Tag Archives: Akira Records

Weekly Gems 111

Henry Green – Tide Feat. Andreya Triana

Henry Green

Henry Green shares the delicate new single ‘Tide’, featuring London-based vocalist Andreya Triana.

Another slice of ear candy from the Bristol-based producer, the instrumentally focused track is taken from his upcoming new album, ‘Half Light’, which is now due 3 July via Akira Records.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Jadu Heart, Jon Hopkins, Erased Tapes, Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, Flying Lotus, Bonobo, Maribou State

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

BODÉ – Wiz Feat. Billy Vena

BODÉ Feat. Billy Vena - WIZ

What happens when some talented artists team up? A song destined for success, that’s what!

Dutch producer Boris Deckers de Breda aka BODÉ release ‘Wiz’ with San Antonio, Texas singer/songwriter Billy Vena – an honest record about being destined for music success, but with the price that comes with it, aka empty pockets.

Sounds like: Gorgon City

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Hoofa – Alone

Hoofa - Alone

Hard working London lads, Hoofa, share their anthemic new single, ‘Alone’.

With comparisons to indie band contemporaries such as Larkins and Sea Girls, as well and lyrical influences from more nostalgic acts such as The Beautiful South and PEACE, this is a perfect slice of jangly pop.

Sounds like: Kodaline, Larkins, Sea Girls, PEACE, The Beautiful South, Little Comets

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Zanski – Consequence

Zanski - Consequence

Toronto vocalist/producer Tom Probizanski – aka Zanski – has an almost emo twist to his electronic take on R&B and alt-pop.

His new single ‘Consequence’ explores the theme of self-acceptance in the face of overwhelming internal struggle, a continual theme throughout his music, which varies in sound from gritty lo-fi electronica to vocal-rich, synth-heavy production, tailored with emotional lyrics and heavy themes.

Sounds like: Ben Khan, James Blake, Bearcubs, Jadu Heart, The 1975

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Chaz Cardigan – S.O.S

Chaz Cardigan

Classically trained pianist Chaz Cardigan continues to pair searing self-examination with supremely catchy refrains.

His new single ‘S.O.S’ shows some serious self-awareness, as he acknowledges a tendency to self-sabotage and admits, “I’ve got a way of getting in my way“. Don’t we all!

Sounds like: Harry Styles, Declan McKenna

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Flight to Moonlight – Midnight Feat. Priz

Flight to Moonlight

The moniker of songwriter, singer and producer Adam Baring – Flight To Moonlight returns after a hiatus with a potent blend of genres in the form of his new single ‘Midnight’.

The fearlessly nostalgic track combines genres of disco, pop and electronica.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Chromeo

Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram

CAPPA – There With You Baby

CAPPA

It’s been a minute since sweet talking CAPPA released some new music.

In keeping with CAPPA’s signature feel-good, carefree pop sound, the song chronicles the honeymoon stages of a new relationship where anything could happen and, maybe, love isn’t all that scary.

Sounds like: Lorde, Lana Del Rey, HOLYCHILD, Purity Ring, Washed Out, Say Lou Lou, The Knife, M83, KLOE, Druzy, Taylor Swift, The Knife

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Maida Vorn – Automatic

Maida Vorn

Brighton is an immensly creative place, and the Maida Vorn alter-ego of Mollie Clack is no exception.

Dark electronic at its core, her music is quirky space pop with magical tendencies. Her EP is out now and you can listen to ‘Automatic’ below.

Sounds like: Yonaka, Marina & The Diamonds, Kate Bush, Lady Gaga

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Zola Blood – Silver Soul

Zola Blood

East London based quartet, Zola Blood is undoubtedly one of our favourite electro-ambient projects to come out of the UK.

The recent tour with RÜFÜS DU SOL has left a visible mark on the band – they appear more direct and powerful in their delivery. ‘Silver Soul’ is taken from their latest EP set for release on 22 May via Akira Records.

Speaking about the track, they explain,

“Silver Soul is about saying a last goodbye to a time or a place when you’ve outgrown it and you know it’s time to change.”

Sounds like: Wild Beasts, Radiohead, Brolin, Jape, Boxed In, TENDER, RÜFÜS DU SOL

Website | Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | SoundCloud

Weekly Gems 107

Alara – Demons

Alara

Accomplished singer Alara shares the beautiful, ‘Demons’, a perfect antidote to current times.

Despite being heavily influenced by the power of Grimes, Alara’s music is also soft and hazy, with a soul-healing quality. Her new single is about finding solace in the idea that everyone is going through something, and we’re not so different after all.

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Skott, Ryn Weaver

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Chris Wills – Pyro

Chris Wills - Pyro

Los Angeles-based artist Chris Wills shares the addictive ‘Pyro’.

Finally in a place to accept himself, Wills decided to write music and just give it a go. The result is a quirky inner reflective track, which he uses to find the answers he’s been craving.

Sounds like: Myylo, Michael Medrano

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

GRAE – Slow Down

GRAE - Slow Down

Introducing Toronto artist GRAE.

Delivering powerful and mystical R&B leaning pop, her new single ‘Slow Down’ touches on the topic of feminism and empowerment, and considers the topic of women finding difficulty in expressing their wants and desires.

Sounds like: RALPH, Willa, ASHS, Louise Burns

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Mt. Wolf – Tayrona

Mt. Wolf

After a long hiatus, dream pop band Mt. Wolf returns with their misty new single ‘Tayrona’ featuring Tamsin Wilson from Wilsen.

This is the first single from a forthcoming collaborative project, to be released via Akira Records, and is complete with hazy, layered soundscapes that ebb and flow into a folktronica masterpiece.

Sounds like: Daughter, Phoria, Still Parade, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Active Child, Bon Iver

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Ernest – Never Leaving

Ernest - Never Leaving

Despite the inflicted isolation, Copenhagen-based Ernest keeps us moving with their smooth and funk-tinged single, ‘Never Leaving’.

A story conjured up following the band’s encounter with a beautiful cashier during a recent visit to the supermarket, the guys manage to dig up and present big emotions from everyday situations.

Sounds like: Liss, School of X, Frank Ocean, SILQUE

SoundCloud | Facebook | Instagram

Aaron Smith – Brother

Aaron Smith

Scottish singer/songwriter Aaron Smith shares his new single ‘Brother’, which touches on the topic of addiction.

A subject close to his heart, this release once again penetrates to the core of your emotions, fuled by experiences of both love and trauma.

Sounds like: Frightened Rabbit, Ed Prosek, Amber Run, Novo Amor, Talos

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Love You Later – Blindfolded

Love You Later

Love You Later is the brainchild of US-based 21-year-old singer/songwriter Lexi Aviles.

‘Blindfolded’, the final song on her latest EP, ‘Heaven Is Without You’, is the perfect crescendo to the lush and dreamy collection of songs, and pushes for self-realisation and liberation after shedding old skin from a recent breakup.

Sounds like: Imogen Heap, Broods, The Japanese House

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Syd Silvair – The Moth

Syd Silvair - The Moth

Syd Silvair is endlessly inspired by the rich visual narratives of the deck, and the ways in which their divine messages manifest in our physical realm.

Using The Magician tarot card as her guide, her single ‘Moth’ encourages to reclaim the power on your own terms, and is equally as fierce in its presentation.

Sounds like: Lana Del Rey, Harry, Stevie Nicks

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Raven Artson – Notice Me

Raven Artson

Ever-evolving LA-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Raven Artson releases his single, ‘Notice Me’.

It’s a lofty not-so-classic love song that takes an otherworldly opinion with eerily sweet vocals and piano-led composition.

Sounds like: How To Dress Well, ANOHNI

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

OCTAVIO – Nineteen (Sad For No Reason)

OCTAVIO

Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Octavio Herrera aka OCTAVIO is a 19-year-old artist making a unique concoction of hip-hop and indie music.

Whilst in his new song ‘Nineteen (Sad For No Reason)’, there are plenty of reasons to be feeling glum at this moment in time (and he’s by no means alone), we should join Octavio in celebrating his past year.

Sounds like: Rex Orange County, Mac Demarco

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Jillian Steele – New Orleans

Jillian Steele - New Orleans

Nashville-based pop artist Jillian Steele‘s new single is written about unexpectedly falling in love in New Orleans.

But this isn’t her first crush, Steele has been performing from a young age, having formed an early love for performing, including singing and acting in commercials. Listen below.

Sounds like: Savannah Sgro, Violet Skies, Charlotte Sands

SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Zola Blood – Two Hearts

Zola Blood

We are psyched to share Zola Blood‘s new single, ‘Two Hearts’, the title track of their latest EP set for release on 22nd May via Akira Records.

Taking a slightly heavier approach that their previous body of work, the track sets the tone for the EP, complete of a body of intricate and powerful songs.

A further nod to the bittersweet essence of the EP can be seen within the artwork. Referencing the Japanese art of Kintsugi, a tradition of fusing broken pottery back together with Gold. The EP reflects the philosophy behind the art, which challenges the idea that in order to preserve something, it can never change.

Sounds like: Wild Beasts, Radiohead, Brolin, Jape, Boxed In, TENDER, RÜFÜS DU SOL

Website | Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | SoundCloud

Henry Green – Another Light

Henry Green

Bristol-based Henry Green shares ‘Another Light’.

Following the theme of movement, ‘Another Light’ is an all encompassing cinematic masterpiece fuelled by Henry’s obsession with complex electronic sounds.

Speaking about the track, Henry says,

“I had a really vivid image/moment in mind when I wrote “Another Light”. I was sat on a silent beach in the early hours of the morning, slightly hazy from the lack of sleep and I wanted to write about the whirlwind of colours and textures, both in the landscape but also in my mind at that moment. So much change had happened in such a short amount of time and I was just reflecting on it all.”

His debut album ‘Shift’ is set for release on 30 March via Akira Records.

Sounds like: Jon Hopkins, Erased Tapes, Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Continue reading

Weekly Gems 18

FOXTRAX – Everything’s Changing

FOXTRAX

Born in New York, now residing in Los Angeles, FOXTRAX are an alternative rock trio with an electronic edge.

A third release in their “moving to L.A.” trilogy, ‘Everything’s Changing’ is about taking time to appreciate when good things happen.

Their EP – expected for release in early 2018 – is produced by British production duo Alexander Wolfe and Ben Roulston (Wolf Alice, Florence + the Machine) plus Jim Kaufman (Atlas Genius, Night Riots).

Sounds like: Cage The Elephant, Atlas Genius

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

Nightshifts – Karma

Nightshifts

Nighshifts is the cosmic pop project of Toronto-based Andrew Oliver.

His new single ‘Karma’ is about not overthinking the future and sitting back to enjoy the ride, as expressed in the track’s nonchalant off-kilter vocal melody and breezy beats.

Sounds like: Chappo, Steely Dan, Young Empires

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Shenna – Magenta

Shenna - Magnenta

Wow Shenna‘s new single ‘Magenta’ is a sassy pop number, one that will straight-up encourage you to declare your desires to your number one crush.

Full of crimson synths and retro vibes beaming throughout, turn this one up loud!

Her next show is 18 November in New York as part of The National Sawdust’s ‘The Revolution’ series. Tickets can be purchased here.

Sounds like: Le Youth, ALMA, CAPPA

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

Argonaut & Wasp – Prove It To You

Argonaut & Wasp

We are big fans of Argonaut & Wasp‘s indie-dance tunes, so we are psyched they have a new single called ‘Prove It To You’.

Once again testifying their ability to produce something catchy, we just can’t get enough of the track’s slurry vocals and groovy sensibilities.

Sounds like: The Strokes, Modest Mouse, Talking Heads, Phoenix

Website | Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

Glassio – Daydream featuring NAKAYA

Glassio

Electronic duo Glassio are going from strength to strength with each release.

The latest addition to their catalogue, ‘Daydream’, is an ode to their love of early 2000s LA-based Hip/Hop & R&B, and features the delicate vocals of NAKAYA.

The guys says they “were imagining Dre and AIR making a record together”, although we think the vocal loops are more reminiscent of Gorillz‘ ‘Stylo’.

Sounds like: Gorillz, Hot Chip, Metronomy, Foals, Jagwar Ma, Rüfüs, Flume, Odesza, Bob Moses, Glass Animals, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Henry Green – Stay Here

Henry Green

Bristol-based rising star Henry Green shares his dark but ethereal new single ‘Stay Here’.

A lot of greatness comes from dark places, much like this single, which Henry wrote at the site of Berlin’s 1950’s broadcast facility, Köpenicker Chaussee, during a moment of frustration and loss of direction.

It’s out now via Akira Records.

Sounds like: Jon Hopkins, Erased Tapes, Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Iris Lune – Lost In Chatter

Iris Lune

Brooklyn-based art pop quartet Iris Lune share ‘Lost In Chatter’.

Clever percussion throughout depicts chatter overlaid by synth-led harmonies and more of a dance-inspired melody, lyrically inspired by the final chapter of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice In Wonderland’.

Sounds like: Little Dragon, Deerhoof, Björk, Σtella

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

Au/Ra – Outsiders

Au/Ra

Growing up in the middle of nowhere has been the source of songwriting influence for Au/Ra‘s new single, ‘Outsiders’, not only because of her location growing up in Antigua, but also because of her introverted nature.

But this song is a call to arms for all misfits, giving them a chance to escape to a fantasy world.

She plays The Waiting Room in London on 13 November.

Sounds like: Florence + The Machine, Dua Lipa, Charli XCX, The Magnettes

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud

Phoria – Red

Phoria

Phoria

Phoria are a soulful Brighton-based five piece who are quickly gaining popularity with the masses. The band recently reached 300,000 plays on their Soundcloud page.

Although Phoria are classified as ‘alternative rock’, their track ‘Red’ deserves recognition on Indietroni.ca for being so dangerously sensual that it will treat you to goosebumps all over your body.

Close your eyes when you listen to ‘Red’ and you will be immediately hypnotised by the unbroken layers of soft electronic beats…that is until you reach an emotional heart wrenching crescendo which is the last breath of the track.

The video, directed and edited by Jeb Hardwick, Trewin Howard and Thom Novi, echoes a strangely beautiful love story similar to that of a war movie set in southern England, with a stunning cliff backdrop.

The new EP ‘Bloodworks’ is now available on iTunes via Akira Records.

Sounds like: Sigur Rós, RJD2, James Blake, Years & Years, Radiohead

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Youtube | Blog