Tag Archives: Alt-J

Weekly Gems 123

Georgie – Chasing Kites

Georgie - Chasing Kites

UK-based Georgie shares the expressive ‘Chasing Kites’ taken from her album, out now. Georgie was the first signing to Soul Kitchen Recordings (the label set up by Jake Bugg’s management company: Soul Kitchen), and it’s the only song on the album that she didn’t write or produce during the lockdown. Listen below for that uplifting feel.

Sounds like: Sigrid, Adele, Emma McGrath

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Kasbo – Play Pretend Feat. Ourchives

Kasbo by Olof Grind

Kasbo by Olof Grind

Swedish artist and producer Kasbo shares his emotionally-charged new single ‘Play Pretend’. Featuring Ourchives’ soaring vocals, the track marks a new chapter ahead of his second studio album ‘The Making of a Paracosm’ will be out on 23 October via Foreign Family Collective / Counter Records, and features a passionate embrace amongst nature.

Sounds like: Frida Sundemo, Talos, Gryffin, Vanic, Shallou

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Jesse Hite – I’m Glad You Called Me

Jesse Hite

American-born French residing Jesse Hite combines music from the West Coast of the US with synth-laden electro inspired by his French antics. His new single ‘I’m Glad You Called Me’ combines poppy hooks with a generous nod to 80s disco.

Sounds like: Róisín Murphy, Shy Girls, Jungle, LCD Soundsystem, Ian Brown, Goldroom

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Dominic Fike – Double Negative (Skeleton Milkshake)

Dominic Fike by Daniel Prakopcyk

Dominic Fike by Daniel Prakopcyk

A new wave of rockstars are taking over, and with Billie Eilish‘s seal of approval, Dominic Fike is making huge waves with his modern take on emo-pop. The track ‘Double Negative (Skeleton Milkshake)’ is one of the more indietronica-friendly tracks taken from his genre-bending new album, ‘What Could Possibly Go Wrong’.

Sounds like: Glass Animals

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Glass Animals – It’s All So Incredibly Loud

Glass Animals by Ollie Trenchard

Glass Animals by Ollie Trenchard

Glass Animals shares the David Wilson (Tame Impala, Christine and the Queens) directed video for new single, ‘It’s All So Incredibly Loud’. Written about three seconds of life, in which during that short heartbreaking moment, devastation creates a deafening silence, followed by a point of no return.

Sounds like: alt-J, Tender, Pale Hands, Foreign Air, Everything Everything, Son Lux

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Weekly Gems 117

NAVA – Skin

NAVA by Matteo STROCCHIA

NAVA by Matteo STROCCHIA

Right in the forefront of Italy’s buzzing electronic music scene is enigmatic Iranian-born singer Nava Golchini and her band, aka NAVA.

A unique blend of culture and electronic twists, they create music that is truly visceral, both musically and visually. Their new single ‘Skin’ is soft and edgy, as it explores the darker side of human nature.

Sounds like: GINEVRA, Kill J, Purity Ring

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Talitha – Fine On My Own

Talitha - Fine On My Own

Out to set the message straight and spread an empowering message to her fans, Talitha is doing ‘Fine On My Own’.

Having only released a smattering of singles over the past two years, Talitha is creating her own definition of R&B in the UK, slowly emerging as one to watch within the genre. The predominantly R&B track hits with a unique vibe, taking pop influences from artists like SIA whilst adding an urban twist.

Sounds like: SIA, Lili Kendall

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Hoofa – Water Balloons

Hoofa

Indie pop duo Hoofa makes a big splash with their follow up single to ‘Alone‘, called ‘Water Balloons’.

Based on summertime fun in their youth, playing water balloon fights, this is a generous pick up to remind us that being 2m apart outside can still be fun!

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

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Kaleida – Other Side

Kaleida

We haven’t shared music from electronic duo, Kaleida since 2015, so it was a pleasant surprise to see a new release appear in our inbox!

A lesson in sonic minimalism, the Glashier-directed stunning visuals features an array of solo dancers filmed on the streets in a fully locked-down Berlin.

Sounds like: Aquilo, New Order, Depeche Mode, The Human League, VÉRITÉ, Salt Ashes, Evvy, Monogem, Paperwhite, Chvrches, Palmedo, Prinze George, Nina Yasmineh, Day Wave, Poliça, Rhye, MS MR, Roisin Murphy

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NIHILS – Lost in L.A.

NIHILS

Berlin-based electronic pop band NIHILS shares the pop-kissed new single ‘Lost in L.A.’.

In an era of instant gratification, will we ever truly find what we are looking for? This song imagines driving through a desolate Los Angeles looking for purpose and a sense of belonging in an era of never lasting joy.

Sounds like: alt-J, filous, Foreign Air

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Vaarwell – New Woman

Vaarwell

Lisbon trio Vaarwell is back with a sultry new single, ‘New Woman’.

Set in a dreamlike scene, warm keys underpin the delicate, ethereal vocals we have come to expect from Margarida Falcã. Accompanied by subtle electronic elements, we join Vaarwell on their journey to becoming vulnerable.

Sounds like: IYES, Frances, Caswell, Daughter

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Runrummer – Toronto

Runrummer

East London songwriter Runrummer‘s new single ‘Toronto’ speaks about her experience living in Ontario when she was 19.

It’s about growing up with big dreams, but being confined to aprehensions, “about being gay, coming out, experimenting with drugs, living far away from home for the first time, and trying to live up to people’s expectations.”

Sounds like: Shura, Lilly Allen, Georgia, La Roux

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Weekly Gems 102

Dancing on Tables – Not to Need You

Dancing on Tables

Scottish band, Dancing on Tables, explores a more melancholic side in ‘Not To Need You’.

Written in Nashville alongside legendary songwriter Liz Rose (Taylor Swift, Little Big Town, Carrie Underwood), the hopeful song encapsulates the uphill battles everyone goes through in life but reminds us that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sounds like: Sea Girls, Biffy Clyro, Circa Waves, The 1975, Rat Boy, Circa Waves, The Amazons, Blossoms, Wild Nothing, Cassia, Catfish and the Bottlemen

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Stellie – How Do We Look So Good?

Stellie by Jackson Thornbury

Stellie by Jackson Thornbury

Like an early Billie Eilish, Australian artist Stellie is transforming our take on pop.

Inspired by strong female voices, her tender and personal tales are indie-pop slow-burners that cut straight to the heart. Listen to her hazy new single, ‘How Do We Look So Good?’ below.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish

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Lila Drew – Locket

Lila Drew

We continue to eagerly turn the pages in Lila Drew‘s magical scrapbook full of uncertainty and confessions, both positive and negative.

The next chapter from the rising 19-year-old London born and LA based independent singer/songwriter is the souful and dreamy, ‘Locket’.

Sounds like: Ariana Grande, Caswell, Billie Eilish

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Cat Ryan – Mannerism

Cat Ryan

Newcastle-based trio Cat Ryan is no ordinary modern shoegaze band. Oh no. These guys are paving way for a new era of British dreamy indie-pop.

Their new single ‘Mannerism’ is a self-conscious spin on mesmerising music and is out now via Pillar Artists.

Sounds like: Wolf Alice, Sundara Karma, Alvvays, Bombay Bicycle Club, Youth Sector, Tranqua Lite

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GusGus – Out Of Place

GusGus - Out of Place

It’s great to see GusGus back with another stellar release.

The electronic innovators have released ‘Out Of Place’, highlighting the duo’s affinity for rolling synth-lines and sharp, pop-driven vocals. Listen below.

Sounds like: Simian Mobile Disco, Tears For Fears, Simple Minds, Röyksopp, Goldfrapp, Orbital, Roisin Murphy

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Llovers – Feeling Sound

Llovers

Another Newcastle band for us this week – Llovers.

Releasing the infectious new cut, ‘Feeling Sound’, it’s clear that anyone listening to the track will be enamoured by their immense potential, thanks to their irresistible anthemic tendencies with sparkling riffs, sing-along choruses and playful songwriting.

Sounds like: Alt-J, Foals, Blossoms, Larkins

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Weird Milk – Is That Love?

Weird Milk

London baroque pop band Weird Milk shares ‘Is That Love?’.

Having already supported indie risers Alfie Templeman and Pip Blom, and about to support APRE on their UK tour, their latest offering doesn’t disappoint.

Songwriter and drummer Charlie Glover-Wright explains, “The song itself is about a relationship turning sour as a lemon and the main character realising that they don’t need it anymore and they’ll be better off on their own.”

Sounds like: FEET, Sports Team, The Magic Gang, Genghar, The Last Shadow Puppets

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Kelli-Leigh – Cotton Clouds

Kelli-Leigh - Cotton Clouds

You may recognise Kelli-Leigh’s vocals from such hits as ‘More Than Friends’ by Jame Hype, ‘I Got U’ by Duke Dumont and Second City‘s ‘I Wanna Feel’, but it’s time for the British singer/songwriter to step out into the light and reveal her first solo music of the decade.

The uptempo pop song, ‘Cotton Clouds’ describes a blissed out relationship. Lovely.

Sounds like: Jessie Ware, Karen Harding, Harlee

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The Day – Tenderfoot

The Day

Dutch DIY duo The Day are Laura Loeters from from Antwerp/Belgium and Hamburg based Gregor Sonnenberg.

Sharing the fancy-free video for their cover of ‘Tenderfoot’ by The Lemonheads / Smudge, the latest release is inspired by their youth, as the dream-pop band continue their tasteful take on original classics.

Sounds like: Eliza Shaddard, Ilgen-Nur

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Talii – Good To Be Bad

Talii - Good To Be Bad

Orlando-based 25 year old Talii has a wicked streak, as can be witnessed in her sultry and dark pop song, ‘Good To Be Bad’.

Born into a musically gifted and diversely talented family of musicians and performers, she began singing at age 3 and was playing the piano and writing songs by age 7. There is no denying her talent.

Sounds like: Banks

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Weekly Gems 101

fakelife – Drugs All Night

fakelife by Dillon Couchois

Matt Couchois of atmospheric indie-pop project, fakelife, releases invigorating new single, ‘Drugs All Night’.

You can almost sense the energetic tension as Matt sings about a tumultuously toxic romantic relationship – what more could you want from a nightclub pop anthem?

Sounds like: The Knocks, Great Good Fine Ok, RAC, La Poré

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BLOODHYPE – Violent Heart

BLOODHYPE - Violent Heart

Born from a simple plan – make music friends in a flatshare in former East Berlin, BLOODHYPE is a Berlin-based, independent gang of four that demand to be noticed.

Masterminded by frontman Weyland and UK producer John “P Nut” Harrison (Amy Winehouse, Alice Merton), their new single ‘Violent Heart’ caught us from the get-go. It’s an addictive slice of modern indie pop full of 80’s inspired self-pity.

Sounds like: Ten Fé, Larkins, Dancing On Tables

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Limón Limón – Normal Now

Limón Limón - Normal Now

Los Angeles duo Limón Limón offer a zesty take on the past and the future with their captivating nostalgic soundscape sound.

The new single, ‘Normal Now’ is about being yourself in a world that is always trying to turn you into someone else.

Sounds like: Midnight Pool Party, La Felix, All The Rest, argonaut & wasp, Goldroom, Pastel, 90’s Kids

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Tina Boonstra – Out of my depth

Tina Boonstra

Churchgoer-turned-open mic singer Tina Boonstra has shared her interesting new track, ‘Out of my depth’.

With a sharp emotional intensity, you can feel the angst bubbling underneath as the track progresses into a crushingly honest rage against the universe, God and insomnia.

Sounds like: Regina Spektor

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SUMif – Collide

SUMif - Collide

SUMif shares her sensual new single, ‘Collide’.

Written after an enlightening, whirlwind romance, it’s a heady mixture of naivete, recklessness, seduction, and soulful connection.

Sounds like: REMMI, Cappa, Monogem, Evvy, Noosa, Sizzy Rocket

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NoMBe – HEELS

NoMBe - HEELS

German-born, Los Angeles-based indie artist NoMBe shares ‘HEELS’, a catchy AF funk-laden jam.

Oozing sass upon sass, it’s taken from his upcoming concept album, ‘CHROMATOPIA’ which is built upon the spectrum of colour and the spectrum of sexuality.

Sounds like: The Knocks, Jungle

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Foreign Fields – Rose Colored

Foreign Fields

Foreign Fields is US-based Eric Hillman and Brian Holl, who create a bewitching melting pot of acoustic sounds.

As with all promising folk contenders, the duo wrote and recorded their upcoming album, ‘The Beauty of Survival’ in the winter in a back-to-basics cabin with no heating built by a two-man father-and-son team in Western Wisconsin.

Listen to ‘Rose Colored’ below.

Sounds like: Bon Iver, Billie Eilish

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Bronze Whale – Let’s Go Walk

Bronze Whale - Let's Go Walk

Bronze Whale like to walk a lot. During this time, they talk about things they want to accomplish, music stuff and dinner.

This where the lyrical inspiration came for ‘Let’s Go Walk’, a resonating and atmospheric electronic piece about love, loss and learning. It’s out now on their own label, Magic Magic.

Sounds like: Glass Animals, Alt-j, OTR, CLN, Golden Vessel, Autograf

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The Policy Feat. CUT_ – NLYU

Dutch-based The Policy teams up with CUT_ to create the looping, synth-based, and nostalgic ‘NLYU’.

Looping lyrics reflect a DIY attitude, after all it’s only you who can make it come true.

Sounds like: Joe Goddard, Todd Terje, Jessie Ware, Disclosure, Kylie Minogue

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Zoë Phillips – Love Is Gone

Zoë Phillips - Love Is Gone

Multi-instrumentalist Zoë Phillips combines country with beautiful folktronica. Think Dolly Parton meets Bombay Bicycle Club.

Set for the same level of fandom, Phillips has already seen plenty of support from the BBC, and her new single ‘Love Is Gone’ is going to propel her closer.

Sounds like: Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Bombay Bicycle Club, Lucy Rose, Maggie Rogers, Birdy

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HUMANS – Beggin

HUMANS

Looking like they are having the best time, the video footage was taken from many of their past videos plus some extra shots from 2010 to 2019.

HUMANS is a Canadian indie-electronic duo made up of musicians Robbie Slade and Peter Ricq. Focusing on performance and production styles of both the past and present, HUMANS have consistently impressed upon audiophiles with their technical and compositional skills.

Sounds like: Madcon, Digitalism, Rudimental

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Fí – all i have

Fí - all i have

Dublin-based self-taught musician, drops ‘all i have’.

Written and intended as a diary entry, the electro-pop number holds a collection of emotions following a break up. Listen below.

Sounds like: Halsey, Låpsley, VERITE

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Mannequin Online – I Do

Mannequin Online - I Do

Introducing Zach DeGaetano and Bridget Boltz – aka Mannequin Online.

Pushing sonic and ideational barriers with gritty, yet refreshing off-kilter pop, may their sound forever remain bright, gritty, and unapologetic. Listen to ‘I Do’ and check out the glorious Gorgeous guitar solo.

Sounds like: Goldroom, Poolside, VHS Collection, The Knocks, Miami Horror

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Saavan – Young Minds

Saavan

French duo Saavan is comprised of Lucas Mokrani and Claire Lengaigne.

Their contemplative single ‘Young Minds’ sits alongside their current collection of brooding electronica, as an observation of “how the masses are dealing with a higher power, and how the rulers know how to handle them: without fighting back but misleading everyone.”

Thw track is taken from the forthcoming sophomore EP ‘Observatory’, out on 29 November.

Sounds like: Møme, Petit Biscuit, Foals, Fakear, Bonobo, Alt-J, Odesza

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Weekly Gems 67

YAKUL – Blossoming

Yakul

At the forefront of the neo-jazz revolution is Brighton-based fourpiece Yakul.

Echoes of Stevie Wonder courtesy of frontman James’ indulgent vocals, the unexpectedly cohesive new single ‘Blossoming’ offers playful percussion and razor-sharp fills to create a complex yet vibrant song.

Sounds like: Stevie Wonder, Easy Life, Nico Cara

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Lila Drew – take it back

Lila Drew

Lila Drew‘s vocal capacity will instantly melt your heart and that’s why she’s on our ones to watch 2019 list.

The dreamy urban pop single ‘take it back’ is featured on her EP, ‘locket (side one)’ – a musical scrapbook of her life to date.

Sounds like: Ariana Grande, Caswell, Billie Eilish

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ORIION – Ayodele

ORIION

We are intrigued by ORIION‘s genre-bending take on “nostalgic pop”. The musical nomad has lived off a diet of pop icons which has fuelled his cutting edge sound.

His new single ‘Ayodele’ straddles the retro past and the euphoria future. Listen below.

Sounds like: Zayn

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Will & The People – Gigantic

Will & The People

Brighton-based band Will & The People is comprised of Will Rendle, brother Jamie, Jim Ralphs and Charlie Harman.

The new single ‘Gigantic’ is an alt-pop number offering a raw seaside vibe. The video – which you can watch below – showcases their creative side, and features both their hometown and friends and family of the band.

Sounds like: Alt-J

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State Lights – Open Your Arms

State Lights

One of Ireland’s best new acts, State Lights, is destined for big arenas across international gazes.

The catchy indie pop single ‘Open Your Arms’ makes a statement about empowerment and ends this week’s gems on a hugely positive note.

Sounds like: Kodaline, Coldplay, Kygo, Bastille

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Weekly Gems 50

EMM – 11

Emm

Exciting newcomer EMM creates music from a unique perspective, yet her music is undeniably “EMM” when you listen to it – classically produced, authentic pop.

Landing a hand in every instrument in the track, as well as every word and melody you hear, ’11’ is another powerful ballad that comes from her past struggles of eating disorders, mental health issues, many industry evils.

Sounds like: CHLØË BLACK

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Delena – Animal

Delena

Delena (fka Boba K) shares her new single ‘Animal’. She creates honest pop music with a gritty edge.

‘Animal’ is a powerful anthem of self-confidence, strength and belief, elevated by her flawless vocal delivery. Speaking of the track, Delena explains,

“I wanted to write a song which could mean something more. The moment I walked into the studio I knew exactly what the song would be about.I didn’t want a love song. I wanted a song with strength, power and authenticity! I wanted anybody who heard it, to find themselves in it!”

Sounds like: Dagny, Halsey, HAIM

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Summer Heart – Touch

Summer Heart

We’ve been fans of Summer Heart (aka frontman and producer David Alexander) for a while now.

The fourth release in his #12SongsOfSummer project, in which he would release a brand new track each and every month is called ‘Touch’, a woozy psych-pop number about playing the game of life.

It’s out now via Perfect Texture Records.

Sounds like: Swimm, Hazel English, Washed Out, Day Wave, Teen Daze, Toro y Moi, Animal Collective

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Aaron Taos – Loneliness

Aaron Taos by Dave Krugman

Aaron Taos by Dave Krugman

Aaron Taos discusses the topic of depression and constant battle between dark and light in his new single ‘Loneliness’.

The video portrays the feeling of isolation Taos felt during a rough patch he found himself in, where he wasn’t able to leave the house. He managed to get through it by appreciating the relationships around him, specifically that of his girlfriend at the time – “She was a shining light through my dark time, reminding me that as important as your goals are, connection and love is the foundation of feeling good and whole.”

Sounds like: Yoke Lore, MP The Kid

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Nightseason – Wear the Treads Off

Nightseason

Meet the electrifying duo, Nightseason.

Nightseason got its start when drummer-turned-producer Patrick Zeinali scoured through Spotify for a voice to accompany his new project and located Jordan Caiola. Following this digital trend, their new EP ‘Coasts’ was later written exclusively via email and touches on themes of love.

You can listen to their new single, ‘Wear The Treads Off’ which is stripped-back and a beauty of a slow-burner.

Their ‘Coasts’ EP is out now.

Sounds like: Talos, Honne, Yoke Lore, Sir Sly, Alt-J

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Weekly Gems 41

Sugarcane – Bethnal Green Blues

Sugarcane

Comprised of Robin French (Cuckoo) and Antonia Thomas (Misfits, Lovesick), these two creatives write seductive bossa nova music paired with calypso pop sensibilities that would fit well on the soundtrack of ‘The End of the F***ing World’.

On the motivation behind Bethnal Green Blues, Robin states,

“Sometimes you write a sad song from a happy moment. This came to me while I was flying to South America to see a girl I’d fallen for. It’s about the emotional ice age after a romance fails, but it was written as that ice melted under the Argentine sun..”

Sounds like: Nouvelle Vague, Men I Trust

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Dancing On Tables – Colour Me Good

Dancing On Tables by Lucy Foster-0009

We love an indie anthem, so thank you to five-piece pop-rock, Dancing On Tables.

The band, school friends from school in Dunfermline, a small town just outside Edinburgh, have released ‘Colour Me Good’ – a groove-laced, vintage indie-pop track that encapsulates sun-drenched, dance-able songwriting with a distinct Scottish charm.

Sounds like: Sea Girls, Biffy Clyro, Circa Waves, The 1975

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Slenderbodies – The One

Slenderbodies

Slenderbodies is a California-bred duo who write forward-thinking, dreamy synth-pop.

Their new single ‘The One’ is intricately subtle musical medication, shared in preparation of their upcoming EP, ‘SORAYA’, to be released through Los Angeles indie label Avant Garden, which is also home to Emotional Oranges.

Sounds like: Glass Animals, Alt-J, Milky Chance, Mura Masa, Passion Pit, PVRIS

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Dirty Nice – Always Summer

Dirty Nice

Forget those summer blues.

Mysterious UK-based duo, Dirty Nice, make a positive point in new single – it’s always summer, somewhere.

Released on Kitsuné, the single is an antidote to holiday blues, and the “optimistic twin” to their track ‘Zero Summer’.

Sounds like: Shy Luv, Phoenix, Daft Punk, Jai Paul, Sylvan Esso

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Gavin Haley – Sad Season

Gavin Haley

From summer season to ‘Sad Season’ with former professional cyclist Gavin Haley‘s latest single.

While competing with the national cycling team, Haley suffered an injury that resulted in a collapsed lung, setting back his travel by several months. During his recovery, he explored and found inspiration in Europe’s underground music scene, becoming enamored with energetic live performances filled with a grit and energy.

Starting with a simple West Coast-inspired guitar riff, ‘Sad Season’ soon picks up and exposes determined pop and R&B.

Sounds like: Zayn Malik, Frank Ocean, Ed Sheeran

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ROYAL – Vessel

ROYAL

Canadian songstress ROYAL debuts with ‘Vessel’, the first of six new tracks that appear on her upcoming album, ‘Heart of Shadows’.

Covering the topic of heartbreak, loss of identity and raw self-reflection, this is electro-pop at its finest in 2018.

Speaking about ‘Vessel,’ ROYAL says,

“This song is about heartbreak – having to let go of someone you love, and then realizing the emptiness and loss of identity that ensues. I wrote this song it while trying to find myself after getting lost within a relationship for many years and then feeling shattered by the loss of a love I thought would last a lifetime.”

Sounds like: VÉRITÉ, Lana Del Rey, Evvy, Noosa, Dominique, The xx

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Von Sell – Scene Of A Crime

Von Sell

Last but not least, our favourite breakthrough act – self-taught producer, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Von Sell.

After a bout of vocal pain and subsequent treatment, we are pleased to say that Von Sell is on the mend and returning to our stereos with ‘Scene OF A Crime’.

Taken from his forthcoming sophomore EP, ‘Digital Sleep’, the song reflects on unrequited love, but, due to its uptempo nature, it will ultimately leave a taste of confusion in your mouth because you can’t help but dance despite the disconcerting subject matter.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Hazel English, Teen Daze, Peter Gabriel, Alt-J, Thomas Azier

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An Indietronica Preview of NOS Alive 2018

NOS Alive

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

Friendly Fires

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.

Sounds like: Fenech-Soler, Two Door Cinema Club

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Jain, Sagres Stage

Jain

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.

Sounds like: Brigitte, Santigold, L.E.J, Yodelice, Lilly Wood & The Prick

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Khalid, Sagres Stage

Khalid

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

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Wolf Alice, Sagres Stage

Wolf Alice

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

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Sampha, Sagres Stage

Sampha

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

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FRIDAY 13 JULY

Two Door Cinema Club, NOS Stage

Two Door Cinema Club

We have watched Irish electro-poppers Two Door Cinema Club play live countless times, and that’s why they’ve made this list.

It’s hard to believe these youngsters have been around for over eight years. Still full of energy and banging tunes, catch them on the Friday!

Sounds like: Phoenix, Hot Chip, Passion Pit

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Future Islands, NOS Stage

Future Islands

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.

Expect big things on stage!

Sounds like: Arcade Fire, Perfume Genius, Twin Shadow, Sylvan Esso, Austra

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CHVRCHES, Sagres Stage

CHVRCHES

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

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Portugal. The Man, Sagres Stage

Portugal. The Man

Bold American rock band Portugal. The Man have been making serious waves of late, and if you haven’t heard of them, you soon will.

An iPhone soundtrack waiting to happen; expect goosebumps, sway inducing vocal harmonies and a fist pumping bass line.

Sounds like: Foster The People, Broken Bells, Grouplove, Circa Survive, MGMT

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Surma, Coreto Stage

Surma

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.

Sounds like: Yellerkin, Yoke Lore, M83, Joanna Newsom

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SATURDAY 14 JULY

Lotus Fever, Coreto Stage

Lotus Fever

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.

Sounds like: Alt-J, Pink Floyd

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Mighty Sands, Coreto Stage

Mighty Sands

Mighty Sands is a Lisbon-based quintet.

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!

Sounds like: Father John Misty, Tame Impala, MGMT

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MGMT, NOS Stage

MGMT

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

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Perfume Genius, Sagres Stage

Perfume Genius

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

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Bernado, Coreto Stage

Bernardo

Wow, Bernado‘s vocals have blown us away after watching her live performance of ‘The Boy Is Mine’.

The London based British/Portuguese singer/songwriter effortlessly combines modern attitudes from London attitude with a jazzy flair.

Sounds like: Amy Winehouse, Jorja Smith

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Real Estate, Sagres Stage

Real Estate

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.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out, MGMT

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Find out more info about NOS Alive and purchase remaining tickets here.

Weekly Gems 34

Sam Frankl – Patina

Sam Frankl

Brixton-based Sam Frankl is making waves with his groovy new number ‘Patina’.

Also a thin layer that forms on various metals due to oxidisation, ‘Patina’ is a song about a girl inconspicuously enquiring about her ex-boyfriend’s new relationship, scraping away at the surface to discover the boy’s true emotional state.

Sounds like: Alt-J, ISLAND

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Bit Funk – Getting Worse Feat. Oktavian

Bit Funk - Getting Worse Feat. Oktavian

We’ve all been there, minding our own business listening to a hot new nu-disco track, then suddenly bam! It happens. We fall. Hard.

Well, that’s what happened to us when we first played ‘Getting Worse’ by Bit Funk featuring Oktavian. Listen below!

Sounds like: The Him, Le Youth, Pat Lok, Goldroom, Penguin Prison

Bit Funk
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Oktavian
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Brett Castro – Much About Sadness

Brett Castro

Wow, does this 21 year old have natural soul or what!

Brett Castro fuses folk music and timeless R&B to tell stories about growing up in a small town. His new single ‘Much About Sadness’ is written to a girl in his hometown who was diagnosed with depression, letting her know she is never alone.

Sounds like: Fleet Foxes, Tame Impala, Bon Iver, Prince

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Mountain Bird – The Wolf

Mountain Bird by Gustav Wiking

Swedish project Mountain Bird (aka Adam Öhman) shares his interpretation of speaking to a lover suffering with mental illness.

Taking a very different musical approach to Brett Castro, Mountain Bird draws on Scandinavian melancholy with synth heavy melodies.

Sounds like: Dead Ceremony, The Kite String Tangle

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LANNDS – Legends

LANNDS - Legends

Time to listen to the soothing vocals of LANNDS on their new single ‘Legends’.

Proving to be legends themselves, Memphis-born artist Rania Woodard and producer/songwriter Brian Squillace have racked up over 2 million streams to date under the project.

“We’re all legends in this town, we don’t sleep through the night,” Woodard slurs over a serene, buoyant synth bed, before teasing, “oh we’ll burn this city down, make room for the fire.”

Sounds like: Björk, Vök, Låpsley, The Japanese House, Daughter, TENDER

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Pizzagirl – Coffee Shop

Pizzagirl

Bedroom pop producer Pizzagirl (aka Liam Brown from Liverpool) shares his floozy track ‘Coffee Shop’, ahead of the release of his debut EP, titled ‘An Extended Play’, set for release on 13 April.

Ironically, Liam doesn’t have any affiliations with pizza, but this pizzaboy likes it that way – quirky, introspective electronica with a DIY atttitude.

Oh and his best mate shoots his videos and his mum takes his press shots.

Sounds like: Roosevelt, Summer Heart

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CAPYAC x MOONZz – Afterhours

CAPYAC

A lot of exciting things happen ‘Afterhours’ and that includes the creation of quirky musical project, CAPYAC, featuring P. Sugz and Potion.

Their new single is a story of unrequited love bouncing around an array of pulsating electronics and percussion rhythms, and features the soulful vocals of MOONZz.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Jorja Smith, Flume, Hotel Garuda

CAPYAC
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MOONZz
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