Originally Published on July 25th, 2025
Another Friday of LOADED music is upon us! There’s almost too much to listen to today as I struggle to sort through it all! Today has been one of the most inspiring days musically. There is SO much good music.
First, I think I’ve officially heard the best album of the year today. Vanished, Horizon Skyscraper by California-based multi-genre musician, Quadeca is doing things that nobody else is doing. The result is pure genius. FMOF alums, The Paradox have moved closer to the mainstream call with releasing the single Bender with, wait for it, Travis fucking Barker (yes that is his middle name). Also, Sir Elton John has released a live album.
In independent music, there are so many to report: there is a new release by ISEY, a remix album by Kid Lightbulbs, and Tripendicular’s single Quiet Hours is now available everywhere.
Firewood by Melanie Champagne
Released on July 25th, 2025
About the Artist
Melanie Champagne is a singer/songwriter out of Connecticut who has found a passion for being inspired by the natural elements around her to produce the music that she has been producing. She debuted as an independent recording artist 6 years and two days ago with the song In my Dreams. Her vibrant, folk and roots infused organic music is perplexing and emotionally overwhelming.
Notable listens are Who Are You?, 3:30 AM, and Howl. Her only full length album to date is 2024’s Circle Back
About the Song
Firewood is an instrumental acoustic performance played over a sample of natural sounds, like the crackling of a campfire, and birds calling in the distance. Acoustic guitar layered and panned to the side of each ear.
Firewood is the 5th release by Champagne in 2025. The releases have a cohesive theme that would suggest they may be later grouped as a possible future album. All but one of the songs she has released this year have been instrumental. The emotional connection to the subject of her songs is inspiring.
Firewood is the next in a promising group of releases that hints at a step back from the digital age of music into the more organic, primitive beginnings. In a world that is so fast, it often tends to get ahead of itself, it is just the slow down we need.
Follow Melanie Champagne:
Bricks by Shy Company
Released on July 25th, 2025
About the Artist
There is something special brewing out of Macon, Georgia. A new talent, Shy Company, debuted in 2023. Releasing two singles that year, In Love and CAN WE PLAY, they followed into 2024 by releasing two more, Growing Pains and Falling Dizzy.
Shy Company are doing all the right things by way of bringing that new band energy exactly where it needs to be – to the people! If you’re in the area of Macon, GA on July 26th, make sure you go check them out at the BRAGG JAM CONCERT CRAWL. Shy Company goes on at 6:00PM at JBA!
About the Song
Bricks released on July 25th, 2025 and is the first release by Macon-based indie rockers, Shy Company, in 2025. Blending vocal energy akin to Mother Mother and an instrumental performance that sounds like Guster at one point, then offering the melodrama of 90’s alternative rock.
Bricks make release number 5 for Shy Company and may be their strongest offer to date. One thing is for sure. They’re getting better and they’re not slowing down.
Follow Shy Company:
BRING BACK THE GOOD TIMES by Seoul Metro
Released on July, 25th, 2025
About the Artist
Fifteen Minutes of Fame are no strangers to the UK’s Seoul Metro, however, they may be surprised to hear a nearly unrecognizable new sound from the experimental rock/pop artist.
After releasing a number of singles last year, Seoul Metro dropped their epic album, Under the Same Sky last year. Since then, Chris Gibson, the man behind the Seoul Metro project has been feeding into different inspirations. One being a new guitar, which can be seen in the cover art of his newest release.
About the Song
Bring Back the Good Times is the latest release from Manchester based indie artist, Seoul Metro. Releasing on July 25th, 2025, Bring Back the e Good Times signifies a stylistically new direction for Seoul Metro as it is more heavily reliant on organic composition and less synth-infused than his prior work.
Inspired by a guitar that was inherited from a dearly departed relative who, in her life had been a bit of a guitar player and performer herself, Seoul Metro built a new sound around the composition inspired by his new muse.
Gibson stated he plans to “return to the indie pop thing, (the new style) is not necessarily a permanent change, it’s just where I am right now.”
I would say it has him in a very exciting, very interesting place. Bring Back the Good Times has a vintage feel to it, with a flare for ornamentation. It honestly sounds like some of the earlier work of alternative legend, Beck. The peppy melody, the hollow reverb around the vocals, and the bright percussion of the tambourine being played saturate this track with positive vibrations that make us want to “bring back the good times,” indeed.
One thing I know is, Seoul Metro is more than capable to play a variety of styles. For what it’s worth, he nailed this one. Bring Back the Good Times might not be a place he plans to stay, but I know I speak for other listeners when I say I’m glad he stopped by for a visit!
Read the Review for Under the Same Sky Here.
Go Press Play!!!
Fifteen Minutes of Fame Music Entertainment 
Leave a reply to 209. Fifteen Minutes of Fame Spotlights: November 17th, 2025 – Fifteen Minutes of Fame Music Entertainment Cancel reply