The Hot 5

Show Intro Music

This is a no-nonsense to the point podcast helping you discover brilliant new independent music!

Links to the artists on the show today that are available on Apple Music & Bandcamp are provided in the show description Other links to the artists can also be found on our social media channels

That’s the boring bit out the way let’s get to what you came here for .… Listening to great Independent music!

So getting us going today at number 5 is Soft Target by Rosalie James

Rosalie Jones is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Cornwall in the UK and the track Soft Target is off of her forthcoming album Full of Chemicals.

Rosalie has had her own struggles over the years, but after two degrees and a decade working as a Social Worker in social care and mental health, she decided in June 2023 that it was time to return to her creative roots.

She is now using her music and creativity to raise the awareness and reduce the stigma around areas including neurodiversity, domestic violence, addiction and mental health.

This young lady has brilliant voice, and is now using it to convey a serious message in the guise of a fantastic indie pop track! If this single is anything to go by, the album will be a cracker!

Here is Soft Target by Rosalie James

Music

That was Soft Target by Rosalie James

Next up at No 4 is Muffet Way by Mikey J

Mikey J, is a singer / songwriter and musician from Melbourne in Australia, Releases the track Muffet Way, which is from his 7th studio album also titled Muffet Way!

The album Muffet Way consists of 14 tracks, with the album taking it’s listeners on a journey through emotions, time and place and has tracks ranging from indie rock & pop, garage & funk, so there is something on the album for everyone, with Mikey playing all the instruments himself as well as singing!

I really liked this one from the off, as it had a chilled 60’s surf pop vibe going on and had me bobbing my head head to it in no time at all, but has also left me with a feel good factor after each play!

So it just had to be on the show and I’m also hoping that it has the same effect on you guys!

Here is Muffet Way by Mikey J

Music

That was Muffet Way by Mikey J

Next up at No 3 is I Could Never Be Sick Of You by Ben Konarov

Ben Konarov is a singer songwriter from Brisbane in Australia and this new track which is a catchy little pop number is his latest release!

Ben is no stranger to the show, he has been on before, with a previous release titled bitch in disguise, which if you haven’t had a listen, then it’s a track you should definitely give a spin!

Ben has been writing lyrics since 2002, Twenty years later, he has started a collaboration with Gary Cubberley and Chique Sabonsolin and they have brought many tracks to the party. Most recently "Made A Mark" and "I Could Never Be Sick Of You" were both in the top ten of the AMRAP Metro Charts!

When I saw this submission come in, I kinda knew what to expect from Ben, and as usual the track didn’t disappoint!

Hear is I Could Never Be Sick Of You by Ben Konarov

Music

Right, back to the good stuff! So before the Ad break, I played I Could Never Be Sick Of You by Ben Konarov

Next up at No 2 is So Desperate by Salem Wolves

Salem Wolves are a 4 piece rock band from Providence, Rhode Island, Although, the Bandcamp page says Salem Massachusetts! But irrelevant as these guys are awesome!

They Cut their teeth on the local touring circuits of New England, and they’ve released critically acclaimed albums titled Tooth & Nail and Shake. And also released 2 EPs titled Never Die!!! and Hostile Music.

To bolster their already fantastic reputation as a band, the wolves are now signed with Tor Johnson Records. And have also been featured in the Boston Globe, the Boston Herald, and NPR.

This song was an absolute given to be on the show straight after the first play & not only is it a great track, I also think this one is meant for a massive arena and I have no doubts a large crowd would be singing along word for word!

Hear is So Desperate by Salem Wolves

Music

That was So Desperate by Salem Wolves

Before we get to No 1, here’s a quick preview of the next episode of the hot 5!

Next Episode Music clips

So that’s what’s on the next episode, now back to todays top song!

No 1 today on The Hot 5 is Back To Life by Nathalie Miranda

This was an instant hit with me as it has an 80’s pop vibe & that will always get my attention!

Natalie is from London and is Influenced by artists such as Freddie Mercury, Prince, Madonna & Tina Turner, and if you’ve seen any of her videos on social media you’ll get an idea where her showmanship, emotion and presence in those videos comes from!

This young lady is certainly gaining some attention, with 2 of her previous songs hitting over 250,000 streams each online and with more than 200,000 views combined on YouTube!

Natalie has also been featured in Publications like Rolling Stone magazine as well as performing as a backing vocalist on BBC’s ‘Later… with Jools Holland and has also played iconic London venues like The Troubadour!

I absolutely love Natalies vocal and the range of her vocal is impressive to say the least, it’s actually more a powerhouse vocal and in my opinion for what it’s worth, she’s a star in the making and I love listening to & watching her videos!

I really hope you like this one as much as I do!

But before we listen to todays No 1 why not follow the hot 5 on your preferred podcast platform and make sure you never miss another episode and consider leaving a review if you like the show! You can also listen the latest episode on the Pod Duck Website!

Remember links to the artists on todays show that are available on Apple Music & Bandcamp are in the show description Other links to the artists can also be found on our social media channels so you can really show these guys some love!

The No 1 closing out the show today is Back To Life by Nathalie Miranda

Music

Show Outro Music