Tag Archives: Aquilo

Weekly Gems 46

Posted on November 9, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

WILLA – Cause You Did

WILLA

Much like Charli XCX, Toronto-based pop artist WILLA has music and colour synesthesia; a cross-sensory condition which allows those who have it to experience things with more than one sense.

Channelling a new sparkling colour in ‘Cause You Did,’ WILLA confronts the feelings of pain associated with the person that hurt her the most.

Sounds like: Billie Eilish, VÉRITÉ, Charli XCX

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Coach & Ref – Decisions Feat. Mike Taylor

Coach & Ref - Decisions

Boston-based futurist nu-electro/synth-pop duo Coach & Ref team up with Los Angeles-based talent Mike Taylor on their highly optimistic new single, ‘Decisions’.

Speaking of the track,

“Decisions is a song that answers a question people ask me all the time “Why are you so damn happy” and the answer for me is, “I choose to be so damn happy”. It’s as simple as that.”

Sounds like: Sofi Tukker, Taylor Swift

Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

RKCB – Know Love

RKCB

RKCB is Los Angeles-based twosome comprised of Riley Knapp and Casey Barth.

Their single ‘Know Love’ is about accepting change, inspired by a book written by Alan Watts during the duo’s time in London, and is full of R&B leaning pop melodies and waves of synths loops and impassioned vocals.

Sounds like: Talos, Aquilo, Solomon Grey

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

CUB – Don’t Wanna Know Feat. Clara Hurtado

CUB - Don't Wanna Know

Rising young producer CUB shares his new single ‘Don’t Wanna Know’.

Once again featuring the vocal talents of The Voice UK’s Clara Hurtado, CUB and Hurtado manage to perfectly unite electronic dance and pop realms.

Sounds like: Draper, Jake Alder, Diplo, Mura Masa, Zedd

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Joakim Molitor – Back To You

Joakim Molitor by Niklas Åkerlund

Arguably Sweden’s best kept secret, Joakim Molitor today shares his short and snappy single ‘Back To You’, out on TEN (Zara Larsson, Icona Pop, Niki & The Dove, Benjamin Ingrosso).

All good things come to end, but luckily SoundCloud has a repeat play button for this uplifting romantic, electronic ballad.

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Ed Prosek – I Was Wrong

Posted on November 7, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Ed Prosek

Get to know singer-songwriter Ed Prosek.

Born in California, but spending equal time in both Brighton and Berlin, Prosek has an innate ability to create explorative songs with honest vocals and intimate lyrics, which is no surprise since he has been mentored by the legendary producer Rupert Hine (Stevie Nicks, Rush).

His new single ‘I Was Wrong’ takes a slightly different direction to his former releases, and sees Prosek delving into his musical origins, all with a sweet glimmer of sounds reminiscent of Frightened Rabbit, which will undoubtedly bring a tear to your eyes.

Expect a six track EP in Spring 2019.

Sounds like: Frightened Rabbit, Bruce Springsteen, Ten Fé, Chet Faker, Talos, Solomon Grey, Aquilo

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Weekly Gems 43

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Beacon – On Ice

Beacon is NYC-based duo Thomas Mullarney III and Jacob Gossett.

The new single, ‘On Ice’ showcases Beacon’s signature sound of melodic yet mysterious pop music with a cathartic edge.

Like a beacon of light, the duo use multiple instruments to portray a journey from darker places to those of colour and spirituality.

‘On Ice’ is out now on Ghostly International.

Sounds like: Matthew Dear, Nimmo, Solomon Grey, Junior Boys, Kyson, Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Aquilo

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

The Rungs – King of Books

The Rungs is a female-fronted, alt-pop, bedroom-based project from Brooklyn NY.

Their new single, ‘King of Books’, is a dreamy, melancholic indie synth song that explores a toxic relationship, capturing that moment when the rose tinted glasses are lifted.

Sounds like: Men I Trust

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

ORKID – NoNoh

ORKID shares ‘NoNoh’ and it’s every bit of tuned electro-pop you’d expect from a young Swedish act.

Offering sweet fragiity with commanding vocals, it’s beauty will instantly captivate you.

Speaking about the track, ORKID says,

“”NoNoh” is about that moment when you feel you’ve had enough of someone’s bullshit. Singing this song is literally a release for me. It’s an aggressive yet awesome feeling of strength. The song kind of speaks for itself; with the melodies and track combined, “NoNoh” gives you exactly that sense of self-empowerment”

Sounds like: Rihanna, Rita Ora, Harlee

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Tanjier – Lights

Irish trio, Tanjier create perfectly crafted indie pop with a sophisticated attitude about modern day pressures on Generation Y.

Their new single, ‘Lights’ explores the challenges of breaking the typical parental expectations of going to college, getting a 9-5 job, and making enough money to buy a house. It tells the story of someone who has gone through all of these so-called life goals successfully but, ultimately, isn’t happy.

Sounds like: Dead Ceremony, The Kite String Tangle, Foals, George Michael

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

ANNALIA – Cycles

Los Angeles-born singer/songwriter ANNALIA has some serious talent.

Described as “organic pop”, she distinguishes herself from the crowd by discussing important topics and using real instrumentation over catchy beats. In her new single, ANNALIA considers the cycles of emotional abuse in a relationship.

If anyone can help you through this, it’s ANNALIA, her killer pipes and “You’ve Got This!” attitude.

Sounds like: Linney, VÉRITÉ, Carly Rae Jepsen

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Twin XL – Good

Meet five kids who go by the name of Twin XL.

Their glistening and gorgeously retro single ‘Good’ maybe a debut, but between the lads, the three have written and produced for artists such as All Time Low, Lindsey Stirling, and Life of Dillon, and have had their music featured in commercials and trailers like Disney’s Christopher Robin and ABC’s Lucifer

Sounds like: Portugal, The Man, Titanics

SoundCloud

Hydromag – P.J.R

Hydromag is the dream-pop project of Falmouth-based producer and multi instrumentalist Josh Best-Shaw.

He has just released an uplifting and almost freeing track called ‘P.J.R’, which unfortunately covers the sad topic of suicide.

Speaking on the release, Hydromag says “It was not easy task to write this song, it took a lot out of me and I spent far longer on it than any other song I’ve written. I’m still not sure that I’m fully happy with it, but it was a good way to address the issues I had locked away.”

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Gregory Dillon – Painted Blue

We’ve had a lot of NYC-based artists on this week’s gems, however each of them have something unique to offer us.

Last but not least is Gregory Dillon and his new single, ‘Painted Blue’.

With a driving 80’s backbeat, considering a backdrop of the New York skyline, Gregory explores the city and all its musings.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Captain Kidd

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Felix Räuber – WALL

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Felix Räuber by Madlen Krippendorf

Meet German producer Felix Räuber.

No, his debut solo single ‘WALL’ is not a tech-house track, despite what his press shot may look like, but rather rich and fragile cinematic pop that builds and erupts into something simply mind-blowing.

‘WALL’ is neo-classical and electronic in its nature. Initially intended as a remix of the song of the same name by composer Nils Frahm, it quickly developed into a track of its own.

Sounds like: Aquilo, Solomon Grey, Son Lux, Nils Frahm, Ulrich Schnauss

Website | Facebook | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram

Weekly Gems 31

Posted on February 26, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Gundelach – Control

Gundelach by Fredrik Harper

Having just signed to Terrible Records (Blood Orange, Porches, Le1f), Norwegian producer and artist Gundelach shares the imaginative ‘Control’.

It is taken from the forth-coming ‘Baltus’ LP, and showcases Gundelach’s Nordic-noir sensibilities, using delicate synths, pulsating beats and his effortless falsetto voice to tell a story of deep personal depression.

Sound like: Ásgeir, Bon Iver, Honne, Boxed In, RY X, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, The Presets

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram

Great News – You’re Mine

Time for something to lighten the mood from our favourite band of 2018, Great News.

‘You’re Mine’ is a shoe-gazer fan’s dream, a super colourful sonic nod to the 80’s and 90’s, a theme that runs throughout their debut LP ‘Wonderfault’.

Sounds like: Ten Fé, Bruce Springsteen, Sea Girls, SWIMM, Lean, Tame Impala, DIIV

Facebook | SoundCloud

Benjamin’s Brother – If I Could

Benjamin's Brother

We are excited about Benjamin’s Brother – an interesting indie-pop band from Tel Aviv.

Discussing topics such as violence, death, desire and love, and citing influences across several genres including Arabic, American folk and techno, it’s no surprise that their sound is expansive, yet tender.

Watch their video below, which was shot by Indy Hait, at the Tel Aviv Museum Of Art, on a 16mm film.

Sounds like: Tame Impala, SAMA, Mumford & Sons, Solomon Grey, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Aquilo

Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram

CUT_ – It’s On

CUT_

Dutch electronic duo CUT_ share ‘It’s On’, a song about the denial towards the demise of a relationship.

But they don’t just write about internal issues found in human nature, but also discuss topics on mass psychology and by analysing these aspects of our society, CUT_ attempts to find a way of coping with the messed up world we’re living in.

Sounds like: IYES, Massive Attack, Kllo

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram

JOHN.K – Best Of Me

JOHN.K

JOHN.K‘s electronic driven pop always catches our attention and ‘Best Of Me’ is no exception.

‘Best Of Me’ is JOHN.K’s fourth single and demonstrates another layer of maturity and artistry. Speaking of the track, he explains,

“‘Best of Me’ is about evolving through young love, admitting to past mistakes and committing to giving someone the best possible version of yourself.”

Sounds like: Sam Smith, Justin Bieber

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Lalibelle – Balance

Lalibelle

Stockholm-based producer trio Lalibelle share their breezy pop track ‘Balance’.

Breaking the silence on mental health, the song tells the story of the childhood experience of having a suicidal parent.

Sounds like: Paperwhite

SoundCloud | Instagram

Timothy – Fly

Timothy

We don’t know a great deal about Swedish singer/songwriter Timothy, but have really enjoyed listening to his second single, ‘Fly’.

Timothy explains, “The song is a long battle with a ghost of his, he interpreters his own song with a self-written poem. Wanting the listener to create their own story, rather than giving it all away.”

Sounds like: Bon Iver, Alex Vargas, Ry X, The xx, Keaton Henson, Matt Corby

Facebook | SoundCloud

Interview: Solomon Grey

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Solomon Grey

Electronic duo Solomon Grey are gearing up to release their sophomore album ‘Human Music’, out on 16 February via Mercury KX Records. The record was mixed by Dave Fridmann (MGMT, Flaming Lips, Tame Impala) and features a full orchestra recorded in Budapest.

We caught up with Tom and Joe…

1. Describe your sound in three words.

Emotive, cinematic, classic (we held to hold back from writing average or something similar).

2. Where did the name Solomon Grey come from?

There was a day of flinging names around, Tom said Solomon Grey (the inspiration for that is another story) and we thought it sounded right. At the time we wanted people to think it was one person. We always enjoyed reviews wrongly thinking Floyd or Gnarls Barkley were one artist.

3. Your music is hugely emotive, and your visuals and live shows, hugely atmospheric. Which comes first when creating music?

We normally talk about the visual aspect of a track once the first few ideas are down. It’s always present in the idea from an early point. Also, atmosphere is vital to how we work with a tune. Always trying to find where a track sits and how to achieve that. We are always discussing and sharing ideas, it’s part of the joys of working as a duo.

4. You toured with Above & Beyond in 2016. What was that like?

Amazing. Performing live on the tour ended up inspiring a lot of how we wrote this latest album. Those venues, the acoustics, the seated audiences. The whole Above and Beyond family were so great to us, we owe them everything. Still can’t quite believe that we played the Hollywood bowl. What a privilege.

5. Your upcoming sophomore album, ‘Human Music’, is out next month, and follows Joe’s extremely difficult journey with his mother. Was this album particularly hard to make?

Joe, “in places. This is hard to explain but it was a very lovely time spending that last summer with Sandy. We were together for the end and it was special. I think the whole point of the album is that from the offset I thought something like this would be as you described it ‘an extremely difficult journey’ but it turned out to be a beautiful celebration of our lives together and an honour and pleasure to be there at the end. There were difficult moments of course but mostly it was a time I will cherish. We were best friends and it was good being there together at the end”. Tom, “Making the album was challenging because of the amount of musical ideas Joe brought but we got through it.”

6. We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?

Arctic Lake recorded all their latest tracks next door and we think they are amazing. Msafiri Zawose has an album out called Uhamiaji which we keep playing on the way into work. Also, @iamofficer is recording his second album next door at the moment and we keep humming the melodies on our way home. It sounds beautiful, but he is still working on it so keep a look out for its release.

Sounds like: Aquilo, Heaven 17, Depeche Mode, Ásgeir, Chet Faker, James Vincent McMorrow, Hozier, Lane 8, The National, Son Lux, M83, James Blake, Bon Iver

Website | Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube

Weekly Gems 27

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

OKKAH – Body of a Swan

OKKAH

Indie pop quartet OKKAH share their new single called ‘Body of a Swan’.

Elegant and melodic in nature, and much like the animal itself, ‘Body of a Swan’ takes you on a dream-like journey full of delicate vocals and gentle keys.

It’s the lead track from the EP of the same title.

Sounds like: Fenech-Soler, Child Ivory, Crozet, Passion Pit

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Steven Bamidele – Things Could Be Better

Let’s take things nice and slow with Steven Bamidele‘s ever-optimistic new single, ‘Things Could Be Better’.

It’s a stripped-back production with well-timed jazz percussion and emotive, soulful vocals, courtesy of the 23 year old London-based songwriter and producer.

Sounds like: Jamie Cullum, John Legend

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Kasbo – Aldrig Mer Feat TENDER

Kasbo - Aldrig Mer Feat TENDER

Kasbo is an exciting Swedish producer whose music fits nicely alongside the likes of ODESZA and Aquilo.

His current release ‘Aldrig Mer’ (translating to ‘No More’ in English) combines organic elements including real instrument recordings and electronic synths, as well as the boundless vocals of rising UK duo TENDER.

Expect Kasbo’s debut album to come out on Foreign Family Collective/Counter Records on 23 March.

Sounds like: ODESZA, Aquilo, SOHN, Jungle, Glass Animals, HUNTAR, Caribou, Air, Boxed In, Honne

Kasbo
Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

TENDER
Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Emilia Ali – Thick Thighs

No one wants thick thighs, unless of course they are coming from Emilia Ali.

Already smashing the charts on Spotify and key YouTube channels, Emilia Ali doesn’t want to go unnoticed, despite her hushed voice in new single.

Listen below.

Sounds like: Alice Jemima, CAPPA, Sia, Dominique, Kiiara, Phoebe Ryan, Laurel, Lana Del Rey

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram

Cub Sport – Good Guys Go

Cub Sport

Cub Sport‘s new single ‘Good Guys Go’, questions just that – unreciprocated love, unfortunately a common theme in a lot of relationships.

The neon video, directed by Joe Agius is shot in real time with one roaming camera, and tries to capture an intense feeling of loss, inspired by images from fashion magazines and music videos by Michael Jackson, TLC, and Perfume Genius.

Sounds like: MRY

Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram

Haux – Heartbeat

Posted on January 15, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Haux by Woodson Black

Haux is the project of rising photographer-turned-musician Woodson Black.

His most recent release, ‘Heartbeat’, is a stunning piano-led track that once again showcases his ability to effortlessly combine film and storytelling with music.

The short film set in the Cape Cod seaside town of Truro, Massachusetts features Sam Laiz and model Chloe Nørgaard, and explores the depths of love. Woodson explains,

“I get the chills anytime I remember this day at the beach. The landscape was so desolate it somehow made us shiver even more. I tried my best to capture that haunting feeling of being completely alone with your thoughts; those relentless kind of thoughts that never leave you. I wanted to show that while there is always pain in remembering, there is tenderness too.”

His forthcoming sophomore EP & companion short film ‘Something To Remember’ is set for release on 30 March via Ultra Records.

European Tour Dates

12 May – Berne, Switzerland – ISC
13 May – Zurich, Switzerland – Exil
16 May – Vienna, Austria – Chelsea
17 May – Berlin, Germany – Musik & Frieden
19 May – Copenhagen, Denmark – Ideal Bar
21 May – Stockholm, Sweden – Bar Brooklyn
22 May – Hamburg, Germany – Nochtspeicher
23 May – Cologne, Germany – Yuca
24 May – Roubaix, France – la Cave aux Poètes
26 May – Utrecht, Netherlands – EKKO
28 May – Groningen, Netherlands – USVA
29 May – Paris, France – Le Point Ephémère
1 June – London, UK – Omeara
2 June – Glasgow, UK – Stereo

Sounds like: Aquilo, SOHN, James Blake

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Continue reading →

Weekly Gems 23

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

French Horn Rebellion – Rooftops Feat. Natalie Duffy

Brooklyn brothers Robert and David Perlick-Molinari, aka French Horn Rebellion, ask us to meet them on the ‘Rooftops’ in their new single, which also features the delicate vocals of Natalie Duffy.

The boys maybe harnessing down the electro funk on this one, but it doesn’t mean ‘Rooftops’ lacks energy, quite the opposite. Take a listen below.

Their label YouTooCanWoo will be expanding its ‘Night Out’ series of collaborative performances including dates in New York and London. More info here.

Sounds like: Monogem, RÜFÜS, Flight Facilities, Van She

Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram

BATTS – Somedays

Melbourne-based folktronica artist BATTS returns with her beautiful new single ‘Somedays’.

Using space as a reference (specifically the NASA recording of Saturn’s rings), ‘Somedays’ showcases BATTS’ knack of creating psych-tinged pop that is extremely grounding, but also feels otherworldly at the same time.

Expect her mesmerising and melancholic debut EP ’62 Moons’, to be released through the newly announced THAA Records.

Sounds like: London Grammar, Ficci, GEMS, MS MR, Daughter, James Blake, Jon Hopkins, MØ, SOHN, Broods, M83

Website | Soundcloud | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Jinka – Shock Mounted

Quirky songstress Jinka shares the ‘Shock Mounted’.

The surrealist video, directed by Ossian Melin (Yung Lean, Little Dragon), features Jinka reading Swedish porn magazines and microwaving sushi. As you do.

Sounds like: Charli XCX, Vera, Billie Eilish, Gwen Stefani, Talking Heads

Twitter | Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram

Lake Jons -Call Me

Following on from the brilliant ‘Colors‘, Finnish trio Lake Jons release ‘Call Me’.

Once again ethereal vocals clash and blend with tinny drums. We can’t help but think severe isolation in the woods is the way forward – it really does produce inspirational music!

Expect their forthcoming self-titled debut album to come out on 19 January through AntiFragile Music.

Sounds like: Midlake, Band Of Horses, Paul Simon, Ásgeir, Bon Iver, Nick Mulvey

Website | Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram

Dream Estate – You

Wow, ‘You’ is some serious spine tingling stuff from Dream Estate, an exciting ambient pop outfit on the scene.

The band was originally founded by William Tse in 2015, but later was joined by Dan Hvorostovsky (bass, backing vocals), Dan Noble (lead guitar, backings vocals), and Joe Dawson (drums) in 2017. Since then, the band have been working alongside producer Sam Winfield (Fickle Friends, Pixel Fix, Amber Run, Motherhood).

Watch their video about insecure love below.

Sounds like: Bon Iver, The Japanese House, Aquilo

Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram

Weekly Gems 20

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

Mafalda – Goodbyes

Mafalda

We are loving the husky vocal tones of London-native Mafalda and brisk piano keys in her current single ‘Goodbyes’.

The beautifully constructed ballad is easily something you’d hear in the charts, possibly as a result of Mafalda’s recent work with UK and US based producers.

Sounds like: FOXES, Birdy, Emma McGrath

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Alexx Mack -Your Car Feat. EXES

Alexx Mack - Your Car

After a brief hiatus, Alexx Mack returns to our stereos with her latest release ‘Your Car’, featuring EXES.

Alexx took the year long break to rediscover herself and her music, and the break has done her good. The reformed sound is ruminating and lustrous, everything a modern, dark synth-pop song should be.

Sounds like: Julia Michaels, Halsey, Kate Boy, The 1975, The Magnettes

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

Wooshay – Alone Feat. Deanna

Wooshay

It will feel like summer is still here if you take a listen to Wooshay‘s new single ‘Alone’.

A stripped-back and easy house melody bounces throughout the song, as the Californian duo blend Middle Eastern production with the warm and commercial vocals of Deanna.

Sounds like: The Him, Shift K3y, Karen Harding, Le Youth

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Matt Wills – Lights Out

Matt Wills

Matt Wills has backing from all walks of musical life, so who are we to disagree?

Although Matt seeks collaborations from those in electronic music and grime scenes, ‘Lights Out’ is right up Indietronica’s street.

The video has been directed by Chris Parton and firmly showcases Matt’s knack for putting together an incredibly hook with romantic vocals and on point production.

Sounds like: Ed Sheeran, Aquilo, Bastille, The Kooks

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Low Island – The Lines

Oxford quartet Low Island share the cleverly choreographed and colourful video for ‘The Lines’, which has a distinct 90’s vibe to it.

It features young dancer Olly Bell and focuses “on the current states of anger, protectionism, division and paranoia that have become so prevalent in today’s society.”

Sounds like: Four Tet, Alt-J, Glass Animals, Shy Luv, Hot Chip, Caribou, Aquilo

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Florda Well – High Love

Florda Well

Meet Canada-based psych-pop band Florda Well.

Despite the deliciously boozy bass-lines and woozy vocals in ‘High’ that conjure up feelings of warm stoner summers, the song was written and recorded during the coldest and darkest part of the year, which is only a testament to Florda Well for their positive outlook.

Sounds like: Tame Impala, MGMT, Goldroom

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Billie Eilish – bitches broken hearts

Good ol’ Billie Eilish really does love her fans, so to say thank you, she has uploaded a surprise new track called ‘bitches broken hearts’.

It’s a stripped back, minimalist number that lets Billie’s delicate vocals shine.

Sounds like: Dua Lipa, Astronomyy, Ella Vos, Tempers, Charlotte Cardin

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | YouTube | Instagram

IDA – 1111

IDA

We are expecting great things from Sydney-based artist IDA based on the sound of her latest single ‘1111’.

Also the vocalist in Little Deed, IDA is well practised in recording and performing. ‘1111’ offers a great second solo single – delicate synths slow-burning beats and yearning vocals.

Expect her debut EP, ‘i’ to be out before the end of the year.

Sounds like: Kaleida, Kllo, Kudu Blue

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud

Sign up to receive indietronica updates

Indietronica