Tag Archives: Alicia Keys

Weekly Gems 109

Joshua Worden – Easy to Say Feat. Casey Harper

Joshua Worden

Joshua Worden recently hit a deeply introspective period and his new selection of releases shows this.

With an educational background in Jazz Guitar and English Literature, his music is stripped back and takes a slower pace these days, dabbling in R&B, pop, trip-hop, and chillwave. Listen to ‘Easy To Say’ featuring Casey Harper.

Sounds like: Kllo, Kudu Blue, Rhye, Blood Orange, Moses Sumney, The Internet

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Logan Prescott – How We Wanted

Logan Prescott

Dallas-based Indie Pop artist Logan Prescott shares the uber dreamy pop single ‘How We Wanted’.

Tender guitars, dreamy synths and an all encompassing 80’s boyband vibe. Perfect for fans of LANY and joan.

Sounds lik: LANY, The 1975, COIN, joan

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Junípero – New Beginnings

Junípero

The Mexican dream-pop scene is bubbling away like a reactive volcano.

Junípero is the project of Joán Melendrez and Janelle Saucedo, who enjoy experimenting with transcendent thunderous and melodic sounds. Listen to their debut single ‘New Beginnings’ below.

Sounds like: Beach House, Explosions In the Sky, Mogwai

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DiRTY RADiO x Jafunk – The Baddest

DiRTY RADiO x Jafunk

From dreampop to nu-disco tinged funk, DiRTY RADiO team up with Jafunk on ultra smooth new track, ‘The Baddest’.

Despite never meeting, the two worlds have somehow collided into a kaleidoscope of sounds. With summer written all over it, click play right now.

Sounds like: Pat Lok, Jean Tonique, Keljet, Gigamesh, Moon Boots, Tobtok, Moullinex, Pomo, Anderson Paak, Mac Miller

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Blu DeTiger – Figure It Out

Blu DeTiger

Meet Blu DeTiger, touring bassist for Caroline Polachek, The Knocks, and Fletcher, and a credible artist in her own right.

Her art-pop single ‘Figure It Out’ is so bright and colourful that you need to put on those sunnies sharpsih.

Sounds like: Kitten, Sofi Tukker, The Knocks

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Far West – Can’t Let Go

Far West - Can't Let Go

Far West is, as you’ve guessed it, from the West Coast of the US, in California.

They have a unique take on bellowing indie/synthpop, reminiscent of the early ’00s. The new single ‘Can’t Let Go’ has big synth leads with a poppy vibe, and is written about trying to let go of something that isn’t good for you.

Sounds like: Passion Pit, Bombay Bicycle Club

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Night Tales – Feel Nothing

Night Tales

Australian electronic duo Night Tales – aka amaliza (Australian-born Kamaliza Salamba, formerly of Olympic Ayres) and Third Floor (UK-born/Aussie-based Aaron Bannie) drop their 3rd single of 2020 titled ‘Feel Nothing.’

It’s a positively-led dance number with a tender touch, written about a relationship that is emotionally spent.

Sounds like: Duke Dumont, Just Kiddin, The Magician, The Aston Shuffle, Hayden James

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Makk Mikkael – fear

Makk Mikkael

Montreal based artist Makk Mikkael (MacKenzie Michael) has been writing music from a young age. Since then, she has explored different cities in her home country of Canada, to finally settle in Montréal.

The heartbeat of her new single is a minimalistic down-tempo electro track with ethereal vocals and driving rhythm, which soon goes off-kilter as the ‘fear’ takes over.

Sounds like: BABii, Men I Trust

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Bronze Whale – Hold. Wait. Fall. Feat Poles

Bronze Whale - Hold. Wait. Fall. Feat Poles

First Bronze Whale are walking, next they are stopping.

Stripped right back, the minimal electronic track features fellow label mate and longtime friend, Poles. It’s about being dragged back into a relationship even when you know it’s toxic. Needing to see it through regardless of what it takes from you.

Sounds like: James Blake, Chet Faker, Flume, Droeloe, Weeknd, OTR, CLN

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Nao Yoshioka – Up and Away feat. PHER

Nao Yoshioka

Rising Japanese star Nao Yoshioka is showcasing her modern R&B and soul.

Born in Japan, now living in the US, Nao has been perfecting her craft and working alongside legendary musicians in the scene to create an authentic & powerful new album ‘Undeniable’, out now. Listen to her slow and sensual single, ‘Up And Away’ featuring PHER.

Sounds like: Aaliyah, Solange, H.E.R, Marie Dahlstrom, Oscar Jerome, Ella Mai, Alicia Keys

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Madnap – Silhouettes Feat. Little Shadows

Madnap

After relocating to Los Angeles in 2017, producer/songwriter/remixer Madnap – aka Kyle Fitzgibbons – shares ‘Silhouettes’ featuring Little Shadows.

The emo-tinged, trap-pop track is his favourite to date, and perfectly captures the Madnap sound in 2020.

Sounds like: yetep, Rome In Silver, Manila Killa, LIONE, juuku

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SamYell – Lose Yourself

SAMYELL

California native Samyell has a creative superpower that he is meant to share with the world.

Produced by Osinachi Nwaneri (T.I., Ciara, Black Eyed Peas), ‘Lose Yourself’ will make you do just that.

An infectious nighttime, jazz infused R&B anthem, it urges you to “get lost through temptations of money drugs and false promises.”

Sounds like: The Weeknd, Babyface, Timbaland, Ginuwine, Pharrell

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Mona Vale – All This Time

Mona Vale

Songwriter/producer and multi-instrumentalist Jamie Hoddle – aka Mona Vale – has created an altogether chilled track called ‘All This Time’.

Starting in the pop realms and soon developing into an indie form of ambient electronica, the song is about the early stages of a relationship, setting nostalgic emotions on fire.

Sounds like: XY&O, Nightly, Great Good Fine Ok, Maribou State

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Melyz – Bad Together

Melyz

Swiss artist Melyz shares her provactive new single ‘Bad Together’.

with a hint of R&B club vibes, the song takes a darker approach than previous releases, as it considers how toxic and destructive a relationship can become when it gets too passionate.

Sounds like: Banks

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Weekly Gems 95

The Feather – Sister

The Feather by Gilles Dewalque

The Feather by Gilles Dewalque

Belgium folktronica artist The Feather shares his bass-licking new single, ‘Sister’.

Swerving synths, it’s a hypnotic indie-pop gem that depicts how social media affects us all, out now via [PIAS].

Sounds like: Cut Copy, Du Tonc, Hot Chip, Joe Goddard

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STRØM – Last Try

STRØM

STRØM

We stumbled upon the beautiful ‘Last Try’ by Swedish artist STRØM just a few minutes ago and had to share it.

Having recently moved to Berlin, STRØM continues to release music that combines elegant vocal melodies with euphoric percussion. Beautiful.

Sounds like: Ben Khan, TENDER, Solomon Grey, James Blake

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Yazmyn Hendrix – Be Me

Yazmyn Hendrix

With a cool name, Yazmyn Hendrix takes Ed Sheeran’s lead and uses her voice with a loop pedal to create magical music.

Her new single ‘Be Me’ is taken off her upcoming EP named ‘Saturn Returns’ and is her first break-up song, and subsequent coming out song.

Sounds like: Alicia Keys, Aurora

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Ani Glass – Mirores

Ani Glass

Welsh musician, Ani Glass (also a former member of indie-pop group The Pipettes) shares the visuals for her new single, ‘Mirores’ – the title track from her forthcoming debut album, released in March.

The quirky and illuminating visuals wouldn’t go amiss in a Petit Meller or Yelle music video, as she shares a journey from dark desperation to motivation and inspiration.

Sounds like: Petite Meller, Giorgio Moroder, Vangelis

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REYKO – Surrender

REYKO

London-based pop outfit REYKO shares the visuals for ‘Surrender’.

Filmed on the English South East coast, it’s a slow and steady track that expresses their elusiveness in a peaceful and dreamy manner.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, Saint Etienne, CAPPA

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Mint Julep – Fantasies

Mint Julep

We’re very excited to share ‘Stay Fantasties’ by wife and husband duo, Hollie and Keith Kenniff aka Mint Julep, an expertly manicured electric-pop venture that stands in stark contrast to the nebulous and experimental Helios and Goldmund outputs for which the latter member is known.

The vulnerable track shimmers underneath an amalgamation of textures and is out now on Western Vinyl.

Sounds like: Beauty Sleep, Tame Impala, Electric Youth, The Naked And Famous, Cocteau Twins, Helios

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Nathaniel Stewart – Lone Wolf

Nathaniel Stewart - Lone Wolf

Portland-based Nathaniel Stewart shares ‘Lone Wolf’, a track about dealing with loneliness and finding out who you are.

With skyscraping melodies and enduring drums, prepare to drift away.

Sounds like: M83, Nick Murphy

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FARR – Heal Me

FARR

From one lonely artist to another…introducing transatlantic duo FARR (by way of Los Angeles and London) vocalist Roméo and producer Linden Jay (who has also produced for Rejjie Snow, LION SNOW, RITUAL and more).

Born from London loneliness, the soulful new track, ‘Heal Me’, was written with Carl Barat and Olly Burden and is full of heartfelt longing for missed loved ones.

Sounds like: RKCB, Jadu Heart, Dan D’Lion, James Vickery

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SHY Martin – Slow

SHY Martin by Hampus Hjellström

SHY Martin by Hampus Hjellström

Renowned songwriter SHY Martin (Bebe Rexha, Astrid S, Kygo, Ellie Goulding, ALMA, Jess Glynne) picks up her beloved guitar again and shares the delicate, stripped back ballad, ‘Slow’.

Rich and organic, it shows another side to the popstar-in-the-making.

Sounds like: Halsey, Emily Burns

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Steph Sandor – Circles

Steph Sandor - Circles

Los Angeles-based pop artist Steph Sandor is quite frankly over this shit.

Her pulsing new single ‘Circles’ is a straightforward pop statement shared from a place of vulnerability and frustration. It’s out now on BonFire Records

Sounds like: Chelsea Cutter, CAPPA

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Blanks – Sweaters

Blanks - Sweaters

Dutch YouTuber, Blanks shares his falsetto-led single ‘Sweaters’.

With a unique way of interacting with fans – Blanks actually writes music with his fans, not just for his fans – his pop music captures and engages.

Sounds like: COIN, Two Door Cinema Club, Joan, Great Good Fine Ok

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Demetrius – Black Diamonds

Demetrius - Black Diamonds

Newcomer Demetrius presents a soulful take on techno in his debut release ‘Black Diamonds’, out today.

Having originally begun his career as the singer of electronic/alternative outfit Suntalk, as well as a backing vocalist for both Elton John and Alicia Keys, producer Demetrius Subayar has spent the last few years forging a name for himself within Berlin’s illustrious techno scene. Now going by simply as Demetrius, the New Yorker looks to make a passionate entrance with the release of his debut single ‘Black Diamonds’.

Aptly the same title as the label in which the track is released – Black Diamonds Records, a new Berlin-based imprint from acclaimed house music veteran Joyce Muniz and guitarist Joshua Tennent that caters for all – Demetrius combines his Berlin techno routes with a forward thinking and dramatic synth-driven electronica.

Sounds like: Blood Orange, Suntalk

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Playlist: Delena

Delena

Kiev-born Delena is making waves with her ambitious take on modern pop music and strong message on female empowerment.

Born in Kiev, Delena relocated to a Switzerland school at just 12 years old and went on to London, to study at the London Institute Of Contemporary Music Performance. Music was always in her veins, through her relation to Ukrainian screenwriter, film producer, and director Alexander Dovzhenko.

Ever keen to inspire, we decided to ask Delena to put together a playlist for the Indietronica readers that does just that. Check it out below.

Ariana Grande – God is a woman
God is women.

Alicia Keys – Girl On fire
The vocal is great.

Beyoncé – Run the World (Girls)
It has a very strong message.

Little Mix – Salute
It’s the sound of female empowerment.

Gloria Gaynor – I will survive
I listen to this song when I’m scared.

Lesley Gore – You Don’t Own Me
I feel very independent.

Lady Gaga – Born this way
I’m in a right track baby I was born this way.

Delena – Animal
Power and will.

Ariana Grande – Dangerous Woman
Sexy.

Christina Aguilera – Fall In Line (Feat. Demi Lovato)
It’s so important to know who you are and follow what is right for you.

Madonna – Material Girl
Madonna is just an icon.

Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Makes me want to dance with my girls.

Aretha Franklin – Respect
It’s a statement.

Alessia Cara – Scars To Your Beautiful
We are how we are and it’s can be sometimes challenging to except it.

Donna Summer – She Works Hard For The Money
I always say that hard work pays off.

Christina Aguilera – Fighter
There is nothing to be afraid of.

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – Bad Reputation
Has a killer punk spirit.

Delana – Done
It’s important to say I’m done and move on.

Sounds like: Dagny, Halsey, HAIM

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Playlist: Amahla

Amahla - Consider This

Incredible young talent Amahla makes neo-soul music with pure heart.

In times of hardship, authentic voices, stories, and creativity can always thrive, so I suppose there is at least one silver lining to Brexit and the issues of immigration and women’s rights.

Amahla has put together a playlist of a few songs that have influenced her recently. They differ in genre, but all put great vocals to the front.

Nick Drake – River Man
I’m new to Nick Drake but I absolutely love this one, his voice takes you on a journey through the song

Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You
There is so much class in this record, killer pre chorus, chorus and the dynamics flow just right.

Don Bryant – How Do I Get There?
I only discovered this song last week but i’ve not been able to stop playing it! Turns out Don was a songwriter at Hi records (Al Green, Ann Peebles) it just fills me with warmth every time I listen.

Ed Sheeran – Supermarket Flowers
Ed’s language choices in this track are so powerful especially about such mundane things. I guess when you lose someone you do tend to focus on all the little things

Beyonce – Get Me Bodied
I love this song, once it hits the middle 8 it reminds me so much of Chain of Fools by Aretha. An underrated song from B 100%

Brother Brothers – Colorado
I really love the way the melody line sits above the guitar, it glides so effortlessly and makes their sound feel new.

Amahla – Consider This
It’s lovely because every time I play this live I get to reinvent the arrangement, this is definitely a style that I’m hoping to build on in future releases

You can listen to her deeply personal EP below.

Sounds like: Mary J Blige, Erykah Badu, Grace Carter, Caswell, Lauryn Hill

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Playlist: Anni

Anni

Anni

New Finn on the block, Anni, writes empathetic, piano-laden music.

Her EP, ‘Redemption Street’ is out now and to celebrate, Anni has put together a playlist for us.

Alicia Keys: In Common

Alicia Keys has always been one of my big role models. She’s a goddess. Once again she shows us her musical genius and eloquence with her new single.

D’Angelo: Another Life

What is there not to love in this song? I play the piano part at home on top of the track and imagine I’m jamming with his band.

Laura Mvula: She

It had been a long time without hearing any new songs that really touched me. Those periods are terrible. You don’t want to overuse the songs you love yet you can’t find anything that feels honest and fresh. Then I heard this and listened it on repeat for days. Learned to play it to understand what’s the magic behind it. This song brought me to life again.

Banks: Warm Water (Snakehips remix)

Just love this.

Låpsley: Falling Short

She’s super cool. If you haven’t heard of her, you should.

James Vincent McMorrow: Higher Love

James Vincent McMorrow’s cover of Steve Windwood 80’s hit breaks my heart every time I hear it. Also, just check out the lyrics. The original song bears such a beautiful message.

Tony Allen: Calling

After hearing Alicia’s new single I had to go back to some classic afrobeat songs. This still brings shivers. (P.s. If you’ve ever listened to early Jamiroquai, you might realise where they got their influences.)

Sérgio Mendes feat. Fergie: Look Of Love

Even more that afrobeat, I love Brazilian music. It’s the combination of dancable rhythms and big, beautiful melodies that simply gets me. The legendary Sérgio Mendes collaborated with Black Eyed Peas and this classic jazz standard is one of the songs I especially love.

Caribou: Can’t Do Without You

I quite rarely like this kind of music. Except Caribou!

Stevie Wonder: Overjoyed

Stevie is greatest inspiration of my music that will ever be. His voice is just otherworldy. And his songs.

Sounds like: Karen O, Feist, VÉRITÉ, Lorde

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Jorja Smith – Where Did I Go?

Jorja Smith

Jorja Smith

After the first listen of Jorja Smith‘s release, ‘Blue Lights’, we knew the independent 18 year old has something extremely special and were excited to hear more.

Her new track ‘Where Did I Go?’ doesn’t disappoint.

Produced by Cadenza, ‘Where Did I Go?’ gives us a deep insight to the thoughts and feelings of a break-up through elegant piano chords and Jorja’s soft vocals.

Listen below.

Sounds like: Izzy Bizu, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse

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Wildhart – Stuck In A Second

Wildhart - Stuck In A Second

Wildhart – Stuck In A Second

Not another Swedish band! Well, we can’t help it because they are all so good and Wildhart is a new favourite of ours.

Following on from their Swedish counterparts, Little Dragon, Wildhart’s sound can only be described as energetic pulse beats through an electronic haze of synthesizers.

The single was recorded at Svenska Grammofon Studion by Györguy Barocksai and Henrik Alsér (who has cooperated with Robyn, Kleerup and Alicia Keys).

Sounds like: Little Dragon, Kid Astray, Depeche Mode, Phantogram, Santigold, SBTRKT, CSS, Sirena

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