Summer’s almost here, and if you’re anything like us, you’re already curating the perfect soundtrack. Flash back to the days of Limewire and Frostwire, when we’d burn CDs with names like “You Are the Soundtrack of My Summer” (shoutout Boys Like Girls) or “You’re So Last Summer” (thanks for the trauma, Taking Back Sunday).
While we’ve moved on from sketchy downloads and scratched CD-Rs, the feeling stays the same—and idobi Radio has your back. We’re rounding up the latest and greatest in alternative, metal, and indie to fuel your summer. Here are 8 new songs to blast ASAP.
Royal & The Serpent — “Carry Me Home”
Royal & The Serpent returned with an experimental new track, “Carry Me Home,” preceded by “Death Do Us Part.” The new offering combines her trademark ethereal, airy vocals juxtaposed with bass-heavy synths. The dynamic track is a thrilling look into all that’s to come for the alternative artist, who is set to appear on Warped Tour this summer. — Maria Serra
mgk (feat. Julia Wolf) — “Iris”
This week, mgk, formerly Machine Gun Kelly, shared his own version of the Goo Goo Dolls’ iconic “Iris.” In fact, he teamed up with very special guest Julia Wolf, the rising alternative star responsible for such Y2K-inspired hits like “Jennifer’s Body” and “In My Room.” Their two voices eloquently intertwine, harkening back to ‘90s soft rock hits that now live on “Dad Rock” Spotify playlists. TBH, it might be time for mgk to shift from pop-punk to this style, as it suits him well. — Maria Serra
Nova Twins — “Piranha”
IMHO, no playlist is complete without a Nova Twins track. The duo offered up “Piranha,” a delightfully heavy track with teeth (pun intended). The band says, “This track explores growing tensions around the world, which can feel overwhelming at times, leaving you unsure of where to start. It delves into themes of confrontation, rebellion, and fear. Using imagery of predatory waters, it symbolises vulnerability, power, and questioning authority. It also reflects society’s cutthroat nature, but emphasises coming together and supporting each other. There is strength in unity.” Nova Twins are one of the most exciting acts right now, pulling no punches ahead of the release of Parasites & Butterflies, due out August 29 via Marshall Records. — Maria Serra
Paxton Smith — “Belong Here”
You may recall the name Paxton Smith from her 2021 viral high school valedictorian speech in Texas, where she bravely called out the state’s ridiculous heartbeat bill that bans abortion after six weeks of pregnancy—a time period where most women don’t even know they’re pregnant. Becoming a national icon to many, she was heralded as a “hero” by the likes of Jennifer Aniston. Now, the recent college grad is ready to use her voice on her new single, “Belong Here,” a new single from her forthcoming EP, But I Love It. Don’t let this electronic-laced upbeat pop track fool you, the lyrics tell a deeper and all-too-relatable story of feeling like an outsider. Keep your eyes locked on this rising musician and activist, you won’t regret it. —Maria Serra
Lorna Shore — “Oblivion”
The lead single off their highly anticipated upcoming album, I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me, Lorna Shore reminds everyone why they’re one of the biggest bands in Metal in a BIG way. Vocalist Will Ramos is sounding like his usual demonic self with vocals that are truly out of this world, coupled with an absolutely breathtaking symphonic, black metal-tinged instrumental, it has made things abundantly clear: Lorna Shore is poised to drop one of the Albums of the Year. —Patrick Walford
PRESIDENT — “In The Name Of The Father”
After months of mysterious teasers, the newest anonymous band to burst onto the alternative and metal scene pulls no punches on their debut track. Whether it’s the driving djenty metalcore riffs, soaring vocals, world-class production, or the explosive final breakdown that pulls you in, PRESIDENT is the next big thing in alternative and metal. —Patrick Walford
The Callous Daoboys — “Full Moon Guidance”
The Callous Daoboys’ new album, I Don’t Want To See You In Heaven, is an instant classic, and track three, “Full Moon Guidance,” is a shining example of everything that makes them so great. Going from beautifully melodic to chaotically heavy throughout the four-minute rollercoaster ride, this new song will melt listeners’ minds with its disbelief. —Patrick Walford
Girl Tones — ”Blame”
Girl Tones’ “Blame” opens with punchy indie rock and delicate coos, drawing you in with dazzling layers of vocals that shimmer beneath the surface. Originally written in teenage spite, the track now reflects a deeper self-awareness, exploring pride, vulnerability, and the emotional weight of unresolved conflict with striking clarity. Girl Tones is slated to hit the road alongside Silverstun Pickups across North America this July. —Paige Owens
