Brika is the alternative pop project of Cuban-American, Briana Martinez, who has been a musician since the tender age of three.
Whilst her music maybe lyrically mature, it has a profound pop swagger, which envelopes you immediately upon first listen until you reach the end and don’t quite remember how you got there, much like a taxi ride (which incidentally ties in nicely with her current release, ‘Taxi Man’).
Brika has kindly put together a playlist for Indietronica. Check it out below.
Steve Lacy – Some
Music is a very visual art form that constantly draws pictures from moments of your past. I generally believe that one of the many elements that determine if a song is good, is its ability to make you instantly daydream. The first time I heard this song, it was very early in the morning as I was driving, and it instantly provoked exactly that. Since I’ve been hooked.
Beach House – Space Song
I love this song because there is something very bittersweet about it. It reminds me of the general music I would listen to a lot in high school.
A$AP Rocky, Frank Ocean – Purity
One of my recent late-night “what is life” songs for me. I think the structure of this song is very unique and refreshing. Frank Ocean’s voice makes me instantly nostalgic.
Thom Yorke – The Eraser
This… I mean, Thom Yorke is everything. Although this song isn’t in one of my more recent plays, it is definitely a song I always go back to. The production is timeless and Yorke is anexcellent lyricist I have spent several nights just analyzing his ability to make one song perfectly summarize so many emotions.
Demo – Sunshine Girl
The song you blast in your apartment with a bottle of wine as you’re cooking a delicious meal. I am a sucker for excessive harmonies that feel effortless, old-school elements, and wavy sounding tracks.
TOPS – Easier Said
Tops is a very underrated artist.
ROSALÍA – Catalina
Rosalía embodies what the future of music is. She mixes Spanish Flamenco with modern Pop and Hip-Hop beat elements. The music she releases is extremely innovative and her lyrics are also very tasteful. Even in her attempt to do a more commercial sounding track with J Balvin in Brillo, her unique palate of influences thrive.
Feist – A Man Is Not His Song
A Man Is Not His Song is special to me. I love how she uses ‘song’ as a kind of metaphor for saying, just because an artist sings or a person portrays a certain image, doesn’t necessarily mean that is their reality. Her message can be interpreted further to say, that no one can live up to first impressions forever, in the same way, that writers of beautiful songs often create things beyond them. I think this song analyzes and embodies perfectly, what is found often in the music industry, when an artist plays the role of something they are not. Every track in album Pleasure by Feist, had a lot of interesting insights in the lyrics, and inspired me in the creation of my new EP.
Rhye – Song For You
This is a great song to drive to. I saw them live, and was extremely shocked to find the singer was actually a male and sounded exactly as the record!
Lykke Li – I Never Learn
Although this album has been around for a very long time, these are one of the songs I’ve only more recently discovered.
Moses Sumney – Plastic
I think Moses Sumney is incredible and very underrated. Everything that this artist puts out is real music. I love the soft Jazz guitar, the distant reverbed harmonies, and subtle use of strings at the end. He never disappoints in creating beautiful arrangements that are topped by tasteful lyrics.
We do like a good festival, and after hearing that NOS Alive in Lisbon, Portugal is up there as one the world’s best music festivals, we decided to plan a trip in July to find out what all the fuss is about!
In the mean time, buckle up and check out our ones to watch within the indietronica genres (looks like we’ll mainly see you at the Sagres Stage then!).
THURSDAY 12 JULY
Friendly Fires, Sagres Stage
Energetic Brit boys Friendly Fires return to the festival circuit after a hiatus.
Having already had massive success with hits such as ‘Paris’, ‘Jump In The Pool’ and ‘Skeleton Boy’, their new single ‘Love Like Waves’ doesn’t disappoint and continues the theme of tropical-tinged synth sounds.
Expect a highly fun and bold performance at NOS Alive.
Jain is a multi-cultural singer/songwriter and self confessed beat-maker, originally from France, but who has also spent time in Dubai and The Congo.
Jain means achieving liberation of the soul, and that’s exactly what this music embodies with its flecked sounds of African rhythms with simple, yet vibrant vocals.
Watch the video for highly recognised song ‘Makeba’ below and catch Jain at the Sagres Stage on Thursday.
One artist we are super stoked to check out live is Khalid.
The American singer/songwriter originally started writing music during his college years, where he was also declared prom king. Amalgamating an array of sounds from classical, pop to hip hop, Khalid shows a real sense of urgency in his music.
We can’t get enough of his track with Billie Eilish, and can’t wait to see him perform at NOS Alive.
Sounds like: Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Father John Misty, Frank Ocean, Chance the Rapper, Lorde, James Blake, Billie Eilish
Indie rockers Wolf Alice have been our firm favourites from the UK for some time now. They never disappoint at a live show, fronted by a fresh-faced Ellie Rowsell’s seemingly blasé but endearingly nervous attitude.
Expect a set full of their most brilliant tunes…so that’s all of them then!
Sounds like: Black Honey, Peace, Superfood, Foals, Circa Waves, Harry
Sampha is to be one of the UK’s best musical exports in 2018.
He has a knack for writing songs with deep and personal lyrics of pain and reflection, some of which have unfortunately has stemmed from health hardships suffered with his family at home, and we can’t help but think we are supporting him on this journey.
Truly thought-provoking stuff, definitely worthy of a slot at NOS Alive.
Sounds like: Jessie Ware, Frank Ocean, Solange, Moses Sumney, James Blake, Chet Faker, SBTRKT, Dallas Green
Future Islands‘ front man Samuel T Herring’s dancing is reason enough to go watch these guys at NOS Alive. And of course, the US synthpop band are wildly brilliant in as many unique, refreshing and inspiration ways possible.
Feisty feminist attitudes and catchy lyrics is what CHVRCHES brings to the table.
Lauren Mayberry has faced her fair share of trolls online, but to her testament, the Scottish trio continue to go from strength to strength. We are very much looking forward to this show!
Sounds like: Kate Boy, Avec Sans, Purity Ring, Vogue Dots, R.A.B.B.I.I., Kaleida, Gems, IYES, For Esmé, ALMA, Pale Hands, Acre Tarn, Prinze George, Leitbur, Monogem, PALMEDO, NONONO, Still Corners, MUNA
Imagine if M83 and Joanna Newsom met one day and decided to make some music. The result would be the quirky and ambient tones of Portuguese Surma (aka Débora Umbelino).
Working with loop pedals, the solo artist works with analogue and digital sounds creating a primal yet sonic environment.
Kicking off Saturday’s ones to watch are Lisbon natives, Lotus Fever.
They fit somewhere in-between Alt-J and Pink Floyd and it’s really refreshing to hear. We are expecting a super tight performance, thanks to their longstanding stint together since 2011 and it being their local city.
Their music has tendencies to sway in the 60’s, psychedelic market – imagine riding on a surfboard in space. However, we expect their set at NOS Alive to be a relaxed affair, where you can chill out and have a cider…or ride a surfboard in space, whatever takes your fancy!
Less under the radar than the counterparts in this piece, but still worthy of a slot on one’s to watch at this year’s NOS Alive. The mighty MGMT!
The eclectic US-based duo are known for their otherworldly take on modern indie rock music, often combining psychedelic synths, crunchy guitars and stodgy vocals with fun videos.
Sounds like: Empire of the Sun, Foster the People, Tame Impala, Portugal. The Man
Covering topics such as sexual abuse, suicide and alcohol abuse, Perfume Genius (aka Mike Hadreas) is one such musical role model we want to be more involved with.
His music represents such struggles and recoveries in a camp but delightfully magnificent way.
Sounds like: Sufjan Stevens, St. Vincent, Kate Bush, M83, David Bowie, Future Islands, Fever Ray
With a warming lo-fi sound, Brooklyn-based dream team, Real Estate is our last act to consider watching at NOS Alive.
Run by childhood friends who played in their backyards during the summer months, Real Estate write simple and endearing songs full of luminous guitar riffs and delicate synths.
We envisage this show to be a perfect end to a perfect weekend.
Jerry Folk has just released the explorative, sonic track, ‘Purple Feelings’ featuring Rainsford, out now via Folkestad Recordings.
To celebrate the release of his next full-length collection of work that will showcase his next evolution as an artist, he has put together an eclectic playlist for us.
Tiffany Gouché – Can I
My fav for a while. Soothing ass r&b.
Daniel Caesar – Get You (Feat. Kali Uchis)
Same goes for this can’t believe I just discovered Daniel Caesar.
Tora – Amsterdam
Dope guys from Australia, been listening to their Little Dragon cover for ages. This is a new single of theirs, if u wanna feel something listen to this.
Salute – Man Down
Found this young dude from the UK on SoundCloud holy shit his sound design is flames. Also comes off as a really good dude!
Jessie Reyez – Shutter Island
Dope vocalist from Toronto. Seems like she is just starting to get some hype. I love this song so much.
Josh Pan – Nowhere
Josh Pan is one of the most interesting people I know. This song is timeless and different from a lot of his other stuff.
Mac Demarco – Salad Days
Favourite riff in a minute.
A$AP Rocky & Skepta – Put That On My Set
From A$AP mobs “cozy tape”. Skepta and A$AP on the same track unreal.
Flødeklinikken – Min Tid
Just discovered this Danish band. You might not understand the lyrics but you’ll feel the soul.
James Vincent McMorrow – We Move
Been on repeat the past weeks. I wanna do vocal production like this.
Los Angeles-based producer/multi instrumentalist, Gryffin, has been going from strength to strength over the last couple of years.
We thought it was about time he put together a playlist for you lot.
Snakehips & MØ – Don’t Leave (Gryffin Remix)
I really love MØ’s raw emotion, and I wanted to be able to amplify in my own way with this remix but with a little bit of a twist from my normal style.
Louis The Child – Love Is Alive (feat. Elohim)
The Louis the Child guys have been on fire recently. “Love Is Alive” has their signature sound but in a indier direction.
RUFUS DU SOL – Innerbloom (What So Not Remix)
This remix is always awesome to play out in my DJ sets.
Illenium – Fractures (feat. Nevve)
Illenium is a great friend of mine and his new track “Fractures” shows exactly why he is one of the best future bass producers out there.
The xx – On Hold
The xx have been a favorite band of mine for a while. Really love this track off their new album.
Twenty One Pilots – Heavydirtysoul
TOP have the perfect blend of rock, electronic, and pop elements in their music. “Heavydirtysoul” is one of my favorite’s from their latest album.
Whethan – Savage feat. Flux Pavilion & MAX
Whethan is one of the most talented young producers out there and I was really excited when he released “Savage.”
San Holo – Light
“Light” is an unlikely crossover track but its been really cool to see it catch onto the commercial crowd.
Gryffin – Whole Heart (Young Bombs Remix)
Young Bombs absolutely crushed this remix of “Whole Heart.” Their Snapchat is hilarious too.
Mura Masa & A$AP Rocky – Love$ick
Mura Masa is hands-down one of the best producers out their. His collaboration with A$AP Rocky is the perfect blend of urban and dance.
Sounds like: Thomas Jack, Goldroom, Bipolar Sunshine
