Off The Mainstream: Obscure Agency’s October Artist Selections
Obscure Agency released its music selection, highlighting independent acts with distinct stylistic approaches ranging from Mongolian cosmology to art-pop and guitar-driven rock. The curated lineup bypasses conventional genre constraints in favor of unconventional song choices, self-produced projects, and distinct artistic decisions.
Magnet Brain Blends R&B with Mongolian Tradition
Mongolian artist Magnet Brain opens the selection following her success at the Berlin Music Video Awards, where she won the inaugural Best Emerging Artist special award and the Best Song category for “Soul Mantra,” according to spinmagazine.com. Her recent output contrasts the Y2K-inspired R&B of “Mature Man,” released in March, with “Seven Dipper,” released last October. “Seven Dipper” incorporates harp and traditional Mongolian musical elements derived from the cultural symbolism of the Doloon Burkhan constellation.
KYNG Expands Art-Pop with String Arrangements
Art-pop artist KYNG released her single “COME BB” on October 16, following earlier 2026 releases “SCARGAZING” in May and “SIREN” in July, spinmagazine.com reported. For “COME BB,” she recorded an accompanying session with Songs with Strings, adding full string instrumentation to her expressive vocals and synthesizers.
Kate Voegele Returns With Petty Pop and Age of Alchemy
Kate Voegele released her single “Bad Taste” on October 23, describing the track as petty, unapologetic, and fun, according to spinmagazine.com. The song addresses the satisfaction of realizing an ex-partner no longer holds power, serving as a lead single for her forthcoming album, Age of Alchemy. Voegele wrote the entire album independently, marking a return to the guitar-driven energy of her earlier work away from her previous television acting background on One Tree Hill, as reported by Yahoo.
PIA Reinterprets Gollum’s Song for November Release
Artist PIA spent nearly two years developing a multimedia reinterpretation of “Gollum’s Song,” originally composed by Howard Shore with lyrics by Frances Walsh and performed by Emilíana Torrini for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, spinmagazine.com reported. PIA completed the orchestral arrangement and mixed the track on the same day as her vocal recording session, while the visual component required learning motion capture. Directed by Joe Sill and shot by cinematographer Nico Aguilar, the project is scheduled for release on November 11 alongside the track.
Mark Fernyhough Balances Acoustic Ballads and Personal Tributes
Mark Fernyhough recorded his acoustic ballad “The World Was Crying” in Edinburgh as the second track from his Socialites EP, spinmagazine.com reported. The EP’s title track utilizes a full band, cello, and a large-scale chorus, while the song “Vee” functions as a personal tribute to his close friend and drummer Vincent, who died in 2023. Fernyhough has previously opened for Suede and earned Best of PhotoVogue selections for his photography work.
The Falling Doves Maintain Tour Dates While Supporting Music Support
The Falling Doves continue their EU and UK tour with a revised lineup featuring Christopher Leyva and Katie Harold sharing lead vocals, spinmagazine.com reported. Following changes to scheduled appearances with Aleks Syntek, the band performed in Manchester on October 19 alongside Joe Leath and Phil Quinn. The band addressed Syntek’s absence by stating that health must come first, while Leyva launched a JustGiving fundraiser to benefit Music Support, the UK charity assisting music industry professionals affected by mental ill-health and addiction.
PRYMA Answers Industry Criticism With Heavy Riffs
The Kent four-piece PRYMA released “John Doe” in response to an industry encounter where their vocalist faced criticism regarding her voice and appearance, according to spinmagazine.com. Guitarist Max adjusted the band’s groove-heavy metal and thrash sound toward hardcore by focusing on riffs rather than redundant guitar solos, while vocalist Gaby balances clean singing with growls influenced by Amy Lee and Freddie Mercury.
BlackJeans Launches END OF THE WORLD Series
New York artist BlackJeans released END OF THE WORLD (Part 1), a 12-minute, 49-second EP combining dance-pop, electronics, punk, and cabaret across six tracks, spinmagazine.com reported. Co-produced with Adam Thein, the release integrates theatrical jester imagery and clowning into queer nightlife events featuring his band The Sick Fucks, with three additional installments planned for the series.
Sciarra Embraces Playful Pop After Rebuilding
Working between Los Angeles and Nashville, Candace balances her music career with her SCIARRA fashion line, incorporating indie sleaze and 2010s Tumblr aesthetics. The single precedes an upcoming EP, marking her creative return following the loss of her home and studio to a fire.