Mitxoda Weekly #9: The Indie Spirit Shines On

Song of the Week : You Are Who You Choose To Be by Ron Friedland (released on November 15, 2024).

Hello Dear Friend!

What a hectic week it’s been! First, my smartphone broke down, then, miraculously, revived. Just as I was celebrating, my laptop decided to go completely haywire. It was a moment of pure panic. Still, I did my best to stay positive, and thankfully, I managed to back everything up before it was too late. A few days later, I was back to work, though my Mac’s future remains uncertain. It’s been a rollercoaster, but here we are! Despite all the ups and downs, I’m thrilled to send you this newsletter. No flashy promos or big campaigns this time, just me, keeping it real.

I want to thank you for the support you sent my way during these lacky moments. The international indie community is something truly special, it’s not just talk; it’s real, tangible, and heartfelt. Your encouragement means more than I can say.

Oh, and some good news: I sold two copies of my Xmas song on Bandcamp! It might seem like a small milestone, but it feels huge to me.

Now, let’s look forward, brighter days are ahead!

Au menu, this week:

Table of Contents

• Mitxoda News: Hiccups and Positivity

• Long Read: Navigating the Shift – Bluesky, Threads …

• Remember your first single?

  • Historical fact

• Playlist of the Week: She by S & B

• (No) Quick Indie News

• Until Next Week: Boom

• Let’s Keep the Music Flowing

Mitxoda News: Hiccups and Positivity

"Undressed" is a song I’m working on. It’s not quite ready yet, but it’s on its way. The idea behind it is simple and raw, one day, we all need to undress. Whether by choice, necessity, or even out of desperation, it’s a moment of vulnerability we can’t avoid. "Undressed" isn’t just about shedding clothes; it’s about stripping away layers to live freely, without limits. It’s about exposing truths, naked and undeniable, even when the world prefers to look away. Why hide, even when bare? Why obscure the truth, especially when it brings justice and clarity? It’s food for thought as the song takes shape.

In the meantime, I’ve been diving into the local music scene, exploring bands from Belgium and the Netherlands. This is my region, and I feel a deep connection to the artists here. I want to listen, learn, and hopefully meet them one day. Building something together feels essential, it’s how we keep the indie spirit alive. If you’re an artist from this area, let’s connect. I’d love to hear your story.

Also, I’m putting together special playlists like #123Songs and #Xmas. There’s still time to get your tracks featured! Just drop your songs in the comments of the Facebook posts linked below. A huge thank you to everyone who has already shared their music, it’s inspiring to see the indie community come together like this. Let’s keep it going!

Poll: Last results

Thanks to everyone who participated in last week's poll! And thank you, YOU, people of Europe and North America - the only answers I got, ahaha, even if I am pretty sure some Aussie’s are supporting me as well 😉 I will pause the poll session for this week!

Long Read: Navigating the Shift – Bluesky, Threads, and the Challenge of Leaving Twitter

For years, Twitter has been a cornerstone of how musicians and artists connect with their audience. It’s where we share our ideas, celebrate milestones, and sometimes even spark unexpected collaborations. But as the platform changes, becoming less welcoming for creatives and more controlled by corporate interests, many of us are wondering: Is it time to move on?

While alternatives like Bluesky and Threads (Meta) are emerging as viable options, the decision to leave X, or any major platform, isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Let’s dig into why platforms like Bluesky and Threads matter, who’s behind them, and why walking away from X and even Facebook is so complicated.

Bluesky: A Platform Rooted in Open Access

Bluesky was founded by Jack Dorsey, one of Twitter’s original creators. The project began as an experiment in decentralized social media, a vision of what Twitter could have been if it wasn’t bound by the pressures of investors or advertising revenue. Unlike traditional platforms, Bluesky operates with a decentralized structure, meaning no single corporation controls how content is shared or discovered. Instead, it’s designed to empower creators and users alike.

For musicians, this is huge. Bluesky allows us to present our work without fighting against algorithms or paying for visibility. It’s a fresh start, unburdened by the advertising-heavy and drama-laden environment of Twitter. But remember Mastodon?

Threads: Meta’s Surprisingly Decent Offer

On the other hand, Threads, built by Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram), offers a different appeal. While it’s not decentralized like Bluesky, it inherits Instagram’s vibrant community of creatives. Threads feels intuitive and polished, with a focus on conversations and connections rather than polarizing debates.

Yes, it’s still Meta, and that comes with its own baggage privacy concerns, algorithmic mysteries, and a corporate giant pulling the strings. But for those already using Instagram to build their audience, Threads can feel like a natural extension, making it easier to connect without rebuilding from scratch.

Why It’s Hard to Leave X/Twitter

Despite these promising alternatives, leaving Twitter feels like breaking up with an old friend. Over time, we’ve built a presence, cultivated relationships, and formed routines that are deeply tied to the platform. Twitter has been the stage for countless creative breakthroughs, viral moments, and genuine connections.

For me, Twitter had a unique cultural weight. It’s where musicians, journalists, and fans converged in real-time, creating a dynamic ecosystem that can’t easily be replicated. Walking away means risking the loss of these hard-earned connections and starting over somewhere new, a daunting prospect. But still necessary.

The Facebook Dilemma

Now let’s take this a step further. Imagine if someone with questionable motives, an Elon Musk-esque figure, bought Meta and turned Facebook, Instagram, and Threads into something unrecognizable. What would we do? Could we just pack up and leave?

The truth is, it would be just as hard. Like Twitter, Facebook has become woven into the fabric of our creative lives. Many of us rely on it for event promotion, fan engagement, and even basic networking. The thought of abandoning it, especially if it underwent a drastic transformation overnight, feels overwhelming.

This is why decentralized platforms like Bluesky are so important. They offer a blueprint for a future where no single corporation can hold us hostage to their rules. But until these platforms grow to rival the reach and influence of Twitter or Facebook, the reality is that we’ll continue to feel tethered to these platforms, no matter how flawed they become.

A Necessary Shift

Bluesky and Threads represent two different paths forward, one rooted in decentralization and independence, the other in a smoother transition from existing platforms. Both have their merits, and both are worth exploring.

But here’s the challenge: leaving Twitter or Facebook is about rethinking how we engage with social media altogether, about prioritizing platforms that align with our values, even if it means leaving behind what’s comfortable.

A Thought Experiment

What if we started diversifying our digital presence today? Exploring Bluesky, setting up a profile on Threads, and engaging with audiences across multiple platforms, not as an escape plan, but as a way to future-proof our creative lives. Because the truth is, the platforms we depend on today won’t stay the same forever.

If we’re proactive now, we won’t find ourselves scrambling when the next big shift happens. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll help build a digital landscape that works for artists, rather than against us.

For now, I’m still on Twitter. I’m not calling it X. I’m not ready to say goodbye, even as I explore what’s next. But I’m also keeping an open mind, because the future of social media might not look like anything we’ve seen before.

What do you think? Are you ready to make the jump, or are you holding tight to what you’ve built? Let’s talk. I’m all ears.

Remember your first single?

There’s something magical about releasing your first single. It’s a mix of excitement, nerves, and the sheer thrill of putting your creation out into the world. For me, that moment came earlier this year with Echo Plastique. I still remember the surreal feeling of seeing it live, available for anyone to hear. The journey leading to that moment was filled with late nights, doubts, and experimentation, but when the track finally came together, it felt like opening a new chapter. (Thanks Whiskey Club for the push in the back!)

Now, I’m curious, what was your first single in 2024? Whether you're a seasoned artist finally venturing into solo projects, or an indie enthusiast finding your voice, that first release is a milestone worth celebrating.

Let’s gather these stories together. Share the title of your first single, when you released it, and any anecdotes or feelings tied to the moment. I’d love to feature some of your responses in an upcoming edition. Think of it as a time capsule of indie music in 2024, one track, one story at a time.

Feel free to reply to this email or message me on socials. Let’s shine a light on where it all begins.

Playlist of the Week: She by S & B

(No) Quick Indie News

• 🥵 Honestly, we all the things I had this week, I had zero time to take notes or dive into all the fresh music out there. If you’d like to introduce your latest release here, just reply to this email with the details, I’d love to hear about it! It would help a lot 😇 

Until Next Week: Boom

Despite the chaos this week, broken phones, rebellious laptops, and a rollercoaster of emotions, I’m so glad this newsletter made it to your inbox. It’s a testament to staying positive, finding solutions, and pushing through when things get tough.

Thank you again for your support, whether it’s through a kind message, a song shared, or simply opening this email. It’s moments like these that remind me how incredible the indie community really is. Your encouragement keeps me going, and I hope this newsletter gives something back to you.

Next week, I’ll have more updates, playlists, and maybe even a sneak peek into my creative process. For now, I’ll leave you with this thought: no matter how hectic life gets, there’s always music to ground us and bring us together.

Until next time,
Stay inspired, stay indie,

What’s Next for Mitxoda?

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

• November 22: “Darkness” (Instrumental) Out Today!

• December 2: “Time Drift” (Instrumental) Presave Link

• December 7: “At Xmas Time, I m Always High” Presave Link , my personal Xmas gift… 🎄 

• December 12: “There Aren’t Alligators in Chicago, Right?” New Collaboration with Timtmmusic. Presave Link

• By the end of the year, another instrumental coming…

• “Undressed” will be released later in 2025

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

Stay tuned, awesome things are coming!

Get Involved: Your Feedback Matters!

Mitxoda Weekly thrives on your input. Here are some ways to get more involved:

• Feature Request: Is there a song, artist, or theme you’d love to see in the Weekly? Send it in!

• Your Indie Stories: Share your experiences with the indie scene, funny stories, struggles, or inspirations. Let’s showcase them in an upcoming edition.

• Debate Corner: What would you do if your songs were suddenly removed from platforms? Respond with your ideas on defending indie artists, and we’ll feature the most compelling thoughts.

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