Maddy's MixTapes

Indie pop powerhouse Nicki Kris is taking her bold, genre-defying sound to a new audience with a featured spot on Maddy’s MixTapes, the popular indie pop radio show sponsored by 440Music Entertainment Co. Known for her emotional storytelling and powerhouse vocals, Nicki has been lighting up the indie scene since 2013, and now fans of independent music radio will get to experience her unmistakable sound on one of the top platforms for emerging talent.

From “My Christmas Wish” to Grammy Ballots — A Rising Pop Icon
Nicki Kris launched her music career with the heartfelt holiday single “My Christmas Wish,” followed by her soulful debut album I Come Alive, which earned spots on the Grammy Awards final ballot and found placement on hit shows like Dance Moms. With a voice that resonates and lyrics that hit home, Nicki quickly earned recognition as a singer/songwriter to watch. Her success continued with the Americana-tinged EP Dream Big, reaching international radio play and critical acclaim from songwriting contests around the world.

A Catalog That Defies Boundaries and Echoes Emotion
Nicki’s creative journey has seen her evolve from pop to Americana, and into electronic and cinematic territory with tracks like “Picture Yourself” and “You’ve Got a Hold on Me.” Her single “Falling to Pieces,” written in tribute to the Pulse nightclub victims, stands as a testament to her power to turn grief into healing through music — with proceeds donated to the OneOrlando Fund. Each release shows Nicki’s commitment not just to artistry, but...

Indie pop is where candy-colored daydreams meet jangly guitars, DIY ethics, and lyrics that sound like pages torn from your diary. Unlike its cooler cousin indie rock, indie pop wraps its arms around sincerity and says, “It's okay to feel this much.” Born from the late '70s post-punk spirit, it took root in basements, fanzines, and handmade record sleeves. Think of The Pastels’ carefree strums or the innocent harmonies of Beat Happening—indie pop celebrates being uncool in the coolest way. Its greatest charm? That it never tried to dominate the charts. It built its own world instead—a patchwork of cassette tapes, glittery badges, and cult-status bands who’d rather play your heart than a stadium.

The Sound of Sincerity: Why Indie Pop Still Matters
Indie pop has always been more than a genre—it’s a mindset, a moment, a movement. From Sarah Records’ sweet melancholy to Belle and Sebastian’s chamber pop elegance, the music refuses to be loud but somehow echoes forever. At its core is an earnestness that bucks music industry cynicism. These artists write songs that feel like conversations, not commercials. It’s about crafting melodies that feel handmade, not mass-produced. In the age of algorithm-driven playlists, indie pop remains stubbornly personal—proof that sometimes, the smallest voices sing the loudest truths.

Tune in and Belong: Indie Pop’s Global Tapestry
Whether it’s Tokyo’s Shibuya-kei, New Zealand’s Dunedin sound, or the lo-fi gems of Olympia, Washington, indie pop has become a global language of joyful defiance. Its reach is wide, but its spirit...