Future Focus: Asha Banks And Dogpark
Future Focus is where we talk about artists we feel like are about to hit a new level or are set to shape tomorrow’s sounds. Each feature is paired with some industry insights to go with why we love these artists as fans.
Asha Banks: the actress molding indie
by Safira Khan
Anytime I’m in the mood for music that’s somehow soft yet endearingly catchy, upbeat but not too upbeat, dance-worthy, but still able to speak to my soul…that’s usually when I turn to Asha Banks.
If you’re not familiar with Asha (which you definitely should be), you might have seen her grace your screen playing standout roles in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Your Fault London. She originally broke through as an actress before captivating everyone with her amazing tell-all lyricism and indie-folk melodies. Her second EP “How Real Was It?” will take you on such an emotional journey of yearning and heartbreak, it’ll make you feel like you experienced the whole relationship alongside her. She has such an authentic way of songwriting that it almost makes me feel like I’m just listening to a close friend singing to me in their bedroom. Her tracks off her EP “Rerun” and “Mascara Tears” are an absolute must-listen and some of my personal favorite songs to listen to this season. If you’re a fan of artists like Alessi Rose, Noah Kahan or The Favors, Asha Banks should definitely be on your radar. 🎶
Industry Takes
Signed to Island Records with labelmates like Chappell Roan, Olivia Dean and Lola Young
A combined 2.1M+ followers on IG and TikTok
Currently gracing Europe with her Who Real Was It? tour
Press looks include Vevo, Atwood Mag and Prelude Press
Visualizer directed, produced & DP’d by °1824’s Alexa Cha. Production Coordinator: °1824’s Megan Chan. Editor & Colorist: °1824’s Isabel Crist.
Dogpark: from your TikTok FYP to indie’s center stage
by Megan Dawson
One of my favorite acts to break out in the indie-rock scene would definitely have to be the band Dogpark. The four-piece’s sound is that perfect blend of lively energy and it-girl rock, with a dancing like nobody’s watching kind of vibe.
The four-piece made up of Eamon Moore (vocals), Declan Harris (lead guitars), Dylan Apostolou (guitar), and Christian Conte (drums) formed in 2023 while attending the University of Richmond in Virginia. Known for their capturing energy, authenticity on social media and driving indie rock sound, they’ve earned millions of streams across platforms, performed to sold-out crowds, and gained an electric fanbase through it all.
They released their third EP last month, Corporate Pudding, which is the perfect soundtrack to spring. There’s a favorite song for everyone: “September” if you want to belt or yearn, “75$72” if you’re feeling confident and on top of the world, or “Dandelion,” my personal favorite, which is a feel good, singing-into-your-hairbrush-microphone kind of track.
And while we’re talking about checking them out, you’d be doing yourself a serious disservice if you don’t try to see them live this spring. Dogpark is one of those bands that’s even better live. Their discography comes to life and takes a new form in the spaces they play in.
Industry Takes
Signed to Severance Records / Big Loud Rock / Mercury
Developing a strong live following with upcoming headlining dates that ends with a Beachlife Festival set
Their booking agency, Atlas Touring, has some other stout touring bands on the roster like Flipturn and Hotel Fiction
581.2K monthly listeners on Spotify, 316K on TikTok and landing on editorial playlists like All New Indie, Marrow and The New Alt
Who’s on your radar? Channel your inner A&R and let us know! In the meantime, listen to our Future Focus playlist that we update every single week.