We Speak Indie Artist

Top indie artists come together to raise money for St Mungo’s homeless charity

Published

2 years ago

February 9, 2023

Don Reed

The ‘Write to Be’ EP was inspired by the moment when London based Japanese artist, Mieko Shimizu stumbled upon a tiny house in a doorway on the deserted streets of Soho during lockdown. On its cardboard walls were written various tales; friends who died in the Hillsborough disaster, soldiers returning from war in Afghanistan, the love of a mother lost to cancer, life on London streets. The house was neatly furnished with a table, cupboard, drawers, some clothes on coat hangers and a bed.

Mieko recorded an interview with its maker, John Daniels, and created the track ‘John’s House’ incorporating the interview. She was moved by creativities power and asked three other artists from England, Germany and Poland to write songs about its ability to lift the spirit even in desperate circumstances and created ‘Write To Be’.

The EP features the Mieko Shimizu produced ‘Where Do you Go’ by William D Drake, formally of The Cardiacs, ‘Without’ from Monica label artist in Berlin; Barbara Morgenstern, ‘Inner’ by Accidental Records artist Ola Szmidt and ‘John’s House’ by Mieko Shimizu. The ‘Write To Be’ EP will be released on Street Furniture Records on Jan 26th 2023.

All the profits of the EPs sales will be donated to St Mungo’s Homeless Charity in London- Homeless Charity – St Mungo’s (mungos.org)

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.