Slotting in perfectly amongst some of the wonderful female-led acts music has to offer in 2020 is FIERO – a duo comprised of Los Angeles-based Kelsey Bulkin and Nashville-based Joseph Bogan.
They have just released their new EP, ‘Reunion’ – a collection of four indietronica based songs. With their breezy vocals that glow with a vintage aesthetic, you feel wrapped in a warm musical blanket, that invigorates the ultimate euphoric and dream-pop state.
Speaking about the new EP, the band says,
“Everything in existence is one. this oneness has never been more clear than now with the cause and effect of individual actions affecting the whole. when you see more of life you realize everything eventually comes together or collides or collapses. all appearance of separation or division are temporary and are serving an eventual and inevitable reunion. the oneness cannot be divided; not in any real sense. these songs are sensitive and pulsing as the heart is as it journeys through the wilderness into that promised land. fiero means bold and i like to think of it as the abandon that comes when you have nothing left to lose and everything feels cheap except what’s in your heart.”
Sounds like: Shura, Anna Of The North, Say Lou Lou, Wet, Paperwhite, Scavenger Hunt, HAERTS, Prinze George, MS MR, Mr Little Jeans, Men I Trust
Brand new Los Angeles-based duo SourFace woo us with their new single, ‘Paradise Ain’t So Cheap’.
Packed with intricate twists and turns and the nonconformist attitude of GlassAnimals, Sour Face continues to challenge addiction in a song packed full of very real demons.
We are excited to share PREP‘s single, ‘Pictures of You’.
A nonchalant nu-disco vibe laced with summery alt-funk and pop, this is something the foursome shine at. They comprise of Grammy-nominated producer Dan Radclyffe (AlunaGeorge, Foxes & Chronixx), French drummer Guillaume Jambel (George Fitzgerald, Odyssey & Kasabian), Welsh keys player Llywelyn Ap Myrddin and London vocalist & frontman Tom Havelock (Snakehips, Celeste, Anna Of The North).
Sounds like: Supertramp, Kaytranada, Mac DeMarco, Thundercat, Chronixx
Soulstress Caswell returns with ‘Distraction’, and it’s just that amidst these tough times.
Her signature sound is rich in vocal intelligence with attractive soul-pop melodies. This time, Caswell shows a more brazen side, as she questions why the rebound is such a taboo topic to talk about.
Sounds like: Låpsley, Skott, Lorde, Charlotte Cardin, Jorja Smith, JONES, Ray BLK, Sigrid, Maggie Rogers
Quirky and off-kilter is JYLDA‘s musical middle name.
Glitchy jazz chords mixed and soulful vocals represent her mysterious and experimental new single, ‘Jeopardy’ – a homage to risk and produced in collaboration with classical composer Marino Arcaro.
Rising Irish folk singer/songwriter AlanFinan shares his new single, ‘The Drive’.
Inspired by a visit to a town in rural Ireland deeply affected by a car accident that had changed the lives of families throughout the town, it’s a track that examines a theme of movement and travel in a simple and evolving manner.
Sounds like: Ben Howard, Talos, James Vincent McMorrow, RY X
Introducing Anna Klein, a Toronto based singer-songwriter, producer, and performer.
Originally acoustic-focused, her punchy new take on electro-pop is both relatable and catchy. Her song ‘Lonely’ has a classic Scandi-feel with an everso slightly delicate approach to her production.
Sounds like: Anna of the North, The Aces, EXES, Zella Day, Ralph, Fickle Friends, Vera Blue
Ambient grunge-pop band Crush will be your latest just that.
Their latest single, ‘All My Plants Are Dead’ exhales Millenial dilemmas, of struggling to look after your houseplants, and yourselves in a bittersweet yet discordant offering.
Alt-pop band Sarpa Salpa always strive to create upbeat, danceable tracks with unexpected changes and hidden meanings. The new video for their single ‘Lost Time’ aptly features a selection of tour clips showing this.
With support from Jack Saunders and Bombay Bicycle Club, definitely tune into these guys.
Sounds like: Island Club, Larkins, FEET, Two Door Cinema Club
Very much up to date with indie-pop trends, UK based trio Cassia, shares latest jam, ‘Do Right’, which talks about waking up to what’s happening in the world and making a conscious decision of wanting to make a positive change.
The video is set in sunny isolation. We love their all round positivity and sun drenched calypso sound.
Sounds like: Dancing on Tables, Vampire Weekend, Bombay Bicycle Club, Still Woozy
R&B artist Chloe Tang shares her latest single, offering a less rosy-colored side of love and youth.
Full of angst, she tells us how it is in ‘Fanning The Flame’. This isn’t a romantic gesture, this is a slow burn about knowing you’re trapped in a bad romance and knowing you’re powerless to escape it.
Magnus Bechmann‘s new release, ‘What Do You Know’ is the first single out from his upcoming album, which chronicles nine awkward situations from everyday life.
Considering a situation where you find yourself in a relationship that is better to get out of than to stay in, this is glistening indie pop that marks a bright new chapter in Magnus’ career.
Sounds like: Two Door Cinema Club, Bombay Bicycle Club
We know very little about experimental pop newcomer, This Boy from Denmark.
The duo’s first single, ‘Heart Is Broken’ drops just a few weeks ahead of their debut album – an unusual and bold move in a single release-dominated pop landscape.
Runrummer – I Like Getting High (But Not All The Time)
Whilt growing up, 25-year old East London-based singer-songwriter Runrummer (real name Livi Morris) faced a struggle to find herself as she came to terms with her sexuality and gender identity.
Addressing serious issues in the juxtaposed context of upbeat, electronic-pop anthems, she aims to inspire and strives to work with other creators in the LGBTQ+ space.
Fiery LGBTQ artist Lauren Sanderson has incredible drive. That’s clear from her music and attitude (not many people can say they’ve given a TED Talk at the age of 18).
Her new single ‘Upset’ flips the issues of the despondent Generation Z on it’s head.
Australian pop artist Phoebe Sinclair is a self-confessed emotional wreck, and this makes for intoxicating music.
Her new single ‘OMG’ is Sinclair taking ownership of her mistakes whilst not letting them define her.
Backed by a four-piece all girl ensemble, oozing confidence and power, and armed with a massive pop vocal, Sinclair smashes out electro pop tunes with an inescapable energy.
British artist Tallsaint releases the highly chic and addictive ‘Model Effect’.
Taking inspiration from early 2000’s tracks as well as a more modern pop culture of now – born from a visual scene in Killing Eve where Villanelle sees Eve in the bathroom for the first time and makes a comment on her hair.
Sounds like: Bat For Lashes, Anna of the North, Stereo Honey, RALPH, St Vincent, Lykke Li
Self-taught musician Beau Diako shares his new single called ‘Flamingo’, taken from his debut EP, ‘Flutter’.
Featuring neo-soul artist Jordan Rakei, the track is probably his most “pop” song from the EP, which is a glorious fusion of indie, jazz, folk, electronic and soul.
ANDRO may have plenty of experience touring in Jungle‘s band, but now it’s his time to shine.
His debut single, ‘GYMH’ (Give You My Heart) kicks off a new collection of theatrical pop melodies that balance between the ethereal and emotional, perfectly encapsulated by the beautifully shot video below.
Also from Nashville is singer/songwriter/producer John Luke Carter, aka Mokita.
Known for his lyrical and buoyant electronic-based pop, Carter was classically trained in piano in his youth and first started performing in his church. Later, he taught himself to play guitar and eventually transitioned into electronic music production.
His new single ‘Colorbind’ is an attempt to try and describe depression to someone who has never experienced it.
Sounds like: EXES, Handsome Ghost, joan, FRND, Nick Anthony, Luna Pines
Named after a harbour road that lead to the sea, unique Welsh songwriter based in London Penniless Cove, is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist that writes raw, affecting music drawing from a number of different genres.
The music obsessive shares ‘Too Tight’ – a weird and wonderful array of jazz, blues and folk.
Sounds like: Regina Spektor, Björk, Ibeyi, Alev Lenz, Kate Nash
Norwegian newcomer iris today releases the first track from her upcoming ‘femme florale’ EP. Cotton Candy and its accompanying visual signal a huge step up from this fascinating young talent. A long way from the gentle, pastoral feel of her previous work, Cotton Candy is a slinky detour, with its shuddering, infectious trap beat.
The track and its video both tell a story of a romantic encounter iris had long fantasized about, but never quite believed she’d have or had been ready to reveal “I’ve never been a fan of putting labels on my own sexuality,” she says, “but with this song I kind of have. It’s a song about a different kind of love”.
Sounds Like: SHY Martin, Arif, Dagny, Anna of the north, Brenn.
We’ve been desperately searching for some sweet, nostalgic heartbreak songs to play on the radio during our late night drives and we’ve just found one – ‘Awake’ by STRUAN.
Surprisingly written with this in mind, STRUAN explains he created ‘Awake’ because he was out in Los Angeles and couldn’t sleep thinking about his ex.
Sounds like: LANY, Great Good Fine Ok, Joan, The 1975
Rising Belfast dream-pop trio Beauty Sleep creates magical, synth-driven music. The three met at a friend’s party and bonded over a mutual love of G&Ts and music.
They are gearing to release their debut LP, ‘Be Kind’ is set for release on 17th May on Quiet Arch records. Listen to ‘The Dark’ below.
Following a stint of live shows last year, including Latitude Festival, Caswell releases ‘Surface’, a song of self-discovery and re-empowerment to reach a potential she didn’t realise she had the whole time.
It’s a crisp and clear rendition with definite musical intentions, and sets the tone for her second EP, to be released in April.
Sounds like: Låpsley, Skott, Lorde, Charlotte Cardin, Jorja Smith, JONES, Ray BLK, Sigrid, Maggie Rogers
Meet O Future (fka OOFJ), an electronic duo mixing electronics with symphony orchestra and voice consisting of Jens Bjornkjaer originally from Denmark and Katherine Mills Rymer from South Africa, now located in Los Angeles.
O Future’s new single ‘VOYEUR’ gains pleasure in watching other people’s vanity from afar in what the duo calls a “global turn on”, and with a gorgeously, exciting looping bass line throughout, what’s not to enjoy?
Current favs, Sea Girls, share their latest single, ‘Open Your Head’ – it’s about unconditional love and is another brilliant addition to their stellar back catalogue
Can’t wait for their album? In the mean time you can catch them at one of their live dates in the UK this February and March…
Sounds like: The Kooks, The Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, Swimming Tapes, Slow Riot, Two Door Cinema Club
After landing support from the Arts Council England’s International Development fund, Leaone found himself working from Transmitter Park Studios in Brooklyn New York, alongside multi-instrumentalist and producer Tom Marsh (of Lana Del Rey’s band) and Abe Seiferth (Yeasayer, Bears In Heaven, James Murphy), on a body of new material.
The result is ‘Prairie Fires’, a deeply devastatingly emotive song that Leaone wrote at a time when he had to leave behind a blossoming romance.
Last but definitely not least is Girl Crush, the music and fashion project of Swedish/British duo, Ottilia Kjulsten and David Sugar.
These two have a special interest in lost youth, lust-stricken heartbreak and a future that never arrived, which they define as “promcore”. Their new single ‘Baby Steps’ is out now via Brilliance Records.
p.s. Want to be as cool as these guys? Then buy one of their limited edition pieces of merchandise which they offer with every track release.
Sounds like: Niki & The Dove, LOVE SICK, So Below, Ralph, Anna of the North, Call Me Loop, SUMif
It’s not long until the end of the year, and what better way to see 2017 through with a playlist from Chelsea Lankes. This one goes out to all the ladies, and is probably one of the best playlists we’ve ever had! Lucky you!
“Here are some favorites over the last couple months including songs from favorite albums this year: SZA, Phoebe Bridgers, YOUTH, Lorde and Wolf Alice. Also I put a few singles from female pop artists I love and respect! To be enjoyed while driving at night, at low key parties, showering or anywhere you might sing really loud alone. 🙂”
…And whilst we have you, give Chelsea’s new track a spin too.
Sounds like: MUNA, Wet, Evvy, Ghost Beach, Kyla La Grange, Ji Nilsson, Tove Styrke, Carousel, Kitten, Nina, Mikky Ekko, Remmi, Cappa
Having recently signed to Different Recordings (Anna Of The North, Kllo, Claptone), LIMITS manages to perfectly blend slices of ethereal, tech-house with melodic pop-inspired vocals.
The track is out now.
Sounds like: Shy Luv, Claptone, Tube & Berger, Rüfüs, The Magician, The Aston Shuffle
German-based Satin Jackets teams up with British singer, David Harks on ‘Northern Lights’.
As with all of Satin Jackets’ music, ‘Northern Lights’ has a distinct cosmic vibe, which is to be expected with the title of the song. Add to the mix, nostalgic vocal tones and reflective melodies, to create a breathtaking listening experience.
It’s out today on Eskimo Recordings.
Sounds like: Empire Of The Sun, Goldroom, RAC, Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Du Tonc, Future Islands, Phoenix
San Diego native, singer-songwriter and visual artist Alice Gray shares her debut single ‘Pink Cadillac’.
Describing her music as “sad songs you want to dance to”, Alice’s sound has a bittersweet edge to it thanks to beautifully planned pop hooks and wistful lyrics.
Love songs don’t have to be all about the doom and gloom of a relationship, they can be about the music you adore. Brooklyn locals, Secret Weapons do just this with uplifting new single, ‘Comeback Season’.
The twosome deliver a positive message about overcoming the odds (specifically the struggles they encountered whilst writing their album), which is further highlighted by the delightful addition of a gospel choir!
It’s out now via Epic.
Sounds like: Youngr, The 1975, Lionel Richie, The Levity, The Island Club, Ghost Beach, Backstreet Boys, LANY, Great Good Fine Ok, The Knocks
Talking of love songs…Atlantic artist/producer Seersha has written a gorgeous track called ‘Typical’ for her husband to listen to on his summertime drives.
Seersha’s ethereal vocals immediately make you feel free, as if you are screaming with joy at the top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere.
Sounds like: MS MR, CHVRCHES, Tears For Fears, Lights, Paramore, Phil Collins
Los Angeles producer, AWAY, shares the stunning new video for ‘Sleepwalker’, featuring London Thor.
Paving the way for the next generation of sound, AWAY likes to expose mixed feelings in his music, often touching on confusion, sadness, apathy, and anger.
‘Someone’ is the lead single taken from Anna Of The North‘s debut album, ‘Lovers’.
From the get go, ‘Someone’ is a spellbinding explosion of 80’s inspired synths, and is set to be the soundtrack to your summer.
Speaking about ‘Someone’, the band say,
“We think almost everyone has woken up after a big night, instantly regretting something that happened. It’s about how easy it is to break your promises when you’ve had a couple of drinks. Going deeper, the song is about accepting that you’re only human and to learn how to forgive yourself for your own mistakes and accepting that sometimes we need someone to save us from repeating any old habits.”
‘Lovers’ is due for release on 8 Sept via Different Recordings / Honeymoon / +1 Records.
Anna’s vocals also feature on Tyler, The Creator’s new single ‘911’, alongside Frank Ocean, out last Friday.
Sounds like: Shura, Grimes, Ballet School, Claire, MØ, Lykke Li, The Chain Gang of 1974, Chvrches, I Am Karate
