Hey, indie rock fans! Ready to feel the raw, unfiltered energy of a breakup turned into a euphoric anthem? Bristol-based artist Ziggy 2000 dropped “Crushing!” on March 24, 2025, via XYZ123 (The Orchard/Sony), and this pop rock, indie rock, and indie pop banger is her most earth-shaking single yet. Following her acclaimed 2024 debut EP Needles, Ziggy’s latest track is a cathartic release that’s as fun as it is powerful—let’s dive into why “Crushing!” is about to be your new go-to!
The Sound and the Emotion
“Crushing!” is Ziggy 2000 breaking free from her traditionally soft, introspective sound, embracing a raw, boisterous energy that’s both liberating and infectious. The track starts with an intimate, delicate touch—a raw lead vocal floating over atmospheric textures, setting a dreamy indie pop tone that echoes her influences like Dora Jar and beabadoobee, as noted in her press release (web ID: 1). But as it builds, it explodes into a euphoric pop-rock crescendo: soaring guitars with searing, crunchy riffs, thunderous drums, and cinematic strings that add a dramatic flair, reminiscent of the ‘90s alt-rock throwbacks she’s known for, like the acoustic vibe of “Anymore” from her Needles EP (web ID: 1). The chorus crashes like a wave, hitting deep with a sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs energy that’s perfect for letting go, clocking in around 120 BPM—a tempo that aligns with pop rock’s punchy, anthemic style, as seen in similar tracks by artists like Nilüfer Yanya (web ID: 2).
The song’s origin story is as chaotic as its sound—written in the haze of a hangover amidst the feral aftermath of a breakup, Ziggy describes it as a moment of “scream, laugh, and not take myself too seriously” (web ID: 1). This unfiltered mix of frustration and humor shines through, with lyrics that capture the collision of emotions in a liberating way, reflecting her valiant yet bashful honesty, as noted in her bio (web ID: 1). The whimsical, boisterous side of her personality takes center stage, a departure from the timid inner-monologues of tracks like “Stupid” from Needles, making “Crushing!” a true expression of who she is right now—a candy princess and self-proclaimed ‘rag doll’ basking in the contradiction of being sensitive, brave, and vulnerable (web ID: 1). It’s a track that could easily fit into a set alongside recent indie rock releases like those from girlpuppy or Thala, both of whom share Ziggy’s dreamy yet powerful vibe (web ID: 1).
Ziggy 2000, raised between Indonesia and the UK, has been carving out her space in the indie world since her debut EP Needles dropped in June 2024, landing on key playlists like Spotify’s Melomania and Apple Music’s New In Alternative (web ID: 1). Originally a bassist, she picked up the guitar during lockdown, a shift that redefined her songwriting and led to sold-out shows at venues like The Mount Without’s Crypt in Bristol, where she transformed the space into an immersive dreamworld (web ID: 1). Now backed by a full band, her live performances are gaining momentum, drawing crowds in Bristol and Berlin. “Crushing!” reflects the indie rock and pop rock wave of 2025, where artists like beabadoobea are blending nostalgic melodies with raw energy, as seen in Spotify’s Indie Rock Essentials playlists (web ID: 2). The track’s cinematic production, co-produced by Yannick Ernst and Mani Orasson and mastered at AIR Studios by Cicely Balston, makes it a perfect fit for playlists like Spotify’s Fresh Finds or Apple Music’s Peach, where similar releases have been gaining traction (web ID: 1). Check it out below—the artwork’s got this vibrant, chaotic aesthetic that totally matches the song’s energy.
Let It Out and Share Your Sound
“Crushing!” by Ziggy 2000 is a pop-rock explosion that’s all about cathartic release—a track that blends indie rock rawness with dreamy indie pop, perfect for screaming, laughing, and letting go. If this one’s got you hyped to drop your own tunes, DistroKid’s the way to go. Get your music out there, and with this link—https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328—you’ll snag 7% off your membership. It’s a dope deal to join the indie wave. So, what’s “Crushing!” doing for you? Drop a comment—I’m stoked to hear if it’s got you feeling as much as it’s got me!
