Mitxoda Weekly #8: Bandcamp’s Indie Heartbeat, Holiday Vibes & A Journey Through City Lights with Étoiles d'Asphalte

Song of the Week : Letting Go by Endure Everything Band (released on March 29, 2024).

Hello Dear Friend!

This week brings fresh sounds and heartfelt reflections. On Bandcamp, you’ll find “At Xmas Time, I’m Always High,” a playful holiday track exclusively for you. December’s lineup is packed, with “Time Drift” and a special collab on the way.

In our Story Time, explore “Étoiles d'Asphalte” and the late-night city vibes that inspired it. Plus, a deep dive into Bandcamp, a place where indie artists truly connect with listeners.

Let’s dive into the indie groove together!

Au menu, this week:

Table of Contents

• Mitxoda News: Instrumental Journey Continues

• Poll: Where are you tuning in from?

• Long Read: The Value of Bandcamp in a Tough Indust …

• A 17-Year Quest Ends: The Mysterious Song “Subways …

• Playlist of the Week: The Foss List November ‘24 b …

• Quick Indie News

• Étoiles d'Asphalte: A Deeper Look into the Night C …

• Until Next Week: A Season of Indie Connection

• Let’s Keep the Music Flowing

Mitxoda News: Instrumental Journey Continues

Starting with Desertland, which has been out for two weeks now and is making its way with 200 streams, gathering some great feedback along the way. Next up is Darkness, set to release on November 22.

Then there’s Time Drift, an instrumental that takes a different path with its jagged 5/4 rhythm, introducing a tension I rarely explore in my music. I even threw in a spontaneous, unexpected piano solo at the end — a twist that may surprise a few listeners! Time Drift is set for release on December 2, leaving room for my collaboration with Timtmmusic on There aren’t Alligators in Chicago, Right?, dropping December 12.

A 4th instrumental is ready and I think I will launch it by the end of the year. I already have a lot of materials coming soon ahahaha, be prepared 😉

Poll: Where are you tuning in from?

• North America 🌎

• Europe 🌍

• Asia 🌏

• South America 🌎

• Australia & Oceania 🌊

• Africa 🌍

• Other 🌐 (yup! You never know..!)

Thanks to everyone who participated in last week's poll! The majority of voters (60%) suggest that the next Mitxoda release should focus on themes of "Resilience & Uplift," with "Experimental Sounds" as a secondary preference at 40%. Well, I can’t promise anything right now 🤣 

Long Read: The Value of Bandcamp in a Tough Industry: A Reflection Inspired by Jerry Cantrell

Jerry Cantrell isn’t just any artist talking about the music industry, he’s a veteran who helped shape it. As the founder and guitarist of the legendary band Alice in Chains, Cantrell has been at the forefront of rock and metal, collaborating with icons like Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, and Heart. Known for his distinctive guitar work and powerful songwriting, he has the authority to speak to the realities of this business. In a recent interview with Primordial Radio, Cantrell shared a hard truth about the industry today, calling streaming a “bad business model” that has only worsened the financial challenges for artists. “I’m no different than anybody else,” he explained, “I’ve still got to pay the bills, and I’ve got to work, this is my job.”

For indie artists like myself, Cantrell’s words hit home. The costs of making and promoting music haven’t gone down, yet, as he points out, revenue continues to shrink. Navigating this landscape isn’t easy, but there are platforms that still value fair artist support. For me, Bandcamp is one of those rare places.

Unlike mainstream streaming platforms, Bandcamp feels less like a “service” and more like a community. Artists can set their own prices, and fans often have the option to pay more, directly supporting the music they love. This approach is worlds away from the “fraction-of-a-cent” streaming model. Here, when a fan buys a track or an album, it directly supports real-world costs that keep my music alive. It’s not just about numbers; it’s a tangible way to keep projects moving forward.

Bandcamp has created a space focused on artist empowerment, enabling musicians to keep their rights and receive substantial support. Releasing tracks here, I know that the value goes beyond listens, it reaches a community of supporters who genuinely care about indie music and the people behind it. It’s the kind of place where, as an artist, I can take my work seriously and find a balance that feels both fair and sustainable. Even if, for now on, I don’t have that community ready. Difficult to transfer my 1,5k Facebook followers to Bandcamp, for instance.

Cantrell strongly advocates for artists’ rights, and while Bandcamp isn’t the only solution (think about Reverbnation, for instance), it’s a valuable example of what the industry could be, built on fairness, sustainability, and mutual respect between creators and their audiences. If you’re passionate about indie music, consider visiting Bandcamp; it’s one way to directly support the artists who pour their energy into the music you love.

Bandcamp: A Hidden Gem for Artists and Fans Alike

While Bandcamp may not have the widespread recognition of Spotify or the reach of Facebook, this limitation comes with a surprising silver lining. On Bandcamp, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with nearly every single person who supports my music there. This isn’t just a platform where music vanishes into an algorithmic stream; it’s a place where artists and fans genuinely connect.

The smaller community size allows for real relationships to flourish, something I value deeply as an indie musician. Bandcamp has introduced me to artists who aren’t afraid to experiment, bringing unique sounds that are sometimes unavailable anywhere else. It’s thanks to this platform that I discovered Germany’s own Nadine de Macedo, whose extensive collection continues to inspire, and Aliénor, whose fantastic progressive sound offers a nice take on the genre. Both of these artists have shown me just how much talent and originality lives on Bandcamp, far from the mainstream.

This is Bandcamp’s hidden strength: it’s not just a streaming platform; it’s a curated space where creativity and connection take priority over pure exposure. And with the next Bandcamp Friday happening on December 6th, there’s no better time to support indie artists. During this 24-hour event, Bandcamp waives its revenue share, giving 100% of the sales directly to artists and labels. For anyone who wants to truly engage with music on a personal level, Bandcamp is worth every click.

A 17-Year Quest Ends: The Mysterious Song “Subways of Your Mind” Uncovered!

Sometimes, the internet is like a detective agency with infinite patience and a wild sense of adventure. Enter "Subways of Your Mind," a mysterious 80s pop song that took the web’s music detectives on a 17-year ride, right to the heart of “lostwave” legend. This tune was a mystery cassette recording, passed on by two siblings who captured it from the radio in the 80s and unleashed it online in 2007, with no artist, no title, just a haunting melody. And that’s how the hunt began.

Fans tried everything: analyzing accents, picking apart instruments, even reviving the track on Reddit in 2019, where it earned the moniker “the most mysterious song on the internet.” A special forum formed, thousands joined the hunt, and, at last, an online super-sleuth named "marijn1412" cracked the code. It was a German band called FEX, and the lead singer, Michael Haedrich, was just as surprised as everyone else to find out that his forgotten track had become a cult phenomenon!

In Haedrich’s words, the rediscovery “absolutely floored” him. Sometimes, the internet pulls you back into the spotlight, whether you were ready or not. So, hats off to the music explorers out there, here’s proof that no tune is truly lost forever, especially when the internet is on the case!

Playlist of the Week: The Foss List November ‘24 by Fossegrim Records

Quick Indie News

• No Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago in 2025 🤔 - 19 years after the first live stage, they sent a message to the community, stopping it. Other events will still be produced by Pitchfork in 2025 though.

• New Embracing Discomfort and SAE : When Las Vegas (USA) Meets Liège (Belgium): Der Löwe und der Wolf, out on November 26. Presave it here!

• Timtmmusic is also releasing 2 gems: (I lived for) the nights (November 26) Presave here! And another one for Christmas, out on December 3: Presave it here!

• Justin Ride just released Hope. Listen now, you’ll keep spinning it!

• Somewhere released Away on November 8. Check their track Kick - awesome!!

• + 2 special events to celebrate! It's Michael Botte birthday today, happy man! And, E:W:L review show will also celebrate its first anniversary, don't miss it!

• Could you send some love (and followers) to the Dukester Podcast Family? They need about 350 more followers to reach their sacred 5k milestone!

• I also found a really nice Journey made by Magician on Duty on SoundCloud. Take a look and enjoy this brilliant show!

• 🥵 Honestly, 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!

Étoiles d'Asphalte: A Deeper Look into the Night City Journey

Released on June 20, 2024, "Étoiles d'Asphalte" first met the world during an electric night on OTAT247, where it shared the airwaves with an eclectic lineup, including Reverend Genes, Hollow Words, and Viking1. The energy that evening was palpable, with each artist bringing their unique sound to the stage. "Étoiles d'Asphalte" took listeners into the heart of a nighttime cityscape, where urban lights clash with solitude, and each corner holds an unexpected story.

The song quickly gained traction, even receiving some radio play, I am so thankful for this. Here’s a chance to listen again on radio stations like OTAT247, which brought this track to life for countless listeners, or through this link: Étoiles d'Asphalte on Songwhip.

The Song’s Core Inspiration

"Étoiles d'Asphalte" grew from the concept of finding beauty in hidden places. The lyrics were born from a late-night wander through the city, where each neon light, each shadow on the pavement, became stars against asphalt, like a poetic clash of nature and urbanity. Unlike traditional starry skies, these stars reflect human stories, the struggles, and the tiny moments of connection or isolation we experience amidst the concrete.

Sweet Beets captured this sentiment well in their review on June 25, noting Mitxoda's unique style that marries chanson and electro-rock. Their words reflect a heartfelt welcome: "Fairly new to the scene, Mitxoda has been winning hearts with his loving energy and strong support for the community. This song presents an evocative journey through the city at night."

Resonance and Recognition: Étoiles d'Asphalte Through the Ears of the Wednesday Rally

The feedback from the Wednesday Rally (that took place on November 13) on Étoiles d'Asphalte was truly overwhelming, filled with deep insights and comparisons that were both humbling and exhilarating. Listeners drew parallels to legends like Bowie and Ray Manzarek of The Doors, an honor I hadn't anticipated but am incredibly grateful for. Smokin' Cola called out a Bryan Ferry and Bowie quality in the vocals, while Ataraxia Music highlighted the Ray Manzarek influence, comparing the atmospheric feel to Riders on the Storm, a huge compliment considering Manzarek’s unmatched ability to create immersive soundscapes.

Elirah’s Cross offered one of the most detailed breakdowns I’ve received, dissecting the rhythmic layering and the subtle shifts in the triplet melody as it fades into the groove. He even picked up on the alto flute and piano’s improvisational interplay, and he coined the term "Mitxoda world," a phrase that perfectly captures the immersive experience I aim for.

E:W:L (Even Without Life) praised the retro energy, calling it a “blast from the past” with a vibe that needs no translation, while Whiskey Club pointed out the richness in my vocal timbre, emphasizing how it holds its own within the production. Hearing this kind of feedback made me feel truly seen and understood as an artist, knowing that my music connected with listeners across language and style. To witness Étoiles d'Asphalte transform from a track into a shared experience has been deeply rewarding and reminds me of the power of music to connect us, even through the smallest details.

I can’t name each and everyone here, but for those curious to dive deeper, I invite you to check out the full comment section of this Wednesday Rally event, it’s filled with passionate insights and reflections that truly capture the spirit of Étoiles d'Asphalte and the incredible indie community behind it. THANK YOU.

Until Next Week: A Season of Indie Connection

As we wrap up this week’s journey through holiday first vibes, deep city reflections, and the indie community, I hope you find a little something special here to carry with you. From “At Xmas Time, I’m Always High” on Bandcamp to the upcoming release of “Time Drift,” there’s more music coming to keep us connected.

I loved sharing my thoughts on Bandcamp’s unique support for artists, a reminder of the value in platforms that prioritize connection over clicks. And diving into “Étoiles d'Asphalte” allowed me to reflect on those city lights and hidden places where stories come to life.

Thank you for being here on this indie journey. It’s because of you that this music lives, breathes, and finds its rhythm each time in every listen. Until next week, keep exploring, keep listening, and let’s keep the music alive together!

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) Presave Link

• 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…

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

Stay tuned, things are boiling!

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