Song of the Week : butterfly by OLGA (Feb 21, 2025)
Hello {{firstname | Dear Friend }}!
Welcome to Mitxoda Weekly #42!
My uncle just turned 100. A century of life, stories, resilience, and soon, I’ll be celebrating too. July feels different this year. Brighter. Louder. Deeper. It’s full of sounds, full of passion, full of energy.
Even if you’re already on holiday, don’t scroll past this. This isn’t just a newsletter, it’s a wave of indie greatness sweeping across continents, from small rooms to big hearts. What’s inside? New releases, bold decisions, heartfelt community moments, and reminders of why indie still matters.
You won’t see this anywhere else. That’s the power of the indie movement: worldwide and close at the same time.
Stay with me.
Forward this Weekly to someone who needs it. Whisper it in someone’s ear.
Remember, this flame only grows when passed along.
With love,
- M
Le Salon Indie de Mitxoda is again ready to soundtrack your week this Friday. Stay tuned, 4PM Brussels time.
Enjoy the read!
Mitxoda
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Tonight: The Sinister Daily Listening Party by Hollow Words
Something dark and beautiful is unfolding tonight.
Friday, July 11, 2025 (that’s TODAY)
9:00 PM CET / 3:00 PM EDT
Chris, the creative force behind Hollow Words, is hosting a special listening party for his new release: The Sinister Daily (collection)
An evocative title, a brand new track, and a few familiar favorites. But most of all, it’s a moment to connect, to be among the first to hear "The Sinister Daily", the title track itself, and to hang out in good company.
No pressure, no stage lights, just Chris, his songs, and a space for music lovers to chat about inspiration, stories, or even the weather.
👉 Join the party here (hopefully this works for external folks):
https://hollowwords1.bandcamp.com/live/the-sinister-daily-collection-listening-party
or just go to Hollow Words bandcamp page or Facebook page.
Bring your headphones. Bring your thoughts. And bring your curiosity.
Indie Spirit, Amplified, Reflections from a Grateful Heart
A simple question sparked one of the most heartfelt threads I’ve seen in this indie community (Thanks Drew!!). What began as a list of musical inspirations became a wave of mutual love, kindness, and deep connection. I was truly moved, and here’s what I’d like to share in return.
From Me (Mitxoda), to All of You
It’s been only 13 months since I stepped into this space, and I honestly never expected the level of kindness, support, and pure artistic energy I’ve experienced. Every single name mentioned in that thread? I felt it. I read everything. And yes, I reacted to nearly every comment with a heart, because I meant it.
“My writings help me not to think about my illness. All of you here... you’re my fuel. Nothing less.”
I may have tagged too many people and almost got banned by the Facebook overlords, but I couldn’t help it. There are just so many of you I admire. My way of honouring each one of you is through my Weekly, slow, steady, and always from the heart.
“Basically, you can find all of them (you artists) and many more in my weeklies… That’s how I honour all of you. At my pace.”
And yes, that pace includes stepping back sometimes. July and August are a bit quieter for me, to focus on my family, my wife and two wonderful kids, and to recharge. But I’ll be back in full force in September.
Words That Hit Deep
Some messages touched me in ways that are hard to describe. RedPrint’s honesty about feeling like “chimps holding instruments” was not just funny, it was real. We all feel like that sometimes. That’s what makes this community so special: we see each other’s imperfections and still lift each other up.
“Support should be the essence of every human being.”
As a bassist myself, I couldn’t resist defending us, yes, even our voices 😉, and reminding everyone that what we bring matters, even if it’s quietly in the background.
The Power of Collective Energy
When Jay El Dee said I inspired her “despite chronic illness,” I was honestly speechless. That kind of recognition is worth more than a thousand streams. And when Elirah’s Cross told me that “Seconde Vie” was his entry point into French indie, I felt incredibly seen. Especially knowing that I first tried to connect through French-speaking groups, but no one replied. So I turned to English indie circles, and suddenly… real feedback, real support, no judgment. That was enough for me to give back, in every way I could.
“Feedbacks, listening, not just to music but to actual struggles, and offering what I can. Respect, always. And creating a safe space for everyone.”
I hate racism. I hate exclusion. And I love what we’re building here: something open, diverse, and full of life.
What You’ve Given Me
Some of you said I was like “a tree whose branches provide shelter.” That honestly made me tear up. Because I don’t think of myself that way. I just do what I can, when I can, and hope it brings someone a little clarity, encouragement, or warmth.
I’m not the tallest tree. (Literally, sorry, Histheory 😄)
But I try to be rooted, and to grow alongside all of you.
What Indie Means to Me
This thread didn’t crown anyone. It revealed something deeper:
We’re better because of each other.
Every message, every shoutout, every tag,… it wasn't just about names. It was about spirit. And this indie spirit we share? It’s rare. It’s real. And I’m proud to be a part of it.
To everyone who mentioned me: thank you. Truly.
To everyone I couldn’t mention: I see you, I hear you, you’re in my Weeklies.
To those who are new: welcome. You’re already part of the family.
Much love. Let’s keep growing; together. 🧡
Mitxoda / z / whatever 😉
The Disappearing Blue Links, Facebook and the Subtle War on Visibility
Lone Creep has made a bold decision to remove all their music from every streaming platform, choosing to be available exclusively on Bandcamp. This move reflects a strong stance against the music streaming industry, emphasizing a desire for more direct support from fans and a more artist-friendly platform. Fans who want to listen to Lone Creep’s music will now need to visit Bandcamp, where the artist can connect more closely with their audience.
Crave indie discovery?
Step off the algorithm highway.
The Creator Spotlight is where handpicked brilliance shines, no fluff, just people who make things worth your time.
👉 Jump in, weekly, quietly brilliant.
Quick Indie News
This feature shines a spotlight on LZMP, a francophone grassroots indie artist collective committed to mutual support, offering collaborative events, shared promotional platforms, and real emotional backing, creating a creative community where emerging musicians uplift one another rather than compete.
ISSA (International Singer Songwriters Association) is a global nonprofit created by and for independent music artists. It supports songwriters year-round with free resources, networking, and promotional opportunities, culminating in an annual awards event in Atlanta that celebrates creativity, growth, and community. ISSA is about empowering artists, not just giving out trophies.
In the video, CEO Tamanie Dove explains why ISSA is a movement, and how this year’s summit will include breakout sessions, red carpet moments, and even a Grammy-winning producer.
On Thursday, July 10th, 2025, Raffaella Piccirillo hosted her live radio show, Burns Envy, only Hits! on Radio Piemonte Torino, featuring the latest international music releases and artist previews. Listeners were invited to submit their professional press kits for potential airplay, and the show included a live behind-the-scenes experience via TikTok Live Studio, offering fans an exclusive backstage look during the broadcast. The episode is now available for streaming on Spreaker and other platforms.
The Skinner Brothers just dropped a new track, “Sleep When I’m Dead,” on Bandcamp. Despite running on zero sleep after a crazy work stretch, they’re reaching out to their community for support to help keep their music alive. Every listen and share means the world to them, check out the track and spread the love! ❤️ Listen here
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.
Stranglehold by Redprint, Rock (The Netherlands), 31 July 2025. Dutch indie warriors take on Ted Nugent’s legendary track with their own raw, powerful edge. 👉 Plug in and hold on
London Falling by The Kyle Jordan Project, Rock (Canada), 8 July 2025. Modern punk fire from Canada, channelling the ghosts of The Clash with a fresh rebel spark. 👉 March into mayhem
Kill God Now by Rat Silo, Alternative (Canada), 6 July 2025. A heavy, uncompromising anthem ripping into blind faith. Brutal, bold, and very indie.
👉 Feel the ruptureKingdom II by Ataraxia Music, Electronic/Dance (USA), 4 July 2025. Synthy, sexy, bluesy, fun, an instrumental playground from the US underground. 👉 Join the Kingdom
Fall Forever by Die Tired, Alternative (USA), 4 July 2025. A powerful blast of grunge grit and hard rock emotion, made for loud catharsis. 👉 Fall into it
LLT by Andy Smith, Alternative (Australia), 27 June 2025. Rewriting a 2004 classic with fresh eyes and a hopeful groove. Aussie indie resilience at its best.
👉 Take the turnFou by Yannick Charest, Folk (Québec, Canada), 23 June 2025. Experimental folk improvisation from Québec, raw, emotional, beautifully unfiltered. 👉 Lose yourself in Fou
The Fall Of Saigon by moyno, Alternative (France), 21 June 2025. A cinematic alternative soundscape built on memory, presence, and poetic collapse. 👉 Fall with grace
Have We Lost Our Mind by Theo MN, Alternative (France), 1 June 2025. Multi-instrumental indie excellence from France, exploring the blurred lines of modern reality. 👉 Explore the question
Freeze Frame Solitude by Antonis Vlavo, Alternative (Greece), 30 May 2025. Dreamy and arctic, this track freezes time with elegance, featuring Vana Rose & Bandoek. 👉 Let it freeze
butterfly by OLGA, Pop (Belgium), 21 February 2025: my coup de coeur ❤
A delicate yet powerful indie-pop gem about the deep need to be seen. 👉 Let it flutterWe Can't Say Goodbye by Lien, Alternative (France), 29 September 2024. French indie with a conscience, an emotional call to fight for the planet, not each other. 👉 Don’t say goodbye
Cactus Breeze by JoDan Music, Rock (USA), 21 June 2024. Acoustic rock that flows like a road trip through the soul, full of light, dust, and story. 👉 Catch the breeze
Historical Fact: The Rolling Stones Take the Stage for the First Time
On July 12, 1962, The Rolling Stones played their first-ever live gig at the legendary Marquee Club on Oxford Street in London. Billed as "Mick Jagger and the Rollin’ Stones," the lineup featured Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, Dick Taylor, and Tony Chapman. The show marked the humble beginning of what would become one of the most iconic rock bands in history. Their raw blues-infused energy instantly made waves, and rock ‘n’ roll would never be the same again.
Keep the Historical Fact?
Nadine's Indie Treasures: AiramFM
Picked with curiosity by Nadine de Macedo
“I met Maria on Threads before deleting my account” Nadine recalls. “Then I heard her unmistakable voice on the radio and had to Google her.” That voice led her to AiramFM, a dreamy blend of pop, cinematic textures, and trip hop echoes. “North Star stuck with me” she says, also naming “Ocean Paradise” and “Alone” as standouts. Serendipity never sounded so good.
💬 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!
Until Next Week: The Tree, The Roots, The Lights
This week reminded me what indie truly means. It’s not about charting. It’s about showing up, week after week, for each other. Whether you shared a link, wrote a message, joined a listening party, or just quietly tuned in, thank you.
The Sinister Daily drops tonight. Lone Creep leaves streaming. AiramFM glows with quiet beauty. Someone cries. Someone dreams. Someone begins.
In the shadow of a giant tree turning 100, I look at us, not just music makers, but meaning makers.
July is the spark. September will be the blaze. But for now, let’s live this summer with intent, together.
Keep discovering. Keep supporting. Keep whispering.
See you next week.
With heart,
🖤 Mitxoda
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