Indie Insights by ImJustinTimeBoy

For some artists, music is a calling that whispers softly. For others, like Elodie C. Markwell, it arrives like the swell of a Disney ballad—soul-stirring, cinematic, and impossible to ignore. A singer, visual artist, and creative spirit based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Elodie embodies a unique blend of kindness, passion, and boundless creativity. From the moment she heard the songs of The Lion King as a child, music became her language—a way to express the parts of herself words couldn’t quite reach. Encouraged by a friend to join the school choir, she soon discovered a voice that would carry her through amateur productions, solo gigs, and heartfelt performances that continue to captivate audiences today. Stratford Roots, Global Dreams Living in the historically rich and artistically vibrant town of Stratford-upon-Avon has been more than just a backdrop for Elodie—it’s been a launchpad. “Stratford has played an important role in supporting and shaping my journey as a performe...

In a world overflowing with fast fame and formulaic music, Allenne Dy is a rare kind of artist — one who doesn’t just sing to be heard, but writes to be understood. The singer-songwriter from Quezon City, Philippines, is carving out a path that’s as genuine as her lyrics, blending soft rock with the unfiltered emotions of youth, heartbreak, and growth. A Calling, Not a Choice Music has always been more than a dream for Allenne — it’s a calling. “It wasn’t really triggered or inspired,” she explains. “Ever since I could remember, I had been connected to music.” Growing up with a love for writing — from poems to letters she never sent — it was only natural that her words would one day find their home in melodies. What began as childhood letters evolved into deeply personal lyrics, and what started as a quiet voice soon grew into a sound that resonates with hundreds. Finding Her Voice, One EP at a Time Allenne’s musical journey started under the influence of artists like Graci...

Some artists write about their lives. Others reflect the world around them. But for UK-based singer, songwriter, and performer Jasmine Catherine, her music is a portal — a doorway to fantastical worlds built on the pages of books, the echoes of symphonies, and the power of imagination. With her bubbly energy, unwavering determination, and a sincerity that beams through every lyric, Jasmine isn’t just a musician — she’s a fantasy builder. Forever a Daydreamer When asked to describe herself in three words, Jasmine chose: bubbly, determined, genuine. And those qualities breathe through every note she sings. But what truly defines her is the way she wears her title of daydreamer like a badge of honour. “To me, dreaming isn’t just something you do while you sleep,” she says. “I dream wide awake — and then I build those dreams into reality.” From teaching music to producing fantasy-fueled songs, Jasmine is living proof that dreaming doesn’t mean drifting — it means daring. The Mo...

Growing Up in Sheffield — The City That Shapes Her Sound Emma Melissa Saville describes Sheffield as a city “layered with history and hope,” where “the old and the new sit side by side (or sometimes on top of each other!).” This mix of “post-industrial grit and often grey skies” combined with “so much heart, resilience, green trees, and diverse community” has deeply shaped her sound and songwriting. She says, “There’s a kind of raw, honest soul to this city that seeps into (pretty much!) everything I write.” Her music captures the city’s tension and beauty, reflected in lyrics about “resilience, loss, love, mental health, and riding life’s waves,” all delivered with “that northern sense of realness and emotional depth.” A Lifelong Love Affair With Music Music has been a constant in Emma’s life from a young age. She recalls, “My mum and maternal grandparents were always singing around the house—world music, soul classics, socialist songs, lullabies—you name it.” Starting cla...

If you ask Ava Nayana how she’d like to be remembered, she’ll answer without a flicker of doubt: success. But spend five minutes listening to her story—and her soaring, unshakable voice—and you’ll realize she’s already there. In a province steeped in cowboy hats and twangy guitars, Ava has carved out her own corner of Alberta’s music scene with sheer force of will. Part vocal powerhouse, part fearless storyteller, and part unassuming hometown girl, she’s proving that true artistry can’t be boxed in—or ignored. A Fire That Started Early Long before she could wrap her hands around a microphone, Ava knew music was the only place she felt fully herself. “My parents signed me up for everything—dance, sports, you name it,” she remembers with a laugh. “But nothing ever compared to music. It always felt like home.” By five, she was performing in front of crowds. By her teens, she was already battling the expectations of a city that didn’t always understand a contemporary pop singer...

At just 14 years old, Keila Lachaar is already proving that courage has no age limit. Playful, generous, and brimming with unstoppable energy, she’s crafting songs that feel like a hug when you need it most—and a spark of hope when you think you’ve run out. Growing up with a dad who played guitar and sang, Keila fell in love with music as soon as she could wrap her hands around an instrument. “It started when I was a tiny little girl,” she shares with a smile. “I was always inspired by him.” That inspiration became a mission: to create music that helps others feel seen. A Voice That Speaks to Every Girl With a Broken Heart and a Big Dream Keila describes her sound as music for sad girls who like to party and be happy. It’s a mix of bittersweet honesty and bright optimism—the perfect soundtrack for late-night talks, road trips, or dancing in your room when nobody’s watching. Her songs are shaped by everything from random dreams and movies to her friends’ stories and her own ...