Mitxoda Weekly #17: The Art Behind the Sound

Song of the Week : The Man with the Red Face by Laurent Garnier (released on February 07, 2000).

Hello Dear Friend!

Welcome to Mitxoda Weekly #17! This week, we explore the fragility of dreams and the strength it takes to keep creating. 🌟 Shattered Dreams drops January 27. Amid challenges, the indie spirit remains a beacon of authenticity and connection. My new instrumental, Patience, reflects the quiet endurance we all need to move forward.

We also delve into the art behind the music, how visual creativity shapes indie identity, and celebrate Gregory M. Hurley’s timeless sound in Nadine’s Indie Treasures.

Here’s to finding beauty in the struggle and meaning in the connections we make.

And please make sure to read all the way to the end, where "END" is indicated. In some mailboxes, the email might appear cropped. Happy to have You here, Happy reading!

Au menu, this week:

Table of Contents

• Mitxoda News: The Weight of the Week

• Long Read: Visual Art and Indie Identity

• What’s up with KOSTIGAN’s Sonic Journey

• Nadine's Indie Treasures: Gregory M. Hurley

• Quick Indie News

• Until Next Week: I made it shorter ;-)

• Let’s Keep the Music Flowing

Mitxoda News: The Weight of the Week

This week hasn’t been kind, and I won’t sugarcoat it. I’m tired of seeing words and actions misalign, of witnessing injustice. It cuts deep. The indie spirit, this raw, unfiltered passion that defines my journey, is something I believe in wholeheartedly. It’s a daily grind, a weekly triumph, and, at its best, a yearly revelation. But when it’s twisted or burdened by negativity, it can burn like hell. I’ve learned I need to shield myself from toxicity, to protect my energy, my drive, my music.

The indie world is our sanctuary, a place where support and feedback light our way. It is music and connections, the real ones. I lean on that. I need to feel it. It’s the only way to rebuild when small cracks threaten to break me further.

I often think about the cover art of a track or an album, how it reflects something deeper. And I wonder if, even without images, I reflect something too. I hope it’s never negativity. That’s not my core, not who I am. My wish is for every indie to grow, not rapidly or recklessly, but with respect, with open eyes, and a shared understanding.

I crave authenticity: stepping into an artist’s world, feeling the story behind the song, diving into the essence beyond the cover or the image. That’s the only way to fight against discouragement and division. We’re too few to let ourselves break apart, yet too many to fit into one mold. Empathy, respect and patience, that’s what we need.

I’ve probably said too much, but maybe not enough. This matters. Let’s act, let’s move forward, with all the good people willing to rise together.

Long Read: Visual Art and Indie Identity

In the indie music world, sound isn’t the only language, visual art is just as crucial in defining an artist’s identity. From album covers to music videos, from Instagram grids to hand-designed merch, the visual aspect has become an integral part of how indie artists connect with their audience and stand out in a crowded industry. This week, we dive into how visual art shapes the indie experience.

Album Covers: The First Hello

An album cover is the gateway to an artist’s universe. In the indie scene, where budgets might be limited but creativity knows no bounds, covers often reflect the rawness, intimacy, or experimental spirit of the music.

Take Big Thief’s Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You, a pastoral and textured cover that feels like a quiet, surreal walk through the woods, perfectly capturing the earthy and introspective tone of their music. Or Japanese Breakfast’s Jubilee, with its vibrant, fruit-filled image representing the album’s themes of joy and renewal, while maintaining a distinctly indie charm.

With SÆ’s Number Incised, their monochromatic masterpiece blends abstract forms and flowing motion to evoke ambiguity and introspection with a contrast between light and shadow, perfectly mirroring the contemplative and experimental nature of their music.

Another cover I like comes from Arcane Synthetic’s Quieten, a cinematic and futuristic cover that merges glowing geometric patterns with an ethereal landscape. The central figure walking amidst a misty, glowing horizon creates a striking balance between human vulnerability and cosmic exploration. And I can hear that in their music!

The cover art for the the new track Shattered Dreams, has been originally painted by the talented Kymskreations. Titled Shattered Dreams, the piece was created as a Dutch pour, using a hair dryer to craft the explosive, dynamic design. Kym shared that this artwork originally hung on the wall in her hallway, giving it a deeply personal connection. Now her painting receives a musical second life. It’s fascinating how a physical painting transitioned into a digital life through music, adding another dimension to its meaning and reach. This collaboration beautifully merges visual and auditory art, reinforcing the creative synergy between us. Thank you Kym, Truly honoured.

Indie artists often take the DIY route, designing their own covers, sometimes through AI as I do, or collaborating with unknown illustrators and photographers to ensure the visuals feel personal and authentic. I think this intimacy is what makes the indie aesthetic so unique.

Music Videos: Stories in Motion

Indie music videos are rarely about big budgets or flashy effects; I guess we do more around storytelling and mood. (I still don’t make any video’s yet…)

A great take, with The Sanctity Of Crows’ video, "Pray, Tell", a beautiful piece blending AI-assisted abstract imagery taking place in a sort of cathedral with the rich, layered sound of progressive and post-rock. The atmospheric visuals complement the instrumental depth, inviting viewers to interpret the music’s cinematic and thematic journey in their own way. Well done, Ian!

These videos reflect the ethos of indie music: raw emotion, experimental storytelling, and a connection to real, lived experiences, maybe by rejecting overproduced, commercial aesthetics? Just a question, I don’t know.

Merchandising: Wearable Art

Merch in the indie world can be seen as an extension of the artist’s identity. Many indie musicians collaborate with local designers or screen printers to create handmade, limited-edition merch that feels like collectible art.

For instance, receiving this handwritten note and the promised stickers from Betrav Kolektiv truly made my day! It’s incredible how such a simple yet thoughtful gesture can create such a strong sense of connection. Their merch features unique artwork for their album Abyss and confirm the importance of supporting one another and fostering real bonds within the community. Thank you, Betrav Kolektiv!

Collaboration with Visual Artists

The best indie artists know their limits and embrace collaboration. Many team up with visual artists to create album covers, music videos, and live stage visuals that amplify their music’s impact.

Nick Luddite recently shared his journey with Colin Gammon, the talented artist behind their album sleeves. Colin's artwork, inspired by their music, adds a vivid new dimension to each release. For Nick, every new song becomes an adventure as he eagerly anticipates Colin's visual interpretation, proving that great collaborations can eventually amplify the story music tells.

Is the future with AI?

As technology evolves, so does the potential for visual art in indie music. AI-generated art already helps indie artists exploring how cutting-edge tech can expand their visual language. At the same time, the indie scene’s core values, authenticity, intimacy, and creativity, ensure that these tools are used thoughtfully, not superficially.

On social media, like Instagram, some artists even curate their grids like exhibitions, with thematic posts and carefully chosen filters that create a unique visual journey. It’s also art, imho, and it’s really cool to see these!

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Write me back or join the discussion in this week’s Mitxoda Weekly.

What’s up with KOSTIGAN’s Sonic Journey

Playlist of the Week: Quiet Design

(chuuuuuut) …just listen. Here.

Nadine's Indie Treasures: Gregory M. Hurley

Discover the smooth and timeless sound of Gregory M. Hurley, an artist whose work effortlessly blends old-school pop, funk, and rock. His music is exceptionally produced and brilliantly written, making it hard to believe it's mostly a one-man show.

Even for those not typically drawn to funk, tracks like "It's for Real" and "A Foolish Heart" are bound to captivate with their sheer quality and artistry. Hurley’s SoundCloud is a treasure trove of musical excellence that deserves your attention.

Continue the discussion here!

💬 Introducing "Nadine’s Indie Treasures," a brand-new chapter where indie curator Nadine de Macedo handpicks and spotlights exceptional artists, giving you a front-row seat to their creativity and charm. Thank you Nadine for starting this new chapter here with us!

Quick Indie News

Ataraxia’s music is a journey of passion and growth, with their latest fun single, The King, blending theatrical grandeur and playful dubstep raspberries. Upcoming tracks like the cinematic Bitter Wind and the emotive Carried Away further showcase their evolving sound and dedication to crafting stories through music.

• Glass Iron Syndrome was a solo project for 6 years, but fresh news today, 3 amazing new bandmates are coming! Cool news! And their new album “Backroads” is dropping on Jan 20!

• Desperate Situation by Lillycue, Dragon of Darkness, is her latest single. Check out her website here!

• Best Dog by Kathleen Turner Overdrive - Alternative (Australia) - 01 January 2025. A ska-tastic tribute to our K9 (canine!) overlords. This single is brimming with energy and fun. Get gassy! Check it out here!

• Another Day In Paradise by Luddites UK - Alternative (United Kingdom) - 17 January 2025. This single marks his first release of 2025, showcasing his signature style. Explore the sound and feel the vibe! Check it out here!

• Fake World by Katana - Metal (Ukraine) - 10 January 2025. Fake World is the anthem of defiance you need to hear. This searing single delivers razor-sharp lyrics and thunderous beats, challenging illusions and inspiring freedom. Brace yourself for an intense experience! Check it out here!

• Aliens Of The Soul by The Red Crow - Metal (Brazil) - 12 January 2025. With gripping visuals and heavy riffs, this single delivers a dark, captivating universe. The cinematic flair and evocative lyrics firmly cement The Red Crow as a standout in the stoner metal scene. Explore their mystique! Check it out here!

• Vlad the Impaler - Forests of Impalement by AxMinister - Metal (Canada) - 11 May 2023. An old one, but still good 😉 A thrash metal single vividly describing Vlad Tepes’ infamous acts of impalement. This intense track blends history with powerful riffs. Dive into the brutal soundscape! Check it out here!

• Aporia by Entropy in Motion is out today, Jan 17! I suggest you enter their world, it’s awesome (I love that jungle beat intro)…

• Three To One from Tampa Florida has its latest single, iLLusions, about a toxic relationship and being used. Very good one!

• Gone in a Minute by Bad Neighbours went live early September 24.

• Strange Girl by Mode is very energetic and happy song, now awaiting for their new single Sick. That don’t bother me, keep singing… !

If you'd like to introduce your latest release, just click here to submit all the details. I’d love to hear about it! 😇 Submit your track here.

What I Read & Watched lately

• Eloie taking a pause…

• Aksarven, an amazing French band, performing The Less You Act, live. ❤️ 

• Lego Retro Radio #10334 - play your own music using a Raspberry Pi

• Changing Methods singing Bout it Bout it (it’s an old one, but I like it ;-) )

• Shadow's Kiss - a Vampiric Music Video from Emily.

• AI’s Impact On Music In 2025: Licensing, Creativity And Industry Survival

• The Ghosts in the Machine: Spotify’s plot against musicians

• Listen to Genetic Throwbacks, from Australia

Until Next Week: I made it shorter ;-)

As this week’s journey comes to a close, let’s hold onto the moments that inspire us and the connections that keep us grounded. Whether through music, art, or a shared indie spirit, we find strength in creating and growing together.

Thank you for being part of this space, your presence fuels the resilience and authenticity we celebrate here. Keep dreaming, keep creating, and above all, stay true to yourself.

Until next week,
Mitxoda

What’s Next for Mitxoda?

Lots of exciting releases are coming up! Mark your calendars for these dates and presave now: 

• Patience, no release date yet

• Undressed will be released later in 2025

• Shattered Dreams, January 27 - my latest collab with Kymskreations - Presave now!

• And all the other collabs coming in! I am blessed!!

Stay tuned, awesome things are coming!

Let’s Keep the Music Flowing

Thank you for being a part of the Mitxoda journey. Remember, this newsletter is for you, our indie community. Every idea, every shout-out, every track I feature, it's all inspired by you. Let’s keep the indie spirit alive together!

See you next week,

Stay Safe,
Stay Yourself,
Mitxoda

END 😆