We Speak Indie Artist

Tonner Shares Captivating New Single “Volcano”

Published

3 years ago

June 12, 2022

Music4U

With his acclaimed 2020 EP, Whispers in the Dark, Tonner stepped out from behind the scenes and into the limelight. After producing and touring with dozens of artists over nearly 10 years, Tonner finally established himself as an artist in his own right. “As a producer, I simply focus on helping an artist make music that they want to hear,” says Tonner. “That’s exactly what I’m out to do with my songs. I wouldn’t release anything unless it feels 100% real to me.”

In between his continuing work as a full-time member of TikTok indie breakout band The 502s, Tonner spent the last couple of years trickling out new solo songs and videos at a regular clip. These songs will culminate in his first full-length album, Walls Come Down, taking both his sound and his songwriting into new territory. “Things were already crazy in 2020 but Whispers was mostly me writing about my own life,” he comments. “There’s still some of that, but this time I’ve got a lot more to say about everything going on outside my four walls.” He recently unveiled the first single off of the aforementioned LP via “Volcano”. The captivating track is a hybrid-infused track that highlights his versatility and is well worth the listen! Tonner’s album Walls Come Down is due out in September 2022, and will feature the “Volcano” and more music. Keep your eyes on Tonner!

We Speak Indie Artist

Feelgood Frequencies: Why CR Srikanth’s “Dancing in the Dark – VS Pop™” Is The Sonic Hug You Didn’t Know You Needed

Published

3 weeks ago

June 9, 2025

Music4U

If you’ve been looking for a track that feels like a warm, nostalgic hug wrapped in shimmering synths, CR Srikanth’s new single “Dancing in the Dark – VS Pop™” might be exactly what you need. It offers a beautiful balance of emotional depth and danceable energy, pulling you out of your head and into a place where you can just breathe, feel, and move. In a world that often feels overwhelming, this track delivers a sense of calm and release.

Srikanth, a US-based Indian composer and sonic storyteller, has carved out a unique musical space with his self-created genre, VS Pop™ (Very Smooth Pop). Drawing from vintage 1980s synthpop, ambient soundscapes, and cinematic orchestral touches, he’s crafted a style that feels both familiar and forward-thinking. “Dancing in the Dark” continues that evolution. It is at once intimate and expansive, polished yet deeply human.

The track features vocals from Junior Paez, whose delivery adds emotional texture to the lyrics. There’s a quiet honesty in lines like “Don’t you think you’re losing your mind again?” and “Hold on, I’ll take you a little higher tonight.” These words speak to the chaos we often feel inside, but instead of staying stuck there, the song encourages movement, connection, and hope. It is music that acknowledges the darkness but chooses to dance through it anyway.

The production is rich with shimmering arpeggiators, retro synth bass, and crisp electronic drums. It brings together nostalgia and futurism in a way that feels effortless. Imagine flickering neon lights, soft motion blur, and the kind of energy that makes you want to close your eyes and sway. It is cinematic but never overwhelming. Every layer serves the emotion at the heart of the track.

What makes “Dancing in the Dark” so appealing is how well it adapts to your mood. Whether you’re heading out for a solo night drive, setting the vibe for a weekend gathering, or simply lying on your bed in need of a reset, this song fits the moment. It never pushes too hard, but it always lands exactly where it needs to. There is something comforting about how sure of itself it feels.

CR Srikanth is not just making music for the sake of it. He is building emotional landscapes for listeners to get lost in and to find themselves again. With “Dancing in the Dark – VS Pop™,” he offers more than just a catchy tune. He gives us space to reflect, to feel seen, and to find joy in the act of simply moving forward. So press play, turn it up, and let yourself be lifted. This one’s for the heart, the soul, and the feet.