Please join us in welcoming Kevin Sim of Route 505 to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host Emme Lentino About Kevin Sim - Route 505 Born and raised in Nashville, Kevin Sim of Route 505 started playing guitar at a young age. A tremendous fan of rock and the blues, Kevin meddled with any instruments and equipment he could get his hands on as a teenager. Being surrounded by an early Music City gave him front-row seats to the massive changes the area has undergone over the last several years. Playing guitar in country and blues bands around East Tennessee while in college exposed him to the hardened roots of country music that has recently flowered in Nashville. Kevin adopted the stage name Route 505 and immediately set to rewriting and recording music he had written over the past decade. Combining his love of the blues with a newfound appreciation for the likes of Johnny Cash and Elvis, Kevin released "Hollow" in August of 2021.

Heart of Indie Radio

Exclusive Interview - Kevin Sim (Route 505)

Please join us in welcoming VÏKÆ to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host Emme Lentino Born in Ukraine, Veronika Bell [who goes by the pseudonym VÏKÆ ] and her family moved to New Zealand to seek refuge after The Chernobyl Disaster. Veronika was introduced to the beauty of classical music from an early age; studying the piano (Royal Schools ABRSM) and going to ballet school as well as finishing a drama program all before the age of 12. Finding a niche within the performing arts gave Veronika a sense of purpose. Under the tutelage of Gina Sanders, Veronika studied the Trinity College Guildhall vocal syllabuses and at age 16 she was awarded a choral scholarship towards tertiary tuition. Originally enrolled in a Classical Performance program at University she switched to a Contemporary  Performance program in her 3rd year. Veronika obtained a Bachelor of Music (Contemporary Performance Voice) and a Diploma for Graduates in Music (Jazz) in 2016 from The University of Otago. She became a resident vocalist of The Dunedin City Jazz Orchestra and began releasing her own music. Veronika formed and managed a band 'VTMNK'. When this venture dissipated, Veronika moved to Auckland to pursue a solo career as an artist. As a freelancing singer-songwriter, Veronika now works as a recording artist and teaches privately in her home studio. Amassing over 350k streams (collectively amongst all platforms) she celebrates the release of her debut EP FINE LINES. Veronika is a self-managed independent artist who creates all her own content, music videos, and photoshoots. VÏKÆ is actively gigging and has completed two tours in just under six months apart... and plans to do it all again in due course. Veronika's vocals have been compared to the likes of Imogen Heap and Halsey. VÏKÆ recently finished her second tour playing at major festivals Basecamp, The Mix Festival and Baydreams Nelson 2021. VÏKÆ has music to be released in 2021 with shows yet to be announced.

Exclusive Interview - VÏKÆ

 Please join us in welcoming Demi Michelle to chat with Heart of Indie Radio station owner and international radio host, Captain Eddie.  About Demi Heartfelt, charismatic, and unique are three words used by reviewers to describe Demi Michelle’s music. She turns her life experiences into songs that touch the hearts of her listeners through captivating storytelling in her lyrics. Her creativity and love for both pop and country music drive her passion for writing meaningful songs with melodies that wrap each song’s message in the warmest hug. She greatly looks up to Julia Michaels, Kelsea Ballerini, and Taylor Swift, three incredible songwriters who share their stories in raw and truthful ways. Demi strives to remain honest and authentic as a songwriter in her own music and during her collaborations with other songwriters and artists. Demi pieced together her songwriting passion over the years. She began piano lessons in fifth grade, took voice lessons in high school, and learned guitar while in college. Also being a creative writer and in graduate school for her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction, Demi is always finding ways to blend her musical talent and storytelling in powerful ways. Demi kicked off her journey in 2019 with her debut single, “Into Focus,” and followed after with “All I Want This Christmas” and “LA Will Wait for Me.” On May 21, 2021, Demi released “Will I Ever.” This is the lead single off her debut album, Dear Diary, which is coming on October 15. Demi thinks of the song as entry one from the musical pages of Dear Diary. In “Will I Ever,” Demi shows that she’s not afraid to be vulnerable in her music. The song found a home on many radio stations and shows and has been embraced worldwide. The song charted on radio stations as well, including climbing to number two on the New Music Radio Top 40 on Revival Radio and number eight on the Heart of Indie Radio Top 10. Demi released another entry from her musical diary on August 20. “Find Love,” the second single off the album, is an acoustic-pop song with a country flavor. This song highlights Demi’s passion for writing authentic music with meaningful storytelling. Like “Will I Ever,” “Find Love” captures Demi’s feelings about falling in love, but this song brings a hopeful quality to the lyrics. Demi is looking forward to sharing the rest of the story when Dear Diary releases in October. 

Exclusive Interview - Demi Michelle

Please join us in welcoming Meghan Pulles to chat with Heart of Indie Radio station owner and international radio host, Captain Eddie. “Meghan Pulles writes and performs because it’s simply a part of who she is. You can hear this, and you can feel it, throughout “Keep The Light On” and throughout all of her music to date. Always an artist worthy of a listener’s trust.” -Buzz Music Meghan Pulles has been writing songs since the age of 17. She is a classically trained opera singer turned singer-songwriter. She believes that music is medicine, and that by sharing her pain and struggles through song that she can empower others to do the same.  Her songs have been picked up on 50+ radio stations, and garnered over 100,000 streams on Spotify. She released her first EP in October of 2019 titled "Keep the Light On" that included themes of grief, mental health, and hope. Meghan Pulles has also been featured on many different podcasts, and loves sharing her voice with other people and speaking about things that matter. ​ Following her EP, Meghan has released the singles "Three Christmases", "How Much Longer", and "ghost of sound" with a new single coming out on March 26th called "New Horizon", a collaboration with a cowriter in Australia, Craig Sayer. ​

Exclusive Interview - Meghan Pulles

Please join us in welcoming Kiri-Rose Kendall to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host Emme Lentino Kiri-Rose Kendall was born and adopted in Houston, Texas by an incredible woman who was a Kiwi scientist. She was raised between Houston, Kenya and New Zealand. Kiri-Rose’s global upbringing has led her along many life paths both in youth advocacy and in creativity. During her early years, Kiri-Rose was Steiner educated, giving her the creative stability and grounded-ness that would later manifest itself in exciting ways. From Steiner, she chose Auckland Girls Grammar which gave her the freedom to find her passion and drive which included sports - that landed her full track and field and academic scholarship to the university, her passion for youth advocacy both nationally and internationally, and of course, her drive towards an international modelling and acting career. Kiri-Rose started her modelling career during high school walking the runway at Fashion Week for designers such as Karen Walker, Zambesi, NomD, Anna Stretton and Augustine. Her national campaign shoots have included the throwback magazines - Cleo, Lifestyle, Pavement, Girlfriend magazines and most recently a spread in the re-launch of Fashion Quarterly. Her international campaigns include the adventurous Ice Breaker shoot, the empowering Reebok x Les Mills shoot and the beautifully powerful bridal shoot for Hera Couture that featured in UK Vogue. Her creative journey doesn’t end there, you may have seen Kiri-Rose in the  captivating Netflix series - Sweet Tooth, and as her castmates and crew call her she is known as Twyla - the “ always well-dressed member of the neighbourhood.”

Exclusive Interview - Kiri-Rose Kendall

Please join us in welcoming Jody Direen to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host Emme Lentino For the past 4 years - since releasing her first album “Breaks Out” as part of her signing with Australian record label ABC Music, Jody Direen has been in a whirlwind, clocking up miles on the ground and across the skies touring both New Zealand and Australia. In recent times, one of Australasia’s most vibrant country stars has taken some time to embrace some breathing space to work on her new album and now that it’s out, she’s ready to tour. The Vodafone NZMA Tui winner for “Best Country Album – Shake Up” states that creating this album took her on a journey she wasn’t expecting. “Whilst preparing this album I went through a period of personally ‘letting go’ of anything in life that no longer serves me (people, beliefs, thoughts, things etc). This inspired the album title ‘Smokin’ Ashes’ resembling dying to the past, emerging into a new-me, new love but also encapsulates the double meaning of – the end of things. All of which connect to the resulting ten songs on the album (in one way or another)”. Performing some of Australasia’s biggest festivals continue to hold as career highlights for the songstress including supporting Kenny Rogers on his last New Zealand tour. Touring Australia’s first ever C2C Festival last year alongside international greats; Tim McGraw, Kelsea Ballerini, The Midland and more was a ‘dreamy experience’. With multiple hits, stages, nominations and awards under her belt, Direen is set to venture into an explosive new phase of her career with new-found energy and love. ”I’m looking forward to bringing it all to the stage in 2020/2021. I’ll be touring as much as I can and I’m more excited than ever to hit the road”.

Exclusive Interview - Jody Direen

Please join us in welcoming Nathalie Miranda to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host Emme Lentino Link to social media: https://www.instagram.com/nathaliemirandamusic/ https://twitter.com/vocalfreaknat More info: https://linktr.ee/nathaliemirandamusic

Exclusive Interview - Nathalie Miranda

Please join us in welcoming Thomas Kavanagh  to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host Emme Lentino After performing as the lead singer for the TOP 40 album rock group I Divide for 8 years, He’s now doing things alone.  'Best Of Me' made the cut for ‘Track Of The Week’ on BBC Introducing in Devon, back in 2016. Following this, he was offered a support slot for Youtube artist  Rich Cottell on his UK headline tour. Thomas takes influences from a variety of modern pop-country/rock artists, such as The Goo Goo Dolls, The Script, and Dan + Shay.  Thomas is often praised for the diversity in his voice, showing that he can easily flip between gritty high vocal hooks and melodic lows. With the release of his debut EP Pathfinder in 2017 it had been picked up by National food retailer 'The Cooperative' which they added his lead single 'I Can Be Your Superman'  to their playlist alongside Taylor Swift, Shawn Mendes, Niall Horan, and many more across 2,000 stores.   His single releases of 'I'm Here Now' & 'l'll Wait' taken from his 2nd EP (Motion) in 2020 caused major interest. His single was an exclusive play with BBC Introducing and being picked up by KERRANG! radio.  With his new single 'All For You' which Thomas has taken into his own hands, producing, writing, mixing, and mastering from his home studio. He's now focusing on another record and he's now hoping that 2021, is going to pave the way for bigger and better things for him

Exclusive Interview - Thomas Kavanagh

Please join us in welcoming Raquel Aurilia  to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Host- Captain Eddie  Journeys are frequent for this adventure-seeking travel enthusiast whose most heartfelt one has been her music.  Raquel has followed her passion of songwriting and performing with incredible highlights including touring opening 25 cities for John Waite. When she is not on the road performing, Aurilia spends her time between Scottsdale and Music City writing and recording. Nashville, being the home base to crossover country and pop artists Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift is the perfect creative place for Aurilia’s style of songwriting. Music City has not only afforded her opportunities to write and record in world-class studios but also to perform at the legendary Bluebird Café. “I love to write music and perform because it truly fills my heart when I’m singing and sharing my songs with others,” admits Raquel Aurilia. “The quote ‘music is my therapy’ definitely sums it up for me. It’s my outlet, my escape, and my passion.” Aurilia’s songwriting journey has taken her to some incredible experiences and noteworthy accolades. From the beginning with her debut record, FINDING MY WAY, Aurilia scored a hit single, “Feels Like” that cracked the ultra-competitive R&R Top 30 AC and Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary charts landing at #28.  The song continues to receive national airplay.  More recently in 2017, Aurilia was honored as a Hollywood Music in Media Award nominee for singer-songwriter. Raquel has had a strong connection with her music and the television media. Her music has been featured on MTV’s hit TV shows “The Hills,” “The City” and “Taking the Stage.” Aurilia has not traveled this songwriting journey alone.  Raquel has been privileged to work with music icons including Grammy-winning producer Tony Papa (James Brown, Willie Nelson, John Denver), Gardner Cole (Madonna, Jodi Whatley), Wade Martin (R. Kelly, 50 Cent) and Grammy nominee Billy Smiley (Johnny Cash, Bebe and Cece Winans, Vince Gill). The musical journey has steered her out onto the road touring with some legendary musicians. In addition to touring with John Waite, Aurilia has performed opening for blues icon B.B. King, The Gin Blossoms, Eddie Money, Pat Benatar, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Lisa Loeb and Riders in the Sky. With a new creative direction, Aurilia has released two singles in 2018 – including a live TV debut performance and music video for “Pretty Roses” co-written with songwriter Jennifer Adan, known for co-writing Blake Shelton’s #1 hit “She Wouldn’t Be Gone”, Jonathan Hamby, keyboard player for country superstar, Carrie Underwood, and critically acclaimed producer, Michael Lattanzi, whose clientele ranges from rock legends Aerosmith to public figures like Paris Hilton.  Aurilia is excited about continuing to grow as a singer-songwriter – looking forward to writing, recording and releasing more new music.  Her passionate journey as an artist continues… 

Exclusive Interview - Raquel Aurilia

Please join us in welcoming Emme Lentino to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Host- Captain Eddie Emme’s remarkable capabilities have garnered an impressive number of achievements. These include noteworthy syncs: Emme’s tracks have been featured in several daytime television shows including ABC’s One Life to Live and All My Children and for a Victoria’s Secret National ad. She has appeared on TVNZ Good morning show, The AMC channel, Hotel Cafe (Los Angeles) Piano’s & The Bitter End (NYC), Musexpo with A&R Worldwide and performed for over 4 million V8 Supercars fans. She was also a featured artist on Skysport and performed at The Tamworth Country Music Festival in Australia. Her music videos for ‘Some Other Girl’ and 'Last Christmas' were added to CMT and MTV Australia programming with 80,000 views on youtube.  Her music has over one million streams collectively. 'Some Other Girl' received the coveted #1 spot on itunes for New Zealand Singer/Songwriter in the first week of it's release. Her latest release, 'Oceanside' was recorded utilising Zoom and an assortment of other technological tools, enabling my team to work virtually during the pandemic. The new track was co-written with Greg Cortez (The Kooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kim Deal, George Clinton, and L.A. Guns), produced by Greg Cortez and Dan Antunovich (Jersey Boys, Kitaro), and mastered by Joe Bozzi (U2, Outkast, Fleetwood Mac’s, Miley Cyrus, Imagine Dragons and Ellie Goulding). 

Exclusive Interview - Emme Lentino

 Please join us in welcoming Oriane Pick & Kieran Bourne  to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host Emme Lentino Oriane Pick bio: Oriane Pick is an award-winning French actor and producer, who has appeared in numerous short films, web series and commercials. Kieran Bourne bio: Kieran Bourne is an independent Screenwriter and Director of Film, TV and Theatre. He has written and/or directed numerous award-winning short films including the Oscar and BAFTA Qualifying ‘I Am Pilate’ starring Shaun Scott, ‘Call It a Day’ which won the Best Dramedy Award at the BNM Web Fest 2020, ‘Say Your Name’ which received Best Director and Best Actress nominations at the Unrestricted View Film Festival 2019, LGBTQ drama ‘Soft Hands’ which won Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor at the Fusion International Film Festival 2020 and the Oniros Best Silent Film Award winner ‘She’s Just a Girl and So Am I’.

Excluive Interview - Oriane Pick / Kieran Bourne

Please join us in welcoming Presley Tennant  to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host Emme Lentino Presley Tennant is a 19-year old singer-songwriter from Norco, California.  Presley was on season 16 of The Voice where she competed on #TeamKelly and performed in the finale.  She has also opened up and shared the stage with artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Tim Mcgraw, John Michael Montgomery, Cody Johnson, and Jake Owens to name a few.  She recently released her song "Half That Strong" which is dedicated to her dad. It is currently out on all streaming platforms.

Exclusive Interview - Presley Tennant

Please join us in welcoming Melanie Safka to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Host: Captain Eddie & Co-Host Emme Lentino Melanie landed in the New York City music and radio scene in the late 1960’s. Her first single Beautiful People immediately became a turntable hit. Her first tour began with an impressive 40-day run of shows at Paris’ world-famous L’Olympia Theater at the personal invitation of Bruno Coquatrix. In the years to come she would entertain millions: at An Aquarian Exposition (the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival), at Carnegie Hall, and the Isle of Wight and Glastonbury music festivals, The Sydney Opera House, the South Korean DMZ, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the Royal Albert Hall, and many, many more theaters, halls and beloved music clubs around the globe. Melanie launched Neighborhood Records, making her the first American woman to open a mainstream record label. She recorded over 20 chart hits and many have been re-recorded. Melanie received an Emmy after composing lyrics for the theme song of the hit television series Beauty and the Beast. “What Have They Done to My Song Ma” was re-recorded by Ray Charles with the Count Basie Band. Nina Simone delivered a remarkable rendition, as well. “(Lay Down) Candles in the Rain” was re-recorded by Mott the Hoople on their 1971 album Wildlife. Meredith Brooks and Queen Latifah later re-recorded the anthem. “Some Say (I Got Devil)" was re-recorded by Smith’s frontman Morrissey. These are only a few of the many performers who have re-recorded Melanie’s works. Melanie has always known her calling in life was to entertain. Audiences have welcomed her to the stage for more than fifty years, and she continues to perform today.

Exclusive Interview - Melanie Safka - The Memphis / Nashville Show - Blues At The Cross Roads

Please join us in welcoming Cam Carter  to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host Emme Lentino Cam Carter is a songwriter and recording artist from Memphis, Tennessee, currently residing in Los Angeles, California. His debut album is titled 'Halo into Hell' and is set to drop sometime in 2022. With such singles as "Knee High", "Haha (feat. Van Leeuwen)", "First Date", "Lost in the in Crowd", "Pink Panther"," Self Destruct", "Anything for That Body", "Shadows", "Just Listen" and "Reaching Out For You", Carter has established himself as an artist who is willing to blend and defy genres—combining southern hip-hop, pop, and rock elements. His style garnered the attention of One West Magazine in March 2019 , Hip Hop Since 1987, and Hip Hop Weekly Magazine in February 2020. Since then, other major publications have taken notice such as: The Source Magazine, Respect Magazine, The Hype Magazine, This is 50, Vents Magazine, California Herald, A Million Magazine, London Daily Post, The Garnette Report, KalishaPerera.com, Wake Hustle Grind, Trap LA, Hip Hop Basement, LA in the Streetz, Vintaj Tunes, Underground Music Collective, and The Music Culture Academy.

Exclusive Interview - Cam Carter

Please join us in welcoming Emma Moore  to chat with Heart of Indie Radio Co-Host Emme Lentino Short Bio: Emma Moore brings ALL the fire you’d expect from a Redhead. On first listen you could say Moore’s powerful vocals are her standout feature, but her real superpower is how she makes an audience feel during a show - In fact, I dare you not to feel every word this Artist sings. Since her debut album ‘Pilot’ was released in 2016 Moore's trademark honesty and alternative views on life have only grown stronger, from Whiskey confessions in ‘The Bottom of the Bottle’ to finding love in the wrong places with 'Trouble'. In her first EP, 'the table' (2021) Moore offers a delightful escape from the need to be perfect - you won't find neat little fairytales tied up with a bow here. The conversations in these songs are honest, flawed, and in true Emma Moore style, unafraid to be difficult. The messages of self-worth and strength are underscored by the traditional sounds of Mandolin, Banjo and Pedal Steel alongside shredding Slide Guitars and thumping Drums, creating a soundtrack as dynamic as the stories themselves. On her record Moore says "This record is full of life - full of stories, opinions, realizations, decisions, reactions, emotions, confessions and so much more. In the end, or in short, I put all my cards on the table"

Exclusive Interview - Emma Moore

Join us for exciting in-studio interviews with the top indie artists and music professionals in the industry. Head over to Heartofindieradio.com for some of the best indie music by the best indie artists on the planet. All indie artists are encouraged to submit their music along with their original artwork to : Heartofindieradio@gmail.com