REVIEWS | New Music Discoveries: Alt-Folk, Indie Pop & Indie-Rock Highlights with Ria Hanley, Julie Paschke & More

In this edition of new music discoveries, we spotlight the most intimate and energetic alt-folk, indie pop, and indie-rock releases of the season. Julie Paschke drifts into beautifully raw alt-folk introspection on “Cold In Your Town”, while Sour Blood reveal a softer, quietly powerful side with their acoustic-leaning “Elegy”. Julia Kate sharpens vulnerability into bright indie-pop empowerment on “be nice princess”, and Tamar Berk channels fuzz-soaked mid-2000s nostalgia on “indiesleaze 2005”. Closing out the selection, Ria Hanley delivers warm, timeless storytelling on her folk-rooted standout “Antonia”. These tracks showcase the richness and range of today’s new music discoveries, offering honesty, emotion, and unforgettable character.

"Cold In Your Town" by Julie Paschke

Julie Paschke delivers another beautifully disorienting gem with "Cold In Your Town", an alt-folk meditation that drifts like a half-remembered dream before revealing its emotional weight. Recorded entirely at home, the track feels wonderfully unfiltered — a raw strand of thought stretched into melody — while Dan Duszynski’s subtle touches add just enough depth to thicken the fog. Paschke leans into themes of detachment and delusion with a quiet honesty that lingers long after the final chord. What makes this one shine is its refusal to explain itself; it simply exists, mysterious and absorbing, the kind of song that rewards anyone willing to sit inside its stillness.

“A beautifully unfiltered alt-folk dream that reveals more with every listen.”

"Elegy" by Sour Blood

With "Elegy", Sour Blood step into a more tender space without losing their trademark emotional gravity. Built around understated acoustic textures, the song traces the uneasy terrain between fear and transformation, landing with a softness that feels brave rather than fragile. It’s a striking shift for the band — a moment where their darkness opens up and lets in a little light. The track stands out for its sincerity: nothing feels forced, everything feels earned. And with its visual companion, this release feels less like a detour and more like the beginning of a powerful new direction.

“A tender, quietly powerful turning point that shows Sour Blood at their most human.”

"be nice princess" by Julia Kate

Julia Kate’s "be nice princess" is a bright, razor-edged indie pop anthem that makes its point with a smile and then twists the knife. The track’s glittering guitars and catchy hooks set the stage, but it’s Julia’s writing — equal parts wit, frustration, and hard-won clarity — that gives the song its staying power. She pushes back against the pressure to shrink herself, turning a familiar expectation into something bold and cathartic. It’s clever, it’s catchy, and it’s a confident reminder of the artist she’s becoming. This is Julia Kate in full color.

“A razor-sharp pop anthem that turns expectation into empowerment.”

"indiesleaze 2005" by Tamar Berk

Tamar Berk dials straight into the heart of mid-2000s indie nostalgia with "indiesleaze 2005", a fuzz-soaked sprint full of chaotic charm and emotional bite. It’s loud, it’s messy, and it captures that era’s frantic hopefulness with uncanny precision — the kind of song that instantly transports you back to tiny venues, bad lighting, and big dreams. Pulled from her acclaimed album "OCD", the track stands out not just for its sonic punch but for Berk’s ability to weave memory into something urgent and alive. She’s long proven herself a gripping storyteller, and this track is one of her most vivid yet.

“A fuzzed-out, era-defining rush that captures the chaotic heart of 2005 indie.”

"Antonia" by Ria Hanley

Ria Hanley’s "Antonia" is a tender, timeless folk tale inspired by a fleeting encounter that leaves a lasting mark. Warm slide guitars, gentle picking, and softly glowing harmonies wrap around her storytelling, giving the song a nostalgic ease while still feeling grounded in the present. There’s a sincerity to Ria’s voice that makes every detail feel lived-in — a quiet wisdom passed down through melody. Coming off stages with Declan McKenna, Sunny Sweeney, and Big Country, she’s quickly becoming a standout for listeners who love songs with heart, history, and a touch of wanderer’s spirit.

“A warm, timeless folk gem that turns a brief encounter into lasting magic.”

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