Mitxoda Weekly #18: Creativity Takes Flight

Musical Retreats, Indie Spirit, and Stories That Inspire

Author

Mitxoda
January 24, 2025

Hello Dear Friend!

Welcome to Mitxoda Weekly #18! This Thursday, I had the incredible opportunity to introduce Shattered Dreams in a World Premiere on OTAT247, and the reactions were absolutely fantastic, huge thanks to Dave and Lisa for making this possible!

This week, we're diving deep into the transformative power of stepping back to reconnect with creativity, the strength of the indie community, and the incredible stories that fuel our passion for music. From heartwarming acts of solidarity to the magic of musical retreats, this edition is all about celebrating what makes the indie scene so extraordinary.

Happy reading, and as always, thank you for being part of this journey!

Mitxoda

Au menu, this week:

Table of Contents

Because it matters: A Helping Hand for Luna, Indie Love in Action

In the indie world, one of the things that stands out the most is our ability to come together, not just for the music but for something bigger: supporting each other when it truly matters. This week, I want to shine a light on a family in Belgium fighting an incredibly brave battle for their daughter, Luna, who lives with a severe disability. Their story is one of resilience, love, and unyielding determination.

Much like the support we rallied for Lisa and her wheelchair campaign, I believe our indie community can make a difference here too. Luna’s parents have sacrificed everything, moving homes, enduring sleepless nights, and giving up financial security, to provide the care she needs. Despite overwhelming challenges, they choose to share love instead of bitterness, turning their struggle into a mission to help others in similar situations.

This is the essence of the indie spirit: standing up for each other, lifting one another in tough times, and proving that even small actions can spark incredible change. Let’s show this family that they are not alone. Together, we can help amplify their message and lighten their load.

👉 Support their mission: #UnCoupDePoucePourLuna

Long Read: Music Retreats. Where Creativity Flourishes

In the fast-paced world of music production, where deadlines and distractions often dominate, stepping away from it all to reconnect with the heart of creation can make all the difference. This is where the idea of a musical retreat, or as the French so poetically call it, a mise au vert, comes in. Unplugging and rediscovering inspiration in unfamiliar settings, surrounded by nothing but creativity and a shared sense of purpose.

Why Retreats?

For bands, routines can become ruts. Practicing in the same studio, writing with the same instruments, and facing the same pressures to produce often dulls the creative edge. Retreats offer a deliberate break from that. They provide a space where musicians can experiment without the constraints of time or the expectations of a commercial studio.

Beyond the music, these getaways help strengthen bonds between band members. Sharing meals, long hikes, or late-night conversations by the fire builds the kind of trust and understanding that often translates into the music itself. It’s all about the shared experience that makes those sounds come alive.

The Retreat Environment

The setting matters. Some bands retreat to remote cabins in the woods, where silence reigns, and nature becomes a collaborator. Others head to seaside bungalows, letting the rhythm of the waves set the tone. The chosen environment often mirrors the sound they’re chasing. Folk bands may find solace in rural countryside homes, while electronic artists might prefer minimalist urban lofts that reflect their sonic landscapes.

In these spaces, time slows. Days are marked by the gradual evolution of ideas. A morning walk might inspire lyrics. An evening jam session could birth a new melody. These organic moments often lead to the kind of breakthroughs that structured studio time rarely allows.

Famous Retreat Success Stories

Music history is full of iconic albums born out of retreats. The Beatles’ White Album emerged from their time in Rishikesh, India, where they explored meditation alongside songwriting. Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago was recorded in a secluded cabin in Wisconsin, capturing the pure emotion of isolation. More recently, The National crafted much of Sleep Well Beast during a retreat in upstate New York but also in Los Angeles and Berlin, blending pastoral tranquility with their signature melancholic sound.

Each of these projects reflects the unique atmosphere of the retreat. The introspection, the playfulness, the spontaneity, all these elements are imprinted into the music we create.

How It Works

A typical retreat begins with intention. Bands often enter with a loose goal: to write, to record, or simply to reconnect. There are no managers, no deadlines. Just the band and their tools. Days might start with meditation or exercise, grounding the artists before diving into work. Afternoons are spent writing or jamming, with everyone contributing their raw ideas. Or vice versa. Jamming all night till the morning and sleeping the day :-)

Evenings can be for reflection. Bands will listen back to recordings, critique each other’s contributions, or simply share stories. This balance between work and relaxation keeps creativity flowing.

Challenges and Rewards

Of course, retreats are not without challenges. Isolation can amplify creative disagreements. Without external pressure, some bands struggle with motivation or procrastination. But these very challenges often lead to growth. Conflict, when handled well, sharpens ideas. Time spent lounging might yield the most unexpected inspirations.

And the rewards are undeniable. Retreats often produce not just great music but also a renewed sense of purpose. Bands leave these experiences feeling recharged, their camaraderie strengthened, and their artistic vision clearer than ever.

A Call to Indie Artists

For indie artists especially, I think retreats don’t have to be extravagant. A rented Airbnb, a friend’s cabin, or even a few days camping with portable instruments can suffice. It’s about creating a space where music feels natural again, free from the noise of social media, streaming metrics, and industry expectations.

So, here’s a question for you, dear reader: if you had the chance to retreat, where would you go? And what kind of music would emerge from the stillness?

I’ll soon be going back on retreat with my other band, as we do every year. It always feels so good, I promise!

What’s up with Hollow Words and Stolen From The Sky

A new collab!!

It’s finally here! Deus Vult, the new track from Hollow Words and Stolen From The Sky, is out now.

This song marks Hollow Words (Germany) first-ever collaboration, and it’s with Adam from Birmingham (UK), someone they’ve never even met in person! During a summer holiday, Adam sent a short clip that instantly felt like the missing piece to a song already in progress. From there, ideas flowed naturally, with both artists seamlessly blending their contributions into what they describe as an industrial-sludge-anything bomb.

The result? A genre-bending track that’s a testament to the power of creative chemistry across borders.

Deus Vult is now streaming on Spotify and all major platforms. Don’t miss it!

Historical Fact: The Birth of a Protest Anthem.

On January 20, 1971, Marvin Gaye released his iconic single, “What’s Going On,” reflecting the social unrest of the time, including war, inequality, and police brutality.

The idea came from Renaldo “Obie” Benson of The Four Tops, who saw police clashing with protesters in Berkeley. Collaborating with Al Cleveland and Gaye, they created a heartfelt plea for unity and justice.

Initially resisted by Motown’s Berry Gordy, Gaye’s determination led to the song’s release. It quickly climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B charts, solidifying Gaye’s reputation as a socially aware artist.

Later in his career, Gaye found solace and creativity in the 🇧🇪 Belgian city of Oostende, where he worked on his music, including writing his global hit “Sexual Healing.”

Here it is! A little slice of history shared just for you!

Playlist of the Week: Infinite Singularity Fellow Travelers 130: Silence turns 21!

Nadine's Indie Treasures: Electric Blindfold

I already mentioned Electric Blindfold in a previous Weekly, but this eclectic German producer deserves another spotlight. His music spans genres like trance, drum & bass, trap, ambient, and dark wave, all tied together with a distinct signature of darkness and introspective spoken lyrics.

Fans of VNV Nation, Depeche Mode, or Project Pitchfork will love his work. Start with "Run For Your Life," "Meaning Of Life," or "In The 80s Again."

💬 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

The Electrozixx have announced their first EP, dropping in days, followed by a second EP in mid-February. These releases kick off their EUROPEAN FREE MY SOUL TOUR 2025, starting 14th February at B52 in Flanders (Belgium) and 12th April in London (UK) (secret spot 😜). More dates soon! 😉 I wish them Good Luck!!

  • All That Glitters by Riiver Brukes - Rock (Canada) - 17 January 2025:
    An almost punk-inspired track addressing the stark contrast between wealth and poverty, recorded live with their late drummer Ben (F*ing cancer!). Reflect on life’s values and listen now! Check it out here!

  • แหงนมองท้องฟ้า (Look up to the Sky) by Crayon Tabibito - Pop (Thailand) - 06 January 2014: A heartfelt Thai pop song with folk elements, encouraging hope under the same sky. A soothing and gentle melody. Check it out here!

  • Gone in a Minute by Bad Neighbours - Rock (United States) - 01 September 2024: A poignant song about longing for just one more moment with a lost loved one. Check it out here!

  • Roses by Loud George - Rock (United Kingdom) - 19 January 2025: A dark, intense emo anthem filled with hypnotic basslines and searing riffs. Loud George roars back with raw energy. Crank it up and immerse yourself! Check it out here!

  • George’s Theme by Mike Stollen - Rock (Portugal) - 17 January 2025: A melodic instrumental capturing a personal journey through layered guitars and dynamic rhythms. Mike strikes again! Let the story unfold! Check it out here!

  • Tall Blonde Honey by The Kyle Jordan Project - Rock (Canada) - 21 January 2025: A hard rock anthem with razor-sharp lyrics exploring power, corruption, and manipulation. Discover the intrigue and energy! Check it out here!

  • Shine by Retrograth - Alternative (Sweden) - 14 December 2024: A shimmering post-punk track with golden vibes, from the album Sparks & Shimmer. Bask in the glow and listen now! Check it out here!

  • Silicon King by Votchi, Czech hard rock band introducing Peter Aristone as their new frontman. A bold single exploring AI's societal impact, blending their rock roots with fresh creative energy. Out on Jan 23, 2024

  • Rustic Skies with Nobody’s Fault, their first single here! What a voice!!!

  • Glass Iron Syndrome latest Backroads is also nice!

  • The Midwich Affair has a killer song It’s Not Revenge, available everywhere!

  • and Acting Human will soon release 161, their preview is already awesome!!

  • and check out Blue Grazer Records Presave Party, they push awesome tracks!!

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

Until Next Week: Keep the Spirit Alive

As we close this week's chapter, I hope you're inspired by the stories of resilience, creativity, and community that bring the indie spirit to life. Whether it’s lending a hand to those in need, creating music in unexpected places, or championing artists who dare to push boundaries, we all play a part in shaping this vibrant world of independent music.

Until next time, keep creating, supporting, and dreaming big. And remember, your next great idea might just come from stepping back and listening to the silence.

Love,
Mitxoda

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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 😆 

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