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- Mitxoda Weekly #22: The Community That Helps (And Why It Matters)
Mitxoda Weekly #22: The Community That Helps (And Why It Matters)
Celebrating the voices, spaces, and moments that keep indie music alive.
Mitxoda
February 21, 2025
Song of the Week : Dream Never Dies by Lo Moon (released on February 25, 2022).
Hello Dear Friend!
Welcome to Mitxoda Weekly #22! There’s something incredible about the indie scene: the way people show up for each other. It’s not just about sharing music, but about lifting each other up, spreading the word, and making sure great art doesn’t go unheard. This week, I want to shine a light on the people and spaces that make this happen.
Happy reading (until the end), and as always, thank you for being part of this journey!
Mitxoda
Au menu, this week:
Milestones Worth Celebrating 🎉
Speaking of support, there are moments that truly define the indie journey, people who step up, believe in the music, and create spaces where it can thrive. This week, I want to shine a light on two incredible anniversaries that mean the world to me.
🔥 First Anniversary of OTAT247: On The Air Tonight 🔥
On February 27th, Lisa and Dave will celebrate one year of OTAT247, and if anyone deserves to be cherished, it's them. Thanks to OTAT247, I had the unique chance to get my songs aired for the very first time—starting with Echo Plastique. That moment changed everything. Since then, it’s been a joy to share every new track with them, knowing it’s in the hands of people who genuinely love and support indie artists.
They’ve also just launched a brand-new website, so if you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s the perfect time. Go show them some love and celebrate this milestone with us!
✨ One Year of Sweet Boosts! ✨
Yesterday, February 20th, marked the first anniversary of Sweet Boosts, a truly incredible Facebook group filled with some of the most supportive and inspiring indie music friends out there. To everyone in Sweet Boosts, thank you for making this community what it is. I'm deeply grateful to be part of it. Happy anniversary, and here's to many more! 🥂
Quick side note: This isn’t me playing favorites; every group I’m part of brings something unique, and I’m grateful for all of them. Just throwing some extra love to Sweet Boosts today because, well… it’s their birthday! 🎉
Mitxoda News – This Only Moves If You Move It
I’ve been working on some big things. You know I’m not a fan of overselling, but let’s be real, this only works if people are here for it.
My new instrumental track Patience is dropping in March! But wait, there’s more… six other tracks are nearly ready. 👀 |  |
I won’t be dropping them on a weekly basis like Mike Stollen 😆 , but hey, you get the exclusive scoop right here, in this newsletter. Stay tuned… surprises ahead!
If you’ve been enjoying these newsletters, my music, the vibe of this whole indie world we’re building together, here’s how to be part of it:
✔️ Follow Mitxoda on Bandcamp or another platform via Songwhip.com/mitxoda
✔️ Grab my songs on Bandcamp or go old-school with a physical copy of my EP Distant and Close here
✔️ Share a song you love (mine or anyone’s) on your feed, playlist, or with a friend
✔️ Reply to this email, yes, I actually read them all 🙂
It sounds small, but it’s literally how this survives.
Big up to R.N.L Online Radio, they keep spinning my songs - I see it as a gift ❤️
A while ago, I was talking to another indie artist who told me, “People don’t realize how much power they have. We’re not waiting for labels or industry execs to ‘discover’ us. We’re waiting for listeners to decide we matter.”
That hit hard.
Because yeah, it’s true. The difference between an artist surviving or disappearing isn’t some big industry machine. It’s people deciding to keep the music going.
So if you’ve ever thought, “I love this artist, I hope they keep making music,” know that you’re the reason they can.
The Shadow’s Gone Out: A Sonic Exploration of Industrial Rock
Formed in 2020 in Tours (France) by drummer Julien and bassist Anthony, The Shadow’s Gone Out (TSGO) is an instrumental industrial rock band that blends rock and metal rhythms with a deep, immersive soundscape. The duo’s approach is both powerful and atmospheric, crafting a sonic world where high-energy rock meets the dark, mechanized pulse of industrial music.
TSGO refuses to be confined by traditional genre expectations, opting instead for an experimental and visually immersive experience. Their performances feature original video clips projected on screens, enhancing the connection between sound and imagery to create a complete artistic universe.
Their second EP, "John Doe," showcases a more radical and intense direction than their previous work, embracing a heavier metal influence, faster tempos, and the introduction of double bass pedal drumming. It follows the "Final Alarm" EP (2022) and the single "Whispering Ghost" (2023), demonstrating the band's commitment to evolving their sound while staying true to their industrial roots.
With upcoming releases available on vinyl and cassette, TSGO continues to carve its own path, pushing the limits of instrumental rock with a distinct and unmistakable identity. Fans of Nine Inch Nails, Rammstein, and industrial-infused rock should keep an eye on this band as they expand their sonic universe.
(Not so) Long Read: The Indie Grind: Passion, Struggle & Perseverance
Being an independent artist is NOT just about making music. It is a long long journey of resilience, self-belief, and an almost obsessive drive to create, even when it feels like no one is listening. It’s about pouring your soul into a song at 2 AM, adjusting a mix for the hundredth time, only to wonder if it will ever reach the right ears. It’s about balancing our own creativity with the unrelenting demands of self-promotion, branding, and navigating an industry that often seems indifferent to those who walk the path without a major label’s backing.
For indie musicians, every step forward is a personal victory. There’s no built-in audience, no pre-existing machine to amplify a new release - except fantastic Facebook Groups or more recently the MyIndieVerse mirroring what Facebook does, without ads and crazy algorithms - just an artist, their music, and the endless effort to be heard. It’s a grind, but it’s also a calling. We do it because we can’t imagine not doing it. Because even when it’s hard, even when streaming algorithms bury us under a sea of sameness, even when a social media post falls into the void with zero engagement, we keep going.
Why? Because persistence pays off.
Somewhere out there, the right listener will find you. Maybe today. Maybe next year. Maybe through a playlist, a shared post, or a lucky moment when someone stumbles upon your track and suddenly, your music becomes a part of their story. Indie success doesn’t happen overnight, but it happens. And it’s not just about numbers or virality. It’s about connection. About making music that means something to someone. Check out this 2022 post by Distance from Zero. it's incredibly well-written. Three years later, it’s still just as relevant!
And here’s the best part: we’re not in this alone. The indie scene is a community. We lift each other up, share each other’s work, celebrate each other’s wins. When one of us breaks through, it’s proof that it’s possible. That the work, the late nights, the self-doubt, etc all leads somewhere.
So if you’re in the trenches, feeling the weight of the struggle, keep going. Keep writing. Keep recording. Keep sharing. Because passion endures. And one day, all those hours spent chasing a dream will turn into something bigger than you ever imagined.
This is the indie grind. And if you’re still here, still making music despite it all, you’re already winning. ❤️
Historical Fact: The Jackson 5’s TV Debut
On February 21, 1970, the world got its first glimpse of The Jackson 5 performing live on national television when they appeared on American Bandstand. The group, led by a young Michael Jackson, performed their breakout hit, "I Want You Back," a song that would become one of Motown’s most iconic tracks.
Their performance on Dick Clark’s legendary show marked the beginning of their meteoric rise, solidifying their place in pop music history. With their infectious energy, synchronized dance moves, and undeniable talent, The Jackson 5 quickly became a household name, paving the way for Michael Jackson’s future as the King of Pop.
Here it is! A little slice of history shared just for you!
Playlist of the Week:
Nadine's Indie Treasures: The WormWood Project
Heavy, dark, and gripping. "(A Keening) The Hollows" blends Tool/A Perfect Circle vibes with haunting melodies. Check out "Temperance", "The Broken & the Damned", or dive into the full album, worth it.
 |
💬 Introducing Nadine’s Indie Treasures a new chapter where Nadine de Macedo handpicks and spotlights exceptional artists. Subscribe to her Bandcamp to support her work, enjoy exclusive singles, and be part of her evolving story!
🎧 Electric Blindfold – Listening Party Alert!
My friends, if you’re into immersive sonic journeys, mark your calendars for March 8, 2025, at 8PM UTC+1! Electric Blindfold is hosting a listening party for his brand new album S P A C E (Time of the Past Edition), and you don’t want to miss it.
Join Chris and fellow music lovers for a collective first listen and chat about the album in real time. It’s always a pleasure to dive into music together, so let’s make it a night to remember!
Quick Indie News
🔥 Shoutout to Cristina, aka Voxxy! 🔥
Big moment coming up, Cristina's debut single, Using the Shadows, drops everywhere on February 28th at midnight! 🎶✨
Let’s show some love and support, hit up that presave (yes, some people do presave, and we see you 👀) and be ready when it lands!
Arcane Synthetic's new album, A New Era & Nothing More: Part I, is finally mastered, a deeply personal journey, both mentally and emotionally. Presave on their Facebook page.
Crayon Tabibito released his new Thai studio album Conversations on all streaming platforms. This album composes of all new 17 love songs that reminds of the Thai popular music of the 90's and 00's era with synth pop sound. It is a musical departure from the world music style in his previous albums.
So I did by The Hollow Words is out now!! I am true fan!
The Joker by Ataraxia Music is almost out, get ready and presave it here!
The Catalyst by Into the Outro is simply a gem. Released on Jan 29, 2025. Listen on Bandcamp now.
My Little Northern Star by Mike Stollen (Feb 18, 2025) is pure beauty in the ears. Don’t miss it!
Bits Of Elation by The Belladonna Treatment - Alternative (United Kingdom) - 13 February 2025. A fever dream wrapped in searing guitars and dark intensity. Let the fire take hold! Listen now!
The Rich And The Poor by Faxin - Rock (Canada) - 14 February 2025. A scorching punk anthem exposing the brutal divide of wealth. Feel the rebellion!
Raise Your Soul by Afterdome - Metal (Portugal) - 18 February 2025. A high-voltage mix of thrash and nu-metal, pushing the boundaries of heavy music. Brace yourself!
Broken Petals by Behind the Beach House - Rock (Australia) - 31 January 2025. A song of betrayal, heartache, and emotional breakdown. Let it sink in!
Lillycue is almost ready with her new song…!
On March 7, 2025, Rain will be out, this is the latest Elirah’s Cross track!
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.
And some extra’s before you go to bed 🙂
Until Next Week: Keep the Fire Burning
This week has been all about celebrating the spaces and people who make the indie world what it is, the ones who show up, amplify voices, and keep the music alive. From OTAT247’s first anniversary to a year of Sweet Boosts lifting artists up, we’re reminded that this journey is about connecting.
We’ve talked about milestones, the grind of the indie scene, the power of community, and the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward. Every song shared, every playlist spun, every message sent, it all adds up to something bigger than any one artist. It’s how we survive, and more than that, how we thrive.
So this week, if you’ve discovered a new artist, supported a fellow indie musician, or simply felt inspired by the passion around you, congrats and hold onto that. Because persistence pays off. And as long as we keep showing up for each other, the music will never fade.
Until next time, keep the spirit alive, keep sharing, and keep making noise for what matters.
Love, Mitxoda
END 😆
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