at iconic Scottish venues, including the legendary King Tut’s. Her live performances captivate audiences, most notably when opening for Lewis Capaldi in 2023 at the OVO Hydro, performing to a crowd of 12,000.

Industry professionals have praised Broghan for her storytelling and cinematic songwriting. Her tracks are filled with catchy melodies, moving vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics. As A&R Factory noted about her single The Calm Before The Storm: “She’s a phenomenon in her own right, and it is only a matter of time before she’s showered with plaudits and songwriting awards.”

Joey Gutos Releases  – Life On Cruise, a Groove-Driven Indie Rock Single About letting Go and Moving Forward

 Phoenix-based singer-songwriter Joey Gutos unveils his latest single, “Life On Cruise,” a groove-driven indie rock track built on infectious rhythms, shimmering guitar hooks, and rich, soulful vocals. Known for merging modern indie sensibilities with classic influences, Gutos delivers a song that feels both effortless and intentional—tailor-made for late-night drives, alternative radio, and mood-forward playlists.

Drawing sonic inspiration from artists such as sombr, Foster The People, and Balu Brigada, “Life On Cruise” balances clean, contemporary production with the raw energy of a live band. Subtle nostalgic elements run throughout the track, echoing Motown warmth, 60s psychedelia, and folk-rooted songwriting, while remaining firmly grounded in today’s indie rock landscape.

For this release, Gutos and his band took full creative control after years of collaborating with top Valley producers. The result is a confident, self-directed statement that reflects both artistic growth and clarity.

“The song came from that feeling of being stuck in a version of myself that didn’t quite fit anymore,” Gutos explains, “and finally choosing to move toward what feels right.”

The song’s origins are just as atmospheric as its sound. The original demo was recorded overnight in a dimly lit rehearsal studio during one of Phoenix’s infamous summer haboobs—dust storms known for knocking out power across the city. With electricity cutting in and out, Gutos recorded in near darkness, taking intermittent naps on a sleeping bag between takes.

“Life On Cruise” has since become a live favorite with Gutos’ new band, featuring Nick Sterling, Jeremy Reynoso, and Marcus Weeden. A performance on the Amazon Prime-featured livestream The Recording Artist sparked an overwhelming audience response, ultimately convincing Gutos to transform the track into a fully realized studio release.

Beyond his recorded work, Joey Gutos remains deeply embedded in the Phoenix music community—collaborating with local artists, hosting songwriter meetups, and creating spaces for musicians to connect and grow together. “Life On Cruise” stands as both a personal milestone and a reflection of that community-driven spirit: a song about release, forward motion, and trusting the road ahead.

Dylan Connor Releases New Single – Hot Mess.

Singer-songwriter Dylan Connor has released his new single “Hot Mess,” a punchy, straight-ahead rock track driven by sharp, self-aware lyrics and restless energy. The song serves as the lead single from Connor’s forthcoming album Lest We Forget, set for release on January 30. Drawing inspiration from bands like The Cult, XTC, and R.E.M., “Hot Mess” balances classic rock urgency with a modern lyrical bite.

Lyrically, “Hot Mess” explores the tension between confidence and insecurity with humor and clarity. Connor contrasts an almost mythic figure — described as “a living goddess in a diamond-studded dress” — with a narrator unraveling in real time, repeating the refrain “I’m a hot mess / can barely get myself dressed.” The song captures modern restlessness and comparison culture, nodding to digital fatigue and compulsion with lines like “my fingers start to scroll / swiping always takes a toll.”

One of the track’s strongest hooks is its shimmering guitar work, played by producer and multi-instrumentalist Merritt Jacob. He opens the song with a catchy, immediate riff that establishes momentum from the outset, then returns throughout the choruses with a call-and-response interplay against the lead vocals. The result adds lift, texture, and memorability without overcomplicating the arrangement.

Rhythmically, the track is propelled by drums engineered and performed by Coley O’Toole, a multi-instrumentalist and member of the platinum-selling band We The Kings, who also toured with Green Day in the summer of 2024. O’Toole’s performance provides a tight, forward-driving backbone that keeps the song urgent and unfiltered.

Since its release, “Hot Mess” has landed on several Spotify playlists, helping build momentum ahead of Lest We Forget— an 11-track album that moves between darker, edgy guitar work, clean and sparkling textures, and stark, piano-driven moments.

Connor first gained widespread attention with his humanitarian anthem “If Only You’d Listen,” which went viral with over 9 million Facebook views. His music has appeared in films including Adverse and the Oscar-contending documentary Little Gandhi, as well as across networks such as MTV and Discovery.

With Lest We Forget arriving January 30, Dylan Connor continues to embrace an unapologetically human approach — capturing vulnerability, urgency, and self-awareness in equal measure.