MARI drops candid and empowering debut EP: between the lines

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On October 17, Norwegian pop artist MARI will release her debut EP between the lines — her most personal and fearless work to date. The project takes listeners on an emotional journey from intense teenage heartbreak and loss of self to strength, self-respect, and artistic rebirth.

“I didn’t feel respected or heard. I had to break free and find my way back to myself.” That’s how MARI describes the heart of between the lines. The debut EP was born from years of processing a turbulent relationship that shaped her late teens. As she explains, “When you’re a teenager, a relationship feels like your whole life. The emotions are so strong — much stronger than people often realize. For a long time, I thought I had to be perfect to be loved, perfect for a boy to like me.”

What began as a painful and isolating experience eventually became healing. The writing process forced MARI to revisit wounds she once tried to suppress: “It felt like almost three years of my life were a fever dream. I needed distance before I could write about it.” Throughout the making of the record, she faced countless mini-breakdowns in the studio — but each one helped her reclaim her own story. “It was tough to relive it all, but at the same time healing. I grew while writing and singing about what I went through.”

The EP unfolds like a diary told in sequence — opening in confusion and heartbreak, then breaking apart before slowly rising again into empowerment and self-worth. Its closing track, goddess, is both a personal victory and an anthem for others: “It’s not about me being a goddess — it’s about every woman deserving to feel like one.”

For the first time, MARI has taken a stronger role in shaping both lyrics and melody, and together with her talented collaborators, the result is a project that feels more intimate, vulnerable, and fearless than her previous singles.: “Before, I often told my story to other songwriters. This time I wrote it myself — and you can hear that.” While rooted in contemporary pop, between the lines dares to move beyond trends, blending emotional honesty with a cohesive, modern soundscape.

between the lines was mainly produced by MARI’s brother, who at first found it challenging to hear his younger sister sing so openly about love and heartbreak. But he encouraged her to be fearless and honest. Alongside songwriter Kristine Willassen, who co-wrote every track, the team created a safe space that allowed MARI to be vulnerable, brave, and artistically free.

TRACKLIST

  1. 00:31
  2. bad habit
  3. see you go
  4. last talk
  5. please don’t let me know
  6. bye
  7. goddess

RELEASE BACKGROUND

  • Artist: MARI
  • Debut EP: between the lines
  • Release: October 17, 2025
  • Label / Distribution: Freya Records / Universal
  • Genre: Pop

Make Out Monday Take Listeners ‘Back to the Feeling’ with New Retro-Infused Single

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FFO: Blink-182, The Story So Far, The 1975, Walk the Moon, Mayday Parade, Paramore
Genre(s): Alternative, Rock, Pop Punk, Alt-pop, Emo-pop, 80s shimmer

Alternative rock outfit Make Out Monday return with their brand-new single ‘Back to the Feeling’, a shimmering, nostalgic anthem that fuses 80s-inspired soundscapes with the band’s signature pop punk energy.

Written by Zack Shada, Seth Renken, and Ezra Behrens, ‘Back to the Feeling’ began as an acoustic riff from drummer Seth before evolving into a full-bodied track powered by Zack’s soaring melodies and nostalgic lyricism. Produced and mixed by Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount, and mastered by Ted Jensen, the single pays homage to 80s icons like Tears For Fears, The Cars, Genesis, and Don Henley, while still firmly rooted in the raw emotion and energy that defines Make Out Monday.

Thematically, ‘Back to the Feeling’ reflects on longing for a lost moment in time, a relationship preserved as memory, impossible to relive but unforgettable all the same. Despite the sombre sentiment, the track pulses with optimism, pairing heartfelt lyrics with uplifting instrumentation designed to capture that euphoric rush of nostalgia.

“It’s about trying to return to a time, place, or feeling you can’t get back to,” says vocalist Zack Shada. “We wanted it to sound hopeful even in its melancholy, like rewinding the tape of your life.”

The single is also laced with a cinematic nod to Back to the Future, one of the band’s favourite films. That connection comes full circle on October 25th, when Make Out Monday will debut the song live at a special Back to the Future 40th anniversary celebration at the iconic Twin Pines Mall filming location. The band will also release a music video, featuring a DeLorean and a nostalgic journey through their own memories, as a playful homage to the cult-classic movie. Fans may recall the group’s previous Back to the Future–themed video for Kissaphobic (2018), which went on to amass over 8 million streams.

ABOUT MAKE OUT MONDAY

Hailing from Los Angeles, Make Out Monday blend the urgency of pop punk with the shimmer of 80s-inspired alt-pop. With over 20 million lifetime streams and a global fanbase built from appearances at comic cons and tours across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and the Philippines, the band has carved a unique space in alternative music. Their single Twixter climbed to #1 on KROQ Locals Only, and they were voted Most Popular Pop Punk Band on KLOS.

The band has performed alongside legends such as Run-D.M.C. and New Politics, and headlined major events, including a show for 5,000+ fans at Asia Pop Comic Con in Manila. Their track record also includes features on All Time Low’s popular podcast Full Frontal.

Fronted by Zack Shada (vocals), an accomplished actor and voice artist known for roles in Lost, Adventure Time, Grey’s Anatomy, and more, alongside Seth Renken (drums) and Ezra Behrens (guitar), with collaborator Nathan Bramsway on bass, the band continues to expand their sonic palette while staying true to their roots.

With ‘Back to the Feeling’, Make Out Monday have crafted a nostalgic yet forward-looking anthem that feels both timeless and urgent, a reminder that even if you can’t relive the past, you can always bring its spirit into the present.

Sam Uctas Finds Truth in Sound on ‘The Dark Made Sense’

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London-based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Sam Uctas has released his uncompromising new album, The Dark Made Sense, a record that strips music back to its essence: raw, unrefined, distorted, noisy, and deeply human.

Recorded entirely by Uctas, every word, note, and fader move, the album stands as a pure line from artist to listener. With no outside interference, The Dark Made Sense reflects Uctas’ vision of music as art in its truest form: imperfect, alive, and honest.

Inspired by Hemingway’s Iceberg Theory, Uctas kept the songs direct and uncluttered, leaving space for the listener’s imagination to move within the grooves. “In a world that feels ever more fake, I am trying to create music that is real,” he explains. “Music that lives and breathes.”

Working primarily with analogue gear and avoiding digital polish, Uctas has crafted a sound that defies genre boundaries. From the grit of rock and funk to the atmospheric edges of avant-pop and art rock, the album embodies wild, unbridled expression, resisting the formula-driven pressures of today’s music industry.

ARTIST BIO

Sam Uctas is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and guitarist with a passion for blending traditional guitar-driven songwriting with experimental soundscapes. Drawing influence from the greats of rock, funk, and jazz, as well as the great writers of the 20th century, Uctas’ work pushes boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in a love of music and storytelling.

GENRES: Rock • Art Rock • Funk Rock • Avant-Pop • Alternative / Indie

FFO: Velvet Underground • Lou Reed • Red Hot Chili Peppers • Bauhaus • Gang of Four • Funkadelic • Frank Zappa • Tom Waits

ALBUM CREDITS: Written, Performed, and Produced by Sam Uctas

PHOTO CREDITS: Sam Uctas

ZT Releases New Single ‘AFTER PARTY / AFTER HOURS’

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Rising R&B artist ZT returns with his new single “AFTER PARTY / AFTER HOURS”, a smooth infusion of pop sensibility and rich R&B textures. The track dives deep into the artist’s own lived experiences, balancing the highs of nightlife in London and LA.

My music is about storytelling from my own perspective as a human,” ZT explains. “This song reflects my party life, but other records I’ve made tell stories of true heartache. Both sides exist in me, and they intertwine in ways I think a lot of people can relate to.

The single was produced by Grammy-nominated, platinum producer Riley Urick, mixed by Grammy Award-winning engineer Bob Horn, resulting in a track that feels cinematic yet intimate, anchored by ZT’s commanding baritone voice.

ZT has already caught the attention of tastemakers, with A&R Factory noting, “ZT joins the ranks of artists like The Weeknd and Frank Ocean who know exactly how to turn vulnerability into something magnetic.”

With comparisons to The Weeknd, Giveon, and Chris Brown, ZT carves out his own space in the modern R&B landscape. His half-English, half-American background and lifelong immersion in music fuel his ability to merge timeless soul with sleek, contemporary production.

ARTIST BIO

There’s something powerful about music that feels both familiar and new—where timeless emotion meets a modern voice. For ZT, a half English, half American artist shaped by two cultures and a lifelong connection to music, that balance comes naturally. His sound blends soul and polish, intimacy and impact—anchored by a voice that demands to be felt as much as it’s heard.

ZT is a modern R&B and pop artist whose rich baritone voice sets him apart in today’s soundscape. Born into a family of musicians, his love for singing began early and grew into a passion for telling stories through music. With every note, ZT channels the depth of emotion that comes from lived experiences—transforming love, longing, and heartbreak into something listeners can feel. His voice isn’t just an instrument; it’s a vessel for vulnerability, honesty, and soul.

Drawing inspiration from the complexities of relationships, ZT’s music blends smooth production with raw emotion. Each song is crafted to echo the moments that define us—quiet confessions, late-night doubts, the thrill of connection, and the sting of goodbye. With an unmistakable tone and a dedication to authenticity, ZT doesn’t just sing about love—he invites you to feel it in every form. This is music for the ones who’ve been there, stayed too long, left too soon, or never stopped feeling.

Kaleidoscope Orchestra’s Through the Clouds is A Cinematic Journey of Flight and Emotion

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“I am full of joy at how you have arranged my music… you have breathed new life into them!” – FATBOY SLIM

“Kaleidoscope Orchestra has thrived at the intersection of dance and orchestral music.” – EDM.COM

FFO: Odesza, M83, Hans Zimmer, Hollow Coves

Genre(s): synth pop, electronic, ambient electronic, classical, dream pop, pop, soundtrack

UK-based Kaleidoscope Orchestra has released Through the Clouds, a soaring new single blending cinematic orchestration, dream pop textures, and electronic energy. The track marks a key moment in the lead-up to the collective’s debut album of original music, Moments Between, arriving later this year.

Through the Clouds began in 2019, composed by Steve Pycroft during a flight from Aberdeen to London. Initially inspired by Hollow Coves’ “Patience”, Pycroft sought to capture the sense of wonder and liberation that comes with flying, bridging the worlds of drum & bass and Americana-infused soft rock. After experimenting with multiple grooves and arrangements, Pycroft invited longtime collaborator Alex Dee to contribute lyrics and vocals.

At the time, Dee had just become a father, and he wrote lyrics that reflect the profound moment of witnessing his son open his eyes for the first time. This perspective reshaped the track’s trajectory, leading to a complete re-orchestration, enriched with a distinctive “4 over 6” drum groove. New orchestral recordings in August 2024 brought the piece to life, culminating in the finished version early this year.

Track Credits

  • Composers: Steve Pycroft, Alex Dee
  • Lyrics: Alex Dee
  • Producer: Steve Pycroft
  • Mastering Engineer: Steve Pycroft
  • Performed by: Kaleidoscope Orchestra

About Kaleidoscope Orchestra

Kaleidoscope Orchestra (KO) is a pioneering UK-based collective redefining orchestral music for modern audiences. Known for bold reimaginings of electronic and pop tracks, KO combines sweeping symphonic arrangements with the pulse of contemporary genres, creating soundscapes that are cinematic, emotional, and electrifying.

Founded and directed by Steve Pycroft, the group first gained recognition with their viral 2012 video Skrillex Suite and have since built a loyal following of over 86,000 YouTube subscribers and 12 million+ views. KO’s orchestral reinterpretations of artists such as Fred Again.., Avicii, Foo Fighters, and The Prodigy have garnered critical acclaim and led to collaborations with Cream, Q-Dance, Cupra, Camelphat, Skrillex, and Flux Pavilion.

Beyond the studio, KO has performed at prestigious venues and festivals, including Creamfields, Parklife, Liverpool Cathedral, Sheffield City Hall, and Manchester Academy. Their forthcoming album, Moments Between (2025), marks their first body of original compositions, exploring themes of joy, struggle, memory, and the human condition.

The orchestra also advocates for mental health awareness in the music industry, with projects such as Just Breathe addressing the pressures faced by musicians. Past tributes include emotional performances honoring Avicii, Chester Bennington (Linkin Park), and Keith Flint (The Prodigy).

Previous Press

Zëta Ræ Unleashes Infectious New Single ‘Obvious’

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Rising alternative-pop artist Zëta Ræ returns with her boldest sonic statement yet in “Obvious,” a shimmering, high-energy dance-pop track that blends tongue-in-cheek confidence with sleek, radio-ready production.Zëta Ræ

The project of Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and producer Hannah Schmeling, Zëta Ræ has become known for her genre-bending sound — one that fuses the nostalgic textures of rock and soul with the futuristic edge of hyperpop and alt-pop. With “Obvious,” she takes a sharp, playful left turn, diving headfirst into pure pop euphoria.

“We wanted this song to be a crossover between Pretty Please by Dua Lipa and Greedy by Ariana Grande — and I think we nailed it,” says Schmeling. “At the time, I was writing a lot of emotional, alternative rock songs. Making a sassy, dance-pop track about a situationship was a total 180, but it was so much fun. It’s one of the quickest songs I’ve ever written — about an hour, in my bed. Even years later, it still makes me want to dance.”

Originally written and recorded in the Berklee College of Music studios, “Obvious” marks Schmeling’s first experience in a professional recording environment — a moment that brought her pop-star dreams vividly to life.

Co-written and produced with Ryan Adams, the track features Hannah Schmeling on vocals, Adams on production and guitar, and Max Troppe on bass. The result is a confident, infectious single that sits comfortably alongside modern pop powerhouses like Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, and Sabrina Carpenter — while retaining Zëta’s signature spark of individuality.

“Obvious” captures that electric space between flirtation and frustration — where attraction meets self-assuredness. It’s fun, flirty, and unapologetically confident — an anthem for anyone who knows exactly what they bring to the table.

ABOUT ZËTA RÆ

Zëta Ræ is the creative identity of Hannah Schmeling, a Nashville-based artist whose work lives at the intersection of alt-pop, rock, and experimental sound. With influences spanning from soul and shoegaze to hyperpop and jazz, Zëta’s music is both nostalgic and forward-thinking — a kaleidoscope of emotion and sonic texture. Her lyrics delve deep into the intricacies of identity, independence, and the female experience in her twenties, blending vulnerability and empowerment with poetic precision.

Release Information:

  • Written by: Hannah Schmeling & Ryan Adams

  • Vocals: Hannah Schmeling

  • Production/Guitar: Ryan Adams

  • Bass: Max Troppe

  • Photo Credits: Jack Nahigian

  • Similar Artists: Hayley Williams, The 1975, Reneé Rapp, Chappell Roan, Caroline Polachek

Annika Zee’s Emerald Spy is a Dreamlike Resistance Against a Digital Dystopia

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Genre(s): Pop, 90’s Pop, Electronic, Chill Out

Similar artists: Bjork, Joni Mitchell, Mazzy Star

Release date: September 12, 2025

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Annika Zee, the Toronto-born multimedia artist and genre-defying musician, returns with her most conceptually daring project to date: Emerald Spy, a vivid and emotionally resonant album.

Emerald Spy weaves together diverse sounds and global perspectives into a rich sonic tapestry that challenges dominant narratives around technology, race, and identity. A fusion of 90s pop nostalgia, ambient electronica, and abstract lyrical storytelling, the album explores the tension between personal fragmentation and collective empowerment in the digital age.

Anchored in a commitment to reimagining community and collaboration, Emerald Spy defies conventional pop frameworks. It speaks to a future unbound by extractive technologies and white supremacist AI models, offering instead a vision rooted in memory, resistance, and radical tenderness.

“This album connects people across socio-economic and cultural boundaries,” says Zee. “It’s about challenging imposed systems while also celebrating the beauty of imagination, resilience, and multiplicity.”

TRACKLIST:

Hell No – A fierce rejection of dystopian futures and the systems enabling them.

Can’t Hear You – A disarming critique of war, fame culture, and social media saturation.

Wondering – A dreamy, optimistic vision for a different kind of future.

I’m Dead – Explores identity, stereotyping, and toxic love with biting clarity.

Can You – A surreal, improvisational track produced with Will Smith at Jamie xx’s Octave Studio in London. Examines power dynamics in relationships and systems through a mixed-race lens.

Puppet – Inspired by Malcolm X, this track rejects systemic oppression with unflinching resolve.

As They Call – A haunting meditation on colonial legacy and the necessity of reparations.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Annika Zee is a boundary-pushing multimedia artist and musician from Toronto, Canada. A graduate of NYU’s Clive Davis Institute and currently studying printmaking and publications at OCAD University, Zee’s work spans music, design, and visual media. Her signature sound blends experimental production with lush songwriting, drawing inspiration from both analogue textures and futuristic soundscapes. Zee’s work has been featured in i-D Magazine, The Fader, Wonderland, and more. She has composed music for Broad City (Comedy Central), Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, American Eagle, and Anna Sui.

What is Dream Pop?

Otherworldly, melodic, enchanting. Dream pop takes alternative rock style and makes a sound entirely of its own. With heavy synths, layered vocals, and reverb guitar, the genre can only be described as atmospheric.

A Brief History of Dream Pop

Dream Pop began to take form in the late 80s as a subgenre of alternative music, with influences from the late 60s psychedelic rock scene. The work of artists such as Cocteau Twins and Slowdive later established dream pop as its own genre. Cocteau Twins’ Head Over Heels (1983) was an early album that predicted the band’s later dream pop commercial success.

Yet, the term “dream pop” was not coined until the late 80s by the duo A.R. Kane, who used it to describe their captivating music. Dream pop is just that: a captivating, full body immersion into the minds of the artists. By the 90s, the genre had cemented itself into the music scene through artists like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and A.R. Kane.

Characteristics of Dream Pop

The production of dream pop centres around texture. Whether it’s the synths, breathy vocals, or reverb guitar, the whole concept of dream pop is right there in the name: dreamy. Much of the time, the production is dense and heavy, making it a bit difficult to make out what lyrics are being sung. Don’t let this fool you, as the lyrics aren’t something to overlook. They tie together with the production to create tracks you can simply doze, or dream, off too.

Dream Pop Artists to Know:

Cocteau Twins

If dream pop had a designated founder, it’d be Cocteau Twins. The Scottish rock band used fuzzy guitars, heavily-layered vocals, and sonic textures to curate their sound. Albums like Heaven or Las Vegas (1990) received commercial acclaim, influencing current dream pop artists.

A.R. Kane

Formed by two childhood friends, this duo is credited for coining the term “Dream pop”, earning themselves a spot on the must-listen list. Never ones to let boundaries define them, A.R. Kane put their own spin on the dream pop sound through their trademark guitar noises. Check out their debut album Sixty Nine (1988).

Mazzy Star

Formed in the late 80s out of Santa Monica, California, Mazzy Star is remembered as one of the most pivotal dream pop bands. Group vocalist Hope Sandoval hypnotized the world with her voice on tracks like Fade Into You (1993) and Be My Angel (1990). The band’s sound remains timeless, regaining popularity in Gen-Z in recent years.

Beach House

An American-based dream pop band, Beach House continued the rise of dream pop in the 90s with their debut album Beach House (2006). Since then, the duo has gained commercial success through their album Bloom (2012) and Depression Cherry (2015).

Alvvays

Formed in 2011, Alvvays gained critical acclaim for their three albums Alvvays (2014), Antisocialities (2017), and Blue Rev (2022), with the latter receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Performance at the 66th Annual GRAMMYs and a Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year. The 4-piece band brings dream pop sounds to the indie/alternative genre.

For dream pop artists ready to promote an upcoming release, working with Decent Music provides the expertise and resources to build organic exposure and tangible value for independent artists.

What is Synth-Pop?

It’s 1977, Brian Eno is based in divided Berlin making Heroes with David Bowie. On the very first day of the year, Boston-born artist Donna Summer released a track that would have a significant impact on Eno and Bowie’s creative direction with the album, ‘I Feel Love’, an iconic tune of the disco era. Armed with the 7” single, Eno, fuelled with creative inspiration, rushed to the studio and declared to Bowie, “This single is going to change the sound of club music for the next 15 years.” He was, of course, correct. But what was it that made this track specifically so unique? And what sound from it created its own subgenre within pop. That would be its distinct use of synthesizers, and the subsequent synth-pop.Artist Donna Summer and her revolutionary synth-pop hit 'I Feel Love'

The Birth of Synth-Pop

The synthesizer, according to its dictionary definition, is an electronic musical instrument, typically operated by a keyboard, producing a wide variety of sounds by generating and combining signals of different frequencies. It opened up an entirely untouched sound that would become a cornerstone of the 80s new wave and post-punk movements. However, it wasn’t just any synthesizer that ignited this move towards electronic music. The Fairlight CMI, short for Computer Musical Instrument, changed the game of electronic music. Rising to prominence in the early 1980s, it revolutionised the musical process, with Stevie Wonder using the instrument on his 1979 album Journey Through “The Secret Life of Plants”, where the Fairlight CMI replaced the Computer Music Melodian sampler that Wonder had originally used on the recording. By 1984, Devo were using the Fairlight CMI at the expense of analogue instruments on their debut album Shout, much to the dismay of classical and rock icons.

Synth-pop controversies: from Tony Kaye to Queen

The history of synth-pop, however, is not a straightforward one. Out of the use of synthetic sounds arose a debate between those who welcomed electronic music and those who believed it degraded ‘real’ music made with analogue instruments. The synthesizer was seen as a faux pas for people who considered themselves ‘real artists’, as they argued it made approximations of sound rather than the ‘real thing’. According to an article by MusicRadar, the famous keyboard player, Tony Kaye, proudly denounced the use of synth tech, arguing that rock’s holy combination of piano and Hammond organ was all that was needed to create true artful rock.

As the controversy around synthesizers raged on into the 80s, Queen famously wrote ‘No Synthesizers!’ on the sleeve notes of their early albums. Marking one of the most infamous anti-synth statements of the era. The truth behind this statement is a mixture of misunderstanding and sensationalism. Sounds that critics assumed came about through the use of technology were actually the pure talent of guitarist Brian May, and once the band ran the joke thin, they removed the sleeve note boast and actually began experimenting with synth sounds.Credit: ‘No Synths! Use of AI in scientific publications’ by Stephen Royle, Quantixed 2023.

Germany and the Synthesizer

Despite rock icons expressing their dismay with synth-pop, others championed the artists who were not afraid to introduce synthetic sounds. Returning to Eno and Bowie in Berlin, it seems almost ironic that Eno discovered synth sounds through an American artist, when electronic music originated in the country where they were recording, Germany.

German-based band Kraftwerk helped pioneer the sound with their iconic 1978 album The Man-Machine (a rather fitting title). With the band being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, they were credited with being the ‘fathers of electronic music’. The induction ceremony included a video tribute featuring many artists such as, Depeche Mode, LCD Soundsystem, and The Human League, expressing their admiration for the group. Many of the artists featured, in particular those listed, utilised the synth/electronic sounds of Kraftwerk in their works, creating some of the most recognisable albums of the new wave era, such as, The Human League’s Dare, Gary Newman’s The Pleasure Principle, and Depeche Mode’s Violator.

Legacy & Modern Synth-Pop

Despite its slightly tumultuous history, synth pop still rages on in the twenty-first century. Albums such as Tame Impala’s Currents, Magdalena Bay’s Imaginal Disk, and Grimes’s Visions, are all examples of highly successful synth-pop albums released in the past fifteen years.

The previously mentioned album Imaginal Disk, by pop-duo Magdalena Bay, released in August 2024, received 5 stars from NME. The album has been described as avoiding the influence of new music ‘almost entirely’. With much of this sound being credited to its synth-pop edge, which gives the album a sort of timelessness, in the opinion of NME’s Otis Robinson.

This emphasis on timelessness is important for the ongoing use of electronic/synth sounds in modern music. While to some it may feel dated, by just listening to Magdalena Bay and comparing it to The Human League, for example, we can uncover the ever-changing sounds of the synthesizer. In this way, despite controversies and arguably pretentious dismissals of the electronic musical instrument, we have a lot of great music that we have the synthesiser to thank for.

For synth-pop artists ready to promote an upcoming release, working with Decent Music provides the expertise and resources to build organic exposure and tangible value for independent artists.

How Dark Academia Revived Instrumental Music

What is “Dark Academia” music? 

TikTok is dominating the market, with hits and fast-paced pop going viral repeatedly. Few would have predicted that moody classical music and instrumental soundscapes would make a comeback. Yet, nestled in the candlelit corners of YouTube, Spotify playlists and Pinterest mood boards, Dark Academia music has quietly become the soundtrack of a generation longing for depth, intellect, and peace.

Dark Academia, at it’s core, is an aesthetics movement, blending classical literature, gothic ruins and melancholic romanticism. Think dimly lit libraries on a rainy afternoon with a worn tote bag in tow. Musically, it fuses classical compositions, piano-led instrumentals, and ambient sounds.

Dark, wooden bookshelf full with old books, classics. Some photographs of Greek architecture and portraits of historical figures also feature.

The Modern Renaissance 

Its rise arguably came from the site Tumblr, cementing it as a cultural movement. On current social media, especially TikTok, Dark Academia has turned quiet study music into a global trend (encompassing BookTok). On Spotify, the numbers speak for themselves, with Dark Academia playlists gathering hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of streams.

The Quiet Revolution of Instrumentals 

​​It’s not confined to one style or period. Some playlists feature Chopin and Debussy; others lean into cinematic scores or lo-fi classical remixes. The result is music that feels timeless, somehow both old and new at once. For years, instrumental music struggled to find mainstream listeners, whereas now, the youth crave it, cultivating millions of streams. You’re no longer the nerd for listening to classical music – now, you’re a romanticised lover.

A historic gargoyle looks over a foggy city. Repetitive, brick-built structures line the streets.

Why does it Resonate in the Current Climate? 

These collections of instrumental tracks help listeners focus, reflect, and escape the noise of modern life. The blend of piano, cello as well as textured audios create rich experiences for the listeners. In a world of overstimulation, Dark Academia offers calm through music, not words. Every aspect of modern life is overwhelming, leaving people yearning for meaning and stillness.

Artists and Emotional Depth

This revival has given rise to a new wave of artists. Composers like Ludovico Einaudi and Olafur Arnalds blend the cinematic world of music and minimalist piano. Agnes Obel, my personal favourite, produces neoclassical arrangements that could easily score a gothic novel. ‘September Song’ feels as though I’m running through castle grounds covered in tweed, mimicking the story of pride and prejudice. That sense of imagery conveyed through this ‘genre’ is incomparable. Even modern classical icons like Max Richter are making renewed relevance; younger audiences discovering their haunting compositions and using it to soundtrack their own lives. This music doesn’t demand attention but invites reflection.

For dark academia artists ready to promote an upcoming release, working with Decent Music provides the expertise and resources to build organic exposure and tangible value for independent artists.