Hey music lovers! If you're anything like me, you're always on the hunt for that perfect indie rock track that hits you right in the feels – something intimate yet epic, melancholy but uplifting. Well, buckle up because Emmalee Rainbow just dropped her latest single "I've Had Some Wine" on January 8, 2026, and it's exactly the kind of slow-burning anthem we've been craving in this fresh new year.
Picture this: It's your 21st birthday in Las Vegas, surrounded by glittering chaos on the Strip and the vast, empty desert just beyond. That surreal clash of ambition, excitement, and everyday monotony inspired Emmalee to scribble this song in her Notes app. As she puts it, Vegas perfectly captures that cliché we all feel – we only get one life, but we're constantly longing for something bigger, something that feels truly extraordinary. "I've Had Some Wine" (or IHSW for short) channels that tension into a widescreen confession that's aching and intimate, but builds into something massive and cinematic.
Musically, this track is a masterpiece of indie pop meets indie rock with heavy 80s vibes. Think the neon-drenched melancholy of legends like U2 and The Cure, mixed with the raw emotional punch of today's nostalgic indie scene. It starts slow and confessional, with Emmalee's haunting vocals pulling you in, then swells with swirling guitars and epic production that feels like the climax of a blockbuster movie. And get this – drums are handled by Maxx Morando, known for his work with Miley Cyrus and Liily, adding that perfect rhythmic drive to make it erupt.
The lyrics dive deep into that familiar struggle: chasing dreams while life feels painfully ordinary. It's relatable on so many levels, especially in 2026 when indie rock new releases are leaning hard into nostalgic sounds with a modern twist. We're seeing a big wave of 80s-inspired indie rock this year, blending post-punk edges with anthemic builds – artists reviving that Cure-like gloom with fresh energy. Emmalee's single fits right into this trend, standing out with its heartfelt storytelling and blockbuster momentum. If you're into the emotional immediacy of modern nostalgic indie, this one's going to be on repeat.
Now, let's talk about the artist behind this magic. Emmalee Rainbow is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with a wildly diverse background. She kicked off her career as a child actress, popping up in national commercials, films, and hit shows like Modern Family and NCIS. But that's not all – she's also a trained chef who gained international fame on Lifetime's Man Vs. Child: Chef Showdown. Talk about multifaceted!
Music has always been her true passion, though. She independently released her debut EP Origin in 2022, where she played nearly all the instruments herself, followed by a live EP recorded at the Teragram Ballroom in 2023. At just 23 (turning 24 soon?), Emmalee's already proving she's a force in the indie rock world, crafting songs that feel both personal and universally epic.
"I've Had Some Wine" is the lead single from her upcoming EP, and if this is any indication, we're in for a treat. The production is polished yet raw, the melody sticks with you, and that build-up? Chef's kiss (pun intended). It's the kind of song that captures the yearning we all feel in quiet moments, turning it into something triumphant.
As we dive into 2026's new indie music, tracks like this remind us why independent artists are killing it – no labels holding them back, just pure creativity. Emmalee's blending her acting charisma, culinary precision (hey, timing is everything in cooking and music!), and songwriting chops into something uniquely her.
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What do you think of Emmalee Rainbow's "I've Had Some Wine"? Does it give you those 80s nostalgic vibes, or hit home with that ambition-vs-reality theme? Drop your thoughts in the comments – I love hearing from you all! And if this track's got you hooked, stream it now and keep an eye on her upcoming EP.
