With their latest single, “It’s a Sign,” The Flip Phones deliver a buoyant indie-pop gem that perfectly balances whimsy and introspection.
Inspired by the quirky Happy Foot/Sad Foot sign in Los Angeles – a podiatry sign that locals once used to predict their day – the song ponders whether we guide our own destinies or leave them to luck and superstition.
Lindsey and Ryan, the dynamic duo behind The Flip Phones, channel this playful concept into a track that’s as thought-provoking as it is infectious.
Listen here:
Lindsey, a classically trained pianist and flutist with roots in symphonic, marching, and jazz bands, and she infuses the track with instrumental sophistication. Her melodica and electric piano add texture and charm, and her creativity shines through in the vivid, story-driven lyrics.
Ryan, a self-taught guitarist influenced by The Beatles, Blur, and The Kinks, provides jangly, upbeat guitar lines that ground the song in a timeless indie-rock vibe.
The pair began collaborating in their previous band, North of Canada, where Lindsey played keyboards and flute. After the band’s dissolution in 2013 they embarked on a new project that became The Flip Phones. Their debut EP, Better in the Dark (2022), introduced listeners to their signature blend of storytelling and layered arrangements.
With “It’s a Sign,” the duo takes their sound in a more playful direction, leaning into influences like the B-52s, R.E.M., and even Gorillaz, thanks to their extensive use of the melodica.
Produced by Dave Mallen at Innovation Station Music in Annandale, VA, the song captures the energy of Lindsey and Ryan’s live performances, honed over more than 40 shows at festivals and iconic venues across the mid-Atlantic. From Roanoke Festival in the Park to Songbyrd and Jammin Java, The Flip Phones have built a reputation for their engaging and dynamic sets.
“It’s a Sign” is an instant mood booster, with its effervescent instrumentation and Lindsey and Ryan’s vocal interplay offering a real sense of optimism. It’s the perfect lead single for their upcoming EP, “Spinning Adrift” due out in the spring of 2025!
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